The UNWavering Podcast
Co-hosted by Monte Abeler (’12) and Cassie Plantage (’07) of the UNW Alumni Office, The UNWavering Podcast brings you fun, thoughtful conversations with the people who shape University of Northwestern – St. Paul. No matter how you're connected to Northwestern—alum, student, parent, staff, faculty, or friend—this podcast is created to keep you connected to the heart of the UNW community. Join us as we highlight the people, the purpose, and the pulse of Northwestern.
Episodes
29 episodes
How Northwestern Media Is Amplifying the Gospel | Jason Sharp
This week, we’re joined by Jason Sharp, Senior VP for Media at Northwestern Media, as he shares his personal journey in radio and faith—and how God has shaped his calling in Christian broadcasting. Jason gives us a look inside Northwestern Medi...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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41:38
Running Toward What Matters | Patrick Fitzgerald
Patrick Fitzgerald is UNW’s Head Coach for Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams. In this episode, he shares his vision for a God-honoring athletic program that both challenges and motivates athletes to be their personal bes...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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20:11
Academic Success Begins with Discipleship | Dr. Dalene Fisher
Get to know UNW’s new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dalene Fisher. At the center of her vision is the belief that academic success starts with discipleship.Dr. Fisher oversees the university’s academic mission, ens...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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20:03
From the Tractor to International Airwaves | Wayne Pederson
Never in his wildest dreams did Wayne Pederson imagine he would one day be involved with an international radio broadcasting ministry. In this episode, you'll hear Wayne's remarkable life story—from hosting a make-believe radio show on a tracto...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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50:32
A Heart to Serve | Matt Swigart ‘01
At the heart of UNW Tennis is a passion to serve—both on and off the court. In this episode, Matt Swigart, Head Coach of the Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams at Northwestern, shares how he leads the team with a mission that’s deeper than just win...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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19:18
How Phones Shape Our Relationships | Professor Laura Watkins
Cell phones are shaping the way we connect—but are they negatively effecting the depth of our closest relationships? Professor Laura Watkins, Instructor of Communication at Northwestern, joins to talk about how our phone habits influence everyt...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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47:46
Mission Drives Momentum | President Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek
Mission drives momentum! Here at Northwestern, everything we do begins with our mission (it's our economic engine!). If we do our mission really well, we can expect some positive outcomes.Northwestern’s president, Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, s...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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24:53
Proclaiming the Transforming Presence of Jesus | Peter Reid '84
Our guest is Peter Reid, a 1984 graduate of Northwestern and the current General Director of Torchbearers International, an international missions fellows...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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49:16
Living Joyfully | Mardy Rodriguez – Custodial Services Manager
We are wrapping up Season #1 with a joy-filled conversation with Mardy Rodriguez, the Custodial Services Manager at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. Mardy lives every day with joy and a passion for reaching more people for Jesus.He...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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28:48
Meet the Producer & Season Recap | Kaycee Greisinger – Podcast Producer
Kaycee Greisinger is the Podcast Producer of The UNWavering Podcast. With a passion for using media to share Jesus’ message, she has loved producing a podcast that highlights so many unique stories. God has brought people to UNW for co...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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42:33
Geared Up For Community | Hannah Hanson - Manager of Campus Store & Mail Center
Hannah Hanson is the Manager of Campus Store & Mail Center at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. She loves to serve the UNW community by providing everything from academic textbooks to apparel that helps students show their Eagle pride....
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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27:10
Equipping Nurses with Resilience | Dr. Santhiny Rajamohan – Dean, Chief Nurse Administrator and Professor
Dr. Santhiny Rajamohan is the Dean/Chief Nurse Administrator and Professor at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. She has a heart to serve and care for others.Hear as she dives into what it really means to rely on God when life feels ...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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42:00
Rooted in the Word, Engaged in the World | Dr. Doug Huffman – Dean, School of Theology & Ministry, Special Advisor to the President
Dr. Doug Huffman is the Dean, School of Theology & Ministry and Special Advisor to the President at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He has a deep passion to invest his experience and wisdom into the next generation. He shares that hi...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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30:03
Living a Life of Gratitude | Susie Larson – Faith Radio Show Host
Susie Larson is a Senior Producer & Talk Radio Host at Faith Radio, and has a heart for Jesus. Susie is a bestselling author, national speaker, and host of the popular radio show Susie Larson Live. In this episode, Susie shares ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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57:30
Where Thinking Goes Deeper | Dr. Ryan Griffith – Dean of the Classical Christian Honors College
Dr. Ryan Griffith is the Dean and Associate Professor of the Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC) at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He has a passion for Northwestern, the Bible, and for equipping the next generation. He...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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25:50
Brotherhood in Basketball | Tim Grosz – Head Men’s Basketball Coach & Associate Director of Athletics at Northwestern
Tim Grosz is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Associate Director of Athletics at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He creates an inviting team atmosphere that puts faith and connection at the center. His players say that winning isn’t t...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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24:00
Music with a Mission | Tim Sawyer – Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities
Tim Sawyer, also known as T-Saw, is the Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at University of Northwestern - St. Paul. He leads and conducts from the heart. Making a meaningful impact in students’ lives and faith jou...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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22:15
The Heart of Campus | Kevin Thompson – Retired Team Leader of Custodial Services
Kevin Thompson retired from Custodial Services at University of Northwestern – St. Paul after 40 years of making real, life-changing impact. What began as a one-year plan turned into 40 years at UNW, and he’s loved every second. Hi...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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22:17
Amplify the Gospel | Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek – President of Northwestern
Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek is the President of University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Northwestern Media. Hear as he explains UNW’s new campaign, Amplify the Gospel. This campaign was publicly launched during Homecoming 2025, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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33:27
Ordained Days | Patti Wiens - 2025 Distinguished Alumna of the Year
Patti Wiens ‘59 is the Distinguished Alumna of the Year at University of Northwestern – St. Paul! She received this award by making an impact in the field of education, as well as in her community, church, and world. Patti is an author, educato...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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27:54
Theatre That Serves Others | Jennifer Hunter – Director and Professor of Theatre
Jennifer Hunter is the Director and Professor of Theatre at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. She shares that her role is more than just a job. From sharing her favorite plays to her passion for theatre, you’ll hear how she is equipping th...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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24:56
Homecoming Deep Dive! | Monte & Cassie – Podcast Hosts
BONUS EPISODE!Your hosts, Monte and Cassie, are talking about all things Homecoming at University of Northwestern – St. Paul!Hear as they explain everything from the 3rd Annual Purple Donut Run and Campaign Kickoff to the Block Pa...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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23:40
Community & Greater Purpose | Bret Hyder – VP of Student Experience
Bret Hyder is the Vice President of Student Experience at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He has a gift of connecting with people and creating community.Hear as he explains how Student Experience is making changes to ensure UNW is...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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24:08
Coaching Players to Lead | Matt Moore – Head Football Coach at Northwestern
Matt Moore ‘99 is the Head Football Coach at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. Over the past 30 years, he has led a program that puts Christ at the center. Hear as he explains how Northwestern’s football team is blessed with go...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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23:04
Relating Across Cultures | Dr. Juan Carlos Téllez – Associate Chair of Christian Ministries & Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies
Dr. Juan Carlos Téllez is the Associate Chair of Christian Ministries and Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He shares that intercultural interactions are all around, and we need to share Jesu...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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23:14