Faith Meets Academia

Dr. Adrian Reynolds

Welcome to Faith Meets Academia! Struggling to connect your faith with everyday life, career ambitions, or academic pursuits? Hosted by a university professor and ordained minister, Dr. Adrian Reynolds, this podcast  will help you translate your faith-based values into personal growth, professional development, and academic success. Faith Meets Academia emphasizes that faith and work can forge a mutually sustaining partnership. Each episode breaks down complex academic concepts into everyday language and connects them with timeless spiritual principles for transformational learning and development. By the end of each episode, you will be equipped with practical tools to set the tone for a purposeful, productive week. Join the journey today! Your host, Adrian Reynolds (Ph.D.), is an ordained minister, learning coach, and assistant professor of medical education at an R1 university. He is on a mission to merge educational innovation with biblical wisdom. Dr. Reynolds brings over two decades of teaching experience across the educational continuum: from working with underserved, high school students as a state-certified instructor of Spanish to coaching students in graduate and professional degree programs in evidence-based teaching skills and the science of learning. Dr. Reynolds’ work is located within the rapidly growing field of applied learning sciences and is driven by both socio-cognitive and sociocultural approaches to learning and teaching. His preventive model of academic coaching has been published in journals such as Medical Teacher and Clinical Teacher. He has held over 1,000 (one-on-one) academic coaching sessions with medical students, residents, fellows, and pre-med students. Dr. Reynolds has developed numerous peer-teaching programs for medical students in addition to courses in the science of learning for residents, pre-med and high school students.   Dr. Reynolds has been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 10 years both nationally and internationally. He has long been recognized to seamlessly intertwine academic concepts with biblical principles: His approach to preaching and teaching the word of God is centered around growth mindset (Philippians 4:13), transformational learning (Romans 12:2), and reflective, mindful practice (Philippians 4:8, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:97). As a missionary ambassador, Dr. Reynolds has embarked on transformative journeys that bridge cultures and continents, bringing tangible support and hope to those in need. Most recently, in the fall of 2023, his dedication to humanitarian causes led him to Mozambique: From the bustling streets of Maputo to the serene countryside of Inharrime, through the unwavering support and sponsorship from faith-based leaders and communities, Dr. Reynolds has played a pivotal role in the allocation of humanitarian aid and educational resources, providing essential support to elevate community wellbeing. Earlier that year, he engaged in a mission focused on cultural exchange and relationship-building in the Maputo province to better understand and address local challenges. Through these missions, Dr. Reynolds exemplifies the true essence of a missionary ambassador, integrating service, education, and faith into impactful action.  

  1. Aug 31

    Episode 58: What You Have Is Not Who You Are

    Send us Fan Mail The way someone looks at you can change in seconds once they hear your title, your degree, or where you work, and that shift reveals something we all have to face: we are tempted to assign human worth based on social status. We take that head-on with a clear message for anyone navigating professional life, school, ministry, or relationships: what you have is not who you are.  We start with Jesus’ warning in Luke 12:15 that life is not measured by the abundance of possessions, then we connect it to modern status symbols like credentials and influence. I share a simple interaction while dropping my son off for class that exposes how quickly people can become more attentive once they think you “rank” high enough. From there, we use a practical psychology framework to name multiple identities, personal identity, relational identity, and professional identity, and we talk about what happens when one visible identity becomes the yardstick for dignity.  Scripture pushes the conversation deeper. James 2 calls out favoritism and respect of persons, and 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance. We also make space for real-world nuance, including how credentials can affect the treatment you receive in settings like healthcare, without ever becoming the source of your value. We close with two questions to sit with all week: who are you if the title disappears, and does the way you treat people change when you learn their position?  Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs the reminder, and leave a review if it helped. What’s one label you’ve had to stop letting define you? WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

  2. Aug 26

    Episode 57 - How to Handle Workplace Communication Conflict: Your Toolkit for Success (Part II)

    Send us Fan Mail A tense tone at work can feel personal fast, but what if it is not actually about you? I’m back with a simple, memorable toolkit for workplace communication conflict that helps you stay calm, clear, and Christlike without becoming a doormat or matching someone else’s bad attitude. I start by revisiting the “mirror trap,” that reflex to expect others to communicate the way we do and to read difference as disrespect. From there, I walk through grace-based listening and communication accommodation theory in plain language: how to separate the message from the delivery, pull out what is useful, and keep your emotions from drowning out the data. If you have ever regretted a quick reply, this framework is built for those moments when you need a pause before you respond. Then I share a four-part guide you can use immediately: critical self-reflection, perspective taking, adjusting your approach, and anchoring your communication in Scripture. We talk practical moves like switching from long emails to concise comments or bullet points, using simple words instead of performative jargon, and choosing to lead the tone with patience and clarity. I also ground it in biblical wisdom for Christian leadership and emotional intelligence at work, including Proverbs 15:1, James 1:19, and Colossians 4:6, so you can speak truth with grace and keep relationships intact. If you want more faith-driven, real-world communication and conflict resolution tools, follow or subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more listeners can find Faith Meets Academia. WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

  3. Jan 6

    Episode 56: How to Handle Workplace Communication Conflict (Part I)

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever walked away from a high-stakes meeting feeling small, even though no one said anything overtly harsh? You might be falling into the Mirror Trap: The subconscious expectation that colleagues should match your tone, hedging, and warmth. When they don’t, it feels like disrespect, but it’s often just a data-processing difference. In this episode of Faith Meets Academia, we unpack why workplace communication conflict happens and how to stop it from derailing your projects. We combine the psychology of Communication Accommodation Theory with the Apostle Paul’s biblical strategy of "becoming all things to all people" to give you a practical roadmap for difficult conversations. You’ll learn how to: Escape the mirror trap: Separate tone from substance to protect your peace.Reinforce your application of the "It’s Me" formula: A simple reset to turn blunt critiques into clear deliverables.Practice positive accommodation: Adapt to direct communicators without mirroring their negativity.Apply grace-based listening: Remove cognitive friction and lead with quiet confidence.Stop the "tone wars" and start leading. If this episode helps you navigate a clash this week, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend or colleague! WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

  4. 12/29/2025

    Episode 55 - The “It’s Me” Formula: A Three-Step Guide to Self-Awareness and Personal Accountability

    Send us Fan Mail The It’s Me Formula is a simple three-step method you can use in under 30 seconds to break the blame cycle and reclaim personal agency. In this episode, neuroscience and faith come together as we explore how breathing calms the brain, how ownership restores control, and how one question can change outcomes. We recap the It’s Me movement and why self-awareness and personal responsibility matter. You will learn how stress hijacks the body, how intentional breathing resets the nervous system, and how saying “It’s me” shifts you toward an internal locus of control. Using Isaiah 6 as a model of humility and readiness, we introduce metacognition through a single question: What role did I play? We clarify the difference between fault and responsibility, address common objections, and apply the formula to real-life situations at work, home, school, and even on the road. Call to action: Text me using the Send Us a Message link below the episode title and tell me how the It’s Me Formula shifted your emotions, conversations, or reactions. WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

    Episode 55 - The “It’s Me” Formula: A Three-Step Guide to Self-Awareness and Personal Accountability
  5. 12/22/2025

    Episode 54 - Join the "It's Me" Movement: From Blame to Ownership

    Send us Fan Mail Two small words can transform how we lead, learn, and love: “It’s me.” In this episode, we explore why moving from a posture of blame to one of ownership is the ultimate catalyst for personal growth. Inside this episode: The "It’s Me" Movement: Why ownership isn't about taking the blame—it’s about asking, "What role did I play?"Internal vs. External Locus of Control: How to reclaim your power by focusing on your choices rather than others' actions.Biblical Self-Examination: Lessons from the Last Supper and the Prodigal Son on the courage it takes to look inward.Growth Mindset in Action: Real-world applications for students, professionals, and parents to turn friction into learning opportunities.Let's move beyond the "blame game" and join the movement toward a more reflective, responsible life. Connect with us: If this episode blessed you, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or send us a text via the link in your app. Share this with someone who needs a shift in perspective! WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to Faith Meets Academia! Struggling to connect your faith with everyday life, career ambitions, or academic pursuits? Hosted by a university professor and ordained minister, Dr. Adrian Reynolds, this podcast  will help you translate your faith-based values into personal growth, professional development, and academic success. Faith Meets Academia emphasizes that faith and work can forge a mutually sustaining partnership. Each episode breaks down complex academic concepts into everyday language and connects them with timeless spiritual principles for transformational learning and development. By the end of each episode, you will be equipped with practical tools to set the tone for a purposeful, productive week. Join the journey today! Your host, Adrian Reynolds (Ph.D.), is an ordained minister, learning coach, and assistant professor of medical education at an R1 university. He is on a mission to merge educational innovation with biblical wisdom. Dr. Reynolds brings over two decades of teaching experience across the educational continuum: from working with underserved, high school students as a state-certified instructor of Spanish to coaching students in graduate and professional degree programs in evidence-based teaching skills and the science of learning. Dr. Reynolds’ work is located within the rapidly growing field of applied learning sciences and is driven by both socio-cognitive and sociocultural approaches to learning and teaching. His preventive model of academic coaching has been published in journals such as Medical Teacher and Clinical Teacher. He has held over 1,000 (one-on-one) academic coaching sessions with medical students, residents, fellows, and pre-med students. Dr. Reynolds has developed numerous peer-teaching programs for medical students in addition to courses in the science of learning for residents, pre-med and high school students.   Dr. Reynolds has been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 10 years both nationally and internationally. He has long been recognized to seamlessly intertwine academic concepts with biblical principles: His approach to preaching and teaching the word of God is centered around growth mindset (Philippians 4:13), transformational learning (Romans 12:2), and reflective, mindful practice (Philippians 4:8, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:97). As a missionary ambassador, Dr. Reynolds has embarked on transformative journeys that bridge cultures and continents, bringing tangible support and hope to those in need. Most recently, in the fall of 2023, his dedication to humanitarian causes led him to Mozambique: From the bustling streets of Maputo to the serene countryside of Inharrime, through the unwavering support and sponsorship from faith-based leaders and communities, Dr. Reynolds has played a pivotal role in the allocation of humanitarian aid and educational resources, providing essential support to elevate community wellbeing. Earlier that year, he engaged in a mission focused on cultural exchange and relationship-building in the Maputo province to better understand and address local challenges. Through these missions, Dr. Reynolds exemplifies the true essence of a missionary ambassador, integrating service, education, and faith into impactful action.  

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