Category: WNZR DJs

WNZR Senior Spotlight: Abby Almodovar

It’s Senior’s Week at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and WNZR is celebrating the graduates who have been part of the station.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Abby Almodovar, a senior and longtime voice behind the scenes and on the air.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Abby’s path to MVNU came after moving from Augusta, Georgia to Ohio during high school. After visiting campus and connecting with faculty, she knew MVNU was the right fit—moving into her dorm the same day her family moved into their Ohio home.

She arrived undeclared but found her direction, becoming a double major in Communications and Digital Media while also adding English. Along the way, she became deeply involved with WNZR—working afternoon drive, summer staff, marketing photography, and serving as Station Operations Assistant. She also played a key role with the Lakeholm Viewer as editor, helping shape its creative direction.

Abby says one of her biggest takeaways has been learning how to build one-on-one connections and step into leadership, even as someone who considers herself naturally shy. Through her work, she’s grown in confidence and learned to trust both her ideas and her team.

Some of her favorite memories include Lifeline and the strong support from the community, along with unique classroom experiences like an honors “Zombies” course that brought creativity to life in a fun way.

As graduation approaches, Abby says it’s bittersweet. She was recently named Outstanding Staff Member of the Lakeholm Viewer and is grateful for the impact MVNU has had on her life. After graduation, she plans to stay in Mount Vernon and work in ministry with Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center.

She asks for prayer as she steps into this next season—seeking clarity and a continued opportunity to honor God in all she does.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

WNZR Senior Spotlight: Isaiah Clark

It’s Senior’s Week at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and WNZR is celebrating the grads who have been part of the station along the way.

WNZR’s Eric Brown caught up with Isaiah Clark, a graduating student earning his associate degree in Communications and Media.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Isaiah is from Butler, Ohio, and says MVNU had always been on his radar. His dad is a graduate, and growing up, Isaiah spent time on campus attending different events. When he heard about the communications program, it felt like a natural fit—even though he admits he wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to do at first.

That started to change during his freshman year. After taking Intro to Radio, Isaiah was on the air the very next semester. He says if he could go back and do it all over again, he would in a heartbeat.

During his time with WNZR, Isaiah stayed busy. He worked as an on-air DJ, helped with the video crew, and was involved with Lifeline. Along the way, he learned how to communicate, work as a team, and help run events and fundraisers.

One of his favorite memories is Lifeline itself. Isaiah says the support from upperclassmen and seniors made a big difference, helping calm nerves and build confidence as he stepped into that experience.

Another standout moment goes back to his freshman year during Homecoming weekend. Isaiah helped with eight different events and had the chance to connect with alumni—something he says helped him feel even more a part of the MVNU community.

Looking ahead, Isaiah says he would love to pursue something in journalism or sports photography. He enjoys writing and telling stories, and as he takes the next step, he simply asks for prayer and clarity about what’s ahead.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

WNZR Senior Spotlight: Naomi Kinne, Graphic Designer

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is talking with senior Naomi Kinne as part of Seniors Week at MVNU.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Naomi is from Circleville, Ohio, and says MVNU had been on her radar for a long time. Growing up, she heard about the university often through her Nazarene church, which made the decision to come here feel like a natural one.

She’s a Graphic Design major with a minor in Communications—something that fits her well. Naomi says she’s always been creative and enjoyed making things, even contributing graphics to her high school yearbook. So pursuing graphic design in college just made sense.

That creativity carried over into her work at WNZR. Naomi applied to be the station’s graphic designer last year and has been part of the team ever since. Along with her design work, she’s also been on-air and involved with the video team—helping with graphics, cameras, and production as needed.

When it comes to sports, Naomi says football is her favorite overall, but she especially enjoys being part of WNZR’s basketball streams.

Looking back, one of her favorite memories is simple—being at block party, enjoying free food, and spending time with friends.

As graduation approaches, Naomi says her next steps include staying on campus through May, attending CMB Momentum, and continuing the job search over the summer. She’s also considering a possible internship in Florida.

As she looks ahead, Naomi asks for prayers—for clarity, direction, and trust in what God has next, both for her and for her family back home.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

WNZR Senior Spotlight: Traven Griffith, Music Director

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is catching up with senior Traven Griffith as part of Seniors Week at MVNU.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Traven grew up right here in Mount Vernon and says coming to MVNU was largely about one thing: getting the chance to be on WNZR, a station he’d been listening to for nearly a decade.

Now a Communications and Digital Media major, he’s spent the past three years doing just that. You’ve likely heard him on-air as a DJ, or behind the scenes helping with events, games, and summer shifts. For the past two years, he’s also served as Music Director—something he didn’t originally expect.

Traven thought he might go into production, but after a conversation, Marcy saw leadership potential and tapped him for the Music Director role. It’s an experience he says helped him better understand how a radio station operates day-to-day.

Looking back, Traven says it’s hard to believe how fast the time has gone. One of his favorite memories is freshman year—meeting people in the department and finally getting to live out his childhood dream of being a DJ. He even remembers calling into the radio as an 8-year-old and being thrilled just to be part of it.

There are also some unforgettable moments along the way—like the 2024 Dog Parade, when a storm rolled in right before things started. Traven laughs about scrambling to dump water out of the tent and getting soaked, but still having a great time.

As Music Director, he’s enjoyed working with artists like TobyMac and for KING & COUNTRY, while also helping introduce new music to listeners.

Next up, Traven is looking toward a career in video editing—something he’s loved even longer than radio. As he starts that job search, he’s asking for prayers and direction for what’s ahead.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Mondays w/Ryan Meholick

WNZR is excited to welcome Ryan Meholick to the radio team!

Originally from Huber Heights, Ohio—a small town just north of Dayton—Ryan is a freshman at Mount Vernon Nazarene University majoring in Communications and Digital Media.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!

He chose MVNU with a clear purpose: to serve God through video and radio, and that passion led him straight to WNZR.

Ryan is already making an impact on-air, hosting Tuesday and Thursday night shifts from 8–9 p.m. In addition to his role as a DJ, he is actively involved in the PB&J Club, where he helps serve local children by providing food and sharing the Good News—an outreach that reflects his heart for ministry.

Outside the studio, Ryan enjoys making memories with friends and embracing campus life. One of his favorite moments so far has been a massive snowball fight during the first snowfall of the semester. When he’s not on the air, you might find him riding his scooter around campus or heading out for fun at places like Kings Island.

Ryan’s favorites include listening to MercyMe and enjoying homemade mac and cheese, but what matters most to him is spending time with his dad, whom he considers his favorite person in the world.

Be sure to tune in to WNZR on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 8–9 p.m. to hear Ryan in action!

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Mondays w/Odessa Wellman

One of 13 new voices joining the WNZR airwaves this year is Odessa Wellman.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

A sophomore at MVNU majoring in Communications and Digital Media, Odessa is stepping into the world of radio with enthusiasm and a growing passion for connecting with listeners.

Originally from Bucyrus, Ohio, Odessa’s decision to attend MVNU felt like a natural fit. Having grown up in the Nazarene church, coming to a university within her district just made sense. Since arriving on campus, that sense of belonging has only deepened—especially through the friendships she’s formed while living in the residence halls. One of her favorite memories from this past year has simply been the joy of being surrounded by close friends and doing everyday life together.

Odessa first got involved in radio as part of her major, but it quickly became something more than just a class requirement. She’s found it to be a fun and meaningful way to express herself, build skills, and engage with the WNZR audience. That excitement carries into other areas of her campus life as well. She serves on the student class council and has already been selected as next year’s Junior Class President, where she’ll help plan events and create memorable experiences for her classmates.

When she’s not in the studio or focused on school, Odessa enjoys spending time with friends, taking trips off campus, and making the most of her weekends. She also loves basketball—especially the WNBA—and enjoys watching players like Caitlin Clark. While she admits she’s not the most athletic herself, her enthusiasm for the game is undeniable.

Music is another big part of Odessa’s life. She’s a fan of TobyMac, with Heaven On My Mind ranking as one of her favorite songs. And when it comes to comfort food, you can’t go wrong with her top choice: mac and cheese.

There are also a few fun facts that make Odessa stand out. Her name is inspired by Odysseus from The Odyssey, and she holds a close relationship with her mom, who she calls her built-in best friend. She also has a younger brother who keeps life interesting.

As Odessa continues to grow in her time at MVNU and WNZR, she’s already making an impact both on and off the air—and clearly enjoying every step of the journey.

You can catch Odessa on WNZR Wednesdays from 1–2pm and Thursdays from 11am–12pm.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

MVNU President Shares Perspective on Lifeline 2026

When Dr. Carson Castleman, President of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, talked with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger about Lifeline 2026, the conversation centered on a simple theme: giving God the credit.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Dr. Castleman shared how the song “God Did It!” speaks to him. He said it’s a reminder that God is in and through all things, and that everything ultimately points back to Him. He connected that idea to Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” For Dr. Castleman, that message calls him to humility and to recognize God’s faithfulness.

He also talked about his own journey, saying that God is rewriting his story each day. He emphasized that he isn’t held to past failures, but instead sees each day as a renewed opportunity to continue forward.

That same perspective carries into his view of MVNU. Dr. Castleman said the campus is continuing to be shaped and that its mission—who MVNU is and why it exists—is becoming clearer. He noted that the university is growing and pointed to God as the reason for that growth.

Looking ahead, he said he would like to see God continue to have His hand on MVNU and that it would be evident. He also expressed a desire that gatherings on campus would reflect God’s presence.

Dr. Castleman also spoke about the impact of WNZR. He described the station as a gift in his life and said it has helped redirect his focus toward what’s important.

He added that Christian radio can be a quiet way to bring hope and truth into places people can’t physically go, and that God is present in those places as well.

For Dr. Castleman, that’s part of what Lifeline 2026 represents—continuing that work and pointing people back to God.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

“The More You Listen, The More You Hear”: WNZR’s Journey of Growth and Connection

Back in the early 2000s, radio was starting to look a little different. Technology was changing quickly, and stations everywhere were asking the same question—how do we keep up? At WNZR, that question turned into an opportunity.

WNZR’s Olivia Skillings recently sat down with Marcy and Joe Rinehart to talk about one of the station’s most pivotal moments: the launch of online streaming. At the time, WNZR was limited to its local signal, but leadership recognized something important—listeners weren’t just in Knox County anymore. Families, alumni, and supporters were spread out across the country and even around the world.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

So, on October 1st, 2003, the station took a big leap. A one-day fundraiser was held to make online streaming a reality. By the end of the day, more than $8,000 had been raised—enough to cover the equipment, software, and licensing needed to get started. That moment didn’t just add a new feature. It changed everything.

Streaming broke down geographic barriers. Suddenly, parents could hear their students on the air no matter where they lived. Alumni could reconnect. Listeners could tune in from across the globe. It laid the foundation for what WNZR would become in the years ahead—more accessible, more connected, and more far-reaching than ever before.

But technology wasn’t the only thing growing. The heart of the station remained the same. As Marcy and Joe explained, WNZR’s positioning statement—“The more you listen, the more you hear”—captures something deeper. It’s not just about music or entertainment. It’s about hearing messages that matter. It’s about encouragement, hope, and ultimately pointing listeners toward the love of Christ.

Another major milestone came in 2010, when the station increased its broadcast power from 130 watts to 1,300 watts. For years, signal interference had been a challenge. This expansion changed that in a big way, improving coverage across Knox County and reaching into surrounding areas. It was a technical upgrade, yes—but also a meaningful moment for the people behind the mic. Students were part of the journey, witnessing firsthand how the station was growing its impact.

And as listening habits continued to evolve, WNZR kept moving forward.

With smartphones becoming a central part of everyday life, the station knew it needed to meet listeners where they are. That led to the development of the WNZR mobile app—making it easier than ever to tune in. Whether through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a quick tap on a phone, listeners can now stay connected wherever they go.

Today, the app has become a daily companion for many—at home, at work, and on the road. It’s simple, accessible, and always within reach.

Looking back, it’s clear each step—streaming, increased signal power, mobile access—was part of a bigger picture. WNZR didn’t just keep up with change. It used each moment as a way to strengthen its mission and expand its reach.

And through it all, one thing remains constant: the connection between the station and its listeners, made possible by faithful support year after year.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Mondays w/Noah Warkentine

Noah Warkentine a sophomore communications major at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and he’s quickly becoming a fun and recognizable part of the WNZR radio team.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Originally from Uhrichsville, Ohio, Noah says his decision to come to MVNU was rooted in his desire to attend a Christian college. It also didn’t hurt that his dad once attended MVNU, and a close high school friend made the same choice—making the transition feel a little more like home.

Noah’s interest in radio didn’t just happen overnight. He was inspired by someone he knew growing up—Richy Johns—who also made his way to WNZR. Seeing someone from his hometown get involved sparked something, and Noah decided to follow in those footsteps. Now, he’s on the air himself, hosting from 11pm to midnight on Mondays and Thursdays.

Beyond the radio booth, Noah also occasionally helps out with the video crew for sportscasting, showing he’s just as comfortable behind the scenes as he is on the mic.

But if you ask Noah about his favorite parts of college life, he’ll probably bring up the memories made in Oakwood dorms. One story that stands out? An RA stepping in after someone created a fan Instagram account for him—claiming he was single. It’s the kind of random, hilarious moment that seems to follow Noah wherever he goes.

And that’s kind of his thing—bringing humor into everyday life. In fact, one of his signature moves is showing up to events in a full gorilla costume… just to confuse people and get a laugh. It’s unexpected, a little ridiculous, and completely on brand.

When he’s not on air or making people laugh, Noah enjoys the music played on WNZR and keeps things pretty simple when it comes to food—he’s a big fan of burgers from Steak ‘n Shake, topped with onions, cheese, and just a bit of ketchup.

He also spends part of his weekends giving back in a unique way—regularly donating plasma.

Ask him who he enjoys spending time with most, and he’ll quickly mention Zach Townsend. Whether it’s hanging out, joking around, or just enjoying college life, those friendships are a big part of what makes his experience meaningful.

One more thing that might surprise you—Noah has been serving in the National Guard for the past 2 years, adding another layer of commitment and discipline to his already full schedule.

From late-night radio to gorilla costumes, Noah Warkentine brings a mix of energy, humor, and heart to WNZR. If you haven’t caught his show yet, make sure to tune in—you never quite know what you’re going to get, but it’ll definitely be entertaining.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑