Podcast
Cedarville Stories
Hosted by Cedarville University · EN
Cedarville Stories podcast shares the stories of individuals who have been impacted from their experiences at Cedarville University, all for God's glory. Each week you’ll hear unique stories of how Cedarville’s mission of transforming lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority is being lived out in the lives of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University.
Listen in each Wednesday and be blessed by some of the amazing ways God is working in and through the lives of the Cedarville family.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S14:E01 | Bill Bolthouse: More Than Vegetables
Jan 700:30:28Tap to summarizeBill Bolthouse: More Than VegetablesBill Bolthouse’s story began in the rich black soil of Grant, Michigan, where long rows of onions shaped both his childhood and his character. Working alongside his family on their muck farm, Bill learned early what honest labor demanded — often on his knees, pulling weeds under the summer sun. Each season, his dad entrusted him with three-quarters of an acre to manage himself. The deal was simple: He could keep whatever profit he earned.Bill tried to take shortcuts, tidying the edges while letting weeds take over the middle. His dad quickly saw through it, and the lesson stuck: Real work means doing the whole job and doing it well.That conviction carried Bill far beyond those onion rows. Though he once imagined a future in missions, he eventually realized God was leading him back to the family business — Bolthouse Farms. There, he helped transform a modest vegetable farm into the nation’s top carrot producer. Under his leadership, Bolthouse Farms didn’t just grow carrots; it reshaped how they were packaged, marketed, and delivered to families across America.But for Bill, farming was never just about crops. It was about people and purpose. He saw his work as a mission field — a way to live out his faith every day. Whether managing fields, leading sales, or guiding the business as president, Bill sought to honor Christ in every decision. “You treat people right,” he said. “Run your business like you answer to the Lord — because you do.”From 1996 to 2013, Bill served on Cedarville University’s Board of Trustees, believing deeply in the school’s mission to train young people for Kingdom impact. His name now graces the Bolthouse Center for Music and the upcoming Bolthouse Academic Center, though he’s quick to shrug off the recognition. “I’m not interested in buildings,” he shared. “I want to see kids on fire for Jesus — going out into the world and making a difference.”Bill recently shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, reflecting on a life on mission — not in a pulpit but in the dirt, at the sales desk, and in the boardroom. His passion is simple: “Before Jesus comes, I want to see as many people in heaven as possible.”And that’s the legacy he’s still cultivating.https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4baac23https://youtu.be/XLeSKDlGO04
Transcribe →S13:E10 | Trusting God Through Tragedy: Melissa Harris
Sep 300:38:31Tap to summarizeTrusting God Through Tragedy: Melissa HarrisAs a Cedarville University graduate in athletic training, Melissa Harris believed she had a clear calling — serve student-athletes and be a light for Christ through her profession. But God had an unexpected direction in mind, calling her instead into recreation ministry — a shift she hadn’t planned but embraced in faith.That same willingness to trust God when life took an unforeseen turn would become crucial when tragedy struck years later. During what was supposed to be a peaceful family hike in Hocking Hills State Park, a horrific accident nearly claimed the life of her youngest daughter, Mia.In an instant, the joy of the outdoors turned into a nightmare. As emergency crews raced to respond, Melissa and her family were left clinging to prayer, unsure if Mia would survive. Yet even in the chaos, Melissa describes a peace that defied logic. “There’s no explanation for it,” she shared on the Cedarville Stories podcast. “It was Jesus — He calmed my fears and reminded me of eternity.”The months that followed were filled with recovery, reflection, and raw faith. Melissa realized that their story wasn’t just about surviving trauma — it was about surrendering control and trusting God in every unknown. The same God who redirected her career path years earlier had now walked her through the darkest valley of her life.It was during this healing season that Melissa felt a quiet but clear prompting from God: Tell the story. Melissa wrote her book, Rewrite This Tragedy, not to spotlight tragedy, but to proclaim God’s presence during it. “Even if He hadn’t saved Mia,” said Melissa, “He was still with us. That’s what carried us.”Her story reminds us that faith isn’t about having a perfect plan — it’s about trusting the One who does.https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f0baf7chttps://youtu.be/Xh6UhtUBA2M
Transcribe →S13:E09 | Rooted in Truth: Dr. Jon Wood and Dr. Trent Rogers
Aug 2700:35:09Tap to summarizeRooted in Truth: A Story of Two Shepherds and Their BookIt wasn’t over coffee or during a conference that the idea for Rooted in Truth was born — it grew slowly, quietly, over years of shared ministry. Drs. Jon Wood and Trent Rogers have been walking alongside college students for a long time, answering the same honest, heartfelt questions about faith, life, and purpose.After hearing “What should I do with my life?” and “Can I really trust the Bible?” for what seemed like the hundredth time, they both realized that maybe it was time to write a book.So, they did.On the Cedarville Stories podcast, the two men — friends, colleagues, and fellow shepherds — talked about the journey of writing Rooted in Truth, which was released on July 8. With a dose of humor (and some playful teasing), they shared how the project took shape. Rogers joked that he only wanted to co-write with someone smarter, which led him straight to Wood. In turn, Wood credited Rogers for bringing structure and depth to the project.But beneath the laughs was a serious and heartfelt purpose: helping young adults become spiritually grounded.The book tackles 20 of the most common questions they hear from students about identity, relationships, vocation, and why truth still matters. Drawing on Psalm 1, they use the imagery of a tree planted by water to show what happens when a life is rooted deeply in God’s Word. Whether it’s used as a devotional, a small group guide, or a resource for a high school senior on the edge of adulthood, Rooted in Truth was written to steady the hearts of young believers in a world that often feels unsteady.What sets this book apart? It’s clear, concise, and full of Gospel hope. It’s not lofty theology for scholars — it’s real answers for real students written by two men who first spent years listening.“We want them to know they’re not just the future of the Church,” Dr. Wood said. “They are the Church.”And with Rooted in Truth, Jon and Trent are handing them the tools — and the truth — to live like it.https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7cc4570https://youtu.be/tpQK3f7rPds
Transcribe →S13:E08 | Side By Side: Ari and Julie Tompkins
Aug 2000:32:27Tap to summarizeSide by Side: Ari and Julie Tompkins There’s something special about the bond between twins — but Ari and Julie Tompkins take it to a whole new level. This week, the small-town sisters from Mogadore, Ohio, began their 1000 Days™ at Cedarville University, walking into college hand-in-hand — just like they’ve done with most things in life.Faith-filled and full of heart, Ari and Julie are joining the track and cross-country teams, ready to give it all they’ve got. But they’re not just here to run races. They’re here to grow, serve, and walk closer with Jesus every step of the way.On a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Julie described Ari as “quiet, aggressive, and humble,” while Ari grinned and said Julie was “talkative, energetic, and loud.” The sisters are two halves of a whole, different in their own ways but always cheering each other on.Their journey hasn’t been easy. They’ve stood on podiums and wiped away tears after photo-finish losses and struggled with personal family issues. But through every high and low, they’ve clung to prayer and each other. “Our sport doesn’t define us,” Ari shared. “God still loves us whether we win or lose.”Raised in a home where faith was lived out daily — especially after their father quit drinking and began reading the Bible with them — Ari and Julie learned early what it means to grow through grace. “It changed everything,” Julie said. “We finally understood what it meant to follow Jesus for ourselves.”That’s why Cedarville stood out. It was a place where they could not only compete at a high level but grow in a community that shares their love for Christ. “We didn’t want to just bring others to faith — we wanted to be surrounded by people already walking it too,” they said.Julie dreams of becoming a pro sports physical therapist. Ari’s heart is set on becoming a firefighter and EMT. Their paths may someday lead them in different directions, but for now, they’re running this race side by side — spiritually grounded, joyfully competitive, and ready for whatever the Lord has next.https://share.transistor.fm/s/13d7ae3dhttps://youtu.be/NTYeW_B6mFY
Transcribe →S13:E07 | Shaping Christ-Centered Leaders: Jon Greenwood
Aug 13, 202500:38:04Tap to summarizeShaping Christ-Centered LeadersAfter nearly four decades in banking — culminating in a role leading over 7,000 employees across 1,000 Huntington Bank branches—Jon Greenwood knows a thing or two about leadership. He didn’t just climb the corporate ladder; he built the culture beneath it, rooted in trust, consistency, and hard work. A self-proclaimed “overachiever,” Jon thrived by showing up, outworking everyone around him, and staying grounded in who he was in Christ.Now, he’s bringing that lifetime of experience back to where it all started — Cedarville University.Jon’s path to Cedarville wasn’t exactly planned. As a high school senior in Springfield, Ohio, he was bound for Taylor University — just like many of his family members. But through a series of unexpected twists, including a last-minute golf tournament and his pastor father’s connection to Cedarville University, he became a Yellow Jacket. That seemingly small pivot shaped everything that followed — from his marriage to his professional life — and taught him to trust God’s guidance, even when it didn’t make sense.That trust became the foundation of Jon’s leadership style. Throughout his banking career, he focused on building cultures where people could thrive, trust mattered more than titles, and integrity trumped efficiency. Even to this day, he believes “culture eats strategy for lunch.”Now, Jon is pouring that wisdom into CU Lead, Cedarville’s new leadership initiative. It’s more than a program — it’s a movement. CU Lead will help college students and business leaders discover how God wired them. It reaches across disciplines — welcoming pastors, pharmacists, engineers, and teachers alike — because every field needs leaders who are anchored in character.CU Lead also opens doors to the marketplace through conferences, a speakers series, and practical partnerships with businesses. The goal? To produce graduates who are not only professionally competent but spiritually grounded — leaders who can be trusted with influence.Jon Greenwood’s story is a testament to what God can do with a life fully surrendered. And now, he’s helping others write their own stories — starting with who they are in Christ. He recently shared more about this journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the faith and leadership that have defined his path.https://share.transistor.fm/s/40a621bdhttps://youtu.be/-R_v_So-JKU
Transcribe →S13:E06 | Fighting Infectious Diseases: Dr. Rachel Burgoon
Aug 6, 202500:27:59Tap to summarizeFighting Infectious Diseases: Rachel BurgoonRachel Burgoon didn’t just choose pharmacy — she chose a mission. As an infectious disease pharmacist, her work is ministry through medicine. Every treatment she recommends is driven by a deep desire to serve others and honor Christ.Her journey began in Maryland but found clarity and calling at Cedarville University, where the integration of faith and science in Cedarville’s Doctor of Pharmacy program shaped her purpose.“It wasn’t just about becoming a pharmacist,” Rachel explains. “It was about becoming someone who could serve the Lord by serving patients — especially the most vulnerable.”Today, Rachel works in the high-stakes world of infectious diseases, tackling complex cases involving antibiotic stewardship and life-threatening infections. Her work demands both clinical precision and heartfelt compassion.“This is critical work,” she says. “If we don’t use the right therapies in the right way, we risk resistance and harm. It’s a space where science must be excellent — and so must our care.”Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Rachel invests deeply in mentoring students and residents — a passion born from her own experience. She recalls Cedarville faculty pouring into her life as a student, and she desires to mirror that service with the people she interacts with each day.Recently, Rachel shared her story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart behind her profession — a heart committed to glorifying God through healing and hope.Through every patient she treats, every student she mentors, and every advancement she makes in infectious disease research, Rachel Burgoon is faithfully living out her calling to reflect Christ by caring for the sick with excellence and compassion.https://share.transistor.fm/s/aee80c17https://youtu.be/a1uqw7rYSd0
Transcribe →S13:E05 | Rocket Science and Redemption: Dr. Joe Miller
Jul 30, 202500:35:45Tap to summarizeRocket Science and Redemption: Dr. Joe MillerIn a quiet town just outside Dayton, Ohio — where the history of aviation runs deep — Dr. Joe Miller’s journey took flight with a love for airplanes and a desire to serve God. As a high school student, deeply moved by the courage of missionary aviators and the powerful message of Elisabeth Elliot’s Through Gates of Splendor, Joe began to ask a bold, life-shaping question: How can I use engineering to glorify Christ and serve the world?That question became his compass, and God used it to guide him to Cedarville University — first as a student, then, years later, as a professor.After nearly two decades in aerospace — collaborating with the U.S. Air Force on advanced innovations and leading elite engineering teams — Joe had no plans to leave the field he loved. But when Cedarville called and God stirred his heart, he recognized a higher calling.“I had no desire to leave,” he recalls. “But I was called to something bigger — training the next generation of Christ-centered engineers.”For Dr. Miller, teaching is more than a profession — it’s a mission. He sees engineering not just as a discipline of problem-solving but as a calling to serve people, protect life, and steward creation. His classroom hums with purpose: a place where technical rigor meets Gospel clarity.His vision is clear: to mentor engineers who are technically excellent, spiritually grounded, and passionately committed to using their gifts for God’s glory. Through collaborations with organizations like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dr. Miller helps students connect classroom theory to real-world innovation — always with Christ at the center.“The Gospel,” Joe tells his students, “isn’t something we tack onto our careers — it’s the foundation. Everything flows from that.”Dr. Miller isn’t just instructing engineers. On this week’s episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, hear how he’s shaping disciples — leaders who will carry light into launchpads, boardrooms, and beyond.https://share.transistor.fm/s/1a0ce2a2https://youtu.be/KwporBWAamQ
Transcribe →S13:E04 | A Life of Yes: Dr. Craig and Carolyn Williford
Jul 23, 202500:36:26Tap to summarizeA Life of Yes: Dr. Craig and Carolyn Williford Dr. Craig and Carolyn Williford, Cedarville University’s 2025 Alumni of the Year, have walked a beautiful path of ministry — one paved with prayer, servant leadership, and steadfast faith. Their journey began in the 1970s at Cedarville, where their deep love for Christ and hearts to serve took root and began to flourish. Craig led with purpose and humility, serving as president of several Christian institutions — Denver Seminary, Trinity International University, Multnomah University, and Warner University. In each role, he brought wisdom, courage, and a deep dependence on God, shaping the next generation of leaders. By his side was Carolyn — ever encouraging, guiding, and caring for students and fellow leaders with remarkable grace. Through her authorship of multiple books and her powerful voice as a conference speaker, she enriched their shared ministry with her own godly wisdom. Their hearts have always been drawn to students. “We always prayed for the students,” Carolyn shared gently. “But we had no idea what many were going through — illness, loss, financial hardship.” Those heartfelt prayers grew into a lifelong ministry of compassion that has followed them from season to season. In recent years, their focus has turned toward nurturing weary pastors. Especially after the pandemic, as ministry leaders faced growing stress and burnout, Craig and Carolyn stepped in to offer safe, welcoming spaces for them to rest and heal. “There’s loneliness in ministry, even in large churches,” Craig noted. “We help leaders know they’re not alone.” Their marriage stands as a quiet testimony to God’s faithfulness — built on trust, mutual respect, and unshakable character. “Craig does the right thing, no matter the cost,” Carolyn reflected. “That gift of integrity has been a foundation in our home and ministry.” Throughout their marriage, they’ve endeavored to say yes to the Lord and serve Him faithfully. That simple act of obedience has defined every step of their journey. Recently, Craig and Carolyn shared their story on the Cedarville Stories podcast — a tender, inspiring reminder of how God’s faithfulness weaves through every chapter of life. Their love for Cedarville, for each other, and for the calling God placed on their lives continues to shine brightly. https://share.transistor.fm/s/7196d921https://youtu.be/EWdF8HfeZf0
Transcribe →S13:E03 | Spring Break in Maui: A Trip of Compassion and Calling
Jul 16, 202500:31:47Tap to summarizeSpring Break in Maui: A Trip of Compassion and CallingWhen wildfires swept through Lahaina, Maui, in 2023, they left more than ashes behind — they left a community in mourning. Homes were destroyed, lives were uprooted, and hope felt fragile. However, during a recent spring break, hope arrived in the form of a team of students and faculty from Cedarville University led by Col. (Ret.) Greg Thompson and Dr. Patrick Oliver.The idea began in a moment of connection. Greg, who had recently moved to Ohio from Hawaii, met Mark and Dawn Brown — Hawaiian parents of a Cedarville student — during Getting Started Weekend. What started as a conversation about community turned into something much bigger: an opportunity to serve.“I reached out to the Made In Hope ministry the Browns mentioned and learned they had enough room for our group,” Greg shared. “We slept on cots — five-star location, one-star accommodations — but it was perfect.”That setting became the base for a week of powerful ministry. The team didn’t just come to rebuild homes or pass out supplies — the needs had shifted. Instead, they got to rebuild hearts. Through prayer, presence, and listening, the students poured into a hurting community.“It wasn’t just physical work,” Greg said. “It was about being there — about showing the love of Christ in a place that desperately needed comfort.”What the team gave may seem simple, but it left a deep impact: game nights with families, worship with locals, and heartfelt conversations with those still grieving. It was a reminder that healing isn’t always measured in walls rebuilt but in souls encouraged.And the work isn’t finished. As Mark Brown shared, “There will be many stages of recovery — prayer, rebuilding, financial support. But God has been faithful.”Cedarville’s team was a living testimony to that faithfulness. Through simple acts of service, they brought the message that Lahaina is not forgotten — by them or by the God who walks with them.Learn more about this labor of love on this week’s episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast.https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc2e13a7https://youtu.be/p_17V2TPdGg
Transcribe →S13:E02 | Healing in Maui: Mark and Dawn Brown
Jul 9, 202500:32:38Tap to summarizeCedarville’s Connection to Maui’s HealingWhen wildfires tore through Maui in August of 2023, they left behind a trail of devastation — homes lost, lives uprooted, and hearts heavy with grief. For Mark and Dawn Brown, longtime Maui residents and faithful servants in their local ministry, the fire hit close to home — literally and spiritually. But even in the darkest smoke, God’s light came shining through.Mark and Dawn, who both have deep roots with Cedarville University, shared their experiences during the 2023 Maui fire on this week’s episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast.The Browns are proud alumni, and their daughter Lila is a current student. Cedarville has always been more than just their alma mater — it’s part of their extended family. So when a team of 14 Cedarville students, along with professors Col. (Ret.) Greg Thompson and Dr. Patrick Oliver, landed in Maui to help, it wasn’t just a service trip — it was a homecoming of sorts.The students came with no agenda but love, no plan but to serve.“We’ll do whatever you need,” they told the Browns — and they meant it. They painted, cleaned, hauled, prayed, and, most of all, stood in the gap alongside hurting people.Mark, who serves on a federal disaster medical team, has responded to tragedies all over — from New York City to Key West to Saipan. Years ago, his young daughter Lila once asked him why he did it. He told her, “Someday, we’re going to need help too — and I want people to come.”That moment came. And people came — wearing Cedarville blue and gold.For the Browns, it was a humbling reminder that the body of Christ truly works. God didn’t just send help — He sent family. And in the ashes of disaster, they saw grace rebuild what flames had taken.https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0d9de26https://youtu.be/CkVMEG5h1Cc
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