
Hosted by Allie Eskridge · EN

Emma Bechtold is the definition of the modern college multitasker. She is a digital media and marketing major, Olive Garden pro, and internship all-star with a love for matcha and meaningful conversations. Known for her work ethic, creativity, and calm-in-the-chaos energy, she brings a refreshing perspective to the balancing act of college life. In this episode of Office Hours, Allie sits down with her friend and fellow go-getter to talk about what it really means to juggle work, school, mental health, and friendships, all while sidestepping red flags and learning to protect your peace. From late-night study sessions and caffeine-fueled shifts to navigating modern dating and finding joy in the small things, Emma opens up about what keeps her grounded and how she’s learning that “doing it all” definitely does not mean doing it alone. Full of laughs, honesty, and a few too-real moments, Confessions of a College Girl is a reminder that balance is not about being perfect, but it’s possible with good friends and when you choose a posture of both gratitude and growth along the college journey.

In this episode of Office Hours with Allie, host Allie Eskridge sits down with Meg Tepley, Tori Goldsmith, and Hayden Ponder to dive into what it looks like to be a college cheerleader and student at the same time. As seniors, they open up about the emotions, energy, as well as nostalgia of their final year together. From their first impressions of a college cheerleading practice to the evolution of team culture and unforgettable game day memories, these three reflect on how much they’ve grown not just as athletes, but as friends and leaders. The conversation dives into the heart of squad life: early mornings, stunt mishaps, inside jokes, and the unbreakable bond that forms between teammates. With deep conversations mixed with lots of laughs, the girls share how they manage cheer, classes, and social life. As well as the importance of keeping faith, fun, and caffeine (of course) close by. As they look ahead to graduation in the Spring, Meg, Tori, and Hayden share the valuable lessons they have learned about leadership, teamwork, and leaving a legacy for the next generation of Trojans. From “cheer oops” stories to heartfelt reflections, this episode captures the joy, chaos, and pride that come with wearing the AU cheerleading uniform.

In this episode of Office Hours with Allie, host Allie Eskridge sits down with Josie to talk about the transition from high school to college. From funny high school moments to imagining her first semester at Anderson University, Josie shares her excitement, nerves, and hopes for this next chapter. Josie reflects on what she’s most looking forward to, which is new classes, meeting friends, and growing her relationships with the faculty on campus. She also talks about her love for cooking, her tentative plans to pursue a career as a college athlete, and the exciting new adventures she hopes to share with Allie during her first semester at Anderson University. They also explore fun hypotheticals about college life, from late-night study snacks to dorm themes and campus traditions, showing how friendships and shared experiences help make college feel like home. This episode is a celebration of new beginnings and the excitement of starting college. Josie’s story reminds listeners that going into an unknown season can be exciting and that it is ok to be nervous about stepping into a new adventure.

In this week’s episode of Office Hours with Allie, host Allie Eskridge sits down with Kara Rhoads for a fun and heartfelt conversation about new beginnings, personal growth, and embracing every season of college life. From the nerves of move-in day to the confidence of finding her place, Kara shares how her college journey has evolved, one coffee, one class, and one spontaneous adventure at a time. Kara opens up about what her first days on campus looked like. She shares the excitement, the chaos, and the small comforts that made college start to feel like home. She reflects on how her favorite study spots, coffee shops, and orders, as well as what it looks like, and how to find your people in college. As the conversation unfolds, Allie and Kara explore what they call “The Glow-Up Era,” that shift from simply surviving freshman year to thriving in your own rhythm. Kara discusses developing confidence in herself and the process of learning to balance college life with self-care, laughter, and study sessions. They share stories of campus adventures, silly jokes, and the little rituals that keep them grounded even though they have busy schedules. In the final part of the episode, Kara reflects on how much she’s grown in both confidence and perspective. From coffee-for-survival mornings to main-character afternoons, she’s learned to appreciate the beauty in ordinary days. As she looks ahead, Kara hopes to keep chasing her dreams while staying rooted in the friendships and memories that define this season of life.

College life is full of new beginnings, and few things shape the experience more than the people you share a room with. In this episode of Office Hours, host Allie Eskridge sits down with her roommates, Ella June Thomas, Peyton O’Brien, and Addie Rose Glenn, for a conversation that is honest and definitely unfiltered about the everyday rhythms of living together and pure silliness. From the chaos of move-in day to the comfort of late-night talks, the group reflects on how each of their different personalities makes their college living experience exciting and fun. Each roommate shares a glimpse into their unique quirks, like their go-to drink orders, favorite inside jokes, and the small moments that make shared living both hilarious and heartwarming. As the conversation unfolds, they dive deeper into what it really looks like to do life side by side in close quarters. They discuss learning to not only build but also maintain a space rooted in care, laughter, and faith. They share stories of spontaneous adventures, shared lessons, and the ways each person contributes to the “vibe” of their room. This episode is a fun mix of chaos, comfort, and connection with lots of giggles. By the end, Allie and her roommates reflect on what this season of friendship has taught them about the adventure it is to live together. Even if that adventure is laughing over random things, they’ve discovered that home isn’t just a place, but rather it’s the people who make it.

Lindsay Brandt is a student leader whose college experience has been deeply shaped by friendship, faith, and the pursuit of genuine community. An active member of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) and a dedicated Residence Advisor, Lindsay has spent her years on campus helping others feel seen, supported, and connected. From her earliest days as a freshman, Lindsay stood out for her warmth and intentionality. What began as simple efforts to make friends soon became a journey of personal and spiritual growth. Through late-night conversations, shared laughter, and moments of faith, Lindsay discovered that friendship is often where leadership begins. Her experiences within BCM strengthened that belief, showing her how meaningful community forms when people choose to show up for one another. As an RA, Lindsay has learned to balance the responsibilities of leadership with the importance of authentic connection. She approaches her role with empathy and care, and she seeks not just to guide others, but to walk alongside them. These experiences have taught her that effective leadership is rooted in humility, compassion, and presence. In this episode, Lindsay reflects on how her friendships have shaped her college journey, what it means to lead with faith, and how she hopes to carry those lessons beyond graduation. Our conversation is one on growth, gratitude, and the lasting power of relationships formed in college.