Shows / Listening for Purpose
Listening for Purpose
A podcast where we hear stories from those who are sojourning alongside us while we discern our purpose and write our collective story. Hosted by The Institute for Leadership and Service at Valparaiso University
Episodes
Listening for PurposeS4E3 - All Saints Day with Cam
In the third episode of season four of the Listening for Purpose podcast, hear from members of the campus community about how we memorialize those who have…
Listening for PurposeS4E2 - Homecoming with Cam
In the second episode of season four of Listening for Purpose, hear from current students, alumni, and other members of the Valparaiso University community…
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S4E1 - Sacred Questioning with Cam and Lynne
In the first episode of the newest season of Listening for Purpose, hear a Morning Prayer reflection from Reverend Brian Konkol, president of Valparaiso…
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S3E8 - Importance of Action with Hope Johnson
In the eighth and final episode of Season 3, we spoke with Hope Johnson, senior Theology and Spanish major at Valparaiso University. Hope discussed Professor…
Listening for PurposeS3E7 - Multifaceted Mentorship with Pastor Kate
In the seventh episode of Season 3, we spoke with Reverend Kate Museus, University Pastor. She shared about Pastor Morgan Gordy, who mentored her during her…
Listening for PurposeS3 E6: 2026 Spring Break Service Trips
In this special episode, we talk to students going on the Northwest Indiana and Chicago Spring Break Service Trip about the trip and what they’re looking…
Listening for PurposeS3 E5: Connection in Childhood with Ryan Cole
In the fifth episode of Season 3, we spoke with Ryan Cole, Mark and Kathleen Helge Director of Student Philanthropy. He discussed how his daughter has taught…
Listening for PurposeS3 E4: People and Purpose with Erin Brown
In the fourth episode of Season 3, we spoke with Erin Brown, VU alumni and deaconess with the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA). She enlightened us about how…
Listening for PurposeS3E3: Who Lights Your Path?
In a very special episode, we spoke with nearly 30 students, staff, faculty, and friends of Valparaiso University to answer one question: who or what lights…
Listening for PurposeS3E2: Neverending Discernment with Stacy Hoult
In the second episode of Season 3, we talked to Stacy Hoult, chair of the World Languages and Cultures department, about her life-long discernment process. An…
Listening for PurposeS3 E1: Purpose in Family with Ethan Palmisano
In our first episode of Season 3, Ethan Palmisano, a sophomore Meteorology major, discusses the role his grandfather played in shaping the importance of family…
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S2 E10: Savoring each Step in "Bird by Bird" with Simeon Klepac
For the final episode of Season 2, Simeon Klepac takes a turn behind the microphone and discusses his personal journey discerning his purpose as a Park Raner…
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S2 E9: Relationships as Vocation in “Gilead” with Dr. Agnes Howard
On this episode, Dr. Agnes Howard joins us to discuss the book “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson. Howard shares the way that the book informed her understanding…
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S2 E8: Confidence and Community in Overwatch with Aubrey Kranz
On this episode, Aubrey Kranz shares her experiences with the hit video game Overwatch and her journey within Valpo’s Esports community. We discuss the ways…
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S2 E7: Hope and Humility in Poetry with Molly O’Rear
How can we find strength when everything seems turned against us? Is there a way to be hopeful without shallow optimism? On today’s episode, Molly O’Rear…
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S2 E6: The Power of Music and Mentors with Dr. Richard Severe
Dr. Severe has many passions here at Valpo, from student mentorship to horror fiction, but in this episode he discusses his lifelong passion for music. Dr…
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S2 E5: "Pastrix" and Unexpected Callings with Cam Haggett
To close out the first half of season 2, Simeon sits down with Cam Haggett to unpack the book "Pastrix" by Lutheran Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber. Cam shares about…
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S2 E4: Legacy and Service Leadership with Mya Amelse
How do we respond to the legacies our families leave us? Can students actually make a difference? In this week's episode of Listening for Purpose, Mya Amelse…
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S2 E3: Excellence and Service in Cyrano De Bergerac and Jane Addams with Dr. Martin Buinicki
What is the cost of being excellent? Does education empower or hinder our ability to serve those who suffer? Valpo's own Dr. Martin Buinicki joins host Simeon…
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S2 E2: Beauty from Change through Music with Raehlyn Bryce
On this week's episode, Raehlyn Bryce discusses three compelling songs that have shaped the way she thinks about change and growth in her life: "Vienna" by…
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S2 E1: Curiosity and Positive Masculinity in Ted Lasso with Aidan Obermueller
On the first episode of our new season, we chat with Aidan Obermueller about the hit TV series Ted Lasso, and discuss the ways that curiosity and positive…
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S1 E11 The Responsibility of Representation - Fox Wilmot
Faith, Representation, Community, Organic-ness, and Genuine-ness . These are the themes that arose during my conversation today with Fox Wilmot. Fox’s campus…
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S1 E 10 Living My Authentic Life and Encouraging Others to Do the Same - Dr. Carrie Whittier
Today I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Dr. Carolyn Whittier, the assistant vice president for student life. Over the last 12 years, Carrie’s vision…
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S1 E9 Youth Service Week and APO - Essence Roberson
Today we talked with Essence Roberson about youth service week, the upcoming series of events hosted by Alpha Psi Omega, the mens and womens service…
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S1 E8 Find Your Welcome - Hailey Morse
Today we talked with Hailey Morse who is a freshman Meteorology major in the sustainability scholars program. This program is one branch of the Uplift Valpo…
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S1 E7 Four Years, Infinite Possibilities: The Journey of Understanding Who You Really Are - Adam Monnette
Today I talked to Adam Monnette who is the first person who comes to mind when I think about a campus leader. He is the president of the University Programming…
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S1 E6 Get Involved! - Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin is a first year Christ College student at Valpo who is exploring what it means to pursue calling and purpose in a collegiate space. We talked…
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S1 E5 Gratitude and Obligation - Abbie Valicevic
Today we are joined by Abbie Valicevic who is the president of Omicron Delta Kappa (the leadership honor society at Valpo), former president of Valpo's chapter…
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S1 E4 Called to be Happy - Sophia Ullery
Today, we talked with Sophia Ullery who is the president of AAPIC (the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition) and the Vice President of the Pre-law society…
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S1 E3 Pain, Pride, and Progress - The Black Student Organization at Valpo
For today’s episode, I was joined by Chris Gatlin, Essence Roberson, Tekeidra Masters, and Elijah Morris: some of the members of the 2023 executive board for…
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S1 E2 Introductions Pt. 2: Dr. Anna Stewart and Kat Peters
This is the second part of our first episode introducing the director and assistant director for the Institute for leadership and Service: Dr. Anna Stewart and…
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S1 E1 Introductions Pt. 1: Dr. Anna Stewart and Kat Peters
This is the first episode of a podcast where we hope to reflect with members of the Valparaiso University community on who they are and how they show up in the…