On this episode of Downstream from Florida College, Dr. John Weaver sits down with Derek, a professional airline pilot for JetBlue, for a conversation about faith and keeping first things first in a demanding career.

As part of our “Professions and Faith” series, Derek shares his journey from undergraduate studies to flight school and ultimately into a career in commercial aviation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the discipline, sacrifice, and persistence required to become a pilot. But beyond the career path, this episode centers on the importance of non-negotiables.

Derek discusses how he intentionally chose a path within the airline industry that would allow him to pursue what he loves while still prioritizing family, church, and spiritual growth. He reflects on the pressures of a career built around travel and schedules, and why success means very little if the most important things are neglected along the way.

This episode is an encouraging listen for students exploring career paths, parents preparing young adults for the future, and anyone seeking wisdom on how faith can remain central in both work and life.

In this episode of Downstream from Florida College, Dr. John Weaver sits down with Dr. Steven Ford- a physician, professor, husband and father- whose life reflects a thoughtful balance of calling and commitment.

Serving as a neonatologist at Tampa General Hospital and an associate professor at University of South Florida, Dr. Ford shares his journey from college to a demanding and meaningful career in medicine, while also investing deeply in his family and church, the Henderson Boulevard Church of Christ.

Together, they explore what it looks like to pursue excellence without losing sight of what matters most. Dr. Ford offers practical wisdom for parents raising children in today’s world, along with insight for those seeking a career in medicine.

For anyone interested in a career in medicine, here are resources Dr. Ford recommends:

• Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science - Atul Gawande https://a.co/d/03n074Q9
• Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance - Atul Gawande https://a.co/d/039v8Pi5

In this episode of Downstream from Florida College, Dr. John Weaver continues the series on the intersection of profession and faith with guest Jamie Reynolds. As a financial planner, Jamie has built a career that not only provides for his family but also creates the bandwidth to serve others. Through his work, church involvement, and support of nonprofit Project 9:12, Jamie shares how thoughtful career choices can open doors for generosity, service, and impact. Drawing from his own journey, he offers practical wisdom for those a generation behind him seeking to pursue both meaningful work and faithful living.

Here is a link to the nonprofit that was mentioned in this episode:

https://www.p912.org/