The UNWavering Podcast

This episode is all about YOU! You’ll hear a recap of Season 2, many alumni spotlights, and a preview of Season 3. Hear how God is at work through UNW grads in your community and around the world. From music and law to ministry and biology, UNW alumni are living out their callings and using the unique gifts God has given them to make an impact in today’s world. With alumni in 67 countries, it’s cl...

Dr. Ryan Griffith, Dean and Associate Professor of the Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC), joins to share an update on the program’s first year. From engaging deeply with meaningful books to serving the community together, the CCHC equips students to grow not only academically, but spiritually—learning what it means to live out their faith. Through it all, God’s faithfulness is seen in ever...

Kyle Peach, Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admissions, joins to talk about finding the right college fit—and why experiencing campus firsthand matters. Kyle encourages students to visit UNW to truly get a feel for what makes it unique. He shares his passion for helping students understand exactly who UNW is, from its Christ-centered mission to a culture where students are bold in living out...

Coach Tim Grosz has led University of Northwestern’s Men’s Basketball team for 26 years. As he steps into a new opportunity in northern Colorado, we celebrate his next chapter while reflecting on a legacy that will be deeply missed. Join us as Coach Grosz looks back on his time at UNW with gratitude. He’s thankful for the players, colleagues, and community who shaped the journey along the way. Hea...

What does it look like to pursue Christ and your craft—especially when failure is part of the process? Join as we sit down with Ann Sorenson, Chair of the Department of Media Arts and Professor of Film, to talk about the power of being still, failing magnificently, and creating work that reflects God’s light . Professor Sorenson will talk through her journey from launching the film program to cele...

What happens when innovation is rooted in faith and driven by purpose? Dr. Siu-Yue Tam, Associate Professor of Engineering and Director of the Northwestern Center for Innovation & Research (NCIR), shares what it means to rely on God in and for everything—trusting that He is more than enough as we build, create, and lead. From the growth of School of Engineering and advancements in biomedical t...

Chris Asmus, UNW’s Campus Pastor, joins us this week to talk about Jesus, his church ministry, and the gift of getting to pour into students every week at chapel. Chris invites you to behold the real Jesus. He isn’t distant or theoretical, but a Savior who meets us in the middle of our everyday struggles.  Hear as Chris shares how Jesus takes our misery and transforms it into ministry, reminding u...

During spring break, a group of Northwestern students partnered with OneChild and traveled to Nicaragua on a missions trip to serve kids. God worked in ways they did not expect. In this episode, hear from Elliana Norton and Joel Amancharla (current UNW students) as they share memories and takeaways from this life-changing trip. The lessons they learned are powerful reminders for all of us: simple...

Since the 1990s, the Northwestern community has gathered on-campus in the spring for a dedicated Day of Prayer & Service—a long‑standing tradition when students, staff & faculty pause their regular schedules and spend the day praying, serving, and reconnecting with God and one another. This year, we invite alumni and families to join in this meaningful community tradition —on campus, onlin...

Heidi Lee Anderson (’10) joins us to share her journey. She is an author, speaker, and cancer survivor. Hear as Heidi talks about how God met her in every season and what shaped the heart behind her new book, “All In, All Yours.” Her new book is a 100-day devotional that takes you through the book of Joshua. Drawing from the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, this devotional invites you to...

This week, we’re joined by Jason Sharp, Senior VP for Media at Northwestern Media, as he shares his personal journey in radio and faith—and how God has shaped his calling in Christian broadcasting. Jason gives us a look inside Northwestern Media’s network of radio stations, which reach millions of listeners across multiple states with Christ-centered content that is broadcasted live and local.  He...

Patrick Fitzgerald is UNW’s Head Coach for Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams. In this episode, he shares his vision for a God-honoring athletic program that both challenges and motivates athletes to be their personal best.  Through providing intentional time to share devotionals and connect, Patrick helps students grow in their faith and equip them for life beyond UNW. When...

Get to know UNW’s new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dalene Fisher. At the center of her vision is the belief that academic success starts with discipleship. Dr. Fisher oversees the university’s academic mission, ensuring that everything from policies to classroom practices reflects UNW’s commitment to Christ-centered education. She believes professors are called not only to...

Never in his wildest dreams did Wayne Pederson imagine he would one day be involved with an international radio broadcasting ministry. In this episode, you'll hear Wayne's remarkable life story—from hosting a make-believe radio show on a tractor as a child, to becoming a beloved 98.5 KTIS personality, to stepping into industry leadership, and eventually helping to bring the Gospel to the...

At the heart of UNW Tennis is a passion to serve—both on and off the court. In this episode, Matt Swigart, Head Coach of the Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams at Northwestern, shares how he leads the team with a mission that’s deeper than just winning matches. For him, tennis is a tool for discipleship and equipping athletes to grow as future husbands, wives, parents, and followers of Christ. He also...

Cell phones are shaping the way we connect—but are they negatively effecting the depth of our closest relationships? Professor Laura Watkins, Instructor of Communication at Northwestern, joins to talk about how our phone habits influence everything from mealtime conversations, emotional quality of our relationships, and how we parent.  Her recent study found that 70% of people believe that phones...

Mission drives momentum! Here at Northwestern, everything we do begins with our mission (it's our economic engine!). If we do our mission really well, we can expect some positive outcomes. Northwestern’s president, Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, sits down with us for an exciting conversation about what God is doing at Northwestern and where He is leading.   Our conversation covers the following topics...

Our guest is Peter Reid , a 1984 graduate of Northwestern and the current General Director of Torchbearers International , an international missions fellowship focused on proclaiming the transforming presence of Jesus Christ through biblical teaching and practical training. Along with his wife, Gaby, Peter has spent over 40 years serving in discipleship and Bible education, including leadership as...

We are wrapping up Season #1 with a joy-filled conversation with Mardy Rodriguez, the Custodial Services Manager at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. Mardy lives every day with joy and a passion for reaching more people for Jesus. He uses his job as an avenue to speak life and truth into the next generation. He gets to have meaningful conversations with students and staff about the Bible and...

Kaycee Greisinger is the Podcast Producer of The UNWavering Podcast . With a passion for using media to share Jesus’ message, she has loved producing a podcast that highlights so many unique stories. God has brought people to UNW for countless reasons, and it’s inspiring to hear their journeys. Then, join Monte, Cassie, and Kaycee for an in-depth conversation reflecting on the highlights and memor...

Hannah Hanson is the Manager of Campus Store & Mail Center at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. She loves to serve the UNW community by providing everything from academic textbooks to apparel that helps students show their Eagle pride.  In this episode, Hannah shares the positive changes she’s been making to the Campus Store, including new merchandise and unique items students love. She t...

Dr. Santhiny Rajamohan is the Dean/Chief Nurse Administrator and Professor at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. She has a heart to serve and care for others. Hear as she dives into what it really means to rely on God when life feels overwhelming. She shares how choosing gratitude over bitterness transformed her perspective, and how the R.E.S.T. model helps her find rest in everything she does...

Dr. Doug Huffman is the Dean, School of Theology & Ministry and Special Advisor to the President at University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He has a deep passion to invest his experience and wisdom into the next generation. He shares that his return to UNW was motivated by a sense that he still had “more in his bucket” to give.  His return has been warmly received by alumni and the UNW communit...

Susie Larson is a Senior Producer & Talk Radio Host at Faith Radio, and has a heart for Jesus. Susie is a bestselling author, national speaker, and host of the popular radio show Susie Larson Live.  In this episode, Susie shares her story and the importance of practicing gratitude in every season—especially the hard ones. She reminds us that just because something is difficult doesn’t mean God...

Dr. Ryan Griffith is the Dean and Associate Professor of the Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC) at University of Northwestern – St. Paul.  He has a passion for Northwestern, the Bible, and for equipping the next generation. Hear as he explains the CCHC and how the program is shaping students.  Learn more about the CCHC at  https://www.unwsp.edu/academics/colleges/classical-christian-honors-...