Gardner-Webb University: Podcast Network

What does it take to build a career in the ever-evolving world of sport management? In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar sits down with Dr. Gerald Gilsdorf, Professor of Sport Management, and Dr. Joshua Vadeboncoeur, Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Gardner-Webb University. Together, they explore how today’s sport management programs are preparing students for dyn...

What does it truly mean to make an impact on students’ lives? In this episode of the Double Dawg Day Spotlight, host Kanisha Fowler sits down with Dr. Nicole Waters, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Gardner-Webb University, to explore how generosity transforms the student experience—from scholarships and academic programs to hands-on learning and life-changing opportunities. Water...

College is a time of growth, discovery—and sometimes stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. In this episode of WebbChat, host Noel T. Manning II sits down with Kimberly Retherford and Megan Peek from the Gardner-Webb Counseling Center to explore how students can access meaningful mental health support right on campus. From free and confidential counseling services to crisis support, group programs, and...

In this Double Dawg Day Spotlight, host Kanisha Fowler sits down with Brendan Fahey, vice president and director of athletics at Gardner-Webb University, to explore the impact of giving on Runnin’ Bulldog Athletics. From supporting student-athletes to strengthening facilities and programs, Fahey shares how Double Dawg Day (April 16) fuels success both on and off the field. This daylong giving even...

What happens when a student decides to go beyond the classroom and follow curiosity wherever it leads? In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar sits down with Bethany Durham, a Gardner-Webb junior studying Political Science and International Relations, and Dr. Elizabeth Amato, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Undergraduate Research. Durham shares the sto...

In this episode of WebbChat, host Noel T. Manning II welcomes Gardner-Webb University alumni Mike Shade and Eli Strait, creators of the wildly popular Chasing Scratch: A Golf Podcast. Shade and Strait reflect on their time at Gardner-Webb University, where their friendship first took root, and share the story behind the genesis and evolution of the Chasing Scratch podcast. What began as a personal...

In Season 1, Episode 2 of The Parrott’s Perch , Dr. Josh Parrott sits down with Gardner-Webb University alumnus Jack Eason , Executive Stateside Director of CUPS Mission. CUPS Mission works to enrich the lives of families in developing nations through education, discipleship, vocational training, and holistic community support. In this conversation, Jack shares how his time at Gardner-Webb helped...

Welcome to The Bulldog Mindset, where we explore purpose, people, and the work that brings Gardner-Webb University to life through learning, leadership, and service. Hosted by Dr. Greg Pillar, this podcast highlights the individuals building systems, shaping strategy, and strengthening the student experience every day. In this episode, Dr. Kenneth Johnson, Executive Director of Student Success at...

In this episode of Dawg Tracks, host Noel T. Manning II sits down with Will Glover, director of the Gardner-Webb Bulldog Club, for a conversation about community, connection, and what it truly means to support Runnin’ Bulldog student-athletes. A Boiling Springs native and Gardner-Webb alum, Glover shares his personal journey, what excites him most about leading the Bulldog Club, and how the organi...

In this episode of The Vinyl Experience, hosts Natalie Bishop, Kevin Bridges, and Noel T. Manning II explore how vinyl and cinema have long been intertwined through unforgettable soundtracks. From sweeping film scores to carefully curated collections of songs, they reflect on how owning movie soundtracks helped extend the life of films beyond the screen — creating lasting memories, shaping musical...

Mentoring the Mentors with Dr. Jennifer Putnam Every strong classroom is shaped by a teacher. Every strong school is shaped by leadership. And behind both are the mentors who prepare those educators in the first place. In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar sits down with Dr. Jennifer Putnam, Associate Dean in the College of Education and Coordinator of the Ed. D. in Curricul...

WebbChat: Sound Stories is a companion series within the WebbChat podcast, bringing written stories from Gardner-Webb University’s NewsCenter to life through sound. In this episode, we spotlight Dr. Aaron Rice, Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music at Gardner-Webb University. Honored with the University’s Rising Star Award, Rice reflects on music as a form of connection...

One year can change everything. In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Greg Pillar sits down with Gardner-Webb University President Nate Evans at a pivotal moment in the life of the institution. In Feb. 2025, Evans stepped into the presidency during a season of transition at interim. Today, with a longer horizon ahead, and as the 14th President of Gardner-Webb, Evans reflects on what it mean...

In the pilot episode of Parrott’s Perch, Noel T. Manning II sits down with Dr. Josh Parrott for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about faith, calling, and leadership at Gardner-Webb University. Parrott shares his personal Christian walk, his journey back to Gardner-Webb as vice president and university chaplain, and his vision for nurturing spiritual life, service, and church relations acros...

What does it really take to support students when the stakes are high? In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar sits down with Dr. Sharon Webb, professor of counselor education, chair of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and faculty athletics representative at Gardner-Webb University. Webb works at the intersection of mental health, education, and athletics—preparing future co...

In this second volume of The Record Store Chronicles, hosts Natalie Bishop, Kevin Bridges, and Noel T. Manning II return to explore the magic and memories of record stores past and present. Special guest Cheri Nipper, who spent more than two decades in music retail and leadership at The Sound Shop, joins the conversation to share stories from her years behind the counter — from managing staff and...

Some of the most important work on a university campus doesn’t happen on a stage or in a spotlight—it happens quietly, consistently, and with deep care for students and faculty alike. In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar is joined by Dr. Jennifer Buckner, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of English at Gardner-Webb University. With more than 1...

The Bulldog Mindset – Season 2, Episode 9 What does the first semester of college really feel like — beyond the brochures, the move-in photos, and the big expectations? In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar, Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, sits down with two first-year students, Kennedy Cole and Audrey James, for an honest, thoughtful, and often surprising look at th...

In this first volume of The Record Store Chronicles, hosts Natalie Bishop, Kevin Bridges, and Noel T. Manning II drop the needle on the sights, sounds, and stories of record stores past and present. Special guest Tommy Howell, longtime Camelot Music employee, joins Noel to reminisce about the golden era of retail music—spinning tracks, helping customers discover new favorites, and witnessing first...

As we close out the Week of Giving, Service & Prayer, Isaiah Crawford delivers a motivating message of hope, purpose, and perseverance. Let his devotional challenge you to continue making a difference far beyond this one week. Theme: Gratitude and Reflection Scripture : Psalm 100:4–5 Focus : Looking back in thankfulness and forward with hope. Join us each day during Gardner-Webb’s Week of Givi...

On this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar sits down with two student leaders whose stories define discipline, resilience, and purpose at Gardner-Webb University. Caeden Stratton, a nursing major and ROTC cadet, recently completed one of the Army’s most demanding training schools—Air Assault—and is preparing to commission as a Second Lieutenant. Alongside him, Paul McElearney, a...

Theme: United in Purpose Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12 Focus: Many Members, One Body Today’s devotional comes from Thea Thompson, Interim Vice President for Marketing at Gardner-Webb University. Drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians 12:12, Thea reminds us that although we each bring different gifts, talents, and callings, we are all part of one body — united through faith, service, and love. As...

Today’s devotional features Dr. Josh Parrott, Gardner-Webb University Chaplain and Vice President for Christian Life and Service. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:7–8, Dr. Parrott reminds us that true generosity flows not from obligation but from joy — a reflection of God’s abundant grace at work in us. Theme: Cheerful Giving Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7–8 Focus: Living Generously with a Joyful Heart...

Theme : Serving with Love Scripture : Galatians 5:13 Focus: Freedom Expressed Through Humble Service Today’s devotional comes from Sharon Hammonds, Associate Vice President for Human Resources at Gardner-Webb University. Drawing from Galatians 5:13, Sharon reminds us that true freedom in Christ is found not in serving ourselves, but in serving others — humbly, lovingly, and without expectation. As...

Gardner-Webb University proudly welcomed Nate Evans as its 14th President during a special campus-wide meet and greet on Thursday, November 13. This audio captures the energy, excitement, and community spirit as faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends came together to greet President Evans and celebrate a new chapter in Gardner-Webb’s story. Listen to the new leader of GWU here.