Biola Backstage: Recent Episodes
KBR: The Torch
Hayden Avakian goes behind the scenes of Biola's campus to interview faculty, staff members, and the occasional Biola theatre lead.
Adjunct professor of mathematics and Applied Instructional Technology Administrator for the Office of Digital Learning and Program Development Matthew Weathers joins us today to tell us a few stories from his life as a Biola student and his computer tricks he went viral for. He explains that it is important to be intentional — take the extra time to get ahead and do things well. Dividends will pay off.
About Matthew WeathersWeathers has a B.S. in Math and Computer Science from Biola and an M.S. in computer science from University of Southern California. He has been teaching in the Department of Math and Computer Science since 1998 and is known among his students as a professor who loves explaining math and having fun with his students. Weathers went viral in 2017 for the computer tricks he played on his students.
Weather’s CV
Subscribe to Weather’s YouTube Channel
Math Teacher Pranks Class Video
Thank you for listening to this episode of Biola Backstage! If you are interested in learning more about the person we interviewed or have ideas for future guests, please email us at torchradio@biola.edu or DM us on Instagram @kbr_torch_radio.
Did you know that the Associate Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication has three different communication degrees — a B.A., M.A., and a Ph.D.! Dr. Joy Qualls joins host Charlotte McKinley on this episode of Biola Backstage. They talk about Dr. Qualls' experiences in work, her job in Washington, D.C., and advice she has gathered along the journey. Her most notable piece of advice is to enjoy the journey of being a college student — there is always a lot more time to be an adult.
About the Guest
Dr. Joy Qualls is an associate dean in Biola's School of Fine Arts and Communication. She teaches courses in communications research and political communication. Qualls started at Biola as a chair before moving into her current position. She graduated with a B.A. in Communication Studies from Vanguard University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Communication from Regent University with research emphases in religious and political rhetoric.
Welcome back to season 2 of Biola Backstage! Your station manager and host, Charlotte McKinley, has a chat with CMA major Bradley Plausse who is the director of Biola Theatre 21's play Macbeth. They discuss how Bradley started leading a theater production despite being CMA, his past experiences with directing and other anecdotes and stories that come to mind as they discuss the play.
"Macbeth" runs
- Friday, Oct. 21 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 22 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 22 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 23 2:30 p.m.
You don't want to miss this production! Buy your tickets here.
On this week's episode of BIola Backstage, Professor Megan Callender shares her journey in becoming a professor at Biola in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Professor Callender shares the ways she has seen God's faithfulness pursue and satisfy her throughout her career, opening one door after the other. She discusses how to discern a promise from God versus a promise of our own by looking at the story of Joseph and seeing how God turned a hopeless situation into a fulfillment of His promise.
Professor Callender is an adjunct professor at Biola University in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Eddie Shepard joins Hayden Avakian in this episode of Biola Backstage as they dive into athletics, community and how to better create community. Is it all right to be lonely? How is community created? Is there something wrong with me if I don't have a strong community like I anticipated having? Curious of the answers? Give this episode a listen to find out!
About Eddie ShepardEddie Shepard started his Biola career as a student athlete for the swim team. Later, he became the coach for the swim team before transitioning to the Associate Athletic Director. He received his masters in New Testament Studies from Biola and also teaches a New Testament course for the undergraduates.
Dr. Darian Lockett joins Hayden Avakian on this episode of Biola Backstage. They discuss Dr. Locketts' journey to Biola which was inspired by his involvement with YWAM. Dr. Lockett describes his desire to see people sent into missions whether in nursing, business, or going overseas and how ministering is not something specific to your major, but a calling from God. Furthermore, Dr. Lockett discusses the need for surrendering and sabbathing, as people were created to practice both.
About Dr. Darian LockettDr. Lockett graduated from the University of Kansas with his B.A. in Medieval History, received his M.Div. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of Saint Andrews. He is a full-time Talbot professor at Biola University who has sat on several boards, published several articles and has won many awards.
You can find his CV here.
Dr. Grace joins Hayden Avakian in a special valentine's day edition of Biola Backstage as they dive deep into relationship questions concerning the single and dating stages of life. How do you know you're ready for a relationship? What are some red flags in relationships? Is it true that when you know you know? Curious of the answers? Give this episode on relationships a listen to find out!
About Dr. Chris GraceDr. Grace serves full time as the director of Biola University’s Center for Marriage and Relationships and is also a professor of psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology. Dr. Grace has a long list of awards and accomplishments including Biola's "The Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching" and "Professor of the Year". He also co-hosts the podcast The Art of Relationships.
Dr. Arianna Molloy joins Hayden Avakian on this episode of Biola Backstage. They talk about Dr. Molloy's college experience, work as a calling and Dr. Molloy's upcoming book.
About the Guest
Dr. Molloy is an associate professor in Biola's Communication Studies Department. She teaches courses in organizational communication, research methods, nonverbal communication, small group communication and communication and calling. She graduated with a BA in Speech Communication from Seattle Pacific University, an MA in Communication Studies from the University of Portland and holds her PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Denver.
Hayden Avakian interviews Anna Sinclair, who is an associate professor of public relations, a full-time mom, and an organizational leadership PhD student. Sinclair talks about her story of being born with amniotic down syndrome leaving her with a congenital amputation of her right arm. They also discuss how she prioritizes the many aspects of her life, living in the moment, and how the people in your life really matter. At the end, Sinclair expresses the importance of not feeling like you have to fit in. God created you to be who you are—don't conform yourself to the patterns of this world just for acceptance.
Hayden Avakian interviews Jesse Baxter, who plays Mr. Darcy in the upcoming Biola Theatre 21 play Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley. Jesse tells us about the play, some fun moments from rehearsals, and more! Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley opens November 19. They also have showings November 20 and 21, December 2, 3, 4, and 5 with a special dinner showing on December 10.
Get your tickets to Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley here!