The UNWavering Podcast

Tim Sawyer, Cassie Brechard, and David Kozamchak join The UNWavering Podcast for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Northwestern’s most beloved traditions: Christmas at Northwestern, taking place December 4-6. Tim directs the Northwestern Choir, Cassie leads Bands, and David conducts the Northwestern Orchestra. Together, along with many others, they shape a program that points audiences to the hope of Christ.

In this conversation, they preview the theme for Christmas at Northwestern 2026 and pull back the curtain on what goes into the production, from the early planning to how all the pieces finally come together on stage.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee or have never been, this episode will help you get ready for a Christmas tradition like no other.

Learn more and get your tickets: Click here

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Andy Youso joins The UNWavering Podcast for a conversation that goes behind the mic and behind the red glasses! Andy is a 2005 graduate of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and an award-winning broadcaster who currently serves as the afternoon host on 98.5 KTIS. After beginning his radio career in South Dakota and Oklahoma, Andy returned to Minnesota and has spent more than a decade encouraging listeners through Christian radio, combining humor, authenticity, and a deep passion for helping people experience God's love. 

In this episode, Andy shares his Northwestern story, how broadcasting captured his imagination, and what a day in the life of a radio host really looks like (including a few embarrassing radio moments and the answer to whether hosts actually pick their own songs). 

At the heart of it all is Andy's core mission as a broadcaster: helping people know that God loves them and has a plan for their life. It's the message behind every show, every conversation, and every day on the air.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Terry Esau joins The UNWavering Podcast for a conversation you won't want to miss! Terry is a 1978 graduate of Northwestern, where he studied music—and he is a member of the University's Music & Theatre Hall of Recognition.

From small-town punk to becoming the "Jingle King of Minneapolis," Terry has built a career defined by creativity at scale. He has written and produced music for more than 2,000 television commercials. But his story didn't stop with advertising. A self-described bike-o-holic, Terry went on to launch the nonprofit Free Bikes 4 Kidz in 2010—a movement that has now placed more than 224,000 bicycles into the hands of kids in need. And he's not done yet: Terry recently co-founded Free Guitars 4 Kids, bringing that same model of restoration and generosity to another instrument that shaped his life—putting guitars into the hands of young musicians everywhere.

In this episode, Terry shares his Northwestern story, the twists and turns of his career as the "Jingle King," and the heart behind Free Bikes 4 Kidz. We land the conversation on some rich reflection questions about life, leadership, and legacy—the kind of conversation that will stick with you long after it ends.

Terry is an author, a builder, and a creative force—and we're so grateful to have him as part of our alumni community and as a guest on today's episode.

🚲 Inspired to give back? Free Bikes 4 Kidz collection day is October 3rd! Visit the Free Bikes 4 Kids website to learn how you can donate a bike.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Jennifer Hunter joins The UNWavering Podcast to preview an exciting new season on stage! Jennifer has served as Professor and Director of Theatre at the University of Northwestern since 2014. She won't say it, but we will — Jennifer is awesome... and kind of a big deal! Beloved in the Theatre Department at Northwestern, she's earned multiple regional and national awards for her productions and has worked alongside acclaimed directors and Broadway casting professionals. In 2023 she received Northwestern's Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship, and last season she directed the best-selling show in UNW history: The Prince of Egypt.

In this conversation, Jennifer previews the 2026-27 UNW Theatre season, featuring Disney's Frozen, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Oklahoma!, and Uncle Vanya. From a beloved animated classic to a Golden Age musical to a Chekhov masterpiece, this season has something for every kind of theatre lover.

Learn more and get your tickets: Click here

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

It's no secret that Monte Abeler, Director of Alumni & Family Engagement, and Cassie Plantage, Coordinator, love Homecoming — and this episode flips the script as Matt Anderson steps in as guest host to interview them both about Homecoming & Family Weekend, coming up October 9-10.

Monte and Cassie dig into new elements of this year's Homecoming, including REUNION and the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, share their hopes for the returning-Eagles experience, and talk about their favorite parts of the weekend. Along the way, they offer insight into the full lineup of scheduled events.

Homecoming is the ultimate Northwestern weekend — and this episode is the ultimate place to hear all about it.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dayton Dodge joins the podcast for a conversation on what it means to be Revival Ready. Dayton currently serves as the Assistant Director of Worship Arts and Spiritual Formation programs at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He has 20+ years of worship leading experience, most recently serving as the worship pastor at New Hope Church (EFCA). Dayton is a 2001 Northwestern grad in music education and holds a master's degree from Bethel Seminary. His mission is to raise up the next generation of worship leaders by providing opportunities to hone their musical and leadership talent into skill that will expand God's Kingdom at UNW and beyond.

Chapel has long been a cornerstone of campus life at Northwestern — a shared rhythm that shapes the spiritual heartbeat of our community each year. In this conversation, Dayton explains this year's chapel theme, "Revival Ready" — how it came to be and what we hope comes from it. We also dig into what it means for each of us to open our hearts and allow the Lord to work in us individually. We want to be ready for Campus-wide revival if that's what the Lord has in mind... but it starts with each one of us.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dr. Matt Hill, Director of Athletics at the University of Northwestern, joins the podcast for a conversation on competing with purpose. Matt is a 1989 Northwestern grad himself, and he's now entering his 27th year leading UNW Athletics — a tenure that's included the department's move from the NAIA to NCAA Division III, national tournament runs in basketball, baseball, and volleyball, and the transformation of the university's outdoor athletic spaces into the first-class sports complex Eagle athletes compete on today.

In this conversation, Matt shares how his time at Northwestern shaped the person he's become, what continues to motivate him nearly three decades into his role, and what it really means to "Compete with Purpose" — and how that mission plays out in action, day in and day out.

At its core, UNW Athletics is passionate about winning — but even more passionate about developing young men and women into God-honoring leaders who are ready to make an impact in their homes, churches, communities, and workplaces.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dr. Robin Bell wraps up our three-part series on what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word. Dr. Bell serves on the faculty at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, where he teaches and mentors students with a passion for spiritual formation, theology, and transformational learning. Before joining Northwestern, he spent more than fourteen years in multicultural ministry, pastoral leadership, and youth development throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Milwaukee.

 In this final conversation, Dr. Bell talks about how Jesus is alive — and so is His Word. Scripture is living and active, still speaking into our lives today. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we're invited into that same burning-heart encounter: "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32). 

Together, these three conversations remind us that God's Word is rich, foundational, and alive — an unwavering source of truth for every season of life.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dr. Michael Wise, Scholar-in-Residence at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and an internationally recognized scholar of ancient Judaism and the Dead Sea Scrolls, continues our three-part series on what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word.

In this conversation, Dr. Wise unpacks what it means to say that God's Word is foundational—and why that foundation matters. He explores how Christians can develop a worldview that's increasingly shaped by Scripture, reminding us that God's Word is foundational because it is, quite simply, the Word of God. God Himself is our unwavering foundation.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

UNW Professor Anna Rask Emison joins to kick off a three-part series exploring what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word. In this first conversation, Anna dives into the richness of Scripture—exploring the original languages of the Bible and how they shape our understanding of the text. She also unpacks some connections between the Old and New Testaments, along with the use of irony and the many literary forms found throughout Scripture.

Join us for this series as we discover just how deep and rich God's Word truly is.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].