Today we’d like to introduce you to Dakota Laughlin.
Hi Dakota, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a dream to make an impact on people’s lives and inspire others, but throughout middle school I wondered how I could actually do that. In 2020, I struggled with anxiety and fear, at just 12 years old. My world became very inward-focused as I overthought everything- so my big dream diminished. By 2022, things began to change when I gave my life to Jesus and found new direction and purpose. I had grown up in church and always loved helping others, but this was the moment I decided to take my faith seriously and step fully into what I felt called to do. In the fall of 2023, I started The Turnaround Podcast as a platform to share my story and let them know change is possible. What began as a simple outlet has since opened doors for me to speak at schools, community events, and more. What started as a dream became a reality at just 17 years old, turning an idea in my heart into something I could actually share with the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Right before starting my podcast, I made the difficult decision to switch from public high school to homeschooling. I felt it was the right choice for that season of my life, but explaining it to my classmates wasn’t easy. Stepping away from the traditional school environment while launching a podcast and hosting events as a high school student was far from ordinary. The biggest challenge was learning to embrace a path that looked different from the “normal” student life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the host of The Turnaround Podcast, a platform created to share stories and encourage people who are searching for direction and purpose. I create and produce podcast episodes, social media content, and live events that give people — especially teenagers — a space to encounter God and see how their lives can be transformed by His power.
I’m known for starting this platform at a young age and stepping into something not many high school students pursue. Taking this unconventional path has led to incredible opportunities I wouldn’t have experienced if I hadn’t trusted God along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Truly, there’s nothing more fulfilling than walking in what God has for your life, and for me, that is preaching the Gospel. Knowing that I’m making an impact gives me a joy that cannot be taken away. I also value spending time with my family and friends, who encouraged me along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://turnaroundpodcast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnaround.pod/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074154225571
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@turnaround.podcast
