Shows
University OverwhelmS4 EP5 Positive PerspectiveIn this episode, Alexa and Scott discuss the thriving element Positive Perspective, what it is and how you can cultivate it.
2026-02-0932 minUniversity OverwhelmS4 EP5 Positive PerspectiveIn this episode, we explore how shifting to a positive perspective can transform your college experience. Join us as we share practical strategies and encouraging insights to help you reframe your mindset and thrive.
2026-02-0635 minUniversity OverwhelmS4 EP4 Social ConnectednessIn this episode Alexa and Scott talk about the thriving element Social Connectedness, what it is and how you can cultivate it.
2025-12-1231 minUniversity OverwhelmS4 EP3 Beyond the BarriersIn this episode, Scott and Alexa dive into barriers to thriving and how to thrive while juggling responsibilities.
2025-11-2147 minUniversity OverwhelmS4 EP2 What is Thrive Coaching?In today's episode we dive into what is Thrive Coaching and why you might need it more than you think.
2025-11-1443 minUniversity OverwhelmS4 EP1 Welcome Back!Scott and Alexa welcome you back to the University Overwhelm Podcast!
2025-10-2446 minUniversity OverwhelmS3 EP14 RecapScott and Sophia spent a year diving in to the topic of Building Healthy Community. They share their takeaways and what conversations they've had with parents and students thanks to this podcast. Give this episode a listen to hear a bird's eye view of how this season of the podcast was and then go back and listen to the whole thing!
2025-05-061h 09University OverwhelmS3 EP13 Friendship BreakupsA tough part of building healthy community, is navigating when a friendship needs to end and how to end it.Scott and Sophia talk through the ins and outs of determining an end to a relationship. This is not something to take lightly, and you'll hear that in the hesitation they take to definitively determine what constitutes a needed "break".Give this episode a listen if you struggle to know when things need to end, or if you'd like some guidance in how to go about it in a God-honoring way!
2025-04-301h 06University OverwhelmS3 EP12 CharacterOften times, when talking about building healthy community, we can look around and "judge" those around us. They're not healthy, they lack integrity, they don't show up for us in ways we'd like, etc.But when it comes to building healthy community, we need to start with looking at ourselves and checking to see if our character is solid. Do we have integrity? Are we striving to do the right thing, even when no one is watching? Are we honest and open? Being a healthy community member is vital when building healthy community around ourselves...
2025-04-2358 minUniversity OverwhelmS3 EP11 Weep with Those Who WeepOften times, when people are suffering, they tend to experience isolation. Those around them are uncomfortable with their hardship or feel unable to help in a meaningful way, and the person is pushed to the side and left to navigate things alone.Romans 12 is where Scott and Sophia start today's episode. It gives context to God's expectation for us Christians in how to handle grief and suffering in the lives of our friends.How does this apply to building healthy community? Give this episode a listen to find out!
2025-04-141h 03University OverwhelmS3 EP10 IdentityPart of what is so hard in making friends and building healthy community, is we often struggle to know who we are. Not knowing where to place our identity can negatively impact the type of friend we are to others, as well as knowing what types of people we need in our lives to help us grow. This episode dives in to a biblical perspective on identity, and applies that to this season's theme of building healthy community!
2025-04-1051 minUniversity OverwhelmS3 EP9 Honesty & AccountabilityIn a day and age where "living your truth" and "who am I to judge?" are phrases used to dismiss the importance of holding one another accountable, Scott and Sophia spend time sharing why these mentalities are dangerous. As Christians, building healthy community cannot happen apart from honesty and accountability. What does it look like to hold people in your community accountable? How do you ask someone to help you with accountability? What types of things do we as Christians need to be honest about with one another?Why is it so hard...
2025-03-0451 minUniversity OverwhelmS3 EP8 Loyalty and Faithfulness"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens" - J.R.R. Tolkein
On this week's episode, Scott and Sophia spend time discussing the concept of what it means to be a faithful and loyal friend.
Loyalty and faithfulness tend to be used in contexts where hiding someone's secrets or shying away from honesty to our friends are what's expected. But what if those two traits are actually require us to bring to light what has been in darkness? Or to dive deep into the hard parts of life with...
2025-02-0353 minUniversity OverwhelmS3 EP7 ForgivenessThis season, Scott and Sophia are talking about Building Healthy Community. And this week, they dive into the topic of forgiveness.
What does forgiveness have to do with community? Well, when (not if) those in your community let you down.....how are you going to handle it? How would you like others to handle it when you let them down?
Scott and Sophia dissect forgiveness and how to develop this vital skill for life and for building healthy community.
2025-01-211h 09University OverwhelmS3 EP6 BoundariesDoing an episode on boundaries in the middle of our season on Building Healthy Community may seem odd. However, boundaries are so important if you want your community to truly be "healthy"!
Scott and Sophia dive into this topic and discuss how boundaries can be a solid tool for you to use in your journey of building healthy community.
Give this episode a listen if you struggle with people crossing lines with you, not knowing where you stand with people, or even if you want to figure out how to better communicate your needs to...
2024-11-211h 06University OverwhelmS3 EP5 How to Make FriendsMaking friends can be so tough. Where do you even start?
Scott and Sophia take the time this episode to explain how to make friends. They give practical examples and tips/tricks.
Give this episode a listen if you would like to grow in the skill of making friends!
2024-11-141h 14University OverwhelmS3 EP4 ForgivenessForgiveness is an underrated aspect of building healthy community.
Scott and Sophia dive into this trait through the lens of community building and maintaining healthy friendships.
Human beings will hurt us, let us down, and disappoint us. How can we handle those moments as Christians and as people that desire to extend what we would like to receive?
Give this episode a listen if you struggle with growing close to others, letting go of hurts, or forgiveness in general.
2024-11-131h 09University OverwhelmS3 EP3 Hardships and Hurdles: Why Building Community Now Matters When Life Slams You LaterScott and Sophia spend this episode interviewing Liberty University's Dean of Students, Mark Hyde, and his wife, Kathy Hyde.
Mark and Kathy have been married for 29 years and have experienced their fair share of hardships and hurdles. Mark and Kathy spent years being foster parents together, as well as adopting kids out of foster care. Mark got Covid in 2021 and was on the brink of death several times.
To say they have experienced hardships and hurdles would be an understatement. One way they were able to stay steady and work through those times of struggle...
2024-10-221h 03University OverwhelmS3 EP2 Digital Friendships vs Real Life FriendshipsIn this day and age, it is common to have friendships and communities that are exclusively online.
Scott and Sophia ask the question: Can online friendships/communities be healthy? Are they authentic?
Real life friendships are defined by Scott and Sophia as in person, face to face, relationships.
The theme for Season 3 is Building Healthy Community. If you are finding that the majority of your friendships are online, give this episode a listen. Scott and Sophia do not tell listeners to abandon the online space, but instead offer up insights into how to...
2024-10-0142 minUniversity OverwhelmS3 EP1 What is Friendship?Building Healthy Community is the theme for Season 3! Scott and Sophia kick things off by defining friendship and talking about what THEY mean when they use that term.
If you struggle with any of these things, you need to give this episode, and season, a listen:
Making friends
Keeping friends
Being honest in friendships
Stating your needs to your friends
Going through hard times and needing support, but having none
Not having a "place" here in college
Knowing what God has to say...
2024-09-2447 minUniversity OverwhelmS2 EP15 Season 2 RecapScott and Sophia sit down to recap Season 2. They discuss themes they noted in each pastor interview episode, as well as individual nuggets that really resonated with each of them.
If you've skipped around and listened to a few of the episodes, this will be a great listen to you to inspire listening to more episodes. If you've listened to all of the episodes, this will be a great listen for you as they'll likely mention some things you noticed as well!
Scott and Sophia are both vulnerable in this episode about what God has...
2024-04-301h 08University OverwhelmS2 EP 14 Church of the Good Shepherd w/Pastor Mike KunzingerMike Kunzinger is the Pastor of The Church of the Good Shepherd. It is an Anglican Church here in Lynchburg. Scott and Sophia talk with Mike about the importance of traditions that have been honored and passed down for generations. The importance of reading through the scriptures, as a congregation, on a regular basis. And the purpose behind certain practices during a church service such as baptism and liturgical prayers.
See below for a link to the church's website:
https://www.goodshepherdlynchburg.com/
2024-04-261h 17University OverwhelmS2 EP13 Parachurch MinistriesScott and Sophia are joined in the studio by the Dillards! Aleah and KD have been involved in FCA for many years. They share their experience in a Parachurch Ministry and how that ministry relates to being plugged into a local church.
KD and Aleah spend time explaining the importance of being plugged into a local church, and how involvement in a parachurch ministry can open up doors for discipleship.
Aleah works in the local Lynchburg area for FCA and KD is a track and field coach for Liberty University.
2024-04-251h 06University OverwhelmS2 EP12 Gospel Community Church w/ Pastor Brenton LehmanGospel Community Church (GCC) is a Non-Denominational Church. Scott and Sophia interview Pastor Brenton Lehman on this week's episode.
Brenton shares his perspective on what makes a healthy church, what it looks like to care for the local community, and why college students getting plugged into a local church is vital.
Find GCC's website here:
https://gospelcc.org/
2024-03-191h 06University OverwhelmS2 EP11 Christ Covenant Fellowship w/ Pastor Brandon ReadChrist Covenant Fellowship (CCF) is a reformed Baptist church. Scott and Sophia interview Brandon Read, who is an Associate Pastor at CCF, on this week's episode.
Brandon shares his thoughts and insight on what makes a healthy church, how to view traditional practices in light of the gospel, and why active community is vital in the Christian walk.
Find CCF's website here:
https://www.ccfva.org/
2024-03-141h 08University OverwhelmS2 EP10 Neighborliness Interview w/ David DocusenThe greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
And the second........is to love your neighbor as yourself.
Sophia and Scott interview David Docusen in this week's episode. David is the author of a book called Neighborliness.
What should we as Christians be doing, in this day and age, to love our neighbor? Who is our neighbor? What are red and green flags to be on the lookout for in a church regarding local ministries? Why should Christians make an effort to diversify...
2024-03-121h 08University OverwhelmS2 EP9 Elon Baptist Church w/ Pastor Cody BinghamScott and Sophia are back with another pastor interview! This week, they sit down with Cody Bingham who is the pastor of Elon Baptist Church.
Cody shares his perspective on what he believes makes a healthy church, why age diversity in community is important, and how impactful it is when the congregants and the pastor know one another personally.
Find Elon Baptist Church's website here:
https://www.elonbaptistchurch.org/
2024-03-071h 04University OverwhelmS2 EP8 Red Flags in a ChurchFinding a healthy church includes being able to discern red flags and signs that a church is, unfortunately, unhealthy.
Scott and Sophia discuss various things church leaders or members may say or do that should raise concerns in our listeners' minds.
This is not a comprehensive list, nor should anyone listen and assume that everything mentioned means they should immediately leave a church if anything discussed happens.
Rather, Scott and Sophia share their thoughts and opinions on how to navigate controversial and/or concerning things in a church, while going to God in...
2024-03-0621 minUniversity OverwhelmS2 EP7 Mercy Presbyterian w/ Campus Minister Ben SpiveyMercy Presbyterian is the featured church on this week's episode! Ben Spivey is not on staff at Mercy, but he does run Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) on Liberty University's campus and he works closely with Mercy's pastoral staff.
Scott and Sophia interview Ben on topics of the purpose of the Sunday morning service, why students should get involved in the local church, and what being involved at Mercy Presbyterian looks like.
Find Mercy Presbyterian's website here:
https://www.mercypres.org/
2024-02-221h 02University OverwhelmS2 EP6 How to Figure Out What a Church BelievesSo you've been going to a local church for a few weeks and you're really liking it! You connect with the style of preaching, you find the leaders and members to be healthy from what you can tell, and you would like to figure out what that church believes.
Scott and Sophia give practical tips on how to find Doctrine Statements, Statements of Faith, Values, etc. on the church's website. As well as breaking down what certain terms mean, the history behind why churches believe what they believe, and the types of questions you can ask the...
2024-02-2049 minUniversity OverwhelmS2 EP5 Bedrock Lynchburg w/ Pastor Jeremy MinorBedrock Lynchburg is a Southern Baptist Church. Jeremy Minor is one of the Leading Elders.
Scott and Sophia have Jeremy on this episode of the podcast to talk about what he believes are signs of a healthy church, why college students should make it a priority to plug into a local church, and what things Bedrock Lynchburg does for its church members, as well as the local Lynchburg community.
Find Bedrock's website here:
https://bedrocklynchburg.com/
2024-02-151h 08University OverwhelmS2 EP4 How to Develop a Biblical Worldview w/Dr. Rob Van EngenWhat is a worldview? How does it get developed? What forms it? What's the difference from a worldview and a Biblical worldview? Do Christians form their Biblical worldview, or does God? Why should college students be thinking about their worldview when they've got enough going on already?
Dr. Van Engen is a Professor at Liberty University and teaches various biblical studies courses. Many of which address the topic of: how do I view the world and where is that perspective coming from?
Join Scott, Sophia, and Dr. Van Engen as they explore the topic of...
2024-02-141h 09University OverwhelmS2 EP3 TRBC w/ Pastor Luis NodalPastor Luis Nodal joins Scott and Sophia on this episode to discuss what a healthy church looks like, how to get plugged into a local church, and what opportunities there are at Thomas Road Baptist Church for Liberty University students to get involved.
This episode is the first for this season as far as talking to local pastors goes. If you want to get a glimpse at the heart behind a pastor's desire to help Christians develop quality community, then this episode is a must for you.
Luis Nodal does a great job of sharing...
2024-02-0748 minUniversity OverwhelmS2 EP2 What "Get Plugged In" MeansWhat does the phrase "get plugged in" even mean?
Churches uses it in various contexts to inspire its members to get involved in serving, or to join small groups, or any number of things.
Scott and Sophia break down their definition of what "get plugged in" means, how they view its importance, and give examples of what it looks like.
This episode is intended to keep things clear for the rest of the season as to what they are referring to when they use...
2024-01-3156 minUniversity OverwhelmS2 EP1 Faith in the College YearsWhat kinds of activities help deepen spiritual formation in a college student?
Does involvement in a local church actually help students to grow their relationship with God?
What impact does a deep relationship with God and Christian community have on a college student's life?
Austin Smith, Dr. Perry Glanzer, and Dr. Ted Cockle all work for Baylor University, and were all involved in a longitudinal cohort analysis of college students in their first and senior years.
Scott and Sophia interview these 3 gentlemen to discuss their findings and answers to the questions...
2024-01-2359 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP19 How to Study Your BibleLukas Hafeli joins Sophia in studio to talk about how to study your Bible!
Lukas shares a method that was taught to him by his pastor years ago. It requires only a notebook and a Bible and can be something you implement in your day immediately.
Sophia shares the Inductive Study Method taught to her when she was in Elementary School that she has stuck with into adulthood. It can be simple or in depth, as well as there are prepared Bible studies that use the method.
Give this episode a listen if...
2023-11-2836 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP18 Building Healthy Community Part 2Building Healthy Community continued!
Practical tips and tricks for Y O U to know how to build healthy community, and how to let go of unhealthy people in your life. Give this episode a listen if you struggle in this area!
2023-11-2139 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP17 Building Healthy Community Part 1Drew Pelkey joins Scott and Sophia in studio to talk about the book Find Your People by Jennie Allen.
If you struggle with building any type of community, building healthy community, or simply understanding why it even matters, then give this episode a listen. Drew, Scott, and Sophia share information from the book as well as personal insights into the topic.
2023-11-1425 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP16 You Set the ParametersYou make the rules! Sort of....
When it comes to establishing a habit or a discipline, you know yourself better than others. You can read a book where the author gives a tip on how to get to bed earlier, but if that does not work for you, then don't do it! Finding what works best for yourself is half the battle.
You can set the parameters around something and what "counts".
Just because some gymfluencer says that a workout only "counts" if it's an hour long doesn't mean you have to adopt...
2023-11-0723 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP15 Gaslighting vs Poor CommunicationThere are some buzz words that start off with the proper definition attached, but then quickly slide into whatever the cultural use becomes. Gaslighting* started off as the understanding that when someone is correct about something and they are talking to someone else who is disregarding the facts and is focused instead on making the person think they are crazy for thinking that way.
Now, it has become anyone that makes a person feel uncomfortable in a conversation or someone that disagrees with us.
Scott and Sophia talk about gaslighting, and how they would counter...
2023-10-3124 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP14 DiscernmentSophia has a new soapbox that she's standing on and it's the topic of Discernment! Scott and Sophia discuss discernment in the context of cancel culture. Should we throw out an entire book that someone published if some of the theology is questionable? Should we call for someone to lose their platform because we disagree with them? What music should we as believers listen to?
Discernment is incredibly important, but how do you develop a healthy amount of it? Listen to this week's episode to find out!
2023-10-2431 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP13 Problem Solving Part 2Problem Solving continued! Joe Ruiz is still with Scott and Sophia chatting about Problem Solving as well as conversations he's had with students over the years.....
2023-09-2618 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP12 Problem SolvingScott and Sophia are joined in the studio by Joe Ruiz! He is a Senior Associate Director in the Office of Community Life alongside Sophia and Scott. Joe has worked in the education field for many years, and shares his insight on the skill of problem solving, as well as some areas that he sees students struggling in.
The three of them talked for so long, this episode had to get split in two! Make sure and catch Part 2 to hear the rest of their conversation.
2023-09-2033 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 BONUS! Programs RecapIn the Center for Student Thriving, we have a lot of programs for Liberty University Students to participate in. But figuring out which one you should attend, how a program will benefit you, and where to go to sign up can be a bit time consuming. So Scott and Sophia made a whole BONUS episode for you to hear about each program and why we think you should come to them!
To view registration information, click here:
https://www.liberty.edu/students/dean/student-thriving/
2023-09-1432 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP11 Personality TestsScott and Sophia have differing opinions when it comes to personality tests. Sophia loves them and thinks they are extremely helpful in creating self-awareness. Scott......has many thoughts on how people hide behind their results to justify their unhealthy behavior.
Give this episode a listen to hear different perspectives regarding personality tests, how they can be used for good, and also cautions against them.
2023-09-1216 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP10 Identity in ChristThe phrase "Our Identity is in Christ" is one that gets used within Christian circles on a regular basis. The issue with that is it can lose its meaning and impact.
On this episode, Scott and Sophia bring in a different perspective. They discuss the impact on our minds and hearts when our identity is in nothing, or it is in things that are fluid like what the popular kids decide is cool, what social media trend is currently acceptable, what body image issues our friends have that we take on, etc.
Give this episode...
2023-09-0836 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP9 Technology: Positives and NegativesDiscussions surrounding technology tend to heavily focus on the negative. Scott and Sophia talk about the positives AND the negatives! How you can use your phone to HELP you get homework done. How to set boundaries so that you can enjoy technology instead of feeling guilty. And how to look at it as a tool instead of a hindrance!
Give this episode a listen for inspiration and ideas in regards to positive technology usage!
2023-07-0423 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP8 Identity in ChristIdentity is a hot topic on Tik Tok and Instagram. Labels are either something we cling to, or reject.
In an age when the social media comparison game can throw us off course at any given moment, having a firm foundation of knowing who we are is vital. Our identity will be in something. Whether that be Christ or a personality test type, or something the world has decided is "good enough." Do you want to explore what the possibilities of having it in Christ are?
Sophia and Scott discuss this topic in today's episode.
2023-06-2735 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP7 Deep WorkIf you are the type of person who has a long to-do list at any given time, but never feels like you've accomplished anything of worth....then this episode is for you!
Deep Work by Cal Newport is the book discussed by Scott and Sophia on today's episode. They dive in to the concept of dividing up tasks into 2 categories: Deep Work and Shallow Work. If it's something that requires your full attention, with little to no distractions like a podcast or someone interrupting you, then it's Deep Work. If you can do the...
2023-06-2031 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP6 Being StillIt's in the silence that our brains finally have the chance to process what we've been avoiding.....
So, it makes sense that we avoid the silence. Processing tough conversations, a stressful assignment coming up, how to talk to that girl or boy we like, or even just the heavy feelings we grapple with day in and day out are all things we'd naturally rather NOT dwell on or think about. Inviting silence into our days means inviting uncomfortable moments. And who wants that?
Scott and Sophia discuss the concept of Being Still...
2023-06-1320 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP5 The Importance of Having in Person ConversationsCollege life is filled with endless virtual interactions, but here's why it's crucial to break the digital barrier and have meaningful in-person conversations:
1. Embrace Genuine Connections: Texting lacks the depth and nuances that in-person conversations offer. Engaging face-to-face allows for authentic connections, genuine emotions, and a chance to truly understand each other.
2. Non-Verbal Cues Speak Louder: Words alone can't capture everything. Facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice convey a wealth of information. Speaking in person ensures a more comprehensive understanding and helps prevent misinterpretations.
3. Boost Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: In-person conversations...
2023-06-0623 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP4 The Importance of Undivided AttentionThe brain does not have infinite resources. The trick to developing your ability to focus is reducing the number of things your brain must expend energy on and increasing your brain’s capacity for cognitive control, which “allows your mind to override your impulses and helps you make decisions based on your goals, rather than your habits or reactions.”
Scott and Sophia dive into an important topic: focus. How can we develop a healthy attention span? What methods help to reduce distractions? Is multitasking better than monotasking? If you would like to increase your attent...
2023-05-0226 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP3 Goal SettingScott and Sophia know that setting goals can seem like a daunting task, but they want to encourage you to take the leap and start setting them for yourself. In this episode, they share how goal-setting is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth, that it can be incredibly motivating to work towards something you truly want to achieve, that goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction, and that you can break down big, intimidating objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks that will help you move closer to your ultimate goal.
They share...
2023-04-2521 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP2 Social Media's ImpactSocial media can be a double-edged sword for college students, providing a platform for connection and self-expression while also fueling anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant comparison to others' highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to curate a perfect online persona can be exhausting.
But where does God fit in all of this? How does social media impact our relationship with Him? Should social media have anything to do with God or religion? Sophia and Scott discuss these points in this week’s episode.
2023-04-1828 minUniversity OverwhelmS1 EP1 Difficult ConversationsHaving difficult conversations can be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for growth, understanding, and building stronger relationships. Scott and Sophia dive in to this topic by sharing their experiences, as well as tips and tricks on how to have healthy conversations, that are also tough, uncomfortable, or difficult.
Give this episode a listen if you find yourself avoiding having difficult conversations, or if you have them but don't find them to be successful or healthy.
2023-04-1128 min