Lifework Podcast
The Lifework Podcast is where faith, purpose, and calling come together. Hosted by Williams Baptist University President Dr. Stan Norman, this podcast explores the theology of work and why it matters for every believer. At Williams, we believe education is more than a degree — it’s preparation for a Christ-centered life of influence and service.
Through thoughtful conversations with faculty, leaders, and friends of WBU, the Lifework Podcast unpacks how God designed us to find meaning in our work and live out our calling in every sphere of life. Our goal is to inspire and equip listeners to see their lifework not just as a career, but as a way to glorify God and impact the world.
Episodes
43 episodes
Dr. Robert Foster — Calling, Community, and God’s Faithful Hand
What if your calling didn’t begin with a single dramatic moment—but with a lifetime of faithful work, community influence, and God quietly weaving it all together?In this episode of the LifeWork Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman sits dow...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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28:45
When God Redirects the Path: Calling, Career, and Coming Home to Williams
In Part 2, we continue Heather Parson’s incredible journey—moving from her college decision at WBU to a series of unexpected pivots that shaped her vocation.Heather recounts choosing Williams when it made no logical sense on paper, disco...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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29:06
From Hardship to Calling: The Early Life of Heather Parson
In Part 1 of this two-episode conversation, host Dr. Stan Norman sits down with Heather Parson—Assistant Professor of Business and Chair of the Department of Business at Williams Baptist University—to explore the remarkable story behind her cal...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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23:02
When Restlessness Becomes Calling: Dr. Ruth Provost on Finding Home, Hearing God, and Following Him into Leadership
In part two of our conversation, Dr. Ruth Provost returns to the Lifework Podcast to look more closely at her vocational journey—especially how God led her back to Williams and ultimately into academic leadership.Host Dr. Stan ...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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22:18
From Yemen to Williams: How Calling, Service, and a Missionary Childhood Shaped Dr. Ruth Provost
In this deeply personal episode of the Lifework Podcast, host Dr. Stan Norman sits down with Dr. Ruth Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Williams Baptist University, to explore the surprising and Spirit-led journey th...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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22:04
The Song in the Work, Part 2: Dr. Trent Broussard on Brokenness, Calling, and the Joy of Obedience
In part two, Dr. Broussard opens up about the night everything changed — when a revival led him to true faith in Christ and a deeper calling to serve through music and teaching. Hear how God transformed his life and vocation, leading him from t...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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25:18
The Song in the Work, Part 1: Dr. Trent Broussard on Faith, Family, and Finding Purpose
In part one of this two-part conversation, Dr. Stan Norman talks with Dr. Trent Broussard, Chair of Fine Arts and Director of Choral Activities at Williams Baptist University. From his childhood in Fort Smith to discovering his love for ...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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26:43
Melinda Williams (Part 2): Faith, Theater, and Finding Purpose in Every Calling
In Part 2 of our conversation with Melinda Williams, Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Director of the Liberal Arts Program at Williams Baptist University, we explore how faith and calling intersect through theater, education...
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24:47
Melinda Williams (Part 1): From Walnut Ridge to the Stage — Discovering a Lifelong Calling
In this first part of our conversation with Melinda Williams, Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Director of the Liberal Arts Program at Williams Baptist University, we explore how God uses ordinary moments to reveal extraordi...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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24:42
Calling in the Cubicle: Luke Colley on Seeing All Work as Worship
In part two of our conversation with Luke Colley, we trace his journey from youth ministry to nearly two decades in banking and then back to Williams Baptist University. Luke wrestles honestly with questions like “Does God ever un-call us?”...
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26:22
From Peach Orchards to Purpose: Luke Colley on Work, Faith, and Calling
Season 2 Episode 5 of the LifeWork Podcast takes listeners back to the roots of Luke Colley—WBU alumnus (’02) and now Vice President for University Advancement & Business Development at Williams.Luke shares stories of growing ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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21:40
Why Work Matters: Dr. Melissa Davis on Calling, Agriculture, and Building a New Program at Williams
Dr. Melissa Davis, Agri-Business Professor at Williams Baptist University, shares how her journey from a small town in Tennessee led to launching a new agribusiness program at Williams. Drawing inspiration from Dorothy Sayers’ classic essay
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24:12
Charlie Kirk: A Tragedy That Calls Us to Respond with Faith and Courage
Charlie Kirk’s assassination has shaken a family, a nation, and the world of higher education. In this special episode of the LifeWork Podcast, we reflect on the grief of his wife and children, the trauma witnessed by students on a uni...
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17:06
From Rural Roots to Global Impact: Dr. Melissa Davis on Agriculture and Calling
From Rural Roots to Global Impact: Dr. Melissa Davis on Agriculture and Calling On this episode of the Lifework Podcast, host Dr. Stan Norman talks with Dr. Melissa Davis, a new agribusiness professor at Williams Baptist Uni...
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22:07
The Path of Wisdom: Dr. Mike Fox on Work, Vocation, and the Fear of the Lord
Dr. Stan Norman is joined by Dr. Mike Fox, Associate Professor of Christian Ministries at Williams Baptist University, for a conversation about how biblical wisdom shapes the way we work and live. Drawing from Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and S...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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27:37
From Moody Hollow to Ministry: Dr. Mike Fox on Calling, Work, and God’s Purpose
Season 2 of the Lifework Podcast launches with a fresh new direction. Host Dr. Stan Norman, president of Williams Baptist University, sits down with Dr. Mike Fox—alumnus, pastor, and professor of Christian Ministries—to t...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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25:01
The Struggle to Work Faithfully: Laziness, AI, and Biblical Work Ethic
In this thought-provoking episode of The Lifework Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman and Academic Dean Dr. Rhyne Putman tackle one of the most pervasive challenges in today’s workforce—the struggle to work faithfully. From employees doing the bare minimu...
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19:48
Thorns & Thistles at Work: Navigating Sin, Faith, and Purpose in the Workplace
In this episode of The Lifework Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman and Dr. Rhyne Putman of Williams Baptist University dive into the biblical perspective on work in a fallen world. Drawing from Genesis 3 and the story of Cain and Abel, they explore how s...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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22:01
Thorns & Thistles: Part 2
In this episode of The Lifework Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman and Dr. Rhyne Putman pick up where they left off last week as they explore the profound impact of the Fall on human labor—from the idyllic work of Eden to the sweat and toil of a broken w...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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13:55
Thorns & Thistles: Working in a Fallen World
In this episode of the Lifework Podcast, Dr. Stan Norman and Dr. Rhyne Putman dive into the challenges of work in a world marked by the Fall. Drawing from Genesis 3, they explore how sin has impacted labor, productivity, and our daily struggles...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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20:35
Earning While Learning: The Williams Works Story
What if students could graduate debt-free by working real jobs while earning their degree? That’s exactly what’s happening at Williams Baptist University! In this episode, we dive into the Williams Works program—where students take on roles in ...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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15:48
Cultivating Christ-Centered Leaders: The Mission That Shapes WBU
What does it mean to truly cultivate Christ-centered leaders? In this episode of the LifeWork Podcast, Drs. Norman and Putman dive deep into the heart of Williams Baptist University’s mission—how it was shaped, why it matters, and how it guides...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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16:53
How Williams Works Began: A Vision for Faith, Work, and Education
In this enlightening episode of the Lifework Podcast, join hosts Dr. Stan Norman, President of Williams Baptist University, and Dr. Rhyne Putman, Vice-President of Academic Affairs, as they delve into the groundbreaking Williams Works initiativ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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17:59
More Than a Job: Finding Purpose in Work and Life
What if your job was more than just a daily grind? This episode dives into the journey of discovering purpose in your work by understanding how God shapes our desires, talents, and opportunities. Whether you’re searching for direction or strugg...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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18:14
Drop Your Nets: A Call That Changes Everything
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this episode, we explore the moment when Jesus calls His first disciples, asking them to leave everything behind. What can we learn from their immediate response, and how does this call apply to our ...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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20:59