Faith Meets Academia
Welcome to Faith Meets Academia!
Struggling to connect your faith with everyday life, career ambitions, or academic pursuits? Hosted by a university professor and ordained minister, Dr. Adrian Reynolds, this podcast will help you translate your faith-based values into personal growth, professional development, and academic success. Faith Meets Academia emphasizes that faith and work can forge a mutually sustaining partnership.
Each episode breaks down complex academic concepts into everyday language and connects them with timeless spiritual principles for transformational learning and development. By the end of each episode, you will be equipped with practical tools to set the tone for a purposeful, productive week.
Join the journey today!
Your host, Adrian Reynolds (Ph.D.), is an ordained minister, learning coach, and assistant professor of medical education at an R1 university. He is on a mission to merge educational innovation with biblical wisdom. Dr. Reynolds brings over two decades of teaching experience across the educational continuum: from working with underserved, high school students as a state-certified instructor of Spanish to coaching students in graduate and professional degree programs in evidence-based teaching skills and the science of learning.
Dr. Reynolds’ work is located within the rapidly growing field of applied learning sciences and is driven by both socio-cognitive and sociocultural approaches to learning and teaching. His preventive model of academic coaching has been published in journals such as Medical Teacher and Clinical Teacher. He has held over 1,000 (one-on-one) academic coaching sessions with medical students, residents, fellows, and pre-med students. Dr. Reynolds has developed numerous peer-teaching programs for medical students in addition to courses in the science of learning for residents, pre-med and high school students.
Dr. Reynolds has been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 10 years both nationally and internationally. He has long been recognized to seamlessly intertwine academic concepts with biblical principles: His approach to preaching and teaching the word of God is centered around growth mindset (Philippians 4:13), transformational learning (Romans 12:2), and reflective, mindful practice (Philippians 4:8, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:97).
As a missionary ambassador, Dr. Reynolds has embarked on transformative journeys that bridge cultures and continents, bringing tangible support and hope to those in need. Most recently, in the fall of 2023, his dedication to humanitarian causes led him to Mozambique: From the bustling streets of Maputo to the serene countryside of Inharrime, through the unwavering support and sponsorship from faith-based leaders and communities, Dr. Reynolds has played a pivotal role in the allocation of humanitarian aid and educational resources, providing essential support to elevate community wellbeing.
Earlier that year, he engaged in a mission focused on cultural exchange and relationship-building in the Maputo province to better understand and address local challenges. Through these missions, Dr. Reynolds exemplifies the true essence of a missionary ambassador, integrating service, education, and faith into impactful action.
Episodes
64 episodes
Episode 56: How to Handle Workplace Communication Conflict
Have you ever walked away from a high-stakes meeting feeling small, even though no one said anything overtly harsh? You might be falling into the Mirror Trap: The subconscious expectation that colleagues should match your tone, hedging, ...
Episode 55 - The “It’s Me” Formula: A Three-Step Guide to Self-Awareness and Personal Accountability
The It’s Me Formula is a simple three-step method you can use in under 30 seconds to break the blame cycle and reclaim personal agency. In this episode, neuroscience and faith come together as we explore how breathing calms the brain, ho...
Episode 54 - Join the "It's Me" Movement: From Blame to Ownership
Two small words can transform how we lead, learn, and love: “It’s me.” In this episode, we explore why moving from a posture of blame to one of ownership is the ultimate catalyst for personal growth.Inside this episode:
Episode 53: A Prayer for the Survivors of Hurricane Melissa
The wind has stopped, but the hard work begins. We open our hearts in prayer to the reality on the ground after Hurricane Melissa (blocked roads, ruined homes and schools, farm fields washed bare) while acknowledging mix of grief, fear, g...
Episode 52: How to Follow Jesus' Work Schedule
Do you sometimes feel trapped in the routine of a hectic life? This episode is for you? Dr. Reynolds explores Jesus’ rhythm of WORK--SOLITUDE--WORK. It's a pattern of strength through solitude seen in Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:...
Episode 51 - Sometimes You Have to Stand Alone to Stand Out
Sometimes we feel pressured to blend in when our heart is truly calling us to stand out. Yes, I know you've been there.In this episode, Dr. Reynolds shares a simple story about standing alone, which resulted in unexpected opportunities ...
Episode 50: A Testimony Not Given Might Be a Blessing Withheld - Part 3
This final segment of our three-part series demonstrates how to share your journey without boasting by following four key principles. Let faith and purpose converge through sharing your testimony. • Shifting from spotlight to story ...
Episode 49: A Testimony Not Given Might Be a Blessing Withheld - Part 2
Have you ever hesitated to share your success story because it felt like boasting? That reluctance might be keeping someone from the very encouragement they desperately need.In this second episode of our three-part series "A Testimony N...
Episode 48: A Testimony Not Given Might Be a Blessing Withheld - Part 1
Have you ever hesitated to share your achievements because it might sound like bragging? That pause, that moment of self-doubt when God has clearly blessed your work but you're afraid to acknowledge it openly—this is the spiritual tension we're...
Episode 47 - They'll Come Along Later: Your Vision Isn't for Everyone Right Now
God gives visions to specific individuals for a reason, and not everyone will immediately understand or support your calling. The diffusion of innovations theory explains why some people embrace new ideas early while others need more time and e...
Episode 46: How Faith-Based Leaders Can Support Mental Health Without Replacing Professional Support Services
List of national mental health resources with contact information descriptions of when to use each one:1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline•Phone: Call or Text 988•Website: 988lifeline.org•When to use: If you or someone you ...
Episode 41 - Mental Health and Ministry: Caring for Yourself to Lead Others
Drawing from a 2023 study by Mental Health America, Dr. A uncovers the staggering prevalence of mental illness, substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts in communities of faith. Pastors, often the pillars of support, face unique challenge...
Episode 45: How to Speak Up and Make an Impact in Meetings
Have you ever sat in a meeting with brilliant ideas trapped behind your hesitation? That tension between knowing you have something valuable to contribute and finding the courage to speak up is exactly what we tackle in this episode.Joi...
Word of the Day # 7 - Mind Over Matter: How Your Thoughts Shape Your Reality
Your mind is the command center of your life—shaping your mood, behavior, and faith. Inspired by Philippians 4:8, this episode explores how filtering your thoughts can transform your mindset. Take practical steps to guard against negativ...
Episode 43 (Part 2) - Money Talks: What Is It Saying to You?
Can money dictate your happiness, or is it simply a tool to be used for the good of humanity? Today, Dr. A delves into the complex relationship between money and morality through a biblical lens, guided by the thought-provoking scriptures of 1 ...
Episode 42 (Part 1) - Money Talks: What Is It Saying to You?
What if the key to a life of fulfillment isn't how much money you have, but how you relate to it? Today on Faith Meets Academia, we unravel the complexities of wealth, success, ambition, and contentment, challenging the often misinterpreted not...
Word of the Day #6: Feeling God's Glory in His creation
Have you ever found yourself captivated by the simple beauty of a sunrise or the calming sound of rain? Today, we reflect on the inspiring message of Psalm 19:1. This Word of the Day is a heartfelt invitation to pause amidst your busy life, ste...
Episode 40 - From Thoughts and Prayers to Action: Turning Compassion Into Humanitarian Aid
In this episode of Faith Meets Academia, Dr. A shares insights on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, a country he visited twice in 2023. He discusses the devastating impact of political unrest and climate disasters while ...
Word of the Day #4 - The Purpose of Studying Scripture...According to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Do we seek only comfort from the holy scriptures or are we willing to let them challenge and mold us, even when it means reevaluating our habits, values, and beliefs? Through the wisdom imparted by Apostle Paul to Timothy, we are reminded that ...
Word of the Day #3: Don't Forget to Pray
What if every day could start and end with a sense of peace and purpose? Explore the transformative practice of prayer inspired by Psalm 55:17 as Dr. A shares a simple, yet profound routine to bring more focus and fulfillment to your daily life...
Episode 39 - Set Up for Success in 2025 and Beyond: How You Go in Determines How You Come Out
Let this episode be your guide to transforming preparation into your most powerful tool for professional and personal growth in 2025 and beyond. Preparation is the unsung hero of success, transforming potential into achievement. Th...
Word of the Day #2 - Abundant Pardon
Abundant forgiveness is within reach, just waiting for your acceptance. Today we draw hope and inspiration from Isaiah 55:6-7 and Jeremiah 3:14-15. This Word of the Day series, a new twice-weekly addition, aims to encourage and inspire by focus...