Baylor Line Foundation

Nine years ago, Dolores Lozano claims she was violently assaulted by a Baylor football player and her boyfriend at the time. In 2016 she filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming that – despite having gone to administrators and football program leaders – her alma mater had been negligent in its handling of her reports of domestic violence and, as a result, violated her rights under the Title IX federal civil rights law. On Tuesday, a Waco jury found Baylor liable. It's the only Title IX case to go before a jury and reach this verdict and involved the testimonies of former Baylor head football coach Art Briles and former Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw. The decision comes just weeks after Baylor settled the largest case of the scandal: a 2016 federal lawsuit brought by 15 women who alleged they were sexually assaulted. Now that the trial has wrapped, let's talk with the reporter who has been covering this beat since 2015.Dan Solomon is a senior editor at Texas Monthly, where he has covered topics from the Baylor sexual assault scandal to the gentrification of Austin barbecue to the legacy of Texas outsider artist Daniel Johnston. His reporting has appeared in the New York Times, GQ, Vanity Fair, Wired, Fast Company, Billboard, and Deadspin.Read Dan's reporting on the Baylor sexual assault scandal:A Jury Found Baylor Liable for Failing to Prevent Violence Against a StudentThe Most Puzzling Moments From Art Briles's Testimony in the Baylor Title IX LawsuitSilence at Baylor (from August 2015; co-reported with Jessica Luther)How Baylor Happened (from February 2019; co-reported with Luther)Make sure to join us for Baylor Line Festival, a first-of-its-kind, three-day, action-packed event bringing together important thinkers and big ideas. It's going down December 7-9 in Waco. Check it out at baylorline.com/festival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanne Cummings is the director of Baylor's Middle East Studies program and teaches in the BIC and Political Science department. She has also been instrumental in the development of an interfaith minor here at Baylor. A retired diplomat, her experience is wide-ranging. She was most recently the Foreign Policy Advisor (POLAD) to CJTF-OIR, based in Baghdad. She has also served extensively in the Middle East, North Africa, and East Africa.As the daughter of a diplomat, she was raised in Lebanon, lived in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, finished high school in Tehran, Iran, and graduated from university in Beirut, Lebanon before gaining an MA from the University of Texas at Austin. In the Department of State and in the private sector, she has worked in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, Jerusalem, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Ethiopia, and Micronesia as well as nine years working regionally from Morocco through Pakistan. Joanne was previously Deputy Chief of Mission in the Federated States of Micronesia.In this conversation, Joanne and I discuss the recent escalation of war between Israel and Hamas. She helped me understand the conflict, the history, the two sides, and – very importantly – the language we use to describe the region and the people in it.Much has happened since we taped this conversation and I knew that would be the case, so towards the end listen for Joanne's suggestions on which media outlets to follow for up-to-date, accurate, and considerate coverage of the unfolding events.I hope this conversation is useful for you in understanding such an important global issue. If you'd like to hear more from Joanne, she's been in several other interviews lately:KCENFox 44After our conversation, she also sent me this link from the BBC on how they approach using the word "terrorists." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You've probably seen Dr. Peter Hotez on the news before, being interviewed, sited, or – sometimes – skewered. He's made a name for himself in the fight against anti-science and was a constant presence as a primetime source during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Hotez is the founding Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine where he is also the Co-director of the Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development and Texas Children's Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics. He is also University Professor at Baylor University. His latest book is "The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science: A Scientists Warning."He joins The Linecast to talk about his run-in with Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.; his work to fight anti-science rhetoric; and the what the future holds for us in navigating, what often seems like, a post-truth world. You can find Dr. Hotez on X. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Beth Allison Barr is the James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor, having also served as graduate program director of the history department and associate dean of the Baylor Graduate School. She's a 1996 graduate of the very same history department in which she now teaches. She earned her masters and doctorate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on European women, Medieval and early modern England, and church history. She's the wife of a preacher and a contributor to Christianity Today, the Washington Post, and Religion News Service. Her book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth was a runaway success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff Smith joined HighGround Advisors (formerly Baptist Foundation of Texas) in 1990 and was named President and CEO in 2013. In his 32 years of celebrated service at HighGround, Jeff has utilized his legal education and expertise to help people make charitable gifts to Baptist organizations and institutions, building long-term and trusted relationships with institutions, their development staffs and donors. This episode is a recording of Jeff's acceptance speech as a Distinguished Alumni for Baylor Line Foundation's Hall of Fame 2022. He is introduced by his friend, Dr. Gary Cook.

Michelle Andrews Smith is the chief of staff and the principal spokesperson for the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC. Since graduating from Baylor (‘90, MIJ ‘91), she has worked in various public sector roles to help government institutions communicate economic policy issues in a way that is clear, transparent, accountable, and accessible to a general audience. She has served as a senior adviser to three US Treasury Secretaries and four Chairs of the Federal Reserve.

Randy Grimes is a former Baylor Hall of Fame and professional football player, Randy spent over 20 years battling an addiction to painkillers developed while treating sports-related injuries. He now uses his inspiring story of recovery and his more than 12 years in the addictions industry to help victims of drug and alcohol abuse. This episode is a recording of Randy's acceptance speech as a Distinguished Alumni for Baylor Line Foundation's Hall of Fame 2022. He is introduced by his wife, Lydia Brady Grimes.

Melissa Rogers is a nationally known expert on religion in American public life. Her areas of expertise include the United States Constitution's religious liberty guarantees and the interplay of religion, law, policy, and politics. She currently serves as Visiting Professor at Wake Forest University School of Divinity and as a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and has previously served as Special Assistant to President Barack Obama, Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and as Chair of President Obama's inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

David McHam shaped students, departments, and the success of Texas journalism as a professor for 54 years at Baylor, SMU, University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Houston. Because of his guidance, David's students have gone on to lead, influence, and start world-changing news outlets and beyond. This episode is a recording of David's acceptance speech as a Distinguished Alumni for Baylor Line Foundation's Hall of Fame 2022. He is introduce by his friend, Ella Wall Prichard.

Ella Wall Prichard earned a BA from Baylor in 1963 with a major in history and a minor in journalism. She served as editor of The Lariat her senior year. Ella and her husband Lev, who passed away in 2009, lived in Corpus Christi, where she reared her family and served Baylor, her church, and her community in a myriad volunteer roles. She has served as a Baylor Regent, a member of the Baylor Alumni Association board, and in many other leadership roles. Her spiritual memoir of grief, Reclaiming Joy: A Primer for Widows, was published in 2018.

Gaynor Yancey is a professor and master teacher in the Garland School of Social Work and Truett Theological Seminary. Previously, she served as Associate Dean for Baccalaureate Social Work. Her career has been a wonderful and inspiring blend of practical work in the field of community organizing and highly acclaimed work in the academy, mentoring students, studying, and publishing on the topic of congregational social work.

Meet Isaiah Odajima — Associate Professor of Ensembles and Director of the Golden Wave Band Isaiah sat down for an interview with editor-in-chief Jonathon Platt about struggles, success, and how he has stuck to the things he loves.

To say that the Beckham family's blood runs green and gold is an understatement! Their support of Baylor is a part of everyday life for the entire family, and they welcome everyone. The Beckhams have supported several endowed scholarships over the years and the student recipients have become good friends of the donors. In following his father's lead, Sparkey graduated from Baylor in 1949. Merrie became the first recipient of Baylor's Alumni By Choice decree in 1985. If you were to make a list of the family members the Beckhams have brought to Baylor, the number of Alumni By Choice Merrie has personally influenced, and the number of people who have are members of the Baylor Family because of the life and legacy of Sparkey and Merrie, you — like I am — would be utterly amazed.

Meet Mike Sims — 2021 W.R. White Meritorious Service Honoree Mike is considered one of the nation's leading authorities on sports equipment safety standards. He was recently inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame, Baylor “B” Association Hall of Fame, and soon to be inducted into his high school Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1980 from Baylor and has spent his career serving and bettering the lives of student athletes.

Meet Shehan Jeyarajah — 2021 Recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award Shehan Jeyarajah is a national college sports writer for CBS Sports, after an award-winning career as the college football editor and insider at Dave Campbell's Texas Football, where he has established himself as one of the state's leading authorities on college football. He graduated from Baylor in 2016 and, in 2019, he married fellow Baylor alum, Bhargavi, who is also a 2016 graduate. Know an outstanding young alum like Shehan? Nominate them today at baylorline.com/nominate

Meet Martha Lou Chadwick Scott — 2021 Recipient of the WR White Meritorious Service Award After graduating from Baylor in 1971, Martha Lou Chadwick Scott began work at the university as an office manager. Without realizing it, she began a “job” that would lead to an entire career in student life at Baylor. Martha Lou retired in 2019 as the associate vice president for Student Life. Her career spanned over 48 years, during which she prioritized her work by listening to students voice their needs and concerns. Know a Bear whose career, leadership, and life have been as impactful as Martha Lou's? Nominate them today for a 2022 Hall of Fame Award at baylorline.com/nominate

Meet Dr. Eric Holleyman, senior lecturer of religion at Baylor University This week, Jon is joined by his very first Baylor professor, Dr. Eric Holleyman. They discuss how Dr. H seemingly stumbled upon his life's “calling,” the many turns his career took and what those changes and challenges taught him, and how scripture can guide you in life's most important pursuits.

Meet Dr. Maxine Hart — 2021 Herbert Reynolds Retired Faculty Honoree Dr. Hart joined the Hankamer School of Business faculty as an Assistant Professor in 1971, and she retired in 1999 as Professor Emeritus of Information Systems. She taught Business Education, Business Communications and Office Systems courses. To nominate a retired professor who changed your life, visit baylorline.com/nominate

Join us for a fun conversation with Curtis Callaway, senior lecturer of Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media at Baylor University and a world-renown photographer. Curtis and his wife, Kaye, talked to editor-in-chief, Jonathon Platt, out on their farm near Clifton, Texas, about careers, success, challenges, and the important work of making others' lives better. We're sure you'll enjoy this interview. To go even deeper into Curtis' story, check out our latest eBook at baylorline.com/callaway

Meet Rev. Dr. George Mason — 2020 Abner V. McCall Religious Liberty Honoree Dr. George A. Mason has been senior pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church since August 1989. His three decades as pastor follow a pattern of defending religious liberty and making change in an ever-changing world. You can nominate someone like George today for a future Hall of Fame Award at baylorline.com/nominate

Meet Amanda Tyler – 2021 Abner V. McCall Religious Liberty Honoree Amanda is the executive director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C. She leads the organization as it upholds the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty, defending the free exercise of religion, and protecting against its establishment by government. Learn more at baylorline.com/halloffame

Meet Mark & Aubin Petersen — Recipients of the 2021 Abner V. McCall Humanitarian Award Mark Petersen built a career in financial services with engagements which have allowed him to fling his green and gold from coast to coast as well as across the Atlantic. He currently serves as the Baylor Bear Foundation representative on the Baylor Board of Regents. Aubin Petersen has been a community and church volunteer and bridge-builder. Together, they founded Another Story, which seeks to create a safe space for dialogue on sexual orientation and gender identity and for traditional Biblical perspectives on these issues to be explored and discussed. Visit baylorline.com/halloffame for more.

Hear the untold story of how a group of Baylor faculty and staff helped make the Internet you know and use today. This is a companion episode to the latest eBook from Baylor Line Foundation. You can get your copy FOR FREE at baylorline.com/internet.

Creative work can sometimes feel especially hard, lonely, and demoralizing. How do you stay the course, despite those struggles, through the messy middle and ship work you feel called to do? In this episode, Jon discusses how to bring creative work into the world, feel confident and energized through the roughest parts of the creative process, and do it all with a full-time day job. Our guide this week is Craig Cunningham (‘08). Craig is the Content Manager for Magnolia and previously served as editor-in-chief of Baylor Line Magazine. In fact, if you go back a few episodes in this show, you can hear Craig's interview with some really important members of the Baylor Family, like John Morris, Derek Haas, and Sherry Castello. Craig has also been a creative writer for his entire adult life. He recently published a five-book series of longform poetry title Theology. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Read Craig's bio Find out more about Theology Buy Theology on Amazon Have you reviewed Direct Line? If you haven't reviewed our podcast yet, would you do that right now? You are our very best source for new listeners! And, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can post your review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We're eager to hear from you and we do read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, your review helps us make the podcast better and remain your voice in the Baylor Family!

How do you make change happen? It's something I've asked myself again and again, and I'm sure it's a question you're familiar with too. Leading can be hard, especially when faced with obstacles and uncertainty. Fear not, though. It's possible to see your dreams become a reality. In this episode, Jon discusses how to take on ambitious goals inside of complex organizations; how you can stay the course when the going gets tough; and why it's so important for you to stay committed to those big, audacious goals, even in a year of abnormal uncertainty. Our guide this week is Brooke Blevins.  Dr. Brooke Blevins is the Conwell G. Strickland Endowed Chair, Associate Professor, and Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in secondary education, social studies education, and multicultural education. As a former secondary teacher, Dr. Blevins has a passion for equipping teachers with the resources needed to engage in humanizing social studies education. During her time at Baylor, Dr. Blevins has been instrumental in the development of the iEngage Summer Civics Institute and the Baylor Women's Colloquium, which has effected change across the university through signature achievements such as the parental leave policy, the revival of the Women's and Gender Studies minor, and the spousal hiring policy. In response to her rigorous leadership, teaching, and researching work, Dr. Blevins was named one of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 in 2020. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Read Brooke's bio Find out more about the Baylor Women's Colloquium Find out more about the iEngage Summer Civics Institute Have you reviewed Direct Line? If you haven't reviewed our podcast yet, would you do that right now? You are our very best source for new listeners! And, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can post your review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We're eager to hear from you and we do read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, your review helps us make the podcast better and remain your voice in the Baylor Family! 

What do you do when a crisis strikes? More often than not crises are terrifying, especially if you don't feel prepared to handle them. You might be wondering what will happen when the next crisis hits. Will you be fired? Will you be harmed? Will your family be safe? In this episode, Jon discusses how to craft a clear plan for success, eliminate stress in the face of crises, and help your colleagues feel just as prepared as you are with Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez.  Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Baylor University Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media. She joined Baylor in 2001 and has maintained an active research portfolio in addition to her teaching and leadership roles. Her research emphasizes media framing of people of color, women and political candidates, the pros and cons of social media in political campaigns and she has examined how historical stereotypes are found in social media platforms. The author or co-author of four books, Dr. Moody-Ramirez has also been widely published in a variety of academic and industry journals. In this episode, you will hear— How Baylor's Journalism Department has adapted teaching and academic life during the COVID-19 pandemic. How to best communicate key information to your audience(s).  Why it's important to have multiple backup plans when facing uncertain times or crises.  How Dr. Moody-Ramirez empowers her team and gives them tools to succeed.   How to evaluate challenges using a R.A.C.E model. (Research, Action, Communication, and Evaluation). What research Dr. Moody Ramirez has done on race, gender, and the media throughout her career. How critical race theory and the theory of moral self-licensing can help us better examine our experiences and world.  What research projects involving race and the media Dr. Moody Ramirez is currently working on.  Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Mia Moody Ramirez's Bio Are you a Baylor Journalism alum? Click here to get involved For more information on the online journalism master's program For more on the R.A.C.E Public Relations Model For more on Critical Race Theory “From Black Face to Black Twitter” by Mia Moody-Ramirez “The Obamas and Mass Media: Race, Gender, Religion, and Politics” by Mia Moody-Ramirez For more on Moral Self Licensing Find Dr. Moody-Ramirez on Twitter Have you reviewed Direct Line? If you haven't reviewed our podcast yet, would you do that right now? You are our very best source for new listeners! And, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can post your review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We're eager to hear from you and we do read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, your review helps us make the podcast better and remain your voice in the Baylor Family!

How do you mourn the loss of someone as special to you as a son? How do you face and work through that incomprehensible pain? How can you cope when you feel not only loss, but frustration, confusion, and heartache as you struggle through the grieving process? Faced with this unimaginable loss, you can't help but wonder what if you never find a genuine outlet, a proper way to heal? In this episode, Jon discusses how one man took on the tough, awful, world-shattering pain of losing his son; how we can feel understood in a year filled with tragedy and pain; and how our guest is able to find, research, and deliver such captivating narratives with Robert F. Darden ('76).  Robert F. Darden is a professor of journalism, public relations, and new media at Baylor. He founded the Baylor Black Gospel Restoration Project and has also authored over two dozen books, including: Nothing But Love in God's Water, Volumes I & II and People Get Ready! A New History of Black Gospel Music. Darden's writing has appeared in publications from The New York Times to the Oxford American. He lives in Waco with his wife, Mary Landon Darden. In this episode, you will hear— Who Al Dewlen is and why his tribute to his fallen son Michael was and continues to be so influential How Dewlen's words are able to elicit such strong emotional reactions from a wide audience What it was like for Robert to research such significant Baylor alums such as Dewlen and his son How Al Dewlen's writing continues to be relevant for so many members of the Baylor Family as they face the loss of loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic  How Robert writes truly captivating narratives, and why he thinks that writing is a heavenly calling  Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Read Robert's bio Download: "Lost Father, Sleeping Son" by Robert F. Darden Read: "Report To A Sleeping Son" by Al Dewlen Read: "Wilson Fielder's Last Assignment" by Robert F. Darden Read: "Cherry Bombs and Peaceful Prayers" by Jonathon Platt Have you reviewed Direct Line? If you haven't reviewed our podcast yet, would you do that right now? You are our very best source for new listeners! And, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can post your review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We're eager to hear from you and we do read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, your review helps us make the podcast better and remain your voice in the Baylor Family!

At a predominantly white institution like Baylor, what is the Person of Color experience like? While we all love Baylor and chose to come here for a reason, there are a lot of problems with how the university and community approaches race. As a Baylor Family Member of Color, you may feel routine instances of otherness, isolation, or soft racism. You may be wondering if you'll ever find acceptance, community, and self-fulfillment in a place so different from your culture. In this episode, Jon discusses how to find a community built on shared values and experiences, acceptance, and open-mindedness; so that you can feel a part of both a small community at Baylor and like you've found your place in the Baylor Family; and how to ensure that your community not only accepts you, but helps you grow as a person with our guide, Rae Jefferson (‘16). Rae is the communications director at Waco Family Health Center. Previously, she served as the director of marketing and communications for Creative Waco. Her work has appeared in numerous publications. She lives in Waco, Texas, and is back at Baylor, pursuing a Master's in journalism.  In this episode, you will hear— Who Rae is, and how she has made Waco her home since graduating from undergraduate in 2016  What it's like for Rae to be back at Baylor as a master's student, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the classroom experience How Rae came to understand and embrace her identity as a Person of Color during her undergraduate years at Baylor  How Rae found a community at Baylor that helped her to love and accept every part of herself Why it is so important for Baylor Students of Color to find communities that can help them discover the joys of loving their cultures and themselves Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Follow Rae Jefferson's Instagram Find out more about Waco Family Health Center Learn more about Creative Waco Have you reviewed Direct Line? If you haven't reviewed our podcast yet, would you do that right now? You are our very best source for new listeners! And, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can post your review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We're eager to hear from you and we do read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, your review helps us make the podcast better and remain your voice in the Baylor Family!

In a pivotal year of racial unrest, what is Baylor doing to help reconcile and atone with its past? We know you love Baylor, but do you know what to think about its history on race? Do you feel uncomfortable discussing the topic of race or wonder why we even need to discuss it at all? Have you ever wondered if there's even a way to resolve this tension at all? In this episode, Jon discusses the university's response and current commitments to students, faculty, staff, and alumni of color, so that you can be more informed and engaged in the work we must do as the Baylor Family; you will also get to hear stories of specific leaders working to make the Baylor we love even better with Sophia Alejandro (‘21) .  Sophia Alejandro (‘21) is a junior from San Antonio, Texas and an editorial intern at Baylor Line Magazine. She is majoring in journalism, public relations, and new media with two minors in business and legal reasoning analysis. Her end goal is to become a lawyer. In addition to her life as a Baylor student and Baylor Line Foundation intern, Sophia serves as a campus tour guide for Baylor Undergraduate Admissions. In this episode, you will hear— What Sophia experienced both as a researcher examining race on Baylor's campus and as a student of color. Why considering Baylor's institutional structures is important when trying to understand race on campus.   What @dearbaylor is and how students and alumni of color are using it to tell their stories. What Baylor and President Livingstone are doing to try and reconcile past mistakes and create a more inclusive future for Baylor Family members of color. How Sophia is able to channel her love for Baylor into positive solutions and change.    Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Keep up with Sophia's work Follow the @dearbaylor account Meet Dominique Hill, Baylor's Director of Wellness Read the Board of Regents' statement on racism in the Baylor Family and Baylor's history Have you reviewed Direct Line? If you haven't reviewed our podcast yet, would you do that right now? You are our very best source for new listeners! And, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can post your review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We're eager to hear from you and we do read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, your review helps us make the podcast better and remain your voice in the Baylor Family! 

How do you lead when the world is so uncertain? Leading in uncertain times is a real struggle. Even for the most seasoned leaders. You can feel like you're lost in a fog and can't find the guidance you need to gain clarity. How can you get from where you are to being the leader your organization desperately needs? In this episode, Jon discusses how to create a compelling vision, feel empowered and energized to lead with confidence, and grow your organization using a simple, attractive, inspiring, and practical framework with Michael Hyatt (‘77).  Michael is the founder and CEO of Michael Hyatt & Company, a leadership development firm specializing in transformative live events, workshops, and digital and physical planning tools. Formerly chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Michael is also a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of several books, including Living Forward and Platform. His work has been featured by the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Businessweek, Entrepreneur, and other publications. Michael has been married to his wife, Gail, for thirty-nine years. They have five daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren. They live just outside Nashville, Tennessee.  Michael's latest book, The Vision Driven Leader, will help you discover how you can create a clear and compelling vision to grow your organization. And who doesn't need that right now? In this episode, you will hear— Why you need a vision for your organization — now more than ever What questions you can ask yourself to find that vision How Michael's time at Baylor and in Waco shaped his future How Michael came to creating his signature vision framework for leaders What one resource Michael wished he would have had in every career transition And, how to sell your boss on anything Resources Mentioned in This Episode: About Michael Hyatt Read Michael's blog Get Michael's latest book, The Vision Driven Leader Claim over $390 in FREE BONUSES with your copy of The Vision Driven Leader Find out more about Michael's coaching program, BusinessAccelerator Have you reviewed Direct Line? If you haven't reviewed our podcast yet, would you do that right now? You are our very best source for new listeners! And, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can post your review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We're eager to hear from you and we do read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, your review helps us make the podcast better and remain your voice in the Baylor Family!

What in the wild, wild world of sports is a-goin' on? Like every other industry, COVID has impacted the world of sports in major ways. What do some of those changes look like and what can we expect for the rest of the football season in 2020? In this episode, Jon discusses how to follow football in the crazy year that is 2020 and what to watch for from Baylor, how to feel excited about a football season full of uncertainty, and how high school and college athletes are responding to racial injustice and making waves across the sports industry with Shehan Jeyarajah.  Shehan Jeyarajah wasn't born into a sports family, but found his way home quickly thanks to a little help from some mediocre mid-2000s Chicago Bulls teams. He didn't grow up a college football fan, but fell in love with the culture of the sport after going to college at Baylor, where he graduated in 2016. Before joining DCTF, Shehan covered Big 12 and SEC football with Cox Media Group, contributed to Dallas Morning News coverage of Baylor and had work appear in Sports Illustrated, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Austin American-Statesman, among others. He and his wife, Bhargavi, live in the Dallas area. In this episode, you will hear— How the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the current college football season What it's like to be a sports writer during such an unprecedented, often virtual time  What to watch for during the remainder of Baylor's football season How high school and college football players across Texas are taking stands against racial injustice Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Shehan Jeyarajah's Bio Read Shehan's coverage & reporting Read: "Texas High School Athletes Finding Voice On Racial Injustice" by Shehan Jeyarajah Follow Shehan on Twitter Have you reviewed Direct Line? If you haven't reviewed our podcast yet, would you do that right now? You are our very best source for new listeners! And, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can post your review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We're eager to hear from you and we do read every single review. Good, bad, or indifferent, your review helps us make the podcast better and remain your voice in the Baylor Family!

Sherry Castello by Baylor Line Foundation

John McClain by Baylor Line Foundation

John Morris by Baylor Line Foundation

Walter Abercrombie by Baylor Line Foundation

Tony Pederson holds the rank of professor and is the Belo Distinguished Chair in Journalism at Southern Methodist University. In that position he chairs the Division of Journalism in the Meadows School of the Arts. Before assuming the Belo chair in June of 2003 he was senior vice president and executive editor of the Houston Chronicle. His teaching at SMU focuses on media ethics, and he has written extensively on the subject and serves as a local resource for media in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He lectures and speaks frequently on mass media issues, especially relating to converging media. In the MLS program he teaches HUMN 6380: News Media in Contemporary Society. He is a longtime activist in First Amendment issues and international press freedom issues, especially in Latin America. He was president of the Inter American Press Association in 1999-2000. Pederson spent 29 years with the Houston Chronicle. From 1992 until 1994 Pederson served as chairman of Texas Media, a coalition of media groups formed to pursue access issues and open government in Texas. He has received the James Madison Award from the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas for his work on First Amendment issues and the Jack Douglas Award from the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors Association for service to Texas newspapers. Pederson serves as a director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and the Inter American Press Association and is a member of the board of advisers for the International Center for Journalists. He also serves as a consultant for El Universal, the largest newspaper in Mexico City. Pederson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism/communication from Baylor University and a Master of Arts in journalism from The Ohio State University.

Texas Senator Kirk Watson discusses his time at Baylor, faith, and what he's working on right now.

Writer and Producer Derek Haas talks about the creative process, running multiple TV shows, and what it takes to be successful in Hollywood.