Brian Godawa has spent his life living in two worlds at once. A screenwriter and novelist, Brian grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in a religious home. After coming to faith in high school, he began to see film and story differently, not just as entertainment but as powerful vehicles for truth and worldview. Along the way he was shaped by voices like C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, Greg Bahnsen, and Michael Heiser, all of whom helped him wrestle with how art, theology, and apologetics intersect.

In this episode of Work Is Calling, Brian and Wayne Kuna explore how a love of movies became a sense of calling to be a “truth-teller” through story. Brian talks about Ecclesiastes 12 and the tension between endless books and simple obedience, why he thinks both head and heart must be converted, and why the Sermon on the Mount, especially loving your enemies, remains the hardest part of following Jesus. They also dig into his craft: how he uses appendices like Michael Crichton to ground “fantastical” biblical fiction in research, why he reads exhaustively on controversial issues, and why lies, propaganda, and the erosion of free speech grieve him so deeply. It’s a candid look at what it means to see writing, film, and imagination not as escapism, but as a serious calling from God.

Greg Thornton thought he was headed for pastoral ministry, right up until God made it clear he wasn’t. What followed was a decades-long journey in publishing, administration, and leadership at Moody Bible Institute, all shaped by a simple desire: to be known as a servant of the living God.

In this episode of Work Is Calling, Greg and Wayne Kuna talk through the unexpected ways calling takes shape over time. From feeling out of place during his exploration of pastoral studies to discovering a love for Christian publishing, Greg shares how God slowly revealed the work he was made to do. Along the way, they discuss the power of Psalms in leadership, emotional honesty in worship, what it means to carry a posture of servanthood into the boardroom, and how a childhood shaped by hard work and Scripture laid the foundation for a faithful vocational life.

What happens when the life you’ve built falls apart, and instead of retreating God calls you forward? In this episode of Work Is Calling Revisited, where we reflect on previous episode that still hold such potent truths about God's goodness in work and life, we will be exploring one such story of radical trust and faith.

Wayne Kuna sits down with Diane Salvador, a Dean of Health Sciences and a nurse of over 40 years. From her humble beginnings in rural Ohio to climbing the ranks of hospital leadership, Diane shares a vulnerable and inspiring story of being fired for telling the truth, surviving profound personal loss, and rediscovering her calling in the world of education.

Together, Wayne and Diane discuss what it means to actually trust God when the bottom falls out, why Esther’s story resonates so strongly, and what fuels her faith in the spreadsheet-filled trenches of academic leadership. With moments of humor, honesty, and raw testimony, this episode is a powerful reminder to listen for God's calling in life's detours.

What happens when you sense God's calling, not to ministry but to the boardroom? In this episode, Wayne Kuna interviews Bob Schmid, a corporate leader in credit risk management who sees his work as worship. Bob opens up about being his work in the secular marketplace, why he traded a pursuit of an MDiv for an MBA, and how his faith has shaped everything from financial roles at global leaders such as BP and NextEra Energy, to starting an adoption grant nonprofit with his wife.

With a life verse from Micah 6:8 tattooed on his arm, Bob’s story is a vivid example that faith-filled excellence, not just good intentions, can define Christian leadership in any field. Whether you’re considering a major career shift, facing leadership tension, or just wondering how to live your faith at work without alienating others, this episode will hopefully serve as a strong reminder to do your job well while pursuing God’s will in your life.

What does it mean to see your work in public service as a divine calling? Mark Mulliner has spent decades answering that question. A former school technology director, small business owner, and longtime alderman, Mark reflects with host Wayne Kuna on how his faith informed every decision, from community crisis response to family priorities. He shares powerful stories about the people who mentored him, how God whispered direction in moments of doubt, and how seemingly ordinary moments became divine appointments.

Mark also gets candid about parenting, losing an election, and his longing for churches to unite in visible witness. This conversation is equal parts practical, pastoral, and prophetic. If you’ve ever wondered whether your work matters to God, or how to stay the course when your values seem out of sync with the culture, Mark offers clarity, hope, and a few surprising insights, like how prayer vigils and city planning might just go hand-in-hand.

Melissa Mackey didn’t always see her work as a calling. After starting her career in campus ministry, her understanding of vocation expanded, especially as she began walking with young professionals trying to reconcile faith and work. In this episode, Wayne talks with Melissa about how the gospel reframes our view of the workplace, what it means to serve the Lord through ordinary tasks, and how we can find purpose without pressure in every season of life.

From her early dreams of becoming a marine biologist to launching Faith & Work Chicago, Melissa shares stories of surprise callings, quiet faithfulness, and the power of community to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. Whether you're questioning your own work, feeling stuck, or seeking more purpose in your job, this episode is a rich encouragement to live in freedom, knowing that your work (however big or small) is part of God’s good plan.

Wayne Shepherd seemed born to be involved in radio. But his story is a journey of discovery. At an early age he discovered his passion for radio. As an adopted child, he would also discover his unknown story and that of his birth-mother. Later, Wayne discovered his passion for radio was also his calling from God. Join us as we listen and discover what Wayne's discovery has meant to him and what it can mean to us.

Dave and Lynette are a dynamic couple. Both have turned their passions into careers. Lynette is a skilled counselor who specializes in anger while Dave is in law guiding folksthrough their financial and estate needs. Both do not see any light between what they do in their careers and how they practice following Jesus Christ. Their story will encourage and challenge you as you hear how helping people hasmotivated them to see their careers as God’s calling in their lives.

Steve has learned that life is about the WE and not the

Ruthie’s career has taken her from music and dance to