In this episode of WebbChat, host Noel T. Manning II welcomes Gardner-Webb University alumni Mike Shade and Eli Strait, creators of the wildly popular Chasing Scratch: A Golf Podcast.

Shade and Strait reflect on their time at Gardner-Webb University, where their friendship first took root, and share the story behind the genesis and evolution of the Chasing Scratch podcast. What began as a personal challenge to improve their golf games has grown into a beloved podcast with a devoted following and coverage from outlets like Golf Digest and other leading golf publications.

From college memories to the creative process behind podcasting, this conversation explores how two Runnin’ Bulldogs turned friendship, curiosity, and a shared love of the game into a successful and entertaining podcast.

To find out more about Mike and Eli, check out chasingscratchgolf.com.

Discover more podcasts from Gardner-Webb University at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

Music featured in this episode:

“Reap What You Sow” and “Runnin’ Wild” by Carter McDevitt

#WebbChat

#GardnerWebb

#ChasingScratch

#GolfPodcast

#GolfLife

#PodcastInterview

#GWUAlumni

#RunninBulldogs

#GolfCommunity

#PodcastCreators

In Season 1, Episode 2 of The Parrott’s Perch, Dr. Josh Parrott sits down with Gardner-Webb University alumnus Jack Eason, Executive Stateside Director of CUPS Mission.

CUPS Mission works to enrich the lives of families in developing nations through education, discipleship, vocational training, and holistic community support. In this conversation, Jack shares how his time at Gardner-Webb helped shape his calling, what it means to lead a global ministry, and how faith fuels long-term service in communities facing poverty and human trafficking.

This episode explores leadership, resilience, global missions, and the everyday realities of living out one’s calling.

Listen to The Parrott’s Perch wherever you stream podcasts or visit: gardner-webb.edu/podcast

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

#ParrottsPerch
#JackEason
#CUPSMission
#GlobalMissions
#FaithInAction
#ChristianLeadership
#GardnerWebb
#GWUAlumni
#CampusMinistry
#FaithAndService
#HumanTraffickingAwareness
#ChristianPodcast

Welcome to The Bulldog Mindset, where we explore purpose, people, and the work that brings Gardner-Webb University to life through learning, leadership, and service. Hosted by Dr. Greg Pillar, this podcast highlights the individuals building systems, shaping strategy, and strengthening the student experience every day.

In this episode, Dr. Kenneth Johnson, Executive Director of Student Success at Gardner-Webb, joins the conversation to unpack what student success truly means — and why it never happens by accident

From belonging and persistence research to retention strategy, advising systems, and career readiness alignment, Dr. Johnson shares how coordinated, intentional support structures help students move from entry to completion.

The discussion explores the hidden curriculum of college, the unique needs of online and residential learners, the role of technology in success coaching, and why human connection still leads. It’s an insightful look at the systems beneath the surface — and the leadership required to make them work.

Tune in to discover how belonging, clarity, and coordinated support shape stronger outcomes for students. Learn more about Gardner-Webb University and our podcast series at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

#BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #StudentSuccess #HigherEdLeadership #BelongingMatters #Retention #AcademicSuccess #PurposeDrivenLeadership

In this episode of Dawg Tracks, host Noel T. Manning II sits down with Will Glover, director of the Gardner-Webb Bulldog Club, for a conversation about community, connection, and what it truly means to support Runnin’ Bulldog student-athletes.

A Boiling Springs native and Gardner-Webb alum, Glover shares his personal journey, what excites him most about leading the Bulldog Club, and how the organization’s mission goes far beyond game day — providing scholarships, opportunities, and lasting impact for student-athletes across all sports.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just learning about the Bulldog Club, this episode offers a meaningful look at how alumni, fans, and friends help shape the future of GW athletics.

Learn more about the Bulldog Club at gardner-webb.edu/bulldog-club and stay connected to Runnin’ Bulldog athletics at gwusports.com.

Theme music: “How Ya Feeling Out There” by Ikoliks

#DawgTracks

#RunninBulldogs

#GWUAthletics

#BulldogNation

#GoDawgs

#BulldogClub

#SupportTheDawgs

#BulldogPride

#OneWebb

#BulldogFamily

#StudentAthleteSupport

#ScholarshipsMatter

#BeyondTheGame

#BuildingChampions

#AthleticsWithPurpose

#CollegeSportsPodcast

#AthleticsPodcast

#SkoDawgs

#BehindTheScenes

#GameDayStories

#SportsLeadership

In this episode of The Vinyl Experience, hosts Natalie Bishop, Kevin Bridges, and Noel T. Manning II explore how vinyl and cinema have long been intertwined through unforgettable soundtracks. From sweeping film scores to carefully curated collections of songs, they reflect on how owning movie soundtracks helped extend the life of films beyond the screen — creating lasting memories, shaping musical tastes, and forever linking certain songs to powerful cinematic moments. It’s a conversation about nostalgia, storytelling, and the unique way vinyl allows movie music to live on long after the credits roll.

🎶 This is a companion podcast for Gardner-Webb University’s Dover Library exhibit Cover to Cover: Vintage Vinyl Stories. You’re invited to come check out the exhibit, travel down memory lane, or make some new personal discoveries.

Music for The Vinyl Experience provided by:

Custom Melody – “Through the Dark” | Ge Filter Fish – “Baby I’m Stuck in a Cone”

Mentoring the Mentors with Dr. Jennifer Putnam

Every strong classroom is shaped by a teacher. Every strong school is shaped by leadership. And behind both are the mentors who prepare those educators in the first place.

In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar sits down with Dr. Jennifer Putnam, Associate Dean in the College of Education and Coordinator of the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Gardner-Webb University.

With nearly two decades of experience in K–12 education before transitioning into higher education leadership, Putnam now mentors master’s and doctoral candidates who are leading classrooms, schools, and districts across the region. From dissertation chairing and cohort development to accreditation support and educator mentoring, her work operates at a level many never see — yet its ripple effect reaches far beyond campus.

This conversation explores the hidden infrastructure of educator preparation, the realities of doctoral mentoring, the challenges facing educators in the post-COVID landscape, and the steady leadership required to build programs that truly serve students and schools.

It’s an honest and thoughtful dialogue about formation, mentorship, and the multiplying impact of investing deeply in others.

Tune in to learn more about the people and programs shaping learning and leadership at Gardner-Webb University.

Learn more at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

#BulldogMindset

#GardnerWebb

#GWU

#BulldogLeadership

#EducatorPreparation

#DoctoralMentorship

#EdDProgram

#TeacherLeadership

#HigherEducation

#AcademicLeadership

#MentorshipMatters

#EducationalLeadership

#CollegeOfEducation

#LeadershipDevelopment

WebbChat: Sound Stories is a companion series within the WebbChat podcast, bringing written stories from Gardner-Webb University’s NewsCenter to life through sound.

In this episode, we spotlight Dr. Aaron Rice, Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music at Gardner-Webb University. Honored with the University’s Rising Star Award, Rice reflects on music as a form of connection, creativity, and leadership — both in the classroom and beyond.

Reported by Jeff Powell and Jackie Bridges, this immersive audio story offers a deeper look at the people, like Rice, who are shaping life at Gardner-Webb.

Discover more stories from across campus at Gardner-Webb.edu/News, and you can find connections to all GWU podcasts at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

Music on this episode:

Yehezkel Raz - Flight of the Inner Bird

Yotam Agam - Spectral Type O

#WebbChat #SoundStories #GardnerWebb #GWU #CampusStories #UniversityPodcast

#MusicEducation #ArtsOnCampus #CreativeLeadership #FacultySpotlight #MusicMatters

#NewsCenter #CampusLife #HigherEdStories #AudioStorytelling #NPRStyle

#GardnerWebbMusic

One year can change everything.

In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Greg Pillar sits down with Gardner-Webb University President Nate Evans at a pivotal moment in the life of the institution. In Feb. 2025, Evans stepped into the presidency during a season of transition at interim. Today, with a longer horizon ahead, and as the 14th President of Gardner-Webb, Evans reflects on what it means to lead with steadiness when clarity is still forming.

This dialogue goes beneath the surface of titles and timelines, exploring trust, communication, faith, and the work required to hold a university steady in changing times. Evans shares how his background in the military and advancement shaped his leadership approach, how he thinks about the academic experience Gardner-Webb must deliver for today’s students, and why unity, mission, and people remain at the center of every decision.

It’s an honest, thoughtful dialogue about leadership rooted in care, conviction, and long-term purpose.

Theme music: “Honey for Nothing” by Ikoliks

Tune in now to explore how curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience are shaping student success at Gardner-Webb. Learn more about GWU’s podcast series at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

#BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #Leadership #HigherEd #AcademicLeadership #OneWebb #PurposeDriven #UniversityLife #GWUPodcast