Discover the power of Christian influence in transforming vulnerable communities as President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño welcomes back Ian Rowe — CEO and cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a virtues-based public charter school network in the Bronx, and a returning guest in the President’s Fellows program. Ian shares his passion for putting Christian influence into action by building institutions that empower vulnerable communities, from opening high-performing schools where students thrive against the odds to rejecting victimhood and fostering resilience. Dive into his FREE framework (Family, Religion, Education, and Entrepreneurship) as a pathway to agency and purpose, the cardinal virtues of courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom that anchor his schools, and data-driven insights on upward mobility and the American Dream. Whether discussing moral courage in today’s education landscape or creating multiple pathways for student success, Ian encourages listeners to match faith with analysis to create lasting change for Christ.

Learn more about Vertex Partnership Academies at https://www.vertexacademies.org.

How do we speak uncompromising truth into a culture that often hates it — yet still lead with mercy? In this powerful episode of Wisdom & Influence, Cornerstone University President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño sits down with Ryan Bomberger — Emmy Award-winning creative, founder of The Radiance Foundation, and one of Cornerstone’s National President Fellows.

Ryan pulls no punches as he shares how God turned his years in the ad agency world into weapons of beauty and boldness for the Gospel-centered advocacy. From the viral billboard campaign that declared “Black Children Are an Endangered Species” and exposed Planned Parenthood’s racist roots, to creative initiatives that celebrate adoption, fatherhood, and the biblical truth that we are “one human race” (Acts 17:26), Ryan shows what happens when excellence meets courage and truth meets mercy.

With his signature blend of sharp insight, stunning design, and deep compassion, Ryan challenges the church to reject euphemisms like “fetus,” call abortion what it is, and love people enough to tell them the truth that sets them free. A masterclass in bold, Christ-centered influence that is both culturally disruptive and redemptive.

In this inspiring episode of Cornerstone University’s faith-based podcast Wisdom & Influence, President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño welcomes Kay Coles James — former President of The Heritage Foundation, seasoned public servant, and influential leader in policy and politics. Kay reflects on her visit to Cornerstone, sharing how interactions with students renewed her hope for the future amid national challenges. Dive into discussions on integrating a Christian worldview into every aspect of life, pursuing excellence and character as ambassadors for Christ, building bridges across divides in a hostile culture, and the lifelong discipline of daily devotion to Scripture. From her experiences in segregation-era education to maintaining faith in high-stakes roles, Kay offers practical wisdom for young leaders seeking to live boldly and influentially for Jesus.

Dive into an inspiring episode of Cornerstone University’s Wisdom & Influence podcast with President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño and guest Eric Metaxas — bestselling author, radio host, humorist, and Cornerstone University Distinguished Presidents Fellow. Eric shares his journey from writing humor for The New York Times and The Atlantic to authoring influential books like Bonhoeffer, Letter to the American Church, and If You Can Keep It. Explore the power of humor in countering woke culture, the dangers of the "spiral of silence," lessons from Nazi Germany and America's founding, the pitfalls of elitism, and the hope of national revival. Eric also recounts his God-inspired story of coining "Super Centennial" for America's 250th anniversary and offers advice on building legacy through faith, truth, and community engagement.

Join Cornerstone University's Wisdom & Influence podcast as President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño sits down with Tudor Dixon — former Michigan gubernatorial candidate, businesswoman, conservative commentator, and breast cancer survivor. In this inspiring episode, Tudor shares her remarkable journey from manufacturing and media to the political arena, reflecting on how God's preparation through hardships and unexpected challenges shaped her path. From drawing parallels to David's unconventional training against Goliath to navigating attacks while holding firm to her faith, Tudor offers heartfelt insights on calling, discernment in media, and why Christians must engage boldly in public life without compromising integrity. Discover how planting seeds of faith can transform lives and communities, and why looking to God amid trials leads to greater purpose.

In this episode of Cornerstone University’s Wisdom & Influence podcast, Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño sat down with Dr. John West, vice president of Discovery Institute and managing director for the Center for Science & Culture, on August 20, 2025. Drawing from his latest book, “Stockholm Syndrome Christianity: Why America’s Christian Leaders Are Failing — and What We Can Do About It,” Dr. West explored how Christians can unknowingly adopt secular viewpoints in areas like science, sexuality, family life, religious liberty, race, and class — and offered practical wisdom for staying faithful to Biblical truth. From the sufficiency of Scripture and navigating Christian nationalism to celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with grace and discernment, this conversation equips believers to be salt and light in a complex world.

What drives us to live boldly as Christian and creators, and what gets in our way? In this episode of Wisdom & Influence, Cornerstone University welcomes Joanna Ng — IBM Master Inventor, entrepreneur, Cornerstone University National Fellow, and author of Being Christian 2.0 and Debugging Discipleship. Joanna dives deep with us into ideas about influence, creativity, technology, discipleship, and reframing invention as an act of Christian love and worship.

Join us for the debut episode of Cornerstone University’s faith-based podcast Wisdom & Influence! Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and CEO of Project H.O.O.D. Pastor Corey Brooks shares his bold vision for transforming communities — including his 3,000 mile walk to fund educational and economic empowerment centers in Chicago. From the necessity of education and the local church to leading with Scripture among skeptics and turning histories of violence into moments of hope, Pastor Brooks invites listeners to invest in their faith and in each other through action.

Our goal in this Christian podcast is to explore key issues in society, culture, education, and faith — all while shining a light on the glory of Jesus Christ. Together, we’ll wrestle with the complexities of the human experience and learn from the wisdom of faith-filled leaders to be better equipped as bold Christian influencers. We’re excited for you to join the journey!