SimplyWhy

This week Connor is joined by professor and author Dr. Scott Burson. Dr. Burson He has taught at IWU for more than a dozen years and is also the author of multiple books including his most recent; From Bulldog to Bengal: The Joe Burrow Story Through the Eyes of His Hometown. Listen in to hear how philosophy applies to sports, what it's like writing a sport's biography, and how critical thought can...

This week Connor is joined by nuclear physicist Dr. Warren Rogers. Dr. Rogers is a professor of physics and Blanchard Chair here at IWU. He currently conducts nuclear physics research with his IWU students at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University, and at the LANSCE facility at Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico. Listen in to hear how physics helps us understand music,...

This week Connor is joined by professor Dr. Amanda Drury. Dr. Drury is a professor of Practical Theology and has taught at IWU for 11 years. She is also the director of The Imaginarium, a project that helps young people experience and lead ministries. Listen in to hear how to encourage youth to pursue ministry, why sabbath is so crucial for Christians, and how your passions can connect you to God....

This week Connor is joined by professor Todd Ream. Todd is the Executive Director for Faculty Research and Scholarship and Professor of Humanities at IWU. He is the author of numerous books and articles on topics varying from theology to university life. Listen in to hear how to make the most of little bursts of free time, why identity matters for universities, and how to limit distractions.   Fol...

This week Connor is joined by professor Dr. Nathan Fayard. Dr. Fayard is Assistant Professor of Modern Language and Literature at IWU and serves as Editor in Chief for Foundations Book Publishing. He has been teaching for over a decade on topics such as medieval literature, sci-fi, comics, and romantic literature. Listen in to hear when to read Beowulf, how to face the battle that is the classroom...

This week Connor is joined by theologian and professor Dr. Vincent Bacote. Dr. Bacote is a professor of Theology at and the director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College. He is also a prolific author and speaker, having published and contributed to multiple books and articles that have appeared in magazines such as Books and Culture and Christianity Today. He also hosts a...

This week Connor is joined by coach Andrew Rode. Andrew is the head coach for the Wildcat football team at IWU. He previously served as the Offensive Coordinator at Morningside University, and brought the Mustangs to their third national championship in four years. Listen in to hear how to transition from player to coach, why education is crucial to football, and how to gain trust from your team....

This week Connor is joined by entrepreneur Ronald Morrell Jr. Ronald has launched multiple businesses in the Grant County area and serves as the executive director for the Boys and Girls Club of Grant County. He is also currently running for mayor in Marion, IN. Listen in to hear how to apply business to other disciplines, what it takes to start a business, and how you can impact your local commun...

This week Connor is joined by illustrator Ron Mazellan. Ron is a former professor of illustration at IWU. He has illustrated countless books by authors such as Tony Dungy and Cal Ripken Jr. and also received the NAACP Image Award and Christopher Award for You Can Be a Friend. Listen in to hear how to illustrate a book, why community is essential for artists, and how to balance art and commerce.  ...

This week Connor is joined by Roger Younce. Roger is the executive director at Kinwell Academy, a non-public alternative high school in Grant County. He has been in alternative education for 11 years and also cohosts Culture of Kinship, a podcast that shares the unique experiences and growth of the students of Kinwell Academy. Listen in to hear how social media affects kids at school, why you need...

This week Connor is joined by biologist and professor Dr. Jennifer Noseworthy. Dr. Noseworthy is an associate professor in the Division of Natural Sciences at IWU. She also serves as the director of the IWU Alliance Garden,  a campus farm geared toward agriculture and food production within the community. Listen in to hear why science enhances faith, what some practical implementations of biology...

This week Connor is joined by professor Dr. Elaine Bernius. Dr. Bernius has been working at IWU since 2005 and serves as a professor of Biblical Studies. Her focus is on Hebraic and Cognate studies with an emphasis on linguistics. Listen in to hear how every Christian can benefit from learning Biblical languages, where accents are used in the Bible, and how to balance study of scripture and discip...

This week Connor is joined by visual artist and pastor Ronnie Farmer, Jr. Ronnie has traveled the world as an artist and missionary and his art focuses on the intersection of art, justice, and theology. He is the founding director of the I Have a Dream Preschool academy and is also a pastor at Real Community Church in Marion, IN. Listen in to hear how art helps preschoolers understand the world, w...

This week Connor is joined by Illustrator, designer, and professor Keith Lowe. Keith is an assistant professor of illustration at IWU, and has almost 20 years of experience as an illustrator and designer. He has created materials for 9 board games and designed over 50 video game strategy guides. Listen in to hear about finding inspiration in your town, blending creativity with purpose, and why you...

This week Connor is joined by coach Greg Tonagel. Greg is the head coach for IWU's men's basketball team. He has just wrapped up his 18th season, is a 3 time national champion, and his career record makes him the all-time winningest coach at IWU. Listen in to hear how basketball can become an idol, why it's important to put yourself third, and how a PhD can help you become a better coach.   Link t...

This week Connor is joined by pastor and evangelist Cory Clark. Cory served as an evangelist for 10 years and is currently the lead pastor of Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Listen in to hear about the importance of a simple message, why delegation is essential in the church, and how to balance spiritual growth with pastoral care.   Link to Marion First Church of the Nazarene: https://marionf...

This week Connor is joined by interior and social designer Wendy Puffer. Wendy co-founded Marion Design Co. in 2016, where she now serves as Chief Design Officer. She also spent 21 years as a professor of design at Indiana Wesleyan University. Listen in to hear how to create a safe and beautiful space, why design is important, and how to break (and admire) the rules.   Follow to Marion Design Co:...

This week Connor is joined by professor, author, and worship pastor Dr. Brannon Hancock. Dr. Hancock is an associate professor of practical theology and worship at Wesley Seminary, and he also serves as associate pastor at Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Through his 25 years of Christian ministry, Dr. Hancock has written numerous articles, reviews, and a book: The Scandal of Sacramentality. L...

This week Connor is joined by public speaker, mentor, and podcast host Chas Fields. Chas is a senior partner at Ultimate Kronos Group and has been in the human capital management tech space for seven years. He has written articles for Forbes, spoken in front of tens of thousands of people, and co-hosts The People Purpose Podcast. Listen in to hear why you should never stop reading, how physical fi...

This week Connor is joined by Dr. Penny Callaway. Dr. Callaway is an associate professor in IWU's graduate nursing program. She has more than 25 years of nursing experience and has served in countless healthcare roles. Listen in to hear about the shift to more personal medical experiences, why nurses should start their careers in a psych ward, and the joy of meeting someone outside of Zoom for the...

This week Connor is joined by pastor and author Dr. Steve DeNeff. Dr. DeNeff is the senior pastor of College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. He has been in ministry for more than 35 years and has written multiple books, including "More Than Forgiveness," "7 Saving Graces," and "Soul Shift." Listen in to hear the traits of a good leader, the value of community, and why the early hours are the m...

This week Connor is joined by photographer Marcus Doyle. Marcus is the assistant professor of photography at IWU, and has served as associate professor at Azusa Pacific and Christchurch Canterbury University. He has been in the field of photography for 30 years where he has hosted 35 solo exhibitions, and is a member of the Royal Photographic Society and Association of Photographers. Listen in to...

This week Connor is joined by Digital Learning Scholar Dr. Brad Garner. Dr. Garner has worked in education for 50 years, serving in a variety of roles such as professor, author, head of faculty enrichment, and psychologist for children with disabilities. He is also the founding editor of The Toolbox newsletter and co-host of the Digital2Learn Podcast. Listen in to hear why online learning is here...

This week Connor is joined by Director of Faculty Enrichment Dr. Tiffany Snyder. Dr. Snyder has worked in higher education for 14 years, where she has focused on the mental health and wellbeing of the faculty around her. She is also the co-host of the Digital2Learn and IWU Scholarship podcasts. Listen in to hear how lateral leadership can improve your role, why it's key for faculty to feel a sense...

This week Connor is joined by author, public speaker, and professor Dr. Jerry Pattengale. Dr. Pattengale serves as the first university professor at Indiana Wesleyan University and is also the co-director and co-founder of the Lumen research institute. His experience includes being awarded IWU's World Changing Faculty and Alumnus awards, writing and editing more than 50 books, and serving as co-fo...