EPISODE · Jan 28, 2026 · 1H 3M
Growing Up in a Tent: The Journey That Led Me to the White House | Hold On Ep. 16
from Hold On · host Kyle Cooper
What does the American Dream really look like today and is it still alive?In this powerful episode of Hold On, Tom Luna shares an extraordinary life journey that began growing up in a tent at Lake Mead, struggling with poverty, hunger, and instability, and eventually led him to serving in the White House and becoming a state leader in education and public service.Through stories of faith in hard times, family sacrifice, and perseverance through adversity, Tom explains why the American Dream isn’t dead, it’s just misunderstood. He reflects on lessons learned from a father who believed all work is honorable, the role of Jesus Christ in shaping his life, and how holding on to faith made it possible to rise above circumstances without losing humility or purpose. Check out our Episode with Shaan Sharma from The Chosen HERE: https://youtu.be/cerAiR8SdEM 00:00 Welcome to The Hold On Podcast 02:38 Tom Luna's Early Life and Family Struggles09:06 Finding Faith and the Impact of Religion16:43 Tom Luna's Entrepreneurial Journey22:16 Entering Politics and Educational Reforms31:06 Tom's Optimism and Faith33:12 Eight Years in Office35:51 The Decision to Exit Politics38:52 Family and Personal Identity45:22 Miracles and Family Blessings01:00:12 Testimony and Final Thoughts
What this episode covers
What does the American Dream really look like today and is it still alive?In this powerful episode of Hold On, Tom Luna shares an extraordinary life journey that began growing up in a tent at Lake Mead, struggling with poverty, hunger, and instability, and eventually led him to serving in the White House and becoming a state leader in education and public service.Through stories of faith in hard times, family sacrifice, and perseverance through adversity, Tom explains why the American Dream isn’t dead, it’s just misunderstood. He reflects on lessons learned from a father who believed all work is honorable, the role of Jesus Christ in shaping his life, and how holding on to faith made it possible to rise above circumstances without losing humility or purpose. Check out our Episode with Shaan Sharma from The Chosen HERE: https://youtu.be/cerAiR8SdEM 00:00 Welcome to The Hold On Podcast 02:38 Tom Luna's Early Life and Family Struggles09:06 Finding Faith and the Impact of Religion16:43 Tom Luna's Entrepreneurial Journey22:16 Entering Politics and Educational Reforms31:06 Tom's Optimism and Faith33:12 Eight Years in Office35:51 The Decision to Exit Politics38:52 Family and Personal Identity45:22 Miracles and Family Blessings01:00:12 Testimony and Final Thoughts
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Growing Up in a Tent: The Journey That Led Me to the White House | Hold On Ep. 16
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