In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we talk with Jill Griffin, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at the University of Evansville—a lifelong learner, global traveler, and seeker of connection.Jill shares the story of her early roots—shaped by parents who started small, but dreamed wide—and how that foundation sparked a lifelong curiosity that would carry her across the world. From teaching English in Russia and Bulgaria to living in Germany, her path has never followed a single lane. With studies spanning industrial engineering, business, the arts, and a deep love of language, Jill embodies the beauty of saying yes to the unknown.In this conversation, we explore what it means to live without fear of failure, to loosen the grip of self-imposed limits, and to embrace people, cultures, and experiences with open hands and a wide heart. Jill’s life invites us to ask not “What am I supposed to be?” but rather, “What might be possible if I stay curious?

In this episode of We Grow Aces, we sit down with Will McDonner, Assistant Director of Residence Life at the University of Evansville—a place he’s called home since his days as a music major and RA.Will shares how his journey into student affairs was less about a grand plan and more about presence, service, and a daily commitment to grow: “be better today than yesterday.” That simple mantra has become a quiet rhythm behind how he leads, de-escalates conflict, and shows up for students in moments big and small.We talk about the sacred work of building belonging in residence halls, of seeing students as whole people, and of holding space—even when the ask is something as ordinary as a meal plan adjustment.This is a conversation about formation, not just profession. About how the real work of campus life often happens in the margins—late at night, in hard conversations, in quiet moments of care—and how being present there can change everything.

In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we talk with Ashley Nells--Registrar and Head of Academic Advising & Retention at the University of Evansville--about the winding, grace-filled path that's led her from student to campus leader. Ashley shares how her journey--beginning in archaeology, shifting to history, stepping away from teaching, and moving through roles in admissions--was never a straight line, but always meaningful. It's a story of listening closely to where she felt most alive, most useful, and most grounded in purpose.

We explore how she came to find herself in the registrar's office, where structure meets soul: where policy becomes a tool for justice, and where advocating for students is both a practice of leadership and a spiritual act of care.

This conversation is about discernment, vocation, and trusting that even detours are part of the design. If you've ever wondered whether your path still 'counts' when it changes shape, Ashley's story is one worth hearing.

In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Tommy Housman, instructor of communications and Student Media advisor at the University of Evansville. Tommy shares his journey from working in design and freelance roles that lacked fulfillment to rediscovering purpose in teaching, mentoring, and storytelling. He reflects on his lifelong creativity--ranging from music and art to animation--while also opening up about personal struggles, including health challenges and rebuilding life through resilience and empathy.

Through candid conversation, Tommy explores how hardship has shaped his perspective on leadership, community, and the importance of collaboration over competition. Rooted in both personal and professional experiences, his story highlights the transformative power of creativity, vulnerability, and belonging

"Faithfulness isn't always seen, but it is always felt,' In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Michael Hocker--the steady, behind-the-scenes presence in the UE mailroom--to hear the story of a life shaped by service, quiet strength, and resilience.

Michael shares how, without the chance to attend college, he carved a path through the world of hospitality--from hotels in Orlando to working with the San Francisco Giants during their World Series season in Phoenix. He reflects on the privilege of knowing high-profile athletes personally, while staying grounded in roles that often go unnoticed.

We also dive into Michael's early life, including difficult moments with family members and close friends, and how those challenges forged in him a commitment to contribute, to care, and to carry weight that others wouldn't. His story is a reminder that some of the most important work in the world happens quietly--in the background, with faithful hands.

In this episode of We Grow Aces, Irais Ibarra joins us to explore how obstacles aren’t just meant to be overcome—they’re meant to shape us. Through her work with the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, Irais shares how leaning into life’s hardest moments can lead to powerful transformation. Grounded in a deep belief that everything is connected and purposeful, Iris offers wisdom on restoration, community, and becoming who we’re meant to be.

In the premiere episode of We Grow Aces, host Bre Bondurant welcomes Dr. Rob Shelby—Vice President for Talent and Community, and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the University of Evansville—for a profound conversation on identity, purpose, and the transformative power of human connection. Rob shares how his upbringing, love for agriculture, and winding career path—from sociologist to administrator—have shaped his philosophy of letting life unfold organically. Reflecting on themes of dignity, growth, and interconnectedness, Rob explains the vision behind We Grow Aces as not only a food sustainability initiative but also a way to cultivate deeper community bonds. With humility and insight, he invites listeners to consider what might grow in their own lives if they stop chasing and start allowing life to come to them.

Welcome to the We Grow Aces podcast, where real people share rooted stories that grow deeper relationships and meaningful lives. Every voice carries a story, every story reveals a calling, and every calling shapes the world we're building together. I'm Bree Bondrian, and on this podcast, we explore the sacred intersection of vocation, identity, and community, one honest conversation at a time. From everyday reflections to life-altering moments, our guests let their lives speak, uncovering how the stories they carry have shaped the work they do and the people they're becoming. Because when we honor our stories, we make space to grow. Together, this is the We Grow Aces podcast.