Be Well, Bulldogs! — Episode 1

Mental Health, Wellness & Counseling: What College Students Should Know

College can be exciting and overwhelming, thrilling and exhausting—and sometimes all of those things at once.

Welcome to Be Well, Bulldogs!, a new Gardner-Webb University podcast dedicated to supporting student mental health and wellness through honest conversations, practical information, campus resources, and encouragement.

In the debut episode, host Megan Peek, University Counselor, is joined by Kim Retherford, Director of Counseling Services, and Bogdan Podgaisky, University Counselor, to start with the fundamentals: What do we really mean when we talk about mental health and wellness? And what does counseling actually look like?

Together, they explore mental health across the college experience, risk and protective factors that can influence well-being, common mental health concerns, and the role counseling can play in helping students navigate challenges and grow. And perhaps most importantly: You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from counseling. Counseling can support students facing academic pressure, relationships, major life transitions, everyday stress, or simply a desire to better understand themselves and develop healthy coping skills.

Whether you're adjusting to college, navigating a difficult season, looking for practical tools, or simply curious about mental health and wellness, Be Well, Bulldogs! is a space to feel informed, encouraged, supported, and connected.

Be well, Bulldogs!

#BeWellBulldogs #GardnerWebb #MentalHealth #StudentMentalHealth #CollegeMentalHealth

#MentalHealthMatters #StudentWellness #CollegeWellness #Counseling #CollegeCounseling #MentalWellness #StudentSupport #CollegeLife #StressManagement #SelfCare #WellBeing #MentalHealthAwareness #BulldogNation #GardnerWebbUniversity

The Bulldog Mindset – Season 3, Episode 1

New Faces, New Ideas: Meet Three New Gardner-Webb Faculty

A new season. A new host. And three new faculty members ready to make their mark at Gardner-Webb University.

The Bulldog Mindset returns for Season 3 with Dr. Robert Prickett, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, stepping behind the microphone as the show's new host. For his first conversation, Robert welcomes three new members of the Gardner-Webb faculty: Wayne Durr, Assistant Professor of Finance; Dr. Christina Johnson, Assistant Professor of Biology; and Dr. Tyler Thomas, Assistant Professor of Computer Science.

Their disciplines couldn't be more different, and neither could the paths that brought them to Boiling Springs.

Durr brings a career spanning military service, the corporate world, and higher education—and a passion for financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Johnson brings extensive experience in plant biology, microbiology, and research connected to NASA, along with a commitment to active, collaborative learning. Thomas specializes in cybersecurity, software engineering, and computer science and wants students to understand technology by getting their hands on it, breaking things safely, and learning how to build them better.

Along the way, the three professors share the unexpected "plot twists" that helped shape their careers, what students can expect inside their classrooms, and what excites them most about beginning this new chapter at Gardner-Webb.

There's also coffee, a decades-old Army Code of Conduct card, NASA keys, a mysterious spinning top, and at least one rock that apparently must remain in a professor's pocket.

It's an energetic, funny, and surprisingly personal introduction to three educators—and the perfect way to launch a new chapter of The Bulldog Mindset.

🎧 Subscribe to The Bulldog Mindset and discover more stories from the faculty, students, and staff who make Gardner-Webb University what it is.

🎵 Music featured in The Bulldog Mindset: “Beatnik Brew” by Rueger and “Quarantini Time” by Kelley Williams

#CollegeProfessor #Finance #FinancialLiteracy #Biology #Microbiology #Cybersecurity #ComputerScience #STEMEducation #Teaching #CollegeLife #FacultySpotlight #HigherEd #ChristianHigherEducation #BoilingSpringsNC #BulldogNation #BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #GardnerWebbUniversity #NewFaculty #HigherEducation

For nearly five decades, U2 has wrestled with some of life’s biggest questions: faith and doubt, justice and grace, love and loss, brokenness and hope.

In the premiere of Hearing Hope, host Noel T. Manning II welcomes theologian and author Dr. Steve Harmon to explore the spiritual imagination running through U2’s music. Steve and Noel share first encounters with the band, why albums such as War, The Unforgettable Fire and The Joshua Tree left a lasting impression, and how songs including “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” express a faith that continues to seek, question and hope.

The conversation also considers why U2 has connected with listeners both inside and outside the Christian faith—and what it means to hear the band’s music as an invitation to imagine the world not simply as it is, but as it could be.

Hearing Hope is a limited podcast series hosted by Noel T. Manning II and created as a companion to Steve’s book, U2’s Theological Imagination: A Guide for Pilgrims on the Way. Listeners can also explore the music discussed throughout the series through the companion playlist on Spotify.

Theme music: “Hopeful Dawn,” composed and performed by Steve Harmon.

#HearingHope #U2 #U2Podcast #U2Fans #SteveHarmon #NoelTManningII #TheologicalImagination #FaithAndMusic #FaithAndCulture #ChristianTheology #RockAndRoll #SundayBloodySunday #IStillHaventFoundWhatImLookingFor #TheJoshuaTree #GardnerWebbUniversity

Parrott’s Perch returns for Season 2 with a conversation about faith, identity, athletics, and discovering purpose beyond the uniform.

Host Dr. Josh Parrott welcomes Jaquan Lynch, Gardner-Webb University’s Associate Minister to the University for Athletic Ministries, to talk about his calling to serve student-athletes and the experiences that shaped his approach to ministry.

Lynch shares how his background in psychology and mental health counseling informs the way he approaches discipleship and spiritual care, the importance of creating spaces where students feel safe asking difficult questions, and some of the identity challenges facing college athletes today.

The dialogue also explores what competition can teach us about faith, why service matters in spiritual formation, and what Lynch hopes to bring to Gardner-Webb as he begins walking alongside Runnin’ Bulldog student-athletes.

Noel T. Manning II serves as producer—and occasionally jumps into the conversation from the sidekick chair.

About Parrott’s Perch

Recorded in the historic Elliott House on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, Parrott’s Perch creates space for conversations about faith, calling, leadership, and the unique ways God shapes our lives for impact.

Looking for more Gardner-Webb podcasts? Visit gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

To learn more about Christian Life and Service at Gardner-Webb, visit gardner-webb.edu and search “Christian Life and Service.”

#ParrottsPerch #JaquanLynch #GardnerWebb #GardnerWebbUniversity #FaithAndSports #AthleticMinistry #StudentAthletes #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndIdentity #SpiritualFormation #CollegeAthletics #CampusMinistry #ChristianHigherEducation #RunninBulldogs #BulldogNation #Season2Premiere

What does it mean to advance a university? For Jeff Cogburn, it starts with people.

On this episode of WebbChat, host Noel T. Manning II sits down with Jeff Cogburn, Gardner-Webb University’s Vice President for Advancement, for a conversation about relationships, leadership, philanthropy, and creating opportunities for students.

Jeff shares the journey that brought him to Gardner-Webb, the experiences that have shaped his approach to higher education and why listening and relationship-building are at the heart of successful advancement work.

The conversation also explores the impact alumni, donors, families, corporations, foundations, and friends can have on a university community—from supporting scholarships and student experiences to investing in opportunities that can shape Gardner-Webb for generations to come.

Along the way, we get to know the person behind the title as Jeff reflects on leadership, the importance of connecting people with purpose, and what excites him about Gardner-Webb’s future.

About WebbChat

WebbChat introduces you to the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping Gardner-Webb University—one conversation at a time. Join host Noel T. Manning II as he sits down with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University to share the stories behind the work that’s making a difference.

Theme Music: “Reap What You Sow” by Carter McDevitt

#WebbChat #JeffCogburn #GardnerWebb #GardnerWebbUniversity #HigherEducation #UniversityAdvancement #AlumniEngagement #Philanthropy #GivingBack #Leadership #StudentSuccess #HigherEdLeadership #BulldogNation #OneWebb

Dawg Tracks is back for Season 3!

Host Noel T. Manning II kicks off the new season with Gardner-Webb alumna Lenea Brewton Walker, Head Cheer Coach and Director of Fan Experience for Runnin’ Bulldog Athletics.

For Walker, Gardner-Webb is much more than a workplace—it’s part of her family story. Both of her parents attended GWU, her father became a three-time All-American football player and Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Famer, and Lenea continued the tradition as a Gardner-Webb student and member of the cheer squad.

Now, she’s helping shape the next generation of Bulldog spirit.

In this episode, Lenea shares her Gardner-Webb journey, takes us behind the scenes of collegiate cheer, and explains why cheerleaders play such an important role in creating energy for student-athletes and fans. We’ll also explore her role as Director of Fan Experience and what goes into creating the promotions, traditions, atmosphere, and memorable moments that make game day special.

Whether you’re an alum, student, longtime fan, or new to Bulldog Nation, this Season 3 premiere is all about the people and passion that bring Gardner-Webb Athletics to life.

Follow the Runnin’ Bulldogs at gwusports.com.

Dawg Tracks Theme Music: “How Ya Feeling Out There” by Ikoliks

#DawgTracks #LeneaBrewtonWalker #GardnerWebb #GWUAthletics #RunninBulldogs #BulldogNation #GardnerWebbCheer #CollegeCheer #FanExperience #CollegeAthletics #GameDayExperience #BulldogSpirit #GoDawgs #Season3Premiere

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Gardner-Webb University student Walter Medina reflects on the experiences that continue to shape his life, faith, and future. Through an unexpected love of swing dancing, meaningful mentorship, and a growing passion for ministry, Walter shares how communication, community, and servant leadership all begin with learning to listen.

From discovering a sense of belonging at Gardner-Webb to launching A Luminous City, an online ministry focused on sharing hope beyond Sunday mornings, Walter offers an inspiring perspective on finding purpose one step at a time.

This story is a reminder that leadership isn't always about being out front—sometimes it's about walking alongside others with faith, humility, and grace.

Beyond the Pages is the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine, bringing the magazine's stories to life through authentic conversations with the alumni, students, faculty and friends who have lived them.

Some stories are too big for the page. Welcome to Beyond the Pages, the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine. Because the best stories are best told by the people who lived them.

Music on this episode provided by Swingin’ Mac Daddy & Swing String Fling by David Davidson.

Reporting on this episode is Jeff Powell.

#BeyondThePages

#GardnerWebb

#GardnerWebbMagazine

#WalterMedina

#LearningTheSteps

#ChristianLeadership

#FaithAndLearning

#StudentLeadership

#CampusMinistry

#ServantLeadership

#Communication

#HigherEducation

#CollegeLife

#BulldogPride

#Purpose

Long before she became a two-time recipient of Gardner-Webb University's Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Paula Qualls was simply a young woman trying to understand God's calling for her life.

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Qualls reflects on the quiet moments that shaped an extraordinary career—an encouraging word from a friend, a growing love for Scripture, the unexpected path into teaching, and the joy of helping students discover the gifts God has placed within them.

More than a story about teaching, this is a conversation about faith, mentorship, purpose, and the lasting impact one person can have on another.

Beyond the Pages is the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine, bringing the magazine's stories to life through authentic dialogue with the alumni, students, faculty and friends who have lived them.

Thanks to Katie Hartley for supplying the voiceover for this story.

Some stories are too big for the page. Welcome to Beyond the Pages, the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine. Because the best stories are best told by the people who lived them.

#BeyondThePages

#GardnerWebb

#GardnerWebbMagazine

#DrPaulaQualls

#TeachingExcellence

#ChristianHigherEducation

#FaithAndLearning

#Mentorship

#Purpose

#Calling

#BiblicalStudies

#SpiritualFormation

#HigherEducation

#FacultySpotlight

#BulldogPride