Cedarville Stories

Cedarville University

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. 5 NGÀY TRƯỚC

    S13:E15 | Sean Kisch: A Hollywood Calling

    Serving the Score and the Savior: Sean Kisch’s Hollywood Calling When Sean Kisch moved to Los Angeles, he wasn’t chasing the spotlight — he was answering a call to serve. Sean works as a music copyist at JoAnn Kane Music Service, one of the top music preparation firms in the film industry. If you’ve seen a big-budget film in the last decade, there’s a good chance JoAnn Kane had a hand in it — and Sean might have too. So, what exactly does a music copyist do? “I get asked that a lot,” Sean laughed during a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast. “My job is to serve composers so they can serve the picture.” That means prepping sheet music, formatting parts for musicians, and making sure every note is ready for recording sessions — sometimes with just hours to spare. It’s high-pressure work, but also high-impact. Sean has worked on films like The Minecraft Movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Avatar: The Way of Water, collaborating with legendary composers like John Williams and Alan Silvestri. For a lifelong music-lover, working with his heroes is still a little surreal. But for Sean, Hollywood isn’t just about career milestones — it’s about calling. In a city where many arrive hoping to build a platform and chase personal success, Sean is focused on something different. His goal is to serve — his colleagues, his community, and ultimately Christ. Sean graduated from Cedarville University in 2017, and his time there helped shape his mindset. There, he not only developed his musical skills but also deepened his understanding of how faith and vocation intersect. The University’s focus on excellence and biblical integration gave him the tools to pursue his craft with purpose. Those values now guide his work in every studio session and industry interaction. In LA, Sean is part of a strong community of believers quietly making a difference in the entertainment industry. He attends Reality LA, a solidly biblical church, and supports local ministries working to share the light of Christ. “There’s more light in Hollywood than people think,” Sean said. “God is doing amazing things here.” Even in an industry known for glamor and competition, Sean sees Hollywood as a mission field. He continues to invest in the city and its people — through his church, his work, and his quiet, faithful presence behind the scenes. https://share.transistor.fm/s/79806ac9 https://youtu.be/mhv6gEc2ohs

    33 phút
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    S13:E14 | Little Leaders: Brad Silvius

    Little Leaders: Big Faith From a Small-Town Dreamer Brad Silvius, a 1992 graduate of Cedarville University, was shaped by a foundation of faith built in the Village of Cedarville — a faith that continues to guide his life and ministry today. That deep-rooted love for Jesus has laid the groundwork for Little Leaders — a vibrant multimedia platform that helps children grow in biblical truth while building motor skills, learning language, and mastering early education basics. Little Leaders is more than a show — it’s a hands-on, faith-filled learning experience. The platform blends colorful animation, music, movement, storytelling, and language lessons. Each piece works together to fully engage kids — mind, body, and spirit. It’s fun, interactive, and rooted in Scripture. Brad shared the heart behind the project on the Cedarville Stories podcast. “We just have to be willing and faithful,” he said. “Then we let God grow what He wants to grow.” His whole family is behind the mission. Brad’s wife, who has Brazilian roots, brings her business and finance experience from the University of Michigan into the work. Together, they’ve built Little Leaders not just as a platform — but as a calling. Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan — a hub of global culture — has expanded their vision. The Silvius family has formed close friendships with people from India, Pakistan, and South America. That diversity has shaped the content and widened its reach across cultures and continents. Little Leaders helps children grow through structured play, engaging visuals, and Christ-centered messages. Every video and activity is carefully crafted to raise up the next generation of confident, faith-filled young leaders. Want to see it in action? Visit littleleaders.com and discover how big faith starts with little steps — and a whole lot of love. https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ea4eb78 https://youtu.be/zWvpFa0MFfM

    33 phút
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    S13:E13 | A Life Scripted in Cursive and Grace: Catie Holt

    A Life Scripted in Cursive and Grace Catie Holt’s story reads like a favorite chapter book — warm, engaging, and full of purpose. A 2006 Cedarville University alumna, Catie’s years on campus gave her more than a degree; they gave her a biblical lens with which to view the world. That foundation became her anchor as she traveled across continents, teaching in China and later in the heart of Chicago’s bustling Chinatown. Catie’s influence and heart for young learners have had an impact far beyond the classroom. She played a creative role in developing the Cedarville Cursive Google font, a handwriting style that has gained widespread popularity for its charm, readability, and nostalgic beauty. It’s now used in everything from educational materials to digital design, becoming a small but meaningful part of how ideas are shared. Today, Catie lives along the peaceful lake shore in southwest Michigan, where her days revolve around faith, family, and a lifelong love for books. With her young children in school, she’s turning her energy toward expanding her collection of online lesson plans — offering thoughtful resources shaped by years of hands-on experience. In a recent appearance on the Cedarville Stories podcast, Catie reflected on her time at Cedarville and how it equipped her to engage the world with confidence and conviction. Whether in overseas classrooms, urban neighborhoods, or as a mom, her passion for education and truth has remained steady. Catie Holt’s journey is a quiet testament to the power of faith, creativity, and lifelong learning — written in cursive and lived with grace. https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd68d1b6 https://youtu.be/pX1a9sSU8Eg

    26 phút
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    S13:E12 | Religious Liberty Hits Home: Randall Wenger

    Religious Liberty Hits Home: Randall Wenger Religious liberty isn’t just a topic for scholars or lawyers — it’s something that touches everyday life. It matters when a business owner faces pressure to go against their faith. It matters when a worker is told they have to choose between their job and their religious convictions. And that’s exactly why the work of Randall Wenger, Chief Counsel at the Independence Law Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, deserves attention. On a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Randy shared how his legal work — and his deep personal commitment to religious freedom — have shaped not only court decisions but the lives of ordinary Americans. Take the Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Burwell case. A family-owned woodworking business in Pennsylvania faced steep fines for refusing to provide abortion-inducing drugs in their employee healthcare plan — something that went directly against their Christian beliefs. Randy helped take their case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling in their favor didn’t just protect one family — it affirmed that people of faith don’t have to set their convictions aside when they run a business. Then there’s Groff v. DeJoy. Gerald Groff, a postal worker, had faithfully kept Sundays as a day of rest and worship. But the Postal Service kept scheduling him anyway — until he felt forced to resign. With Randy's help, that case also reached the Supreme Court. The Court sided with Groff, strengthening the right of all workers to seek religious accommodation on the job. These victories are more than legal milestones — they’re reminders that religious liberty is not an abstract principle. It protects real people in real situations across the country. On the podcast, Randy spoke not just as a lawyer but as a father — one who’s seen his own children grow in faith at Cedarville University. His message was clear: If we want to pass on a country where faith is free to flourish, we need to defend it now. Because religious liberty isn't just a legal issue — it's a human one. https://share.transistor.fm/s/71c69919 https://youtu.be/sL_WJ4nrl3Q

    37 phút
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    S13:E11 | Training With Purpose: Kyler Conn

    Walking by Faith, Training With Purpose From Cedarville to the Indianapolis Colts and now the University of Kansas Jayhawks, Kyler Conn’s journey is one stitched together by purpose, perseverance, and a deep-rooted faith. A recent graduate of Cedarville University’s rigorous BA in sports medicine and Master of Athletic Training five-year program, Kyler's path has never been just about tape and treatment tables. It’s been about serving others through athletic training while staying grounded in his walk with Christ. He recently shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, reflecting on the power of mentorship, faith, and family in his life. Kyler’s hands-on experience began with high-level internships at Baylor University, where he worked with both the football and men’s basketball programs. From assisting in sideline emergencies to supporting long-term rehab for elite athletes, Kyler’s experiences gave him a close-up view of what it takes to perform under pressure at the highest level. Then came the NFL — an internship with the Indianapolis Colts where Kyler worked alongside seasoned professionals in one of the most competitive sports environments. It was during his time in Indy that he connected with a strength coach who recognized Cedarville’s name and faith foundation. He eventually invited Kyler to College Park Church, which became a spiritual home during that season. While sharpening his skills on the field, Kyler also invested in the classroom. His academic research centered on Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) — the critical blueprints sports medicine teams follow during catastrophic injuries or athlete collapse. He examined how preparedness, communication, and clearly defined roles can save lives in high-pressure moments. For Kyler, EAPs aren’t just paperwork — they’re lifelines, and he’s passionate about equipping teams to respond with precision when seconds matter most. He’s also a strong advocate for mentorship, crediting much of his development to those who invested in him. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the guidance of those ahead of me,” he shared. Now, Kyler is preparing to join the University of Kansas as the athletic trainer for men's basketball and baseball. With his faith as his compass and a heart for service, he’s ready to make an impact in Lawrence — one athlete, one rep, one moment at a time. https://share.transistor.fm/s/77a3fc4e https://youtu.be/WLku-bt4iSA

    37 phút
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    S13:E10 | Trusting God Through Tragedy: Melissa Harris

    Trusting God Through Tragedy: Melissa Harris As a Cedarville University graduate in athletic training, Melissa Harris '02 believed she had a clear calling — serve student-athletes and be a light for Christ through her profession. But God had an unexpected direction in mind, calling her instead into recreation ministry — a shift she hadn’t planned but embraced in faith. That same willingness to trust God when life took an unforeseen turn would become crucial when tragedy struck years later. During what was supposed to be a peaceful family hike in Hocking Hills State Park, a horrific accident nearly claimed the life of her youngest daughter, Mia. In an instant, the joy of the outdoors turned into a nightmare. As emergency crews raced to respond, Melissa and her family were left clinging to prayer, unsure if Mia would survive. Yet even in the chaos, Melissa describes a peace that defied logic. “There’s no explanation for it,” she shared on the Cedarville Stories podcast. “It was Jesus — He calmed my fears and reminded me of eternity.” The months that followed were filled with recovery, reflection, and raw faith. Melissa realized that their story wasn’t just about surviving trauma — it was about surrendering control and trusting God in every unknown. The same God who redirected her career path years earlier had now walked her through the darkest valley of her life. It was during this healing season that Melissa felt a quiet but clear prompting from God: Tell the story. Melissa wrote her book, Rewrite This Tragedy, not to spotlight tragedy, but to proclaim God’s presence during it. “Even if He hadn’t saved Mia,” said Melissa, “He was still with us. That’s what carried us.” Her story reminds us that faith isn’t about having a perfect plan — it’s about trusting the One who does. https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f0baf7c https://youtu.be/Xh6UhtUBA2M

    39 phút
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    S13:E09 | Rooted in Truth: Dr. Jon Wood and Dr. Trent Rogers

    Rooted in Truth: A Story of Two Shepherds and Their Book It wasn’t over coffee or during a conference that the idea for Rooted in Truth was born — it grew slowly, quietly, over years of shared ministry. Drs. Jon Wood and Trent Rogers have been walking alongside college students for a long time, answering the same honest, heartfelt questions about faith, life, and purpose. After hearing “What should I do with my life?” and “Can I really trust the Bible?” for what seemed like the hundredth time, they both realized that maybe it was time to write a book. So, they did. On the Cedarville Stories podcast, the two men — friends, colleagues, and fellow shepherds — talked about the journey of writing Rooted in Truth, which was released on July 8. With a dose of humor (and some playful teasing), they shared how the project took shape. Rogers joked that he only wanted to co-write with someone smarter, which led him straight to Wood. In turn, Wood credited Rogers for bringing structure and depth to the project. But beneath the laughs was a serious and heartfelt purpose: helping young adults become spiritually grounded. The book tackles 20 of the most common questions they hear from students about identity, relationships, vocation, and why truth still matters. Drawing on Psalm 1, they use the imagery of a tree planted by water to show what happens when a life is rooted deeply in God’s Word. Whether it’s used as a devotional, a small group guide, or a resource for a high school senior on the edge of adulthood, Rooted in Truth was written to steady the hearts of young believers in a world that often feels unsteady. What sets this book apart? It’s clear, concise, and full of Gospel hope. It’s not lofty theology for scholars — it’s real answers for real students written by two men who first spent years listening. “We want them to know they’re not just the future of the Church,” Dr. Wood said. “They are the Church.” And with Rooted in Truth, Jon and Trent are handing them the tools — and the truth — to live like it. https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7cc4570 https://youtu.be/tpQK3f7rPds

    35 phút
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    S13:E08 | Side By Side: Ari and Julie Tompkins

    Side by Side: Ari and Julie Tompkins  There’s something special about the bond between twins — but Ari and Julie Tompkins take it to a whole new level. This week, the small-town sisters from Mogadore, Ohio, began their 1000 Days™ at Cedarville University, walking into college hand-in-hand — just like they’ve done with most things in life. Faith-filled and full of heart, Ari and Julie are joining the track and cross-country teams, ready to give it all they’ve got. But they’re not just here to run races. They’re here to grow, serve, and walk closer with Jesus every step of the way. On a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Julie described Ari as “quiet, aggressive, and humble,” while Ari grinned and said Julie was “talkative, energetic, and loud.” The sisters are two halves of a whole, different in their own ways but always cheering each other on. Their journey hasn’t been easy. They’ve stood on podiums and wiped away tears after photo-finish losses and struggled with personal family issues. But through every high and low, they’ve clung to prayer and each other. “Our sport doesn’t define us,” Ari shared. “God still loves us whether we win or lose.” Raised in a home where faith was lived out daily — especially after their father quit drinking and began reading the Bible with them — Ari and Julie learned early what it means to grow through grace. “It changed everything,” Julie said. “We finally understood what it meant to follow Jesus for ourselves.” That’s why Cedarville stood out. It was a place where they could not only compete at a high level but grow in a community that shares their love for Christ. “We didn’t want to just bring others to faith — we wanted to be surrounded by people already walking it too,” they said. Julie dreams of becoming a pro sports physical therapist. Ari’s heart is set on becoming a firefighter and EMT. Their paths may someday lead them in different directions, but for now, they’re running this race side by side — spiritually grounded, joyfully competitive, and ready for whatever the Lord has next. https://share.transistor.fm/s/13d7ae3d https://youtu.be/NTYeW_B6mFY

    32 phút
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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.

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