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 at the table make conversations less meaningful, ultimately weakening our relationships. Hear as she shares practical steps anyone can take to connect and communicate well in a world full of digital distractions. 

Laura Watkins also writes about the effects of cell phone use in the classroom in her article, “The Death of Silence in the Classroom: How Demanding a No-Screen Classroom Creates Space for Interaction (and Learning!).”  

Read her article 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].

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:

• Great news about Phase One of the Amplify the Gospel campaign!
• Sneak peak into Phase Two initiatives.
• The announcement of the new Stoltz School of Business. Dan and Robin Stoltz have modeled faithful leadership in their community, and now they’re investing in the next generation of servant leaders at Northwestern.

Through it all, staying anchored on our mission makes a real difference. Strong mission builds great momentum to make a lasting impact for God's Kingdom. 

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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].

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 the Bible school principal and then director of Bodenseehof, the Torchbearer center located in southern Germany. 

His story is marked by a deep dependence on Christ, an international teaching ministry, and a passion to equip men and women to serve faithfully in the Church around the world, regardless of their vocation.

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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].

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 faith. One piece of wisdom he shares is that we shouldn’t worry about the unknowns. He encourages seeking the Kingdom of God first and to not worry about the rest.

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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]. 

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 memorable moments from the first season of The UNWavering Podcast.

Stay tuned - season two begins in February 2026!

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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]. 

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 talks about why she enjoys her role—especially the opportunity to work with and mentor student workers. 

Shop the Campus Store!

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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. 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.

• R – Relationship (with God, self, and others)
• E – Exercise (body, brain, mind, and spirit)
• S – Self-compassion
• T – Transformative thinking (trusting God in the timing of transformation)

School of Nursing at UNW

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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. 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 community. Through his leadership, the School of Theology & Ministry offers great undergraduate and graduate programs that are centered on having an UNWavering commitment to the Word and world. 

School of Theology & Ministry

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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].

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 isn’t in it, and that taking time to recognize His goodness changes how we walk through life’s valleys.

Susie also talks about the heart behind her show: a no-fluff, faith-filled space where listeners are encouraged, challenged, and pointed back to God’s presence in every moment.

Learn more about her ministry work: 

Susie Larson Ministries

Susie Larson Live

Waking Up to the Goodness of God

Prepare Him Room

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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. 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-college/

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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].