Podcast

Joey Orlando

Joey Orlando is a youth evangelist and passionate communicator dedicated to helping middle school and high school students discover hope and purpose through a relationship with God. With over 15 years of youth ministry experience, including seven years as a youth pastor, Joey has seen more than 270 first-time salvations and over 140 water baptisms in his local church, and has spoken at 24 youth events in the past seven months, leading 146 students to respond to the gospel. A North Central University graduate, he brings a unique perspective after leaving a successful corporate career to pursue his calling in full-time youth ministry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [2:54] Joey Orlando explains why today’s youth hunger for something real and spiritual
  • [5:57] How knowing self-worth in God transforms young lives
  • [9:38] Joey’s faith journey and growing up across Christian traditions
  • [16:57] Why churches must invest more in youth ministries now
  • [23:08] Social media’s hidden role in grooming and human trafficking
  • [37:54] The mandate to step off the sidelines and mentor the next generation
  • [41:30] Life transformation stories and long-term discipleship impact

In this episode…

The challenges facing today’s youth aren’t subtle anymore. When anxiety, isolation, and confusion seem louder than ever, where do young people turn to rediscover hope and purpose?

For Joey Orlando, the answer starts with recognizing a deep hunger beneath the noise. Drawing from his decades of experience walking alongside teenagers, he explains that the darker the cultural moment becomes, the more powerful the light of faith is when it finally breaks through. His perspective points to a generation that isn’t apathetic but searching and ready to respond when offered something real and life-giving.

In this episode of the Align & Abide podcast, Dr. Kim Tran is joined by youth evangelist Joey Orlando to discuss restoring hope and purpose in today’s youth. They explore why anxiety and depression are rising among students, how technology has shaped a generation’s struggles, and why faith-based communities are more important than ever. Joey also shares practical ways parents, churches, and mentors can step up and make a lasting impact.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments

  • “The darker the darkness, the greater the impact of the light when it arrives.” 
  • “God is just moving; he’s doing something incredible again among middle school, high school students.” 
  • “Students are running to the presence of God when they experience it.” 
  • “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers of darkness in this world.” 
  • “It’s not about not sinning, but it’s about falling in love with Jesus.”

Action Steps

  1. Limit screen time intentionally: Reducing daily digital exposure helps lower anxiety, depression, and unhealthy comparison among youth.
  2. Prioritize real community connections: Consistent involvement in youth groups or faith communities gives students belonging and accountability.
  3. Create phone-free boundaries at home: Removing devices at night protects mental health and reduces exposure to harmful online content.
  4. Invest time in spiritual mentorship: Trusted adults walking alongside students help them discover identity, purpose, and resilience.
  5. Model faith and values consistently: When adults live out what they teach, youth are more likely to trust and follow.

Sponsor for this episode:

This episode is brought to you by Minnesota Family Chiropractic, a wellness clinic founded and led by Dr. Kim Tran. 

Dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief and vibrant health through chiropractic care, nutrition, and functional medicine, Minnesota Family Chiropractic is on a mission to transform lives — physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Its Signature Wellness System focuses on whole-person care to address the root causes — not just the symptoms — so you can get back to living fully.

Ready to start your path toward better health? Visit MinnesotaFamilyChiropractic.com or call (612) 545-5672 to schedule your consultation and experience integrative, patient-centered care.