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. 2d ago

    S15:E12 | Joy Summers: Beyond the Radio Studio

    A Voice of Joy for Listeners Nationwide For Joy Summers, joy is more than a name—it is a thread God has woven through every chapter of her life. On this week’s Cedarville Stories podcast, Joy shares her story with the same warmth, humor and contagious energy that have made her a familiar voice to listeners across the country. Born shortly after the loss of her infant brother, Joy was the gift her parents described as the joy God brought back into their home. Today, she brings encouragement, laughter and hope to a national audience through her syndicated WAY-FM radio program. Joy reflects on growing up as a pastor’s daughter, discovering her love for radio while working as a Cedarville student at Resound Radio, and learning that authenticity matters. That conviction shapes the way she communicates. She speaks openly about difficult seasons, including depression and postpartum depression, believing honesty can help people feel seen, heard and less alone. She also shares about a career decision that challenged conventional wisdom. After becoming a mother, Joy stepped away from the morning show to pursue a schedule that better served her family. What seemed like a professional risk became another opportunity to trust God’s leading. Beyond the radio studio, Joy continues to spread encouragement through Summers of Joy, a WAY-FM initiative focused on kindness and serving others. Her story is a joyful reminder that God can use ordinary moments, hard seasons and faithful obedience to bring hope to others. Here are 2 funny outtakes from the podcast:  https://youtube.com/shorts/cH5svIUOvyk?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/shorts/_gqetlAK8RE?feature=sharehttps://share.transistor.fm/s/82b9abfdhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OALtqNTn1lQ

  2. Sep 9

    S15:E11 | Luise Schmidt-Krayer

    Designing with PurposeWhat does designing a safer ski rescue sled have in common with helping recreate first-century Jerusalem? For Cedarville University graduate Luise Schmidt-Krayer, both projects reflect her desire to use design with creativity, care and purpose. Growing up in Gummersbach, Germany, Luise loved adventure—especially skiing. After high school, she took a gap year and attended Lake Ann Camp in the United States with her sister. There, she learned about Cedarville University and made the courageous decision to move far from home to pursue an education in industrial and innovative design. At Cedarville, Luise found an education that shaped both her faith and her future as a designer. For her senior capstone project, she explored the challenges ski patrollers face when transporting injured skiers. After observing patrollers at Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio, she designed a lightweight rescue sled featuring a scoop mechanism intended to reduce patient movement and ease the physical strain on rescuers. Today, Luise brings that same thoughtful, research-driven approach to her work at Answers in Genesis. She is on a team that is modeling Jerusalem as it appeared during the life of Jesus, combining historical research, artistic detail and a love for biblical truth. In this episode, Luise shares how faith, empathy and design have guided her journey—from the ski slopes of Germany to Cedarville, ski patrol rescue operations and a vivid recreation of first-century Jerusalem. https://share.transistor.fm/s/738ca2fehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0vvstPOthU

  3. Sep 2

    S15:E10 | Celeb and Jesse Mangum

    It's More than Peanut Butter for Jesse and Caleb Mangum  When Caleb Mangum lost his job in 2012, he did not set out to build a nut butter company. He simply faced an unexpected turn in the road and took a step of faith, trusting God to provide for his family and lead him forward.   That step became the beginning of Nutty Novelties.  What started as a leap into the unknown slowly grew into a business with purpose. Caleb poured himself into creating a quality product. Every jar became another reminder that God had faithfully met a need, and every challenge became another opportunity to trust Him for what came next.  Then, seven years later, Caleb's younger brother, Jesse Mangum '19, joined the effort after graduating from Cedarville University with a degree in global business. Jesse brought fresh energy, strong business training, and the same desire to keep Christ at the center. Together, the brothers found a rhythm that felt less like a corporate partnership and more like a family calling.  Their brotherhood matters. Caleb and Jesse share values, memories, and a deep trust in one another. They work hard, laugh often, and lean on the biblical foundation that has shaped both of their lives. They believe the best businesses are built one relationship at a time, measuring success not only by what they produce but by how they serve the people God places in their paths.  They are also quick to recognize the people who work alongside them and the friends and family who have encouraged them along the way. Time and again, God has provided the right person with the right wisdom at just the right moment. Those experiences have reinforced their conviction that success is never a solo effort but a testimony to God's faithfulness working through His people. That spirit came through when the brothers recently shared their journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast.  For Caleb and Jesse Mangum, every jar of Nutty Novelties tells a bigger story — one of God's faithfulness, the strength of family, and the joy of serving others together.  https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c138e3ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jegk-TljPY

  4. Aug 26

    S15:E09 | Briana Zalewski: The Rejection That Redirected Her Life

    The Rejection That Redirected Her Life Forever For years, Briana Zalewski believed becoming a physician assistant would give her the purpose she was searching for. After earning a pre-medical undergraduate degree, working in health care and facing repeated rejection from PA programs, she wondered whether her dream would ever become reality. Then she found Cedarville University. From her on-campus interview, Briana sensed Cedarville was different. Moving away from her home near Detroit, she entered a Christ-centered community where classmates prayed with her, professors encouraged her and faculty demonstrated what it meant to make Jesus central to every part of life. Briana came to Cedarville to become a physician assistant. But through studying Scripture, prayer and relationships with people devoted to Christ, she discovered something far greater: a personal relationship with Jesus. Her newfound faith sustained her through the demands of PA school, clinical rotations and significant life changes. Today, Briana is back in suburban Detroit, caring for patients at a dermatology practice with compassion and an eternal perspective. The program didn’t just shape Briana's career, it completely changed the trajectory of her life. Listen as Briana shares how rejection ultimately redirected her toward faith, purpose and a transformed life. https://share.transistor.fm/s/e26a2689https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WxSn6TXG0M

  5. Aug 19

    S15:E08 | Hustle House: Inside Cedarville's Entrepreneurial Incubator

    Inside Cedarville's Entrepreneurial IncubatorAt the Hustle House, no one builds a business alone. Every day brings opportunities to ask questions, test ideas, celebrate progress, and pray through challenges. For the Cedarville University students who call the house home, entrepreneurship grows best in a community that encourages hard work, demands excellence, and keeps Christ at the center. Will Woods '27, Aaron Perry '26, Josh Hochstedler '28, and their housemates intentionally created the Hustle House to give entrepreneurs the support that often disappears when someone tries to build a business alone. Living under one roof creates daily opportunities to exchange ideas, ask hard questions, share victories, and encourage perseverance. The house thrives on a simple belief: Entrepreneurs grow stronger in community. That conviction shapes everyday life. Whiteboards covered with business strategies share space with textbooks and class notes. Conversations shift naturally from customer acquisition to homework and from product ideas to prayer. Housemates sharpen one another through candid feedback, celebrate each other's progress, and hold one another accountable for pursuing excellence in business, academics, and their walks with Christ. The shared environment gives every resident fresh energy to pursue meaningful work while simultaneously earning their college degree. The encouragement extends beyond the walls of the house. Residents regularly connect with aspiring entrepreneurs, Christian business-owners, and students who simply want to learn. As Josh Hochstedler explained on the Cedarville Stories podcast, entrepreneurship begins with people — with asking questions, listening well, and having the courage to take the first step. That mindset has become part of the culture of the Hustle House, where curiosity, humility, and generosity shape every conversation. The same culture fuels Entrepreneurs for Christ, a national movement that grew from the relationships formed inside the Hustle House. The organization equips Generation Z entrepreneurs to build businesses that serve a purpose far greater than profit. Its founders encourage young business leaders to create companies that care for their families, create opportunities for employees, strengthen their communities, and honor Christ through faithful stewardship. As Entrepreneurs for Christ continues to expand, the Hustle House remains its living laboratory. Learn more about Cedarville University. https://share.transistor.fm/s/21df907chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWeC_w95b2k

  6. Aug 12

    S15:E07 | Emily Tuttle: From Family Room to Press Box

    Emily Tuttle: From the Family Room to the Press Box  Long before Emily Tuttle filled notebooks with game stories or rushed through postgame interviews, she spent time with her family watching whatever sporting event happened to be on television. Together they celebrated thrilling victories, debated coaching decisions, and relived unforgettable moments long after the final whistle. Those traditions nurtured more than a love for sports — they instilled an appreciation for the relationships, teamwork, and stories behind every game. As her interest grew, Emily realized she was drawn less to the final score than to the people who made the moments possible. She wanted to understand what motivated athletes, how coaches built successful cultures, and why certain competitions left lasting impressions. Sports journalism became the perfect way to combine her love of writing, curiosity, and passion for competition with her faith in Jesus. Now a senior at Cedarville focusing on a career in sports journalism, Emily is turning that dream into reality. On the Cedarville Stories podcast, she described approaching every opportunity with the determination of an athlete pursuing excellence.  Last winter, she earned a coveted spot in the NCAA Final Four Full Court Press program, covering the Men's Basketball Final Four--one of college basketball's premier events while learning from experienced sports journalists. She also completed an internship with the Rockford Rivets, gaining hands-on experience in sports communications through game-day operations, media relations, and fan engagement. Emily believes success is built through preparation. Every interview strengthens her confidence, every deadline sharpens her skills, and every assignment prepares her for the next opportunity. Wherever her career leads — from local stadiums to major sporting events — Emily's foundation remains the same. Her passion was born in a living room where faith shaped her perspective, family encouraged her dreams, and a shared love of sports inspired the storyteller she is becoming. Learn more about Cedarville University. https://share.transistor.fm/s/4e26f86f https://youtu.be/XlJfAzApq98

  7. Aug 5

    S15:E06 | Christen Price: Standing for the Vulnerable

    Standing for the Vulnerable Behind courtroom briefs and legal filings are real people whose lives have been devastated by exploitation. Christen Price knows their stories well. As a civil rights attorney with the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, the 2009 Cedarville University graduate has devoted her career to seeking justice for victims and pressing some of the world's largest technology companies to do more to protect the vulnerable. Grounded in a biblical conviction that every person is created in the image of God, Christen has answered a calling to stand beside those whose voices have too often been silenced. Her work is not easy. Day after day, Christen confronts the heartbreaking realities of human trafficking, child sexual abuse material, and the ways technology can be used to exploit the innocent. Yet she has chosen to walk toward the darkness rather than away from it, convinced that every life is worth defending and that justice is an expression of loving her neighbor. Along the way, Christen has helped secure victories that once seemed out of reach. She has worked on groundbreaking litigation that held powerful online platforms accountable, helping cases survive early legal challenges and paving the way for greater protection of victims. Each victory serves as a reminder that even the largest corporations are not beyond accountability when courageous people refuse to give up. Christen also understands that lasting change requires more than courtroom victories. Through the National Center on Sexual Exploitation's annual "Dirty Dozen List," she helps expose mainstream companies whose policies enable sexual exploitation. The list is designed not merely to criticize but to encourage reform, informing the public and motivating businesses to adopt stronger protections for children and other vulnerable individuals, which she talks about on the Cedarville Stories podcast. Every life has a story worth telling. Cedarville Stories, an official podcast of Cedarville University, features conversations with alumni, students, faculty, and friends whose lives reflect God's faithfulness and calling. To discover more stories, explore academic programs, or learn more about Cedarville University, visit cedarville.edu.   https://share.transistor.fm/s/21fb2a58 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmqNM61wQGQ

  8. Jul 29

    S15:E05 | Mark Scharnberg: Building More Than Basketball Players

    Building More Than Basketball Players Mark Scharnberg, a 1997 Cedarville University graduate, has built successful businesses throughout his career. Today, one of the projects closest to his heart isn't measured by profits; it's measured by the impact on the lives of young athletes. On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Mark describes Iowa United as more than a basketball prep school. He envisions it as a place where gifted young athletes receive the kind of coaching and development that prepares them for the changing world of college basketball. Competing in the EYBL Scholastic league places Iowa United alongside the nation's top programs, giving students an opportunity to hone their skills alongside elite competition. For Mark, however, the scoreboard has never been the whole story. He wants every athlete who joins Iowa United to leave as a stronger player. Even more, he wants each young man to become a person of character who understands what it means to follow Christ. That mission begins with presence. Mark and his wife, Jana, have moved into the Iowa United facility so they can share daily life with the students. They eat meals together, celebrate victories, work through disappointments, and have countless conversations that would never fit into a practice schedule. They open their home, their time, and their lives because they believe lasting influence grows out of genuine relationships. Mark has watched those relationships change young men. Some arrive with remarkable athletic ability but need someone to believe in them. Others need patient guidance as they mature. As trust grows, attitudes begin to change, and confidence takes root. Mark has seen players leave Iowa United ready for high-level college basketball, yet he finds even greater joy when they leave with stronger character and a clearer understanding of faith. Living together accelerates those relationships. By the time graduation arrives, many of the players feel like members of the Scharnbergs' extended family. Saying goodbye is never easy, as every student feels like family. But Mark hopes those players will one day return to encourage the next generation, creating a cycle of investment that stretches far beyond basketball. He also sees another future taking shape. Just as earlier generations of the Scharnberg family built businesses that became platforms for serving others, Mark hopes Iowa United will become a place where his own children can one day serve alongside him. His vision reaches well beyond wins and championships. He wants to build something that shapes lives for Christ and continues long after the final buzzer sounds. Every life has a story worth telling. Cedarville Stories, an official podcast of Cedarville University, features conversations with alumni, students, faculty, and friends whose lives reflect God's faithfulness and calling. To discover more stories, explore academic programs, or learn more about Cedarville University, visit cedarville.edu.   https://share.transistor.fm/s/1730da6c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYF2fN9dyJU

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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
    364
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cedarville University 2019

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