Coffee In The Swarm Episodes
Coffee in the Swarm takes you into the heart of campus life at Graceland University — where the Swarm is always buzzing.
Hosted by Mike Hoffman, this series features candid conversations with students on the go, sharing their experiences, challenges, and adventures on "the Hill" in Lamoni, Iowa.
Founded in 1895 by Community of Christ, Graceland University is deeply rooted in its church connection and committed to a progressive, liberal arts education that meets the needs of 21st-century students. Whether you're an alum, prospective student, or just curious about life at Graceland, pull up a chair — there's always room at the table.
Hosted by Mike Hoffman, this series features candid conversations with students on the go, sharing their experiences, challenges, and adventures on "the Hill" in Lamoni, Iowa.
Founded in 1895 by Community of Christ, Graceland University is deeply rooted in its church connection and committed to a progressive, liberal arts education that meets the needs of 21st-century students. Whether you're an alum, prospective student, or just curious about life at Graceland, pull up a chair — there's always room at the table.
Sept. 12, 2025
892 | Coffee in the Swarm | Caitlyn Grover
Graceland is back in session, and Coffee in the Swarm is now broadcasting from KBUZ. Join campus minister, Mike Hoffman, and his new co-host, Maddie Byrne, for a sit down with this year’s Council of House Chaplain’s president, Caitlyn Grover to hear her thoughts on growing up in the church, and life at Graceland, as well as her hopes for the Community of Christ and her plans for her own future. Other episodes of Coffee in the Swarm Download the Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltere...
May 2, 2025
839 | Coffee in the Swarm | Callie Dennis
The spotlight is back on at Graceland University, and this time it’s shining on freshman and academic honors scholarship winner, Callie Dennis. Callie hails from the Liberty Street congregation in Independence, MO, and she has her eyes fixed on the goal. That said, she’s taking time to enjoy the Graceland experience and make it her own. Join hosts Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman as they sit down with Callie to get to know what makes her tick and find out her hopes for the church as we approach a...
April 4, 2025
826 | Coffee in the Swarm | Anna Long
It’s time for another episode of Coffee in the Swarm, and today’s guest comes from a “Long” line of Community of Christ members and Graceland alumni. From early on, Anna Long determined that she would probably go to Graceland. It was, after all, a regular topic of conversation at family meals and gatherings. And, her Graceland experience has not disappointed. Join hosts Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman in a sit down with Anna to get her take on the church, university life, and a future full of po...
March 7, 2025
816 | Coffee in the Swarm | Ishbel Wilson
Aliyah and Mike are back in the Swarm at Graceland University, and this time they’re sitting down with senior, Ishbel Wilson. Ishbel hails from Independence, Missouri and the Liberty Street congregation where she established a strong foundation in the church. She’s continued her connection through various ministries at Graceland while working on a triple major. You’re sure to enjoy this short episode where Ishbel tells a little about herself and her hopes for the church. Download Transcript Th...
Jan. 28, 2025
801 | Coffee in the Swarm | Andrew Wolsey Returns
Some people just can’t seem to get enough of Graceland University, and that’s because it is a safe place to explore who you are and who you want to become. Andrew Wolsey, the guest for this episode of Coffee in the Swarm is about to finish up six years at Graceland ... four years as an undergrad student, and two years as a graduate assistant in Campus Ministries. Join Andrew and hosts, Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman as they chat about the journey so far, and what’s still ahead. Andrew first sa...
Dec. 6, 2024
784 | Coffee in the Swarm | Nicole Sherer
What do history, balloon animals, and crocheting have in common? They are areas of interest for the guest of this episode of Coffee in the Swarm. That’s right, it’s time to head back to “the Swarm” for a cup of coffee and a sit down with Nicole Sherer of Woodbine, IA. Get a sense of the energy that Nicole has for Graceland and the church. Walk away with a renewed hope for what is yet to come. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! In...
Nov. 8, 2024
776 | Coffee in the Swarm | Hunter Bouverette
If the choice of where to go to school came down to Lamoni, IA or Boston, MA, which would you choose? Big city folks might quickly say Boston, but one ought not to rule out Lamoni and the Graceland experience. In this episode of Coffee in the Swarm, co-hosts Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman sit down with Hunter Bouverette. Listen in as Hunter talks about her journey from Wisconsin to Iowa, and how her experience at Graceland has captured a part of her heart. Hear how students find joy in being a ...
Oct. 4, 2024
763 | Coffee in the Swarm | Danny Dennis
Graceland is back in session, and PZP is back in the Swarm. In this episode of Coffee in the Swarm co-hosts, Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman, sit down with Danny Dennis. Growing up in the Liberty Street congregation in Independence, MO, the church has always been an important part of Danny’s life ... even though he admits, he didn’t always go by his own choosing. Not to worry, he’s grateful for it now, and grateful for his time at Graceland, where he has been very involved in campus life ... esp...
May 21, 2024
711 | Coffee in the Swarm | Talina Sepulveda
What do food trucks and children’s books have in common? They are both interests, and potential career choices, for the latest guest on Coffee in the Swarm, Talina Sepulveda. Hailing from Colorado and experiencing her first semester at Graceland, Talina agreed to sit down with hosts Aliyah Farrell, Christian Biwott, and Mike Hoffman to talk about her experience at Graceland as well as her hopes and dreams for herself and for the church going into the future. Download Transcript Thanks for list...
April 30, 2024
704 | Coffee in the Swarm | Cadence Sires
Aliyah, Christian, and Mike are back in the Swarm at Graceland University, and they’re sitting down with Iowa native, Cadence Sires. Grab your favorite cup of (fill in the blank) and settle in for this episode of Coffee in the Swarm. Get a glimpse into life at Graceland from the perspective of a first-year student who grew up in Community of Christ, and has wasted no time in getting involved on campus. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Inst...
Jan. 23, 2024
675 | Coffee in the Swarm | Katie Bover
A shining star from Independence who, by today has actually graduated from Graceland, but is still close by, joins Aliyah, Levi, and Mike in this episode of Coffee in the Swarm. Grab your coffee and sit down to hear from Katie Bover, and how her Graceland experience has been a continuation and an affirmation of her connection to Community of Christ. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “...
Dec. 15, 2023
659 | Coffee in the Swarm | Christian Biwott
Did you know that some people go to Graceland to get married? Well, it was high on the list for today’s guest on Coffee in the Swarm... and apparently for his grandma. That’s right, It’s time for another episode of Coffee in the Swarm, and this time the whole team is on the scene. Join co-hosts, Aliyah Farrell and Levi Triplett, along with Campus Minister, Mike Hoffman, as they get Freshman Christian Biwott to share a little bit about himself and his hopes for the church. NOTE: As of this record...
Nov. 14, 2023
648 | Coffee in the Swarm | Savanah Marshall
Life in a small town is only boring if you let it be. Take Lamoni, Iowa and Graceland University. In this episode of Coffee in the Swarm, guest Savanah Marshall gives us a glimpse of all the ways you can fill your time with things that make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. And... you don’t have to be a student athlete. Join cohosts Levi Triplett and Mike Hoffman for an energetic discussion as they help us get to know Savanah. You’ll get a sense of the excitement that comes f...
Oct. 17, 2023
637 | Coffee in the Swarm | Aliyah Farrell and Levi Triplett
A new school year has kicked off, and it’s time to head back to The Swarm. In this first episode of the 2023-2024 school year, host Mike Hoffman sits down with co-hosts Aliyah Farrell and Levi Triplett to help us get to know them a little better. Aliyah and Levi are both first-year students and are very excited to join the Project Zion team at Graceland University. Grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we welcome Aliyah and Levi. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfilte...
May 9, 2023
579 | Coffee in the Swarm | Addison Cole
For some, the thought of getting “lost” in the masses is the preferred way to exist. But, for others, like Graceland University Freshman Addison Cole, a small university and a small-town atmosphere like Lamoni, IA is the perfect place to find one’s self. At Graceland, Addison has found a place where community is more important than competition, and personal integrity is more important than perfection. Join hosts Julie Wheaton and Mike Hoffman for a lively conversation with Addison in this episod...
April 14, 2023
570 | Coffee in the Swarm | Jocelyn Dailey
It’s time for another cup of coffee at Graceland University’s “The Swarm .” In this episode, you’ll meet Jocelyn Dailey from Campbellville, Ontario. Drawn to Graceland by previous family connections as well as her own experience of Graceland through SPECTACULAR, Jocelyn has found her place there. Jocelyn sits down with host, Mike Hoffman, to talk about her life at Graceland, and her experience growing up in the Community of Christ. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! ...
Feb. 21, 2023
548 | Coffee in the Swarm | Adric Williams
Music composition, art and community take center stage in this episode of Coffee in the Swarm. Join co-hosts Julie Wheaton and Mike Hoffman as they sit down to chat with Adric Williams to get his take on life at Graceland. You’ll also hear about Adric’s “crazy idea” for using the church to create community and bring the community together to share their giftedness ... say what?! HOSTS: Julie Wheaton and Mike Hoffman GUEST: Adric Williams Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Project Zio...
Jan. 24, 2023
541 | Coffee in the Swarm | Niko Farrell
Pickleball, Afterglow, Physical Therapy, Band, Camp Sionito... just a few of the things that make Niko Farrell who he is. Join Mike Hoffman, Graceland Campus Minister, and cohost, Julie Wheaton, as they sit down with Niko and get to know him a little better. See what he has to say about the Graceland experience and his hopes for the church. And, don’t be surprised if you leave this episode craving some Chicken and Pickles. Download Transcript Find out more about Graceland University and all th...
Dec. 20, 2022
533 | Coffee in the Swarm | Adam Sherer
Project Zion is back in the swarm! Mike Hoffman and Julie Wheaton sit down with Adam Sherer to hear about his Graceland experience and hopes for the future. Host: Mike Hoffman and Julie Wheaton Guest: Adam Sherer Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Aven...
Oct. 21, 2022
521 | Coffee in The Swarm | Emily Hill
Project Zion Podcast is back in The Swarm at Graceland University. Emily Hill shares her involvement with campus ministries and what her plans are after she graduates. Host: Mike Hoffman and Julie Wheaton Guest: Emily Hill Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de...
Sept. 23, 2022
514 | Coffee in The Swarm | Kenzlee Frizzell
Mike Hoffman and his new co-host, Julie Wheaton, are in the Swarm with Graceland University student Kenzlee Frizzell. Kenzlee shares about her Graceland experience and her hopes for Community of Christ. Host: Mike Hoffman and Julie Wheaton Guest: Kenzlee Frizzell Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Glo...
April 19, 2022
472 | Coffee in The Swarm | Grant Warner
Graceland senior, Grant Warner, is the 59th family member to attend the university. Leaving behind a legacy of his own after that much familial history might seem like a challenge, but today on Project Zion he sits down with Mike Hoffman to share how his Graceland experience is his own. Host: Mike Hoffman Guest: Grant Warner Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ S...
March 15, 2022
463 | Coffee In The Swarm | Conner Holben
Today we're back in the Swarm at Graceland University where Conner Holben shares about his time in the theater department and being involved in campus ministries. Host: Mike Hoffman Guest: Conner Holben Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Aven...
Feb. 4, 2022
452 | Coffee in The Swarm | Lexie Frazier
We're back in The Swarm at Graceland University! Listen as Lexie Frazier shares her experiences at Graceland and her hopes for Community of Christ. Host: Mike Hoffman Guest: Lexie Frazier Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlan...