Focal Point Podcast

On this episode of the Focal Point Podcast, Digital Editor-in-Chief Will Clifford uncovers the forgotten power hold the Ku Klux Klan had on the city's political and social landscape in the early 1900s and how their reign of terror left a lasting impact on the city's culture.We'll examine how the Klan influenced the city through historical documents and interviews with Dr. Michael Phillips, the author of the book “White Metropolis,” and Associate Professor of History at the University of Texas at Dallas, Dr. Whitney Stewart.Tune in as the Focal Point Podcast sheds light on this topic, often left out of history books— helping us better understand the forces that have shaped Dallas into the city it is today.———————————All the phrases on the cover art were headlines from newspapers shared in Texas at the time.———————————Produced by Will CliffordMusic courtesy Lobo Loco via Free Music Archive———————————#UnmaskingDallas #FocalPointPodcast #DallasHistory #HiddenHistory #WhiteMetropolis #TexasHistory #ForgottenPast #DarkHistory #HistoricalTruth #SocialImpact #UTDHistory #HistoryPodcast #TruthMatters #RevealingThePast #Smremarker #stmarks #local #dallas #texas———————————smremarker.com

It's our second episode of the 2024-25 school Year and we are Talkin' Lions. Each week we will be joined by one of the super fan men to recap the games from the week before and look ahead to the upcoming games. ------------------------------------------------ Producer and Host: Digital Editor-in-Chief Will Clifford '25 Guest: Super Fan Man Owen Ackerman '25 ------------------------------------------------ Music by Vlad Krotov from Pixabay

It's our first episode of the 2024-25 school Year and we are excited to announce a new series: Talkin' Lions. Each week we will be joined by one of the super fan men to recap the games from the week before and look ahead to upcoming games. ------------------------------------------------ Time stamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:29 - Volleyball 1:38 - Water Polo 2:58 - Cross Country 4:30 - Football ------------------------------------------------ Correction: The water polo team competes in the TISCA state tournament not UIL. ------------------------------------------------ Producer and Host: Digital Editor-in-Chief Will Clifford '25 Guest: Super Fan Man Wyatt Loehr '25 ------------------------------------------------ Music by Vlad Krotov from Pixabay

On this episode of the Focal Point Podcast Tinsley Silcox, librarian and upper school choir director, shares stories from his time working to restore Elvis's home, Graceland. Fresh out of the University of Tennessee, he spent his time doing everything ranging from dealing with conspiracy theorists, to cleaning the inside of Elvis's private jet. --------------------------------------- Music by: pixabay - https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=145891

On the second episode of the school year, host Will Clifford talked to reviews editor Vikram Singh and guest columnist Noah Cathy about Drake's latest album: For All The Dogs. Find all ReMarker content at SMReMarker.com Music by Bensound.com License code: 95OHXVLSYVKJGW4A

This episode marks the beginning of a new series called "Student Spotlight." In this series we will talk to a student to highlight a unique activity they participate in in. Focal Point Podcast Host and Assistant Digital Manager Will Clifford interviewed junior Vikram Singh. Singh produces music and makes beats that he sells to professional producers and musical artists. https://smremarker.com/

To open up the episode, Brand Manager Will Clifford speaks with Board of Trustees Member Paul Genender '87 about his experience in Mexico as a father and former Marksman (1:25). Next, Editor-In-Chief Shreyan Daulat talks with senior Jacob Weinstein about his opinions of his class and how they acted during the trip (11:45). Similarly, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt learns more about senior Silas Hosler's experiences on the spring break trip and how he hoped he and the rest of the senior class represented the school off campus (17:27).

To open up the episode, Brand Manager Will Clifford speaks with senior Bijaan Noormohamed to learn how AI has changed the way Noormohamed has approached his writing. (1:19). Next, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt talks with English and History Teacher Dr. John Perryman about the school's approach to the increasing usage of technology and its shortcuts. (14:58).

To open up the episode, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt talks with Kami Mattioli, Director of Digital Content for the Minnesota Timberwolves, about the impact of social media in the sports world (0:42). Next, Brand Manager Will Clifford speaks with senior Christian Tsvetanov (10:53) to learn about how he became successful growing his social media brand. Finally, and Editor-In-Chief Shreyan Daulat dives into the America Ninja Warrior world with senior Christian Youst, and how he managed his social media success from his competing success (24:28).

To open up the episode, Editor-In-Chief Shreyan Daulat talks with Upper School Choir Director Tinsley Silcox about the choir's stance on religious diversity and spirituality at St. Mark's (1:00). Next, Brand Manager Will Clifford speaks with junior Reed Sussman (11:39) and sophomore David Gershenson (16:20) to learn about their different perspectives on how the school balances their religious values. Finally, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt dives into how the Chapel Council operates with Chapel Council President Bowden Slates, and the new perspectives he has learned (29:00).

In his first full episode as host, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt opens the episode with new Focus Magazine Editor-in-Chief Myles Lowenberg to talk about his experience going to political rallies for Greg Abbott and Beto O'Rourke, and how impactful rallies are during election season (1:25). Next, Dillon and Issues Editor Dawson Yao dive into the importance of children developing their own political opinions, rather than them following their parent's beliefs (15:45). Finally, Dillon talks with Sports Editor Ben Adams about his journey recovering from two surgeries after suffering an ACL tear, and how he looks forward to getting back on the pitch at full strength (27:45). Hosted by Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt

In their final episode as hosts of Behind the Column, former Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak explore six columns from the April edition of The ReMarker. First, former Assignments Editor Will Pechersky thinks back on some of his favorite memories from his 12 years at 10600 Preston Road with Peter (1:50). Then, Peter does the same on his 11 and three-quarters years here with Toby (14:25). Next, former Opinions Editor Axel Icazbalceta explains some of his favorite lyrics from artist Mitski to Peter (28:40). We then shift over to a guest column from senior Tomek Marczewski in which he elaborates on his newfound love for cooking to Toby (45:50). After Peter and Toby's final interviews, new Focal Point Host Dillon Wyatt talks to former In-Depth Editor Jonathan Yin about what it's like taking care of his autistic younger brothers (57:05). Finally, Dillon chats with Focus Magazine Editor-in-Chief Myles Lowenberg about his satirical column surrounding the college application process (1:07:05). Hosted by former Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett.

In our fifth episode of Behind the Column, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak interview four columnists from the March edition of The ReMarker. First, Toby shares a few stories about his ADHD and the lessons he's learned coping with it with Peter (1:15). Then, Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams explains the press censorship going on in his old home of Hong Kong to Peter (14:55). Next, rookie staff writer Grayson Redmond talks about his silent car rides with his dad with Toby (27:05). Finally, Issues Editor Keshav Krishna dives into the complex topic of affirmative action with Toby (40:25). Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett

In this year's fourth episode, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak go behind the column with five columnists from the February edition of The ReMarker. First, Peter talks about his transition from being a three-sport athlete to a one-sport athlete with Toby (1:15). Then, Assignments Editor Will Pechersky gives some helpful tips about the stressful college application process with Peter (14:15). Next, Issues Editor Keshav Krishna explains his love for local libraries and why they should stick around to Toby (29:10). Opinions Editor Axel Icazbalceta answers the question, 'Why be happy when you can be interesting?' to Peter (41:35). Finally, 10600/Culture Editor Shreyan Daulat describes his search for spirituality in Istanbul to Toby (59:10). Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett.

In this year's third episode of Behind the Column, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak explore the ins and outs of five columns from the December edition of The ReMarker. First, Toby explains to Peter why he decided to go vegetarian for two weeks and what he learned from the experience (1:20). Then, Issues Editor Myles Lowenberg analyzes the political atmosphere around school board elections with Toby (15:40). Next, Issues Editor Keshav Krishna describes a long day on the hills of Oklahoma with his dad to Peter (25:00). Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams talks with Peter about The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, an attempt to fill in holes in the English language with the coining of new words (33:35). Finally, Focus Editor Morgan Chow discusses the importance of seeing Asian representation, and representation from all races, in media with Toby (44:30). Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett.

In this year's second episode of Behind the Column, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak explore four columns from fellow staff members, along with one guest column. First, Sports Editor Arjun Khatti breaks down to Peter why he believes St. Mark's students and student-athletes everywhere shouldn't give up on their high school sports (1:15). Next, Issues Editor Keshav Krishna explains to Toby why he's been experimenting with watching Fox News (11:10). Then, Hockaday senior Eleanor Lockhart dives into her guest column on why she opposes Senate Bill 8, which bans abortions after a heartbeat is detected in the state of Texas, with Peter (28:50). A man of many nicknames, In-Depth Editor Jonathan Yin talks with Toby about them all: from Joj to J Dawg the Large to just Jonny (43:00). Finally, Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams breaks down his essentials – things he can't live without – to Toby (56:50). Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett.

With the first episode of the school year, Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett dive deeper behind five columns from The ReMarker September paper. First, Toby chats with Editorials & Opinion Editor Axel Icazbalceta about one of his closest friends, Madison (1:15). Next, Peter talks with his Co-Host, Toby, about his experience working at a sandwich shop over the summer (24:15). Then, Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams shares a "sliding glass door" story of his father on 9/11 with Peter (36:10). With the return of fans, Health & Sports Editor Dillon Wyatt explains to Peter why he believes students should continue to cheer on their classmates from the stands (48:50). Finally, News & Issues Editor Myles Lowenberg talks with Toby about his favorite, or rather least favorite, political loophole: the filibuster (57:50). Special thanks to seniors Xander Bowles and Blake Molthan for making the new transition music! Hosted by Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak

In their first full episode as co-hosts, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak open the episode with next year's Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams to converse about his obsession for listening to podcasts such as This American Life's "Serial" and "The Joe Rogan Experience" (1:25). Next, Toby switches from host to guest, as he and Peter dive into his love for movie theatres, and how he hopes they are able to stick around following the pandemic and for years to come (19:30). Finally, Peter talks with Head Photographer Ekansh Tambe about a restriction on drone photography in the state of Texas that threatens photojournalists with fines and jail time, and Ekansh updates us on the lawsuit against this legislation claiming a violation of our First Amendment rights (33:50). Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett

Hours after the conclusion of the 2021 NFL Draft, William Aniol and Siddhartha Sinha discuss their initial takeaways from the draft. They also talk about the Dallas Cowboys' draft as well as Sinha's Ohio State Buckeyes and Aniol's Texas Longhorns before talking about the biggest steals and reaches in their opinions. Hosts: William Aniol, Siddhartha Sinha Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Henry McElhaney and Eric Yoo get together during a free period to talk about how they got into soccer, memories from the Lions soccer program, their favorite squads and players in Europe and news of the European Super League. Hosts: Henry McElhaney, Eric Yoo, Siddhartha Sinha Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Just weeks away from the playoffs, Rajan Joshi, William Aniol and Siddhartha Sinha get together to discuss end-of-season awards, the new and controversial play-in tournament and predictions for both the near and long-term future. Also on this episode, Siddhartha Sinha sits down with fantasy sports guru senior Benny Wang to talk about his love for all fantasy sports and his best tips and tricks to win any fantasy league (58:58). Hosts: Rajan Joshi, William Aniol, Siddhartha Sinha Guest: Benny Wang Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Newly appointed Assistant Head of Upper School Jason Leneau was an athlete from the jump. Whether it was lacrosse, wrestling or even football, Leneau emerged from the Boys Latin School in Baltimore as one of the school's greatest athletes ever, eventually joining his alma mater's hall of fame. From Boys Latin School, Leneau found himself at the University of Virginia, where his athleticism was in just as much demand. Speaking with Arjun Khatti, Leneau reflected on one of the busiest athletic weekends he ever had while in Charlottesville and also how sports and coaching keeps drawing him in. Hosts: Arjun Khatti, Siddhartha Sinha Guest: Jason Leneau Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Simply put, sports is a haven for Reyno Arredondo '87. From his days playing soccer to his time on the wrestling mat, Arredondo says that athletics was crucial to keeping him focused on the tasks at hand. Sitting down with Luke Nayfa (1:28), Arredondo described his journey from the neighborhoods of West Dallas through the military to where he is now. As for Cory Martin (23:00), soccer has been more than a hobby. It's been a passion, a lifestyle for as long as he can remember. Whether it was youth leagues or walking on at SMU or a brief stint in Europe, no time is a bad time to talk soccer with Martin, and Peter Orsak took advantage of the opportunity to do so. Hosts: Luke Nayfa, Peter Orsak, Siddhartha Sinha Guests: Reyno Arredondo, Cory Martin Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Drew Brees is statistically one of the most accurate passers professional football has ever seen. Drew Brees is also one of the many quarterbacks who can say that he had a pass intercepted by Admissions Officer Korey Mack '00 (1:41). Growing up playing youth football on the historic Green Lions YMCA football team, Mack rose through the various levels of football, eventually captaining the Lions second ever undefeated varsity football team and participating in the Rose Bowl as a player on the Purdue Boilermakers football team. For Cameron Hillier '13, the journey was similar (39:25). Picking up tennis early in his life, Hiller has graduated from Lions tennis player to Lions tennis coach, and he's learning the ropes while winning SPC championships. Hosts: Cristian Pereira, Dillon Wyatt, Siddhartha Sinha Guests: Korey Mack, Cameron Hillier Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

William Aniol spoke with Villanova long stick midfielder Jonathan Taylor '19 about his ongoing sophomore season with the Villanova lacrosse team. From Taylor's own battle with coronavirus at the start of the season to the daily battles he has against some of the best players in the Big East during practice, Taylor has had a season to remember. Host: William Aniol, Siddhartha Sinha Guest: Jonathan Taylor Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

For the Arroyo brothers, the past year has been unlike any other in their lives. Taking a gap year before starting their running careers at MIT, the brothers have been learning how to coach themselves while also discovering some new routes in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They've also spent some of their free time on some passion projects that they've set aside for down time just like this. Host: Siddhartha Sinha Guests: Pablo Arroyo, Andrés Arroyo Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

What does a college athlete do when their sport's season is cancelled? For Yale football wide receiver Seun Omonije '18, it meant there was more time to focus on his computer science major. Speaking with SeMaj Musco, Omonije talked about how he fell in love with computer science during his Middle School years and what he's learned while balancing his two passions of computer science and football in New Haven (1:17). Also on this episode, Rajan Joshi speaks with Penn basketball freshman Andrew Laczkowski '20 on his first year at Penn, recovering from offseason surgery and the adjustments he's having to make as a new member to the team (27:22). Hosts: SeMaj Musco, Rajan Joshi, Siddhartha Sinha Guests: Seun Omonije, Andrew Laczkowski Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Soccer has been a part of senior Knobel Hunt's life for as long as he can remember. Whether it's his numerous ties to FC Dallas or his loyalty to FC Bayern Munich, the beautiful game has been one of Hunt's defining extracurriculars. Next fall, Hunt will be adding another set of loyalties, having committed to SMU to play soccer for the next four years. Hunt spoke with Robert Pou about his lifelong dream of playing college soccer as well as the grueling process of identification camps that secured him the college offers he chose from in the fall. Hosts: Robert Pou, Siddhartha Sinha Guest: Knobel Hunt Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Whether it's The Office, Taylor Swift or a hoard of fellow teammates, senior Blake Hudspeth will always find a way to finish a crew workout, and that attitude is what drove him to commit to MIT to row crew for their heavyweight team next year. Sitting down with Sai Thirunagari, Hudspeth discusses his family's history with the sport, his personal objectives for next year and the beauty he finds in the school's team. Hosts: Sai Thirunagari, Siddhartha Sinha Guest: Blake Hudspeth Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Recently crowned SPC track and field champions Kit Colson and Michael Vanesko sat down with Siddhartha Sinha a few weeks before their championship meet to discuss their Lions track and field careers as well as their commitments to Yale and Middlebury, respectively. Colson also recalls his initial thoughts after breaking the school's longstanding 100-meter record, and Vanesko explains how pole vaulting in college became a real possibility late in his college application process. Host: Siddhartha Sinha Guests: Kit Colson, Michael Vanesko Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

In the niche sports of water polo and wrestling, seniors Jack Palmer, Leo Ohannessian and Cooper Ribman have separated themselves as elite talents in the sport, with Palmer and Ohannessian committing to Santa Clara and UC Santa Barbara respectively for water polo and Ribman signing with Harvard for wrestling. To get to the bottom of how they dedicated themselves to their sports, Luke Piazza sat down with the water polo duo (1:37) and Alam Alidina had the chance to talk wrestling with Ribman (16:35). Hosts: Luke Piazza, Alam Alidina, Siddhartha Sinha Guests: Jack Palmer, Leo Ohannessian, Cooper Ribman Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

While colleges secured the commitments of seniors around the nation this past school year, juniors Ian Mize and Miller Trubey got ahead of the game, securing offers from Princeton lacrosse and Loyola Chicago volleyball respectively. Ian sat down with Sai Thirunagari (1:30) and Miller spoke with SeMaj Musco (8:52) to discuss their journeys to early commitment and what drove them to make this all-important decision so early. Hosts: Sai Thirunagari, SeMaj Musco, Siddhartha Sinha Guests: Ian Mize, Miller Trubey Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

5-star recruit and Stanford commit Harrison Ingram sits down with Siddhartha Sinha to discuss the basketball recruitment process, SPC vs. AAU competition and what he expects from his first college basketball season. Host: Siddhartha Sinha Guest: Harrison Ingram Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

In a special Senior Section episode of the Behind the Column Podcast, new Focal Point leaders and Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak interview Siddhartha Sinha (1:05) and Jack Davis (19:40), respectively, on their columns in their final edition of The ReMarker, lessons they've learned at St. Mark's and what lies ahead. Hosted by Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak

In the Senior Class's final cycle of the newspaper, Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha opens the podcast with newly named Issues Editor Myles Lowenberg to reflect on a column he wrote in March about Fight Club and its relevance to today's world (2:00). Then, it's on to Brand Manager Cooper Ribman, who spends his first and only appearance on the podcast to address Stanford University's recent decision to discontinue their wrestling program (12:15). In a turn of events, Opinions Editor Alam Alidina returns to interview Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha about his column on his identity, language and codeswitching (24:05), but Sid takes his hosting chair back just in time for Managing Editor Jamie Mahowald's piece on one of the most decorated water bottles in the world (44:00). And to bring it home, Senior Editor Cristian Pereira talks about the people who have made his St. Mark's experience special...and provides an unexpected UNC update (58:30). Hosted by Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha

At long last, the man behind all of the columns — Opinions Editor Alam Alidina — joins the podcast to explain both his connection to an under-the-radar Leonard Cohen song and why there are so many music columns in this month's paper (1:45) before Assignments Editor Sai Thirunagari demonstrates his encyclopedic knowledge of One Direction, Eagles, Nirvana and more (14:40). To wrap up the music columns, Editor-In-Chief Robert Pou talks about artists and Marksmen alike dealing with the spotlight (33:20). As part of the cover story about mental health on campus, Perspectives Editor Luke Piazza draws upon his own experiences with procrastination and the Counseling Office (45:50), and in the home stretch, Senior Editor and podcast staple Cristian Pereira discusses his newfound passion of rock climbing and trying new things (57:45). Hosted by Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha

Managing Editor Jamie Mahowald kicks off the new year of columns with a personal story about prison reform (0:35) before Endzone Editor William Aniol talks about his storied relationship with fantasy football and the upcoming Super Bowl (18:55). And Senior Editor Cristian Pereira returns to discuss the Capitol Riots and his work on Page 2 this year (32:38). Hosted by Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha

Jamie Mahowald, Cristian Pereira and SeMaj Musco join Siddhartha Sinha to react to the events that took place on January 6, 2021, a day that will go down in history as the day Americans breached The Capitol.

Perspectives Editor Luke Piazza opens up about what gardening means to him (0:30) before Executive Page Editor Jack Davis reflects on the recent volleyball season (15:32). Finally, Senior Editor Cristian Pereira is back to talk life, technology and college application timelines (25:05). Hosted by Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha.

Editor-in-chief Robert Pou returns to talk about his love for football (2:15). Then, he hands it off to host and managing editor Siddhartha Sinha to talk about his leadership column (10:57) before 10600/Culture Section Editor Axel Icazbalceta gives us a peek into the pigeon-raising life. That's right, pigeons. Like the birds (17:11). And to bring us home, Senior Editor Cristian Pereira talks piano, failure and perfectionism (31:06). Hosted By Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha

On this first episode of Behind the Podcast, Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha talks about the ideas motivating the podcast. Then, he sits down with Editor-In-Chief Robert Pou (4:53), Managing Editor Jamie Mahowald (15:49), Deputy Endzone Editor SeMaj Musco (30:09) and Senior Editor Cristian Pereira (44:09) to talk about everything from protests in sports to dogs eating everything. Hosted by Managing Editor Siddhartha Sinha