Always A Raven Podcast

Nick Porretta '12

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Nick Porretta, a 2012 Benedictine College graduate, husband, father of soon-to-be ten, former FOCUS missionary, and longtime Snap-on professional, to share how a seemingly practical transfer decision led him to the place that would shape his faith, friendships, work, and family life for years to come. Nick reflects on the immediate fit he found at Benedictine — a campus rooted in community, sacraments, friendship, and formation — and the experiences that expanded his view of the world, from mission trips to El Salvador to prison ministry with Father Bruce. Those moments helped him see faith not as something confined to campus, but as something meant to be lived through service, relationships, and the way we encounter people in every walk of life. Now working in the business world with Snap-on, Nick shares how Benedictine’s values continue to show up in unexpected ways — especially in sales, where integrity, authenticity, and long-term trust matter more than quick wins. His story is a reminder that being a Raven means carrying what is good, true, and beautiful into every corner of life — whether as a missionary, businessman, husband, father, friend, or as Nick puts it, a “Snap-on Raven.”

Brian Carr '03

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Brian Carr, a 2003 Benedictine College graduate, decorated Army officer, aviator, attorney, and servant leader with more than 23 years of military service. As the nation approaches its 250th year, Brian reflects on the path that led him from Phoenix to Benedictine, from ROTC to aviation, and eventually into a career of leadership, law, and service to country.   Brian shares how Benedictine helped shape his ability to think, lead, and serve with purpose — lessons that carried him through 9/11, combat deployments, law school while on active duty, and his work as a Judge Advocate. Through it all, he credits faith, family, and profession as the constants that have grounded his decisions, strengthened his resilience, and helped him lead others through pressure, adversity, and uncertainty. Now preparing for a new role at the Pentagon as executive officer to the Army general counsel, Brian reflects on trust, patriotism, sacrifice, and the responsibility of forming the next generation of leaders. His story is a powerful reminder that being a Raven does not end at graduation, it continues through a life of service, integrity, courage, and answering the call to give back wherever God and country may lead.

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann to reflect on a life of faithful leadership, from his earliest encounters with Benedictine College to his decades of service as a priest and bishop. With deep ties to the college and a long friendship with President Stephen Minnis, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann shares how Benedictine’s renewed Catholic mission, devotion to Mary, and commitment to forming students for cultural transformation have made it a beacon of hope in the Church.   Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann also opens up about his vocation story, shaped by his mother’s extraordinary faith after the tragic death of his father before he was born. From entering seminary after elementary school to experiencing a powerful encounter with God during an eight-day silent retreat, he recalls the moment he became convinced that the most important thing he could do with his life was help others encounter Jesus. Across more than 50 years of priesthood, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann has served as a parish priest, pro-life leader, vicar general, auxiliary bishop, and Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, walking with people through joy, suffering, crisis, and renewal. His story is a reminder that Christ never promises an easy path, but He does promise His presence — and that places like Benedictine continue to give hope by forming young people, families, priests, religious, and leaders ready to serve the Church and transform the world.

Nina Gray '24

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Nina Gray, a 2024 Benedictine College graduate, to share her story of choosing Benedictine at the last possible moment, beginning college during the uncertainty of 2020, and discovering a community where faith was not confined to chapel, but woven into friendships, late-night conversations, service, and everyday life.    Nina reflects on how Benedictine helped her see Catholicism as something truly universal — lived out in every vocation, every season, and every ordinary moment when people choose to show up for one another. From porch conversations and spontaneous invitations to adoration, to learning that community must be lived in person and not just talked about, she shares how her time on campus formed her courage to act, serve, and trust God more deeply.   Now living in Kansas City after graduation, Nina opens up about leaving the traditional work path to pursue a season of prayer, creativity, writing, and surrender — not because she has every answer, but because she refuses to live with the regret of never trying. Her story is a powerful reminder that being a Raven means remembering who you are, stepping into the world with faith and purpose, and trusting that God can work even in the half-baked, uncertain, and unfinished parts of the journey.

Fr. Meinrad Miller '89

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Father Meinrad Miller, a 1989 graduate of Benedictine College, to share his journey from discerning student to beloved priest and monk at Saint Benedict's Abbey — reflecting on how his time at Benedictine deepened his calling and set the foundation for a vocation rooted in prayer, community, and service. Father Meinrad shares stories from a life well-lived in the Church — from celebrating sacraments and serving as state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, to traveling with the Missionaries of Charity in Washington D.C. and Calcutta — offering candid wisdom that it doesn't take an hour of prayer to encounter God, just a willing heart and the faith of a mustard seed. Beyond his travels and ministries, Father Meinrad's greatest joy remains right on campus, where he teaches Benedictine spirituality and witnesses students finding their way to Christ year after year — proof that the mission of Benedictine College lives on in the monks and mentors who never stopped believing in it.