Always A Raven Podcast

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Nick Porretta, a 2012 Benedictine College graduate, husband, father of soon-to-be ten, former FOCUS missionary, and longtime Snap-on professional, to share how a seemingly practical transfer decision led him to the place that would shape his faith, friendships, work, and family life for years to come. Nick reflects on the immediate fit...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Brian Carr, a 2003 Benedictine College graduate, decorated Army officer, aviator, attorney, and servant leader with more than 23 years of military service. As the nation approaches its 250th year, Brian reflects on the path that led him from Phoenix to Benedictine, from ROTC to aviation, and eventually into a career of leadership, law,...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann to reflect on a life of faithful leadership, from his earliest encounters with Benedictine College to his decades of service as a priest and bishop. With deep ties to the college and a long friendship with President Stephen Minnis, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann shares how Benedictine’s renew...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Nina Gray, a 2024 Benedictine College graduate, to share her story of choosing Benedictine at the last possible moment, beginning college during the uncertainty of 2020, and discovering a community where faith was not confined to chapel, but woven into friendships, late-night conversations, service, and everyday life.    Nina reflects o...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Father Meinrad Miller, a 1989 graduate of Benedictine College, to share his journey from discerning student to beloved priest and monk at Saint Benedict's Abbey — reflecting on how his time at Benedictine deepened his calling and set the foundation for a vocation rooted in prayer, community, and service. Father Meinrad shares stories fr...

On this special episode of Always a Raven, guest host Joe Wurtz turns the tables on the podcast's own creator, Janelle Menz, a 2006 Benedictine graduate, to celebrate one year of Always a Raven. Janelle shares the inspiration behind the podcast and how her time at Benedictine gave her the foundation to show up with integrity — even when it cost her everything. Janelle takes us inside one of the mo...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Paul Suellentrop, a 1987 graduate of Benedictine College, to share his journey from student journalist to longtime voice in sports media. From his early days writing for The Circuit to decades in newspaper reporting, Paul reflects on how his time at Benedictine shaped both his career path and his perspective, laying the foundation for a...

On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Jill Simons, Benedictine College Class of 2010, for a conversation rooted in purpose, discernment, and the power of understanding how you’re uniquely wired. As the founder and executive director of Many Parts Ministries, Jill shares how her work centers on helping people uncover their charisms—specific gifts given to build...

On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Tony Garofalo, Benedictine College Class of 1972, for a conversation that spans decades, dugouts, and a career few could have imagined. From his early days at Saint Benedict to the bright lights of Major League Baseball, Tony reflects on a journey shaped not by a single plan, but by persistence, relationships, and a deep lo...

On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz reconnects with Kyle McMillan, Benedictine College Class of 2006, for a conversation two decades in the making. A Kansas City native now living in Phoenix, Kyle reflects on his journey from a tight-knit Midwestern upbringing to building a life and career in Arizona—while carrying Benedictine’s sense of community with him every step of the...

On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Jane Whelan, Benedictine College Class of 2024, for a conversation rooted in curiosity, calling, and the courage to pivot. From a childhood filled with road trips to battlefields and museums to pursuing her master’s in public history at American University, Jane shares how a lifelong love of storytelling has shaped her acad...

On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Joe Wurtz, Benedictine College Class of 1999 and current Dean of Students, for a conversation rooted in mentorship, growth, and the enduring power of community. Joe’s journey to Benedictine began with a transfer sparked by his passion for philosophy, but it was the people—mentors, teammates, and friends—who ultimately shape...

On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Dr. LaTisha Williams ’00, G’ 07  graduate of Benedictine College and current principal of Atchison High School, whose impact reaches far beyond the walls of her community. Raised in Atchison, Williams shares how her journey came full circle—returning home after college with a passion for education and a calling to build oth...

On this week's episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Dr. Kerry McDonald, Benedictine College Class of 1987, for a fascinating conversation on curiosity, perseverance, and the winding road that leads to a life's calling. What began as a singular focus on football evolved into a decades-long pursuit of scientific discovery — one he never saw coming. Kerry shares how a biology d...

On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with David Litkenhus, Benedictine College Class of 1993, for a powerful conversation on purpose, service, and the unexpected paths that shape a life. What began as a singular focus on basketball evolved into a lifelong commitment to something greater; serving his country. David shares how a pivotal moment during the Gulf War shi...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Dr. Diamond Howell, a 2007 Benedictine College graduate, educator, author, and advocate for faith-filled leadership in public education, to share her journey of purpose, perseverance, and learning to trust God’s plan. Diamond reflects on growing up in Atchison and initially planning to leave home for college before a scholarship led her...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Larry Buessing, class of 1960, longtime board member, mentor, and pillar of Benedictine College, to share his journey of faith, service, and lifelong dedication to Raven Nation. Larry reflects on his time at Saint Benedict (now Benedictine College), arriving from Axtell, Kansas, and leaving with friendships, memories, and a deep connect...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Derek Lyssy, a 2011 Benedictine College graduate and Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, to share his journey of faith, leadership, and discovering purpose beyond his original career plans. Derek reflects on his time at Benedictine College, arriving as a business student considering corporate sales and lea...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Angela Chronister, a Benedictine College alumna, to share her journey of faith, family, loss, and purpose. Angela reflects on her path to Benedictine — arriving after a year traveling the country in ministry and immediately finding a campus that felt like home. She shares memories of dorm life, the spirit of hospitality that defined her...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Dr. John Dolan, lifelong educator, devoted father and grandfather, and proud graduate Raven from the class of 1981. John’s career has been shaped by faith, mentorship, and a commitment to community.  John’s journey with Benedictine College began as a student influenced by coaches and professors who saw potential in him...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Greg Doring to reflect on a unique and unexpected journey into the Benedictine College community. Greg shares how a single bus ride to the March for Life while he was a student at Kansas State introduced him to the joy, hospitality, and unmistakable spirit of the Ravens. Greg talks about forming lasting friendships and how those e...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Sister Truth, a 2009 Benedictine College graduate, to share her journey of faith, discernment, and learning to trust God’s call. Sister Truth reflects on her time at Benedictine College, arriving on campus unsure of her path and finding a community that shaped her spiritually, academically, and personally. She shares memories of campus...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Todd Nugent ’92 to reflect on the relationships, resilience, and moments that defined his time at Benedictine College and continue to shape his life today. Todd shares how arriving at Benedictine to play football nearly turned into a short stay, until he chose to give it one more year and never looked back. He opens up about the l...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes DeMaria Walters, a 2018 graduate from Oklahoma City, to share his inspiring journey from student-athlete to nonprofit founder and youth mentor. DeMaria opens up about his college experience at Benedictine College, transferring sight unseen, navigating football, academics, and building lifelong friendships. He reflects on how mentors lik...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Carol Shomin ’71 to reflect on a lifetime of connection, leadership, and service to Benedictine College. Carol shares how the community and hospitality she first encountered as a student became the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the Mount and the mission it represents. She opens up about the friendships, simplicity, and s...