In the final episode, Fr. Thom & Meg reminisce about their time at St. Ambrose and with the podcast and look ahead to their next adventures. Plus, they offer advice to future Ambrosians, discuss how to keep the faith alive post-college, and funny cat names. Don't miss the final episode of "The Faith Awakens"! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). Original theme music for this non-profit podcast was created and performed by...
May 17, 2021•42 min•Ep. 50
It's the penultimate episode of The Faith Awakens!. Fr. Thom and Meg welcome the show's self-proclaimed biggest fan, Fr. Ross Epping. Fr. Epping will replace Fr. Thom as chaplain at St. Ambrose University in July. In this episode, we get to know Fr. Epping, Meg shares an exciting athletic achievement, and Meg tries to convince Fr. Thom to get a four-legged companion. The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). Original theme music f...
May 10, 2021•41 min•Ep. 49
This week, Fr. Thom and Meg welcome fellow history lover Rachel Wiedman to the podcast! They discuss Rachel's senior history thesis and compare past political climates to todays'. We also get an update about what everyone's watching and reading. Plus, Meg has an exciting announcement! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). Original theme music for this non-profit podcast was created and performed by Lauren Bollweg....
May 03, 2021•29 min•Ep. 48
This week, Lauren Bollweg, Campus Ministry Coordinator of Music, Justice and Media Ministry, and Jess Mendenhall, Peer Campus Minister, take over the podcast! They are joined by their "guests" Fr. Thom and Meg! Lauren and Jess help us learn who Fr. Thom and Meg were in high school, addressing some questionable costume choices found in Fr. Thom's yearbook, how Meg spent some of her practice time, and what school dances were like for them. This is a revealing episode you don't want to miss! The Fa...
Apr 28, 2021•34 min•Ep. 47
This week, Fr. Thom and Meg discuss the Derek Chauvin verdict. Plus, they introduce us to Campus Ministry Grad Assistance Claire McCarthy! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). Original theme music for this non-profit podcast was created and performed by Lauren Bollweg.
Apr 21, 2021•34 min•Ep. 46
This week, Fr. Thom and Meg are joined by a very special guest - St. Ambrose President-Elect Dr. Amy Novak. She joins the podcast to share her background, what led her to SAU, and her deep passion for higher education. Plus, find out what Dr. Novak is reading and learn about some of her hobbies! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). Original theme music for this non-profit podcast was created and performed by Lauren Bollweg....
Apr 13, 2021•35 min•Ep. 45
This week, our friend and engineer of the show, Dave Baker, joins us as a guest! We reminisce about getting The Faith Awakens off the ground and what exactly Dave does to get the episodes ready to distribute each week. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast you don't want to miss! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of The Faith Awakens was recorded on March 28, 2021, thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KAL...
Mar 29, 2021•38 min•Ep. 44
This week, Fr. Thom has a major announcement you don't want to miss! Plus, we hear all about Meg and Fr. Thom's recent running achievements. The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of The Faith Awakens was recorded on March 21, 2021, thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA. Original theme music for this non-profit podcast was created and performed by Lauren Bollweg....
Mar 22, 2021•32 min•Ep. 43
They may not know what episode it is, but Fr. Thom and Meg are happy to be back in the studio! This week, they talk all things Lent, running, and the shows they're watching. The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of The Faith Awakens was recorded on March 7, 2021, thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA. Original theme music for this non-profit podcast was created and...
Mar 08, 2021•30 min•Ep. 42
St. Ambrose University President Sr. Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, joins the podcast this week! Lescinski shares her background with us - how she came to religious life, her proudest achievements during her time at SAU, and the challenges she's overcome during her 14-years at St. Ambrose. Plus, Sr. Joan, shares what she's currently reading with us, and how she came to the decision to retire from her post as president. The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministr...
Feb 22, 2021•32 min•Ep. 41
A very special guest joins this week's episode of The Faith Awakens - Fr. George McDaniel, PhD, Professor Emeritus of History, St. Ambrose University. Fr. McDaniel is here to talk about the past presidents of SAU and the marks they've left on the university. Monday, February 8, St. Ambrose named its 14th president, Dr. Amy Novak. Novak will take over for retiring president, Sr. Joan Lescinski in August. The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenpor...
Feb 15, 2021•40 min•Ep. 40
In this episode, SAU Peer Campus Minister Jess Mendenhall joins Fr. Thom and Meg. Jess is a junior studying exercise science (pre-PT) and serves as a PCM in Davis Hall. They discuss the nostalgia of Davis Hall and we find out all about the pranks that Fr. Thom observed and participated in during seminary. Plus, The Diocese of Davenport is working on a new initiative called Rediscovering Sunday . Fr. Thom gets Meg and Jess's input about how they have made their faith their own. The Faith Awakens ...
Feb 01, 2021•37 min•Ep. 39
Fr. Thom and Meg are back in the studio! They reflect on nearly a year of living in a global pandemic, the capitol insurrection, and president-elect Biden's upcoming inauguration. Plus, Meg is student teaching! She tells us about her first week and how she is working to balance her new role with running The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of The Faith Awakens was recorded on January 17, 2021, thanks to the techn...
Jan 18, 2021•33 min•Ep. 38
Fr. Thom and Meg are back after a holiday break! This week they discuss what they've been up, how they spent the holidays and their thoughts on the season 2 finale of The Mandalorian . The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of The Faith Awakens was recorded on January 6, 2021, thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA. Original theme music for this non-profit podcast wa...
Jan 07, 2021•32 min•Ep. 37
It's the FINAL EPISODE of 2020! Fr. Thom and Meg celebrate the (almost) Christmas season by sharing their favorite Christmas things with us. From movies to traditions and their favorite childhood gifts, our favorite Campus Ministry duo ends 2020 in the Christmas Spirit! We'll be back on January 6. See you in 2021! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of The Faith Awakens was recorded on December 16, 2020, thanks ...
Dec 17, 2020•38 min•Ep. 36
In this week's episode, Meg shares some of her work from her history capstone which focused on the history of patriarchal biases in Women's Track & Field. She and Fr. Thom discuss the future of sports and whether men and women should compete together. Plus, Fr. Thom shares his excitement over S2 E5 of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯, and Meg tells us her current Netflix recommendations! 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘴 podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenpor...
Dec 03, 2020•34 min•Ep. 35
In this week's episode, Fr. Thom and Meg discuss study spaces and motivation as students readjust to online classes, their plans for a safe Thanksgiving and thoughts on the "kids table", and how Fr. Thom is staying motivated to run through the winter months. Plus, happy almost birthday to Meg and her twin sister! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of The Faith Awakens was recorded on November 18, 2020, thanks t...
Nov 19, 2020•32 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, we're back to remote podcasting. Fr. Thom and Meg discuss what it's like to move back to distance learning with only a few weeks left in the semester. Meg was able to qualify for nationals - for the fourth time - over the weekend, as well as set a personal record for the course, before restrictions went into effect. She and Fr. Thom talk about her long running career and what's next. Plus, The Mandalorian is back and our hosts discuss the upcoming holidays! The Faith Awakens pod...
Nov 12, 2020•29 min•Ep. 33
Fr. Thom describes this week's episode best - it's a smorgasbord of topics! From the election to praying for the dead to chiropractic care and confirmation saints, Fr. Thom and Meg touch on all of this, and more. Like many of us, they are happy to be rid of the barrage of political ads but anxiously await the results of this year's divisive election. To help ease post-election jitters, Campus Ministry -- in collaboration with several campus clubs -- hosted a prayer vigil for peace on Wednesday. ...
Nov 05, 2020•33 min•Ep. 32
This week is all about campus activities and Halloween! Jason Richter, Director of Student Engagement at SAU, joins Fr. Thom and Meg to discuss campus events in the age of COVID. While they may have gotten off to a slow start, Richter says the last few weeks of school are jam-packed with activities. Plus, it's almost Halloween. Meg pressures Fr. Thom to dress up this weekend, the group discusses past costumes, and the show's editor, David Baker, slips in a "spooky" surprise you don't want to mis...
Oct 29, 2020•32 min•Ep. 31
Today's episode is all about running! A hobby for both Fr. Thom and Meg, they decided it was time to discuss where their passion - or in Fr. Thom's case, love/hate relationship - for running began. Their conversation covers everything from distances run to personal records to future running goals and much more! Whether you love running or hate it, there's likely something in this discussion for you! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, I...
Oct 22, 2020•30 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, Fr. Thom and Meg discuss teachers and their impact on student's lives and their favorite grade. Plus, in the Catholic Church, October is a month dedicated to Mary. Fr. Thom and Meg share what their relationship with Mary and the rosary is like and how it has developed over the years. The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of The Faith Awakens was recorded on October 14, 2020 thanks to the technolog...
Oct 15, 2020•32 min•Ep. 29
This week, Fr. Thom and Meg welcome Dan La Corte, PhD, a history professor at St. Ambrose University, for a discussion about the importance of a liberal arts education. La Corte has taught at SAU for 20-years and says his own liberal arts education as an undergrad changed his life. The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of T he Faith Awakens was recorded on October 8, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM...
Oct 09, 2020•35 min•Ep. 28
This week, Fr. Thom and Meg learn more about how each came to decide on their college majors. Plus, listen to find out what shows and books they're watching and reading! The Faith Awakens podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of T he Faith Awakens was recorded on September 30, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA.
Oct 01, 2020•31 min•Ep. 27
St. Ambrose University junior, Yasmin Toto, is this week's guest! The Vice President of the Black Student Union joins Fr. Thom and Meg for a discussion about a recent university town hall addressing race, social justice and the climate in America. Yasmin offers her opinions on retaining more students of colors, why it's important for all students to have a safe space to discuss difficult topics related to race, and how the university can provide diversity training to all students. The Faith Awak...
Sep 25, 2020•32 min•Ep. 26
In episode 25, Fr. Thom and Meg are joined by Ryan Saddler, Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at St. Ambrose University. This week, the group revisits conversations about race both in our country and on the SAU campus. They discuss the struggles some individuals have with the phrase "Black Lives Matter," the importance of having face-to-face conversations with people whose opinions differ from our own, and the next steps individuals and the campus community need to tak...
Sep 16, 2020•37 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, guest Corinne "Cory" Johnson joins our campus ministry duo for a discussion about the importance of theatre and the arts during the COVID pandemic. Cory teaches theatre courses in acting, directing, and costume design at St. Ambrose University and worked with a young Fr. Thom during his time as an SAU student. And, surprise! This episode we find out Meg has also spent some time on stage. Listen to hear about her leading role in a popular show! "The Faith Awakens" podcast is a pr...
Sep 10, 2020•30 min•Ep. 24
In episode 23, Fr. Thom and Meg discuss their faith journeys and how their upbringing played a major role in developing their beliefs. Plus, we wander into the creative minds of Fr. Thom and Meg through the first page of their "screenplay" 𝘚𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶 - featuring characters like Meg Brady and Fr. Tim. You don't want to miss it! "The Faith Awakens" podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of "The Faith Awakens" was r...
Sep 02, 2020•29 min•Ep. 23
This week, Associate Professor of Theology Matthew Coomber joins the podcast. The group discusses back-to-school from a faculty perspective and our guest answers the age-old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Plus, listen to the end to hear Matthew share some of his favorite moments from Star Wars!
Aug 27, 2020•28 min•Ep. 22
Fr. Thom & Meg are back in the studio - with social distancing and other health precautions in place of course! This week, Dean of Students Christopher Waugh joins the podcast to discuss back to school. The group talks about SAU’s new policies and the planning that went into returning to face-to-face learning. Plus, it's been a few episodes since we've talked "Star Wars." Listen to the end to hear Christopher share some of his favorite moments from the films! "The Faith Awakens" podcast is a...
Aug 20, 2020•30 min•Ep. 21
