Kaitlyn Leu had been involved in Christianity ever since she was little, but up until her freshman year, it was mostly by the influence of her parents. 

“In fifth grade, my parents pushed me to go to Hume Lake, [a Christian camp], because they wanted me to become more independent, and at the time, it felt ineffective,”  Leu said. “Looking back, I am so glad they sent me there because I think it’s where my relationship with God kind of separated from being what my parents wanted, to what I wanted.” 

At Hume Lake, campers participate in activities such as paintball, a rope course, a lake to swim or rent paddle boards and team competitions. Along with competing, there are worship services, where guest speakers visit and give the audience the time to praise the Lord. 

“I went back to Hume Lake my freshman year, and that year my team won recreation. I had so much fun doing that aspect, but I was most moved when I went to the Wildwood program,” Leu said. 

Hume Lake has programs built within itself. Leu attended Wildwood, which is secluded and farther from the main base camp, aiming to bring in teens who want to discover more about God and expand their personal relationship. 

“My experience at Wildwood totally altered my relationship with God. I became confronted with my laziness and my comfort in my lack of faith,” Leu said. “I decided to take steps to grow my relationship with God and become more involved in the church.

Brenda Yassu also went to Hume Lake and attends the same church as Leu, Bridgeway Christian Church.

“Two years ago, I saw a big switch in Kaitlyn,” Yassu said. For a while, she had a battle in keeping her flame, but since that switch, she has kept it by challenging herself to learn more.” 

After rekindling her relationship with God, Leu wanted to inspire others and desensitize their fear of doubting or questioning different aspects of Christianity; which is where she got the idea to start a podcast. 

“Being in the broadcast program definitely ignited me to start ‘Big Talks Tiny Host’ because it introduced me to the videography and news realm that I love,” Leu said. “But more importantly, with there being so many expectations as a Christian, I wanted to normalize the fact that it is okay to struggle in our relationship with God and life in general.” 

Along with broadcast, volleyball and college applications, ‘Big Talks Tiny Host’ is now part of Leu’s many passions. Leu created the podcast as a way to break down the stigma around religion and remind others that it is okay to struggle with their faith. 

“The overall goal of my podcast [is] to normalize the fear of being vulnerable and [to] create safe spaces for people to share their doubts about their faith,” Leu said. “I [want] to normalize the fact that it is okay to struggle in your relationship with God and…life in general.”

by ALEXANDRA BOSANO & NATALIE DEEBLE