You know, nobody ever wakes up one morning and says, “Well, today I feel officially older.” It sneaks up on you. On the Morning Thing Thursday, WNZR’s Eric Brown talks about the fact he is getting older (He turns the BIG 5-0 this year) and how to embrace the fact its actually happening.
It’s the moment you stand up and make a noise without realizing it. Or when you hear a song on the radio and think, “That’s still new,” only to realize it came out 20 years ago.
Getting older doesn’t arrive with flashing lights or an announcement. It shows up quietly—in routines, in habits, in the way your calendar fills up faster than it used to.
And the strange thing is, inside, you don’t feel all that different. You still feel like you. The same thoughts, the same humor, the same dreams. But the mirror tells a slightly different story, and so does the calendar.
Aging sneaks up on you because life keeps moving while you’re busy living it. And maybe that’s not a flaw—it’s a gift. Because if we were constantly aware of time passing, we’d never enjoy the moments we’re in.
Sometimes the quiet arrival of age reminds us to pause, take stock, and be thankful we’ve been given the time to even notice it at all.
Click HERE for more information from Focus on the Family!
Katy talks with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger and shares what brought her back to join WinterJam after being a part of it in 2024. She gives us a little insight on how she staying rooted spiritually while she is busy these nights.
She also talks about the message she wants to bring to the audiences of WinterJam and the heart behind the song’s she’s written.
Click HERE for all the details about WinterJam 2026.
Make sure to listen to The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive all this week for your chance to win Passes to this year’s tour. We have WinterJam Artist Trivia each day this week!
Matthew talks with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger about returning since his last appearance on the Winterjam lineup 10 years ago. He shares what he’s excited about coming back and what God has put in his heart to share with listeners, and what he is looking forward to seeing younger generations be a part of the event.
Matthew shares about about his purpose in writing and singing Christian music, and how the heart has stayed the same since the beginning.
He also gives a sneak peak at some lyrics to a new song he’s releasing soon called, “Good.”
Click HERE for all the details about WinterJam 2026.
Make sure to listen to The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive all this week for your chance to win Passes to this year’s tour. We have WinterJam Artist Trivia each day this week!
This is Emerson Days first time on WinterJam! WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talked with Emerson about the background story of how she came to be a Christian artist.
Emerson talks about her excitement to play her breakout hit “Get Behind Me” and how that song has impacted many listeners. She also shares what God is doing in her life and what He has put on her heart to share with others.
Click HERE to enjoy the full conversation or click the link below.
Click HERE for all the details about WinterJam 2026.
Make sure to listen to The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive all this week for your chance to win Passes to this year’s tour. We have WinterJam Artist Trivia each day this week!
Newsong founded the WinterJam concert series in 1995. WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talked with Russ Lee about the background story of this very successful tour and how WinterJam started over 30 years ago.
Russ also shared his excitement about this year’s lineup of artists: Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Emerson Day, Hulvey and of course his band Newsong.
Russ also shared how he stays spiritually and relationally rooted as they travel on a very long tour. He also tells us about some new songs that Newsong will debut on this tour!
Click HERE to enjoy the full conversation or click the link below.
Click HERE for all the details about WinterJam 2026.
Make sure to listen to The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive all this week for your chance to win Passes to this year’s tour. We have WinterJam Artist Trivia each day this week!
The Morning Thing talked about the Sanctity of Human Life on Friday. They shared some eye-opening facts and talked about a new ministry outreach from Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center. Marissa Stephens, Starting Point’s NEW Mobile Operations Coordinator shared the exciting news on how this new part of their ministry will reach our community. Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click on the link below.
She shared the mission and services that the Mobile Unit will provide to residents. Starting Point is currently looking for volunteers – specifically stenographers or nurses anyone that can provide maintenance to the mobile vehicles. You can support this project at www.friendsofksp.com/give
Facts on Life (from Starting Point):
80% of women choose life after they see an ultrasound
A baby’s Heart starts beating at 5 weeks, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant! The heart beats about 54 million times between conception and birth!
In 2024 there was a total of 2,164,043 client visits to pro-life pregnancy centers, according to a report from Heartbeat International! Starting Point saw 2,033 client visits in 2024 and 2,277 in 2025!
A baby’s unique fingerprints form at 13 weeks
Strong Families are the foundation of a healthy communities. Starting Point served 287 individual clients. 40 of those clients were men seeking fatherhood and other support!
At 18 weeks in the womb, a baby can hear and identify their mom’s voice! (Abortion is legal in Ohio up to 21 weeks and 6 days!)
Also, check out the video below that gives you an overview of the NEW Mobile Unit Ministry with Starting Point. Exciting things are happening here in Knox County. Join the Fight for LIFE!
Today is National Nothing Day. It is a day to take a break from activities. For our Friday Favorites, we celebrate this special day. The Morning Thing hosts share their favorite ways to unplug and relax! We hope you have some time today to do nothing!
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Eric, Josiah and Xander. Or click the link below.
Captain Christine Moretz of The Salvation Army in Mount Vernon is excited to share news about a long-awaited project that’s finally becoming a reality — the brand-new Learning Lighthouse.
She spoke to WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about what started back in 2017 as a vision to better serve the community and expand social services has now grown into a place designed to meet one of Mount Vernon’s biggest needs: quality childcare.
The Learning Lighthouse reflects the same mission as The Salvation Army itself: “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name, without discrimination, upholding the dignity of all people.” Simply put, this new space allows that mission to continue in a very practical way. The Lighthouse will provide a safe, nurturing environment for children from as young as six weeks old through 5th grade, offering both childcare and opportunities to learn about Christ.
Captain Moretz walked through the journey of bringing the Lighthouse to life, from early planning to construction and staffing. Ground was broken in 2024, and the building is now in its final stages, with just a few finishing touches left. The official opening will be Monday, January 26, with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Sunday, January 18 at 2 p.m., followed immediately by a dedication service.
Once open, the Learning Lighthouse will serve up to 112 children, offering not only childcare but also meaningful programs that support families and help children grow in a loving, faith-centered environment. Captain Moretz shared how this project has shaped her personally, especially in learning more about childcare, trusting God fully, and depending on Him through every phase of the process.
She also spoke warmly about her team, expressing gratitude for their dedication and support. While challenges came along the way, she credits the strength of the team and her faith for helping her stay focused on doing good and not growing weary.
Thanks to incredible community support, $5.4 million has already been raised toward the project’s just-over-$6-million total cost. The team even came in under budget, though they are still working to raise the remaining $649,000 needed to fully complete the project. Captain Moretz continues to ask for prayers and community support as they move toward the finish line.
She extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped make the Learning Lighthouse possible and looks forward to thanking supporters in person during Sunday’s dedication ceremony. The community is warmly invited to attend and celebrate this milestone together.
It is a question and decision that we all have to face daily – What’s for dinner? We are here to help! We found a list of 15 Casseroles for your 9×13 Pan – those recipes that are just like Mom used to make. These are the yummy comfort food recipes that are perfect for a cold winter night. So try 1 or 2 and enjoy some time around the dinner table with your family!
Click HERE to find the full list of recipes from AllRecipes.com
Here are the recipes that Marcy shared today on the show.
Rise and Shine 