BeyondU

As we close this chapter of BeyondU , we have some bittersweet news: for now, this will be our final episode. In this special farewell, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared with you—our listeners, our guests, and our dedicated team behind the scenes. Though we’re pausing for now, the mission continues. Stay connected with us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to...

In this episode of BeyondU, we share the inspiring journey of Pol Mur, a standout student-athlete at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU). Hailing from Barcelona, Spain, Pol came to OKWU to pursue academics and play soccer. During his time here, he experienced a profound transformation in his personal faith, culminating in his baptism during a chapel service this past year. In this conversation, Po...

In this episode we discuss the connection between the fruit of the spirit in a well formed follower of Jesus and becoming the kind of professional that doesn't have to compromise success or values. As people of faith in the workplace, where does growing in the fruit of the spirit fit into our plan for success? Or put another way, does becoming more patient, kind, gentle, or joyful have any relatio...

Josh McNall returns to discuss intersection of theology, technology, and childhood development, particularly in light of Jonathan Haidt's book 'The Anxious Generation.' We discuss the implications of smartphone use on mental health, the importance of embodiment in theology, and practical steps for managing technology use in a faith context. Then we explore the dangers of groupthink and the concept...

In this premiere episode of Season 3, Torrey, Ben and Aaron discuss ideas we're going to explore this season, all centered on the concept of wisdom. What is wisdom? Why are we lacking in wisdom and discernment in our culture today, and how can we grow deeper in our biblical understanding and practice of wisdom in our everyday lives? Ben and Aaron interview Dr. Richard Shaw on the topic of shame. D...

In the season finale of BeyondU, our hosts get together for a roundtable conversation about this season’s discussions. They cover things that surprised them, conversations they hope to continue, and talk about some recent headlines that stand out to them. Opinions expressed on BeyondU are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of OKWU, nor are they official university st...

On this week's special episode of BeyondU, you'll hear from former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who recently visited campus for a special conversation about faith and space exploration. We think you'll be inspired by his perspective on those topics as he speaks a little about his experiences working in government as a Christ-follower, space exploration, and the importance of fai...

On this week’s episode of BeyondU, Dr. Josh McNall joins the show. Check out their discussion about the distinctions between doubt and dogmatism, what faith means to the younger generation of students, and the importance of imagination for Christians. Josh is the author of "Perhaps: Reclaiming the Space Between Doubt and Dogmatism." https://www.okwu.edu/beyondu/ Opinions expressed on Bey...

This week's episode of BeyondU features OKWU student leaders Audrey Hofer and Nathanel Anderberg. They join Torrey and Ben to discuss servant leadership through a Gen Z lens. What does servant leadership look like for the emerging generation joining the workforce? Chapters 00:00 Show starts 09:00 Gen Z: Challenging Misconceptions 13:45 Defining Servant Leadership 27:29 The Compassion and Menta...

On this week’s episode of the BeyondU podcast, our hosts are joined by Stacey Duke, professor of business, and Aaron Bunker, the director of PATH Development. They talk through what it means to create a team atmosphere that emphasizes strengths and encourages members to discover how they operate best. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: StrengthsFinder and Team Culture 06:32 The Power of StrengthsFinder...

On this week's episode of BeyondU, OKWU President Jim Dunn talks all about leadership: how to stay focused long-term, how to create a proactive and positive culture for your team, and what it means to for an organization to stay "on mission." Jim also discusses resources and tips for how to create margin and be proactive as a leader which we know you will find helpful. Chapters 00:00...

On this week's BeyondU, OKWU coaches Kirk Kelley (baseball) and Donnie Bostwick (men's basketball) join the show to talk about the impact the transfer portal is having on collegiate athletics and what coaching at a place like OKWU means to them. Consider investing in the next generation of servant leaders at Oklahoma Wesleyan University during Give Week 2024: https://www.okwu.edu/give-week

On this week’s episode of BeyondU, OKWU professor of history Julie Hufstetler to discuss this year’s Oscar nominated films Oppenheimer and Zone of Interest. Both films are set in the World War II period, and Hufstetler talks about why this period of history continues to resonate with audiences all these years later. You’ll enjoy this conversation about film and history! Chapters 00:00 Introduction...

We celebrate #MarchMadness as OKWU Women's Basketball Head Coach Heidi Messer joins BeyondU this week to talk about the growing support and interest in women's athletics. The conversation touches on the influence of dynamic personalities like Caitlin Clark and the impact of social media on the visibility of women's sports. Heidi also discusses the impact sport has made on her life and...

On this week’s episode, Professor Sam Johnson joins the show to talk about the study of organizational psychology. The conversation tackles workplace culture, the psychology of today’s workers, and how employers can better understand a new generation of employees.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:06 Passion for Teaching and Psychology 06:19 Interest in Organizational Psychology 07:1...

Kyle White, the Vice President for Student Affairs at OKWU, discusses the importance of personal agency in mental health and how forgiveness is a critical step in moving from victimhood to empowerment. Kyle also shares his insights on the resilience and potential of college students and the ways OKWU is equipping them for the present and future. Chapters 00:00 Show starts 01:28 Kyle's backgrou...

In this week’s episode of BeyondU, Torrey and Ben are joined by Sandy Lynn, a professor at OKWU. Lynn teaches courses on emotional intelligence, and the three discuss the importance of emotional intelligence and how this skill is relevant for any profession. Professor Lynn has spent over thirty years in nonprofit organizations, is a certified Emotional Intelligence practitioner, and leads the Busi...

This week, Ben Rotz and Torrey Martin are joined by Tommy Lister, associate provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. They continue the discussion on AI, including some of the specific implications AI could have on higher education in the months and years to come. How can educators best implement AI into their day-to-day roles in the classroom? 00:47 Show Starts 03:21 The Impacts of AI on Higher Ed...

It’s been over a year since AI has come to the forefront of public conversation with the launch of Chat GPT 3. Ben and Torrey talk with Kenny Jahng, a marketing expert who consults with faith-based, cause-driven organizations and non-profits on utilizing AI for effective engagement. They discuss the recent advances in generative AI and its' impact on every aspect of work and life, what our res...

On this week’s episode of BeyondU, Ben Rotz is joined by Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken for a conversation about his latest book, spiritual scam artists, and what lessons we can learn from the early Church. You can learn more about The Judas We Never Knew: A Study on the Life and Letter of Jude here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/the-judas-we-never-knew/

Hosts Jim Dunn, Torrey Martin, and Ben Rotz kick off BeyondU Season 2 with this week's conversation. Join them as they discuss leadership in the midst of change, the future of OKWU, and what's to come in this season!  BeyondU on Youtube: https://youtu.be/nV8lJLlK05k

In the final episode of this season of BeyondU, hosts Jim Dunn, Torrey Martin, and Ben Rotz recap this season’s discussions and why they believe the mission of OKWU is so important in today’s culture! You won’t want to miss this finale! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6shdq_ln0sA https://www.okwu.edu/

Dr. Brian Turner, OKWU’s professor of physics, joins Ben Rotz to discuss the relationship between faith and science and how God relates to His creation. You’ll enjoy this conversation with one of OKWU’s most-loved professors. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6shdq_ln0sA https://www.okwu.edu/

Ken and Marilyn Blake join BeyondU to talk about their lives on the mission field and what it means to be obedient to the Lord’s calling. They talk about their early experiences in college, their marriage, and their journey to serve as missionaries in Europe. Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/WTIPsyn3W7I https://www.okwu.edu/news/2023/09/ken-marilyn-blake-2023-hall-of-faith/

On the latest episode of BeyondU, Leslie Clingenpeel joins Dr. Jim Dunn to talk about her work with The Spring, an organization dedicated to supporting victims of abuse, trafficking, and sexual assault. They talk about her experience and discuss practical ways others can get involved in their communities to combat these issues. This episode contains sensitive discussions of sexual abuse and human...