On Life Podcast

Online students work hard—but are they measuring success the same way their professors do? Understanding how faculty define success can change how students learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Today, we’re talking about success from a business professor’s perspective and how online students can align their mindset for long‑term impact. Joining us is Dr. Ashley Tharpe, School of Business Online Chair. 

What do employers really want when they look at your résumé? They are looking for more than just a degree—they want graduates who are prepared, adaptable, and mission‑minded. Today, we’re talking about how online students can intentionally prepare for their future careers, understand what employers value most, and confidently utilize Liberty's Career Center resources. Joining us today is Lloyd Pemberton from the Career Center, who will share insight into what employers really want and how students can position themselves for success.  

Jamie and Donna Winship left the American dream behind to spend 25 years raising their family in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, a journey that would forever change their lives and their calling.Jamie brings a distinguished career in law enforcement in the metro Washington, D.C. area, along with an M.A. in English, to his work. He developed a battle-tested process for resolving inner conflict, one that leads to authentic, fear-free leadership and innovation. Donna holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and seminary training, and spent years as a teacher and elementary school principal before stepping fully into ministry alongside Jamie.Together, their unconventional work in societal and racial reconciliation took them to Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, and Israel, and eventually back to the U.S. Living in a predominantly Muslim country, they discovered the principles of the Kingdom of God asdemonstrated by Jesus, and learned to live fearlessly in their true identity, a peace that holds even in an atmosphere of war, terrorism, and death.Jamie and Donna are co-founders of Identity Exchange, LLC, a training and coaching organization that helps individuals and teams find wholeness, resilience, and fearless leadership through the framework of true identity. Together, they've worked with leaders in professional sports, business, education, law enforcement, government, non-profit, and other sectors.Jamie is the author of Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God (over 250,000 copies sold, 6,000+ reviews), its companion Living Fearless Guided Journal, and his latest release, The War of Worldviews: Choosing Connection in a Culture of Separation.Donna is the author of Becoming What You Believe, the core teaching curriculum behind the Becoming What You Believe Experience, Identity Exchange's flagship course on personal transformation. She also authored the entire training curriculum for Catalyst, Identity Exchange's 3-day live training that equips graduates of the Experience to leadothers through the same transformation process, and is co-author of the Knowing Rediscovered course.

Many online students love Liberty University but still feel disconnected from campus life—especially when it comes to athletics. Today, we’re talking about the common barriers online students face in engaging with LU sports and how those challenges can be overcome. Joining us today are Ian McCaw and Dustin DuBose to help us explore why connection matters, what keeps online students on the sidelines, and how we can all fan the flames from wherever we are

Brian and Robin wrap-up season 8 of the podcast by looking back at Spring 2026 and looking forward to what is coming next.

Montez Johnson, Associate Director of Commuter Resources, joins the OnLife Podcast to share his journey from online student to Liberty University staff member. He reflects on overcoming challenges, staying connected to campus life, and the professors who supported him along the way. Montez highlights a pivotal education course that reshaped his calling and ultimately led him to pursue a career at LU. He closes by encouraging online students to stay engaged, trust the process, and allow God to direct their steps.

Together, we’ll explore what these spiritual attributes are, why Paul used the metaphor of “fruit,” and how we can actively cultivate them in our daily lives. Whether you’re navigating school, work, or family responsibilities, this episode offers encouragement and practical wisdom for growing in love, joy, peace, patience, and more—even in the busiest seasons of life. 

In this episode, we explore the constantly changing dynamics of AI and how it fits in academics. Dr. Scott Hicks shares insights on how AI is being used in higher education, specifically here at Liberty University. We’ll consider the ethics behind AI and how students can responsibly use this technology. This conversation will equip online students with clarity and understanding of AI and how it can be a useful tool in their education. 

In this episode, we’ll hear from Dr. Gabriel Etzel as he shares personal experiences and biblical insights on what it means to wait on the Lord. We’ll explore stories from Scripture, offer encouragement to those currently in a season of waiting, and discuss the importance of trusting God—even when His work isn’t immediately visible. 

The On Life Podcast records their first ever podcast in front of a live audience, on location in Orlando, Florida! LU student and professional coach Dean Miles talks with Robin and Brian about resiliency and how we can succeed as online students.

It can be difficult to balance work, life, and school while in college. Today we are going to discuss practical ways for online students to balance everything on their plates. Joining us today is Steve Foster, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Liberty University, to talk to us about how to improve our work/life balance, and why balance is important.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of fostering meaningful spiritual development in remote environments, the creative strategies educators are using to build community, and the evolving role of Liberty University in shaping spiritually grounded online learners. This conversation offers thoughtful perspectives and practical ideas for deepening spiritual growth while attending school online.  

Have you ever wondered what the process of founding Liberty University looked like? How much work, love, and heart that goes into creating a Christian college? Joining us today is Pastor Jonathan Falwell, Chancellor of Liberty University, to share with us the story behind Liberty.

The On Life Podcast crew talks about their favorite moments from Season 7 and teases some new things coming in 2026.

We’re excited to feature Jules Peterson, an alumna of Liberty University Online and now Associate Director of Development for Commuter Life. Jules takes us behind the scenes of her Liberty journey, from starting college during the pandemic to finding her calling in Student Life. 

In this special Veterans Day episode of the On Life Podcast, we welcome Greg Dowell, U.S. Air Force veteran and Senior Vice President of LU ONE. Greg shares his journey of military service, faith, and leadership, offering a thoughtful reflection on the meaning of Veterans Day.

On today’s episode we welcome Dr. Stacie Rhodes, Director of Training and Development here at Liberty University, who is going to discuss with us what it means to be a servant leader, and how we can be leaders in our everyday lives. 

Today we have Pastor Tim Griffin visiting with us to talk to us about the Online Shepherds program, and how it can benefit our online students.  

In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Tilley, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement, to talk about how Liberty’s online students can build meaningful connections with alumni through Champion Connect. Greg shares his heart for serving alumni and explains how this platform helps foster mentorship, networking, and spiritual encouragement across the Liberty community. Whether you're just starting your academic journey or preparing for graduation, Champion Connect is a valuable tool for staying engaged and supported. 

In this episode of the On Life Podcast, we’re joined by Josh Rutledge, Vice President of Spiritual Development at Liberty University. With years of experience guiding students in their spiritual journey, Josh brings a timely and encouraging perspective on the importance of Christ-centered community. 

Dr. David Wheeler returns to the podcast to talk about the importance of Biblical literacy.

Welcome students to Fall B-Term!! 🔥🦅🎒 As we kick off the semester, hear from our Liberty University President, Dr. Dondi Costin, as he shares some of his own experiences with doubt, perseverance, and never giving up.  You’ve got this! 💪 📚 🏆 

Jaiden Lane inspired us this week through her story! You wont want to miss this episode!

Sheldon Farrington comes back to the On Life Podcast to share some wisdom on the topic of healthy confrontation this week. This was a great conversation with some very practical tips to help us handle confrontation in a Christlike way.

Lloyd Pemberton from the Liberty University Career Center talks to Brian and Robin about some practical ways you can set yourself up for success in your next job hunt.

Associate Dean for the School of Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Jeffrey Boatner, joins the On Life Podcast to share some helpful tips and resources for strengthening your marriage.

Brian and Robin spend some time talking to current online student and missionary, Stefan Nichols from his home in Thailand about his story.

School of Business Professor, Dr. David Duby, joins the show to talk about teamwork and how we can be servant leaders no matter what our context is.

Brian shares his testimony and talks about the importance of a God-centered identity.

Pattie returns to the show as a guest to tell us about some really helpful planning hacks.

LU Send's Director of Global Programs, Dr. Stephanie Gomes, joins the show to tell us all about LU Send trips and how online students can get involved.

Dr. Troy Matthews stops by the show to have a very thought provoking conversation about the Christian liberties we have in our lives.

In this episode of the podcast, we get to learn more about our new co-host, Robin! If you want to share your story, email us at [email protected]

Brad Imhoff, Addiction Counseling Program Director at Liberty University, stops by the show to talk about addiction and recovery. You aren't alone in your struggles!

Leanne Gifford and Scott Busby from the Center for Student Thriving join us to talk about a brand new resource for Liberty University Online Students. Check out their website for more information about the Thrive Coaching program and how you can sign up: https://www.liberty.edu/students/dean/student-thriving/

Robin and Brian kick off season 6 with a great interview with the author of the book "Dealing with Disappointment", John Hindley!

Brian, Pattie, Robin and Mary-Kate hang out and wrap up season 5, talk about Christmas, and preview season 6 of the On Life Podcast.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, let's talk about things we are thankful for. In this episode of the On Life Podcast, Brian and Robin hear some great stories from online students!

Assistant Director of Online Student Engagement, Robin Harper, joins the podcast to talk about all things online student community. Learn more about Online Life and what is available to you as an online student in this episode. Also, stay till the end for some a special announcement!

Interim Dean of the School of Aeronautics, Steven Brinly joins the podcast to tell us all about one of Liberty's most registered degree programs.

Want to come visit campus? Don't know where to start? Ed Parker, Director of the Liberty University Welcome Center stops by the show to answer some frequently asked questions from our online students.

Ever go through a tough season spiritually? You aren't alone. This episode, we talk with School of Divinity professor, Dr. Rob Van Engen, about desert seasons and some ways we can worship through them.

Our friend Hannah Underhill stops by the podcast to share some thoughts about social media and the role it plays in our lives.

Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies Dr. Dottie Rhoads joins the podcast to talk about the 10 Commandments and how they shape us in 2024.

Dr. Dustin DuBose returns to the podcast to talk about leadership with Pattie and Brian

Counselor Sam Landa rejoins the On Life Podcast to talk about something that a lot of our online students face: anxiety and depression. What is it? How can we cope with it and overcome? Listen to find out!

Russell Monroe and Ben Carlisle from the Academic Integrity office stop by the podcast to have a fascinating conversation about artificial intelligence (ai) in academics.

Emily Ellis from the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office joins us on the podcast to talk about listening to your body.

Meet Caleb Berkland from the Liberty University Military Affairs office! Brian and Pattie speak to Caleb about all the services provided by his team for our military students.

Brian & Pattie launch season 5 of the On Life Podcast by talking with Ian McCaw, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Liberty University. Learn how you can connect/watch the Liberty Flames!