MU Talks

Wrapping up the first MU Talks season, Rob and Alin reflect on more than nine months worth of episodes and great topics. Started off as a space to wrestle with all things academia and all too quickly became an archive and a journal of Coronavirus Covid-19's impact on Higher Ed and ultimately every aspect of our lives. We hope you enjoy this last episode of reflection and self-reflection.

Today, more than ever, we need to consider and perhaps reconsider the role of the Academy in a polarized, politicized, polemicized, and pandamicezed world. Rob and Alin talk about some ways in which Higher Education should be a solution for the unhealthy polarization of our society and also the way in which we may contribute to it. As you already know, these are raw, transparent, and hopefully insightful discussions. Enjoy and share if you got any value out of this.

We are back to school, residentially, during a time when a lot of Universities are forced to go remote or online. Alin and Rob talk about the summer and about the moments leading up to coming back to campus residentially. Vulnerable and transparent conversation between an administrator and a faculty in higher ed. If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to our podcast and checking us out on social media under facebook.com/multnomahplus

"Space at the Table" book written by Dr. Brad Harper and his son, Drew is a profoundly moving memoir, written with compassion, grit, and humor. It is also a guide, showing us a way through the roadblocks that threaten to devastate families and the broader religious and LBGTQ communities. A short while ago we invited Dr. Harper to our MU Talks and we discussed his book and the challenge of loving our neighbor well. This is a very relevant conversation in today's landscape and it challenges us to think deeply about who is at our table and how do we intentionally create more space at the table.

Collective trauma, or traumatic experiences like the COVID-19 pandemic that impact entire societies or groups of people, can bring confusion and upheaval. Yet, there is hope amidst the chaos. In this episode, we explore the topic of collective trauma, the effects that collective trauma may bring, situations that cause it, and how we can support ourselves and others as they navigate times of collective trauma. Our guest is Danielle Render Turmaud, a scholar and professional counselor.

Pre-covid conversation between Rob Hildebrand and Alin Vrancila on why Millenials and Gen Z's leave the church and what we should do about it. This is even more relevant today when churches are on zoom and social media and you can see the microphones muted or the camera's turned off. You can also see who is missing from the services altogether. Listen, reply and let us know what you think.

Raw, transparent, and open discussion on what it means to be a student during a pandemic with a few Multnomah University students. Listen and share with others if you think it would help them process what they are experiencing as students during this time. Also, please consider subscribing to our podcast.

Does God look more like us, or do we look more like Him? To what extent are we pulling God into our own agendas rather than allowing Him to transform the way we think about the world? Are we limiting our imagination by limiting God and the possibilities a life with Him might provide? These and other important questions are addressed in this episode with our special guest, Dr. James Spencer, author and COO of Moody Center. Answers to these questions have an increased significance in a time where it feels like we have more questions than asnwers.

MU Talks presents this Special Easter Edition with Dr. Karl Kutz. In this special episode, we are looking into a unique perspective on Passover. Exodus 12:23 indicates that the LORD did not by-pass the houses during the first Passover, but rather stepped in front of ("passed over") the doorway so that the destroying angel could not enter. Hear Dr. Kutz present a compelling argument for this point and how this impacts our pandemic infused world today. Here's to a unique and blessed Easter celebration.

On this MU Talks podcast episode, we talk about Christian missions in the age of COVID-19 with Dr. Greg W Burch. A candid and open conversation on Christians missions and on protecting the most vulnerable during the "stay-at-home" order. Let us know what you think, find us on social media under multnomahplus and on multnomahplus.com

Special edition of MU Talks, from quarantine. Rob is as far away as you can possibly get on the West Coast, at the Pacific Ocean while Alin is as far away as you can get from the city of Portland. In this episode, they deal with how to cope with the quarantine and the changing world. Let us know your coping methods and how are you dealing with it.

Special edition of MU Talks with Dr. Craig Williford on MU's response to Coronavirus Covid-19. Leading well through a pandemic is challenging on many levels. Here's an open discussion with the President of Multnomah University on what we've done so far.

Alin and Rob have a raw and open discussion about the Covid-19 pandemic, challenging everyone to be rational, be kind and be prudent. This discussion also covers online and distance education, tips, tricks and everything else you need to know.

In this episode, Dr. Rebeka Josberger discusses the importance and beauty of the Old Testament and unpacks for us the role and intricacies of the Torah. Dr. Josberger is an established academician in the area of Old Testament and Hebrew studies. Find out more about her personal academic journey and learn more about the God of the Old Testament in this new episode of MU Talks.

Dr. Scalberg is a History professor at Multnomah University and a great scholar in church history. He joins Alin and Rob on a lively discussion about important and relevant things that happened in the church history that we should learn from in today's ministry settings. Join this conversation and let us know what you think about it.

Dr. Craig Williford, President of Multnomah University joins Alin and Rob in a discussion about leadership. As a senior executive leader for many years, Dr. Williford reflects on things he wishes he would have known when he started his leadership roles. Join this great conversation and let us know what you think.

In this special episode, Alin and Rob discuss grief and loss with Dr. Jessica Taylor, V.P. of Diversity and Inclusive Development at Multnomah University and Becca Jones, Director of Student Counseling and Wellness Center. We all experience loss at one point or another, how do you deal with it? How do you know you are dealing with grief in a healthy way? That and much more in this special episode.

Alin and Rob talk about fear sharing some of the worst and best moments of their life. Something that stands out is that through all these (very) challenging situations, God had something to say and something to offer. Hear these stories, get encouraged, stay strong and move forward.

First MU Talks episode, Alin and Rob share a bit about themselves, their lives and also the vision for the podcast.