Driving Notes

PUMPKIN!!

On this week’s Who Knew Wednesday, we had some fall-festive conversations. Plus, we played our “Who am I” trivia in the second hour! Here’s what we talked about:

Who Knew Fact: National inner beauty day- It serves a profound and urgent purpose–to raise awareness and mobilize support for the victims and survivors of human trafficking. This day is not about aesthetics. It’s about recognizing the inherent worth, spirit, and dignity—the true inner beauty—that traffickers attempt to steal. We stand together to honor the resilience of survivors and take meaningful action to end this modern-day slavery.

Who Knew Fact: National pumpkin seed day– do you like roasted pumpkin seeds? Before you carve your Halloween pumpkin, don’t discard its contents! Tucked inside is a nutritional powerhouse celebrated on National Pumpkin Seed Day. Falling on the first Wednesday of October, this food day recognizes the crunchy, savory seed that is packed with protein, magnesium, and healthy fats, making it the perfect guilt-free snack for a crisp autumn day.

Who Knew Fact Check: Is Johnny Appleseed this weekend? YES! Experience Mount Vernon and Ariel-Foundation Park invite the community to celebrate the arrival of fall at the 6th Annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival on Sunday, October 11, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center at Ariel-Foundation Park. Presented by the Peoples Bank of Gambier, this free event will feature live music, food trucks, festive activities, local vendors, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy an autumn afternoon together. WNZR will be at Ariel Foundation Park for the Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival! For more information go to wnzr.fm! Stop by and register to win a special prize!

Who Knew Fact Check: Tomorrow is the last day to participate in WNZR’s Dove Awards Prize Prediction Giveaway? YES! Go to wnzr.fm and click on the Dove Awards banner to give us your predictions for a chance to win our awesome prizes! Scroll to the bottom and give us the artist of the year and song of the year you think will win!

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. WNZR helps you honor your pastor! WNZR is celebrating Clergy Appreciation Month throughout October. This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Each Friday, 5 local pastors will be honored on The Morning Thing. Our morning show hosts will share their names and churches along with comments from their church family. Each pastor that is mentioned will receive TWO $25.00 gift certificates to local restaurants to enjoy a dinner out with family. Each pastor will ALSO receive a WNZR goodie bag! Tell us why you love your pastor. Fill out the form on wnzr.fm!

Who Am I?

I was born on October 7, 1959, in London, England.

I began my career working in the music industry, eventually becoming a successful music executive and producer.

I became widely known as a judge on American Idol, where I was known for giving direct opinions to contestants.

I created The X Factor and helped develop the Got Talent franchise, including America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent.

I have helped launch or support the careers of several successful music acts, including One Direction, Fifth Harmony, and Leona Lewis.

I am… Simon Cowell! Congratulations to Nicole of Mount Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Daniel and Gabriella!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Joe 🙂

October 7, 2026 0

Tangible Music?

Award-winning artist, songwriter, and storyteller Micah Tyler is celebrating another No. 1 at Christian radio. His latest single, “Perfectly,” is his eighth No. 1 CCM radio single, with eight of his 12 radio singles now at the top and all 12 in the Top 10.

“Perfectly” has been one of the most anticipated songs of Tyler’s career. The single generated more social media attention than any previous release from Tyler, with more than 40 million views and more than 450,000 new followers. The song also received an official premiere on SiriusXM The Message before its release.

The song delivers a simple reminder of the Gospel: we don’t have to be perfect to be perfectly loved by God. Tyler combines heartfelt storytelling with an uplifting, sing-along chorus to share a message of grace, identity, and unconditional love.

The music video brings that message to life with a fun, unexpected concept, featuring appearances from Candace Cameron Bure, Ben Roethlisberger, Jonathan Pokluda, Danny Gokey, and more.

Tyler recently released a version of “Perfectly” featuring Colton Dixon. The two artists will also hit the road together this fall for the Colton Dixon & Micah Tyler Live in Concert tour.

Luckily, for Ohio residents, the dynamic duo are coming to Xenia, Ohio, on October 22nd, and will be performing at the Schindler Banquet Center! The concert is at 7:00, and tickets are available now, so don’t miss your chance to see them! You can find more information on our website, wnzr.fm! Just click on the Events button and navigate to the Concerts Tab!

“Perfectly” is the lead single from Tyler’s upcoming album, with more details on the project coming soon.

Jamie MacDonald is expanding her record-breaking debut album with a new deluxe edition!

Jamie MacDonald: The Deluxe Album is set to release October 16 through Capitol CMG. The project follows the success of her self-titled debut, which made history with the biggest streaming debut ever for a female Christian artist and reached number one on the Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart.

The deluxe album will feature two brand-new songs, along with reimagined versions of some of MacDonald’s standout tracks. She has also released a brand-new song called “Used To Be.” The soulful track focuses on transformation and the freedom of being made new in Christ.

Jamie says the song is a reminder that we aren’t defined by our past — and that she’s grateful she’s not the person she used to be.

“Used To Be” is available now, and Jamie MacDonald: The Deluxe Album arrives October 16.

The deadline is Thursday at 11:59pm! 3 winners will be drawn Monday during the Morning Thing! Prizes include CDs and your choice of VINYL from Jamie MacDonald, Josiah Queen, or Lauren Daigle!

I’ve seen Your goodness

In the best, the worst, the joy, the hurt

Every loss and every win

So I’m calling out again

Congratulations to Cheyenne from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “Meet Me In The Valley” by Tasha Layton! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Brock & Joe

October 6, 2026 0

Good News!!

On this week’s Monday Motivation, we shared motivation tied to what good news really means and how to overcome tiredness. Plus, we played our Family Feud for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

Gabriella’s Motivation:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28. There will be seasons in your life when your body feels drained and your spirit feels distant from God. Days are long. Expectations are high. And even though you’re doing all the right things—reading your Bible, showing up, trying to pray—it still feels hard to stay motivated. If that’s you, you’re not alone. What you need is soul-deep strength—a renewal that only Christ can offer.

God Cares About Your Exhaustion

The world often applauds hustle and grind, but God values rest and trust. Isaiah 40:29 promises, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Your tiredness isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a signal to draw closer to the One who restores.

Whether you’re emotionally overwhelmed, spiritually dry, or just plain worn out, know this: Jesus sees you. He doesn’t ask you to push through alone—He invites you to come to Him.

Rest is Not Laziness—It’s Worship

Our culture glorifies constant productivity, but Scripture teaches a different rhythm. After creating the world, God rested—not because He was tired, but to set a holy example (Genesis 2:2-3).

You don’t have to earn the right to rest. As an athlete, it’s okay to pause. In fact, it’s necessary:

Rest renews your body for the next challenge.
Rest renews your mind, calming the pressure and noise.
Rest renews your spirit, giving you time to hear God more clearly.

Psalm 23:2-3 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures… He refreshes my soul.” Let rest become part of your worship.

Joe’s Motivation:

Good News by Mandisa

What is the ‘good news?’ What is the gospel? The good tidings of great joy the angels talked about to the shepherds. What are the good tidings? Here are three important parts from Pastor Rick Warren:

1 – The good news that God LOVES us

God is telling us through the arrival of Jesus that He loves us…and that His love is not based on what we do, but who he is.

Romans 8:38-39″And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[^b^] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. ³⁹No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 – The good news that God is WITH us

God isn’t absent or distant – he’s with us through the Holy Spirit. We may not feel His presence, but He’s here whether we feel it or not.

Psalm 139: 7-10 “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence. If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

Hebrews 13:5 “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, I will never fail you.“

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, I will never abandon you.”^[^a^]

God doesn’t like loneliness. You don’t have to face anything by yourself. You can, but you don’t have to! You don’t have to be anxious about tomorrow, because Christ’s presence gives us hope.

3 – and also…The good news that God is FOR us

Guilt is what separates us from God. But the Bible reminds us that God didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it.

John 3:17 “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.“

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

WNZR’s Dove Awards Prediction Prize Giveaway!! Cast your predictions for the Dove Awards and get registered to win a special Dove Award Nominee Prize Package featuring special gifts from 2026 Dove Award nominees!! Tell us who you think will win “Song of the year” and “Artist of the year” at the 57th annual Dove Awards. Fill out the form below. You’ll see the nominees and a place to click with your votes. Or email your choices to wnzr@mvnu.edu. Please write “Dove Awards” in the subject. Or mail your choices to WNZR at 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 – make sure to write “Dove Awards” on the envelope! Go to wnzr.fm For more information!!

October is Clergy Appreciation Month and WNZR helps you honor your pastor! WNZR is celebrating Clergy Appreciation Month throughout October. This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Each Friday, 5 local pastors will be honored on The Morning Thing. Our morning show hosts will share their names and churches along with comments from their church family. Each pastor that is mentioned will receive TWO $25.00 gift certificates to local restaurants to enjoy a dinner out with family. Each pastor will ALSO receive a WNZR goodie bag! Tell us why you love your pastor. Fill out the form below! Your Church should be within 25 miles of Mount Vernon. Go to our website wnzr.fm!

Name Something That Goes Around the World.

1. Plane (45)

2. Sun (30)

3. Moon (16)

4. Satellite (3)

5. Ship (3)

Congratulations to Charla of Utica for guessing the top two answers correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow with Brock and Joe for Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Joe 🙂

October 5, 2026 0

NZ Top 10 for 10/2/26

Here’s this week’s countdown:

10. Brandon Lake – How Good God Is

9. Josiah Queen – demons (#1 for 3 weeks)

8. Forrest Frank – OKAY

7. Tauren Wells – Breathe On It

6. Chandler Moore – God I’m Just Grateful

5. TobyMac – Lord It Feels Good

4. Phil Wickham & Crowder – It Really Is Amazing Grace (6 Weeks at #1)

3. Jon Reddick – Holding On (Praise God)

2. Micah Tyler ft. Colton Dixon – Perfectly

1. Matt Maher – Gonna Be Alright

New Music Friday

Josh Wilson – How Loved You Are

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive and NZ Top 10!

-Joe & Brock

October 2, 2026 0

Celebrate 40 years of WNZR on Praise Thursday

Do you know what today is? It’s WNZR’s 40th anniversary! Today we shared some of the incredible things that have happened over these past 40 years, and we praise God for these 40 years of ministry.

With today being our 40th anniversary, I was thinking about the number 40. The number 40 is super crucial in the bible. It’s how long Jesus was in the wilderness; it was how long the rains came during Noah’s flood; it’s how long the Israelites wandered the wilderness before they entered the promised land.

But what does the number 40 signify? What happened after each of these events? The number 40 signifies the start of something new, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the tribulation before God brings something new into the world.

40 years, 40 days, 40 minutes, even 40 seconds of devotion can allow God to do incredible things. Take the time to consider what God is doing in your life and how you can serve him; he might set you on a journey of devotion for the next 40 years.

Name That Tune!

This week’s Name That Tune winner was Bill from Centerburg, who won TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica for correctly guessing… Jeremy Camp – Again

Tune in Tomorrow for The NZ Top 10 with Brock and Joe!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Daniel and Joe

October 1, 2026 0

WWJD? He Would Love First.

On this week’s Who Knew Wednesday we talked about fall activities coming soon and played our who am I trivia in the second hour! Go to wnzr.fm for more information. Here’s what we talked about:

National Love People Day- Many participants engage in intentional acts of kindness and giving in the days leading up to and on September 30th (often running from September 25th through September 30th) 1 John 5:2-3: “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”

Fall is here! – National Hot Mulled Cider Day: To mull a drink means to heat it, sweeten it, and flavor it with spices. While the term originally applied to heated wine in Britain, it now commonly describes cozy winter and autumn beverages like spiced cider. Join The Church AT Chapel Hill’s Fall Fest! Happening 4-7:30pm October 18th!

Experience Mount Vernon and Ariel-Foundation Park invite the community to celebrate the arrival of fall at the 6th Annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival on Sunday, October 11, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center at Ariel-Foundation Park. Presented by the Peoples Bank of Gambier, this free event will feature live music, food trucks, festive activities, local vendors, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy an autumn afternoon together.

Join us this Thursday, October 1st at 5pm-8pm in MVNU’s Gathering Place for our 40th anniversary! You’ll get to meet WNZR Staff including our current Communication & Media Students, enjoy a Buffet style dinner – hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, desserts including Round Hill Dairy Ice Cream! You get to visit our special 40th Anniversary Rooms!

Who Am I?

I was born on September 30, 1954, in Santa Monica, California.

I started acting when I was young, getting my first professional television role around age 11.

I am best known for playing Greg Brady, the oldest son on The Brady Bunch, from 1969 to 1974.

I appeared on TV shows like Dragnet and Mission: Impossible before becoming famous on The Brady Bunch.

After The Brady Bunch, I continued acting and singing, especially in musical theater productions such as Pippin, Grease, and The Sound of Music.

I am… Barry Williams! Congratulations to Chris of Gambier for guessing our Who Am I trivia correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Daniel (plus, our 40th Anniversary!)

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Joe 🙂

September 30, 2026 0

Seph Schlueter Goes “All In” as We Are Messengers Hit a Billion Streams

Seph Schlueter is stepping into a new chapter with the announcement of his sophomore album, Fingerprints, coming March 12th, 2027.

The announcement comes alongside Schlueter’s new single, “All In,” available now. The song is a bold declaration of faith and complete surrender to Jesus, challenging listeners to live unashamed and fully committed to their faith.

Schlueter says the song was inspired by Romans 1:16, which says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” He hopes “All In” will inspire the church to live boldly for Jesus and share the Good News with others.

The new music comes as Schlueter continues to build momentum following the success of his hit, “Counting My Blessings.” He will be joining TobyMac and Katy Nichole on the “Hits Deep Tour,” which is coming to Nationwide Arena in Columbus on February 18th! Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster.com!

And that’s not all! There’s more coming from Schlueter! A children’s book inspired by “Counting My Blessings” is set to arrive in October, bringing the song’s message of gratitude and recognizing God’s goodness to a new generation.

We Are Messengers have released their brand-new album, Halfway Home!

The band’s fifth studio album features 13 songs, all co-written by frontman Darren Mulligan. The project explores the tension between where we are now and where we’re headed, reflecting on life’s contradictions while pointing listeners toward the hope of Jesus.

Mulligan says the band worked hard on these songs and hopes they can help listeners “come a little bit closer to Jesus” than they were before.

The band is also celebrating a major milestone, surpassing one billion global streams! And they’re nominated for two GMA Dove Awards this year. Their album Rejoice! A Celtic Christmas is nominated for Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year, while their hit “We Three Kings” is nominated for Christmas Recorded Song of the Year.

The 57th annual GMA Dove Awards will take place October 6th in Nashville, and we’re doing a Dove Awards Prediction Prize Giveaway! You can find more information on our website, wnzr.fm!

Never been so connected

Never been so alone

Broken and misdirected

And now we’re homesick for home

Congratulations to Steve from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “Heaven Down Here,” by Megan Woods and winning TWO $5 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

September 29, 2026 0

Motivated by Your Mindset!!

On this week’s Monday Motivation Gabriella continued her Motivated Mission plus we played our Family Feud style question for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

Gabriella’s Motivation: As you become motivated by mission and mindset you’ll turn into a freight-train of others-focused action. And when you do, don’t let off the gas. Stay consistent in the little things that lead you to stay motivated so you can continue making a long-term impact. What’s Competing for Your Attention?

We live in a world filled with distractions. Social media, work, and school compete for our limited time and attention. If we’re not careful, distractions can break down good habits, erode trust, and disrupt our closest relationships. A distracted life is an inconsistent life, and it’s hard to follow Jesus when we’re plagued by inconsistency.

Joe’s Motivation: Psalm 40:1-4 (NIV) I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

I remember when I was a kid growing up in church, one of the hymns we sang frequently was ‘He Brought Me Out,’ written by Henry Zelley in 1898. The chorus says, “He brought me out of the miry clay, / He set my feet on the Rock to stay; / He puts a song in my soul today, / A song of praise, hallelujah!”

Little did I know how many times in my life I would step into that slimy pit or miry clay; meaning, the deep trouble, despair or the burden of sin. And how much I would call on God to lift me out and put my feet on solid ground. The reality is that only with Jesus can we have safety, stability and salvation.

So today, if you feel stuck or as if you’re falling into the slimy pit, call on Jesus; call on God, and ask him to lift you out! Then sing that song of praise!