Hear on The Hill

Ms. Eleanor Ericson is joining the Montgomery Bell Academy Math Department this year– get to know her by listening to this interview with Hear on The Hill!  

This year Montgomery Bell Academy welcomed Mr. Alex Brown, a new member of its nationally recognized debate program. In this interview Mr. Brown shares a little information about his hometown and his personal interests. Want to learn more about our school? Visit montgomerybell.edu. Want to contact our podcast team? Email hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu.

Montgomery Bell's theme for the year is Authorship and Agency, and one of our most talented student authors is current senior Joseph Hastings (2023). You can also catch him playing Brutus in MBA's upcoming production of Julius Caesar! In this episode school librarian Jane McMahon talks with Joseph about his motivation to write and his … Continue reading Senior Spotlight: Joseph Hastings, Class of 2023 →

In addition to the academic and athletic programs at Montgomery Bell Academy, students have incredible opportunities to extend their cultural learning through travel and off-campus education. Thanks to the generosity of the Wilson family, many students can apply for individual grants or join a group excursion. In this episode of Hear on The Hill, current … Continue reading Senior Spotlight: Alex Deerkoski, Class of 2023 →

MBA is known for its writing program, but authorship at MBA extends well beyond the analytical essays of Theme Days. In our Theater 1 class, Dr. Cal Fuller challenges his students to write and perform stories from their own lives. This is both an opportunity to work on their stage presence and also a chance … Continue reading MBA Student Authorship: Nikhil Misra and Jack Rogers, Class of 2026 →

Montgomery Bell Academy's theme for 2022-23 academic year is Authorship and Agency. In this episode, senior Carter Ozburn speaks with librarian Jane McMahon about his role as Editor-in-Chief of MBA's student paper The Bell Ringer. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about Montgomery … Continue reading Authorship and Agency: Carter Ozburn, Class of 2023 →

Mr. Luke Brown (2006) has returned to Montgomery Bell Academy as a social studies teacher and football coach. If that sounds familiar, it's probably because his father Mr. David Brown also taught at MBA, retiring in 2017. Tune in to learn about the younger Mr. Brown! To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, … Continue reading Back on The Hill: Luke Brown, Class of 2006! →

This summer MBA welcomes a new Junior School Director– Mrs. Susan Cobb. In this interview, Mrs. Cobb shares a bit of what she was like a young student and why she is so excited to join Montgomery Bell Academy. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For … Continue reading New Junior School Director: Welcome, Susan Cobb! →

Last fall we did an episode on Beatlemania, but this spring is all about Batmania and the newest movie version of The Batman. It might be tough to prove who is the biggest Bat-fan on our campus, but Math teacher Michael Swett would definitely be in the running. Mr. Swett graduated from MBA in 2006 … Continue reading Michael Swett, Class of 2006: Batman and Beyond →

This episode is a Senior Spotlight interview with Reid Ragsdale, who will be graduating with MBA's Class of 2022 this spring. The Latin program is a signature element of the MBA curriculum, and Reid has extended his study of this timeless language well beyond the fundamental conjugations and declensions of 8th grade. Mr. Ragsdale recently … Continue reading Senior Spotlight: Reid Ragsdale ('22) and MBA Latin →

In this episode we get to hear from Mrs. Maggie Qian, a longtime member of the MBA Math Faculty and one of the most successful and respected coaches in the history of our school. Mrs. Qian recently sat down with librarian Jane McMahon to discuss her immigration to the USA, her early years at Montgomery … Continue reading Mrs. Maggie Qian: MATHCOUNTS and More! →

The holidays are peak cookie season, and no one knows cookies like Susan Squires, Montgomery Bell's Catering Director. Miss Susan talks with librarian Jane McMahon about her twenty years on The Hill! To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about Montgomery Bell Academy, please … Continue reading Happy Anniversary, Miss Susan! →

Noah Wisniewski, Montgomery Bell Class of 2022, sits down with librarian Jane McMahon to discuss his time with the MBA rowing team. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about Montgomery Bell Academy, please visit www.montgomerybell.edu, where you can find information about admissions and alumni … Continue reading Senior Spotlight: Noah Wisniewski and MBA Crew →

This Thanksgiving weekend coincides with the release of GET BACK, a new documentary film about four obscure musicians called John, Paul, George, and Ringo. In this episode, we hear Head of School Brad Gioia, English Teacher Tom Markham, Librarian Jane McMahon, and Assistant to the Head Jennifer Howell all talk about the magic of The … Continue reading Beatlemania: Brad Gioia, Tom Markham, and Jennifer Howell →

Mr. Terrell Taylor has joined the Montgomery Bell English Department this year, but he is no stranger to our campus. He has been a Debate Consultant for several years and is now the Primary Coach for MBA's nationally recognized novice program. Mr. Taylor recently sat down with MBA librarian Jane McMahon to share a little … Continue reading Welcome to MBA: Mr. Terrell Taylor →

The Montgomery Bell Academy theater department opened its new season with four sold out performances of the musical Urinetown, directed by Dr. Cal Fuller. MBA librarian Jane McMahon spoke with two of its stars, current students McConnico Sharpe ('22) and Reed Sullivan ('23). To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or … Continue reading MBA Theater: Urinetown! →

We love seeing familiar faces back on The Hill, and that definitely applies to Jackson Abbey, who graduated from Montgomery Bell in 2018. He has since completed an English degree at Vanderbilt University and will spend the 21-22 academic year working in our English Department.  MBA librarian Jane McMahon recently sat down with Mr. Abbey … Continue reading Jackson Abbey, Class of 2018 →

It's a new academic year, and we can't wait to introduce Montgomery Bell's new faculty and staff! First up is Lakresha Belcher, a new member of MBA's English Department.

Do the Tokyo Olympics make you crave more swimming content? There's no better person to talk to than Pat Killian, Head Coach of Montgomery Bell's Swim and Dive program! In this episode, you'll hear Mr. Killian talk about his swimming role models and how he defines success for MBA's swim team.

In this week’s Senior Spotlight, librarian Jane McMahon sits down with student Jason Zhu, a talented musician and athlete who will soon graduate with Montgomery Bell’s Class of 2021. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about Montgomery Bell Academy, please visit www.montgomerybell.edu, where you … Continue reading Senior Spotlight: Jason Zhu, Class of 2021 →

In this episode, Jamie O’Neal sits down with MBA librarian Jane McMahon for a rapid-fire, getting-to-know-you interview. In addition to her work as Director of Basketball Operations, Mrs. O’Neal assists the Service Club and the Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us … Continue reading Meet Jamie O’Neal, Director of Basketball Operations →

What makes an unforgettable story? In the MBA public speaking elective, Mr. Yorko and his students study different elements of effective storytelling as they prepare to write and perform their own original stories. In this episode, two of those seventh-grade students share their tales! To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 … Continue reading Sensational Storytelling: Campbell and Nico, Class of 2026 →

To close out the year in a holiday mood, we bring you some Words to Live By from Junior School Principal Fran Stewart– shared from her favorite Christmas film! To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about Montgomery Bell Academy, please visit www.montgomerybell.edu, where you … Continue reading Words to Live By: Principal Fran Stewart →

This week we’re talking with Brooks Tate, Class of 2006. In addition to teaching in Montgomery Bell’s History Department, Mr. Tate is a Dean in the High School and the Head Coach of Junior School Wrestling. In this interview, librarian Jane McMahon gets to hear some of his thoughts on the MBA experience. To contact … Continue reading Brooks Tate, Class of 2006 →

Mr. Will Eskew graduated from MBA in 2016 and UNC-Chapel Hill in 2020. He’s currently back on The HIll as a teaching intern, and he agreed to answer a few getting-to-know-you questions for our podcast team! To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about … Continue reading Back on The Hill: Will Eskew, Class of 2016 →

Hear on The Hill is back for Season 2, and we’re kicking it off with Frankenstein! Mary’s Shelley’s novel is the All School Read for Montgomery Bell this year, and it’s also the first stage production of the 20-21 academic year. In this episode, school librarian Jane McMahon talks with seniors C.H. Henry and Thomas … Continue reading Frankenstein at MBA: C.H. Henry and Thomas Peterson →

Endada is an annual celebration of arts and community on the Montgomery Bell campus, and 2020 marks its 10th anniversary. Although the on-campus festivities had to be cancelled because of COVID-19, the Endada organizers kept the spirit alive with an online collection of music, art, and more. In this episode, Tom Markham (Class of 2011) … Continue reading Looking Back on Endada: Tom Markham, Class of 2011 →

Here are show notes: It’s the newest edition of Microbe Minute – a spotlight on one of MBA’s Junior School students! Listen in as Jack (Class of 2024) is interviewed by his track and cross country coach, Elijah Reynolds, who is also an English teacher and an alum from the Class of 1999. To contact … Continue reading Microbe Minute: Jack, Class of 2024 →

Montgomery Bell Academy just wouldn’t be the same without the effort and enthusiasm of our MBA mothers. This week we share some messages of gratitude for the ways they contribute to life on The Hill! To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about … Continue reading Thank you, MBA Moms! →

April is National Poetry Month! In this episode, we hear from Mr. Haywood Moxley, Head of Montgomery Bell’s English Department, and his thoughts on reading and teaching poetry through the years. We also feature an original poem from student author Roman Urbanczyk, Class of 2022. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call … Continue reading National Poetry Month 2020 →

For those of you missing your spring baseball fix, this week’s episode puts the spotlight on R. A. Dickey, a Major League pitcher from MBA’s class of 1993. In January, Mr. Dickey returned to MBA’s campus to address an audience of the International Boys School Coalition. A video of the entire session is available at … Continue reading R.A. Dickey, Class of 1993 →

This week we’re featuring art teacher Catharine Hollifield and the insightful speech she gave at the MBA Patch Ceremony in the fall of 2019. In her remarks Ms. Hollifield emphasizes the value of curiosity, exploration, and persistence as students continue their journey through high school. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call … Continue reading Art Teacher Catharine Hollifield: You Are the Architect of Your Life →

This week is the newest installment of Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete– a segment in which members of the Montgomery Bell community share a tip on becoming a better gentleman, scholar, or athlete. This week you’ll hear from Henderson Majors, who joined the MBA Arts Department in 2019. In addition to teaching studio art, Mr. Majors also … Continue reading Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete: Mr. Majors →

In this Senior Spotlight episode, librarian Jane McMahon interviews student Alston Aron about playing hockey for Montgomery Bell Academy. Alston is graduating with the Class of 2020 and is the captain of the Varsity Hockey Team. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information … Continue reading Senior Spotlight: Alston and MBA Hockey →

On this edition of Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete, Patrick Simpson offers some advice about being a gentleman. In addition to teaching geography and coaching wrestling, Mr. Simpson serves the Junior School as its Dean of Students. To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about … Continue reading Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete: Patrick Simpson, Class of 2002 →

It’s the newest edition of Microbe Minute– a spotlight on one of MBA’s Junior School students! Listen to Clayton L. (Class of 2025)  being interviewed by his basketball coach Leslie Sanderfur (who is also MBA’s Associate Director of College Counseling). To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at … Continue reading Microbe Minute: Clayton L. →

This week’s topic is Peak Performance! Our MBA students are known for performing on the field and in the classroom, but they also challenge themselves on the stage, in the courtroom, and on the chessboard. In this episode, we’ll hear current MBA students C.H. Henry (’20), Dhruv Chandra (’22), and Matthew Kaplan (’20) share their … Continue reading Peak Performance →

This week we’re discussing the novel Virgil Wander by Leif Enger, which is MBA’s Winter Reading Selection. Every student and staff member received a copy of the novel, generously donated by alumnus Morgan Entrekin. Mr. Entrekin graduated from MBA in the class of 1973 and is now the CEO of Grove Atlantic Press. In the … Continue reading Winter Reading: Virgil Wander →

We’re heading into the holiday weekend with a friendly competition of Presidential Trivia! Tune in to test your knowledge and answer that timeless question: Are you smarter than an MBA ninth-grader? To contact the Hear on The Hill podcast team, call 615.829.6477 or email us at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. For more information about Montgomery Bell Academy, please … Continue reading Presidential Trivia! →

In recognition of Black History Month, our episode this week features a clip from Daryl Davis, jazz virtuoso and recent guest speaker at MBA. Mr. Davis is responsible for helping over 200 Klansmen cut their ties with the KKK, which he describes in his book Klan-destine Relationships. You can watch Mr. Davis’ complete presentation here: https://youtu.be/Qw5bzkZxrLA To … Continue reading Daryl Davis →

This week is our first Senior Spotlight! MBA Librarian Jane McMahon talks with Spencer Grohovsky (Class of 2020) about his community service experience with the Best Buddies organization. For more information about Montgomery Bell Academy, please visit montgomerybell.edu, where you can find information about admissions and alumni events! In between episodes, keep up with The … Continue reading Senior Spotlight: Spencer Grohovsky and Best Buddies →

The theme for this year at MBA is Resourcefulness. In this episode, we ‘ll hear some student thoughts about being resourceful, and we’ll have an interview with Academic Dean Dr. Tim Boyd on the subject. Plus, we’re introducing a new segment called Words to Live By, this week featuring teacher/coach Elijah Reynolds (MBA ’99). For … Continue reading Resourcefulness →

This week’s mini-episode is a segment called Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete– words visible all over our campus!  Listen to Nikki Wilson (MBA Orchestra Director) share a tip about becoming a better scholar. For more information about Montgomery Bell Academy, please visit montgomerybell.edu, where you can find information about admissions and alumni events! In between episodes, keep … Continue reading Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete: A Tip from Nikki Wilson →

This week’s episode is a Microbe Minute–  a rapid fire interview with one of our Junior School students! For more information about Montgomery Bell Academy, please visit montgomerybell.edu, where you can find information about admissions and alumni events! In between episodes, keep up with The Hill on social media: www.facebook.com/rollredroll www.instagram.com/montgomerybellacademy www.twitter.com/montgomerybell

Welcome to Hear on The Hill– a podcast from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee! We’ll share voices of our MBA students, staff, and alumni and explore what makes us a vibrant community of gentlemen, scholars, and athletes. For more information about our school, visit montgomerybell.edu. You can contact our podcast crew at hearonthehillpodcast@montgomerybell.edu. In … Continue reading Introducing Hear on The Hill! →