In episode 20, Megan's blister is back and Fr. Thom confesses he isn't sold on Hamilton. He is only 40-minutes in though, so the jury is still out. The two also discuss back-to-school. Classes at St. Ambrose are set to start in about two weeks. Megan shares her anxieties heading back to campus amidst the ongoing pandemic. "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 July 29, 2020 ...
Jul 30, 2020•29 min•Ep. 20
In episode 19, Fr. Thom and Megan welcome St. Ambrose Associate Professor of Theology Ella Johnson to the podcast! Johnson is entering her third year of teaching at SAU. This week, she helps us analyze current social issues surrounding race and the pandemic through a theological lens. "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 July 20, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KAL...
Jul 21, 2020•41 min•Ep. 19
In episode 18, our favorite campus ministry duo is back after a two-week hiatus! Meg tells us about her socially distanced family vacation, how she’s one step closer to becoming a “future teacher of America,” and shares her unfortunate experience with an infected blister on her toe (TMI? Skip 3:30-4:30). Fr. Thom discusses the start of his doctoral program and shares details from the first Sunday Mass celebrated in Christ the King Chapel since March 1. The two then move into a lengthy conversati...
Jul 14, 2020•33 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, Fr. Thom and Meg debrief their last three episodes concerning racism in America and the current state of our country's criminal justice system. They also discuss the role of social media in social justice movements. Plus, what will teaching look like in the future? Meg, a future educator, and Fr. Thom, a former high school theology teacher, talk about the need to reevaluate our education system post-pandemic. And what are they bingeing this week? Listen now to find out! "The Fai...
Jun 23, 2020•38 min•Ep. 17
In episode 16, Fr. Thom and Meg talk to a criminologist about law enforcement and the criminal justice system. St. Ambrose Associate Professor Grant Tietjen explains the meaning behind "defund the police," why an overhaul of the criminal justice system will take time, and the steps some U.S. communities have taken to change policing. Tietjen holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He specializes in convict criminology and prison reform. You can learn m...
Jun 17, 2020•34 min•Ep. 16
In this episode, Fr. Thom and Megan welcome Leonard Jones, President of the Black Student Union at SAU, to the podcast. Leonard discusses the history and current role of the Black Student Union on campus, his first impressions of St. Ambrose, and the Black History seminar canceled this spring due to COVID. The group also talks about the role of social media in the Black Lives Matter movement and how to make sure conversations about race continue. Finally, Leonard, Fr. Thom and Megan decide which...
Jun 10, 2020•38 min•Ep. 15
In episode 14, Fr. Thom and Megan welcome Fritz Dieudonné to the podcast to discuss race. George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis Police on May 25. Since then, protests have erupted across the country. Dieudonné addresses how we got to this point and why white people need to demand change. Dieudonné is the Coordinator of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for St. Ambrose University. He and "Thommy" graduated from St. Ambrose together in 2000. "The Faith Awakens" podcast is a production of St...
Jun 03, 2020•34 min•Ep. 14
In episode 13, Fr. Thom and Megan are joined by Megan's twin sister, Hannah! The pair help Fr. Thom prepare for his upcoming trip to Disney World. The group also discusses what it's been like for Hannah and Megan to be back under one roof. The sisters attend separate colleges but have spent the past three months back together in their parents' home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The Faith Awakens" podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This epis...
May 26, 2020•28 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, Fr. Thom and Megan cast SAU faculty and staff as characters in the Star Wars universe! They also share some updates about their summer classes and discuss observations from their daily runs. "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 May 18, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA.
May 18, 2020•32 min•Ep. 12
In episode 11, Fr. Thom and Megan are joined by St. Ambrose Campus Ministry's Director of Faith Formation Tammy Norcoss-Reitzler. The spring semester has officially come to a close. Tammy joins the podcast to discuss the usual end to the spring semester and what's next for campus ministry. But first, Fr. Thom gives us his strong opinions after re-watching Star Wars episodes 1, 2, & 3. "The Faith Awakens" podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA)...
May 11, 2020•28 min•Ep. 11
"May the Fourth be with you!" It's Star Wars Day, so, of course, Fr. Thom and Megan discuss all things Star Wars! They also talk about finals week at SAU and the start of Fr. Thom's doctorate program. "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 May 04, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA.
May 04, 2020•27 min•Ep. 10
In episode 9, Lauren Bollweg, Director of Music Ministry and Liturgy for SAU Campus Ministry, joins Fr. Thom and Meg on the podcast. Lauren joined the Campus Ministry team in the summer of 2019. A recent grad of Loras College in Dubuque, Lauren reflects on her transition from college-life to her new career and how the pandemic has impacted her first year at SAU. "The Faith Awakens" podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of "The Fait...
Apr 27, 2020•26 min•Ep. 9
This week, Fr. Thom and Meg are joined by two graduating seniors. They discuss the abrupt ending to their final semester, what's next, and how they're coping with the pandemic. "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 April 20, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA.
Apr 20, 2020•28 min•Ep. 8
On this week's episode, Fr. Thom and Meg talk about their aberrant Easter celebrations, how the Catholic Church has adjusted its ministry during COVID-19 and what those adjustments might mean for the Church going forward. "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 April 13, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA.
Apr 13, 2020•27 min•Ep. 7
In episode 6, Fr. Thom and Meg check-in amid social distancing - what they've each been up to, what's going on with Campus Ministry, additional responsibilities assigned to Fr. Thom, and wedding celebrations in the midst of this pandemic. The two also discuss the late Fr. Edward Catich, who taught at and graduated from St. Ambrose University and whose artwork can be found across the university's campus. Catich was a world-renowned calligrapher, stone incisor, and artist. This podcast is a produc...
Apr 06, 2020•28 min•Ep. 6
This week, Fr. Thom and Meg welcome a special guest, and former classmate of Fr. Thom's, John Bowser. John holds a PhD in population health. He sheds some light on the current pandemic - how serious this is, why it's so important to listen to health experts, and the importance of empathy during this time. John and Fr. Thom also discuss some favorite memories from their time at SAU, and John details where listeners can find pictures of Fr. Thom in costume from past theater productions. You don't ...
Mar 30, 2020•27 min•Ep. 5
In episode 4, Fr. Thom and Meg are coming to terms with classes remaining online for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester, how to avoid spiritual laziness during this difficult time, and how to maintain good mental health amid social isolation. This podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of "The Faith Awakens" was recorded on March 23, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA....
Mar 23, 2020•32 min•Ep. 4
In episode 3, Fr. Thom and Meg host their show remotely amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. The two discuss their spring breaks, how they've been coping with the pandemic, and they're favorite go-to books, shows and movies! This podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of "The Faith Awakens" was recorded on March 19, 2020 thanks to the technology at 88.5 - KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA - USA.
Mar 19, 2020•29 min•Ep. 3
In episode 2, Fr. Thom and Meg discuss the Antioch Retreat, beginning of the Lenten season, and their struggles with prayer. This podcast is a production of St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry (Davenport, Iowa, USA). This episode of "The Faith Awakens" was recorded on March 2, 2020 at the studios of KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University.
Mar 02, 2020•26 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to "The Faith Awakens." This is the premiere podcast from St. Ambrose University (Davenport, Iowa, USA) Campus Ministry. This episode of "The Faith Awakens" was recorded on February 24, 2020 at the studios of KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University.
Feb 24, 2020•23 min•Ep. 1
