The Morning Thing shared the February MVNU Update on Friday. Rev. Jon Nicholas was our guest. He serves MVNU as the Executive Director of Enrollment for the College of Arts & Sciences.
He shared a wonderful update on enrollment projections for the 2026-2027 academic year. He gave us insight on how his team works with prospective students, including how a campus visit is tailored to the student’s interest.
We talked about what makes MVNU unique and special and how a positive life-changing culture is vital for the college experience. You can sign up for a tour and see the MVNU Enrollment calendar at mvnu.edu
Click HERE or on the link below to hear the full conversation.
February is National Hot Breakfast Month. Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite hot breakfast selections. This month, you are encouraged to take a little extra time to eat a hot breakfast with your family and friends. It is a perfect way to warm up in the winter weather.
Click HERE or the link below to hear what The Morning Thing hosts enjoy for breakfast.
Filmmaker Richie Johns recently spoke with WNZR’s Eric Brown to talk about the heart behind his new film, Still Hope. A graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Richie shared how the project began after he learned about a story inspired by real survivors of human trafficking—a story that stayed with him and ultimately led to this film.
Still Hope weaves together elements from two true accounts into one character, following her journey from abduction to rescue and then into the long, often difficult road of healing. Richie explained that he and his wife, Bethany, originally joined the project as producers. He later stepped into the director’s role when the team felt the story needed to be stewarded by a filmmaker of faith who understood both the weight of the subject and the hope at its core.
What ultimately drew Richie in was the film’s mission. While raising awareness about human trafficking is important, he said Still Hope is about more than that—it’s about pointing people toward redemption, restoration, and hope.
Richie also talked about the challenge of telling such a heavy story while still holding onto that hope. The film approaches the topic with care and restraint, acknowledging the darkness of trafficking in the first half while intentionally shifting focus in the second half to recovery and healing—an aspect of survivor stories that is often overlooked.
One of the film’s central themes is forgiveness, which Richie described not as weakness, but as a courageous step toward freedom and peace. By partnering with real-life, faith-based recovery organizations, Still Hope remains grounded in authenticity and shows that healing is a process that takes time, support, and faith.
As a first-time director, Richie shared that the experience was both humbling and emotionally demanding. Balancing multiple roles alongside his wife Bethany, who served as lead producer, came with a learning curve, and the emotional weight of the story often carried beyond the set.
He also praised the cast—especially lead actress Luna Rivera—and acknowledged how challenging certain scenes were for everyone involved.
Ultimately, Richie said Still Hope is meant to be more than just a film. It’s a call to action—created to educate, mobilize, and equip people to move beyond awareness and into meaningful action against human trafficking.
Richie also spoke about partnering with Natalie Grant and Hope for Justice, sharing how their involvement strengthened the film’s message and impact. Audiences will see Natalie at the end of the movie offering practical ways to get involved and support organizations already doing vital work on the front lines.
Still Hope opens nationwide February 5–9 in more than 900 theaters, with several Columbus-area theaters hosting premiere night showings on Thursday. Richie encouraged listeners to see the film in theaters and support independent filmmaking.
Mount Vernon City Schools Superintendent Bill Seder recently sat down with WNZR’s Eric Brown to walk through the district’s long-term facilities plan and a proposed 1-percent earned income tax levy expected to appear on the May 2026 ballot.
According to Seder, the proposal is the result of more than a year of planning, community input, and financial analysis aimed at addressing aging buildings, outdated learning spaces, rising maintenance costs, safety concerns, and limited accommodations for students with special needs.
Seder explained that the district’s master facilities plan includes building three new elementary schools, renovating the high school, and adding a new auditorium to better support growing participation in arts and extracurricular programs. The total estimated cost of the project is $118 million, reflecting current construction prices. About $38 million would come from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, with the remaining costs covered locally under strict state guidelines. While renovations were explored, Seder said rebuilding most elementary schools proved more cost-effective under Ohio’s two-thirds funding rule.
The proposed levy would be a 1-percent earned income tax, which Seder said was chosen to create a more balanced and sustainable funding model while protecting residents on fixed incomes. Property tax revenue is capped by state law, making income-based funding a more reliable long-term option. He also noted the district delayed placing the levy on the November ballot due to uncertainty surrounding the state budget and property tax changes, later determining May would provide more clarity.
Acknowledging the emotional and generational ties families have to existing school buildings, Seder emphasized the district’s desire to honor that history. Elements from older schools could be incorporated into new designs, blending tradition with modern learning environments. Plans also call for four elementary schools strategically placed across the city to meet safety, transportation, and site-size requirements.
If approved, the project would follow a multi-year timeline, beginning with design and planning before construction starts. If the levy does not pass, Seder said there would be no immediate cuts since this is a capital project, but the district would continue maintaining current buildings and consider future options. Residents will have multiple opportunities to learn more through district resources, building tours, and a citizen-led levy committee.
Click HERE to visit the Mount Vernon City School District
This week’s Meet the Staff Monday on WNZR features Junior, Brook Abella.
Brook is from Bellefontaine, Ohio. She is a double major in Communication & Media (Digital Media) and Visual Arts.
She shares what brought her to MVNU and how she found her way to WNZR through her love for Christian Music.
Book Abella talks about her passion for sharing the gospel through media and how God has opened doors for her music career.
She shares some favorites including favorite memories, artists, foods and her role in worship ministry every weekend at her home church. We also learn that Brook Abella will be joining The Afternoon Drive on Thursdays.
Brook Abella’s favorite bible verses are found in Psalms 34:1-4. She shares how these verses help to shape her life.
Click HERE to enjoy the conversation or click the link below.
You can hear Book Abella on WNZR on Thursdays 3pm – 5pm.
Today is National Fun at Work Day! The Morning Thing is celebrating with our Friday Favorites. The show hosts share their favorite FUN memories from their time working at WNZR.
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Eric, Josiah and Xander.
In a world filled with busy schedules and endless screens, meaningful family time often feels harder to create than it should be. But sometimes, the most memorable moments come from the simplest ideas.
Inspired by a list from Ordinary and Happy, families can turn ordinary evenings into something special with easy, creative activities at home—like movie nights, blanket forts, craft projects, storytelling games, baking together, mini competitions, virtual tours, and treasure hunts.
These ideas don’t require expensive supplies or elaborate planning—just presence, creativity, and a willingness to have fun together.
Whether it’s laughter in the kitchen, imagination in the living room, or shared stories around the table, small moments can become lifelong memories when families choose connection over distraction.
Click HERE to check out more from Ordinary and Happy’s website.
The Morning Thing wrapped up WinterJam Week with a special musical Friday Favorites. In celebration of the WinterJam 2026 Tour, the hosts shared their favorite song from one of the WinterJam artists. Enjoy!
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Josiah, Xander and Eric.
Marcy’s favorite song is from Newsong – Arise My Love
Josiah’s favorite song is from Matthew West – What If
Xander’s favorite song is from Katy Nichole – When I Fall
Eric’s favorite song is a duet with Katy Nichole and Big Daddy Weave – God Is In This Story
A special note – the WinterJam times for the Columbus concert on Saturday 1/24 have been changed. Show Start Time – 4pm Show End Time – 8pm Jam Nation Entrance Time – 2pm General Admission Time – 3pm
There are 2 other stops in Ohio for WinterJam:
Saturday, February 21st – at Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway in Cincinnati
Friday, March 27th – at the Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave East in Cleveland
Chris Tomlin is headlining the 2026 WinterJam Tour. WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talked with Chris about joining this tour for the first time in his career. They also talked about the songs he is bringing to the stage. Chris is excited to lead worship with the younger generation of Christian Music fans.
Chris also shared how humbling it is to see how God has used his songs to give people a voice to worship. He is amazed at what God has done through his music.
Chris also shares about his new album “The King is Still The King” and how he stays in God’s word daily.
Click HERE to enjoy the full conversation or click the link below.
Click HERE for all the details about WinterJam 2026.
Important NEWS about WinterJam’s stop in Columbus on Saturday, 1/24/26.
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!
Rise and Shine 