Unapologetic from SBU

Unapologetic from SBU

By Southwest Baptist UniversityReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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Unapologetic from SBU episodes

  • Ep. 69 - Basketball Season Preview with Coaches Tomas Brock and Matt Bollant

    It's hoops season! In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard engage in a lively discussion with basketball coaches Matt Bollant and Tomas Brock. They share personal basketball memories, coaching journeys, and the importance of building a strong team culture. The conversation delves into the challenges of recruiting at the Division II level and the balance between competition and character development in athletics. The coaches emphasize their commitment to fostering a positive environment for their players while striving for success on the court.

    Chapters

    02:00 Basketball Memories and Highlights

    10:12 Coaching Journeys and Career Highlights

    17:57 Building Team Culture and Relationships

    24:10 Recruiting Challenges and Strategies

    29:50 Balancing Competition and Character Development

    37 min
  • Ep. 68 - SBU's Storied Legacy of Speech and Debate with Dr. Clint Wooderson

    In this episode, we explore the rich history of speech and debate at Southwest Baptist University, the significance of debate in personal and professional growth, and the exciting developments within the university's forensics program. Dr. Clint Wooderson, Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and coach for SBU Forensics, joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about the upcoming year for the team and the direction of the program. Join us for insights on how debate shapes students into effective communicators and future leaders.

    Chapters

    02:34 The debate about debate: favorite moments and memorable debates

    05:23 Critique of modern political debates and their lack of substance
    08:01 Clint Wooderson's background and journey to SBU
    10:36 History and legacy of the forensics program at SBU
    16:13 The rhythm and practices of the debate team
    18:44 Student participation and the growth of the debate team
    21:53 Hosting the Dairyberry tournament and its significance
    27:26 Student achievements and upcoming tournaments
    29:53 Future plans for the debate program and student development
    32:02 The broader purpose of debate in education and life

    33 min
  • Ep. 67 - Enrollment Updates and Worldview Discussions on Sin, Forgiveness, and Truth

    Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard dig into some updates from events across SBU, including encouraging enrollment numbers for the Fall 2026 semester with growth across almost every campus. They also spend some time talking about the Department of Education's new Compact for Academic Excellence and its implications for SBU and higher education overall. 

    Key Topics

    • Campus updates and recent events
    • The importance of encouragement in faith and leadership
    • Insights on forgiveness and repentance from guest speakers
    • Strategies for increasing enrollment and maintaining quality education
    • The role of Christian worldview in higher education
    • Media reflections on Hillsong and church leadership
    • The significance of athletic character and resilience
    • National education initiatives and free exchange of ideas

      • Chapters

      00:00 Campus updates and recent events

      01:58 Encouragement through faith and community
      04:46 Upcoming speaking engagements and themes
      10:05 Media reflections on Hillsong and church leadership
      14:57 Understanding forgiveness and repentance
      20:03 Campus athletic highlights and character
      22:51 Enrollment growth and strategic goals
      27:07 National education initiatives and free exchange of ideas

      37 min
    • Ep. 66 - Pickleball and Club Sports with Minh Dinh and Annie Sparks

      In this episode, Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard welcome Minh Dinh, associate director of club sports, and pickleball player Annie Sparks to talk about the introduction of club pickleball at SBU. Minh and Annie share their journeys to SBU, and we also learn more about the growth of club sports on campus and plans for the future.

      Keywords

      pickleball, college sports, club sports, student leadership, athletic recruitment, character development, SBU, esports, disc golf, tournament streaming

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to SBU's New Club Sports Initiative

      00:06 Minh and Annie Introduce Themselves and Their Backgrounds
      00:12 The Origin of the Pickleball Program at SBU
      00:41 Why Pickleball is Growing Nationwide
      01:09 Minh Journey from Student to Staff Leader
      02:02 Recruitment and Building the Team
      03:07 The Formation of the Pickleball Club
      04:16 First Tournaments and Competition Experience
      05:10 Future Plans and Dreaming Big for Club Sports
      06:08 Character and Sportsmanship in Competition
      07:39 The Role of Streaming and Tournament Opportunities
      08:37 Closing Remarks and Opportunities for Students

       

      35 min
    • Ep. 65 - Ultimate Joy with Desiring God's David Mathis

       

      In this episode, David Mathis of Desiring God joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to share his journey from college to ministry, explore the concept of Christian hedonism, and discuss his recent writings on the glory of Christ and leadership. Listeners will gain insights into biblical joy, spiritual disciplines, and the importance of delighting in God.

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose

      01:51 David Mathis's Background and Ministry
      03:48 Recent Writings and Book Projects
      07:58 The Concept of Christian Hedonism
      12:08 The Glory of Christ and Meditations
      15:51 David Mathis's Personal Life and Family
      20:08 Ministry in Minneapolis and Pastoral Training
      23:55 The Growth of Desiring God and Resources
      27:59 God's Commands for Happiness in Christ
      31:54 Filling the Heart with Holy Pleasures
      36:02 Recent Book on the Glory of Jesus
      40:10 Leadership and Joy in Ministry
      42:54 Habits of Grace and Discipleship

      Key Topics

      Christian hedonism and joy in God

      David Mathis's journey and writings
      Theology of the glory of Christ
      Leadership motivated by joy and delight
      Spiritual disciplines and their biblical foundation

       

      44 min
    • Ep. 64 - The Artificial Intelligence Episode

      Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard work through ways that AI is impacting education, including at SBU. They talk about the challenges that the technology presents and ways to mitigate those challenges in the classroom. They also reflect on Jonathon's chapel message highlighting the theme of the year, "Rooted and Ready," and preview upcoming events on campus.

      Keywords

      AI in education, Christian faith, university community, identity in Christ, educational technology, community outreach, student formation

      Key Topics

      • AI integration in higher education
      • The importance of identity rooted in faith
      • Community engagement and outreach programs
      • Balancing technological benefits and risks
      • Innovations in academic programs in AI and data science
      • Strategies for teaching and assessing AI use
      • The role of faith in student formation
      • University growth and community involvement

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        23 min
      • Ep. 63 - Fall Semester Preview, and Analysis of Univ. of Michigan's Decision on Grading Scales

        Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt look ahead to the fall semester with a number of events on the calendar, including Homecoming, the Great SBU Campout, visit events, and more. They also discuss a recent headline about the University of Michigan dropping letter grades for new students, and what this says about mental health among college students. 

        Key Topics

        • Upcoming campus events including Welcome Weekend, football games, and community outreach
        • Leadership development and self-awareness in students and staff
        • Current issues in higher education such as mental health policies and grading systems
        • The relationship between Missouri Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention
        • Strategies for engaging students and community in campus life

          • Chapters

          00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

          00:23 Upcoming Semester Events and Planning
          01:18 Football Schedule and Campus Activities
          02:17 Leadership Books and Personal Development
          03:01 Semester Kickoff and Welcome Week
          04:49 Campus Life and Student Engagement
          06:44 Higher Education Policies and Mental Health
          11:57 Reading and Learning from Historical Theologians
          14:51 Spiritual Focus and Eternal Perspective
          15:45 Leadership and Self-Awareness
          16:13 Fall Semester Events and Community Outreach
          21:27 Football and Sports Events
          22:26 Campus Visit Opportunities and Events
          23:47 Missouri Baptist Convention and Institutional Relationships
          27:55 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

           

          26 min
        • Ep. 62 - Kicking Off New Year with New Interim President

          The Unapologetic Podcast is back for Year 3 of insights and interviews and important updates about Southwest Baptist University. And big news - Jonathon Woodyard is stepping into the interim president seat after Dr. Rick Melson's selection as the next president of Moody Bible Institute. Jonathon and Brandt Merritt discuss this major transition in the life of SBU, as well as recap their summers that included trips to Orlando for the Southern Baptist Convention and a study abroad trip to England that they co-led for a group of students and alumni.

          There's a lot to catch up on, so enjoy this episode as we kick off the 2026-2027 academic year in a new studio and with some new intro music!

          Key Topics

          • Leadership transition at SBU due to Dr. Melson's move to Moody Bible Institute
          • Summer activities including camps, SBC, and alumni events
          • The England study trip focusing on history, culture, and faith
          • Strategic planning and future vision for SBU
          • The importance of being rooted in Christ and prepared for what's next

            • Chapters

            00:00 Introduction and Overview of SBU Transition

            01:17 New Studio and Summer Reflections
            03:09 Dr. Melson's Departure and Interim Leadership
            04:06 Summer Activities and SBC Highlights
            09:46 England Study Trip Purpose and Experience
            13:35 Historical and Cultural Insights from England
            19:38 Leadership Vision and Future Planning
            24:45 Focus Areas: Numbers, Names, and Next Steps
            33:31 Being Rooted and Ready for What's Next

            Keywords: Higher Education, Christian University, Leadership Transition, Campus Development, Student Engagement, Global Study Trip, England Trip, Strategic Planning, University Future, Faith and Culture

            37 min
          • Ep. 61 - Redford Division of Christian Ministry Insights w/Dr. Matt Kimbrough

            Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as we explore the impactful work of Dr. Matt Kimbrough, division chair and faculty member in the Courts Redford Division of Christian Ministry. Discover his journey from student to professor, the innovative programs at Redford, and how they are preparing students for ministry and church leadership in a changing world. As an SBU alum, Dr. Kimbrough shares his passion for the university and the work it does in shaping lives of the next generation. We also preview summer activities and the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando.

            Chapters

            00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests

            08:01 Summer Plans and Academic Responsibilities
            14:03 Matt Kimbrough's Journey to SBU
            19:01 Teaching Philosophy and Student Engagement
            24:07 Redford School's Program Developments
            27:51 The Legacy of Redford and Its Impact
            32:03 Addressing the Need for Pastoral Leadership
            33:55 Future Initiatives and Conferences
            37:02 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth

             

            36 min
          • Ep. 60 - Spring 2026 Memories and Previewing Study on Romans

            Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard look back on some of the highlights from the Spring 2026 semester at SBU, including chapel speakers, student life events and the spring Board of Trustees meeting. They then spend some time discussing Paul's letter to the Romans, as Jonathon plans to introduce a yearlong study of the book during the 2026-2027 school year. The study would then culminate in a study abroad trip to Rome in Summer 2027. Brandt and Jonathon share personal insights into Romans and how it has helped shape their life and theology.

            Chapters

            03:26 Campus Events and Community Engagement

            06:45 Innovations in Health Sciences Education
            09:31 Future Plans for Biblical Studies and Worldview
            12:47 Preparing for the Next Academic Year
            13:40 Exploring Romans: A Journey to Italy
            19:26 The Significance of Romans in Christian Theology
            24:38 Understanding Justification and the Gospel
            31:12 The Transformative Power of Romans
            35:01 Connecting Paul with the Early Church
            37:49 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions and Events

            Keywords

            Romans, Bible study, theology, Christian faith, seminary, biblical studies, church history, justification, salvation, Christian living

             

            40 min

          About Unapologetic from SBU

          From the publisher's feed

          A podcast mostly about Southwest Baptist University, in which Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard share insights from the SBU community and discuss cultural and religious topics through a Christian…