Afternoon Drive

Pacific Ocean, Pepperoni Pizza and Mr. Sinclair

Hi!

Today on the show I talked about how the Pacific Ocean was named and how today is National Pepperoni Pizza Day.

Did you know the Pacific Ocean was named by a European explorer named Ferdinand Magellan? I didn’t know that. The reason he named it Pacific was because the ocean was so calm. Pacific comes from the Latin word for tranquil, Pacificus.

Pepperoni pizza didn’t become widespread across the United States until the 1950s! That is incredible to me. So when you think about it, Pepperoni pizza is fairly new to the United States.

Click this link daysoftheyear.com to learn more information about National Pepperoni Pizza Day.

I was born on September 20, 1878, in Baltimore, Maryland.

I came from a relatively wealthy family.

I was a prolific writer and author who wrote over 90 books.

I am best known for my novel “The Jungle” published in 1906.

I played a significant role in the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906.

I ran for Governor of California as a part of the Socialist Party in 1934.

In 1943, I won the Pulitzer Prize for my Fiction novel “Dragon’s Teeth.”

I died on November 25, 1968, at the age of 90.

…..I am Upton Sinclair

Congratulations to Jo Ann of Howard for guessing the correct answer! She wins a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant!

Thanks for listening!

-Dylan

September 20, 2023 0

Albums and Dove Awards!

NEEDTOBREATHE has a new album! The release of “CAVES” involves an exciting collaboration with an alternative band called Judah & The Lion with the song “Dreams,” which they just performed together on the Today Show! You can watch that here.

for KING + COUNTRY is also celebrating an exciting release with the deluxe edition of their album “WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR.” The expanded 17-track collection includes the duo’s four most recent consecutive #1 singles, plus two brand new songs and two previously released collaborations. Read more about this slew of new music here!

In other news, the 54th Annual Dove Awards has just announced their host for this year… and it is Tauren Wells! Having previously won eight awards, including Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year in 2018, Wells will be hosting the night as well as performing on the show. You can watch this exciting event for Christian and Gospel music on Friday, October 20th at 8pm and 10pm ET if you head to the TBN channel or app. Click here to read more about Tauren Wells and the Dove Awards!

You were there in the valley of shadows

You were there in the depth of my sorrows

You’re my strength, my hope for tomorrow

I’ve been blessed beyond all measure

This week was a stumper! Make sure you listen in to our Song Poetry game next Tuesday for a chance at winning TWO gift cards to Watts Restaurant because we are still looking for a winner.

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

September 19, 2023 0

A prayer to release fear.

Remember today…who really has the power?

“Be strong and bold. Have no fear or dread because it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. “

Deuteronomy 31:6

As I face the big stuff right now, Lord, help me remember that the magnitude of the danger does not affect or change your ability to protect me. Because you’re all powerful, there is nothing too big or too small for you. I know that is true, whether I have one foe or a million. When I choose to follow you, I’m on the winning team. Please help me keep my eyes on how great you are, instead of how big the danger or the challenges, so that my faith in you won’t waver or dissolve. And I ask that my sleep will be sweet tonight as I commit myself to your care of me.

-from ‘The Right Prayers for Every Need’ by authors Christine Dallman and Randy Petersen

Name a body part that starts with the letter E:

1- Ear (33 votes)
2- Eye (31)
3- Elbow (25)
4- Esophagus (7)

Congratulations to Rachel from Howard, who got the top two answers and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

September 18, 2023 0

NZ Top 10 for 9/15/23

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

10. Phil Wickham – This is Our God
9. Micah Tyler – Praise the Lord
8. We The Kingdom – Jesus Does
7. for King & Country – What are We Waiting For?
6. Brandon Lake – Praise You Anywhere
5. Jon Reddick – I Believe It (The Life of Jesus)
4. Chris Tomlin – Holy Forever
3. Katy Nichole – Hold On
2. Big Daddy Weave – Heaven Changes Everything (1 week at #1)
1. MercyMe – To Not Worship You (first week at #1)

New Music Friday adds this week:

Lauren Daigle – These Are The Days

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Dylan

September 15, 2023 0

Chatting with Joseph O’Brien

This afternoon, we had a chat with Joseph O’Brien! He shares a little bit with Mike about his background and passion for music, as well as some fun memories from past tour experiences as he looks forward to performing on campus this Saturday (9/16). You can find the entire conversation here!

For Praise Thursday, Abby discussed the way Peter and John ran to the tomb of Jesus on the morning of the resurrection, and how we can also run to our Savior! Jeremiah 29:13 encourages, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Mike also shared 1 Corinthians 10:31, which prompts us to glorify God in everything we do. It is such a comfort to know that He is present in even those small daily moments!

KB is cohost of a popular podcast. What is the name of this podcast?

The answer– Southside Rabbi. Shout out to Victoria for calling in and winning two tickets to Sonfest!

And the song is… Yes He Does by Stars Go Dim. Congratulations to Rodney for correctly guessing today’s mystery tune! Listen next week for another chance to win a $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for tuning in!

-Mike and Abby

September 14, 2023 0

Sonfest Conversations and Hershey Bars!

Hello!

Today on the show I played a conversation between Allison Prouty and Blessing Offor. I also gave away two Sonfest 2023 tickets and a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant. It was a very busy two hours with lots of information from Blessing Offor and prize giveaways!

You can find all of the artist interviews on our WNZR Soundcloud page. Click here to listen. Also check out themorningthing.com for interviews as well.

Congratulations to Denise of Mount Vernon! She wins two tickets to Sonfest 2023!

I was born on September 13^th, 1857, in Derry Township, Pennsylvania

I dropped out of school in the 4^th grade to work on my family’s farm.

In 1883, I borrowed money from a bank to start the Lancaster Caramel Company, which instantly was successful.

In 1912, I was scheduled to travel on the Titanic, but canceled last minute due to a change of plans.

During World War II, I supplied the U.S. Armed Forces with Ration D. Bars and Tropical Chocolate Bars.

I died on October 13^th, 1945, at the age of 88.

…..I am Milton S. Hershey

Congratulations to Nicole of Mount Vernon! She wins a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant!

Thanks for listening!

-Dylan

September 13, 2023 0

A Patriotic Performance!

For today’s Artist Newsday, Mike shared about Natalie Grant’s performance of the National Anthem at the NFL annual primetime kickoff game. Read more about this incredible moment here!

Abby shared about Phil Wickham, whose new album I BELIEVE debuted at #1 on the charts and who just wrapped up a nearly sold-out tour. You can read more about him here.

What is the name of KB’s album that was released on August 11, 2023?

The answer– His Glory Alone 2

Congratulations to Alex for calling in and winning two tickets to Sonfest!

When confusion’s my companion

And despair holds me for ransom

I will feel no fear

I know that You are near

And today’s mystery song was… Shoulders– for KING & COUNTRY. Shout out to Linda for guessing correctly and winning two Watt’s Restaurant gift cards after last week’s stumper!

Thanks for tuning in!

-Mike and Abby

September 12, 2023 0

A prayer for our sorrow on this 9/11

On this day of remembering September 11, 2001, I’m sharing a prayer from the book ‘The Right Prayers for Every Need,’ from Christine Dallman and Randy Petersen.

Even as my heart is full of sorrow, Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of your comfort.

I admit, sometimes I don’t even realize you’ve come with your gentle touch until the moment passes. But I’m grateful for each bit of comfort that you bring. Those blessed distractions – the hummingbird at the feeder, my pet’s needs and affections, and a visit or phone call from a friend – these things give us a break from the ever-encroaching sadness.

And the reasons to keep going – people you’ve given me to love, skills and abilities I have to contribute to help others, and the sense of a future – all remind me that grief is not all there is to life.

Help me NOT reject these kindnesses from your hand but allow them to become a part of my healing.

Tell Me a Ball That’s Smaller Than a Baseball

Golf Ball (63 votes)
Ping-Pong Ball (18)
Tennis Ball (17)
Gumball (2)

Congratulations to Bob from Howard, who wins the $5 gift card to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Today’s winner – Bridgette of Mount Vernon!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe

September 11, 2023 0

NZ Top 10 for 9/8/23

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

10. We The Kingdom – Jesus Does
9. Lauren Daigle – Thank God I Do
8. Phil Wickham – This is Our God
7. for King & Country – What are We Waiting For
6. Brandon Lake – Praise You Anywhere
5. Katy Nichole – Hold On
4. Chris Tomlin – Holy Forever (spent 5 weeks at #1)
3. Jon Reddick – I Believe It (The Life of Jesus)
2. MercyMe – To Not Worship You
1. Big Daddy Weave – Heaven Changes Everything

New Music Friday adds this week:

Tasha Layton – Never