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Holiday Hits and Heartfelt Reminders

Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Lauren Daigle is celebrating the holiday season with two new Christmas releases! The Louisiana native has teamed up with the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band to record soulful renditions of the Christmas classics “Sleigh Ride” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” available today.

The releases also mark Daigle’s label debut with Capitol Records.

The collaboration brings Lauren’s Louisiana roots to the forefront, blending her signature vocals with the jazz influence and New Orleans sound of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Following the digital release, both songs will also be available on a special 7-inch vinyl edition beginning November 27.

Daigle says she is excited about this new chapter and looks forward to creating music alongside her new label partners. Fans can listen to both Christmas releases now!

Dove Award-winning recording artist Jordan Feliz is getting ready to release new music! His latest single, “Fast,” arrives November 13. The new song marks his first release in more than a year and is a heartfelt reminder to slow down and appreciate life’s most meaningful moments.

Inspired by watching his two children grow up, Feliz wrote “Fast” as a reminder for parents to cherish the time they have with their families. He says the song came from realizing that the little ones he once carried are growing into children with their own dreams, plans, and personalities.

Feliz hopes the song encourages parents to hold their children a little longer and appreciate every moment, because, as the song reminds listeners, life goes fast.

The new single follows Feliz’s 2024 album, Everything Good, which featured the songs “Praise God For That” and “The King Is Alive.” The 11-track project encourages listeners to navigate life’s worries and fears while remembering that God remains in control.

The new single, “Fast,” is out November 13th!

So every time the enemy tries me

I say, “Get behind me”

I’m trading his lies for the truth

Devil, he can’t tell me who I am…

Congratulations to April from Mount Gilead for correctly guessing “Who I Am To You” by Anne Wilson! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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Back from CMBU!

Today Gabby and I shared some notes from our trip to the Christian Music Broadcasters University conference this past weekend in Franklin, Tennessee.

One of my takeaways came as a reminder from speaker Phil Cooke, who encouraged us to do great work in pursuit of souls and in support of the gospel, but to let God keep score. He does the final work to bring people to Him. So many times we’re so focused on numbers, ratings, likes, data and results, that we forget that the RESULTS are with him!

From Gabriella:
I’ve been having a lot of pain mentally, emotionally, and physically for a very long time, but it just started recently where physical pain was being brought in. It’s only getting worse right now until I get my surgery. So, it’s a waiting game…and that is so stressful, but I always go back to Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us.” As well as 1 Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Throughout this experience, I’ve had every emotional emotion known to man. But one good thing has come of it. A few days ago, I heard God’s voice, and it helped me tremendously throughout this experience. He said, it’s all temporary, and that’s why I go back to those verses. If I had to go back and do everything the same just to hear God’s voice, I would because it was a spiritual awakening for me.

Name something you eat with your hands!
1- Pizza (30 votes)
2- Sandwiches (22)
3- French Fries (20)
4- Tacos (13)
5- Chicken Nuggets (9)

Congratulations to Jennifer from Centerburg, who got the top two guesses and wins TWO $5 gift cards from Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

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Breaking Bread!

On this week’s Praise Thursday, we gave devotionals and talked about upcoming events! Plus, in the second hour, we played Name That Tune. Here’s what we talked about:

Daniel’s Devotion: Our lives change all the time; we make decisions that alter who we are daily. Sometimes the world changes as well. With the election having just happened, there will be changes that will happen, for better or for worse, but let me tell you someone who never changes, who will always be the same, today, tomorrow, a month, a week, a year, a decade, a century, a millennium: God is Immutable, which means he never changes.

“For I the LORD do not change;” Malachi 3:6

“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

They will perish, but you will remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.

You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,

but you are the same, and your years have no end.” – Psalm 102:25-27

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

So despite the fact that the world changes, your life will change, you will change; instead of relying on things that will change and will let you down, instead rely on the one who never changes and will never let you down. Rely on God.

Gabriella’s Devotion: But the truth is, those of us who knew and loved him lost so much with Andy’s passing—a beautiful life lived for Jesus—and he’s greatly missed. What do we have left that gives us hope? Ephesians 1 speaks of the spiritual blessings Andy and other believers have in Jesus: We’re “blameless in his sight” (v. 4), “predestined . . . for adoption to sonship” (v. 5), “[redeemed] through his blood” (v. 7), and “[forgiven] of sins [by] God’s grace” (v. 7). “The promised Holy Spirit” lives in us and guarantees “our inheritance” with Him in the life to come (vv. 13-14).

Those who love Jesus have His gift of eternal salvation. Click HERE to read more!

This week’s Name That Tune was Red Letters by Crowder! Congratulations to Mark of Mount Vernon for guessing our name that tune correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in for the NZ Top 10 with Traven!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella

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Candy is the Solution to Stress!?!

On this week’s Who Knew Wednesday, we talked about candy and did our giveaway for the mvnu play. Plus, we did our Who Am I Trivia! Here’s what we talked about:

Who Knew Fact: National Candy Day! In the late 13th century, Middle English first began using the word candy. Borrowed from the Old French cucre candi, it is derived in turn from Persian Qand and Qandi, cane sugar.

People use the term candy as a broad category. We treat candy bars, chocolates, licorice, sour candies, salty candies, tart candies, hard candies, taffies, gumdrops, marshmallows and much more as candy. However, sugar was not always readily available. So instead, people made the first candies from honey.

Who Knew Fact: National Stress Awareness Day! Everyone has stress. Some stress is good for us. It helps us to respond to changes in life. Stress is our body’s way of protecting itself from harm. However, too much stress causes harm to our health and relationships.

  1. I was born on November 4, 1961, in Huntington, New York.
  2. I am an American actor best known for playing Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid.
  3. I started my acting career in the late 1970s, appearing in television commercials.
  4. I played Johnny Cade in the 1983 movie The Outsiders.
  5. I returned to my famous role as Daniel LaRusso in the Netflix series Cobra Kai.

I am… Ralph Macchio! Congratulations to Trish of Mount Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Resturant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Daniel and Gabriella

Thanks so much for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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MVNU Theatre Brings Imagination and Adventure to Life in The Phantom Tollbooth

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s theatre department is preparing to take audiences on an imaginative adventure with its production of The Phantom Tollbooth. WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with three MVNU student actors, Madigan Caudill, Jeremy Seymour, and Quinn Menzie, about their theatre experiences, the characters they portray, and what audiences can expect from the production.

Click HERE to hear the conversations or click on the photo below.

Caudill, a senior music education major, is participating in her 21st theatrical production. She began performing at age 10 with MTVarts in Mount Vernon and has since enjoyed a variety of roles, including Charlie Bucket in MVNU’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In The Phantom Tollbooth, she plays the Humbug, an energetic and self-important character who is always looking for food. Caudill also shared some humorous memories from past productions, including an unexpected broken couch during Cheaper by the Dozen and a wardrobe mishap during a recent rehearsal.

Seymour, a senior elementary education and elementary intervention student, discovered his love for theatre during his senior year of high school when he performed in Newsies. Since joining MVNU’s theatre program as a sophomore, he has appeared in productions including Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bedtime Stories, and The Wizard of Oz, where he played the Cowardly Lion. In The Phantom Tollbooth, Seymour takes on the role of Tock, a watchdog who combines the characteristics of a human clock and a dog. He describes Tock as a wise, cautious character who helps guide Milo through a mysterious world.

Menzie, a sophomore business administration major, takes on the lead role of Milo, a middle-aged man who has lost his joy and purpose in life. Through a journey into a mysterious land, Milo begins to rediscover meaning and happiness. Menzie has been involved in community theatre and musicals since middle school and has appeared in several MVNU productions, including Big Fish, The Internet is Distract–Look a Kitten!, and Tuck Everlasting. One of his favorite past roles was Crutchie in Newsies. Menzie said one of the best parts of preparing for The Phantom Tollbooth has been sharing laughs and building friendships with fellow cast members. He encouraged the community to support MVNU Theatre and experience the story on stage.

All three actors encouraged families and community members to experience the production, describing it as a fun, heartfelt adventure filled with humor, imaginative characters, and meaningful lessons. Caudill compared the story to classics such as The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, while Seymour highlighted its message that life can offer more than what we see in our everyday routines. Through its imaginative storytelling, The Phantom Tollbooth invites audiences of all ages to discover the adventure and possibilities that exist beyond the ordinary.

Hear WNZR’s conversations with the MVNU student actors to learn more about their experiences and the upcoming production of The Phantom Tollbooth!

There are 4 performances:
Thursday, 11/5 at 7:30pm
Friday, 11/6 at 7:30pm
Saturday, 11/7 at 7:30pm
Sunday, 11/8 at 3:30pm
Tickets are available at mvnutheatre.ludus.com

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New Music, Movies, and More!

Forrest Frank has announced his new album, The Jesus Generation, arriving December 4!

The album continues Forrest’s commentary on the spiritual revival happening across the country, building on his May 2026 single of the same name. Fans can also preview songs from the upcoming project through Forrest’s announcement post and vote for which track they want to hear first.

The album features collaborations with Lecrae and KB, JVKE, Michael W. Smith, and Elevation Rhythm.

Faith remains at the heart of Forrest’s music and personal life. With more than 4.2 billion global catalog streams, five Dove Awards, and three Grammy nominations, he has also earned more entries on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart than any other artist.

The Jesus Generation shares its name with Forrest’s sold-out 29-city stadium and arena tour this past summer. The historic tour will also be celebrated in the coinciding The Jesus Generation Tour Movie, coming to theaters in 2027 through Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company.

You can pre-save Forrest Frank’s new album, The Jesus Generation, now, and check out his single of the same name, it will be linked on our blog at wnzrdrive.com!

GRAMMY-nominated band We The Kingdom has released its new eight-song project titled Soon The Streets Of Gold, completing a three-part musical journey that unfolded throughout 2026!

The project follows the band’s January release, Dear Jesus, and June’s Everything I Thought Was Pleasure, which featured a collaboration with Crowder on “Glory Glory.” Together, the three projects tell a deeply personal story of life’s struggles, wrestling with faith, and ultimately finding hope and redemption.

We The Kingdom says its goal throughout the collection has been to meet listeners wherever they are in life and point them toward the Lord. The final installment looks beyond life’s present circumstances to the promise of eternity, bringing the band’s yearlong musical journey full circle.

Soon The Streets Of Gold features eight new songs, including “Take Me Home,” “I Sing Holy,” and “Heaven Here I Come.”

I thought that I would never be worth the fight

But He showed up and loved me time after time

I thought that I didn’t want to be alive

But I found my reason to breathe

Congrats to Esther from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “I Found Jesus” by Katy Nichole! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

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Basketball Season?!

This week’s Monday motivation was shorter due to Women’s Basketball!

This week’s Family feud was a stumper, so come back next week for 2 $5 gift cards to Watts!

Thanks for listening!

– Gabriella

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NZ Top 10 for 10/30/26

Praise the Lord it’s Friday! Here’s this week’s countdown:

10. Forrest Frank – OKAY

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

08. Chandler Moore – God I’m Just Grateful

07. Leanna Crawford – Thank God

06. Micah Tyler ft. Colton Dixon – Perfectly

05. Matt Maher – Gonna Be Alright

04. Jeremy Camp – Revival

03. TobyMac – Lord It Feels Good

02. Brandon Lake – How Good God Is

01. Jon Reddick – Holding On (Praise God) (4th week at #1)

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY!

Phil Wickham – Everyday Hallelujah

Thanks for listening!


– Joe & Brock

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Taking God’s Love and Power Seriously

Daniel: Do you take prayer seriously? Seriously consider this: do you know what your prayer means? Last week at Church, the pastor talked about Jonah in the belly of the whale; he talked about what that might be like, the fact that this has, in fact, happened before to other people who have come out the other side of being in a whale, several in recent years in fact. While Jonah is in there, he cries out to God, repenting for his disobedience, and God puts him back on the path he told him to go. So I ask you again, do you take your praying seriously?

Jesus said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20

Our God is the God who throws mountains into the sea, raises the dead, created the universe with a few words, and do you not think that he will make miracles happen with a tiny bit of faith? I urge you, take prayer seriously; let God be an active part of your life. With a little bit of faith, he will move a mountain.

Gabbriella: Six-year-old Tiana clasped her hands. She prayed as she scanned the crowd, glancing toward the front door of the church. Her classmates waved at guests settling in for the Father’s Day concert. Fathers and father figures returned the greetings. But nobody waved at Tiana. Her teacher encouraged her to join the choir, but Tiana didn’t budge. Suddenly her daddy rushed through the door. As he waved and found a seat, Tiana smiled, burst into tears, and stepped onto the stage.

Whatever our age, there’s a tender heart of a child within each of us that aches to be seen, heard, and loved. But the psalmist David demonstrated how God delights in showing up for His children. David prayed with confidence in a love that never fails, forgets, or forsakes—the love of our heavenly Father. Confessing his need, David prayed with faith in God’s trustworthiness (Psalm 86:1-4). He declared that God is “forgiving and good, abounding in love” (v. 5). He sang, “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me” (v. 7). David cried out with expectation because God had proven His faithfulness (v. 11).

Like David, we can trust our heavenly Father to show up because He promises to do so. We too can sing, “I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever” (v. 12). Why? Because God is incomparable; He alone is God (vv. 8, 10).

This week’s Name That Tune was… Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. Congratulations to Eric from Mount vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

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

Thanks so much for listening!

– Daniel and Gabby

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