From the Horse's Mouth

Welcome to season five of From the Horse's Mouth, the official podcast of Providence Day School! In this first episode of the 2024–25 school year, host Jay Barron sits down with Elyse Cannon, David Woodley, and Marie Rohde to discuss the power of art at any age. Tune in to hear how they discovered their passion for art, their favorite mediums, and how art has connected them to the PD community and beyond.

On this special bonus episode of "From the Horse's Mouth," guest host and Middle School computing and innovation teacher Dr. Wesley Fryer chats with Director of E-Sports Kalon Davis and graduating senior Jayden Stuart '24. Tune in as they explore the dynamic world of e-sports, its rising popularity at PD, and the impact it has on students and the school community.

In a bittersweet episode of "From the Horse's Mouth," host Jay Barron sits down with departing Upper School Head Eric Hedinger before he begins his new role as Head of School at Augusta Preparatory Day School. Joined by friends and fellow faculty members, Upper School English Teacher Matt Spence and Upper School Physical Education Teacher Bill Finneyfrock, they fondly reminisce about their time as English teachers in the legendary West Wing, share the joys of coaching (and playing) soccer, and swap classic memories from Providence Day School. Tune in as we bid a heartfelt farewell to Eric, proving that no matter where life takes us, once you're part of PD, you're family.

As the 2023–24 school year wraps up, seniors Brook Ephrem,  Cassie Miller, and Emerson Smith join host Jay Barron to reminisce about their time at PD. Tune in to hear their insights on the college admissions journey, tips for incoming Upper Schoolers, and the value of embracing versatility. Plus, get ready for some laughs with a mix of embarrassing and amusing anecdotes!

On this week's podcast, host Jay Baron converses with Lower School Musical Director Sierra Key, Upper School Theatre Director Brooke Fulton, and senior Avery Thalberg about Providence Day's recent performing arts achievements, the intricacies of production, fostering a creative arts environment, and uncovering the unseen aspects behind the scenes!

On this week's episode of From the Horse's Mouth, host Jay Barron interviews Environmental Sustainability Coordinator and Upper School English Teacher, Jack Hudson, senior Sophie Mao '24, junior Meha Khanna '25, and senior Frankie Castellucci '24, on a topic that's ever more present in our daily lives: sustainability. Listen in as we discuss their journey into environmentalism and renewability, and how we can all take steps to make a difference both locally and abroad.

On this episode of From the Horse's Mouth, host and lifetime doodler Jay Barron talks visual arts with Lower School Fine Arts Teacher, Gabe Devereux, and Upper School Fine Arts Teacher and AP Art History Teacher, Sydney Sheaffer. Tune in as they discuss their origin stories, teaching art vs. making art, and dispel any notion that art is the "easy class!" 

VIEWER DISCRETION: This podcast touches on some sensitive subjects related to mental health. Our host, Jay Barron, speaks to Student Services Director Lisa Bernard, eighth grader Ana Arronte, ninth grader Cole Zapata, and tenth grader Caroline Krell. They openly and honestly discuss what mental health means in the context of their lives and being a PD student. Listen as they share their insight about personal struggles and triumphs. Plus, you will learn some helpful tips on dealing with stress and different ways to tackle both anxiety and depression. 

Step aside, Skynet! In the last episode of season four, host Jay Barron attempts to demystify the excitement and confusion surrounding artificial intelligence (A.I.) with guidance from PD teachers Dr. Wes Fryer and Dr. James Edge, along with Christian Gibson '10, engineer with OpenAI.  

In 2021, College Board announced that I would be piloting a new AP African-American Studies course beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. Since this announcement, the course has been the target of both celebration and consternation across the country. Upper School English and history Department Chairs Marcus Smith and Ted Dickson, respectively, are at the helm of PD's effort to bring AP African-American Studies to the classroom. How'd they do it? Hear from them in this special Black History Month episode, hosted by Will McCorn.

As the New Year begins, the latest episode of "From the Horse's Mouth," PD's official podcast, tackles lessons learned in 2022 with a panel including host Jay Barron, Upper School Theatre director Brooke Fulton, and award winning students Astrid James '23 and John Carter Krell '23.

A year ago, Providence Day launched a Teaching Fellows Program to recruit recent college graduates to learn teaching and leadership and bring more inclusion and belonging to the teaching profession. So how's the first year going? Hear from PD's five Teaching Fellows in an episode guest-hosted by Fellow Will McCorn.

What does PD mean by "health and well-being"? Tune in to "From the Horse's Mouth," the official PD podcast hosted by World Language teacher Jay Barron, to hear a health-minded discussion! Strength & Conditioning Coach Tom Caruso; Kristie Oglesby, chair of PD's Physical Education department; Student Services Learning Specialist Emily Young; and Easton Pransky '24, founder of student group Thrive, talk about wellness resources available at PD. 

As the new school year begins, hear from national independent schools expert Rob Evans, along with two members of Providence Day's leadership - Head of Lower School Erin Harper and Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Michael Magno - as they talk with host Jay Barron about their hopes for the year and how students are coping in a post-pandemic world.

As the Fall Sports season gets underway, hear from a panel of some of Providence Day's most high-profile coaches - Varsity Football's Chad Grier; Boys' Varsity Basketball's Ron Johnson; Girls' Soccer's Dan Dudley; and Athletic Director Nancy Beatty along with host Jay Barron as they go "Beyond the Scoreboard" to tell the stories behind the teams. Go Chargers!

Should PD be using solar energy? Can PD's plastic be recycled into bricks? What can we all do to be more sustainable? Hosted by Scarlet Greer '22, this lively discussion panel also includes Libby Barron '26, Laura Plata '24, Jodi Yan '24, and Jennifer Todd of Little Diversified Architectural Consulting.

Hear from a 20-year PD administrator and a PD "lifer" student as they compare thoughts on their PD experience with a newcomer student and administrator, and discuss what makes the Middle School experience at PD unique. The two Middle School deans, Bobby Thompson and Dr. Kendrick Liles, and students Olivia Desmond and LJ Dawkins share their impressions with Host Jay Barron.

Where does PD want to be by 2030, and how do we get there? Hear host Jay Barron discuss the school's new Strategic Framework with Tom Seddon, the former member of PD's Board of Trustees who helped develop it.

Two students in the Middle School Broadcast Media class - Bridget Brewster '26 and Daniel Ahmadivarji '27 - turn the tables on their teachers and serve as podcast hosts! They interview a panel consisting of Jay Barron, their teacher Rebecca Roemer, and Head of Middle School Lee Tappy. Hear their burning questions, and some occasionally surprising answers!

The new episode of the PD podcast, "From the Horse's Mouth," arrives just in time for exam season! Hosted by Mr. Jay Barron, the panel includes Upper School Counselor Claire Bell and students Scarlet Greer '22 and Pavan Thakkar '24. They discuss the pressures of PD, and issues facing students in general amid the pandemic, as well as helpful resources and ideas for self-care. 

 Just in time for the end of the school year, a podcast panel convened to discuss the silver linings of the past year's pandemic, as well as some predictions for what the next school year might hold. Join host Jay Barron; Head of School Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw; Lower School counselor Margot Brinley; and Upper School teacher Joe Grabenstetter for an entertaining discussion to send you off on summer vacation.

As a follow-up to Episode 4, which detailed the legacy of Providence Day's founding history, a distinguished panel of alumni and current students at PD met with community activist Justin Perry and moderator Dr. Nadia Johnson, Director of Equity and Inclusion, to talk about how the PD community can support our Black students and move forward.

Meet two of the key figures helping our students stay safe and healthy amid the global pandemic: Anne Smyth and Emily Rusniak. They speak with host Jay Barron about the latest CDC guidelines, common student ailments, tips for parents, and more.

Hear from panelists including Dorothy (Dot) Counts-Scoggins, the first Black student to integrate Harding High School, civil rights figure, and great-aunt of a PD alum; community activist Justin Perry; historian Dr. Pamela Grundy; and 37-year PD history teacher Roy Garrison. Moderated by Dr. Nadia Johnson, Director of Equity & Inclusion at PD, this discussion sheds light on Providence Day's founding as a "white flight" school, and discusses the lessons to be learned from history.

Join Part 2 of our discussion between two Charlotte City Council members and the officers of the nonpartisan SPAM (Students for the Political Advancement of Mankind) club. Hear from Democrat Braxton Winston, an at-large member and PD parent, and Republican Tariq Bokhari, whose District 6 includes the campus of Providence Day, in a discussion with students moderated by host Jay Barron. In episode 2, the student questions tackle protests, policing, and decisions on attending public vs. independent schools.

In a politically-polarized era, is it possible for two politicians on opposite sides of the fence to have a friendly disagreement? We put that question to the test by inviting two Charlotte City Council members to have a discussion with the officers of the nonpartisan SPAM (Students for the Political Advancement of Mankind) club. Hear from Democrat Braxton Winston, an at-large member and PD parent, and Republican Tariq Bokhari, whose District 6 includes the campus of Providence Day, in a discussion with students moderated by host Jay Barron. There was so much to discuss, it took up TWO episodes! In Part 1, the student questions tackle COVID-19 pandemic response, health care, and election security.

Gene Bratek, the Head of School who led Providence Day School from 1986 through his retirement in 2007, reflects with podcast host Jay Barron, in an episode recorded last spring, on the school's growth and the establishment of the nation's first independent school Global Studies Diploma. It's a walk down memory lane as Providence Day School observes its milestone 50th anniversary.

Joanne Compton is about to retire following 34 years of teaching at Providence Day. Her son John Compton '04, a PD lifer, teaches in Upper School. And Emma Hedinger '22 has been a student of both. On their final day on campus this spring, the three gathered with host Jay Barron to reflect on the Compton teaching legacy.

In honor of Earth Day, we share this pre-recorded conversation with our Providence Day School sustainability team - Olga Mawougbe from Lower School, Sarah Goodman from Middle School, and Jack Hudson from Upper School. They discuss recycling both on and off campus and how young people - especially PD's students - can make a difference.

Just before we left campus for spring break, a group of talented students gathered to celebrate performing arts at Providence Day. Host Jay Barron spotlights juniors Anna Choudary, Annie Odom, and Ethan Paulk, and each of them treats us to a musical performance captured in our podcast studio. You'll definitely want to listen to the end!Note: Cover songs featured in this podcast are licensed by Harry Fox Agency, license #1441247955 and #1441247956.

Providence Day was the first school in the nation to create a Global Studies Diploma. With a global perspective woven into the school's entire curriculum, is it possible that we're over-using the word? Host Jay Barron tackles that question with Jeremiah Rosenfels, coordinator of the Global Studies Diploma program, along with two seniors earning their diplomas, Spencer Wood and Kayla Furney.

How well does Providence Day prepare its students for college? What do our young alumni miss most about PD? Find out "From the Horse's Mouth" with our panel of alumni who recently visited campus: Maya Barr '16 (now at Harvard); Kyndal Smith '19 (attending Texas Christian University); and Caroline Bynum '16 (at UNC Chapel Hill).

Japan, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan are just three of the destinations that Providence Day School's faculty have visited to fulfill their Global Educator Certificates. Hear from art teacher Richard Dewey; English teacher Kristin Santo; and science teacher Amy Jordan about where they went, why they went, and what they're bringing back to their classrooms for students' benefit.

A group of campus and community leaders recently gathered for a "Courageous Conversation" about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Just before that discussion, we spoke with panelists Reggie Love '00, a former aide to President Obama and current member of the Providence Day School Board of Trustees; and Kaila Dawkins '20, a student leader involved in the Black Student Union; Student Diversity Council; and Student Government.

Providence Day School hosts one of 18 Freedom School sites in Charlotte for the Children's Defense Fund, and remains the only independent school in the nation to host one. Guests Katie Carmichael, Jackson Sicard '19, and Marisa Alam '18 talk about what it is, why we do it, and how it benefits our own students - plus how you can help by contributing to our year-round school supply drive.

They're three people whose names sound similar, but who each offer a different perspective on our school. Leigh, Lee, and Lee are leading the way! Leigh Cook, Lee Taylor, and Lee Tappy dish on topics including what they learn from their kids; what they think should go in the West Wing graveyard; and their thoughts on the PD dress code.

Our Head of School discusses campus master planning, our Freedom School site, innovation, the BBC comedy "Blackadder"....and what it means to be a truly global school. And of course, cricket.