WKWC Podcasts

Join us to hear from a few of our internationals about their experience as they compete far away from home. We have Iratxe Amorrortu Sainz, Andrea Martin Garcia, and Lena Stinebrickner on our episode today.  They fill us in on how they are doing, what they are hoping to do post graduation, and what it's like for them with this season's team. We are so blessed to have them with us and thankful for their commitments this season.

Our second year spotlight is on Emma Bruwer and Carson Sisk today as they join me to speak of their time finishing up their sophomore year. They share with us some past experiences and look ahead to what may be down the road for them as players and as possible careers beyond college.

This week is a special one for us. We get to honor our three seniors, Vilborg Jonsdottir, Myah Montgomery, and Riley Neal. Tune in to hear all about their experiences as they finish up their college careers this month. You won't want to miss this one!

In Episode 4 of the Breaking Barriers Podcast, host Lori Thurman, 1994 Kentucky Wesleyan College graduate and current Title IX and Disability Services Coordinator, sits down with fellow Panther alum Angel Welsh (Class of 2003), Executive Director and Founder of My Sister's Keeper. The conversation opens with Lori sharing her personal connection to Angel and My Sister's Keeper, highlighting how their paths crossed through a shared commitment to serving unhoused women and children in the community. Angel reflects on her time at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where she balanced life as a student-athlete, cheerleader, and employee while working multiple jobs both on and off campus. She discusses the challenges of managing those responsibilities and what it was like to navigate college as a female athlete. Angel shares her fondest memories from her time at KWC and offers insight into whether she experienced gender-based discrepancies or inequities during her athletic career. The discussion then turns deeply personal as Angel explains how her own life experiences inspired the creation of My Sister's Keeper and fueled her passion for advocacy and shelter work. Throughout the episode, Angel offers wisdom she wishes she could share with her younger self, reflects on gender inequities in sports and the workplace, and discusses why female athletes and coaches continue to be undervalued. She speaks candidly about what she is most proud of both professionally and personally, and considers whether there is any moment in her life she would change if given the chance. The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on motherhood, as Angel shares her hopes and dreams for her daughter and for the next generation of young women growing up in a world still striving for true equity. This episode is an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, advocacy, and breaking barriers—both on and off the field.

Orpheus sits down with fellow radio member Elliot, to discuss the growing lack of attention spans and how it relates to media consumption (This episode was recorded in the Fall semester of 2025 and is being released in the Spring of 2026)

Join us today as we catch up with two of our freshman, Ella Finley and Ricky Kapteijn. They detail their experiences here at Kentucky Wesleyan as first year students and describe what they have learned about themselves along the five month journey away from home.

Listen to our second round of interviews with freshmen Hilary Shikuku, Alexis Shehan, and Samantha Shehan. They join us today to tell us more about their lived experiences here at Kentucky Wesleyan College as students and athletes.

In Episode 3 of the Barrier Breakers Podcast, host Lori Thurman, a proud 1994 graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, sits down with Sam Hardesty, a junior English major at KWC. Sam shares his personal journey as a student with a disability and reflects on how being different has shaped his educational experience and personal growth. Throughout the episode, Sam discusses his involvement on campus, including his work with WKWC, Student Government Association, and Prism. He speaks candidly about when he first realized he was different from other children and how that realization influenced his confidence, resilience, and advocacy. Sam highlights accomplishments he is most proud of and offers thoughtful advice he would give to his younger self, emphasizing self-acceptance and perseverance. The conversation also explores the challenges students with disabilities face in educational settings. Sam shares insights into how disability has impacted his academic journey and what he wishes educators and professors better understood about accessibility, respect, and inclusion. He addresses moments of vulnerability, including whether people have attempted to take advantage of him, and reflects on experiences that shaped his sense of independence. Sam identifies the best decision he has made at Kentucky Wesleyan College and offers meaningful advice to new students with disabilities navigating college life. He closes the episode by discussing his goals after graduation and his passion for advocacy, particularly for underrepresented and minority communities on campus. This episode highlights Sam Hardesty's powerful voice as a student leader and advocate, reinforcing the Barrier Breakers mission of amplifying lived experiences and fostering a more inclusive campus community.

In today's episode, we are so excited to hear from a very special person in our program, Payton Blakemore. She is our student manager and has been for the past year. You get to hear about her and learn about how awesome of a person she is.  She is a sophomore at KWC and is also on the cheer team. Listen in to get to know Payton!

Join Kentucky Wesleyan College Disabilities Services and Title IX Coordinator, Lori Thurman as she sits down with 2013 KWC graduate, Lauren Goffinet.  We will talk about her time as a student athlete at Kentucky Wesleyan.  On the court, she was a force—Second Team All-GLVC, the team's leading scorer with 11.8 points per game, top three-point shooter, and the player who logged more minutes than anyone else. From a 23-point performance in the NCAA Midwest Regional to a career-high 11 rebounds at Quincy, Lauren delivered again and again. She led the team in double-figure scoring games, steals, blocks, rebounds—truly an all-around competitor. We'll also dive into some deeper issues: equity in women's sports, her experiences as a female athlete, her coaching journey, and the advice she offers to the young women she mentors. And with two beautiful daughters of her own, we'll ask what she hopes the world looks like by the time they become young women.

In this episode, we're balancing the chaos of finals week with the excitement of Christmas break. We chat about end-of-semester stress, upcoming holiday plans, and the traditions we look forward to every year. Plus, we dive into a rapid-fire round of Christmas questions, laugh about our experiences with Elf on the Shelf, and share some of our favorite festive memories. It's the perfect mix of cozy holiday vibe and college reality!

Tune in to hear from a few more freshmen, Georgia Acompanado and Hilary Shikuku. These two teammates are also roommates and they share with us their thoughts and adventures they have endured as basketball players. From overcoming injuries to moving away from home, they give us a look into their experiences here at Kentucky Wesleyan.

In this episode, we catch up on everything that's been happening lately—starting with the excitement of being in a pageant and what that experience was really like. We also talk about celebrating my birthday, how Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving break went, and all the chaotic, funny moments that came with the holidays. Somehow we even end up talking about Twilight and why it's still such a cultural reset. And of course, we wrap up with the stress and survival tips for finals week as we move into the end of the semester. It's a laid-back, catch-up episode with lots of stories, laughs, and random side tangents. 

Tune in to hear from a few players who also get to play with their sisters. We have three freshmen joining us today to talk about their experiences as sisters and teammates. Avah Montgomery, Alexis Shehan, and Samantha Shehan talk about what it's like having a family member alongside their journey and how they have grown over the first few months here at Kentucky Wesleyan. They even disclose some behind the scenes observations of their teammates.

In today's episode we get to learn about a couple of our Kentucky freshman, Lillian Hoagland and Ella Finley. They speak upon their adventures as freshman and their life experiences that have led them to Kentucky Wesleyan and playing college basketball.

In the debut episode of Barrier Breakers, host Lori Thurman sits down with BJ Burton, a 1989 graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College whose life and work embody resilience, innovation, and service. Burton shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the businesses he founded and the principles that guided him along the way. He offers an honest look at how living with a disability shaped both his personal outlook and professional path, emphasizing perseverance, self-advocacy, and the importance of building supportive communities. The conversation also highlights Burton's deep commitment to philanthropy. He reflects on the initiatives he supports, why giving back matters to him, and how his own experiences inspired a lifelong dedication to helping others overcome obstacles. Throughout the episode, Burton fondly revisits his time at KWC—recalling formative relationships, impactful professors, and memorable campus moments that influenced his trajectory long after graduation. His reflections blend humor, gratitude, and insight, providing listeners with an inspiring portrait of the lasting value of connection and community. Barrier Breakers launches its series with a compelling, heartfelt conversation that encourages listeners to view challenges not as limitations, but as opportunities to create meaningful impact.

Tune in today to hear from two of our international players: Iratxe Amorrortu Sainz and Ricky Kapteijn. Iratxe comes to us from Tenerife, Spain which is part of the Canary Islands and Ricky hails from Amsterdam, Netherlands. We get to learn about their American adventures and first year Wesleyan experiences.

How does Gen Z experience spirituality? Raffa and Lucy are two students at Kentucky Wesleyan College. They are both involved with Campus Ministries and have done a lot of reflection in their faith.

Former co-host Brayden Jennings returns to discuss the longest shutdown in U.S. government history, the American Empire, economics, and voting rights.

Orpheus is joined by a very special guest who reached out to be on the show; Jacob Ward, who is a science and technology journalist. They discuss an overview of the difficulties of AI and how it affects us with an insight to his views on the matter as the last episode to this series covering artificial intelligence. 

In this week's episode, we are joined by our three returning sophomores: Emma Bruwer, Carson Sisk, and Lena Stinebrickner.  Listen as they discuss their hopes for year 2 for them, their views on the team and they even give some lowdown on their teammates. 

How does service impact your life? How can we be open and have grace with others? Today's guest is Lori Thurman! She is Title IX and disabilities coordinator at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Lori talks about her experiences as part of the Salvation Army.

In today's episode, Riley talks about the mental side of performance- anxiety, confidence, and learning how to take care of her mind. This short episode serves as a reminder that your sport (or whatever you do) doesn't define you. At the end of the day, winning starts in your head.

Welcome back to The Inside Game! Join Kentucky Wesleyan Women's Basketball Coach, Nicole Nieman along with their three seniors: Vilborg Jonsdottir, Myah Montgomery, and Riley Neal. Together they discuss their journeys through basketball, the upcoming season, and even give some scoop on their teammates. 

In this episode of Headcanon, the podcast where we psychoanalyze your favorite fictional stories until they feel a bit too real, we dive deep into the hit psychological thriller YOU and unpack the twisted perspective of Joe Goldberg and his thought processes. Why do some root for Joe even when he crosses the line of morality? How does the show mirror real-world attachment dynamics and toxic love cycles? Join us as we mix pop culture with psychology- analyzing love, control, and connection!   Podcast Cover by Dime Pierson

How does community impact your life? How does trauma effect your spiritual or religious journey? In this episode Dr Jim Coleman, pastor at Wesleyan Heights United Methodist Church and professor of religion at Kentucky Wesleyan College, talks about his faith and how critical community is to his religious experiences. This is the Soul Purpose Podcast with Sam Hardesty.

This episode Orpheus covers Ai art, image and video generation. He is accompanied by a long friend who also happens to be an art major, Katie Pierce, to discuss. 

In this episode, Riley sits down with Joel Utley to talk about passion - doing what you love and finding purpose in it. They dive into what keeps athletes motivated, how to change perspective, and why success hits different when it comes from genuine love for the game. 

Hey everyone, and welcome to the very first episode of “3 Girls & a Podcast!” In this episode, we're catching you up on what the first few months of college have really been like, the good, the chaotic, and everything in between. We'll talk about new opportunities like study abroad, what's been happening in pop culture and sports, and some of the fun things we've been up to lately. We're so excited to kick this off and let you into our world. Welcome to 3 Girls & a Podcast!   Welcome to "3 Girls & a Podcast” - where college life meets real talk. We're three best friends navigating college, leading student organizations, sorority life, and everything in between. Each week, we sit down to catch up on pop culture, share what's happening on campus, and talk about the things every college student can relate to, from late-night study sessions to big game weekend and all the drama that comes with it. Whether you're here for laughs, hot takes, or a little sisterhood energy, you'll feel right at home. So, grab your coffee, plug in your headphones, and hang out with us, we're so glad you're here! 

What keeps you going when life becomes difficult? How do your relationships impact your life?Derik Hancock is station manager for WKWC 90.3 at Kentucky Wesleyan College. We talk about all things from advocating for and supporting students to how we can support each other during times of hardship.

This week on Headcanon, the podcast where we psychoanalyze your favorite fictional stories until they feel a bit too real, we dive into the world of Neverland and the psyche of characters like Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and Peter Pan; might Peter Pan actually be the villain of Neverland? Is Neverland a faraway haven, or is it a version of Hell? Listen in and dissect this childhood story by JM Barrie.    Podcast cover by Dime Pierson

Welcome to Everyday Wins! I'm Riley Neal and in this intro episode, we're talking... everyday wins- introducing the small lessons, growth moments, and real-life stories that make college athletics meaningful. Tune in for real conversations, personal stories, and a look at life in and out of athletics in future episodes. 

In this episode John discusses the government shutdown, the deployment of national guard to insurrectionist cities, and Trumps Gaza Peace plan. 

Tune into the first episode of Headcanon, the podcast where we psychoanalyze your favorite fictional stories until they feel a bit too real. In our debut episode, we are beaming aboard the Black Mirror nightmare, “USS Callister” to explore the twisted psychology of power, control, and digital god complexes.  Podcast cover by Dime Pierson 

Welcome to nuts for Naranjo! This is a journey into enneagram psychology. Today we are discussing the generic overview of enneagram 2 core, the semantics of typology, and the self preservation subtype (or as Naranjo calls it: the conservation subtype). Please enjoy this podcast! Another big shoutout to The Barrcast for being my biggest inspiration for starting a podcast in the first place.

On this Episode Orpheus brings in his partner, Cedar to continue the discussion on Ai; and how Ai, technology and the internet have impacted us mentally

John discusses the rhetoric from the progressive left that created an atmosphere where political violence is permitted. 

Its a new semester which means a new season! On this episode Orpheus sits down with WKWC's very own Derik Hancock to talk about the growing use of Ai and how it is effecting the industry and us 

On today's episode, John and Brayden sit down with Caleb Ranallo and Jackson Willett to discuss the ceasefire deal with Iran and Israel, the results of the New York City Democratic primary, and the Nato summit. 

On today's episode, John and Brayden discuss the war amongst Iran and Israel, the Minnesota gunmen alleged to have shot and killed members of the state's legislature, and the nationwide No King rally's across the United States. 

On today's episode John and Brayden sit down with professor of political science at Kentucky Wesleyan College Dr. Eric Schmidt. We discussed AI, the modern presidency, and the nature of contemporary politics.

On today's episode Brayden and John Sit down discuss President Trump's new spending bill, the recent developments in foreign policy and, the future of the political landscape in America

In this special edition of Panthers Without Borders, we sit down with two student-athletes at Kentucky Wesleyan College—Mohamed Alshabot from Louisville, KY, with roots in Iraq, and Ivan Juarez from Madisonville, KY, with Dominican heritage. Though they were born and raised in the U.S., both Mohamed and Ivan share how their international backgrounds have shaped their identities, their perspectives, and their journeys as college soccer players. We dive into cultural traditions, family values, and what it means to belong to more than one world—plus, they take on a customized round of Cultural Crash Course featuring questions about Iraq and Dominican Republic

This episode is the last of this semester, on it Orpheus and Dr.Derick McClellan discuss mental health

In this episode of Panthers Without Borders, we sit down with Laura Hruby, a basketball player at Kentucky Wesleyan College originally from Budapest, Hungary. Laura shares her journey from growing up in Hungary to adapting to life as a student-athlete in the United States. We talk about cultural surprises, the differences between European and American basketball, and what it's like to build a new life thousands of miles from home. Plus, Laura faces off in our signature Cultural Crash Course—with a mix of U.S., Kentucky, and basketball trivia that puts her knowledge to the test.

In this episode of Panthers Without Borders, we're joined by two standout soccer players from Kentucky Wesleyan College—Hannes Grönevik from Sweden and Haakon Torvbraaten from Norway. We talk about their journey from Scandinavia to small-town Kentucky, how soccer has shaped their college experience, and what it's like navigating American culture both on and off the field. Hannes also shares his role as a tutor and academic assistant, and Haakon opens up about adapting to life in the U.S. from a Norwegian perspective. Plus, we flip the format in this week's Cultural Crash Course—we quiz them on U.S. and Kentucky trivia, and they hit us back with questions about Sweden and Norway.

On today's episode, John and Brayden sit down with KWC freshmen Jeremiah Peters to discuss the death of the pope, Robert F. Kennedy's push for a healthier America, and updates on global conflicts.

In this episode of Panthers Without Borders, we sit down with two inspiring Latina students at Kentucky Wesleyan College—Sofi Bracho, originally from Venezuela and living in Ecuador, and Claudia Melgar from Mexico. Sofi shares her experience as a student leader with KWC SOLX, a student-led organization promoting Hispanic culture and awareness on campus. Claudia, a KWC soccer player, talks about representing Mexico through sports and staying connected to her roots while competing in the U.S. We explore identity, community, culture shock, and the power of leadership—and wrap it up with a round of Cultural Crash Course trivia featuring Venezuela, Ecuador, and Mexico.

Orpheus, Nevaeh Branch, Persephone Riner and Jim Coleman discuss Religion and their different experiences with it

In today's episode, Viet Tran and Sam Hardesty sit down with Colton Day and discuss his involvement at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He's involved with Panther Radio and Sigma Alpha Mu! Listen to him talking about it!

On today's episode John and Brayden sit down with Gabe Hunt to discuss Trump's tariff policy, the market collapse, the rebirth of Dire wolves, and the future of American politics.