The podcast episode of The Invested Life hosted by Dan Cantillana (also known as Dan Can) features a heartfelt conversation with his longtime friend Ryan Buskirk, who has dedicated over three decades to investing in young people through Young Life. Ryan and his wife Amy have been serving at Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix, Arizona, for 11 years, building meaningful relationships with over 2,400 students through genuine friendship, discipleship, and faith-based guidance.
The Power of Investing in People
Dan opens by emphasizing a core theme: while some invest in stocks or real estate, others pour their lives into young people—and Ryan exemplifies a life “well lived” through this calling. Ryan shares how he and Amy first encountered Jesus through Young Life in high school. After marrying post-college, they committed their time, treasures, talents, and hearts to loving and believing in adolescents and young adults, helping them flourish through a relationship with Jesus.
Young Life, founded in 1941 and active in over 100 countries, focuses on building genuine friendships with young people, introducing them to Jesus without preconditions, and walking alongside them as they grow in faith. Ryan stresses loving people “regardless” of their beliefs or responses.
At GCU—a rapidly growing Christian university in Phoenix—Ryan’s team doesn’t rely on mass programs or marketing. Instead, they invest one person at a time, starting small (from one nursing student introduction) and growing organically into a vibrant community.
Discipleship Beyond Introduction
A key insight from Ryan: introducing someone to Jesus is like birthing a baby—but the real work is raising them. Many ministries stop at conversion, but true discipleship involves teaching people to “eat, walk, and eventually invest in others.” Ryan’s approach assumes nothing about prior knowledge of faith. At GCU, he estimates:
- About one-third of students are deeply committed to growing in faith and plug into university programs.
- Another third wear the “Christian” label but explore other life narratives in college.
- The final third are there primarily for a degree, with little initial interest in faith.
His team builds from the ground up: helping students discover a real relationship with Jesus (not just salvation, but Lordship over thoughts, actions, and attitudes), then guiding them toward maturity and replication—teaching them to invest in others. The joy, he says, comes from serving: “It’s better to give than to receive.”
Challenges Young People Face and the Gap After College
Both Dan and Ryan acknowledge the complexity of modern young adulthood—far more challenging than in past generations. Dan shares his own “train wreck” years (18–24) and how lacking follow-up discipleship after a high school Young Life experience left him struggling.
Ryan highlights a common post-graduation drop-off: many students learn to follow Jesus in the curated college environment but aren’t equipped for “real life”—money management, relationships, work ethic, and integrating faith practically. This is where marketplace leaders like Dan come in, bridging faith with everyday living.
Building a Thriving Ministry and Community
Ryan’s blueprint for starting or growing ministry (especially for someone new to Young Life or similar work):
- Add real value — Treat every interaction (meetings, events) with excellence, as people are giving time after long days.
- Hustle and initiate — Serve first; make others’ lives better without expecting immediate returns.
- Involve business & community leaders — Create opportunities where professionals (20s to 70s) can serve students meaningfully, receiving value in return.
- Focus on service — Build trust through genuine care rather than self-promotion.
Ryan learned this during a season outside full-time Young Life, working as a financial advisor: success comes from solving problems and adding value, not chasing personal gain.
A Funny (and Telling) Modern Moment
Ryan shares a lighthearted story from a recent volunteer leader retreat. Asking a sophomore how she slept, she checked her phone’s sleep score app—highlighting the generational gap. Investing in the next generation means embracing discomfort, learning new “languages,” and staying relatable.
Advice to His 20-Year-Old Self
If Ryan could speak to his University of Washington self: Stop worrying so much about others’ opinions. Draw identity from what God thinks, not people. Surround yourself with a community that lovingly reminds you who you are in Christ. Letting go of people-pleasing earlier would have freed him to take risks and learn faster.
Dan echoes this, sharing a recent negative text and reminding himself: “If they’re not speaking at your funeral, don’t give it too much weight.”
Get Involved or Learn More
- Students and community members interested in GCU Young Life: Follow @gcuyounglife on Instagram and DM them (mention “Dan Can” for context).
- Ryan’s email (from public sources): ryan@gcu.younglife.org
- Website: gcu.younglife.org
Dan closes by encouraging listeners to act within 72 hours (the “law of 72”): Identify three ways to serve (church, nonprofit, discipleship group), invest in others, and live with purpose. Every investment carries risk—emotional, relational—but the reward of seeing lives changed is unmatched.
As Dan says: “Love well and do good.” Ryan Buskirk’s story is a powerful reminder that the greatest joy comes from investing in people for eternity.
This isn’t just another podcast about success—it’s a journey of self-discovery, intentional living, and building a life you love. Dan shares insights, stories, and strategies designed to help you achieve financial freedom, live with integrity, and make money effortlessly by aligning your work with your faith.
If you believe in loving what you do and doing what you love, you’re in the right place.
Protect. Provide. Promote.
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