In the second of two episodes focused on healthcare in Southwest Missouri, Mike Calhoun of Citizens Memorial Hospital joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about the ways CMH is working to address the needs of the region. An alum of SBU, Calhoun gives an in-depth look at the hospital's expansion, workforce development strategies, and the impacts on community well-being. He also shares his personal story of coming to faith and being called into ministry. This is a wide-ranging interview with one of SBU's longstanding partners that you won't want to miss.

Chapters

01:29 Healthcare System Overview

Vice President of Advancement Leon Wirth joins Brandt Merritt to preview SBU's upcoming giving day, SBUnited 2026 on Thursday, March 12. They highlight significant momentum in giving trends to SBU's Annual Scholarship Fund and overall giving, including increased dollars and increased donors. They also give an update on capital campaign planning connected to SBU's campus master plan, and share positive enrollment trends.

For those interested in learning more about SBUnited Giving Day, visit advance.sbuniv.edu/sbunited.

Chapters

00:10 Guest Introduction: Leon Worth

Jessica Atchison and Aaron Tribby of Mercy Springfield join Brandt Merritt on SBU's Springfield Campus to talk about the state of healthcare in Southwest Missouri. Mercy and SBU have a long partnership of working together to train healthcare professionals in the region, dating back to the 1980s. Jessica and Aaron share more about the ways they are trying to develop a sustainable workforce to meet the growing needs of patients and providers in the region. They also talk about how their freedom to integrate their faith into their care of patients provides added meaning to their work.

Part 2 of this miniseries on healthcare in the region will be next week, focused on Citizens Memorial Hospital.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healthcare in Southwest Missouri

Andy Naselli joins host Brandt Merritt to discuss predestination, anxiety, and the importance of biblical worldview in understanding God's sovereignty and human response. He emphasizes the significance of theological clarity for Christian living and ministry, especially for college students navigating complex topics. Naselli is a professor at Bethlehem College and Seminary and Lead Pastor of Christ the King Church in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andy Naselli

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, Brandt Merritt hosts Tyler Wilkins, a pastor from Kansas City and an SBU alumnus. They discuss Tyler's journey from being a student at SBU to his current role as a senior pastor at Fellowship KC. The conversation covers Tyler's experiences at SBU, his path to pastoral ministry, the importance of discipleship and apologetics in today's culture, and his role on the Board of Trustees at SBU. Tyler emphasizes the need for churches to raise up and send out leaders, and the importance of deep, meaningful engagement with the faith among younger generations.

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00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker

In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, host Brandt Merritt speaks with Dr. Mike Methvin, the superintendent of Bolivar schools. They discuss Dr. Methvin's journey in education, the challenges facing K-12 education, and the importance of recruiting and retaining quality educators. The conversation also covers innovative programs for college and career pathways, ongoing construction projects in the district, and the significance of building strong relationships with higher education institutions including how Bolivar and SBU have strengthened their local partnership. Dr. Methvin shares insights on how Bolivar schools are adapting to demographic shifts and ensuring student success in a changing educational landscape.

Chapters

00:31 Dr. Methvin's Journey and Career Path

50 EPISODES! 

Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt celebrate their milestone by welcoming Daniel Darling to the podcast to talk about his new book "In Defense of Christian Patriotism" as well as major issues that Christians should pay attention to in 2026. These include 1) The midterm elections; 2) The increase in church attendance among Gen Z; and 3) The impact of artificial intelligence (AI). 

Thank you for being part of the journey, and we hope this episode encourages you and helps prepare you for the year ahead.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard discuss Jonathon's experience with SBU students at CrossCon, a large conference for young adults focused on worship and missions. They also introduce the upcoming SBU Ignite Conference on the Bolivar campus, aimed at shaping SBU students' faith and practice. The conversation shifts to Jonathan Edwards' resolutions, exploring their relevance for modern believers, particularly in the context of time management and living purposefully. They emphasize the importance of community, spiritual growth, and the need to engage with life's finite nature.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to 2026: A New Year Begins

It's been an amazing semester at SBU! In this episode, Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard reflect on the highlights of the Fall 2025 semester, discussing the successful Welcome Week, enrollment growth in various programs, and the importance of community engagement. They share insights into new traditions and initiatives, particularly during the Christmas season, and look ahead to exciting plans for 2026, including conferences and new student life initiatives.

Chapters

00:00 Recapping Fall 2025 Highlights

Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt dig into the different models of Christian higher education, from student ministry opportunities at large public universities to closed enrollment private Christian schools. They also talk through some of the pros and cons of different approaches, and ways that the integration of faith in learning takes place. The conversation highlights the diversity of Christian schools and the significance of students and families asking the right questions when choosing an institution.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Upcoming Trips and Worldview Experiences