After IV

“What should I do about my anxiety?”

This week, we’re continuing our newest series, Big Questions, with the conclusion to our conversation with Nader Sahyouni, a professional in the world of clinical counseling and spiritual direction. Nader is going to finish clarifying what it means to accept more and then teach us how to attach better as a means to develop a healthier approach to managing anxiety.

If you missed part 1...

“What should I do about my anxiety?”

As a new grad, you have many questions running through your mind. It’s normal. It’s good. And it’s why this new series exists. For the next few weeks, we’re going to be asking the experts some of your biggest questions about life after graduation.

This week, we’re asking for help with anxiety. To help us do that, we’re joined by Nader Sahyouni, a professional in the world of clini...

Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... metaphor for life after graduation?

Okay, that's a stretch... BUT, the most recent Superman movie does illustrate a number of sentiments that might be appreciated by a brand new grad. Superman feels disconnected, misunderstood, lonely, and out of place. He's questioning his purpose but also has a deep sense of conviction and commitment to a meaningful mission. Can yo...

Alex Warren's "Ordinary" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 back in February of this year and has spent all of Summer '25 (so far) in the #1 position. It's catchy, it's deep, and it's fun to sing. But what does it mean? And how is it shaping us as we sing along in the car for the 50th time?

With lyrics that mention heaven's gates, the sanctuary, the altar, and even the Lord, it can leave us with familiar feelings of faith an...

What can a medical student expect as they make the transition to residency?

After IV is sitting down with another focus ministry alum this week! On this episode, we're chatting with Dr. Victor Hsiao, MD, an alum from the Keck Student Christian Fellowship at USC. In addition to providing insights about his transition to residency after Med School, Victor shares how his time with his grad fellowship helped prepare him for par...

We've heard the experts. But what are my fellow alumni saying?

We recently devoted 10 episodes to conversations with experts and your fellow alumni about navigating the unique challenges of faith transitions after college. We covered a range of topics including new rhythms for spiritual discipline, doubt, hope, and perseverance. 

Today, we look back on those conversations with Selah, a 2024 InterVarsity alumna who's walking ...

Too much? Not enough? Exactly the right amount?

How much joy would you say you experience in your life right now?

“Biblical joy and a life of joy comes about when we sense in our nearness to God that he is good and that that will never change. That his goodness and his loving grace toward us is unceasing and it is constant and it is consistent in the midst of life’s ups and downs.”

On this episode of After IV, we revisit our...

Has God left me here alone?

When we find ourselves in dark, dangerous places, it's easy to wonder if God has left us. We might wonder... 

• Did I miss his instructions? 
• Is it because of sin? 
• Does he just not care?

What if those are the wrong questions? What if we're supposed to ask...

• Where do I remember seeing God in the past?
• Is it possible he's still there?

Difficulty and hardship do not equal God's absence. I...

I feel like I'm not getting anywhere with Jesus lately...

That's normal! Sometimes, sticking with your faith isn't about feeling inspired. It's about continuing to show up when it's boring, confusing, and hard. This week, we're talking about spiritual perseverance and our ability to hold tight to Jesus; especially when it feels like our relationship with him just isn't going anywhere.

Because sometimes faithfully following J...

"I walked away for a pretty long time..."

No one expects to walk away from their faith after graduation. It was definitely a huge surprise for Rocco. He'd been highly involved in his InterVarsity chapter. He attended Urbana. And he was excited and hopeful about life after graduation. But loneliness, overworking, and extremely intelligent co-workers who didn't believe in Jesus left him experiencing an unexpected crisis of fa...

What do I do when my faith experience feels... disappointing?

In this candid episode of After IV, we welcome InterVarsity alumna Erica Spanjers to talk about the highs and lows of post-college faith. Jon and Erica explore what it means to follow Jesus when church communities let us down, when spiritual growth feels slow, and when God's presence seems quiet. With themes of church hurt, spiritual disappointment, and resilient...

When you look back, do you see Him? 

In part two of our conversation with Heather Thompson Day, we talk about the power of reflection, the slow work of spiritual growth, and the ways God shows up—often in hindsight. Heather shares how journaling, gratitude, and persistent hope have helped her recognize God's fingerprints even in seasons of silence and waiting. We also explore what it means to prosper in God’s kingdom (hint:...

What if doubt wasn’t something to run from, but a sign you’re right where God wants you? 

In part one of this honest and powerful conversation, Dr. Heather Thompson Day joins us to talk about the unexpected presence of doubt during life’s biggest transitions—like stepping away from a career, losing structure, or graduating from a close-knit community. Together, we unpack how faith and doubt often coexist, why resistance can...

What's the hardest part about making friends after graduation?

Believe it or not, it usually isn't meeting new people. New people are everywhere. The hardest part is taking consistent, proactive steps toward GETTING TO KNOW someone once you've met them. So, how do we take that step? If friendship and community are so important for our faith development, mental health, and general well being, how do we overcome that most dif...

Life's too distracting to have a meaningful prayer time...

Do you ever feel this way? You're not alone!

Spiritual Director and clinical counselor, Nader Sahyouni, says that distraction is one of the most common barriers people experience in prayer. Whether it's the result of big life choices, frustrations at work, or relentless TikTok notifications, life is just distracting. And the remedy isn't simply getting more focused....

How do I know where God is leading me?

This episode kicks off a new series on After IV. We're exploring a few of the changes we can expect in our faith experience after graduation.

On this episode, clinical counselor and spiritual director Nader Sahyouni joins us to unpack the shift from being driven to being called. Nader introduces listeners to the practice of discernment—not just for big decisions, but as a daily rhythm. ...

What does it really look like to navigate life after college with hope and faith?

Erica Young Reitz returns to After IV with wisdom from the newly revised edition of her book After College, now updated for Gen Z. In this encouraging conversation, Erica and Jon explore the challenges of transition, the unique superpowers Gen Z brings to the table, and the role of spiritual formation in all of it. Whether you’re anxious abou...

When the final final whistle blows and a college athlete hangs up her jersey for the last time, what happens next?

For Julia, an Athletes InterVarsity Alumna from UW-River Falls, it was a challenging transition. Saying goodbye to her team, managing an unfamiliar routine, and embracing her new grad school environment meant following Jesus into uncertainty. But God had been preparing her to take courageous steps of faith like...

In this special bonus episode, Philip Sheegog shares his final words of wisdom for alumni navigating life after graduation. Reflecting on his own journey, he encourages us to trust in God’s provision, release fear, and hold onto His faithfulness—even when the future feels uncertain.

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