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 producti…

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 fou…

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 Univers…

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 ye…

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.…

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. Ambr…

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 Unive…

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 - …

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, tha…

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…

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 ov…

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 o…

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 …

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 …

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 pro…

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 N…

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 prod…

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. Tho…

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 electio…

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. Th…

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, …

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.…

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…

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 The Faith Awakens was recorded on September 30, 2020 tha…

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 t…

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…

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 e…

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 Awak…

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!…

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 w…

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" podcas…

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 Unive…

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…

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…

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 …

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 soc…

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 an…

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…

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 Awake…

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-w…

"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…

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 firs…

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, 2…

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 "T…

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 wh…

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 favorit…

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 episo…

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…

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.…

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.By St. Ambrose University Campus Ministry