Wisdom Conversation Details

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris volutpat, nisl nec faucibus sagittis, purus nunc tincidunt justo, sit amet pretium mi ligula nec lacus.

Episode 9
Combating Loneliness in the Digital Age Featuring Dr. Jean Twenge

In this episode of Cornerstone University’s faith-based podcast Wisdom & Influence, President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño welcomes Dr. Jean Twenge — professor of psychology at San Diego State University, author of seven books including iGen and Generations, and expert on generational differences. Together, they delve into the epidemic of loneliness, exploring its stigma, the distinction between solitude and true isolation, and the profound impact of technology and social media on human connections, especially among young people. Drawing from the Surgeon General’s report and Dr. Twenge’s research on teen trends, they discuss rising disconnection, the role of digital devices in fostering empty interactions, structural factors like urban design and inventions such as TV and automobiles, and practical solutions including phone-free school days, encouraging in-person fellowship, and the vital role of faith communities and churches in rebuilding relationships. With insights on Gen Z’s empathy, mental health challenges, slow life strategies, and hope through collective action, this conversation offers actionable wisdom for fostering genuine belonging in a fragmented world.

Learn more about Dr. Jean Twenge at www.jeantwenge.com.

Episode 8
Faith in Action: Education, Virtues & the American Dream Featuring Ian Rowe

Discover the power of Christian influence in transforming vulnerable communities as President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño welcomes back Ian Rowe — CEO and cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a virtues-based public charter school network in the Bronx, and a returning guest in the President’s Fellows program. Ian shares his passion for putting Christian influence into action by building institutions that empower vulnerable communities, from opening high-performing schools where students thrive against the odds to rejecting victimhood and fostering resilience. Dive into his FREE framework (Family, Religion, Education, and Entrepreneurship) as a pathway to agency and purpose, the cardinal virtues of courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom that anchor his schools, and data-driven insights on upward mobility and the American Dream. Whether discussing moral courage in today’s education landscape or creating multiple pathways for student success, Ian encourages listeners to match faith with analysis to create lasting change for Christ.

Learn more about Vertex Partnership Academies at https://www.vertexacademies.org.

Episode 7
Bold Truth in Love: Ryan Bomberger on Abortion, Race, and the Sanctity of Life

How do we speak uncompromising truth into a culture that often hates it — yet still lead with mercy? In this powerful episode of Wisdom & Influence, Cornerstone University President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño sits down with Ryan Bomberger — Emmy Award-winning creative, founder of The Radiance Foundation, and one of Cornerstone’s National President Fellows.

Ryan pulls no punches as he shares how God turned his years in the ad agency world into weapons of beauty and boldness for the Gospel-centered advocacy. From the viral billboard campaign that declared “Black Children Are an Endangered Species” and exposed Planned Parenthood’s racist roots, to creative initiatives that celebrate adoption, fatherhood, and the biblical truth that we are “one human race” (Acts 17:26), Ryan shows what happens when excellence meets courage and truth meets mercy.

With his signature blend of sharp insight, stunning design, and deep compassion, Ryan challenges the church to reject euphemisms like “fetus,” call abortion what it is, and love people enough to tell them the truth that sets them free. A masterclass in bold, Christ-centered influence that is both culturally disruptive and redemptive.

Episode 6
Faithful Leadership in Public Service Featuring Kay Coles James

In this inspiring episode of Cornerstone University’s faith-based podcast Wisdom & Influence, President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño welcomes Kay Coles James — former President of The Heritage Foundation, seasoned public servant, and influential leader in policy and politics. Kay reflects on her visit to Cornerstone, sharing how interactions with students renewed her hope for the future amid national challenges. Dive into discussions on integrating a Christian worldview into every aspect of life, pursuing excellence and character as ambassadors for Christ, building bridges across divides in a hostile culture, and the lifelong discipline of daily devotion to Scripture. From her experiences in segregation-era education to maintaining faith in high-stakes roles, Kay offers practical wisdom for young leaders seeking to live boldly and influentially for Jesus.

Episode 5
Faith, Humor & Reviving America's Legacy Featuring Eric Metaxas

Dive into an inspiring episode of Cornerstone University’s Wisdom & Influence podcast with President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño and guest Eric Metaxas — bestselling author, radio host, humorist, and Cornerstone University Distinguished Presidents Fellow. Eric shares his journey from writing humor for The New York Times and The Atlantic to authoring influential books like Bonhoeffer, Letter to the American Church, and If You Can Keep It. Explore the power of humor in countering woke culture, the dangers of the "spiral of silence," lessons from Nazi Germany and America's founding, the pitfalls of elitism, and the hope of national revival. Eric also recounts his God-inspired story of coining "Super Centennial" for America's 250th anniversary and offers advice on building legacy through faith, truth, and community engagement.

Episode 4
Tudor Dixon on Faith in Politics: God's Preparation, Personal Journey & Christian Influence

Join Cornerstone University's Wisdom & Influence podcast as President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño sits down with Tudor Dixon — former Michigan gubernatorial candidate, businesswoman, conservative commentator, and breast cancer survivor. In this inspiring episode, Tudor shares her remarkable journey from manufacturing and media to the political arena, reflecting on how God's preparation through hardships and unexpected challenges shaped her path. From drawing parallels to David's unconventional training against Goliath to navigating attacks while holding firm to her faith, Tudor offers heartfelt insights on calling, discernment in media, and why Christians must engage boldly in public life without compromising integrity. Discover how planting seeds of faith can transform lives and communities, and why looking to God amid trials leads to greater purpose.

Episode 3
Overcoming Stockholm Syndrome in Christianity With Dr. John West

In this episode of Cornerstone University’s Wisdom & Influence podcast, Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño sat down with Dr. John West, vice president of Discovery Institute and managing director for the Center for Science & Culture, on August 20, 2025. Drawing from his latest book, “Stockholm Syndrome Christianity: Why America’s Christian Leaders Are Failing — and What We Can Do About It,” Dr. West explored how Christians can unknowingly adopt secular viewpoints in areas like science, sexuality, family life, religious liberty, race, and class — and offered practical wisdom for staying faithful to Biblical truth. From the sufficiency of Scripture and navigating Christian nationalism to celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with grace and discernment, this conversation equips believers to be salt and light in a complex world.

Episode 2
Joanna Ng on Christian Innovation: Technology, Creativity & Kingdom Impact

What drives us to live boldly as Christian and creators, and what gets in our way? In this episode of Wisdom & Influence, Cornerstone University welcomes Joanna Ng — IBM Master Inventor, entrepreneur, Cornerstone University National Fellow, and author of Being Christian 2.0 and Debugging Discipleship. Joanna dives deep with us into ideas about influence, creativity, technology, discipleship, and reframing invention as an act of Christian love and worship.

Episode 1
Transforming America through Faith & Action - Pastor Corey Brooks

Join us for the debut episode of Cornerstone University’s faith-based podcast Wisdom & Influence! Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and CEO of Project H.O.O.D. Pastor Corey Brooks shares his bold vision for transforming communities — including his 3,000 mile walk to fund educational and economic empowerment centers in Chicago. From the necessity of education and the local church to leading with Scripture among skeptics and turning histories of violence into moments of hope, Pastor Brooks invites listeners to invest in their faith and in each other through action.

Trailer
Welcome to Wisdom & Influence, a Cornerstone University podcast hosted by President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño.

Our goal in this Christian podcast is to explore key issues in society, culture, education, and faith — all while shining a light on the glory of Jesus Christ. Together, we’ll wrestle with the complexities of the human experience and learn from the wisdom of faith-filled leaders to be better equipped as bold Christian influencers. We’re excited for you to join the journey!

ERIC METAXAS
New York Times Bestselling Author & National Radio Host of The Eric Metaxas Show and Cornerstone University Distinguished National Fellow

ERIC METAXAS is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “If You Can Keep It,” “Bonhoeffer” and “Miracles.” His latest book is “Letter to the American Church” (September 2022). His writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The New Yorker, and he has appeared as a cultural commentator on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. He is the host of The Eric Metaxas Show, a nationally syndicated daily radio show heard on 300 outlets nationwide and aired on television on TBN.

JOANNA NG
AI Entrepreneur & IBM Master Inventor, Former Head of Research, IBM Canada

JOANNA NG is an ex-IBM-er. Joanna pivoted to innovate as an entrepreneurial start-up founder, focusing on artificial intelligence, specialized in augmented cognition, by integrating with IoT and Blockchain, applying to all of it her design-thinking methodology. With 49 patents granted to her name, Joanna was accredited as an IBM Master Inventor. She held a seven-year tenure as the head of research and director of the Center for Advanced Studies for IBM Canada. She published over 20 peer-reviewed academic publications and co-authored two computer science books with Springer, “The Smart Internet” and “The Personal Web.” As a disciple of Christ, she felt one of her purposes on earth is to be God’s voice in the tech arena. She published a Christianity Today article called “How Artificial Super Intelligence is Today’s Tower of Babel.” She considers her career in tech as a testimony of co creating with God. To mentor other Christians called into different arenas of the world for kingdom ministry, she started a ministry called KOE, which stands for Kingdom On Earth. Joanna recently published her first book, “Being Christian 2.0,” on faith and discipleship in October 2022.