Always A Raven Podcast

Melinda Pregont '09

In this episode of The Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Melinda Pregont ’09—former Lady Raven basketball player, healthcare leader, and owner of Trusted Care, a holistic wellness clinic.Melinda’s Benedictine journey began with a life-changing community scholarship that brought her to campus and kept her rooted in Atchison. On the court, she learned humility, resilience, and the value of hard work. Off the court, she balanced a biology major, Spanish minor, and a year-round athletic schedule.Today, Melinda leads a multidisciplinary health practice focused on women’s wellness, blending chiropractic care with mental health services, massage therapy, and more. She credits the Benedictine community and the relationships it fostered with shaping her life, career, and commitment to giving back.

Keith Hertling '79

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Keith Hertling ’79—Raven Hall of Famer, and current Senior Vice President of Coaching and Culture at Jersey Mike’s Subs Franchise Systems.At Benedictine College, Keith combined athletic excellence with a deep passion for service and faith. From coaching in the Special Olympics and working in Campus Ministry to earning a degree in Special Education with a Theology minor, Keith was never one to settle for the sidelines.Now a national leader in corporate culture, Keith shares how his Benedictine foundation continues to shape his life. This is a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and the power of living a “sub-above” life. 

Dr. Shane Rapp '08

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Dr. Shane Rapp '08, principal of St. James Academy and a proud Raven whose life and leadership have been deeply shaped by his time at Benedictine College.
 
From walking on to the soccer team to meeting his wife and experiencing a profound faith transformation, Shane reflects on the moments that changed everything. He shares the unlikely path that led him to a brand-new Catholic high school in Kansas City, where he's now been serving for over 17 years.
 
What unfolds is more than a story of career and calling – it’s a testament to how small decisions, strong mentors, and quiet moments of grace can leave a lifelong mark. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in front of the Eucharist, Shane’s journey reminds us that the mission of Benedictine doesn’t end at graduation, it grows.

Jake '12 & Emily '13 Schmitz

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Jake '12 and Emily '13 Schmitz—Benedictine College alumni whose lives took a surprising turn from religious vocations to a shared vocation of marriage.
 
Once discerning paths as Father Jake and Sister Emily, the couple opens up about how faith, trust, and surrender led them to one another. Their story is both unexpected and deeply intentional—a testament to placing your life entirely in God's hands.

Pat Henneberry ’84

In this episode of the Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Pat Henneberry ’84—author, motivational speaker, and diamond industry executive with a career that’s taken her from Benedictine College to the mines of South Africa.Pat shares insights from her book, “My Soul Showed Up”, her journey through chronic pain and recovery, and how she now inspires others through her speaking. With decades of leadership in global luxury brands and a passion for resilience and perseverance, her story radiates the Benedictine spirit.Want more of Pat’s powerful story? Grab your copy of My Soul Showed Up today.

Chris Tabor '93

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Chris Tabor ’93—NFL coach, former Raven player, and a powerful example of quiet leadership shaped by faith, discipline, and character.
From his days as a student-athlete at Benedictine College to coaching on the biggest stage in football, Chris has remained grounded in the values he learned in Atchison. In this conversation, he reflects on how the Benedictine spirit—centered on humility, perseverance, and brotherhood—has guided his journey through the competitive world of professional sports.

Clare Hanson '18

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Clare Hansen ’18—head coach of the Benedictine College women’s lacrosse team and one of the most unlikely success stories in Raven athletics.
Clare arrived at Benedictine having never played lacrosse. But within just a few seasons, she became a standout player in the fledgling program. By 2021, she had stepped into the head coaching role—and in only four years, led the team to two national championships.
In this conversation, Clare shares how she went from complete beginner to national champion, the lessons she learned through trial, error, and perseverance, and how she’s built a team culture rooted in grit, growth, and heart.
It’s an inspiring story of saying “yes” to the unexpected—and discovering just how far passion and persistence can take you.

Larry Wilcox '72

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Larry Wilcox '72—legendary coach, devoted alumnus, and one of the most accomplished figures in NAIA football history.
Coach Wilcox reflects on his remarkable 41-year career leading the Benedictine Ravens, from his humble beginnings in 1979—when he juggled roles as head football and baseball coach, residence hall director, intramurals coordinator, and classroom instructor—to his final season in 2020. Along the way, he racked up over 300 career wins, eight Heart Championships, and a National Championship appearance in 2018.
But this conversation goes beyond the numbers. It’s a look at a life dedicated to a community, a campus, and the young men he’s coached over four decades. Whether you're a Raven fan or just love a good story about loyalty, leadership, and legacy—this one’s for you.

Terry Gainer '69

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Terry Gainer, Class of 1969—a proud Raven whose career has left a lasting mark on American law enforcement and public service.
From his days on campus to his service as the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms, Terry shares stories that are as gripping as they are inspiring. He opens up about the defining moments that shaped his path—from military service to high-stakes decisions in the nation’s capital.
Terry’s journey speaks volumes—and this conversation is one that will stay with you.

President Steve '82 & Amy '84 Minnis

In this episode of the Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with President Steve and Amy Minnis to talk about their journey—from students at Benedictine College to becoming two of its most recognizable faces.
They reflect on how they each ended up at Benedictine, how they met, and what really happened on that now-famous first date. They also share what life looked like in the years between graduation and their return to campus 20 years ago, and how Steve ultimately stepped into the role of college president.
It’s a candid conversation about decisions, timing, and the unexpected ways people—and places—shape our stories.