As we close this chapter ofBeyondU, we have some bittersweet news: for now, this will be our final episode. In this special farewell, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared with you—our listeners, our guests, and our dedicated team behind the scenes.

Though we’re pausing for now, the mission continues. Stay connected with us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to revisit past episodes and keep the conversation alive. As Romans 12:2 reminds us,“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” May that transformation continue in your journey.

Thank you for being part ofBeyondU!

Watch episodes of BeyondU onYoutube

https://www.okwu.edu/beyondu/

Opinions expressed on BeyondU are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of OKWU, nor are they official university statements. Mention of products or services does not imply university endorsement.

In this episode of BeyondU, we share the inspiring journey of Pol Mur, a standout student-athlete at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU). Hailing from Barcelona, Spain, Pol came to OKWU to pursue academics and play soccer. During his time here, he experienced a profound transformation in his personal faith, culminating in his baptism during a chapel service this past year. In this conversation, Pol opens up about his spiritual journey and how it has reshaped his approach to soccer and his mission to serve others. His story exemplifies the transformative power of community and faith at OKWU.

See Pol's Baptism: https://youtube.com/live/JulWiKBdhXM?feature=share

Watch Pol's story in chapel: https://youtube.com/live/ywszGwvseac?feature=share

Opinions expressed on BeyondU are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of OKWU, nor are they official university statements. Mention of products or services does not imply university endorsement.

In this episode we discuss the connection between the fruit of the spirit in a well formed follower of Jesus and becoming the kind of professional that doesn't have to compromise success or values.

As people of faith in the workplace, where does growing in the fruit of the spirit fit into our plan for success? Or put another way, does becoming more patient, kind, gentle, or joyful have any relation to the skills and personality traits that will help you be successful?

Dr. Stacey Duke, associate dean of the school of business here at OKWU and Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken, professor of christian ministry and thought, discuss integrating faith into the workplace and what role the fruit of the spirit has in our lives at work.

Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/hROeGy1KiiY

https://www.okwu.edu/

Opinions expressed on BeyondU are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of OKWU, nor are they official university statements. Mention of products or services does not imply university endorsement.

Josh McNall returns to discuss intersection of theology, technology, and childhood development, particularly in light of Jonathan Haidt's book 'The Anxious Generation.' We discuss the implications of smartphone use on mental health, the importance of embodiment in theology, and practical steps for managing technology use in a faith context.

Then we explore the dangers of groupthink and the concept of cultural bundling as defined by Alan Jacobs in his book "How to Think," and the significance of engaging with diverse perspectives to foster understanding and connection in a fragmented society.

Chapters

00:00 The Centrality of the Body in Theology

02:47 The Impact of Technology on Childhood

06:08 Theological Reflections on Social Media

08:58 The Importance of Embodiment

11:50 Navigating Technology and Faith

15:13 Practical Steps for Healthy Technology Use

18:04 Community Support in Managing Technology Use

21:01 The Role of Paper Bibles in a Digital Age

28:04 Navigating Distractions in a Digital Age

30:31 The Impact of Technology on Adult Relationships

33:53 Groupthink and Its Dangers

36:40 Emotional Responses vs. Rational Thinking

39:32 Recognizing Echo Chambers

40:59 Cultural Bundling and Its Implications

47:07 Protecting Orthodoxy in a Fragmented World

49:28 Resisting Groupthink and Embracing Diversity

https://www.okwu.edu/beyondu/

In this premiere episode of Season 3, Torrey, Ben and Aaron discuss ideas we're going to explore this season, all centered on the concept of wisdom. What is wisdom? Why are we lacking in wisdom and discernment in our culture today, and how can we grow deeper in our biblical understanding and practice of wisdom in our everyday lives?

Ben and Aaron interview Dr. Richard Shaw on the topic of shame. Dr. Shaw is associate professor of Marriage, couple and family counseling at George Fox University, author of the book "Shame No More."We explore the every day aspects of how shame can keep us from a fulfilling life. With a new openness to discussing mental health in our culture, are we still missing the power of grace to reverse shame?

https://www.okwu.edu/beyondu

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Wisdom in Season 3

07:03 Understanding Shame with Dr. Richard Shaw

28:21 The Impact of Grace on Self-Perception and Relationships

32:29 Understanding Transformation as a Process

35:48 Starting the Journey of Healing and Repair

39:54 The Role of Relationships in Overcoming Shame

41:43 Shame as a Motivator: The Double-Edged Sword

45:35 Grace vs. Shame: A New Source of Motivation

49:10 Defining Grace: Embracing Enoughness

51:49 Resources for Further Exploration

Further Resources

"Shame No More" by Richard Shaw: https://www.amazon.com/Shame-No-More-Framework-Healing/dp/1944470123

Curt Thompson: https://curtthompsonmd.com/how-shame-affects-us-all-with-curt-thompson/

Lewis Smedes: https://www.amazon.com/Shame-Grace-Healing-Dont-Deserve/dp/0060675225

Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/articles/2013/01/15/shame-v-guilt/

In the season finale of BeyondU, our hosts get together for a roundtable conversation about this season’s discussions. They cover things that surprised them, conversations they hope to continue, and talk about some recent headlines that stand out to them.

Opinions expressed on BeyondU are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of OKWU, nor are they official university statements. Mention of products or services does not imply university endorsement.

On this week's special episode of BeyondU, you'll hear from former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who recently visited campus for a special conversation about faith and space exploration.

We think you'll be inspired by his perspective on those topics as he speaks a little about his experiences working in government as a Christ-follower, space exploration, and the importance of faith to the astronauts of the Apollo program in historical moments of the space race.

https://www.okwu.edu/beyondu/

Opinions expressed on BeyondU are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of OKWU, nor are they official university statements. Mention of products or services does not imply university endorsement.

On this week’s episode of BeyondU, Dr. Josh McNall joins the show. Check out their discussion about the distinctions between doubt and dogmatism, what faith means to the younger generation of students, and the importance of imagination for Christians.

Josh is the author of "Perhaps: Reclaiming the Space Between Doubt and Dogmatism."

https://www.okwu.edu/beyondu/

Opinions expressed on BeyondU are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of OKWU, nor are they official university statements. Mention of products or services does not imply university endorsement.

This week's episode of BeyondU features OKWU student leaders Audrey Hofer and Nathanel Anderberg. They join Torrey and Ben to discuss servant leadership through a Gen Z lens. What does servant leadership look like for the emerging generation joining the workforce?

Chapters

Opinions expressed on BeyondU are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of OKWU, nor are they official university statements. Mention of products or services does not imply university endorsement.

On this week’s episode of the BeyondU podcast, our hosts are joined by Stacey Duke, professor of business, and Aaron Bunker, the director of PATH Development. They talk through what it means to create a team atmosphere that emphasizes strengths and encourages members to discover how they operate best.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: StrengthsFinder and Team Culture

06:32 The Power of StrengthsFinder

14:31 Maximizing Team Performance with Strengths

30:00 The Value of the StrengthsFinder Assessment in Understanding and Leveraging Strengths

38:23 Avoiding Pitfalls and Maximizing the Benefits of Strengths Assessments

46:37 Recognizing the Value and Potential of Each Individual