Always A Raven Podcast

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Durell Anthony, Benedictine College Class of 2008 and acclaimed musician, to explore his inspiring journey from small-town Atchison to the national stage of The Voice. Durell shares how his time at Benedictine College shaped his confidence, work ethic, and creative spirit that helped him transform physically, personally, and artis...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Eduardo Godinez ’12 to explore the winding, cross-cultural path that shaped his faith, identity, and vocation. Eduardo shares how moving from Mexico to the U.S. as a teenager launched a search for belonging that carried him through loneliness, culture shock, and a deep hunger for meaning. He opens up about drifting from the Church...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Shelly Buhler ’87, the first female president of Hayden High School in Topeka, Kansas, and a lifelong Raven whose journey exemplifies service, leadership, and perseverance. Shelly’s path to education leadership was anything but direct. From serving two terms as mayor of her small town to three terms as Shawnee County Commiss...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Mark Brandenburg, Benedictine College Class of 1996, to explore an extraordinary career built on faith, grit, and public service. From his days protecting the football field at Benedictine to protecting presidents on Air Force One, Mark shares how the lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and humility from football shaped his path as...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Deacon Dave DiNuzzo ’04 to explore the remarkable, full-circle path that shaped his faith and vocation. Dave shares how a deep but often misdirected desire for God carried him from youthful pride and spiritual self-reliance into a hard-won humility formed through grace. He opens up about the years he stepped away from the Church,...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Denise Pratt ’94, a devoted alumna whose journey from Benedictine College to a 25-year career at Boys Town demonstrates the power of faith, community, and purpose. Denise shares how her path—from discovering Benedictine through a Presidential Scholarship to embracing the lessons of her small, tight-knit college community—pre...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Faith Harding, a 2020 graduate and former Benedictine College softball player whose senior year was unexpectedly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Faith’s journey at Benedictine began with softball but quickly grew into a deep appreciation for community, friendships, and mentorship. She reflects on the enduring bonds with...

On this episode of Always a Raven, Janelle Menz sits down with Colton and Alicia Martin, two Benedictine College alumni whose love of music—and of each other—carried them from the brick streets of Atchison to the concert halls of New Jersey. Colton (BC ’15) and Alicia (BC ’09) share the story of their unexpected connection, navigating graduate school together in a shared U-Haul, and discovering ho...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Brian Roder, Benedictine College Class of 1993, to explore a life shaped by faith, community, and the enduring Raven spirit. From stepping onto the Benedictine campus as a freshman to unforgettable experiences on the baseball field and a transformative trip to the Dominican Republic, Brian shares how purpose, humility, and heart h...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Patrick Hodapp, Benedictine College’s longtime Director of Sports Medicine. Patrick never imagined Benedictine College would be the place where he’d build his career, but over the past 23 years, he’s discovered it’s the perfect fit. From his early days as the second full-time athletic trainer on a small campus team to...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Bob Slater ’54, a lifelong journalist, devoted family man, and proud Raven whose journey from the halls of Benedictine College to covering national events reveals the power of faith, integrity, and community. Bob came to Benedictine with a scholarship in the journalism department, running the College newspaper almost single-...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Ryan Lobb, class of 2020, for a powerful conversation about the impact of community and resilience. Ryan shares his journey to sobriety, which began during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reflects on the transformative support he received from the Benedictine community — from faculty mentors to fellow students and co-w...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with lifelong Raven Sheila Gartenmayer, whose Benedictine roots run generations deep. From childhood memories cheering in the old Raven gym to decades spent serving students as an advisor and educator, Sheila’s story is a testament to love, loyalty, and legacy.   She shares how her family helped bring Benedictine spirit to life — inclu...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz heads to the Louisiana Bayou to reconnect with 1997 Benedictine College graduate Rusty Welch — a football-loving, gator-hunting southern gentleman whose journey from Louisiana to Kansas began with one unexpected phone call from Coach Larry Wilcox. Rusty shares how that call led to a life-changing experience at Benedictine, where he discovered fa...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Natalie Stifter ’16, a dedicated full-time nurse and proud Benedictine alum whose journey is defined by courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. Natalie shares how her family, Benedictine roots, and personal tenacity shaped her path in nursing — from navigating early career challenges to uplifting colleagues and patients a...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Dr. Andy Swafford ’04—professor, author, speaker, and proud Raven whose journey from the football field to the classroom reveals the power of faith and authenticity.   Andy came to Benedictine College with one goal: to play football. But through unexpected twists—including a devastating injury overseas, transformative profes...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Terry Hanson ’69. From coaching both baseball and soccer at Benedictine (even before he fully knew the game) to becoming an executive who helped pioneer sports on cable TV, Terry’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and saying “yes” to challenges that others might have turned down.  In this conversation, Terry reflects o...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Joan Charbonneau, Class of 1990—an entrepreneur whose journey from Benedictine recruiter to CEO of Perfect Promotions is marked by resilience, mentorship, and purpose. Joan shares how her Benedictine experience shaped her confidence and community, from memories with lifelong friends to mentors who believed in her before she...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Fr. Robert Williams, Class of 2015—a newly ordained priest whose journey from Raven soccer player to missionary to seminary in Rome reveals the beauty of God’s providence.   Fr. Williams shares how his time at Benedictine and years with St. Paul’s Outreach deepened his call to the priesthood, and how family legacy, pra...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with John Minnis '92—author, entrepreneur, and proud Raven whose connection to Benedictine runs deep. From memories of baseball road trips and family ties to the college, to lessons learned as a business leader and mentor, John shares how Benedictine shaped his outlook on life and work. He reflects on the discipline instill...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Rob Herringer ’00—Raven alum, former head coach of the men’s soccer team, and a leader whose legacy extends far beyond the field. As a student-athlete in the late ’90s, Rob found more than just a place to play soccer—he found a community that shaped his faith, leadership, and life. Returning as head coach in 2004, he l...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with longtime music faculty member and beloved mentor Ruth Krusemark '73 to talk about her decades at Benedictine College.   Ruth shares how she first came to the college, the moments that shaped her career, and the joy she’s found in watching generations of students discover their gifts. She reflects on the friendships, tr...

In this episode of The Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Melinda Pregont ’09—former Lady Raven basketball player, healthcare leader, and owner of Trusted Care, a holistic wellness clinic. Melinda’s Benedictine journey began with a life-changing community scholarship that brought her to campus and kept her rooted in Atchison. On the court, she learned humility, resilience, an...

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Keith Hertling ’79—Raven Hall of Famer, and current Senior Vice President of Coaching and Culture at Jersey Mike’s Subs Franchise Systems. At Benedictine College, Keith combined athletic excellence with a deep passion for service and faith. From coaching in the Special Olympics and working in Campus Ministry to earning...

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Dr. Shane Rapp '08, principal of St. James Academy and a proud Raven whose life and leadership have been deeply shaped by his time at Benedictine College.   From walking on to the soccer team to meeting his wife and experiencing a profound faith transformation, Shane reflects on the moments that changed everything. He...