Category: Inspirational

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Joey Bennett

Joey Bennett is bringing energy, enthusiasm, and heart to the WNZR radio team this year. A freshman Communication and Digital Media major at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Joey is already making her mark as a DJ. You can catch her live on WNZR every Wednesday from 2–4 PM, where she shares great music and an uplifting presence with listeners.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Originally from Weirton, West Virginia, Joey has long felt a special connection to MVNU. Her home church was deeply involved with the university, and she says she always felt at home whenever she came to visit campus. That sense of belonging made her decision to attend MVNU a natural one.

Joey discovered her interest in radio through her communication classes. Curious and willing to try something new, she stepped into the studio—and quickly found her place behind the mic. Now as part of the WNZR team, she’s embracing the opportunity to grow her skills and connect with others through broadcasting.

Outside of the studio, Joey is just as active. She cheers on the MVNU game day and competition squads and has been involved in cheerleading since elementary school. In fact, she has even spent time coaching along the way. One of her favorite MVNU memories so far has been attending Sonfest and reconnecting with friends from her home church.

When it comes to music, Joey’s favorite artist is Katy Nichole, and her favorite song is “Have Your Way.” She even had the opportunity to see Katy Nichole live at the K-LOVE Center—an experience she describes as incredibly exciting and unforgettable.

Joey’s interests don’t stop there. She loves crawfish and crab legs (though chicken is always a good option, too), enjoys sleeping in when she can, and values taking time to relax and reset for the week ahead. She credits one of her former teachers, Mrs. Hores—who taught life skills, food prep, and sewing clubs—as someone who made a lasting impact on her life.

A fun fact about Joey? She has a unique hidden talent—she can contort her body! But beyond her talents and activities, her faith is what guides her most. Joey shares that God has been teaching her to trust Him fully and “let God take the pen back” in writing her life story.

Two of her favorite Bible verses reflect that trust:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Looking ahead, Joey dreams of becoming a TV news reporter and anchor. With her passion for communication, heart for ministry, and growing experience at WNZR, she’s already well on her way.

Be sure to tune in Wednesdays from 2–4 PM to hear Joey on WNZR!

Click HERE to check out WNZR.fm!

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You can have fun celebrating Valentine’s Day as a family

Valentine’s Day is coming soon – this Saturday! Do you have special plans? How about creating a new tradition for the entire family? These are fun ideas that involve everyone, including the kids!

Click HERE to see the complete list and details for each activity from sugarspiceandglitter.com

Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day as a Family

1. Special Valentine’s Breakfast or Meal Together. 

2. Take Family Pictures.

3. Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt. 

4. Random Acts of Kindness.

5. Balloon Surprise!

6. Make a Special Treat Together. 

7. What I Love About You! Spend some time showering your family with words of affirmation and taking turns telling each other all of the things you love about each other.

8. Visit or Acknowledge a Departed Loved One. 

9. Watch a Timeless Classic.

10. Engage in a Family Past time.

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Great Valentine’s Day Ideas from Crosswalk

Valentine’s Day is a special opportunity to show love in meaningful, tangible ways—whether you’ve been together for months or many years. While some couples enjoy a simple dinner out or chocolates and flowers, and others go all out with big adventures, celebrating your love doesn’t have to be expensive—especially with rising costs.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had six great date night ideas from Crosswalk.com

The most important thing isn’t how much you spend, but how intentionally you connect. With a little creativity, you can make the day truly special and deepen your bond without breaking the bank.

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few fun and meaningful Valentine’s date night ideas:
💖 A relaxing home spa day
🍽️ A cozy dinner with friends
🎬 A classic movie night at home

No matter how you celebrate, the goal is the same—spend quality time together and show the one you love just how much they mean to you

Click HERE for more from Crosswalk!

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February MVNU Update with Rev. Jon Nicholas – Executive Director of Enrollment for the College of Arts & Sciences

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.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – We love a HOT Breakfast!

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.

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Why Still Hope Was a Story Filmmaker and MVNU Grad Richie Johns Felt Called to Tell

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.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

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.

Click HERE for the trailer!

Click HERE for tickets to Still Hope, showtimes, and additional resources!

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What Mount Vernon City Schools Is Planning Next — and Why a May Levy Is Part of the Conversation

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.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

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

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Brook Abella

This week’s Meet the Staff Monday on WNZR features Junior, Brook Abella from Bellefontaine, OH.

A 21 year old junior who’s enjoyed spending the last three years on the FM and being an active part in the film/video department.

Brook Abella is a double major in Communication Media and Visual Art with a minor in Music. She is in her 3rd year of cheer at MVNU and she loves to sing in Collegians Choir.

Hosting her own show and the Afternoon Drive with Gabriella Stanley is something she looks forward to each week while also doing sportscasting for WNZR.tv.

She serves on MVNU’s chapel worship team as well as the worship team for the student led ministry “Overflow”. She also leads worship at her home church, Christ Our King Church.

Brook Abella creates and releases Christian music to inspire believers to have hope and trust in their Creator… and many of her songs play right here on WNZR!

A verse that she lives her life by is Psalm 34:1-4, which serves as a reminder to be joyful and thankful to Jesus in everything!

You can hear Brook on Thursdays from 3-5pm!

Enjoy the conversation!

Click HERE to enjoy the conversation or click the link below.

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