Everyone has a reason – a motivator for why they do what they do. No one is born a philanthropist, entrepreneur, athlete, author, professor, or celebrity. Our “why”s shape every decision we make and lay the groundwork for who we’ll become. SimplyWhy is a
This week Connor is joined by professor and author Dr. Scott Burson. Dr. Burson He has taught at IWU for more than a dozen years and is also the author of multiple books including his most recent; From Bulldog to Bengal: The Joe Burrow Story Through the Eyes of His Hometown. Listen in to hear how philosophy applies to sports, what it's like writing a sport's biography, and how critical thought can help enrich your faith. Find Dr. Burson's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-R.-Burson/author/B001KI7WKW?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
This week Connor is joined by nuclear physicist Dr. Warren Rogers. Dr. Rogers is a professor of physics and Blanchard Chair here at IWU. He currently conducts nuclear physics research with his IWU students at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University, and at the LANSCE facility at Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico. Listen in to hear how physics helps us understand music, why it's important to study stars, and how you can begin to understand quantum mechanics. Contact Dr. Warren: currently conducts nuclear physics research with his IWU students at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University, and at the LANSCE facility at Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico.
This week Connor is joined by professor Dr. Amanda Drury. Dr. Drury is a professor of Practical Theology and has taught at IWU for 11 years. She is also the director of The Imaginarium, a project that helps young people experience and lead ministries. Listen in to hear how to encourage youth to pursue ministry, why sabbath is so crucial for Christians, and how your passions can connect you to God. Link to The Imaginarium: https://www.imaginariumiwu.com/Link to Saying is Believing: https://www.ivpress.com/saying-is-believing
This week Connor is joined by professor Todd Ream. Todd is the Executive Director for Faculty Research and Scholarship and Professor of Humanities at IWU. He is the author of numerous books and articles on topics varying from theology to university life. Listen in to hear how to make the most of little bursts of free time, why identity matters for universities, and how to limit distractions. Follow Todd:Website: https://toddream.com/IWU Page: https://www.indwes.edu/academics/faculty/todd-ream
This week Connor is joined by professor Dr. Nathan Fayard. Dr. Fayard is Assistant Professor of Modern Language and Literature at IWU and serves as Editor in Chief for Foundations Book Publishing. He has been teaching for over a decade on topics such as medieval literature, sci-fi, comics, and romantic literature. Listen in to hear when to read Beowulf, how to face the battle that is the classroom, and why 50's sci-fi is even more relevant today. Link to Dr. Fayard's article: https://christandpopculture.com/finding-a-new-glorious-purpose-loki-and-the-failure-of-materialism/
This week Connor is joined by theologian and professor Dr. Vincent Bacote. Dr. Bacote is a professor of Theology at and the director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College. He is also a prolific author and speaker, having published and contributed to multiple books and articles that have appeared in magazines such as Books and Culture and Christianity Today. He also hosts a podcast called The Link - Bridging Faith and Life with Dr. Vincent Bacote. Listen in to hear how to interact with politics as a Christian, why curiosity can make you more kind, and what theologians actually do. Follow Dr. Bacote: https://www.vincentbacote.com/home
This week Connor is joined by coach Andrew Rode. Andrew is the head coach for the Wildcat football team at IWU. He previously served as the Offensive Coordinator at Morningside University, and brought the Mustangs to their third national championship in four years. Listen in to hear how to transition from player to coach, why education is crucial to football, and how to gain trust from your team. Follow Andrew: https://twitter.com/coach_rode?lang=en
This week Connor is joined by entrepreneur Ronald Morrell Jr. Ronald has launched multiple businesses in the Grant County area and serves as the executive director for the Boys and Girls Club of Grant County. He is also currently running for mayor in Marion, IN. Listen in to hear how to apply business to other disciplines, what it takes to start a business, and how you can impact your local community. Follow Ronald:Website: https://ronaldmorrelljr.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronald.morrell.jr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ron_morrell_jr/?hl=enEmail: ronnyjr93@yahoo.com
This week Connor is joined by illustrator Ron Mazellan. Ron is a former professor of illustration at IWU. He has illustrated countless books by authors such as Tony Dungy and Cal Ripken Jr. and also received the NAACP Image Award and Christopher Award for You Can Be a Friend. Listen in to hear how to illustrate a book, why community is essential for artists, and how to balance art and commerce. Follow Ron:Website: http://www.ronmazellan.com/homeEmail: r.mazellan@me.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ron.mazellan/
This week Connor is joined by Roger Younce. Roger is the executive director at Kinwell Academy, a non-public alternative high school in Grant County. He has been in alternative education for 11 years and also cohosts Culture of Kinship, a podcast that shares the unique experiences and growth of the students of Kinwell Academy. Listen in to hear how social media affects kids at school, why you need to have a good work-life balance, and how authenticity is essential when mentoring teens. Link to Kinwell Academy:https://kinwellacademy.org/Link to Culture of Kinship: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ae1mDlhatNoe85srIWIs5?si=3ca830d8a0234268
This week Connor is joined by biologist and professor Dr. Jennifer Noseworthy. Dr. Noseworthy is an associate professor in the Division of Natural Sciences at IWU. She also serves as the director of the IWU Alliance Garden, a campus farm geared toward agriculture and food production within the community. Listen in to hear why science enhances faith, what some practical implementations of biology are, and how a garden can bring a community together. Link to the Alliance Garden: https://alliancegardens.wixsite.com/thealliancegardens
This week Connor is joined by professor Dr. Elaine Bernius. Dr. Bernius has been working at IWU since 2005 and serves as a professor of Biblical Studies. Her focus is on Hebraic and Cognate studies with an emphasis on linguistics. Listen in to hear how every Christian can benefit from learning Biblical languages, where accents are used in the Bible, and how to balance study of scripture and discipleship.
This week Connor is joined by visual artist and pastor Ronnie Farmer, Jr. Ronnie has traveled the world as an artist and missionary and his art focuses on the intersection of art, justice, and theology. He is the founding director of the I Have a Dream Preschool academy and is also a pastor at Real Community Church in Marion, IN. Listen in to hear how art helps preschoolers understand the world, when racial bias becomes fixed in people, and how faith and art go hand in hand. Follow Ronnie:Website: https://www.ronniefarmerjr.com/I Have A Dream Preschool: https://www.dreamacademymarion.com/
This week Connor is joined by Illustrator, designer, and professor Keith Lowe. Keith is an assistant professor of illustration at IWU, and has almost 20 years of experience as an illustrator and designer. He has created materials for 9 board games and designed over 50 video game strategy guides. Listen in to hear about finding inspiration in your town, blending creativity with purpose, and why you should share your passion! Follow Keith:Website: https://www.keithloweart.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithloweart/
This week Connor is joined by coach Greg Tonagel. Greg is the head coach for IWU's men's basketball team. He has just wrapped up his 18th season, is a 3 time national champion, and his career record makes him the all-time winningest coach at IWU. Listen in to hear how basketball can become an idol, why it's important to put yourself third, and how a PhD can help you become a better coach. Link to Wesley Seminary: https://seminary.indwes.edu/
This week Connor is joined by pastor and evangelist Cory Clark. Cory served as an evangelist for 10 years and is currently the lead pastor of Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Listen in to hear about the importance of a simple message, why delegation is essential in the church, and how to balance spiritual growth with pastoral care. Link to Marion First Church of the Nazarene: https://marionfirst.com/media
This week Connor is joined by interior and social designer Wendy Puffer. Wendy co-founded Marion Design Co. in 2016, where she now serves as Chief Design Officer. She also spent 21 years as a professor of design at Indiana Wesleyan University. Listen in to hear how to create a safe and beautiful space, why design is important, and how to break (and admire) the rules. Follow to Marion Design Co:Website: https://www.mariondesign.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariondesignco/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariondesignco
This week Connor is joined by professor, author, and worship pastor Dr. Brannon Hancock. Dr. Hancock is an associate professor of practical theology and worship at Wesley Seminary, and he also serves as associate pastor at Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Through his 25 years of Christian ministry, Dr. Hancock has written numerous articles, reviews, and a book: The Scandal of Sacramentality. Listen in to hear how to survive as a pastor's kid, what scripture says about worship, and why churches need good worship leaders – not rock stars. Follow Dr. Hancock:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrannon/Link to The Scandal of Sacramentality: https://wipfandstock.com/9781620326329/the-scandal-of-sacramentality/
This week Connor is joined by public speaker, mentor, and podcast host Chas Fields. Chas is a senior partner at Ultimate Kronos Group and has been in the human capital management tech space for seven years. He has written articles for Forbes, spoken in front of tens of thousands of people, and co-hosts The People Purpose Podcast. Listen in to hear why you should never stop reading, how physical fitness helps your work life, and why you should try to make the world a better place. Follow Chas:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasfields/The People Purpose Podcast: https://workforceinstitute.org/category/podcast/
This week Connor is joined by Dr. Penny Callaway. Dr. Callaway is an associate professor in IWU's graduate nursing program. She has more than 25 years of nursing experience and has served in countless healthcare roles. Listen in to hear about the shift to more personal medical experiences, why nurses should start their careers in a psych ward, and the joy of meeting someone outside of Zoom for the first time. Dr. Callaway's email: penny.callaway@indwes.edu
This week Connor is joined by pastor and author Dr. Steve DeNeff. Dr. DeNeff is the senior pastor of College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. He has been in ministry for more than 35 years and has written multiple books, including "More Than Forgiveness," "7 Saving Graces," and "Soul Shift." Listen in to hear the traits of a good leader, the value of community, and why the early hours are the most critical time of the day. Link to Dr. DeNeff's books: https://finelink.com/wphstoreretail/catalogsearch/result/?q=steve+deneffLink to Dr. DeNeff's sermons: https://collegewes.com/sermons/
This week Connor is joined by photographer Marcus Doyle. Marcus is the assistant professor of photography at IWU, and has served as associate professor at Azusa Pacific and Christchurch Canterbury University. He has been in the field of photography for 30 years where he has hosted 35 solo exhibitions, and is a member of the Royal Photographic Society and Association of Photographers. Listen in to hear about composition in photographs, making a living while being a photographer, and how to best display your work. Link to Marcus' Website: https://www.marcusdoylephotography.com/
This week Connor is joined by Digital Learning Scholar Dr. Brad Garner. Dr. Garner has worked in education for 50 years, serving in a variety of roles such as professor, author, head of faculty enrichment, and psychologist for children with disabilities. He is also the founding editor of The Toolbox newsletter and co-host of the Digital2Learn Podcast. Listen in to hear why online learning is here to stay, how to find awe in the world of education, and what the future of digital learning holds. Link to Digital2Learn: https://digital2learn.com/Link to Dr. Garner's books: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Students-Digital-Content-Curators/dp/1527527913/ref=sr_1_13?qid=1673639631&refinements=p_27%3ABrad+Garner&s=books&sr=1-13&text=Brad+GarnerLink to The Toolbox: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/national_resource_center/publications/the_toolbox/index.php
This week Connor is joined by Director of Faculty Enrichment Dr. Tiffany Snyder. Dr. Snyder has worked in higher education for 14 years, where she has focused on the mental health and wellbeing of the faculty around her. She is also the co-host of the Digital2Learn and IWU Scholarship podcasts. Listen in to hear how lateral leadership can improve your role, why it's key for faculty to feel a sense of belonging, and how to evaluate the rhythms in your life. Link to the Digital2Learn Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-digital2learn-podcast/id1476315077Link to the IWU Scholarship Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/iwu-scholarship-behind-the-scenes/id1643175270
This week Connor is joined by author, public speaker, and professor Dr. Jerry Pattengale. Dr. Pattengale serves as the first university professor at Indiana Wesleyan University and is also the co-director and co-founder of the Lumen research institute. His experience includes being awarded IWU's World Changing Faculty and Alumnus awards, writing and editing more than 50 books, and serving as co-founder of the Museum of the Bible. Listen in to hear about making the most of your time, rejections that lead to success, and finding inspiration as an author. Find Dr. Pattengale's Work:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AJerry+Pattengale&s=relevancerank&text=Jerry+Pattengale&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/june-web-only/first-century-mark-pattengale-inside-saga.htmlInexplicable: https://watch.tbn.org/s/SFrlZkgk/inexplicable?e=4yxk2kIb
This week Connor is joined by executive director Dr. Erin Crisp. Dr. Crisp has worked in higher education for nearly a decade, serving as VP of Academic Affairs for CampusEdu and Director for Instructional Design at Indiana Wesleyan University. Listen in to hear if learning styles exist, why technology is key to education, and how teaching is a part of every job. Follow Dr. Crisp:Website: https://www.erinacrisp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growinglearners/
This week Connor is joined by author and associate professor Dr. Anneke Stasson. Dr. Stasson teaches at the John Wesley Honors College at IWU, has written numerous articles, and has co-authored the book Women in the Mission of the Church. Listen in to hear how ancient societies viewed women, how Jesus challenged gender roles, and why passion for your subject is critical for teaching. Link to Women in the Mission of the Church: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/women-in-the-mission-of-the-church/393020
This week Connor is joined by professor and campus intercessor Dr. Jim Lo. Dr. Lo has had a long career in ministry, serving as a missionary in Africa and Cambodia for 14 years, and in multiple roles at Indiana Wesleyan University for 26 years. Listen in to hear how to thrive during hard times, why discipleship is key to the Christian journey, and how God used a serendipitous campus visit to start a career.Link to Dr. Lo's Writing: https://seedbed.com/author/jimlo/
This week Connor is joined by artist, designer, and professor Henrik Söderström. Henrik has designed sets and artwork for Yo-Yo Ma, the IDEA Museum, the Music of Difference Project, and the Knights Orchestra. He has also been an associate professor of Art + Design at Indiana Wesleyan University for the past 11 years. Listen in to hear about a miraculous recovery, how the Genesis story plays into art, and the creative spirit. Link to Henrik's Website: http://www.soderstrom.studio/
This week Connor is joined by philanthropist and entrepreneur Michael W. Allison. Michael is the founder and CEO of The Adversity Academy and Groomed & Tailored. He is also a Marine Corps veteran, receiving multiple awards throughout his military career such as the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, and several naval achievement medals. Listen in to hear about Michael's instinctual entrepreneurial spirit, a chaotic wedding experience, and how to overcome the adversity in your life. Content Warning: Discussion of graphic wartime violence and assault Follow Michael:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwaynemba-vet/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroomedandTailoredLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9TBQX2WxtNzHSCpxfSHqNwLinktree: https://linktr.ee/mrmichaelallison
This week Connor is joined by nurse practitioner and professor Dr. Alisha Mack. Dr. Mack has worked as a nurse for more than 20 years in a variety of settings. She serves as an assistant professor in the graduate program at Indiana Wesleyan University. Listen in to hear about the wide range of experiences a nurse can have, what it's like to apply personal ethics to nursing, and how all nurses are teachers. Link to Bioethics for Nurses: https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/7892/bioethics-for-nurses.aspx
This week Connor is joined by engineer and IWU professor Dr. David Che. Dr. Che started his career in engineering, working at companies such as General Motors and Stafast Products, before becoming a professor. After moving into higher education, he launched engineering programs at Bryan College and Indiana Wesleyan University. Listen in to hear about crashing cars, applying a Biblical perspective to engineering, and experiencing miracles in the classroom.
This week Connor is joined by missionary and professor: Dr. Anne Decker. Dr. Decker taught communication and English in Ghana at the collegiate level for 5 years and is currently a professor for graduate students here at IWU. Listen in to hear about an unexpected career, how education differs in other countries, and how to listen to God's call.
This week, Connor is joined by Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks, an entrepreneur and founder of Whatever It Takes Consulting, Inc. Dr. Banks has provided interactive learning and training for more than 25 years and has served as adjunct faculty at IUPUI. Listen in to hear what it's like to start your own business, the importance of education, and how to continually cultivate your village. Follow Dr. Banks:Website: https://whateverittakesconsulting.com/Email: wit@witconsultinginc.comPodcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6ORBWPQEMEyLdBHRELJdQ/featured
This week Connor is joined by Jazz musician and IWU professor Todd Williams. Todd has played with bands such as the Wynton Marsalis Quartet, Septet, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the White House. Listen in to learn how to break into the music industry, what it's like auditioning for Wynton Marsalis, and why teaching music is important. Follow Todd:Website: http://www.toddmaxmusic.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3NVHlbpleMQsgYAhWmthSW?si=zFuqTIymQUm5JBVGhAsDDgAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0B1W9FN98?ref=sr_1_1&keywords=introducing+quartet+trio&crid=2EN8B8N0CUDM6&sprefix=introducing+quartet+trio%2Caps%2C85&qid=1664549126&sr=8-1
This week Connor is joined by writer and public speaker: Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is also the host of the Not My Story Podcast and her writing can be found in places such as Fathom Mag, Relevant, and her collaborative devotional Be Still. Listen in to hear how you can make time for deep reflection, tell your story in a manner that's true to you, and how to speak on what you know. Follow Sarah:Website: https://www.sarahewestfall.com/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6b1wXPxAaaRh2qu18Gg3wV?si=f5bf82dfb1d4437bInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_westfall/
This week Connor is joined by Dr. John Birch, who spent 16 years as a nuclear physicist before becoming an associate professor at Indiana Wesleyan University and a published author. Listen in to hear how faith and science mesh together, what quantum mechanics is about, and how to prevent nuclear injuries. Link to Religious Diversity in the American Experience: https://www.amazon.com/Religious-Diversity-American-Experience-Theological/dp/0826427944 Follow Us:Website: simplywhypodcast.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwuglobal/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IWUGlobal/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/IWUGlobal
This week Connor is joined by Dr. Theresa Veach, a licensed psychologist and director of programs for behavioral sciences at IWU. She's been practicing for more than 15 years and has worked in a variety of settings, from hospitals to department of corrections to private practice. Listen in to hear how her reluctance toward education turned into a passionate career, how hard it is to truly listen to others, and how a simple plan can change everything. Link to IWU Kokomo: https://www.indwes.edu/adult-graduate/locations/kokomo/ Follow Us:Website: simplywhypodcast.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwuglobal/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IWUGlobal/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/IWUGlobal
This week Connor is joined by Dr. Eileen Hulme, the current Chancellor of IWU-National & Global. Dr. Hulme has worked in higher education for 35 years at schools such as Azusa Pacific, Baylor, and George Fox University. Listen in to hear how to effectively be a part of an institution, what state has the best BBQ, and why higher education is such an important part of society. Follow Us:Website: simplywhypodcast.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwuglobal/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IWUGlobal/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/IWUGlobal
This week Connor is joined by Dr. Reuben Rubio, a former nuclear engineer and the current department chair for the School of Educational Leadership here at IWU. Dr. Rubio oversees the master's degree programs in education, while also working to promote and improve diversity, equity, & inclusion. Listen in to hear about irradiated material, teaching in Spanish, and how to finish a master's degree in a year! Link to Braking 4 Change: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/braking-4-change/1531754356 Follow Us:Website: simplywhypodcast.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwuglobal/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IWUGlobal/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/IWUGlobal
This week Connor is joined by Children's Book author Shannon Anderson. Shannon spent 25 years as an elementary school teacher, has published 15 books, and has been featured on The Today Show. Listen in to hear what the publishing process is like, how to encourage kids to write, and how to face rejection. Follow Shannon:Website: www.shannonisteaching.comTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/shannonteachesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonisteachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonisteaching/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/authorshannonanderson Follow Us:Website: simplywhypodcast.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwuglobal/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IWUGlobal/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/IWUGlobal
Connor is joined by Dr. Jon Kulaga, the recently appointed President of Indiana Wesleyan University, to discuss his career in higher education. Over the past 34 years, Dr. Kulaga has held multiple roles in Christian Higher Ed, including serving as President of Ohio Christian University and Provost of Asbury University. Listen in to hear how radio DJ'ing applies to a presidency, what students should seek to achieve through education, and what it means to be salt and light in the world. Follow Us:Website: simplywhypodcast.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwuglobal/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IWUGlobal/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/IWUGlobal
Indiana Wesleyan University presents a new podcast that gives you deep dives into people's stories and the "Why's" behind them. We think you'll resonate with these stories and be inspired by them as well.