https://simplecast.com InFormation InFormation is a podcast about using discernment to live with intention, awareness, and purpose. Each episode, Carolyn Noll Sorg sits down with members of the John Carroll community to explore how this practice shapes the way they live, work, and grow. Guests share experiences, insights, and practical takeaways you can apply to your own life. 2026 en Sat, 30 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Sat, 30 May 2026 23:48:35 +0000 https://information-podcast.simplecast.com InFormation https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/674ce022-3a73-460a-a317-78691952a80c/c920a176-36bd-4ea3-bda9-458ceef75fac/3000x3000/image_1774365330844.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://information-podcast.simplecast.com episodic InFormation is a podcast about using discernment to live with intention, awareness, and purpose. Each episode, Carolyn Noll Sorg sits down with members of the John Carroll community to explore how this practice shapes the way they live, work, and grow. Guests share experiences, insights, and practical takeaways you can apply to your own life. Carolyn Noll Sorg false https://feeds.simplecast.com/9sIFtGyA John Carroll University podcast@jcu.edu da6ef45e-e8f3-472e-9e45-f3158b9b7d25 Episode 3: The Importance of Being Present InFormation is hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg. This is Episode 3.

 

About the Guest

Alan R. Miciak is the 26th President of John Carroll University. During his presidency, the University experienced significant enrollment growth, institutional momentum, and continued investment in its Jesuit mission and student experience.

As his time in the role comes to a close, this conversation focuses less on accomplishments and more on perspective. Reflecting on the demands of leadership, Dr. Miciak shares why he made a conscious effort this past year to be more present — to fully experience the people, moments, and relationships that can easily be overshadowed by constant planning and responsibility.

In this episode, he reflects on leadership not only as strategy and decision-making, but as attention, listening, and learning how to truly be where you are.

 

In This Episode

  • Why leadership constantly pulls attention toward the future
  • Learning to slow down and notice important moments in real time
  • The difference between managing responsibilities and being fully present
  • How presence changes conversations, decisions, and relationships
  • Recognizing when you’ve drifted into “next thing” thinking
  • Why listening is one of the clearest forms of presence
  • The role intentionality plays in leadership and everyday life
  • What people miss when they move too quickly through meaningful experiences
  • Treating presence as a practice instead of a personality trait
  • Reflecting on leadership through moments, not just milestones

 

One Thing to Try

Inspired by this episode, take a moment to reflect:

  • When was the last time I felt fully present in a conversation or experience?
  • What most often pulls my attention away from the moment I’m in?
  • What’s one small way I could slow down and become more intentional this week?

Dr. Miciak reminds us that presence is rarely automatic. It’s something we return to — moment by moment, conversation by conversation — by choosing to fully engage with the life that’s happening right now.

Episode Credits

Hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg
Directed by Carmen Ferrante
Produced by Aaron Bennett
Associate Producer Joe Bilas
Creative by Danielle Dunne
Web & Distribution by Kara Kraus
Special thanks to Dan Slentz, Jasen Sokol, Blue Streak Media, and WJCU 88.7 FM.

]]> Sat, 30 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 podcast@jcu.edu (John Carroll University) https://information-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-3-the-importance-of-being-present-Dr8vQD9_ InFormation is hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg. This is Episode 3.

 

About the Guest

Alan R. Miciak is the 26th President of John Carroll University. During his presidency, the University experienced significant enrollment growth, institutional momentum, and continued investment in its Jesuit mission and student experience.

As his time in the role comes to a close, this conversation focuses less on accomplishments and more on perspective. Reflecting on the demands of leadership, Dr. Miciak shares why he made a conscious effort this past year to be more present — to fully experience the people, moments, and relationships that can easily be overshadowed by constant planning and responsibility.

In this episode, he reflects on leadership not only as strategy and decision-making, but as attention, listening, and learning how to truly be where you are.

 

In This Episode

  • Why leadership constantly pulls attention toward the future
  • Learning to slow down and notice important moments in real time
  • The difference between managing responsibilities and being fully present
  • How presence changes conversations, decisions, and relationships
  • Recognizing when you’ve drifted into “next thing” thinking
  • Why listening is one of the clearest forms of presence
  • The role intentionality plays in leadership and everyday life
  • What people miss when they move too quickly through meaningful experiences
  • Treating presence as a practice instead of a personality trait
  • Reflecting on leadership through moments, not just milestones

 

One Thing to Try

Inspired by this episode, take a moment to reflect:

  • When was the last time I felt fully present in a conversation or experience?
  • What most often pulls my attention away from the moment I’m in?
  • What’s one small way I could slow down and become more intentional this week?

Dr. Miciak reminds us that presence is rarely automatic. It’s something we return to — moment by moment, conversation by conversation — by choosing to fully engage with the life that’s happening right now.

Episode Credits

Hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg
Directed by Carmen Ferrante
Produced by Aaron Bennett
Associate Producer Joe Bilas
Creative by Danielle Dunne
Web & Distribution by Kara Kraus
Special thanks to Dan Slentz, Jasen Sokol, Blue Streak Media, and WJCU 88.7 FM.

]]> Episode 3: The Importance of Being Present John Carroll University 00:26:31 Alan R. Miciak has spent the last five years leading John Carroll University through a period of growth and transformation — work that constantly requires attention to the future. But in this episode, he reflects on a different challenge: learning how to remain present while carrying the weight of leadership. Through stories from his presidency and reflections on everyday life, he shares how presence shapes conversations, decisions, relationships, and the way we experience time itself. This conversation explores what pulls people out of the moment, why presence requires intention, and how slowing down can change not only leadership, but life. Alan R. Miciak has spent the last five years leading John Carroll University through a period of growth and transformation — work that constantly requires attention to the future. But in this episode, he reflects on a different challenge: learning how to remain present while carrying the weight of leadership. Through stories from his presidency and reflections on everyday life, he shares how presence shapes conversations, decisions, relationships, and the way we experience time itself. This conversation explores what pulls people out of the moment, why presence requires intention, and how slowing down can change not only leadership, but life. professional growth, decision-making, emotional intelligence, young adults, listening, attention and focus, personal growth, presence, balancing future goals, meaningful conversations, work-life balance, higher education leadership, personal development, leadership skills, slowing down, focus, relationships, campus leadership, reflection, intentionality, everyday mindfulness, college students, navigating pressure, communication, mindfulness, reflective leadership, leadership philosophy, jesuit values, leadership, self-awareness, attention, leadership development, staying present false full 3 835c1eb0-78d6-41bb-9d81-9d2808b2df97 Episode 2: Moving Beyond Fear InFormation is hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg, President-Elect of John Carroll University. This is Episode 2.

About the Guest

Dr. Martina Moore is a faculty member and leader in John Carroll University’s counseling program. Before coming to JCU full time, she spent 15 years building her own practice. Over time, she found herself most energized when working with and mentoring students, and began to notice a quiet but persistent sense that she was meant to do more of that work.

That realization led her to make a bold and deeply personal decision: to return for her Ph.D. and step fully into teaching. In this conversation, she reflects on what it means to listen to that inner voice, to trust it, and to say yes to what comes next.

In This Episode

  • Starting from gratitude instead of fear
  • Recognizing moments when something just feels right
  • Saying yes before you have everything figured out
  • Understanding how your calling shows up over time
  • Reframing a “step back” as a step forward
  • Moving through doubt, discomfort, and outside expectations
  • Choosing what’s true for you, even when it’s not obvious to others
  • Building the self-trust to take your next step

One Thing to Try

Inspired by this episode, take a moment to reflect:

  • When have I felt a sense of “this is right” in my life?
  • Where might fear be holding me back right now?
  • What is one small step I could take toward what feels true?

Dr. Moore reminds us that clarity doesn’t always come all at once. Sometimes, it begins with a feeling — and grows when we have the courage to follow it.

Episode Credits

Hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg
Directed by Carmen Ferrante
Produced by Aaron Bennett
Associate Producer Joe Bilas
Creative by Danielle Dunne
Web & Distribution by Kara Kraus
Special thanks to Dan Slentz, Jasen Sokol, Blue Streak Media, and WJCU 88.7 FM.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 podcast@jcu.edu (Martina Moore) https://information-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-2-moving-beyond-fear-B_cOxSrY InFormation is hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg, President-Elect of John Carroll University. This is Episode 2.

About the Guest

Dr. Martina Moore is a faculty member and leader in John Carroll University’s counseling program. Before coming to JCU full time, she spent 15 years building her own practice. Over time, she found herself most energized when working with and mentoring students, and began to notice a quiet but persistent sense that she was meant to do more of that work.

That realization led her to make a bold and deeply personal decision: to return for her Ph.D. and step fully into teaching. In this conversation, she reflects on what it means to listen to that inner voice, to trust it, and to say yes to what comes next.

In This Episode

  • Starting from gratitude instead of fear
  • Recognizing moments when something just feels right
  • Saying yes before you have everything figured out
  • Understanding how your calling shows up over time
  • Reframing a “step back” as a step forward
  • Moving through doubt, discomfort, and outside expectations
  • Choosing what’s true for you, even when it’s not obvious to others
  • Building the self-trust to take your next step

One Thing to Try

Inspired by this episode, take a moment to reflect:

  • When have I felt a sense of “this is right” in my life?
  • Where might fear be holding me back right now?
  • What is one small step I could take toward what feels true?

Dr. Moore reminds us that clarity doesn’t always come all at once. Sometimes, it begins with a feeling — and grows when we have the courage to follow it.

Episode Credits

Hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg
Directed by Carmen Ferrante
Produced by Aaron Bennett
Associate Producer Joe Bilas
Creative by Danielle Dunne
Web & Distribution by Kara Kraus
Special thanks to Dan Slentz, Jasen Sokol, Blue Streak Media, and WJCU 88.7 FM.

]]> Episode 2: Moving Beyond Fear Martina Moore 00:26:42 Dr. Martina Moore is a counselor, educator, and leader at John Carroll University. In this episode, she shares how learning to trust yourself — especially in moments of uncertainty — can open the door to something bigger. Through her own story, she reflects on how gratitude, courage, and a willingness to move through fear helped her recognize her calling and take the next step, even when it didn’t make sense to others. Dr. Martina Moore is a counselor, educator, and leader at John Carroll University. In this episode, she shares how learning to trust yourself — especially in moments of uncertainty — can open the door to something bigger. Through her own story, she reflects on how gratitude, courage, and a willingness to move through fear helped her recognize her calling and take the next step, even when it didn’t make sense to others. decision-making, young adults, mentorship, personal growth, gratitude, finding direction, graduate school, personal development, inner knowing, self-trust, overcoming fear, courage, college students, reframing, calling, navigating uncertainty, life decisions, choosing a major, life transitions, career paths, authenticity, discernment, purpose, mindset shift false full 2 db0899f8-d181-469f-9759-fe4309b80974 Episode 1: Making Good Decisions InFormation is hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg, President-Elect of John Carroll University. This is Episode 1.

About the Guest

Brother Matt Wooters always wanted to be brave and make a difference in the world. A service trip to the Dominican Republic at 16 sparked a lifelong passion to serve others. Today, he is a Jesuit Brother, a trained therapist, and the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at his alma mater, John Carroll University. He founded Brothers Keeper to create honest spaces for young men to talk openly about their lives, and he teaches Ignatian Spirituality to students navigating some of life’s biggest decisions.

In This Episode

  • Who was St. Ignatius of Loyola — and why is he sometimes called the world's first psychologist
  • The difference between making a decision and practicing discernment
  • The Examen: a twice-daily reflective practice you can adapt for any context
  • Consolation and desolation — what these Jesuit concepts reveal about your choices
  • What to do when fear is the loudest voice in the room
  • Three practical questions Ignatius recommends for any major decision
  • Why discernment is a camping lantern, not a flashlight
  • How serving others connects to your own sense of fulfillment

One Thing to Try

 Inspired by this episode, take a moment to reflect:

  • I felt most alive when...
  • I felt afraid when...

Brother Matt explains how noticing these moments can clarify your choices, and this simple exercise is a great place to start.

Episode Credits

Hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg
Directed by Carmen Ferrante
Produced by Aaron Bennett
Associate Producer Joe Bilas
Creative by Danielle Dunne
Web & Distribution by Kara Kraus
Special thanks to Dan Slentz, Jasen Sokol, Blue Streak Media, and WJCU 88.7 FM.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:11:47 +0000 podcast@jcu.edu (Brother Matt Wooters — Guest) https://information-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-1-making-good-decisions-hyx_JZof InFormation is hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg, President-Elect of John Carroll University. This is Episode 1.

About the Guest

Brother Matt Wooters always wanted to be brave and make a difference in the world. A service trip to the Dominican Republic at 16 sparked a lifelong passion to serve others. Today, he is a Jesuit Brother, a trained therapist, and the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at his alma mater, John Carroll University. He founded Brothers Keeper to create honest spaces for young men to talk openly about their lives, and he teaches Ignatian Spirituality to students navigating some of life’s biggest decisions.

In This Episode

  • Who was St. Ignatius of Loyola — and why is he sometimes called the world's first psychologist
  • The difference between making a decision and practicing discernment
  • The Examen: a twice-daily reflective practice you can adapt for any context
  • Consolation and desolation — what these Jesuit concepts reveal about your choices
  • What to do when fear is the loudest voice in the room
  • Three practical questions Ignatius recommends for any major decision
  • Why discernment is a camping lantern, not a flashlight
  • How serving others connects to your own sense of fulfillment

One Thing to Try

 Inspired by this episode, take a moment to reflect:

  • I felt most alive when...
  • I felt afraid when...

Brother Matt explains how noticing these moments can clarify your choices, and this simple exercise is a great place to start.

Episode Credits

Hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg
Directed by Carmen Ferrante
Produced by Aaron Bennett
Associate Producer Joe Bilas
Creative by Danielle Dunne
Web & Distribution by Kara Kraus
Special thanks to Dan Slentz, Jasen Sokol, Blue Streak Media, and WJCU 88.7 FM.

]]> Episode 1: Making Good Decisions Brother Matt Wooters — Guest 00:24:19 Brother Matt Wooters is the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at John Carroll University, a Jesuit Brother, and a trained therapist. In this episode, he explains how the Jesuit practice of reflection can bring clarity to life’s biggest decisions — plus one simple practice you can try for yourself. Brother Matt Wooters is the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at John Carroll University, a Jesuit Brother, and a trained therapist. In this episode, he explains how the Jesuit practice of reflection can bring clarity to life’s biggest decisions — plus one simple practice you can try for yourself. st. ignatius of loyola, decision-making, desolation, young adults, the examen, personal growth, therapy, brothers keeper, mental health, john carroll university, consolation, ignatian spirituality, college students, fear, campus ministry, career decisions, life decisions, choosing a college, jesuit, jesuit education, mindfulness, journaling, inner voice, discernment, self-reflection, intentional living false full 1