Always A Raven Podcast

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Todd Nugent ’92 to reflect on the relationships, resilience, and moments that defined his time at Benedictine College and continue to shape his life today. Todd shares how arriving at Benedictine to play football nearly turned into a short stay, until he chose to give it one more year and never looked back.

He opens up about the lifelong friendships formed on the f...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes DeMaria Walters, a 2018 graduate from Oklahoma City, to share his inspiring journey from student-athlete to nonprofit founder and youth mentor.

DeMaria opens up about his college experience at Benedictine College, transferring sight unseen, navigating football, academics, and building lifelong friendships. He reflects on how mentors like Coach Papa George and Charlie Gar...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Carol Shomin ’71 to reflect on a lifetime of connection, leadership, and service to Benedictine College. Carol shares how the community and hospitality she first encountered as a student became the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the Mount and the mission it represents.

She opens up about the friendships, simplicity, and spirit that defined her student year...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Durell Anthony, Benedictine College Class of 2008 and acclaimed musician, to explore his inspiring journey from small-town Atchison to the national stage of The Voice.

Durell shares how his time at Benedictine College shaped his confidence, work ethic, and creative spirit that helped him transform physically, personally, and artistically. From late-night jam sessio...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Eduardo Godinez ’12 to explore the winding, cross-cultural path that shaped his faith, identity, and vocation. Eduardo shares how moving from Mexico to the U.S. as a teenager launched a search for belonging that carried him through loneliness, culture shock, and a deep hunger for meaning.

He opens up about drifting from the Church, chasing a version of life that le...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Shelly Buhler ’87, the first female president of Hayden High School in Topeka, Kansas, and a lifelong Raven whose journey exemplifies service, leadership, and perseverance.

Shelly’s path to education leadership was anything but direct. From serving two terms as mayor of her small town to three terms as Shawnee County Commissioner, she has dedicated her career...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Mark Brandenburg, Benedictine College Class of 1996, to explore an extraordinary career built on faith, grit, and public service. From his days protecting the football field at Benedictine to protecting presidents on Air Force One, Mark shares how the lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and humility from football shaped his path as a police officer and ultimately as...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Deacon Dave DiNuzzo ’04 to explore the remarkable, full-circle path that shaped his faith and vocation. Dave shares how a deep but often misdirected desire for God carried him from youthful pride and spiritual self-reliance into a hard-won humility formed through grace.

He opens up about the years he stepped away from the Church, the intellectual and spiritual wres...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Denise Pratt ’94, a devoted alumna whose journey from Benedictine College to a 25-year career at Boys Town demonstrates the power of faith, community, and purpose.

Denise shares how her path—from discovering Benedictine through a Presidential Scholarship to embracing the lessons of her small, tight-knit college community—prepared her for a life dedicated to s...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Faith Harding, a 2020 graduate and former Benedictine College softball player whose senior year was unexpectedly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Faith’s journey at Benedictine began with softball but quickly grew into a deep appreciation for community, friendships, and mentorship. She reflects on the enduring bonds with teammates, professors, and the camp...

On this episode of Always a Raven, Janelle Menz sits down with Colton and Alicia Martin, two Benedictine College alumni whose love of music—and of each other—carried them from the brick streets of Atchison to the concert halls of New Jersey. Colton (BC ’15) and Alicia (BC ’09) share the story of their unexpected connection, navigating graduate school together in a shared U-Haul, and discovering how the Benedictine values of hospita...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Brian Roder, Benedictine College Class of 1993, to explore a life shaped by faith, community, and the enduring Raven spirit. From stepping onto the Benedictine campus as a freshman to unforgettable experiences on the baseball field and a transformative trip to the Dominican Republic, Brian shares how purpose, humility, and heart have guided his journe...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Patrick Hodapp, Benedictine College’s longtime Director of Sports Medicine. Patrick never imagined Benedictine College would be the place where he’d build his career, but over the past 23 years, he’s discovered it’s the perfect fit.

From his early days as the second full-time athletic trainer on a small campus team to leading a growing department suppor...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Bob Slater ’54, a lifelong journalist, devoted family man, and proud Raven whose journey from the halls of Benedictine College to covering national events reveals the power of faith, integrity, and community.

Bob came to Benedictine with a scholarship in the journalism department, running the College newspaper almost single-handedly. Through rigorous work, fo...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Ryan Lobb, class of 2020, for a powerful conversation about the impact of community and resilience. Ryan shares his journey to sobriety, which began during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reflects on the transformative support he received from the Benedictine community — from faculty mentors to fellow students and co-workers.

He also discusses his path ...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with lifelong Raven Sheila Gartenmayer, whose Benedictine roots run generations deep. From childhood memories cheering in the old Raven gym to decades spent serving students as an advisor and educator, Sheila’s story is a testament to love, loyalty, and legacy.

She shares how her family helped bring Benedictine spirit to life — including her mother’s role in reviving ...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz heads to the Louisiana Bayou to reconnect with 1997 Benedictine College graduate Rusty Welch — a football-loving, gator-hunting southern gentleman whose journey from Louisiana to Kansas began with one unexpected phone call from Coach Larry Wilcox. Rusty shares how that call led to a life-changing experience at Benedictine, where he discovered faith, family, and a sense of purpose...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Natalie Stifter ’16, a dedicated full-time nurse and proud Benedictine alum whose journey is defined by courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. Natalie shares how her family, Benedictine roots, and personal tenacity shaped her path in nursing — from navigating early career challenges to uplifting colleagues and patients alike. She opens up about standing ...