Meet Isabel Johnson, one of the newest voices you’ll hear on WNZR!
Click HERE to hear the full conversation between Isabel and WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!
Isabel grew up in Bucyrus, and she’s been around MVNU since she was little. She decided to attend MVNU, because she felt the community was open and focused on faith. She is a double major in Music Performance and Communication and Digital Media at MVNU.
Isabel wants to pursue radio broadcasting so joining WNZR was a no brainer. She also wants to write songs and tell stories in her future.
When it comes to music, one of Isabel’s favorite artists is Josiah Queen. She also loves hearing Black Sheep by Ben Fuller.
Outside the studio, Isabel is involved in collagens corral which is an ensemble choir, and she is excited for their upcoming performance, Big Fish. Her favorite food is fried chicken with some mac and cheese and fries. On the weekend, she likes to read, make crafts, and read her Bible.
Isabel shared how God has been helping her with her self-worth, and how he has helped through tough times. She feels now that she is unique and loved by God! Her two favorite verses are Psalms 46:5 and Psalms 46:10a:
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalms 46:5
““Be still, and know that I am God” – Psalms 46:10a
You can catch Isabel on-air Tuesday nights from 11 p.m. to midnight and on Friday from 11 a.m. to noon.
Meet Anna Boynton, one of the newest voices you’ll hear on WNZR!
Click HERE to hear the full conversation between Anna and WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!
Anna grew up in Grove City, but five years ago her family made the move to Mount Vernon. Coming to Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) felt like a natural step—her family are alumni, and she strongly felt that God was leading her here. Now, as a true freshman majoring in Communication: Digital Media (with some CCP experience already under her belt), she’s diving right in.
Interestingly, Anna wasn’t always sure about joining the station. She was a little skeptical at first—but that quickly changed. What started as uncertainty has turned into a truly enjoyable experience. She’s currently an on-air DJ and is also exploring other ways to get involved around campus as she finds her footing.
One of her favorite memories so far? Serving as a runner during Food for the Hungry. She loved getting to meet generous donors on Drive Day and seeing firsthand how the community comes together to make a difference. Those moments left a big impression on her.
When it comes to music, Anna’s top pick is for King & Country. She’s even seen them live in concert! Two of her favorite songs are Priceless and God Only Knows—both meaningful tracks that she keeps on repeat.
Outside the studio, Anna loves ice cream (especially Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip), spending time with friends, and working on photography. She enjoys heading out into nature to capture beautiful moments through her lens. Above all, she says her favorite people in the world are her parents, whose love and support mean everything to her.
Having moved several times—including living in Missouri—Anna reflects on how those transitions, along with homeschooling and CCP classes during high school, have shaped her. She feels that God has been teaching her patience and what it means to let Him take control. Her favorite Bible verse, John 14:27, reminds her daily to rest in God’s peace:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
You can catch Anna on air every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon!
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.
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!
Brock is from Mount Vernon and chose to attend MVNU because of his connection to the CCP classes he had already taken here. Thanks to those early college credits, he came in with 50 credits completed — which means at just 19 years old, he’s considered a Sophomore/Junior.
His interest in radio grew out of his longtime love for music and the arts. When Brock decided to major in communication, trying out WNZR and radio felt like a natural step. Now, he serves as a DJ and also helps with the Sportscasting video team. But he doesn’t stop there. Brock works as an office intern for the communications department, hopes to be involved in SGA, and stays active in many areas around campus.
One major highlight of his college experience so far has been attending CMBU. That trip opened significant doors for him, including the opportunity to become one of two CMBU interns. He now works alongside fellow intern Naomi Kinne in that role. Brock describes the CMBU trip as one of his greatest memories because of the opportunities it created.
Much of Brock’s college experience focuses on his campus involvement and being a member of the worship team at The Church at Chapel Hill. His faith is an important part of his life. Although he grew up Christian, he recently came to terms with truly making his faith his own, and he shares how God has been working in his heart during this season.
His favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse is especially meaningful to him because of his struggle with forgiveness, and it reminds him to choose kindness and forgiveness daily.
Outside of school and work, Brock enjoys catching up on sleep and going out to eat with his family on the weekends. His favorite people in the world are his parents, sister, and grandma — especially because of how they support him in everything he does. He also laughs about a funny family memory during a snowstorm when his grandma still wanted to go to Chili’s first thing in the morning.
A few fun facts about Brock: his favorite artist is Lauren Daigle, and his favorite song is “Thank God I Do.” His favorite food is Italian — specifically Chicken Alfredo. And he’s secretly had the privilege of going to Hawaii twice.
You can hear Brock Hankins on Mondays from 2-4pm.
Click HERE to check out WNZR’s website and see and the other WNZR staff!
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.
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.
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.
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.
As Mount Vernon Nazarene University prepares to welcome students back for spring semester, MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to share updates, reflections, and a look ahead at what’s shaping up to be an exciting season for the University.
Dr. Castleman kicked things off with a lighthearted moment, sharing a funny story from Christmas celebrations with his family. That warm, personal touch set the tone for a conversation filled with optimism, gratitude, and big-picture vision.
Looking back on the fall semester and ahead to 2025 and beyond, Dr. Castleman shared encouraging enrollment news. As MVNU moves toward spring semester and into 2026, applications, acceptances, and deposits are up 30% from the highest numbers seen in the past seven years. It’s a strong sign of momentum and confidence in the University’s mission and direction.
The conversation also highlighted two important leadership transitions at MVNU. Dr. Michaelia Black has been hired as Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer. She will serve part-time over the next few months and transition to a full-time role in May 2026. Additionally, Dr. Joshua Black has joined MVNU as the new Executive Director of Human Resources and Training & Development. This revised role reflects the University’s growing emphasis on training and development across campus, and the position now serves on the President’s Cabinet, ensuring that MVNU’s “Chief People Officer” has a seat at the table.
Academically, MVNU continues to grow and evolve across both CAPS (College of Adults and Professional Studies) and the traditional College of Arts and Sciences. CAPS is launching two new programs—a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology and a Doctorate of Business Administration—with accreditors scheduled to visit campus in February. CAPS enrollment has seen remarkable growth, expanding from 487 students in October 2023 to 900 students in January 2026.
On the traditional side, program evaluations are underway, with decisions expected throughout the semester. Encouraging growth is also being seen among incoming freshmen, particularly in Nursing and Engineering programs.
Dr. Castleman also highlighted several events on MVNU’s 2026 calendar, including athletic competitions in Ariel Arena, Spring Break ministry trips, and an upcoming Pastors Training Event. His upcoming travel schedule includes trips to Dallas, Texas, Florida, and Virginia as he continues building relationships and representing MVNU.
As students prepare to return from Christmas break, Dr. Castleman shared a special message of encouragement, along with appreciation for faculty and staff. He challenged the MVNU community to embrace 2026 as the “Year of Opportunity.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Castleman outlined his key priorities for the year: securing accreditation for the new CAPS programs, increasing enrollment, and focusing on organizational growth through new revenue streams and business opportunities. He also shared plans to work closely with the Board of Trustees on a 2027 strategic plan that will guide the University through the next five years.
The conversation closed with a heartfelt request for prayer—for MVNU’s continued growth and for Dr. Castleman and his family throughout the month of January. As spring semester begins, the message is clear: MVNU is moving forward with purpose, faith, and confidence in what lies ahead.
Happy New Year from The Morning Thing! As we bring in the new year, we took a moment to look back on 2025 and share our favorite memories from this past year. Thanks for listening and making us a part of your mornings!
Click HERE to hear from the hosts or click the link below.
Rise and Shine 