Unapologetic from SBU

Southwest Baptist University
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast mostly about Southwest Baptist University, in which Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard share insights from the SBU community and discuss cultural and religious topics through a Christian worldview.

  1. 4d ago

    Ep. 66 - Pickleball and Club Sports with Minh Dinh and Annie Sparks

    In this episode, Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard welcome Minh Dinh, associate director of club sports, and pickleball player Annie Sparks to talk about the introduction of club pickleball at SBU. Minh and Annie share their journeys to SBU, and we also learn more about the growth of club sports on campus and plans for the future. Keywords pickleball, college sports, club sports, student leadership, athletic recruitment, character development, SBU, esports, disc golf, tournament streaming Chapters 00:00 Introduction to SBU's New Club Sports Initiative 00:06 Minh and Annie Introduce Themselves and Their Backgrounds 00:12 The Origin of the Pickleball Program at SBU 00:41 Why Pickleball is Growing Nationwide 01:09 Minh Journey from Student to Staff Leader 02:02 Recruitment and Building the Team 03:07 The Formation of the Pickleball Club 04:16 First Tournaments and Competition Experience 05:10 Future Plans and Dreaming Big for Club Sports 06:08 Character and Sportsmanship in Competition 07:39 The Role of Streaming and Tournament Opportunities 08:37 Closing Remarks and Opportunities for Students

  2. Sep 8

    Ep. 65 - Ultimate Joy with Desiring God's David Mathis

    In this episode, David Mathis of Desiring God joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to share his journey from college to ministry, explore the concept of Christian hedonism, and discuss his recent writings on the glory of Christ and leadership. Listeners will gain insights into biblical joy, spiritual disciplines, and the importance of delighting in God. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose 01:51 David Mathis's Background and Ministry 03:48 Recent Writings and Book Projects 07:58 The Concept of Christian Hedonism 12:08 The Glory of Christ and Meditations 15:51 David Mathis's Personal Life and Family 20:08 Ministry in Minneapolis and Pastoral Training 23:55 The Growth of Desiring God and Resources 27:59 God's Commands for Happiness in Christ 31:54 Filling the Heart with Holy Pleasures 36:02 Recent Book on the Glory of Jesus 40:10 Leadership and Joy in Ministry 42:54 Habits of Grace and Discipleship Key Topics Christian hedonism and joy in God David Mathis's journey and writings Theology of the glory of Christ Leadership motivated by joy and delight Spiritual disciplines and their biblical foundation

  3. Aug 27

    Ep. 64 - The Artificial Intelligence Episode

    Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard work through ways that AI is impacting education, including at SBU. They talk about the challenges that the technology presents and ways to mitigate those challenges in the classroom. They also reflect on Jonathon's chapel message highlighting the theme of the year, "Rooted and Ready," and preview upcoming events on campus. Keywords AI in education, Christian faith, university community, identity in Christ, educational technology, community outreach, student formation Key Topics AI integration in higher education The importance of identity rooted in faith Community engagement and outreach programs Balancing technological benefits and risks Innovations in academic programs in AI and data science Strategies for teaching and assessing AI use The role of faith in student formation University growth and community involvement

  4. Aug 20

    Ep. 63 - Fall Semester Preview, and Analysis of Univ. of Michigan's Decision on Grading Scales

    Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt look ahead to the fall semester with a number of events on the calendar, including Homecoming, the Great SBU Campout, visit events, and more. They also discuss a recent headline about the University of Michigan dropping letter grades for new students, and what this says about mental health among college students.  Key Topics Upcoming campus events including Welcome Weekend, football games, and community outreach Leadership development and self-awareness in students and staff Current issues in higher education such as mental health policies and grading systems The relationship between Missouri Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention Strategies for engaging students and community in campus life Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 00:23 Upcoming Semester Events and Planning 01:18 Football Schedule and Campus Activities 02:17 Leadership Books and Personal Development 03:01 Semester Kickoff and Welcome Week 04:49 Campus Life and Student Engagement 06:44 Higher Education Policies and Mental Health 11:57 Reading and Learning from Historical Theologians 14:51 Spiritual Focus and Eternal Perspective 15:45 Leadership and Self-Awareness 16:13 Fall Semester Events and Community Outreach 21:27 Football and Sports Events 22:26 Campus Visit Opportunities and Events 23:47 Missouri Baptist Convention and Institutional Relationships 27:55 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

  5. Aug 12

    Ep. 62 - Kicking Off New Year with New Interim President

    The Unapologetic Podcast is back for Year 3 of insights and interviews and important updates about Southwest Baptist University. And big news - Jonathon Woodyard is stepping into the interim president seat after Dr. Rick Melson's selection as the next president of Moody Bible Institute. Jonathon and Brandt Merritt discuss this major transition in the life of SBU, as well as recap their summers that included trips to Orlando for the Southern Baptist Convention and a study abroad trip to England that they co-led for a group of students and alumni. There's a lot to catch up on, so enjoy this episode as we kick off the 2026-2027 academic year in a new studio and with some new intro music! Key Topics Leadership transition at SBU due to Dr. Melson's move to Moody Bible Institute Summer activities including camps, SBC, and alumni events The England study trip focusing on history, culture, and faith Strategic planning and future vision for SBU The importance of being rooted in Christ and prepared for what's next Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of SBU Transition 01:17 New Studio and Summer Reflections 03:09 Dr. Melson's Departure and Interim Leadership 04:06 Summer Activities and SBC Highlights 09:46 England Study Trip Purpose and Experience 13:35 Historical and Cultural Insights from England 19:38 Leadership Vision and Future Planning 24:45 Focus Areas: Numbers, Names, and Next Steps 33:31 Being Rooted and Ready for What's Next Keywords: Higher Education, Christian University, Leadership Transition, Campus Development, Student Engagement, Global Study Trip, England Trip, Strategic Planning, University Future, Faith and Culture

  6. May 14

    Ep. 61 - Redford Division of Christian Ministry Insights w/Dr. Matt Kimbrough

    Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as we explore the impactful work of Dr. Matt Kimbrough, division chair and faculty member in the Courts Redford Division of Christian Ministry. Discover his journey from student to professor, the innovative programs at Redford, and how they are preparing students for ministry and church leadership in a changing world. As an SBU alum, Dr. Kimbrough shares his passion for the university and the work it does in shaping lives of the next generation. We also preview summer activities and the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests 08:01 Summer Plans and Academic Responsibilities 14:03 Matt Kimbrough's Journey to SBU 19:01 Teaching Philosophy and Student Engagement 24:07 Redford School's Program Developments 27:51 The Legacy of Redford and Its Impact 32:03 Addressing the Need for Pastoral Leadership 33:55 Future Initiatives and Conferences 37:02 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth

  7. May 1

    Ep. 60 - Spring 2026 Memories and Previewing Study on Romans

    Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard look back on some of the highlights from the Spring 2026 semester at SBU, including chapel speakers, student life events and the spring Board of Trustees meeting. They then spend some time discussing Paul's letter to the Romans, as Jonathon plans to introduce a yearlong study of the book during the 2026-2027 school year. The study would then culminate in a study abroad trip to Rome in Summer 2027. Brandt and Jonathon share personal insights into Romans and how it has helped shape their life and theology. Chapters 03:26 Campus Events and Community Engagement 06:45 Innovations in Health Sciences Education 09:31 Future Plans for Biblical Studies and Worldview 12:47 Preparing for the Next Academic Year 13:40 Exploring Romans: A Journey to Italy 19:26 The Significance of Romans in Christian Theology 24:38 Understanding Justification and the Gospel 31:12 The Transformative Power of Romans 35:01 Connecting Paul with the Early Church 37:49 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions and Events Keywords Romans, Bible study, theology, Christian faith, seminary, biblical studies, church history, justification, salvation, Christian living

  8. Apr 23

    Ep. 59 - Student Interview with FCA President Ben Stelken

    Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as they explore senior Ben Stelken's journey from a non-Christian background to a committed follower of Christ, his leadership on campus, and his plans for the future in physical therapy. This episode offers insights into faith development, student leadership, and balancing athletics with academics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and icebreaker 07:07 Ben's Journey to SBU and Faith Exploration 17:45 Leadership Roles and Community Engagement 22:48 Academic Pursuits and Future Plans Keywords faith journey, student leadership, physical therapy, campus life, Christian faith, college students, FCA, SBU, student athlete, spiritual growth

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A podcast mostly about Southwest Baptist University, in which Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard share insights from the SBU community and discuss cultural and religious topics through a Christian worldview.

Information

  • Creator
    Southwest Baptist University
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unapologetic from SBU

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