This week, Ava sits down with her fellow senior and “almost birthday twin,” Kayleigh Armstrong, for a conversation every stressed-out high schooler needs to hear. Standing on the edge of graduation at Eugene Ashley High School, Kayleigh opens up about the uncertainty, and excitement, of still deciding where she wants to spend the next four years. She shares her passion for Psychology, her backup plan in Speech Pathology, and what motivated her to apply to over ten colleges in the first place.

Together, Ava and Kayleigh dive into why the current school system doesn’t always reflect real intelligence, how easy it is to fall into the trap of tying your worth to your transcript, and why it’s okay to take a breath and admit you don’t have everything figured out yet. They also explore the awkward, and sometimes chaotic, world of finding college roommates on Instagram versus going random.

If you’re feeling the pressure to “have your whole life planned out,” this episode is your permission slip to slow down.

Follow the podcast on Instagram | @wheretfpodcast

Find Kayleigh on Instagram | @kayleigh_armstrong

This week, Ava sits down with the podcast's youngest guest yet, high school junior Brinkley Gulledge. While she still has a year left before graduation, Brinkley is already making big moves toward her future in film and sports broadcasting.

From her love of rom-coms (and introducing her mom to To All The Boys I've Loved Before) to her passion for volleyball and theater, Brinkley is a force to be reckoned with. She opens up about the pressure to be perfect in high school, the reality of getting cut from a team, and why rejection is just redirection. Plus, she shares her ambitious college plans, hoping to attend UNC Chapel Hill or maybe even study film in Wilmington.

Whether you're a junior stressing about the future or just someone who loves a good high school comeback story, Brinkley’s positive attitude and drive are sure to inspire.

Follow the podcast on Instagram | @wheretfpodcast

Find Brinkley on Instagram | @brinkleygulledge

This week, Ava is joined by the multi-talented Giada Martucci, a fellow theater kid turned aspiring filmmaker. As they wrap up their senior year at Eugene Ashley High School, the duo reflects on their chaotic high school theater experiences, the pressure of college decisions, and the uncertainty that comes with standing on the edge of a brand-new chapter.

Giada opens up about her love for film-making, especially cinematography and directing, and her decision to potentially study in Boston (maybe BU, maybe Emerson?) or stay in North Carolina. The two dive into how college application season can start to feel like the Trauma Olympics, amplifying stress and negativity during what should be an exciting time. Giada shares her journey from being more reserved in her early years to becoming an eloquent, confident speaker both on stage and behind the camera.

Plus, they debate the best movies of all time (Ferris Bueller vs. Silence of the Lambs), discuss Giada’s unexpected love for chemistry, and talk about their shared desire to get out into the world, travel, and see what life looks like beyond Wilmington.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a confused senior, or just someone who loves a good movie debate, Giada’s insightful (and hilarious) take on the future is a must-listen.

Follow the podcast on Instagram | @wheretfpodcast

Find Giada on Instagram | @giadamartucc1

This week, Ava is joined by a yearbook editor , math survivor, and volleyball star, Abby Tolhurst. As they navigate the final stretch of their senior year at Eugene Ashley High School, the duo discusses the unique pressures of student-athletes, the reality of college recruitment, and the difficulty of making life-altering decisions at 18.

Abby opens up about the grueling volleyball recruitment process, getting told "no," and finding the right fit—whether that means playing at college or joining a club team. She also shares her plans to study Marketing (maybe in sports or fashion?) and her dreams of traveling the world.

Whether you're an athlete navigating recruitment or just a senior trying to figure out your next step, Abby’s perspective on persistence and keeping your options open is a must-listen.

Follow the podcast on Instagram | @wheretfpodcast

Find Abby on Instagram | @_abbytolhurst

This week, Ava sits down with her friend Rachel Holley, a fellow Class of 2026 grad with big dreams and an even bigger personality. In this candid conversation, Rachel opens up about the reality of college rejections, pivoting her life plans, and why not getting into your "dream school" might just be a blessing in disguise.

From her love of Tyler, the Creator and Sleep Token to her obsession with Spanish culture (and her dream of studying abroad in Barcelona), Rachel is full of surprises. She shares her ambitious plan to major in Psychology with a minor in Spanish, eventually aiming for Law School to become a defense attorney.

Whether you're stressing about college apps, feeling lost about your future, or just need a reminder that everything happens for a reason, Rachel’s positive outlook (and hilarious commentary) is exactly what you need to hear.

Follow the podcast on Instagram | @wheretfpodcast

Find Rachel on Instagram | @rachh_0516

This week, Ava is joined by her fellow senior, photography enthusiast, and Waffle House co-conspirator, Taylor Stancil. As they navigate the confusing "finish line" of senior year at Eugene Ashley High School, the duo dives into the chaos of college decisions, niche hobbies, and the existential dread of becoming an adult.

Taylor opens up about her plans to attend UNC Charlotte (maybe?) to pursue Nursing, with a specific dream of working in Pediatrics. She shares how her summers spent at camp sparked the passion for her future career. Plus, we debate the best fast food, discuss unique music taste, and reveal our secret past as... Hobby Horsing champions? (Without a horse name, of course).

Whether you're stressing about the future or just need a laugh, this episode is for you.

Follow the podcast on Instagram | @wheretfpodcast

Find Taylor on Instagram | @taystancil

This week, Ava is joined by the incredibly positive and bubbly Brennan McRedmond. As they navigate the "home stretch" of senior year at Eugene Ashley High School, the duo reflects on the chaos of middle school, the stress of college applications, and the bittersweet feeling of impending graduation.

Brennan opens up about her decision to attend NC State University this fall, sharing why she chose the Wolfpack over other schools and her exciting plans to study Marketing and eventually pursue Interior Design. From redesigning her bedroom five times to landing a real-world internship, Brennan proves she’s already got an eye for aesthetics.

Whether you're stressing about the future or just need a dose of positivity, this episode is a reminder to trust the process, enjoy the moment, and maybe start your own "Wolfpack Quartet."

Follow the podcast on Instagram | @wheretfpodcast

Find Brennan on Instagram | @b_mcred

In this episode of Where the F#!k Do You Think You’re Going, we’re sipping our usual Alani Nu as we reconnect with Maranda Allen: former yearbook editor, Wilmington native, and tour support staff.

We discuss Maranda’s unconventional path from NC State to life on the road. She shares why she left a traditional four-year university to pursue online college and travel work, along with a few memorable stories from her time on campus. We dive into the pressures of choosing a major, the stigma around community college, and how she pivoted from Communications to the workforce. Plus, we talk about our shared love for concerts, the moments that shaped our friendship, and the mental shift of prioritizing experiences over materialism.

Follow the podcast on Instagram | @wheretfpodcast

Find Maranda on Instagram | @maranda.allen96