Cedarville Stories

Cedarville University
  • 4.6 (43)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Cedarville Stories podcast shares the stories of individuals who have been impacted from their experiences at Cedarville University, all for God's glory. Each week you’ll hear unique stories of how Cedarville’s mission of transforming lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority is being lived out in the lives of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University. Listen in each Wednesday and be blessed by some of the amazing ways God is working in and through the lives of the Cedarville family.

  1. 6D AGO

    S14:E06 | Dr. Jared Pincin: Fantasy Sports and Real Convictions

    Dr. Jared Pincin: Fantasy Sports and Real Convictions Some of the most lasting lessons in life don’t come from classrooms or textbooks but from watching the people closest to you do hard things without complaint. For Dr. Jared Pincin, those lessons were learned early by watching his college-educated father take whatever work was necessary to provide for his family, even when that meant working as a janitor at McDonald’s during a tough recession. Pincin, associate professor of economics at Cedarville University since 2023, isn’t just an expert in market theory. He’s a man shaped by humble beginnings, hard-earned wisdom, and a heart for guiding young people well. Born and raised in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, Jared grew up watching his parents navigate life’s ups and downs with grit and grace. His dad took that janitorial job during an economic downturn. He never showed bitterness or complained; he simply did what was needed to care for his family. That quiet determination left a lasting mark. Jared’s own first job, stocking shelves for Nabisco, became a lesson in humility and trusting God’s timing. His journey into economics began in middle school, sparked by a visiting stockbroker on career day. That interest grew through high school internships and eventually led him to earn a PhD. Though he didn’t initially plan on teaching, the doors to academia opened, and he found joy in the classroom, especially in connecting with students and helping them think deeply about real-world choices. On a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Jared shared more than just economic insight. He spoke candidly about his past involvement in fantasy sports and how it gradually led him to question the role of sports betting in his life. What started as a harmless March Madness bracket in high school ended with a suspension and a turning point. Over time, he began to see gambling not just as a financial risk but as a spiritual one. Today, alongside Cedarville colleague Colonel (Ret.) Greg Thompson, he speaks to students about the hidden dangers of sports betting, particularly how easy access and secrecy can foster habits with long-term consequences. It’s not about legalism, he says, but stewardship and wisdom. Jared’s story is one of thoughtful faith, honest work, and a calling to prepare the next generation not just for the workforce but for life. https://share.transistor.fm/s/f745bac4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-v5CZjqM4I

    37 min

  2. FEB 4

    S14:E05 | Ondrej Plasil: Czech-Born, Christ-Driven

    From Czech Courts to a Global Calling Ondrej Plasil grew up in the Czech Republic with a basketball in his hands and a competitive spirit in his heart. The game gave him direction, discipline, and drive. But underneath it all, he was quietly searching for something more. In a country where faith is often absent or minimized, Ondrej didn’t grow up in a strong Christian environment. He knew about God, but the idea of following Jesus personally felt distant. That began to change when he encountered believers who lived differently — people whose lives radiated joy, purpose, and hope that couldn’t be explained by talent or success alone. Through a series of providential moments, Ondrej and his family came to know Christ as Savior, Lord, and Friend. That decision changed everything. His identity was no longer rooted in performance or approval but in grace. His view of life, success, and even basketball was transformed. That journey brought him to Cedarville University, where he’s now a sophomore studying business management. Here, he stepped into a community that nurtures his young faith and challenges him to grow deeper. Surrounded by fellow students who love Jesus and live with boldness, Ondrej found accountability, inspiration, and a renewed sense of calling. What was once a quiet faith became a passionate pursuit. He began to see his gifts and his story as part of something bigger than himself. Ondrej’s dream is bold: to see revival in the Czech Republic. Whether through launching a Christ-centered academy, planting seeds of faith through education, or simply walking faithfully with the people of his country, he longs to be used by God. He shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, offering a glimpse of his hope-filled vision: to be a faithful voice in his homeland, pointing people to the truth of Jesus. Wherever God sends him, Ondrej is ready. He’s living proof that when Jesus captures a heart, everything changes. https://share.transistor.fm/s/da12250e https://youtu.be/rqrunn4aGhA

    35 min

  3. JAN 28

    S14:E04 | Leo Brothers: Desert Roots and Gospel Goals

    Desert Roots and Gospel Goals Matthew and Daniel Leo grew up in the Middle East, where sunbaked streets doubled as soccer fields and neighbors quickly became family. Their childhood was filled with the rhythms of daily life, including shared meals, local traditions, and long afternoons chasing a ball through the dust. With parents devoted to humanitarian work, the brothers were immersed in a life of service and shaped by a deep love for people, culture, and faith that would stay with them wherever they went. Now students at Cedarville University, the brothers lace up their cleats as members of the University’s soccer team. But if you ask them, they’ll tell you their identity goes far deeper than their roles on the field or in the classroom. As they shared recently on the Cedarville Stories podcast, they see themselves first and foremost as children of God — young men whose purpose isn’t just to win games but to live lives that reflect Christ. Matthew shared how his identity as a follower of Jesus isn’t something he sets aside when he steps onto the field. When he's playing in front of a crowd or pushing through a tough match, his faith remains central to who he is. The way he competes, responds to pressure, and carries himself flows from that deeper commitment. For him, soccer isn’t separate from his spiritual life; it’s another place where his walk with Christ is lived out. Daniel followed with a heartfelt message for those who may not yet know Christ. He encouraged listeners to explore the Bible with an open heart, describing it as a powerful collection of stories about real people — flawed, broken, and often struggling — who encountered God’s grace. Through those stories, he explained, there’s a clear picture of hope, redemption, and purpose. Both brothers emphasized that a life shaped by faith is not about perfection but about daily trust and living in a way that reflects something greater than themselves. Their future plans? The Leo brothers hope to return to the Middle East after graduation to continue the work their parents started. They want to invest in people, love their neighbors, and serve in a region they still call home. In a world often driven by status or stats, Matthew and Daniel’s story is refreshingly simple and deeply inspiring: two brothers chasing a ball, loving deeply, and running toward a calling far greater than themselves. https://share.transistor.fm/s/aa08bb61 https://youtu.be/m9WnRUATlJE

    41 min

  4. JAN 21

    S14:E03 | Gracen Fletcher: Aiming True, Living Fully

    Aiming True, Living Fully Gracen Fletcher grew up under Indiana skies, where the wind danced across hayfields and horses ran free. A farm girl through and through, she learned to saddle up almost as early as she could walk. Her days were filled with muck boots, fiddle strings, and the steady hum of country life. Whether she was training one of her family’s Arabian horses, casting a fishing line at the pond, or hitting bullseyes with her bow, Gracen lived wide awake to the world around her. Her brother got into archery first, and the rest of the family followed. At first, Gracen just tagged along. But the more she shot, the more she found herself hooked. The quiet focus, the feel of the release, the rhythm — archery used the same discipline she’d learned from horseback riding. And just like that, she discovered a lasting passion. By the time she turned 10, Gracen was competing. At 17, she made history in Las Vegas, shooting a perfect 900 — something only a handful of women had ever done. The spotlight turned to her quickly, and, as a result, the Olympic door stood wide open. But another door opened, too. Gracen had long dreamed of earning a degree from Cedarville University, a school with a commitment to faith that matched her own. She thought she'd have to choose: train for the Olympics or attend college. But Cedarville’s new fully online accounting program made it possible to do both. Now, from her family’s farm in Boonville, she balances Olympic-level training with online studies. Her days start early with chapel, continue with coursework, and end with hours of practice in the barn or the field. It's a full life, but one anchored in purpose. Gracen doesn’t see archery as her identity — it’s a gift. She competes with grit, but her aim stays fixed on something higher. Through every arrow and every assignment, she’s living to honor God, knowing He’s the one who gave her these passions to begin with. She recently shared more of her journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast, reflecting on how faith, family, and focus have shaped her both on the range and in the classroom. Gracen’s story is a reminder: Sometimes you don’t have to pick one dream over another — sometimes, with faith and the right fit, you can live both. https://share.transistor.fm/s/49abb142 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2dfe3GFjPo

    30 min

  5. JAN 14

    S14:E02 | Lucy Malmberg: Cradled in a Box, Carried by Faith

    Lucy Malmberg: Cradled in a Box, Carried by Faith Lucy Malmberg’s life began in the shadow of World War II. Born in a refugee camp and carried onto a plane bound for America inside a handmade box, she traveled hidden beneath a blanket with nothing but a handwritten birth certificate and her father’s whispered prayer. Her parents had fled the devastation of Ukraine with no home, no country, and little more than their steadfast faith in Jesus. That improbable journey — marked by desperation, courage, and divine protection — became the opening chapter of a life defined by God’s unwavering faithfulness. From her earliest memories, Lucy recognized God’s fingerprints on every detail of her story. He met her family with miracles both great and small, providing exactly what they needed when they needed it. Through seasons of hardship and abundance, Lucy learned to trust His timing, His provision, and His plan. Pharmacy eventually became Lucy’s calling, but it was never just about medicine. She approached her work as a ministry, caring for the whole person — body, mind, and soul. Together with her late husband, George, she founded Wedgewood Pharmacy and helped build it into one of the nation’s most respected veterinary compounding pharmacies. Yet professional achievement was never her ultimate goal. What mattered most was stewarding the platform God had given her to share the hope of Jesus. Lucy inherited her passion for introducing people to Christ from her father, a man whose ever-present smile opened the door to countless Gospel conversations in grocery lines, gas stations, and diners. She carries that same joyful boldness. More than anything, Lucy longs to live a life that helps populate heaven. When the opportunity arose to invest in Christian pharmacy education, she didn’t hesitate. Her recent $1 million gift to Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy will equip future pharmacists to serve as both excellent clinicians and courageous ambassadors for Christ. Meeting students whose lives were transformed through the scholarship moved Lucy to tears. For her, it was unmistakable confirmation that God was at work. Lucy recently shared her testimony on the Cedarville Stories podcast. With warmth and humility, she reflected on a life shaped by hardship, hope, and the joy of Jesus. She sees Cedarville as a place where students are not only trained with excellence but also sent out to share the Gospel wherever God leads. For Lucy, that is the legacy that matters most: hearts turned toward heaven, one faithful life at a time. https://share.transistor.fm/s/09c46197 https://youtu.be/nd03ddxGU5w

    44 min

  6. JAN 7

    S14:E01 | Bill Bolthouse: More Than Vegetables

    Bill Bolthouse: More Than Vegetables Bill Bolthouse’s story began in the rich black soil of Grant, Michigan, where long rows of onions shaped both his childhood and his character. Working alongside his family on their muck farm, Bill learned early what honest labor demanded — often on his knees, pulling weeds under the summer sun. Each season, his dad entrusted him with three-quarters of an acre to manage himself. The deal was simple: He could keep whatever profit he earned. Bill tried to take shortcuts, tidying the edges while letting weeds take over the middle. His dad quickly saw through it, and the lesson stuck: Real work means doing the whole job and doing it well. That conviction carried Bill far beyond those onion rows. Though he once imagined a future in missions, he eventually realized God was leading him back to the family business — Bolthouse Farms. There, he helped transform a modest vegetable farm into the nation’s top carrot producer. Under his leadership, Bolthouse Farms didn’t just grow carrots; it reshaped how they were packaged, marketed, and delivered to families across America. But for Bill, farming was never just about crops. It was about people and purpose. He saw his work as a mission field — a way to live out his faith every day. Whether managing fields, leading sales, or guiding the business as president, Bill sought to honor Christ in every decision. “You treat people right,” he said. “Run your business like you answer to the Lord — because you do.” From 1996 to 2013, Bill served on Cedarville University’s Board of Trustees, believing deeply in the school’s mission to train young people for Kingdom impact. His name now graces the Bolthouse Center for Music and the upcoming Bolthouse Academic Center, though he’s quick to shrug off the recognition. “I’m not interested in buildings,” he shared. “I want to see kids on fire for Jesus — going out into the world and making a difference.” Bill recently shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, reflecting on a life on mission — not in a pulpit but in the dirt, at the sales desk, and in the boardroom. His passion is simple: “Before Jesus comes, I want to see as many people in heaven as possible.” And that’s the legacy he’s still cultivating. https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4baac23 https://youtu.be/XLeSKDlGO04

    30 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    S13:E27 | Paul "Hembo" Hembekides: A Journey to ESPN

    From Walks to Wisdom: Hembo’s Journey From Cedarville to ESPN In the world of sports, stats tell stories — and for Paul “Hembo” Hembekides, they’ve written a full chapter of his life. Hembo graduated from Cedarville University in 2012 after four seasons of college baseball, where he started 170 games and set the program’s all-time record with 128 walks. That patience and discipline at the plate hinted at the steady, focused approach he would later bring to a much bigger stage. After finishing grad school in Philadelphia, Hembo met an ESPN recruiter at a seminar and saw his opening. He followed up, stayed persistent, and eventually earned his shot. Over a decade later, he’s one of the network’s most trusted researchers and storytellers. On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Hembo looked back on the road that brought him from the batting plate at Cedarville to the studios at ESPN. He shared how the habits, values, and community at Cedarville shaped his thinking and built a strong foundation for life in a fast-paced, high-profile industry. While some of those lessons only became clear with time, they stuck — and they mattered. Today, Hembo wears many hats: researcher, co-author, on-air contributor, husband, and father of three daughters. He sees his work at ESPN as more than a career. It’s his calling and his platform. Whether he’s teaming up with longtime colleague Mike Greenberg or providing insights to NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky — who shares his Christian faith — Hembo stays rooted in the values that shaped him. He recalled watching Orlovsky pray on live TV after Damar Hamlin’s collapse, calling it a moment that revealed the quiet power of faith in the sports world. These days, Hembo sees more athletes, coaches, and broadcasters living their beliefs out loud — and he counts it a privilege to be one of them. Through it all, Hembo keeps showing up with excellence, humility, and purpose. His story reminds us that in the middle of all the stats, scores, and highlight reels, there’s still room for faith, family, and calling — and those might just be the most important wins of all. https://share.transistor.fm/s/0db04051 https://youtu.be/UHGkR65spdE

    32 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    S13:E26 | Dr. Trent Rogers: Bench Press and Biblical Truth

    Bench Press and Biblical Truth: The Strength of Dr. Trent Rogers Dr. Trent Rogers doesn’t fit the stereotype of a Bible professor and college dean. Sure, he’s got the credentials — a doctorate in New Testament, years of pastoral experience, and a deep love for Scripture. But he also once bench-pressed 670 pounds, setting a world record. That same drive to be the best shapes everything he does, from the classroom to his leadership at Cedarville University. Trent’s path to academic ministry wasn’t direct. He started with a degree in ancient and classical Greek from Wabash College, aiming to read the New Testament in its original form. He imagined life in church ministry, not on a college campus. In fact, when he joined Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, he ranked “college ministry” dead last on his list of preferences. But God had different plans. When the college ministry volunteer stepped away, Trent unexpectedly stepped in — and what began as a reluctant assignment quickly became a passion. He discovered students who were eager to grow, ask meaningful questions, and pursue Christ with conviction. Their hunger for direction and truth stirred something in him. Over the next five years, not only did his heart change, but so did the direction of his calling. Today, as Dean of the School of Biblical and Theological Studies, Trent brings the same passion to shaping students as he once brought to training with elite athletes. Before Cedarville, he worked as a personal trainer in Chicago, coaching everyone from businessmen to NFL stars like Devin Hester. Whether he’s teaching Greek, launching academic programs, or designing a personal fitness regimen, his goal remains the same: to do it well and purposefully. What began as reluctance has become calling. Now, Trent leads with clarity, compassion, and a deep belief in Cedarville’s mission to equip students for a lifetime of faithful service. To hear more of his story, check out the Cedarville Stories podcast. https://share.transistor.fm/s/4ce82391 https://youtu.be/26dd7nqxTj8

    41 min
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About

Cedarville Stories podcast shares the stories of individuals who have been impacted from their experiences at Cedarville University, all for God's glory. Each week you’ll hear unique stories of how Cedarville’s mission of transforming lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority is being lived out in the lives of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University. Listen in each Wednesday and be blessed by some of the amazing ways God is working in and through the lives of the Cedarville family.

Information

  • Creator
    Cedarville University
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    334
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cedarville University 2019

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