Tag: music

“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!

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How MVNU and WNZR Helped Launch Mike Basko into Christian Radio

Mike Basko’s journey into radio didn’t start in a studio—it started as a kid listening to Christian radio and imagining what it might be like to be behind the mic.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Fast forward a few years, and that curiosity turned into something much bigger during his time at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. As a 2024 graduate, Mike became part of something special at WNZR, including being on the team when the station earned Station of the Year in 2023.

What stands out most about Mike’s experience is just how hands-on it was from the very beginning. He didn’t have to wait years to get real experience—he was on air during his first year. That early exposure made a huge difference. By the time he started looking for jobs, he already had practical skills and confidence that set him apart. It’s a big reason why he’s now working at River Radio, a Christian station reaching listeners across much of Ohio.

Even though Mike says he wasn’t heavily involved in the official CMB entry for Station of the Year, he clearly remembers the energy surrounding it. His classmates poured themselves into the project, working together to tell the story of WNZR. Being there to accept the award was a meaningful moment, not just because of the recognition, but because it represented the collective effort of students and faculty. For Mike, events like Momentum go beyond radio—they’re about building connections across the entire Christian media landscape.

He’s also quick to point out the people who made a lasting impact. Faculty members like Marcy and Joe invested deeply in their students, and Mike sees the Station of the Year award as a reflection of that dedication. It wasn’t just a win for the station—it was a spotlight on the culture of mentorship and excellence that defines WNZR.

Of course, not every moment was smooth. Mike still laughs about his first time on air, remembering just how nervous he felt. Thankfully, his mentor was right there with him, offering calm guidance and reassurance. By the end of that first shift, everything was still standing—and Mike had taken his first real step into broadcasting.

Beyond the studio, it’s the relationships that stick with him the most. The class of 2024 was one of the largest WNZR had seen, and it created a tight-knit, energetic group. Whether they were working, learning, or just hanging out, those shared experiences made his time unforgettable.

Looking back, Mike’s story is one of growth, opportunity, and community. From a kid listening to Christian radio to a professional voice on the airwaves, his journey shows what can happen when passion meets the right environment.

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Big Stories, Bigger Heart: MVNU’s ‘Big Fish’ Makes a Splash This Spring

MVNU Theatre Brings “Big Fish” to Life: Cast Shares Stories Behind the Magic

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s spring musical Big Fish is set to take the stage March 26–29 at the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium, promising an unforgettable journey filled with imagination, humor, and heart. As the cast prepares for opening night, several student performers shared their experiences bringing this larger-than-life story to reality.

Click HERE to hear ALL the interviews!

Zane Menzie: Bringing Stories to Life On and Off Stage

Senior Zane Menzie, from Marion, Ohio, plays Young Edward while also serving as the show’s director—balancing two major roles in the production. With a lifelong connection to theatre through his grandmother, a former executive director at a local theatre, Menzie has been immersed in the arts from a young age.

“Edward is the personification of these wild, hyperbolic stories,” Menzie explained. “He’s constantly creating these larger-than-life tales—he’s kind of crazy, but that’s what makes him so fun.”

As director, Menzie has spent months organizing rehearsals, giving notes, and shaping the overall vision of the show. Despite the workload, his favorite moments have come from late nights spent rehearsing with friends.

His favorite song, “Time Stops,” highlights a pivotal moment when Edward realizes he has found the woman he will marry. Menzie encourages students to get involved in theatre without hesitation: “Just give it a shot, do your best, and have fun.”

Tyler Maddux: Exploring Logic and Emotion Through Will

Senior worship arts major Tyler Maddux, from New Philadelphia, Ohio, portrays Will, Edward’s son. With roots in theatre dating back to his childhood in Arkansas—where his family managed a dinner theatre—Maddux brings both personal and professional passion to the stage.

“Will is very logical, and I had to learn how to portray that mindset,” he said. “But what I love most is how much he grows throughout the story.”

Maddux’s favorite song, “Stranger,” captures a turning point for his character as he processes becoming a father himself. Having performed in 18 productions, he hopes to continue theatre in the future, even as he steps into a new role as a worship pastor in Beavercreek, Ohio.

He emphasizes that theatre isn’t just for performers: “There are so many ways to get involved—crew, tech, set building. Just do it.”

Josiah Holloway: A Milestone Performance as Edward

For senior nursing major Josiah Holloway, Big Fish marks his 40th production—a milestone in a journey that began in fifth grade.

Holloway plays Old Edward, portraying both the 30- and 55-year-old versions of the character. “Edward is a father trying to show his son that there’s more to life,” he said. “In a lot of ways, he reminds me of my own dad.”

His favorite number, “How It Ends,” closes the show with emotional depth. Halloway hopes it resonates with audiences as strongly as it does with him.

Reflecting on his theatre experience, he highlights the friendships and humor shared backstage, including playful competitions among cast members. His advice: “Even if you’re busy, it’s worth making time for theatre.”

Kate Carter: Stepping Into Two Versions of Jenny Hill

Sophomore worship arts major Kate Carter, from Pickerington, Ohio, plays Jenny Hill—both as a young girl and later in life.

“I love getting to show both sides of her character,” Carter said. “It’s a fun challenge, especially with costume changes that make me look completely different.”

Her favorite song, “Be the Hero,” features energetic choreography she especially enjoys performing. Carter values the unique experiences theatre offers, from acting to set-building, and encourages others to experience it for themselves.

Grace Maddux: A Story of Family On and Off Stage

Junior social work major Grace Maddux plays Sandra, Edward’s wife and a central figure in the story’s emotional core. Inspired by her parents’ love of theatre, she has embraced the role’s warmth and maternal qualities.

“Sandra is very nurturing, and that feels natural to me,” she said, noting she has also worked to perfect a Southern accent for the role.

Her favorite song, “I Don’t Need a Roof,” reflects the show’s themes of love and devotion. This production is especially meaningful, as it marks her final show performing alongside her brother, Tyler.

“This show is about family, fatherhood, and redemption,” she said. “It’s a beautiful story that people should come experience.”

Don’t Miss the Show

Big Fish will be performed March 26–29 at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m., in Thorne Hall at R.R. Hodges Chapel & Auditorium.

After months of preparation, the cast is eager to share a story filled with adventure, laughter, and heartfelt moments. As Menzie put it, “We’ve spent so long bringing this story to life—it’s something really special.”

Click HERE for ticket information!

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One of WNZR’s Founding Fathers Helps Celebrate 39th Anniversary!

One of WNZR’s Founding Fathers, Bill Bridges who was a part of the original Mount Vernon Nazarene College Staff in 1968, stopped by to celebrate the 39th anniversary of WNZR!

Click HERE to hear the entire conversation with Bill and Station Manager, Marcy Rinehart!

Bill helped found the Speech and Communications Department. Bill says that Founders Hall wasn’t ready, so they met in October in various places throughout Mount Vernon.

Bill said that the dream of having a radio station started around 1978. He said that they interviewed Dr. Henry Smith (who was one of Marcy’s professors) and he joined the staff.

Bill said he taught a radio class before they even had a radio station. He says WMVO in Mount Vernon gave them an old sound board, so they were able to have radio classes. They would broadcast to those in the breezeway between Founders and Faculty Halls.

Bill says that he and Dr. Smith started researching what it would take to start a “real” radio station. Bill stayed until 1980 and passed the department to Dr. Smith while he returned to the ministry.

Bill says the staff at WNZR is living out his dream. He talks about what he thinks that God has done to make his dream come true. He says the current ministry of WNZR is more than just a radio station. It is a Lifeline. WNZR does more than just play good Christian music and read the news, but what kind of impact it has on the community.

Bill gives some wisdom to WNZR staff members, “Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t be afraid of failing. You never truly succeed unless you really try and take chances. He says trust God and trust your fellow workers.”

Click HERE to check out WNZR’s awesome website and learn more about our ministry!

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Tyler Maddux Ready to Open for MVNU’s Sonfest 2025!

Tyler Maddux is playing at Sonfest 2025 on September 20th and he talks about how he grew up in New Philadelphia.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

He’s a worship arts major and has a minor in youth and family ministry; he’s hoping to become a worship pastor when he graduates. He talks about how he got into music in 7th grade and around high school he decided to go all in on music.

Some of Tyler’s biggest influences in music are bands like ‘Colony house’ and ‘Sons of Steven Curtis Chapman’ and it inspires him for when he writes his music. For a long time, his style was acoustic guitar, it wasn’t until he started making his second album that he started to find his style of Rock music. He draws inspiration from his own personal life experiences to come up with his song lyrics, he also likes to write songs about the bible.

Tyler talks about what he’s excited to see at Sonfest, he’s excited to see people who are impacted by the music outside of his regular friends and family, it helps inspire him. Tyler Maddux is opening at 1:35pm at Sonfest on September 20th.

Tyler talks about his new album he released in late January, he’s really proud of it because of how it defined the sound that he like to use. You can stay connected to Tyler Maddux on Instagram, Facebook, and on TikTok. Tyler talks about the purpose behind writing his music, he likes to write about how he feels at the time of his writing; he’s getting married soon and so a lot of his music he’s writing is about how he feels about that. He’s got a few songs he’s been writing recently and a few songs at Sonfest and hopes to record and release them soon.

Tyler goes over some rapid-fire questions, his favorite worship song is ‘tear my house down’ by Chris Renzema. The first concert he ever went to was a ‘Colony house’ concert in college in his freshman year. He’s a night owl, he likes cats, he likes coffee and he normally gets a caramel ice late, his favorite snack is cheez-its and his favorite movie is called ‘about time’.

Click HERE to find out about Sonfest 2025!

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The Knox Community Jazz Orchestra plays for Food For The Hungry

Ted Buehrer is the Music Director and President of the Knox Community Jazz Orchestra.
He shared some exciting news with WNZR. The group is hosting a concert to benefit Food For The Hungry.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click the link below.
Ted shared the details of this special event and invited the community to bring food and monetary donations.
The concert is Friday, 11/22 at 7:30pm in Rosse Hall at Kenyon College.
Ted also talked about the power of the FFTH slogan – “Working Together to Care for our Neighbors”. He shared how we are much stronger together than we are as individuals or an individual organization.

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MVNU hosts a Community Music School

The Morning Thing talked with MVNU Music Professor, John Packard about the Community Music School. He shared details on how this educational initiative started and how to register to participate.

Click HERE to hear the conversation.

To to www.mvnu.edu/communitymusic to register and see the deadlines for registration.

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Summer in the City celebrates Creativity & Design this week!

The calendar for Summer in the City is full of arts, music and recreation!
WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle talked with Joe Bell, Co-Director for the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. He shared an update on the upcoming calendar of events.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

To stay connected to the Summer in the City Calendar, click HERE.

To follow Summer in the City on Facebook, click HERE.

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Red Jumpsuit Apparatus coming to Sonfest

On The Morning Thing we talked with Ronnie Winter lead singer of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. He and his band are coming to Sonfest 2019 to share their talents with us.

If you missed any of the conversation this morning click HERE.

We have been talking about Sonfest all week this week for more information about bands and ticket prices click HERE.

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The Knox County Christmas Cantata is coming soon!

WNZR’s Wesley Boston talked with Lynn Jurkowitz about this year’s Knox County Christmas Cantata.
Listen in for more details about this very special event coming to our community. Click HERE to hear their conversation.

The Knox County Cantata Choir, directed by Lynn Jurkowitz, presents “The Song Heard ‘Round The World”, composed by Joseph Martin.

The performances will be Friday, Nov. 30th at 7:30, and Saturday, Dec. 1st at 2pm, at the Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon, Oh.

The Cantata Choir will be accompanied by percussionist Chris Miller.

Tickets are $10.00 at the door, and are also available at PakMail, 812 Coshocton Ave, Unit 1, in Mount Vernon. They may also be purchased from Choir members.

Opening for the Cantata Choir will be David’s Heart, a Columbus based Gospel quartet. They will share their message of love through beautiful harmonies, and songs of inspiration.

Bell ringer Pam Guillet will also perform, accompanied by Lynn J.

Lynn Jurkowitz will once again lead the choir as Choral Director, Arranger, and Force of Nature. Lynn’s talent as a choir director is unparalleled, and she will once again bring a large group of voices to one beautiful, soaring, inspiring voice.

Please come join us again for one of Knox County’s most beloved and anticipated Christmas traditions-the Knox County Cantata Choir’s annual performance of Joseph Martin’s wonderful music.

 

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