Podcasts about Intervarsity

“...our hearts are like this - given a whole week full of headlines and pressures and fears and joys we imperceptively get pulled off course...so to gather together with other believers is a way of pulling our needle back north again.” — Carmen Joy Imes Old testament professor Carmen Joy Imes joins us on the podcast to discuss the role of the people of God throughout history and the church's relevance in our lives today. In our modern world, how can we connect deeply with the church in all of its complexities? Author and Old Testament professor Carmen Joy Imes joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters. In our conversation, Carmen shares the biblical vision for the church in the world while not shying away from the struggles and disillusionments that many have experienced in their own church communities. Carmen helps us to think about what it means to be wholeheartedly connected to a local church while acknowledging the time and energy poured into one's own vocational calling. We also discuss the challenge of political polarization in the church, a topic Carmen approaches with grace and curiosity. In addition, we're pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Becoming God's Family for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Carmen shares her thoughts about how she finds time to read in her busy life. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

We've heard the experts. But what are alumni like you saying?We recently answered 9 Big Questions that alumni are asking (or should consider asking) after graduation. From "Should I Quit My Job?" to "Is Church Worth Waking Up For?" We covered a lot of ground.On this episode, we're joined once again by our good friend, Selah; a 2024 InterVarsity alumna who's asked many of these exact questions herself. She provides thoughtful feedback based on her own first year of life after graduation and highlights some of her most meaningful moments from the recent series.RELATED EPISODESE183: Where Should I Live? (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)E189: How Much is Enough? (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp converses with Laura Baghdassarian Murray, Director of Spiritual Engagement and Innovation at Fuller Seminary and author of 'Becoming a Person of Welcome.' Laura shares her journey in practicing and understanding hospitality, particularly how it evolved during the pandemic through digital silent retreats. They discuss the theological foundation of hospitality, various influences on Laura's work, the importance of carrying a posture of welcome, and navigating the challenges within hospitality, including boundaries. Laura emphasizes experimenting with small practices to deepen hospitality and cultivate authentic and meaningful connections.Laura Baghdassarian Murray is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with God and others (www.digitalsilentretreats.com). Her newest book is Becoming a Person of Welcome, which was just published by InterVarsity. She lives in the Dallas area with her husband and two children.Laura's website: https://laurabmurray.com/This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 In the second hour, Kerby will speak with Greg Jao about the upcoming InterVarsity conference Urbana 25. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just the Highlights? Follow us on Spotify at Point of View Highlights and get weekly highlights […]

After IV is sitting down with another focus ministry alum this week! On this episode, we're chatting with Matthew Best, a BCM/CBC alumnus from University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Matthew shares about his transformational time on campus with Collegiate Black Christians and its impact on his work today as the Executive Director at New Ballet Ensemble and School in Memphis TN. RELATED EPISODEE190: From Greek Life to Greek Ministry (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

“No matter where you are and no matter what you are doing, you are completely worthy right now. There is nothing that you could do or not do that would make you any less or more worthy.” — Portia Preston Public health professor Dr. Portia Preston joins us on the podcast to discuss sustainable habits in the midst of busy lives. What steps can we take to invest seriously in our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness? Author and public health expert Dr. Portia Preston joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go? A Guide to Shame-Free Wellness That Honors Your Reality and Gives You Life. In our conversation, Portia walks us through her journey of embracing the limitations that she had ignored for years and the process of establishing habits to support her wellbeing. Portia empathizes with those who experience the unrelenting pace of life while inviting us to consider moving into the slow lane. Her expertise in public health influences her fresh insights into the roles of community and culture, offering helpful advice for busy women who wish to be connected. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our interview where Portia talks about the way she cultivated a diverse network to support her as she wrote her book. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

After IV is sitting down with another focus ministry alum this week! On this episode, we're chatting with Kristin Dalton, a Greek IV alumna from Indiana University. Kristin shares about some of her own transition experience from Greek IV student to Greek IV staff and tells us the story of the night 100 students said yes to an invitation to follow Jesus!RELATED EPISODESE164: From Overtime to Occupational Therapy: One Athlete's Calling On and Off the Court (YouTube, Apple, Spotify)KRISTIN'S INTERVARSITY WORLD CHANGERS EPISODEE23: When 100 Greek Students Say "YES!" to Jesus with Kristen Dalton (YouTube, Apple, Spotify)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

A million? Ten million? Just enough for food and shelter?How much money is enough? It's a question we're all asking. And in these early days of life after graduation, it's something you SHOULD BE asking. But the question goes deeper than the dollars and cents that make up your monthly budget. It's also a question of satisfaction and discipleship.This week, personal finance expert and coach Shang Saavedra (Save My Cents) joins us once again to sort through our last Big Question: How Much is Enough?RELATED EPISODESE144: Wealth is a Mindset (Apple, Spotify)E145: 3 Simple Steps for Getting Smarter with Your Paycheck (Apple, Spotify)SHANG'S WORLD CHANGER STORYE18: Shang Saavedra: The Intersection of Money and Mental Health (YouTube, Apple, Spotify)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

“While others are fighting or ignoring or separating, we can be people who truly engage because we understand what it means to be created in the image of God.” How can we explore the connection between faith and work more deeply in our lives? Listen in on professors Denise Daniels and Elaine Howard Ecklund as they share their work in an online webinar. What does it mean to explore the connection between faith and work more deeply in our lives? In this episode, we hear from sociology professor Elaine Howard Ecklund and management professor Denise Daniels as they share some of the research they describe in their new book Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work. This conversation took place in a webinar hosted by several organizations including InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, InterVarsity's MBA Ministry, VOCA Center, and Faith & Work Movement. Our director, Karen Guzmán, hosts the “fireside chat” portion of the presentation, and then we wrap up with a bit of Q&A. You'll enjoy this rich discussion even if you weren't able to attend the webinar. In addition, we're pleased to let you know that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Working for Better for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from the conversation where the authors dig deeply into an insightful graph from their book, which you'll also be able to see in our show notes. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

It feels like the answer to this big question should be an obvious and resounding "YES!" But... It doesn't always feel that simple. Finding the right church after graduation can be awkward, confusing, and even hurtful. So is it even worth the effort? This week, we're joined by pastor and friend of InterVarsity, Gina Cherian, who really does believe that the answer is yes. And not just because you need the church. It's because the church needs YOU, alumni.Find out why as we answer the big question, "Is church worth waking up for?"RELATED EPISODESE80: I'm So Tired of Church Hopping! (Apple, Spotify)E186: What's My Purpose? (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

Okay, maybe you just started a job (or you're still looking for one), so it might be a little early to ask this question. But it's never too early to be thoughtful about fit and about the skills you're developing at work; whether or not a position feels like your "forever job".This week, InterVarsity Alumna and HR Professional, Kaitlynn Steele, helps us consider our work, teaches us some practical skills for assessing fit, and helps us normalize that reality that at one time or another, everyone asks the big question, "Should I Quit My Job?"RELATED EPISODESE82: Can I Put InterVarsity on My Resume? (Apple, Spotify)E183: Where Should I Live? (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

“I can't fix the world. I can't save my university. I can't save my department. I can't save my students .... but I can keep showing up to what I've been called to do.” — Grace Hamman Medieval scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss the wisdom medieval virtues and vices have for us today. What can medieval virtues and vices teach us about living the good life today? Author and medieval scholar Dr. Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life. In our conversation, Grace describes what drew her into the study of virtues and vices, and the timeless truths she discovered in her work. We discuss the insights that virtues and vices offer about human nature and Grace offers practical suggestions about ways these ancient ideas can lead us into a life of wholeness today. Grace shares too about her journey as an independent scholar and the gifts and challenges she has found on that path. Also, as a bonus, Grace's publisher has shared an excerpt from her book that you can check out in our show notes, so take a look at those. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our interview where Grace recites something for us in Middle English. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

What's My Purpose?It's a fundamental question that needs an answer. But would you be surprised to hear that the answer might not be quite as complicated as you think? This week, April Peters from Landing on Purpose is here to provide some helpful insight on our purpose and how it differs from our calling and mission.RELATED EPISODEE185: Who Am I? (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)MORE FROM APRIL PETERSLanding on PurposeRoadmap: 7 Actions to Reclaim Direction in Uncertain Times - with Jon Steele (YouTube)Join me for this rebroadcast of a live conversation, as I walk you through The Roadmap—a 7-step framework to help you get unstuck, refocus, and move forward with clarity and purpose. It's time to turn this pause into a powerful new beginning.

Who Am I?The list of potential identities we hold during college is long: student, freshman/sophomore/junior/senior, athlete, Greek, leader, coordinator, president (to name a few). But putting on the cap and gown for graduation often requires taking off many of those titles. And as we leave them in the capable hands of those who remain on campus, we can be left with some uncertainty around our own identity. Who are we when those long-held campus roles and rhythms no longer define so much of what we do?This week, we're joined by author, alumnus, and Assistant to the President of InterVarsity, Greg Jao. And Greg is going to provide some firm footing for us as we take next steps in answering the big question, "Who Am I?"RELATED EPISODESE182: How Do I Grow As A Leader? (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

“Even though it looks like other people are better prepared, God has gifted this to you. He is with you and you have an amazing opportunity. Don't miss it because you're concerned about how you might not be prepared or that you feel like you're in over your head. Just take what you can from that situation and appreciate it.” — Erin Devers Social psychologist and professor Erin Devers joins us on the podcast to discuss ways to identify our hidden biases and pursue accuracy instead. What is cognitive bias, and how does it affect our work, relationships, and spiritual lives? Author and social psychologist Erin Devers joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Unbiased Self: The Psychology of Overcoming Cognitive Bias. Erin explains exactly what cognitive bias is and how it affects every facet of our lives, even those of us who consider ourselves very self-aware. But instead of leaving us feeling hopeless to change, Erin suggests strategies for training our minds and altering our environments to help reframe our biases and overcome their negative effects. Erin's practical ideas can affect our presence in our families, workplaces, and communities, and we're left feeling a sense of empowerment to make small adjustments that yield big results. In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on The Unbiased Self for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Erin helps us understand the link between overcoming cognitive bias and cleaning out our closets.. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Should I Cancel Netflix?No, this isn't actually about Netflix, per se... Rather, what should my relationship be with media and entertainment after graduation? So often, we get home from work and our natural inclination is to sit down and turn on a streaming service or short-form social media like Instagram and TikTok. But is that the best way? What does it look like to establish healthy rhythms of rest that are informed by biblical examples?This week, we're joined by one of today's leading thinkers in this area: Andy Crouch. As a partner for theology and culture with Praxis, past executive editor of Christianity Today, and the author of numerous books (The Techwise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place; The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World), Andy has spent significantly more time than most thinking about technology, our relationship with it, and its impact on our relationships with one another.As you can imagine, Andy has some helpful insights for us as we answer the question, "Should I cancel Netflix?"RELATED EPISODESE122: A Foundation for Healthy Rhythms of Rest (Apple, Spotify)E181: What Should I Do About My Anxiety? - Pt 1 (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)MORE FROM ANDY CROUCHRead Andy's BooksFollow Andy on InstagramWhen People Go To Heaven, Do They Bring Their Phones (Apple, Spotify)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

In the latest episode of Gator Talk, InterVarsity leader Monse Ochoa discusses SFSU faith-based clubs on campus and how they grow connections with God and other students.

Tom Lin is the CEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a ministry that serves 700+ U.S. college campuses and reaches over 62,000 students and faculty annually. He and Brian discuss why Gen Z may be more open to faith following the global pandemic. They also preview the upcoming 2025 Urbana Mission Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Links & Episode Notes Tom Lin InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Moody Bible Institute Every Campus Coalition Barna Group The Outpouring Story of Revival | Asbury University The Salt Network CRU Fellowship of Christian Athletes Urbana Powered by SIMA® – SIMA International Made to Advance is a production of Engedi Church and is hosted by Brian Aulick. Send us your feedback at mta@engedichurch.com.

Where should I live?"Wherever I can find a job," is probably the most common answer to this big question after graduation. We go where there's work. But what if there's more to it than that? What if we thought about "place" in terms of thriving? Where can I put down roots that will allow me to thrive and will also provide opportunities for me to help others thrive?On this episode, we're joined by the leading expert in life after college, Erica Young Reitz. Erica is the founder of After College Transition, and author of the newly updated After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships, and Faith. A strong theology of place is something Erica cares about deeply and she's going to help us gain a more robust understanding for how to answer the big question, "Where should I live?"RELATED EPISODE(S)E182: How Do I Grow As A Leader? (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)OTHER RESOURCESAfter College TransitionAfter College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships, and FaithStaying is the New GoingFront Yard MissionSTAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews Tom Lin, the president and CEO of InterVarsity.Tom shares about God's work on college campuses, the Urbana Student Missions Conference, the importance of mobilizing for global missions, along with insights from his experiences at Harvard and in Mongolia.Join us and Tom at the ⁠Beyond Us Conference⁠ in October 2025 in Waco, TX.

On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Major win for religious liberty as a Michigan physician assistant fired over pronouns gets her case reinstated in federal court. Van Jones admits workplace activism has gone too far — is “woke” finally fading in corporate America? FOCUS STORY: Ben Carson warns about the only way America could be brought down and shares his thoughts on revival MAIN THING: New research shows Gen Z is more spiritually open than many believe — Madison Seals talks with InterVarsity's Doug Schaupp about how ministries are thriving on campus. LAST THING: 3 John 1 PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com SHOW LINKS Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

“Do not put off rest or relaxation. Learn how to weave it in throughout your day. Schedule it as if it was another class or lecture you had to attend.”  — Tracie Braylock Holistic nurse educator Tracie Braylock joins us on the podcast to discuss stress, faith, and how to care for your whole body. What would change for each of us if we started the school year from a place of rest and relaxation? Author and holistic health educator Tracie Braylock joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry. Tracie helps us to understand the ways stress and relaxation affect our bodies and lives, and she offers practical suggestions for creating habits that bring some breathing room into a busy life. We talk about the way one's sense of agency can help us care for our bodies and the role that faith can play in the process. In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Radical Relaxation for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tracie helps us to think about when it might be time to find a new primary care physician.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

How do I grow as a leader?As a part of InterVarsity, opportunities to lead were abundant. That's the beauty of being part of a student-led organization! But those opportunities might not feel quite as accessible after graduation... How, then, do we keep developing as leaders in this new season of life?Jason Jensen, author of the new IVP title "Formed to Lead", joins us for this episode to help reframe our understanding of leadership and provide helpful practices for growing as leaders who are deeply-rooted disciples of Jesus.RELATED EPISODEE173: Post-Graduation Disorientation and the Power of Perseverance (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)RESOURCESPurchase your copy of Formed to LeadSTAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

“What should I do about my anxiety?”This week, we're continuing our newest series, Big Questions, with the conclusion to our conversation with Nader Sahyouni, a professional in the world of clinical counseling and spiritual direction. Nader is going to finish clarifying what it means to accept more and then teach us how to attach better as a means to develop a healthier approach to managing anxiety.If you missed part 1 of the Big Question "What should I do about my anxiety," tap one of the links below to get caught up.RELATED EPISODEE181: What Should I Do About My Anxiety? - Pt 1 (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)E89: Navigating Anxiety with Grace and Grit: 10 Tips for Post-Graduation Anxiety (Apple, Spotify)RESOURCESAnxiety TransformedNader's WebsiteSTAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we revisit part 2 of an episode with Rev. Dr. Gordon MacDonald. Rev. Dr. Gordon MacDonald was the former lead pastor of Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA, led InterVarsity, is the author of many books and much more. He is no stranger to Vision New England and we are excited for you to hear from his heart on Practical Disciple Making!Follow us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionnewengland/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisionNewEngland/Website: https://www.visionnewengland.org/

“Focusing on truth, goodness, and beauty first takes us outside of ourselves...but also it also changes who we are and how we are and how we do what we do.“ — Karen Swallow Prior Reader, writer, and erstwhile professor Karen Swallow Prior joins us on the podcast to discuss vocation, literature, and spiritual formation. What does it mean to have a calling and how does one begin to discover it? Karen Swallow Prior joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful. Karen unpacks our understanding of vocation and brings new insight into the breadth of one's callings and how they can change throughout the span of a life. Her skillful use of literature helps to illustrate and amplify her prose, and the pairing brings fresh understanding and new questions to the process of uncovering one's calling. Karen offers thoughtful insights about this time in history, and if you listen to the end of the credits you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Karen shares what is bringing her joy today.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“What should I do about my anxiety?”As a new grad, you have many questions running through your mind. It's normal. It's good. And it's why this new series exists. For the next few weeks, we're going to be asking the experts some of your biggest questions about life after graduation.This week, we're asking for help with anxiety. To help us do that, we're joined by Nader Sahyouni, a professional in the world of clinical counseling and spiritual direction. Nader is also the author of Anxiety Transformed: Prayer that Brings Enduring Change. And Nader is going to share three practical (and research-based) steps that he recommends for developing a healthier approach to managing anxiety.RELATED EPISODEE89: Navigating Anxiety with Grace and Grit: 10 Tips for Post-Graduation Anxiety (Apple, Spotify)E166: Where Does God Want Me to Go?: Developing Tools for Discernment (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)RESOURCESAnxiety TransformedNader's WebsiteSTAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we revisit an episode with Rev. Dr. Gordon MacDonald. Rev. Dr. Gordon MacDonald was the former lead pastor of Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA, led InterVarsity, is the author of many books and much more. He is no stranger to Vision New England and we are excited for you to hear from his heart on Practical Disciple Making!Follow us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionnewengland/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisionNewEngland/Website: https://www.visionnewengland.org/

"I start off with trying to make sure the student knows someone is looking forward to seeing them." — Jana Young How do you prepare to successfully kick off a new school year? Listen in on our first in a series of episodes where we answer some of your Dear Mentor questions. Hello, dear listeners! To start us off this August, we're offering a re-broadcast of one of our favorite episodes to kick off the new school year. So listen in on our back to school special, complete with all the original introductory content (including a note referencing our 2022 name change), and we'll see you next week with a fresh new episode.  ..... Let me invite you into a special episode, our first in a series of episodes where we answer some of your Dear Mentor questions. First up: back to school rhythms. How do you get geared up for the semester? What habits get you in the mindset for an energizing start to the school year? Karen Hice Guzmán, director of Women Scholars and Professionals, sat down with three women faculty members — representing the fields of chemistry, music, and business — and recorded their best tips and wisdom to help you start your school year on the right foot. ​ Let me add a special note here for those of you who are not professionally aligned with a school schedule at this time of year — you are welcome, too! The ideas that emerge from these three conversations can be applied easily to a number of contexts, so we hope you listen in and glean the wisdom that connects with your life and work situation. So have a listen! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd Featuring Rachel Barnard, Cristina Espinoza-Alguera, & Jana Young, with Karen Hice Guzmán. For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... metaphor for life after graduation?Okay, that's a stretch... BUT, the most recent Superman movie does illustrate a number of sentiments that might be appreciated by a brand new grad. Superman feels disconnected, misunderstood, lonely, and out of place. He's questioning his purpose but also has a deep sense of conviction and commitment to a meaningful mission. Can you relate?Jon's flying solo this week, but he's carrying on with After IV's two-part summer media breakdown series. How is what we're watching and listening to shaping us in life after graduation? And what can we learn from a box office hit like Superman?RELATED EPISODE(S)E178: Breaking Down the Billboard: "Ordinary" by Alex Warren (YouTube, Apple, Spotify)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

Alex Warren's "Ordinary" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 back in February of this year and has spent all of Summer '25 (so far) in the #1 position. It's catchy, it's deep, and it's fun to sing. But what does it mean? And how is it shaping us as we sing along in the car for the 50th time? With lyrics that mention heaven's gates, the sanctuary, the altar, and even the Lord, it can leave us with familiar feelings of faith and spirituality. But should warning lights start to flash once we recognize poetic references to God and worship are being focused on another human? Or is it a complement? An artist using powerful biblical images of worship (along with a healthy dollop of poetic license) to describe the deep and mysterious experience of romantic love?We're enjoying a short break in our typical format to dig into some of Summer 2025's big hits in music and movies. This week, we're joined by Juilliard Christian Fellowship Alumna, Lydia Goldie, as we discuss the implications of Alex Warren's hit song "Ordinary" and what it means to be thoughtful about music and the impact it has on our discipleship journey with Jesus.Watch the "Ordinary" music videoRELATED EPISODE(S)E116: Navigating a Career in the Arts (Apple, Spotify)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

What can a medical student expect as they make the transition to residency?After IV is sitting down with another focus ministry alum this week! On this episode, we're chatting with Dr. Victor Hsiao, MD, an alum from the Keck Student Christian Fellowship at USC. In addition to providing insights about his transition to residency after Med School, Victor shares how his time with his grad fellowship helped prepare him for partnering with Jesus in his calling after graduation.RELATED EPISODESE164: From Overtime to Occupational Therapy: One Athlete's Calling On and Off the Court (YouTube, Apple, Spotify)E66: I Nearly Failed Out of Med School: A Story of Extraordinary Commitment to Jesus (Apple, Spotify)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

Do you remember being a college student? It's a season of life-changing decisions. What if your church (without any new programs) could help them make a decision for Christ? Today we talk with Allison Stump, Assoc. Area Director for Athletes InterVarsity about how she's seeing Gen Z students coming to faith (and why).

We've heard the experts. But what are my fellow alumni saying?We recently devoted 10 episodes to conversations with experts and your fellow alumni about navigating the unique challenges of faith transitions after college. We covered a range of topics including new rhythms for spiritual discipline, doubt, hope, and perseverance. Today, we look back on those conversations with Selah, a 2024 InterVarsity alumna who's walking through so many of these exact faith transition experiences. She provides thoughtful feedback from her first year of life after graduation and highlights some of her most meaningful moments from the recent series.RELATED EPISODE(S)E166: Where Does God Want Me to Go?: Developing Tools for Discernment (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)E169: Overcoming Doubt: When Feelings and Faith Don't Match (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)E172: Deconstructing & Reconstructing After Graduation (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)E173: Post-Graduation Disorientation and the Power of Perseverance (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

Has God left me here alone?When we find ourselves in dark, dangerous places, it's easy to wonder if God has left us. We might wonder... Did I miss his instructions? Is it because of sin? Does he just not care?What if those are the wrong questions? What if we're supposed to ask...Where do I remember seeing God in the past?Is it possible he's still there?Difficulty and hardship do not equal God's absence. In fact, Psalm 23 makes it clear that oftentimes the right paths lead through dark valleys. Which means, even if it's harder to see at times, God's provision and protection is still with us in difficult, dangerous places.This week, Jason Gaboury helps us better understand the confidence and hope that we can have, even when the path we're walking leads through some pretty dark valleys.RESOURCESDM "Examen" to @afterivpod to receive your copy of the daily examens discussed in this episodeRELATED EPISODEE173: Post-Graduation Disorientation and the Power of Perseverance (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

I feel like I'm not getting anywhere with Jesus lately...That's normal! Sometimes, sticking with your faith isn't about feeling inspired. It's about continuing to show up when it's boring, confusing, and hard. This week, we're talking about spiritual perseverance and our ability to hold tight to Jesus; especially when it feels like our relationship with him just isn't going anywhere.Because sometimes faithfully following Jesus after graduation isn't dramatic or exciting like it was on campus. Sometimes, it's just about that small, faithful decision to keep showing up.RELATED EPISODEE169: Overcoming Doubt: When Feelings and Faith Don't Match (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

"I walked away for a pretty long time..."No one expects to walk away from their faith after graduation. It was definitely a huge surprise for Rocco. He'd been highly involved in his InterVarsity chapter. He attended Urbana. And he was excited and hopeful about life after graduation. But loneliness, overworking, and extremely intelligent co-workers who didn't believe in Jesus left him experiencing an unexpected crisis of faith. This week, we hear Rocco's story of walking away from Jesus after graduation. But walking away wasn't the end. Through a series of events that sound like the setup to a bad dad joke, one lonely evening in the middle of a work trip the Holy Spirit, Rocco's campus staff, and his grandma intervened. And everything (slowly) started to change for Rocco.RELATED EPISODESE171: Disappointing Faith. Unfailing God. (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)E169: Overcoming Doubt: When Feelings and Faith Don't Match (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

“I think this would be a perfect time to choose to trust God with your future and with your present and just spend some time with him in nature, with other colleagues in prayer, in the word, etc.“ — Dr. Denise-Margaret Thompson Four esteemed guests join us on the podcast to discuss how we can reflect on this school year and enter into summer from a place of spiritual vitality. What does it look like to enter into summer from the position of this current cultural moment? We've invited four guests to participate in a roundtable discussion for this special episode as we wrap up our podcast season for this academic year. You'll get to hear from four women with expertise in university culture, spiritual formation, and faith-work integration as we talk about the uniqueness of the days we're living through. In this conversation, we'll talk about the challenges we are seeing on campus these days and the opportunities we have to respond faithfully. We also talk about how to wrap up the school year and enter into summer with a posture that is reflective and intentional and life-giving. I think you'll really enjoy this episode, and if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear a blessing that we are praying over all of our listeners. ​ So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

What do I do when my faith experience feels... disappointing?In this candid episode of After IV, we welcome InterVarsity alumna Erica Spanjers to talk about the highs and lows of post-college faith. Jon and Erica explore what it means to follow Jesus when church communities let us down, when spiritual growth feels slow, and when God's presence seems quiet. With themes of church hurt, spiritual disappointment, and resilient hope, this episode offers real encouragement for alumni navigating transitions, faith deconstruction, and building (or rebuilding) trust in God after graduation.RELATED EPISODESE169: Overcoming Doubt: When Feelings and Faith Don't Match (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)E166: Where Does God Want Me to Go?: Developing Tools for Discernment (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

“Doing your PhD is ... there's a lot of pressure for sure, but you never get that kind of space and time [again] to focus on a single project. As soon as you leave ... there are so many other demands in your time. The privilege of getting to sit with a topic for years and have so many people invest in the work that you're doing and speak into it and help you to improve it — it's so wonderful. I would do PhDs for the rest of my life.“ — Jennifer Powell McNutt Professor and author Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt joins us on the podcast to discuss the place of Mary Magdalene in the biblical story and what she can teach us about walking with Jesus.  Who was Mary Magdalene and what does her story offer to Christians in the 21st century? Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today, which recently received the honor of being a 2025 ECPA Christian Book Award Finalist. Jennifer helps us to understand the unique place Mary Magdalene has in the story of Jesus as a woman, a believer, and a model for Christians across the ages. We talk about the ways Mary's life impacted the church across the world, and we learn about some crucial misunderstandings that have maligned Mary's name over the years. Jennifer also offers encouraging thoughts about her experience as a woman in the academy, and if you listen to the end of the credit, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jennifer shares her story of advocating for maternity leave on campus. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

When you look back, do you see Him? In part two of our conversation with Heather Thompson Day, we talk about the power of reflection, the slow work of spiritual growth, and the ways God shows up—often in hindsight. Heather shares how journaling, gratitude, and persistent hope have helped her recognize God's fingerprints even in seasons of silence and waiting. We also explore what it means to prosper in God's kingdom (hint: it's not about success), how to live generously even in lack, and why your faithfulness matters more than your clarity. If you've been wondering where God is in your story, this episode will help you find Him in the details.ResourcesVisit heatherthompsonday.comPurchase What if I'm Wrong: Navigating the Waves of Fear and FailureFollow @heatherthompsondayRELATED EPISODEE169: Overcoming Doubt: When Feelings and Faith Don't Match (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

What if doubt wasn't something to run from, but a sign you're right where God wants you? In part one of this honest and powerful conversation, Dr. Heather Thompson Day joins us to talk about the unexpected presence of doubt during life's biggest transitions—like stepping away from a career, losing structure, or graduating from a close-knit community. Together, we unpack how faith and doubt often coexist, why resistance can be a sign of God's presence, and how to stay rooted when your future feels uncertain. Whether you're wrestling with calling, finances, or identity, this episode reminds you: God sees you, even when you can't see Him.ResourcesVisit heatherthompsonday.comPurchase What if I'm Wrong: Navigating the Waves of Fear and FailureFollow @heatherthompsondayRELATED EPISODEE166: Where Does God Want Me to Go?: Developing Tools for Discernment (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our Website ★ Support this podcast ★

“Show up as your authentic self. Please don't mold yourself into what you think you ought to be or how you think you ought to be received. Just be who God has called you to be, because when you do that, you give other women permission to be themselves, and I want my daughters to have that.”  — Nicole Massie Martin Executive leader and author Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin joins us on the podcast to discuss principles of sacrificial leadership and how Christians can follow Jesus in their own roles.  How do leadership principles look different for those who wish to integrate their Christian faith into their roles? Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender. Nicole describes the contrast between common leadership practices and the kind of sacrificial leadership that Jesus modeled for us. We discuss unique challenges for women leaders within this framework, and Nicole talks the ways our current cultural moment is exemplifying these leadership dynamics.  In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Nailing It for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Nicole shares her recommendations for overcoming imposter syndrome. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

What's the hardest part about making friends after graduation?Believe it or not, it usually isn't meeting new people. New people are everywhere. The hardest part is taking consistent, proactive steps toward GETTING TO KNOW someone once you've met them. So, how do we take that step? If friendship and community are so important for our faith development, mental health, and general well being, how do we overcome that most difficult step?This week, Jon and Nader chat about vulnerability, healthy boundaries, prayer, and a little persistence as a workable formula for developing deeper, meaningful connections after graduation.RELATED EPISODESE167: Too Distracted to Pray: Developing Prayer Rhythms That Work for You (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)E103: Making (and Keeping) Friends After Graduation (Spotify, Apple)RESOURCESNader's WebsiteSTAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our WebsiteLeave us a message on SpeakPipe ★ Support this podcast ★

Guest Bio: Tara Edelschick is a teacher, a writer, mother of three, and grandmother. For three decades, she has worked as an educator, teaching public high school students in New York, graduate students at Harvard's School of Education, homeschoolers in Massachusetts, and incarcerated men taking college courses through the Emerson Prison Initiative. In her church, you can find her speaking at a women's conference or marriage retreat, teaching Sunday school, gathering mothers for prayer and Bible study, or leading retreats for families.    Guest Bio: Kathy Tuan-MacLean is the national faculty ministry director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where she invites and resources faculty to follow Jesus together. Since joining InterVarsity in 1990, she has led numerous students and faculty in Bible study, spiritual formation, and leadership development. She is also a spiritual director who has led marriage ministry and women's retreats. Kathy is married to Scott, and they have three young adult children and an overanxious mini labradoodle.    Show Summary: Did you know that 65-70% of moms struggle with feeling alone? Finding community can be hard during any part of life, but especially while you're taking care of a child or children. Stay-at-home moms often live repetitive days at home with only their children, while working moms balance a schedule of feeling like they need to be in two places at once. How can moms find people to do life with? Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLean understand the struggle firsthand. Join them as they share their advice with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy Adkins for this special Mother's Day conversation on God Hears Her.     Notes and Quotes:   “God did not intend us to go through life alone, gutting through it and hiding out in the pantry eating cookies. We might still go hid in the pantry to eat cookies, but God wants to give us a friend to talk to about it.” —Tara Edelschick  “Women want to be seen and heard by God and by each other.” —Tara Edelschick  “But because God loves to answer prayers that are in God's will, and that we be in community is definitely in God's will, it is always a gift. And I believe that it's a gift God wants to give us.” —Kathy Tuan-MacLean  “God invites you to share your story. God asks you to trust and obey. God transforms your pain and then invites you to be an agent of shalom.” —Tara Edelschick  “As long as you don't say no [to God using your story], no matter what you're going through as a mom, there is transformation. God can use you, and all the pain you've been through, to help you be an agent of shalom—in your family and in the world. “—Tara Edelschick    Verses:   Hagar's Story: Genesis 16  Samaritan Women: John 4  Racheal & Leah: Genesis 29:1–30:24    Links:   Buy Moms at the Well: https://www.ivpress.com/moms-at-the-well  Tara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraedelschick/  Kathy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathytuanmaclean/  God Hears Her website: https://godhearsher.org/  Watch the Video Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@GodHearsHerODBM  God Hears Her email sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/sign-upsfmc   Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast  Elisa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisamorganauthor/  Eryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/  Vivian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivmabuni/  Our Daily Bread Ministries website: https://www.odbm.org/   

Life's too distracting to have a meaningful prayer time...Do you ever feel this way? You're not alone! Spiritual Director and clinical counselor, Nader Sahyouni, says that distraction is one of the most common barriers people experience in prayer. Whether it's the result of big life choices, frustrations at work, or relentless TikTok notifications, life is just distracting. And the remedy isn't simply getting more focused... It's leaning into God's gracious invitation to experience his love and care for us.Join us this week for an invitation to transition from prayer motivated by task and obligation to a sense of relationship and connection with a loving God (plus a few practical tips to help the distracted pray-er...)RELATED EPISODEE166: Where Does God Want Me to Go?: Developing Tools for Discernment (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)RESOURCESNader's WebsiteDistraction ProblemsSTAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our WebsiteLeave us a message on SpeakPipe ★ Support this podcast ★

“The pastor's wife, in many ways, embodies the history of the Protestant church….Refocusing on her and putting her at the center helps us to understand the bigger picture of the role women play in church history and how women are overshadowed by these patriarchal structures.”  — Beth Allison Barr Historian and professor Beth Allison Barr joins us on the podcast to discuss women's leadership in the historical church and the cultural cost of forgetting our roots. What happens when historical evidence for women's leadership in church is buried and even forgotten? Historian and professor Beth Allison Barr joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry. Beth traces the way centuries of women's leadership were swept aside as female ordination declined and the role of the pastor's wife was elevated in the white evangelical church. We talk about Beth's scholarship, including some of her practices regarding teaching and collaborative research, and we hear Beth's reflections on our current cultural moment and how we can thrive as women academics. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Beth shares her thoughts on the benefits of working with a supportive writing group. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

How do I know where God is leading me?This episode kicks off a new series on After IV. We're exploring a few of the changes we can expect in our faith experience after graduation.On this episode, clinical counselor and spiritual director Nader Sahyouni joins us to unpack the shift from being driven to being called. Nader introduces listeners to the practice of discernment—not just for big decisions, but as a daily rhythm. He explains the role of consolation and desolation, how to build a personal rule of life, and why our desires—when rightly ordered—can lead us closer to God. Whether you're feeling burned out or just unsure about next steps, this episode offers practical tools for tuning into God's daily invitations.RESOURCESNader's WebsiteDeveloping a Rule of LifeRELATED EPISODE(S)E78: Finding Your Footing on Purpose (Apple, Spotify)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our WebsiteLeave us a message on SpeakPipe ★ Support this podcast ★

What does it really look like to navigate life after college with hope and faith? Erica Young Reitz returns to After IV with wisdom from the newly revised edition of her book After College, now updated for Gen Z. In this encouraging conversation, Erica and Jon explore the challenges of transition, the unique superpowers Gen Z brings to the table, and the role of spiritual formation in all of it. Whether you're anxious about what's next or simply looking for clarity, this episode will help you breathe deep, name what's normal, and take your next step with Jesus.RESOURCESGrab your copy of After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships, and Faith by Erica Young ReitzVisit the After College Transition website for more resources!RELATED EPISODEE102: Ending Well With My Friends On Campus (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our WebsiteLeave us a message on SpeakPipe ★ Support this podcast ★