The UNWavering Podcast

UNW Alumni Office

Co-hosted by Monte Abeler (’12) and Cassie Plantage (’07) of the UNW Alumni Office, The UNWavering Podcast brings you fun, thoughtful conversations with the people who shape University of Northwestern – St. Paul. No matter how you're connected to Northwestern—alum, student, parent, staff, faculty, or friend—this podcast is created to keep you connected to the heart of the UNW community. Join us as we highlight the people, the purpose, and the pulse of Northwestern. 

  1. 5d ago

    Use What You Love to Do Good | Terry Esau '78

    Terry Esau joins The UNWavering Podcast for a conversation you won't want to miss! Terry is a 1978 graduate of Northwestern, where he studied music—and he is a member of the University's Music & Theatre Hall of Recognition. From small-town punk to becoming the "Jingle King of Minneapolis," Terry has built a career defined by creativity at scale. He has written and produced music for more than 2,000 television commercials. But his story didn't stop with advertising. A self-described bike-o-holic, Terry went on to launch the nonprofit Free Bikes 4 Kidz in 2010—a movement that has now placed more than 224,000 bicycles into the hands of kids in need. And he's not done yet: Terry recently co-founded Free Guitars 4 Kids, bringing that same model of restoration and generosity to another instrument that shaped his life—putting guitars into the hands of young musicians everywhere. In this episode, Terry shares his Northwestern story, the twists and turns of his career as the "Jingle King," and the heart behind Free Bikes 4 Kidz. We land the conversation on some rich reflection questions about life, leadership, and legacy—the kind of conversation that will stick with you long after it ends. Terry is an author, a builder, and a creative force—and we're so grateful to have him as part of our alumni community and as a guest on today's episode. 🚲 Inspired to give back? Free Bikes 4 Kidz collection day is October 3rd! Visit the Free Bikes 4 Kids website to learn how you can donate a bike. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen.  💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at alumni@unwsp.edu.

    Use What You Love to Do Good | Terry Esau '78

  2. Sep 22

    2026-27 UNW Theatre Season Preview | Jennifer Hunter

    Jennifer Hunter joins The UNWavering Podcast to preview an exciting new season on stage! Jennifer has served as Professor and Director of Theatre at the University of Northwestern since 2014. She won't say it, but we will — Jennifer is awesome... and kind of a big deal! Beloved in the Theatre Department at Northwestern, she's earned multiple regional and national awards for her productions and has worked alongside acclaimed directors and Broadway casting professionals. In 2023 she received Northwestern's Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship, and last season she directed the best-selling show in UNW history: The Prince of Egypt. In this conversation, Jennifer previews the 2026-27 UNW Theatre season, featuring Disney's Frozen, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Oklahoma!, and Uncle Vanya. From a beloved animated classic to a Golden Age musical to a Chekhov masterpiece, this season has something for every kind of theatre lover. Learn more and get your tickets: Click here 🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen.  💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at alumni@unwsp.edu.

    2026-27 UNW Theatre Season Preview | Jennifer Hunter

  3. Sep 14

    The Ultimate Northwestern Weekend | Monte Abeler '12 & Cassie Plantage '07

    It's no secret that Monte Abeler, Director of Alumni & Family Engagement, and Cassie Plantage, Coordinator, love Homecoming — and this episode flips the script as Matt Anderson steps in as guest host to interview them both about Homecoming & Family Weekend, coming up October 9-10. Monte and Cassie dig into new elements of this year's Homecoming, including REUNION and the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, share their hopes for the returning-Eagles experience, and talk about their favorite parts of the weekend. Along the way, they offer insight into the full lineup of scheduled events. Homecoming is the ultimate Northwestern weekend — and this episode is the ultimate place to hear all about it. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen.  💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at alumni@unwsp.edu.

    The Ultimate Northwestern Weekend | Monte Abeler '12 & Cassie Plantage '07

  4. Sep 8

    Revival Ready | Dayton Dodge '01

    Dayton Dodge joins the podcast for a conversation on what it means to be Revival Ready. Dayton currently serves as the Assistant Director of Worship Arts and Spiritual Formation programs at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He has 20+ years of worship leading experience, most recently serving as the worship pastor at New Hope Church (EFCA). Dayton is a 2001 Northwestern grad in music education and holds a master's degree from Bethel Seminary. His mission is to raise up the next generation of worship leaders by providing opportunities to hone their musical and leadership talent into skill that will expand God's Kingdom at UNW and beyond. Chapel has long been a cornerstone of campus life at Northwestern — a shared rhythm that shapes the spiritual heartbeat of our community each year. In this conversation, Dayton explains this year's chapel theme, "Revival Ready" — how it came to be and what we hope comes from it. We also dig into what it means for each of us to open our hearts and allow the Lord to work in us individually. We want to be ready for Campus-wide revival if that's what the Lord has in mind... but it starts with each one of us. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen.  💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at alumni@unwsp.edu.

    Revival Ready | Dayton Dodge '01

  5. Aug 31

    Compete with Purpose | Dr. Matt Hill '89

    Dr. Matt Hill, Director of Athletics at the University of Northwestern, joins the podcast for a conversation on competing with purpose. Matt is a 1989 Northwestern grad himself, and he's now entering his 27th year leading UNW Athletics — a tenure that's included the department's move from the NAIA to NCAA Division III, national tournament runs in basketball, baseball, and volleyball, and the transformation of the university's outdoor athletic spaces into the first-class sports complex Eagle athletes compete on today. In this conversation, Matt shares how his time at Northwestern shaped the person he's become, what continues to motivate him nearly three decades into his role, and what it really means to "Compete with Purpose" — and how that mission plays out in action, day in and day out. At its core, UNW Athletics is passionate about winning — but even more passionate about developing young men and women into God-honoring leaders who are ready to make an impact in their homes, churches, communities, and workplaces. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen.  💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at alumni@unwsp.edu.

    Compete with Purpose | Dr. Matt Hill '89

  6. Aug 28

    God's Word is Alive | Dr. Robin Bell

    Dr. Robin Bell wraps up our three-part series on what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word. Dr. Bell serves on the faculty at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, where he teaches and mentors students with a passion for spiritual formation, theology, and transformational learning. Before joining Northwestern, he spent more than fourteen years in multicultural ministry, pastoral leadership, and youth development throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Milwaukee.  In this final conversation, Dr. Bell talks about how Jesus is alive — and so is His Word. Scripture is living and active, still speaking into our lives today. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we're invited into that same burning-heart encounter: "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32).  Together, these three conversations remind us that God's Word is rich, foundational, and alive — an unwavering source of truth for every season of life. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen.  💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at alumni@unwsp.edu.

    God's Word is Alive | Dr. Robin Bell

  7. Aug 26

    God's Word is Foundational | Dr. Michael Wise

    Dr. Michael Wise, Scholar-in-Residence at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and an internationally recognized scholar of ancient Judaism and the Dead Sea Scrolls, continues our three-part series on what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word. In this conversation, Dr. Wise unpacks what it means to say that God's Word is foundational—and why that foundation matters. He explores how Christians can develop a worldview that's increasingly shaped by Scripture, reminding us that God's Word is foundational because it is, quite simply, the Word of God. God Himself is our unwavering foundation. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen.  💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at alumni@unwsp.edu.

    God's Word is Foundational | Dr. Michael Wise

  8. Aug 24

    God's Word is Rich | Anna Rask Emison '11

    UNW Professor Anna Rask Emison joins to kick off a three-part series exploring what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word. In this first conversation, Anna dives into the richness of Scripture—exploring the original languages of the Bible and how they shape our understanding of the text. She also unpacks some connections between the Old and New Testaments, along with the use of irony and the many literary forms found throughout Scripture. Join us for this series as we discover just how deep and rich God's Word truly is. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen.  💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at alumni@unwsp.edu.

    God's Word is Rich | Anna Rask Emison '11
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Co-hosted by Monte Abeler (’12) and Cassie Plantage (’07) of the UNW Alumni Office, The UNWavering Podcast brings you fun, thoughtful conversations with the people who shape University of Northwestern – St. Paul. No matter how you're connected to Northwestern—alum, student, parent, staff, faculty, or friend—this podcast is created to keep you connected to the heart of the UNW community. Join us as we highlight the people, the purpose, and the pulse of Northwestern. 

Information

  • Creator
    UNW Alumni Office
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The UNWavering Podcast
  • Show Website
    The UNWavering Podcast

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