Cedarville Stories

Jesse and Carissa Bowser: Cultivating Creativity, Faith and Community

What happens when creativity, faith, and a shared vision for serving others come together? For Cedarville University alumni Jesse and Carissa Bowser, the answer is Victory Garden Studio, a creative business rooted in their belief that meaningful work can cultivate beauty, connection and growth. 

In this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Jesse and Carissa reflect on their journey from Cedarville art students to married entrepreneurs building a creative business in Greenville, South Carolina. 

Both 2016 graduates, the couple first connected through their shared passion for art. Their friendship blossomed during informal gatherings called “Drawler Night,” where students gathered in Lawler Hall to draw, create and enjoy one another’s company. Those creative connections eventually developed into a relationship that would shape their marriage and future business. 

Carissa shares how trusting God's direction led her to leave the University of Akron, where she had free tuition, and transfer to Cedarville to pursue studio art. Jesse recalls discovering his passion for graphic design in high school and how Cedarville helped him develop his creative abilities. 

After graduation, Jesse spent seven years working at a marketing agency while the couple continued developing their artistic styles. Their complementary approaches — Jesse's playful creativity and Carissa's intentional, thoughtful artistry — became foundational to their partnership. 

Today, their business, Victory Garden Studio, creates artwork, hand-painted murals, and other artistic products. The name reflects their commitment to cultivating beauty and serving others, inspired by Isaiah 58 and its imagery of a well-watered garden. 

Carissa also shares how a renewed understanding of Scripture transformed her perspective on faith, work, and rest. Rather than pursuing every opportunity out of fear or scarcity, the couple strives to trust God's provision while creating meaningful work. 

Throughout their conversation, Jesse and Carissa emphasize the importance of patience, community, creativity and allowing God to shape life's direction. 

Listen as they share how their Cedarville experiences planted the seeds for a marriage, business and mission centered on faith, creativity and helping others flourish. 

https://share.transistor.fm/s/44e4a0db 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMFEaYHi4A4

From a Deserted Island to Cedarville University

What do a deserted island, a rogue ocean wave, a Purdue gym bag, and Cedarville University have in common? For Chris Sohn, they are all part of an extraordinary life story shaped by God’s providence. 

In this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Chris Sohn, Chief Financial Officer at Cedarville University, reflects on the experiences that shaped his faith, family, career, and leadership. Chris begins by sharing the joy of becoming a first-time grandfather to Genevieve Grace before taking listeners back to his childhood and his journey to Christ. 

Raised in a family without an active Christian faith, Chris first heard the Gospel as a teenager while living in Puerto Rico. Although he recognized his need for a Savior and trusted Christ, he spent years trying to live the Christian life largely on his own. It wasn’t until his early 20s, after moving to California and becoming involved at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, that church, biblical teaching, worship, and fellowship began transforming his understanding of what it meant to follow Christ. 

Chris also recounts one of the most dramatic experiences of his life: a fishing trip that turned into a fight for survival after a series of massive waves overturned the boat miles off the coast of Puerto Rico. After swimming to a small sandbar with his father and the body of a fellow passenger who had died, Chris discovered his floating Purdue gym bag containing his keys and wallet — an unexpected provision that helped them return home. 

Years later, another unexpected turn led Chris from a successful 16-year career with GE to Cedarville. What began as a job posting and a reluctant application eventually became what Chris describes as a clear work of God. Fourteen years later, he continues to serve Cedarville with a commitment to stewardship, people, and the University’s mission. 

Chris discusses Cedarville’s financial strength, conservative approach to budgeting, low debt, and — most importantly — the people whose commitment to Christ drives the University forward. Recently named a Dayton Business Journal CFO of the Year, Chris emphasizes that leadership is about far more than managing finances. For him, it means hiring great people, equipping them to succeed, and helping them flourish in their careers, families, churches, and lives. 

Listen to this inspiring conversation about faith, adventure, stewardship, leadership, and recognizing God’s hand in the unexpected turns of life. 

https://share.transistor.fm/s/1a2a8a25
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ2oTbc1Vfw

Love, Cancer, and the Faithfulness of God

What happens when a young couple’s love story takes an unexpected turn? On this episode of Cedarville Stories, host Mark Weinstein sits down with Cedarville University alumni Aaron ’19 and Danielle (Dykema) Lynn ’19 to discuss their relationship, Aaron’s battle with cancer, and the faith that carried them through one of life’s most challenging seasons. 

The Lynns’ story started with a uniquely Cedarville courtship, complete with a little strategic class schedule research, spikeball, and a memorable first date. But just months into their relationship, Aaron received a diagnosis that changed everything: Hodgkin’s lymphoma. At just 19 years old, he faced chemotherapy, an unexpected interruption to college, and the uncertainty of what life would look like after treatment. 

Danielle shares the emotional impact of Aaron’s diagnosis, including the anxiety she experienced while navigating the challenges of supporting someone she loved. Together, they reflect on the importance of community, consistent routines, Scripture, and the friends who surrounded them with prayer and practical support. From classmates shaving their heads in solidarity to friends gathering for prayer, the Cedarville community became an important source of encouragement. 

Aaron also discusses the physical, cognitive, and spiritual challenges of cancer recovery, including learning to navigate life beyond the identities and activities he once took for granted. Now nearly 10 years cancer-free, he reflects on God’s presence throughout his journey and the opportunities to encourage others facing difficult circumstances. 

Through their experiences, Aaron and Danielle discovered how to support one another while recognizing that their ultimate strength comes from God. Their conversation offers an honest look at love, perseverance, spiritual growth, and the healing power of Christ. 

Listen to hear how God used an unexpected diagnosis to deepen their faith, strengthen their relationship, and shape their understanding of His faithfulness.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/bd5e34a1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blk7dml65-A

From Classroom Idea to FDA-Approved Medical Device 

What happens when a student sees a life-threatening problem and refuses to accept that “this is just the way it’s done”? 

On this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, host Mark Weinstein talks with Dr. Tim Norman, Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, and Dr. Lauren Edmondson, a 2019 Cedarville graduate and physician, about an innovative medical device that began as a student idea in 2018 and has now received FDA approval. 

While taking an EMT course at Cedarville, Lauren encountered a story about a traumatic carotid artery injury in which a medic had to hold pressure on a patient’s neck throughout the entire trip to the hospital. The experience sparked a question: Could a device provide the necessary pressure while freeing the medic to care for other patients? 

That question became the foundation for the Arterial Restriction Clamp (ARC). Lauren brought the idea to Dr. Norman, who assembled a senior design team of engineering students to develop a solution. The result is a lightweight, multifunctional device designed to address difficult bleeding situations while allowing medical professionals to continue providing care. 

In this episode, hear about an allied health student and engineering professor’s collaboration across disciplines, the years of testing and research required to pursue FDA approval, the challenges of securing a patent and funding development, and the team's vision for bringing the device to military medics and other first responders. 

More than a medical innovation, the ARC represents the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, student initiative, and problem-solving with a purpose. What began as a Cedarville senior design project has grown into an effort with the potential to help save lives and bring patients home to their families. 

Listen to this inspiring story of faith, innovation, perseverance, and a student idea that became a life-saving technology. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T11y8zUsv4I
https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d10afc9

Faith, Technology and the Future of AI

As a new academic year begins at Cedarville University, technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the way people work, learn and communicate. On this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Rob McDole, a leader in Cedarville’s Center for Teaching and Learning and an experienced voice on artificial intelligence, joins the conversation to explore AI through a biblical and educational lens. 

Before discussing technology, McDole shares about his journey to Cedarville and the people who shaped his life. He reflects on meeting his wife as a Cedarville student and the influence of his mother and the godly mentors who invested in him when his father was largely absent during his childhood. His love of reading, learning, and technology began early, eventually leading McDole to choose Cedarville over a full-ride music scholarship at another college after discovering Cedarville’s early computer network, CedarNet. 

McDole explains how his Christian faith shapes his understanding of innovation. Because God is the Creator, technological advancement, including AI, is not outside His sovereignty. Rather than responding to AI with fear, McDole encourages Christians to consider how technology can be used wisely to serve others and advance Kingdom purposes. 

The conversation also addresses one of McDole’s primary concerns: humanizing AI. He cautions against treating AI systems as people or allowing their increasingly conversational nature to distort our understanding of what they are. 

McDole discusses how AI has accelerated research, enabled simulations, and changed his own professional workflow, while also acknowledging the importance of setting boundaries and remaining attentive to real-world responsibilities. 

Finally, the conversation turns to higher education. McDole explains why Cedarville is focusing on becoming AI-resilient rather than AI-resistant, emphasizing process over product and recognizing that education is about far more than earning a diploma. At its heart, Cedarville’s mission remains rooted in discipleship, biblical truth, and forming students in ways technology cannot replicate. 

https://share.transistor.fm/s/477e0274
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxkAPRhnIdg

A Voice of Joy for Listeners Nationwide

For Joy Summers, joy is more than a name—it is a thread God has woven through every chapter of her life.

On this week’s Cedarville Stories podcast, Joy shares her story with the same warmth, humor and contagious energy that have made her a familiar voice to listeners across the country.

Born shortly after the loss of her infant brother, Joy was the gift her parents described as the joy God brought back into their home. Today, she brings encouragement, laughter and hope to a national audience through her syndicated WAY-FM radio program.

Joy reflects on growing up as a pastor’s daughter, discovering her love for radio while working as a Cedarville student at Resound Radio, and learning that authenticity matters. That conviction shapes the way she communicates. She speaks openly about difficult seasons, including depression and postpartum depression, believing honesty can help people feel seen, heard and less alone.

She also shares about a career decision that challenged conventional wisdom. After becoming a mother, Joy stepped away from the morning show to pursue a schedule that better served her family. What seemed like a professional risk became another opportunity to trust God’s leading.

Beyond the radio studio, Joy continues to spread encouragement through Summers of Joy, a WAY-FM initiative focused on kindness and serving others.

Her story is a joyful reminder that God can use ordinary moments, hard seasons and faithful obedience to bring hope to others.

Here are 2 funny outtakes from the podcast: 

• https://youtube.com/shorts/cH5svIUOvyk?feature=share
• https://youtube.com/shorts/_gqetlAK8RE?feature=share

https://share.transistor.fm/s/82b9abfd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OALtqNTn1lQ

Designing with Purpose

What does designing a safer ski rescue sled have in common with helping recreate first-century Jerusalem? For Cedarville University graduate Luise Schmidt-Krayer, both projects reflect her desire to use design with creativity, care and purpose.

Growing up in Gummersbach, Germany, Luise loved adventure—especially skiing. After high school, she took a gap year and attended Lake Ann Camp in the United States with her sister. There, she learned about Cedarville University and made the courageous decision to move far from home to pursue an education in industrial and innovative design.

At Cedarville, Luise found an education that shaped both her faith and her future as a designer. For her senior capstone project, she explored the challenges ski patrollers face when transporting injured skiers. After observing patrollers at Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio, she designed a lightweight rescue sled featuring a scoop mechanism intended to reduce patient movement and ease the physical strain on rescuers.

Today, Luise brings that same thoughtful, research-driven approach to her work at Answers in Genesis. She is on a team that is modeling Jerusalem as it appeared during the life of Jesus, combining historical research, artistic detail and a love for biblical truth. In this episode, Luise shares how faith, empathy and design have guided her journey—from the ski slopes of Germany to Cedarville, ski patrol rescue operations and a vivid recreation of first-century Jerusalem.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/738ca2fe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0vvstPOthU

It's More than Peanut Butter for Jesse and Caleb Mangum 

When Caleb Mangum lost his job in 2012, he did not set out to build a nut butter company. He simply faced an unexpected turn in the road and took a step of faith, trusting God to provide for his family and lead him forward.  

That step became the beginning of Nutty Novelties. 

What started as a leap into the unknown slowly grew into a business with purpose. Caleb poured himself into creating a quality product. Every jar became another reminder that God had faithfully met a need, and every challenge became another opportunity to trust Him for what came next. 

Then, seven years later, Caleb's younger brother, Jesse Mangum '19, joined the effort after graduating from Cedarville University with a degree in global business. Jesse brought fresh energy, strong business training, and the same desire to keep Christ at the center. Together, the brothers found a rhythm that felt less like a corporate partnership and more like a family calling. 

Their brotherhood matters. Caleb and Jesse share values, memories, and a deep trust in one another. They work hard, laugh often, and lean on the biblical foundation that has shaped both of their lives. They believe the best businesses are built one relationship at a time, measuring success not only by what they produce but by how they serve the people God places in their paths. 

They are also quick to recognize the people who work alongside them and the friends and family who have encouraged them along the way. Time and again, God has provided the right person with the right wisdom at just the right moment. Those experiences have reinforced their conviction that success is never a solo effort but a testimony to God's faithfulness working through His people. That spirit came through when the brothers recently shared their journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast. 

For Caleb and Jesse Mangum, every jar of Nutty Novelties tells a bigger story — one of God's faithfulness, the strength of family, and the joy of serving others together. 

https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c138e3a
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jegk-TljPY

The Rejection That Redirected Her Life Forever

For years, Briana Zalewski believed becoming a physician assistant would give her the purpose she was searching for. After earning a pre-medical undergraduate degree, working in health care and facing repeated rejection from PA programs, she wondered whether her dream would ever become reality.

Then she found Cedarville University.

From her on-campus interview, Briana sensed Cedarville was different. Moving away from her home near Detroit, she entered a Christ-centered community where classmates prayed with her, professors encouraged her and faculty demonstrated what it meant to make Jesus central to every part of life.

Briana came to Cedarville to become a physician assistant. But through studying Scripture, prayer and relationships with people devoted to Christ, she discovered something far greater: a personal relationship with Jesus.

Her newfound faith sustained her through the demands of PA school, clinical rotations and significant life changes. Today, Briana is back in suburban Detroit, caring for patients at a dermatology practice with compassion and an eternal perspective.

The program didn’t just shape Briana's career, it completely changed the trajectory of her life.

Listen as Briana shares how rejection ultimately redirected her toward faith, purpose and a transformed life.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/e26a2689
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WxSn6TXG0M

Inside Cedarville's Entrepreneurial Incubator

At the Hustle House, no one builds a business alone. Every day brings opportunities to ask questions, test ideas, celebrate progress, and pray through challenges. For the Cedarville University students who call the house home, entrepreneurship grows best in a community that encourages hard work, demands excellence, and keeps Christ at the center.

Will Woods '27, Aaron Perry '26, Josh Hochstedler '28, and their housemates intentionally created the Hustle House to give entrepreneurs the support that often disappears when someone tries to build a business alone. Living under one roof creates daily opportunities to exchange ideas, ask hard questions, share victories, and encourage perseverance. The house thrives on a simple belief: Entrepreneurs grow stronger in community.

That conviction shapes everyday life. Whiteboards covered with business strategies share space with textbooks and class notes. Conversations shift naturally from customer acquisition to homework and from product ideas to prayer. Housemates sharpen one another through candid feedback, celebrate each other's progress, and hold one another accountable for pursuing excellence in business, academics, and their walks with Christ. The shared environment gives every resident fresh energy to pursue meaningful work while simultaneously earning their college degree.

The encouragement extends beyond the walls of the house. Residents regularly connect with aspiring entrepreneurs, Christian business-owners, and students who simply want to learn. As Josh Hochstedler explained on the Cedarville Stories podcast, entrepreneurship begins with people — with asking questions, listening well, and having the courage to take the first step. That mindset has become part of the culture of the Hustle House, where curiosity, humility, and generosity shape every conversation.

The same culture fuels Entrepreneurs for Christ, a national movement that grew from the relationships formed inside the Hustle House. The organization equips Generation Z entrepreneurs to build businesses that serve a purpose far greater than profit. Its founders encourage young business leaders to create companies that care for their families, create opportunities for employees, strengthen their communities, and honor Christ through faithful stewardship. As Entrepreneurs for Christ continues to expand, the Hustle House remains its living laboratory.

Learn more about Cedarville University.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/21df907c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWeC_w95b2k