Unapologetic from SBU

Ep. 56 - The State of Healthcare in SW Missouri Part II: Citizens Memorial Hospital CEO Mike Calhoun

In the second of two episodes focused on healthcare in Southwest Missouri, Mike Calhoun of Citizens Memorial Hospital joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about the ways CMH is working to address the needs of the region. An alum of SBU, Calhoun gives an in-depth look at the hospital's expansion, workforce development strategies, and the impacts on community well-being. He also shares his personal story of coming to faith and being called into ministry. This is a wide-ranging interview with one of SBU's longstanding partners that you won't want to miss.
Chapters
01:29 Healthcare System Overview04:20 Growth and Changes in CMH07:11 Community Impact and Personal Touch10:31 Workforce Development Challenges13:17 Future of Healthcare in the Region21:23 The Growing Need for Healthcare Workers22:17 Engaging Youth in Healthcare Careers23:38 Challenges in Healthcare Workforce Recruitment25:58 Turnover Rates in Healthcare Positions26:57 The Impact of Education on Healthcare Careers28:54 Building Local Pathways for Healthcare Education30:49 The Importance of Community Integration32:42 The New CMH Hospital Expansion34:36 Enhancements in Emergency and Inpatient Care37:01 Modernizing Facilities for Better Patient Experience38:57 Future Growth and Technological Advancements41:17 Attracting Talent Through Facility Improvements43:35 Collaborative Efforts for Community Health
 

Ep. 55 - SBUnited Giving Day Preview/Goals and Enrollment Updates

Vice President of Advancement Leon Wirth joins Brandt Merritt to preview SBU's upcoming giving day, SBUnited 2026 on Thursday, March 12. They highlight significant momentum in giving trends to SBU's Annual Scholarship Fund and overall giving, including increased dollars and increased donors. They also give an update on capital campaign planning connected to SBU's campus master plan, and share positive enrollment trends.
For those interested in learning more about SBUnited Giving Day, visit advance.sbuniv.edu/sbunited.
Chapters
00:10 Guest Introduction: Leon Worth00:59 Supporting SBU Through Giving and Enrollment05:16 Details of Giving Day and Goals07:29 Campus Engagement and Student Involvement09:22 Giving Trends and Momentum11:43 Potential for Record Giving Year13:57 Campus Development and Future Projects17:46 Restricted vs Unrestricted Giving Explained19:41 Enrollment Growth and Student Success24:30 Local Community and Recruitment Success28:50 Student Impact Stories and Mission29:46 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Ep. 54 - The State of Healthcare in SW Missouri Part I, with Mercy Springfield

Jessica Atchison and Aaron Tribby of Mercy Springfield join Brandt Merritt on SBU's Springfield Campus to talk about the state of healthcare in Southwest Missouri. Mercy and SBU have a long partnership of working together to train healthcare professionals in the region, dating back to the 1980s. Jessica and Aaron share more about the ways they are trying to develop a sustainable workforce to meet the growing needs of patients and providers in the region. They also talk about how their freedom to integrate their faith into their care of patients provides added meaning to their work.
Part 2 of this miniseries on healthcare in the region will be next week, focused on Citizens Memorial Hospital.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healthcare in Southwest Missouri03:51 State of Healthcare: Access and Resources10:04 Engaging Future Healthcare Professionals15:46 The Role of Faith in Healthcare Culture21:53 Technology and Innovation in Healthcare

Ep. 53 - Andy Naselli Discusses Predestination, Anxiety, and Hopes for the Next Generation

Andy Naselli joins host Brandt Merritt to discuss predestination, anxiety, and the importance of biblical worldview in understanding God's sovereignty and human response. He emphasizes the significance of theological clarity for Christian living and ministry, especially for college students navigating complex topics. Naselli is a professor at Bethlehem College and Seminary and Lead Pastor of Christ the King Church in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Andy Naselli04:34 Calvinism, Arminianism, and Predestination10:26 The Uniqueness of Christian Responses to Anxiety16:41 The Impact of Technology on Learning

Ep. 52 - Training and Discipling the Next Generation with Alumnus and Board Member Tyler Wilkins

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, Brandt Merritt hosts Tyler Wilkins, a pastor from Kansas City and an SBU alumnus. They discuss Tyler's journey from being a student at SBU to his current role as a senior pastor at Fellowship KC. The conversation covers Tyler's experiences at SBU, his path to pastoral ministry, the importance of discipleship and apologetics in today's culture, and his role on the Board of Trustees at SBU. Tyler emphasizes the need for churches to raise up and send out leaders, and the importance of deep, meaningful engagement with the faith among younger generations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker05:35 Journey to Southwest Baptist University11:54 Path to Pastoral Ministry15:59 Building a Fellowship Program16:31 Equipping Future Pastors through Fellowship KC20:35 The Role of the Church in Discipleship24:43 Adapting Discipleship for a New Generation29:37 The Importance of Community in Faith31:28 Serving on the Board of Trustees38:08 Commitment to SBU's Future

Ep. 51 - Discussing K-12 Education with Bolivar Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Methvin

In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, host Brandt Merritt speaks with Dr. Mike Methvin, the superintendent of Bolivar schools. They discuss Dr. Methvin's journey in education, the challenges facing K-12 education, and the importance of recruiting and retaining quality educators. The conversation also covers innovative programs for college and career pathways, ongoing construction projects in the district, and the significance of building strong relationships with higher education institutions including how Bolivar and SBU have strengthened their local partnership. Dr. Methvin shares insights on how Bolivar schools are adapting to demographic shifts and ensuring student success in a changing educational landscape.
Chapters
00:31 Dr. Methvin's Journey and Career Path07:31 Challenges in K-12 Education13:21 Teacher Recruitment and Retention19:24 Construction Projects and Community Engagement25:21 College Preparation and Career Pathways31:37 Building Strong Partnerships with Higher Education
 

Ep. 50 - Top Issues Christians Should Follow in 2026 w/Special Guest Daniel Darling

50 EPISODES! 
Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt celebrate their milestone by welcoming Daniel Darling to the podcast to talk about his new book "In Defense of Christian Patriotism" as well as major issues that Christians should pay attention to in 2026. These include 1) The midterm elections; 2) The increase in church attendance among Gen Z; and 3) The impact of artificial intelligence (AI). 
Thank you for being part of the journey, and we hope this episode encourages you and helps prepare you for the year ahead.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background05:37 The Genesis of 'In Defense of Christian Patriotism'11:40 Patriotism and the Christian Perspective17:32 Cynicism vs. Idealism in American History23:26 Engaging with Culture: The Christian's Role27:30 Engaging in Civic Responsibility36:45 The Resurgence of Church Attendance Among Gen Z47:45 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Society

Ep. 49 - Insights into Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions and Talking about CrossCon and SBU Ignite Conferences

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard discuss Jonathon's experience with SBU students at CrossCon, a large conference for young adults focused on worship and missions. They also introduce the upcoming SBU Ignite Conference on the Bolivar campus, aimed at shaping SBU students' faith and practice. The conversation shifts to Jonathan Edwards' resolutions, exploring their relevance for modern believers, particularly in the context of time management and living purposefully. They emphasize the importance of community, spiritual growth, and the need to engage with life's finite nature.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to 2026: A New Year Begins03:10 CrossCon: A Gathering of Young Believers06:05 The Ignite Conference: Shaping Future Leaders09:15 Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Timeless Wisdom12:15 Living with Purpose: Reflections on Time and Death15:10 The Importance of Scripture in Daily Life18:04 Conclusion: Embracing the New Year with Intent
 

Ep. 48 - Recapping Our Favorite Moments from the Fall 2025 Semester

It's been an amazing semester at SBU! In this episode, Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard reflect on the highlights of the Fall 2025 semester, discussing the successful Welcome Week, enrollment growth in various programs, and the importance of community engagement. They share insights into new traditions and initiatives, particularly during the Christmas season, and look ahead to exciting plans for 2026, including conferences and new student life initiatives.
Chapters
00:00 Recapping Fall 2025 Highlights04:50 New Developments and Changes in Campus Life14:54 Engagement and Community Building24:47 Looking Ahead to Spring 2026
 

Ep. 47 - Which Model of Christian Higher Education Is Best?

Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt dig into the different models of Christian higher education, from student ministry opportunities at large public universities to closed enrollment private Christian schools. They also talk through some of the pros and cons of different approaches, and ways that the integration of faith in learning takes place. The conversation highlights the diversity of Christian schools and the significance of students and families asking the right questions when choosing an institution.
Takeaways
Different models of Christian higher education exist, each with unique approaches.
Open vs. closed enrollment is a key distinction among Christian schools.
Integration of faith and learning varies across institutions.
Not all schools with 'Christian' in their name maintain a Christian ethos.
Families should ask hard questions about a school's beliefs and practices.
Chapters
00:00 Upcoming Trips and Worldview Experiences08:18 Exploring Study Abroad Opportunities12:36 Models of Christian Education14:25 Open vs Closed Enrollment in Christian Schools19:01 Integrating Faith and Learning28:06 Different Approaches to Christian Education36:15 Choosing the Right Christian School