P.O.D.’s Sonny Sandoval Shares a Story of Faith, Redemption, and Restoration

WNZR’s Xander Devault speaks with Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of the metal band P.O.D., ahead of Sonny’s appearance at Tragedy Into Triumph on Wednesday, November 4.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image link below!

Sonny reflects on his 35 years with P.O.D. and the many different musical genres the band has been part of throughout its career. He shares how he encountered God at an early age and eventually recognized an opportunity to use music as a way to share God’s love with others. Sonny also explains what P.O.D. means when describing themselves as “too Christian for the world and too secular for the church,” and how the band has remained committed to its message while reaching people from all walks of life.

When reflecting on the meaning of Tragedy Into Triumph, Sonny describes it as a picture of redemption and restoration, representing the journey from being lost to being found. Looking back on his own life, he recognizes the ways God rescued him from where he was headed and gave him a new purpose.

Sonny also opens up about his personal faith journey and the lasting impact his mother had on his relationship with God. He remembers how she continued to praise and thank God throughout her battle with leukemia, even as her health declined and she eventually passed away. Her example encouraged Sonny to make his own faith a priority by spending time in prayer and reading his Bible. As his relationship with Christ grew, he began to understand how God could use his life experiences and the platform he had through P.O.D. to reach others with the message of Jesus.

Although Sonny admits that being in the spotlight is not always comfortable, he recognizes the responsibility that comes with the opportunity to influence others, even if it means reaching just one person. He encourages people to bring all their emotions to God, whether they are experiencing anger, hurt, or disappointment, and reminds them that difficult past experiences do not disqualify anyone from being used by Him.

Sonny points to the many people in the Bible who were far from perfect but were still called by God, emphasizing that it is His goodness, grace, love, and Spirit that qualify us for His purposes. Having been involved in some of the first Tragedy Into Triumph events, Sonny has maintained a connection with founder Wendell Brown and hopes to encourage those who may want nothing to do with God to experience a change of heart. Above all, he wants people to understand their identity in Christ, discover the freedom that comes through knowing Jesus, and recognize that God can use their stories, including their tragedies, to bring hope and encouragement to others.

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Place for Grace Offers Hope and Support to Mothers in Crisis

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Kandee Popham, founder and executive director of Place for Grace, about the ministry’s work supporting mothers facing difficult circumstances.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Beyond providing maternity housing, Place for Grace builds relationships with women by offering encouragement, parenting guidance, practical assistance, and long-term support. Kandee shares how the ministry helps mothers find stability, build confidence, and create healthier futures for themselves and their children.

Kandee also discusses the ministry’s largest annual fundraiser, Flannel Fest, which helps provide housing, food, and essential resources for the women and children they serve. She encourages the community to show compassion toward single mothers and shares ways to support Place for Grace through volunteering, giving, and prayer.

Click HERE for more information on Place 4 Grace!

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Danville FFA Supports Food for the Hungry Drive

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Cory Myers, teacher and FFA advisor at Danville High School, about Danville FFA’s involvement in the Food for the Hungry Drive!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Myers explains how the project connects with the FFA motto, “Living to Serve,” and gives students an opportunity to give back to their community.

The collection runs November 2–6, with Danville Junior High and High School students collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the Danville Interchurch. Monetary donations will go through Food for the Hungry. Myers shares how the project teaches students the importance of serving others and continues Danville’s tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.

Click HERE for more information about Food For The Hungry!

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Carey Nieuwhof Shares His Journey Through Burnout

Hear from Carey Nieuwhof on WNZR! He is a well-known podcaster, author, and pastor, and he speaks about his personal experience with burnout.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Carey shares how putting work ahead of everything else took a toll on his health and well-being, and how he gradually found his way out of that difficult season. He also discusses the warning signs of burnout and the importance of creating healthier habits.

Carey emphasizes the value of setting boundaries, making time for hobbies and friendships, and learning to lead yourself well. He encourages those struggling with burnout to recognize unhealthy patterns and reach out for help. Carey will be speaking at the Tragedy Into Triumph event at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Wednesday, November 3.

Click HERE for more info about Tragedy into Triumph!

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WNZR’s Cougar Conversation with Coach Lauryn VanHoose

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lauryn VanHoose, Head Coach of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Women’s Basketball team, about the upcoming season and the growth of the Cougar program.
Click HERE or click on the picture below to hear the full conversation on our first Cougar Conversation of basketball season!

Entering her second year as head coach, VanHoose is focused on staying present, continuing to develop her players, and preparing the team for the physical and demanding competition of the Crossroads League. With seven new players, including five freshmen and two transfers, the team is working to build chemistry and learn to compete together. VanHoose says one of the team’s greatest strengths is how closely connected the players are, both on and off the court.

As the Cougars prepare for the season, the coaching staff is emphasizing mental toughness, defensive play, and the ability to respond to mistakes and challenges. VanHoose is especially encouraged by the leadership of the team’s four upperclassmen, who bring valuable Crossroads League experience. She hopes fans will notice the team’s effort, energy, and commitment to competing for all 40 minutes. Beyond basketball, VanHoose also wants her players to grow in their faith and learn to rely on God through both the challenges and successes of life. She asks for prayer for the team’s safety, health, and mental and physical strength throughout the season.

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Kylie Bisutti: Choosing Jesus Over Fame

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Kylie Bisutti, former Victoria’s Secret model, ahead of her appearance at Tragedy Into Triumph at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Monday, November 2nd!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Kylie shares her journey of choosing a relationship with Jesus Christ over fame and the challenges she faced with identity, shame, and the pressures of the modeling industry. She also discusses how God used difficult seasons in her life to redirect her path and help her discover her true identity in Christ.

Today, Kylie serves as a motivational speaker, sharing her testimony and encouraging others who may be struggling with eating disorders, identity issues, and the pressure of living up to the world’s expectations. She hopes attendees at Tragedy Into Triumph will be reminded that their circumstances and past do not define them. Instead, true peace, value, and identity are found in Jesus Christ.

Click HERE to see information about the Tragedy into Triumph event!

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Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr Shares City Updates with the October Spotlight on Mount Vernon

Mayor Matt Starr Shares Updates on Mount Vernon Projects, City Services and Upcoming Events

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr about the latest projects, improvements and happenings around the city. Mayor Starr provided updates on several ongoing construction projects, including improvements to Burgess and Hamtramck Streets, sewer infrastructure work on West Gambier Street, progress on the new Riverside Park pickleball courts and remediation work at the Knox Cattle Company Dam. He also discussed construction of the new Mount Vernon Police Department facility, which is expected to be operational in 2028, along with plans for future municipal court facilities at 40 Public Square.

Mayor Starr also highlighted several city service updates, including the start of leaf pickup on November 2, improvements to neighborhood property maintenance and plans to address pedestrian safety through additional sidewalks and bridge repairs. He shared updates on city council decisions, police and fire department activity, and the city’s decision not to renew its contract for Flock license plate reader cameras while privacy and data ownership questions remain. In addition, Mayor Starr reflected on Mount Vernon’s 250th anniversary tree dedication at American Heritage Park, discussed upcoming memorial additions to the park and encouraged residents to attend the annual Veterans Day ceremony and visit the traveling Eyes of Freedom exhibit. Looking ahead, the city will continue focusing on infrastructure improvements, transportation projects, and development of the 2027 budget.

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United Way of Knox County and New Directions Highlight Local Impact and Domestic Violence Awareness

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Brit Eaton, Executive Director of United Way of Knox County, and Lindsey Lamp, Executive Director of New Directions of Knox County!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

They talk about the impact of local giving and the importance of domestic violence awareness. As United Way celebrates 75 years in Knox County, Eaton highlights how donations supported 29 programs through 19 local partner agencies last year, helping children succeed, families stay financially stable, and local food pantries serve those in need.

Lamp shares how New Directions provides free, confidential services to individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. The conversation also highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Purple Chair Campaign, and the importance of recognizing healthy relationships and supporting survivors.

Both leaders emphasize how community donations, partnerships, and volunteers help provide safety, resources, and hope for individuals and families throughout Knox County.

Click HERE to learn more about United Way of Knox County!

Click HERE to learn more about New Directions of Knox County!

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Wendell Brown Highlights Tragedy Intro Triumph 2026!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Wendell Brown, District Superintendent of the North Central Ohio Church of the Nazarene and founder of Tragedy Into Triumph.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation!

Wendell shares about his journey into ministry, serving as a pastor from 1994 to 2017 before being appointed District Superintendent 10 years ago and he explains the process of selecting and maintaining the role ass District Superintendent.

He explains the large footprint of the North Central Ohio Nazarene District, which includes communities from Delaware and Mount Vernon to Port Clinton, Ashtabula, Wooster, and Holmes County.

Wendell shares how the idea for Tragedy Into Triumph began while he was serving in Tennessee. Inspired by the story of former NFL player Siran Stacy, who lost his wife and four children in a tragic accident, Wendell felt God calling him to create an event focused on stories of hope and transformation through Christ.

Wendell shares how God has worked through Tragedy Into Triumph over the years, highlighting stories of people who have overcome addiction, loss, and difficult life circumstances through faith in Jesus Christ.

He tells the story of a woman whose life was transformed after attending an event. Through her faith journey, she found hope, recovery from addiction, and restoration with her children. Wendell explains the ministry’s message that no matter the tragedy, whether caused by personal choices or circumstances beyond our control, God can bring healing and transformation.

Wendell shares details about the 2026 Tragedy Into Triumph event happening November 2-4 at R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. with services beginning at 7 p.m. each night. The event will also be streamed worldwide through a nationwide simulcast.

He shares that last year’s event reached more than 1,000 churches and approximately 1.5 million viewers, with over 12,000 making the decision to follow Christ.

Wendell introduces the first featured speakers:

Former Victoria’s Secret model Kylie Bisutti, who will share her testimony about identity, purpose, and finding true worth in Christ.

Carey Nieuwhof, one of the world’s top podcasters and church leadership voices, will share his personal struggle with anxiety, depression, and burnout, and how God brought healing and restoration.

The final night will feature Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of P.O.D., who will share how God transformed his life despite growing up in difficult circumstances surrounded by drugs and violence and how he overcame it.

Wendell explains how this year’s topics were chosen to address struggles many people face, including identity, mental health, and overcoming obstacles in life.

Wendell reminds us that the services are on November 2, 3, 4 at the R.R. Hodges Chapel/auditorium at MVNU and he shares the mission of Tragedy Into Triumph: to share real-life stories of transformation so people can find hope, believe in Christ, and overcome life’s struggles.

He emphasizes that everyone faces difficult seasons and that hearing authentic stories of God’s work in people’s lives can provide encouragement and direction.

Wendell explains that while people may debate theology or religion, personal testimonies of changed lives provide powerful evidence of God’s transforming work.

Wendell highlights additional resources available through Tragedy Into Triumph, including the book Living in Triumph, podcasts, free Bible studies, and ministry curriculum for churches, youth, and children.

He shares details about the ministry’s growing documentary series, including an upcoming episode featuring Brian “Head” Welch of the band Korn and a future release featuring former football coach Mark Richt.

The Tragedy Into Triumph event is free and open to the public November 2-4 at R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Wendell asks you to pray that people who need hope will attend and that lives will be transformed through the stories shared during the event.

Livestream information, event details, and ministry resources are available at tragedyintotriumph.com.

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