Path to Follow Podcast

"[Music] is mathematics in vibration form." // Dallas Jacobs is a guitarist, music lover, and Gilman School mathematics teacher. // On Episode #82 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Dallas discuss the origins of Dallas's love for music, being "in the zone," energy between human beings, transcendent musical experiences, music in math class, mysteries of the mind, traveling to Algeria and Morocco, moving from New Jersey to Baltimore, and Dallas's book recommendation: 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' by Milan Kundera. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and more. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for the production of this podcast. //

John O. Schmick '97 is an English teacher, avid outdoorsman, and proud Gilman School alum. // On Episode #82 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and John discuss 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, Gilman's Class of 1997, the influence of John's father (Headmaster John Schmick), memories from being a student at Gilman, Outward Bound, impactful summer experiences, and guests John would recommend for the podcast. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and more. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for the production of this podcast. //

Sherm Bristow '67 was a teacher and coach at Gilman School for twenty-six years. He held many positions over his career as a faculty member, including English teacher, head basketball coach, head football coach, athletic director, and associate headmaster. Sherm attended Princeton University, where he studied English and played basketball and baseball. Sherm is currently the co-founder and managing director for the Finney Search Group. // ​ On Episode #80 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Sherm discuss "Be Gilman," the influence of Mr. Finney, community at Gilman, memorable seasons as an athlete and coach, the Gilman/McDonogh rivalry, becoming head basketball coach at the age of 23, the Finney Search Group, the "deaf dome," teachers who influenced Sherm, Sherm's interest in English, favorite texts to teach, and Sherm's book recommendation: "Hopes and Dreams" by Robert Evans and Michael Thompson. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and more. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Eric Coles is an Upper School English teacher and soccer coach at Gilman School. Before coming to Gilman, Eric held positions at various independent schools, including his alma mater, Bullis School. He played soccer at Loyola University Maryland. // On Episode #79 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Eric discuss Kate Chopin, characters in 'The Great Gatsby,' Eric's first year at Gilman, designing English curricula, Bullis School, club soccer, short fiction, and Eric's book recommendation: 'The Lords of Discipline' by Pat Conroy. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and more. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Manav Parikh '22 is a senior at Gilman School and will attend the University of Pennsylvania next year. // On Episode #78 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Manav discuss Manav's high school experience, Model UN, public speaking, taking a college math course at JHU, attending UPenn, computer science, memorable Gilman courses, playing tennis, the tabla, traveling to India, and Manav's book recommendation: 'The Lowland' by Jhumpa Lahiri. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and more. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"Your reward is seeing that kid back out there playing at 100%." // Lori Bristow is an athletic director and former athletic trainer at Gilman School. // On Episode #77 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Lori discuss playing sports growing up, breaking barriers as a female athletic trainer, Lori's passions for athletics and art, influences in athletic training, reacting and treating a severe injury, proudest and most memorable moments as a trainer, injuries Lori has treated, mental challenges of physical injuries, stories about Mr. Finney, the most memorable sporting events Lori's witnessed at Gilman, and Lori's book recommendations: 'A Dog's Promise" by W. Bruce Cameron. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and more. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"Any day on a lacrosse field is a good day." // Marcus Holman '09 is a professional lacrosse player for the PLL Archers Lacrosse Club, Team USA silver & gold medalist, UNC Tar Heel, and offensive coordinator for the 2022 Gilman Lacrosse team. // On Episode #76 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Marcus discuss Marcus's return to coach at Gilman, memorable lacrosse seasons under Coach Brooks Matthews, competition and sports, watching the Blue Jays growing up, attending UNC, mindset and leadership lessons, Archers Lacrosse Club, Ray Lewis, "keys" from Gilman, magnanimity and humility, playing for the USA team, what it means to be a good teammate, gratitude, and Marcus's book recommendations: 'Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey, 'Created for Greatness' by Alexandre Havard, and 'Legacy' by James Kerr. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and more. // Follow Marcus: @marcusholman1 & "Two Halves Podcast" on Spotify. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Sam Cheney is a poet, the winner of a 2021 Pushcart Prize, and the Reginald S.Tickner Writing Fellow at Gilman School. His poems appear in 'The American Journal of Poetry,' 'Copper Nickel,' 'The Literary Review,' 'The Missouri Review,' 'Salmagundi,' and elsewhere. Originally from Centerville, Utah, Sam currently resides in Baltimore and is at work on his debut collection. // On Episode #75 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Sam discuss Haruki Murakami's short stories, the writing process, Claude Monet, growing up in Centerville, Utah, poems Sam has written, 'The Art of Fielding' by Chad Harbach, playing baseball growing up, and 'The Topeka School' by Ben Lerner. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and more. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"[Gilman] understands young men and offers them close to endless possibilities..." // A.J. Howard is a former long-time design & woodworking teacher at Gilman School, motorcycle enthusiast, band member, and music lover. // On Episode #74 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and A.J. discuss traveling in the West, retirement, how A.J. began a career in education, moving to Baltimore, growing up in NJ, AJ's interest in cars and metalworking, the dress code at Gilman, changes in perception of homosexuality, how Gilman has changed over time, music and A.J.'s music career, most memorable concerts, and A.J.'s book recommendation: 'Lord of Light' by Roger Zelazny. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"You have to say to yourself that there's no place in the world I'd rather be than right here, right now, doing what I'm doing." // Steve "Lightning" Krulevitz is a former professional tennis player, Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, UCLA All-American, gold medalist, and Gilman tennis coach. // On Episode #73 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Lightning discuss Lightning's introduction to tennis, the first tennis tournament he ever played in, short and long-term goal-setting, leading the Gilman tennis team, the loneliness involved in tennis, communication with coaches, motivational quotes from Coach John Wooden, what separates Rafa, finding motivation, Buddhism and world peace, and Lightning's book recommendations: 'Robert E. Lee and Me' by Ty Seidule, 'Younger Next Year' by Chris Crowley, and Lightning's memoir, 'Lightning Strikes: The Life and Times of a Professional Tour Tennis Player' by Steve Krulevitz. //  Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! //  Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"Even today...when I get out of my car, and walk on the campus, I feel good. [Gilman] is something of a second home for me." // Mac Barrett '67 is the Alumni Special Projects Coordinator and proud Gilman School alum. // On Episode #72 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Mac discuss conducting oral histories, memories of Gilman School, public speaking, athletics at Gilman, coaching influences, Headmaster Redmond C.S. Finney's legacy, attending Dartmouth, joining the college radio station, and what Gilman School means. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Faith Ward is a middle school librarian at Gilman School. // On Episode #71 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Faith discuss podcasting, audiobooks, learning types, Kareem Rosser's story, Edwin Hubble, Steve Jobs, book clubs, becoming a librarian, art history, single sex vs. co-ed schools, and Faith's book recommendations: "Crossing the Line" by Kareem Rosser, 'The Boy Whose Head Was Filled with Stars: A Life of Edwin Hubble' by Isabelle Marino,' and 'Love Poems' by Pablo Neruda. //  Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"I think the flair that I bring is that I am very interested in skills-based health education." // Bessie Oster is a health education teacher at Gilman School. // On Episode #70 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Bessie discuss concerts, growing up in Roland Park, Australian adventures, biking the West Coast, the Donald Bentley Food Pantry, returning to Baltimore, health education, skills-based health education, meditation & mindfulness, and 'Between the World and Me' by Ta-Nehisi Coates. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"It's all about learning about people's lives and their experiences." // Steven Ruark '96 is an award-winning, Baltimore-based photojournalist, photography teacher at Gilman School, and graduate of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. // On Episode #69 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Steve discuss Steve's career in photojournalism, teaching photography at Gilman, attending Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse, what a great photograph "does," social media, returning to teach at Gilman, influential teachers, meeting Carmelo Anthony, and 'Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope' by Carmelo Anthony. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on production. //

It's not just a job; it's a calling." // Darnell White is a DJ, day porter, Uber driver, Bible Study leader, and all-time Gilman School staff leader. // On Episode #68 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Darnell discuss Darnell's work as a day porter at Gilman, music Fridays in the carpool line, Bible Study, love for music,  DJing, stories from driving Uber, Little Italy, and Darnell's book recommendation: 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"I'm living by what I believe, and what I've learned, and how I interpret it." // Avonte Jones is an Administrative Assistant in the College Counseling Office at Gilman School. Before starting at Gilman in 2019, Avonte held similar positions at Garrison Forest School, Sinai Hospital, Maryland Transit Administration, and T. Rowe Price. // On Episode #67 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Avonte discuss dealing with loss, the new college counseling wing at Gilman School, how Avonte found Gilman, the differences Avonte sees between all-girls and all-boys academic environments, Garrison Forest School, a typical day in the life of Avonte Jones, standardized testing, growing up in Baltimore, being nominated for high school class president, handling grief, meditation and well-being practices, singing, "words to live by," and Avonte's book recommendation: 'The Bible.' // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Joseph Seivold '82 is the sixth headmaster of the Berkeley Preparatory School (Tampa, FL), a 2020 inductee to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, four-time All-American midfielder and Academic All-American at University of North Carolina (1983-1987), and proud Gilman School graduate. // On Episode #66 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Joe discuss growing up and playing lacrosse in Baltimore, role models during Joe's time at Gilman, club versus school sports, memories from the Class of 1982, Reddy Finney's legacy, Joe's decision to attend UNC, Willie Scroggs' coaching influence, Joe's decision to pursue a profession in education, Durham Academy, competition and service, The Blake School in Minneapolis, becoming a headmaster, Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, and Joe's book recommendations: 'A History of the World in 6 Glasses' (2021) by Tom Standage, 'Whose Game Is It Anyway?' (2021) by Amy Baltzell, Richard D. Ginsburg, and Stephen Durant, and 'The Hero Code' (2021) by Admiral William H. McRaven. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! //  Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"For whatever reason, I've always been really interested in the brain." // MacFadyen Nichols '22 is the current school president at Gilman School. // On Episode #65 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Mac discuss Mac's experience playing lacrosse at Gilman, running for school president, Mac's love for GIlman, the experience of learning over Zoom during the pandemic, maintaining connections in 2020, developing leadership abilities, senior retreat, Gilman traditions, public speaking, leaders and teachers Mac looks up to, comfortability with yourself and Mac's senior speech, applying to college, Paul Kalanithi's 'When Breath Becomes Air' (2016), the Library Club, and Mac's book recommendation: 'The Anthropocene Review' (2021) by John Green. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Christina Kim is the first Director of Wellness & Support at Gilman School. Christina was previously a counselor at the Park School in Baltimore and the Director of Student Life at The Willows Community School in L.A. She was also a field instructor at UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs. Prior to moving to California, Christina worked for seven years as a teacher, learning specialist, and social worker at The School at Columbia University. Her experience in New York had also included four years as a clinical social worker for the Jewish Board of Families & Children, as well as a few years teaching at the Manhattan School for Children. Christina holds degrees from New York University, Bank Street College of Education, the Columbia University School of Social Work, and another Master of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. // On Episode #64 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Christina discuss mental health and well-being at Gilman School, the impact the pandemic has had on mental health, what stress is, mindfulness meditation for children (and adults), building emotional intelligence, Viktor Frankl and activating our best selves, naming feelings, the impact of social media on young people, building belonging and well-being at Gilman, and Christina's book recommendation: 'Permission to Feel' (2019) by Mark Brackett, Ph.D. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Alex DeWeese '11 is a chemistry and physics teacher at Gilman School. He is also a track and field coach, former sprinter at Lafayette College, singer, and avid music fan. // On Episode #63 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Alex discuss favorite concerts, Grateful Dead, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West's latest album 'Donda,' different ways to appreciate music, Spotify playlists, Traveling Men at Gilman, a cappella in college, Johnnie Foreman and track & field at Gilman, coaching track, the teachers and coaches that shaped Alex's experience at Gilman, and Alex's book recommendations: 'Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (33 1/3)' by Kim Cooper, and 'Dune' (1965) by Frank Herbert. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"We're in a unique position at Gilman to get to know our students really well." // Matt Herman is a college counselor, US History teacher, and golf coach at Gilman School. // On Episode #62 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Matt discuss the college application season, the bulk of the job as a college counselor, writing supplemental college essays, the "why" essays, word limits, what makes a strong college recommendation letter, how Matt became a college counselor and history teacher, Matt's favorite aspects of college counseling, handling high college expectations and pressures, coaching soccer and golf, the curriculum of Matt's US History course, the first Thanksgiving, Malcolm Gladwell's 'Revisionist History' podcast, and Matt's book recommendation: 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah (2021). // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Devina Bhalla is a Penn Fellow, Upper School English teacher, and swimming and water polo coach at Gilman School. She graduated from Tufts University in 2020 and enjoys swimming, writing, and reading. // On Episode #61 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Devina discuss Devina's first months of teaching at Gilman, the University of Pennsylvania Teaching Fellowship, attending boarding school at Suffield Academy, studying English and sociology at Tufts, "The Age of Unreason," 'Fantomina' by Eliza Haywood, Devina's swimming background and legendary coach Andy Lowe, the process of book publication, 'Shelves of Art and the People Between,' and Devina's book recommendation: Gabriel García Márquez's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude.' // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! //  Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Laura Soden is an Upper School mathematics teacher at Gilman School, volleyball and basketball coach, and former Hamline University Piper. // On Episode #60 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Laura discuss teaching mathematics during the pandemic, freshmen and sophomore year of high school, growing up in Minnesota, playing volleyball and basketball at Hamline University in Saint Paul, life skills learned in woodshop, Laura's family connections at Gilman, the value of geometry, the freedoms she finds teaching at Gilman, important study skills, developing a coaching "style," college recruiting advice, and Laura's book recommendation: 'Home' (2016) by Harlan Coben. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"Early on - what drew me into it - was that I loved taking pictures and I loved finding new letters..." - Nathaniel Badder '94 // Nathaniel Badder '94 is the Director of Alumni Relations & Outreach at Gilman School. He's a Middlebury College alum, lover of the outdoors, and the creator of 36 Letters. // On Episode #59 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Nathaniel discuss "van life," development and alumni relations at Gilman, Nathaniel's fond memories of attending Gilman as a student, memorable teachers and coaches, 36 Letters, playing lacrosse at Middlebury College, David Foster Wallace, audiobooks, and Than'l's book recommendation: 'Jitterbug Perfume' by Tom Robbins. // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"How do we make people feel known and loved? How do we demonstrate that in our actions?" // Kevin J. O'Brien is an English teacher and lacrosse coach at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. // On Episode #58 of the Path to Follow Podcast (recorded 17 June 2021), Jake and Kevin discuss picking up the sport of lacrosse for the first time, attending Phillips Academy Andover, Fitzgerald and 'The Great Gatsby,' windows and mirrors, candid conversations, the power of journaling, empathy for students, gratitude, yoga, the Bread Loaf School of English, Western Reserve Academy, mental health and well-being, and some of Kevin's several book recommendations: 'Permission to Feel' by Marc Brackett, Ph.D., 'Fear Less: How to Win Your Way in Work & Life' by Dr. Pippa Grange, and 'The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever' by Michael Bungay Stanier. //

Tony Incontrera is the head lacrosse coach and a history teacher at Gilman School. He won three national championships at Salisbury University and has coached at Marriotts Ridge and Mt. Hebron HS. As a head coach at Marriotts Ridge, Tony led the Mustangs to the state championship in 2018 and Howard County titles in 2017 & 2019. // On Episode #57 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Tony discuss the origins of Tony's love for lacrosse and history, the legacy of Salisbury's Jim Berkman, the college recruiting process, H.I.T., what inspired Tony to get into coaching, Marriotts Ridge High School, visions for the Gilman Lacrosse program, off-season training, run tests, the Oregon Trail, the challenges of winning, teaching history, and Tony's book recommendations: 'The Winds of War' (2011) and 'War of Remembrance' by Herman Wouk (1987). // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the wizard Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"Dante is everywhere." // "The history of literature is the story of one grand conversation." // "When I have fears that I may cease to be Before my pen has gleaned my teeming brain..." // Dan Christian is an expert on Dante Alighieri's 'The Divine Comedy.' He was a high school teacher for forty-three years, and taught elective courses on Dante Alighieri, Charles Dickens, and C.S. Lewis for thirty-nine years at Gilman School. Dan earned his B.A. degree from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, and has M.A. in Theology from St. Mary's Seminary and the University of Baltimore. // On Episode #55 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Dan discuss Dante Alighieri's 'The Divine Comedy,' Dan's first years of teaching, "keep playing," 'Il Postino,' the value of memorizing poetry, books as living things, John Keats, what Dan would ask Dante, compiling essays written by students, the pairing between folk music and Dante, Harry Chapin, creative repurposing, and the wizardry of Cesare Ciccanti. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the WIZARD Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"The best cartoons have the fewest words." // Signe Wilkinson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist. She began cartooning for the Philadelphia Daily News and the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1985, and her cartoons are syndicated by the Washington Post Writer's Group. In 2021, she illustrated Jonathan Zimmerman's book, 'Free Speech: And Why You Should Give a Damn.' // On Episode #55 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Signe discuss how Signe began a career in cartooning, her creative process, finding ideas for cartoons, the importance of timing in cartooning, complaints and criticism, the issue of free speech, the origin of Signe's book collaboration with Jonathan Zimmerman, vicious cartoonists from history, Thomas Nast, Signe's best cartoons, blowing up on Reddit, and 'Free Speech: And Why You Should Give a Damn' (2021). // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"I see remarkable things. The future seems dim sometimes - it just looks like the world's never going to get to be better - but if I have to judge by what's happening at Gilman, it's going to get a lot better." // Andre Jones is a LEGENDARY middle school geography teacher at Gilman. He spent 33 years teaching in Anne Arundel County public schools before coming to Gilman in 2007. He is retiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year. // On Episode #54 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Andre talk about Andre's retirement from Gilman, how Andre found Gilman, teaching geography, the teacher who made the biggest impact on Andre, Gilman's mission, global overpopulation, competing with China, what's unique about the US, the Moderna vaccine, focusing on the geography of the Eastern Hemisphere, Andre's international journeys, homelessness in the US versus Africa, traveling to the border of the US and Mexico, the Pacific Northwest, and Andre's book recommendations: 'Company Man' (1992) by Brent Wade and 'Exit the Rainmaker' (1989) by Jonathan Coleman. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"Yes, I'm their leader, but we're on the same team." // On Episode #53 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Will discuss building team culture during the pandemic, the intangibles of a team leader, Jeff Gouline's character development program for Gilman teams, Coach Bartz's early basketball influences, Gregg Popovich, Landry Kosmalski of Swarthmore Basketball, learning from successful coaches, Pete Carril, honesty with players, the best leaders Coach Bartz has ever coached, fake masculinity, and Will's book recommendation: 'Season of Life' (2004) by Jeffrey Marx. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Lily Rapuano '21 is a senior at Roland Park Country Day School. She plans to study philosophy at the University of Vermont in the fall. // On Episode #52 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Lily discuss the end of the 2021 school year, the University of Vermont, learning how to ski, 'Manufacturing Consent' and media theory, Jesmyn Ward, favorite classes taken at RPCS, Lily's transition from McDonogh to RPCS, English with Mr. Abbott, AP classes, a personal connection to Cormac McCarthy, the most difficult part of writing short stories, and Lily's book recommendation: 'Her Body and Other Parties' (2017) by Carmen Maria Machado. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Teddy Conover '21 is an aspiring teacher, the editor in chief of the Gilman News, history buff, and soon-to-be Penn Quaker. // On Episode #51 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Teddy discuss favorite podcasts, Sam Harris and free will, attending Gilman School, senior year during the pandemic, typing vs. taking notes on paper, Teddy's all-time favorite classes at Gilman, 60's literature, Latin and ancient mythology, Cormac McCarthy's writing style, applying to colleges during the pandemic, the University of Pennsylvania, forming bonds with teachers and classmates, and one of the best books Teddy has ever read: 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy (2006). // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"I think you can strive to be the best and still do it in a loving and caring way." // Haswell "Has" Franklin Jr. '79 is a father, proud Gilman alum, financial advisor, former three-sport athlete at Johns Hopkins, and racket sport wizard. // Mac Franklin '14 is a proud Gilman alum, Dickinson graduate, and group benefits advisor. // On a very special Episode #50 of the Path to Follow Podcast, the Franklins and I discuss the Gilman/McDonogh football rivalry, Has's favorite football memories, Gilman pep rallies, impactful Gilman teachers and coaches, George Chandlee, how Gilman School has evolved over the years, playing multiple sports, chicken tenders, Gilman's commitment to excellence, lifelong bonds, playing three sports at Johns Hopkins, and Mac and Has's book recommendations: "The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told" (2020) by Mark Paul and "Hug Your Customers" (2003) by Jack Mitchell. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"You start to limit free speech, and in the end, it will be denied to the people with the least power. And eventually, it will be denied to you." // Dr. Jonathan Zimmerman is one of the leading education historians today. His work examines how education policies and practices have evolved and where political and social movements intersect with teaching and learning. Dr. Zimmerman holds a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, and he has authored books on sex and alcohol education, history and religion in school curricula, the history of public schooling, and teaching controversial issues in the classroom. His most recent book, published in April 2021, is titled 'Free Speech: And Why You Should Give a Damn.' // On Episode #47 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Jon discuss teaching English in Nepal, the origins of Jon's interest in the history of education, how politics and education coexist, what schools are for, the connection between free speech and democracy, the attack on free speech as a fundamentally bipartisan issue, free speech as the "great moral renovation of humankind," cancel culture and self-censorship in elite institutions, speech and violence, Mary Beth Tinker, and Jon's 2021 book, 'Free Speech: And Why You Should Give a Damn.' // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Boo Smith '70 is the dean of students and an art history teacher at Gilman School. He's a longtime squash and lacrosse coach, ex-UVA groundball machine, talented sports photographer, and avid rollerblader. // On Episode #49 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Boo discuss sports photography, the transition from baseball to lacrosse, Coach George Chandlee, playing lacrosse at UVA, playing squash to get in shape, teaching and coaching at John Carroll, becoming a dean of students, dissecting paintings for symbolism, a common Boo Smith art history class, how Gilman has changed since Boo's time as a student, some of Boo's role models as at Gilman, rollerblading, and Boo's book recommendation: 'Boys in the Boat' by Daniel James Brown (2013). // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Charles Nuermberger '21 is a talented artist, avid reader, water polo player, and the editor-in-chief of 'Paragon,' Gilman School's literary magazine. He will attend Princeton University in the fall of 2021. // On Episode #48 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Charlie discuss art at Gilman, art teacher Mr. Karl Connelly, self-criticism as an artist, Charlie's senior speech, art-making versus image-making, the 2021 college admissions process, Princeton University, how Gilman prepares students for college, Charlie's favorite classes at Gilman, tri-school coordination, Richard Siken, 'Paragon' at Gilman, water polo, and Charlie's book recommendations: 'Crush' (2004) and 'War of the Foxes' by Richard Siken (2015). // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"To be a better COACH, you've got to be a better YOU." // Joe Ehrmann is a former defensive lineman for the Baltimore Colts and the Detroit Lions. He was named to Syracuse University's All-Century Football Team and played lacrosse for legendary coach, Roy Simmons Jr. After the NFL, Joe pursued a career in service leadership, urban ministry, and coaching, and he coached football at Gilman School for twelve years alongside Biff Poggi. Coach Ehrmann has received widespread recognition for his messages on masculinity and transformational coaching. He is currently the President of a national movement called InsideOut Initiative, an evidence-based approach to mentoring and developing student-athletes. // On Episode #46 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Joe discuss Syracuse University's Roy Simmons Jr., what a transformational coach is, coaching and modeling moral character, the three myths of masculinity, what it takes to "be a man," athletics as a vehicle for character building, Joe's proudest moments as a football coach at Gilman School, issues facing young men today, determining your life narrative and finding purpose, Joe's 2011 book 'InSideOut Coaching,' and his initiative to use sports to transform lives. // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

Lauren Nordsiek is a high school English teacher at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, PA. // On Episode #45 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Lauren discuss Lauren's excellent book recommendation: 'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam (2020), deciding on teaching as a career path, mentorship during the first few years of teaching, classroom tips & tricks during the pandemic, changes in high school English curricula, "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, 'The Kite Runner' (2003) by Khaled Hosseini, Nathaniel Hawthorne and teaching 'The Scarlet Letter' (1850), admirable qualities of Hester Prynne, the concept of "the other," Conestoga High School, and self-care during the pandemic. // Purchase 'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam (2020) - https://www.amazon.com/Leave-World-Behind-Rumaan-Alam/dp/0062667637 // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"Everything should be taken day by day." // Tem Koleosho is the president of the Class of 2021 at Gilman School and an abstract artist. He will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall. // On Episode #44 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Tem discuss life as a student in 2021, virtual classes and the hybrid learning model, Gilman's art program under Karl Connelly, finding artistic inspiration, student government at Gilman, approachability and leadership, applying to colleges during the pandemic, some of Tem's favorite classes at Gilman, coordinated classes, advice for younger students, and Tem's book recommendation: 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger (1951). // Purchase 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger (1951) - https://www.amazon.com/Catcher-Rye-J-...​ // Purchase 'Jim Huckleberry" by Mike Molina (2020) (cover art by Tem Koleosho) - https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Huckleberr...​ // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"Trying to be okay with ourselves and accepting who we are is just a big part of being human." // Noah Knopf is a U.S. history teacher at Milton Academy, an independent boarding and day school outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Noah graduated from Harvard University in 2020 before becoming a teaching fellow in the University of Pennsylvania Independent School Teaching Residency. // On Episode #43 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Noah discuss the Penn Fellowship at Milton Academy, redefining a "good teacher," Noah's 'US Lacrosse Magazine' article about coming out, homophobia in athletics, addressing the shortcomings in the culture of lacrosse, 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf, accepting who we are as human, studying history & literature at Harvard, Noah's experience as a Harvard Men's Lacrosse player, and Noah's book recommendation, 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X' by Malcolm X and Alex Haley (1965). // Read Noah's article in 'US Lacrosse Magazine' (2020) - https://www.uslaxmagazine.com/college/men/harvard-mens-lacrosses-noah-knopf-to-teammates-guys-im-gay // Purchase 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X' by Malcolm X and Alex Haley (1965) - https://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Malcolm-Told-Alex-Haley/dp/0345350685 // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

“I remember being compelled during [my first] visit [to Gilman] by things that we hear a lot today. Body, mind, spirit. Multi-sport athletes. Sharing athletes and how the coaches who might coach your primary sport are going to be the ones who push you to play another sport. I think that was true then, and that is true now. And that's part of the legacy of the school that I hope to be able to help carry forward.” // Russell Wrenn ‘96 is the co-Athletic Director at Gilman School, an Upper School English teacher, and an assistant baseball coach. He has spent time as a football and baseball coach at Westminster School, Dickinson College, and Johns Hopkins University. Russell is a graduate of Washington & Lee University, where he played football and baseball. // On Episode #42 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Russell discuss managing athletic teams and schedules during the pandemic, staying eternally optimistic, Russell's favorite part of being a student at Gilman, body~mind~spirit, the teachers and coaches who played a significant role in Russell's development, Dan Christian and Dante's ‘Divine Comedy', “Dante is everywhere,” deciding to study English and geology in college, questions to consider as a potential collegiate athlete, current trends worth discussing in the world of youth & high school sports, pros and cons of club sports, athletic specialization versus generalization, fond memories as a Gilman athlete, qualities Russell looks for in a coach, JHU baseball coach Bob Babb, growing up during COVID, and Russell's book recommendation: 'Artificial Maturity' by Tim Elmore (2012). // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! //​ Many, many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on podcast production. //

"I just got consumed by practice." // A ton of fun on Episode #41 of the Path to Follow Podcast with Mac Ford '81. Mac is a full-time financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, UNC Tarheel '85, father of five, Head Girls' Lacrosse Coach at Notre Dame Prep, and one of the best attackmen to ever play the sport of lacrosse. // On Episode #41, Jake and Mac discuss coaching girls' lacrosse, the difference between the men's and women's games today, attending Gilman School, the first time Mac ever picked up a lacrosse stick, leadership skills developed through playing JV lacrosse, Eamon McEneaney, Mike French, and Bob Grebe, getting recruited to play at the University of North Carolina, winning a National Championship in 1982, expecting victory, Coach Willie Scroggs, memorable games at Gilman, Chip Tompkins and mastering algebra, playing football for Coach Alex Sotir, when practice becomes a game, "everybody's a salesman," and Mac's book recommendation, the "greatest people skills book of all time": 'How to Win Friends & Influence People' by Dale Carnegie (1936). // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many, many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on production. //

"I would say during those years, if you are going to win the championships for track & field in the MIAA, you gotta come through Gilman." // Johnnie Foreman joined the Gilman faculty in 1984 to teach middle school science and coach varsity football. In 1988, he took over and built up the varsity track & field team, which now holds several records and championships. He taught for years in the Upper School English Department, and serves currently as the Director of Community, Inclusion, and Equity.  Johnnie is one of the foremost figures in Gilman School history; not only has he educated and mentored generations of young men, but he has helped Gilman become a welcoming and inclusive institution for all. // In Episode #40 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Johnnie discuss the first time Johnnie stepped on Gilman's campus, Sherm Bristow and Headmaster Redmond C.S. Finney, coaching track and football at Northern High School before coming to Gilman, physical education and track, teaching biology to future track athletes, lactic acid, the physiology of exercise, understanding the connectivity of the body, recovery after track meets, recruiting track athletes to build a team, the power of the arms in running, the mindset of a runner, Johnnie's fondest track & field memory, how Gilman has changed over time, diversity initiatives at Gilman, learning differences in the classroom, how to move academic institutions forward, trombone days, the Sound Experience and "Don't Fight the Feeling," and Johnnie's book recommendation: 'Not in My Neighborhood' (2010) by Antero Pietila. // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many, many thanks to the all-powerful Cesare Ciccanti for all of his efforts on production. //

"Attack the day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind!" // John Harbaugh is the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. He's a father, mentor, leader, and inspiration, and it was a pleasure to talk to him on Episode #39 of the Path to Follow Podcast. // On Episode #39, Jake and Coach Harbaugh discuss the "lost art" of writing well, competition in the Harbaugh household, the teachers and coaches who encouraged Coach Harbaugh as a young man, "95-percenters," building a winning culture "in a nutshell," Ed Reed and shared vision, BIG TRUSS, trust as a pillar of any successful organization, liking AND loving your players, a great Arnold Palmer quote, how to define success, growth from failure, What's Important Now, and 'Win the Day' by Mark Batterson (2020). // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many, many thanks to the great Cesare Ciccanti for all his hard work on the technical end. //

"There's a difference between LEADERSHIP and LIKERSHIP." // Rick Sowell has been a Division I Men's Lacrosse Coach for the past twenty years. He began his coaching career after graduating from Washington College in 1986, where he was a two-time All-American and the 1985 Division III National Midfielder of the Year. At the college level, Coach Sowell is one of only three coaches to lead three different programs - Dartmouth, Stony Brook, and Navy - to the NCAA lacrosse playoffs. // On Episode #38, Coach Sowell and Jake talk about coaching lacrosse at Gilman School in 2020, developing young players, the path to coaching, Coach Moffit's influence, Washington College coach Terry Corcoran, discipline in the sport of lacrosse, what college coaches look for, communicating with college coaches as a high school player, recruiting Canadians at Stony Brook, fostering leadership at the Naval Academy, the decision to attend a service academy, the hardest worker Coach Sowell has ever coached, the difference between leadership and likership, and Coach Sowell's book recommendation: LEADERS EAT LAST by Simon Sinek (2014). // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! //  Many, many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for spittin' out these episodes like an absolute machine. //

"They may be athletes, but they're human beings first." // Arman "Dr. T" Taghizadeh is a Johns Hopkins-trained, Board Certified Psychiatrist and sports psychiatrist. He grew up in Baltimore and attended Gilman School ('95), where he was an All-American wrestler. He also wrestled at James Madison University before receiving his M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. T is the host of "The Mindset Experience," a podcast about using the mind to overcome challenges and achieve success. // In Episode #37 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Dr. T discuss David Goggins, the 40% Rule, epitomizing mental toughness, failure as inevitable, developing unshakable confidence as an athlete, attitude and gratitude, Jocko Willink, accepting ownership of your circumstances, the Daily Gratitude Challenge, little victories, coaching by tailoring and differentiating communication, preparing players for life, relational coaching, acknowledging and observing the "chatter" of anxiety and doubt, the "hot hand fallacy," the insane powers of visualization, how to visualize "the right way," the mind as "the source," and Dr. T's book recommendation: CAN'T HURT ME by David Goggins (2018). // Visit Dr. T's website - http://mindsettraininginstitute.com/ // Don't forget to check out Dr. T's "The Mindset Experience" - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-experience/id1523956517 // Purchase CAN'T HURT ME by David Goggins (2018) - https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287 // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // PODCAST LINKS - All links: https://linktr.ee/Pathtofollowpod​​​​​​​ Many, many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all his hard work on the technical end. //

"Especially in the ancient world, everything is influencing each other so much that it sometimes seems unmanageable how much you would need to learn to really understand history and how things get passed down. But I think that's a good thing..." // Sarah Miller is a philologist, Latin and Greek teacher at Gilman School, Colgate grad, native of Buffalo, NY, and passionate classicist. // In Episode #36 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Sarah talk about Sarah's archeological dig in Corinth, developing an interest for the classics, the first time in the classroom, academia and University of Virginia's Ph.D program, Cicero's letters and legacy, the Cataline Conspiracy, letter-writing in ancient Rome, Stoic philosophers, Ryan Holiday, Cicero's ego and reputation, the importance of slowing down while reading Latin and Greek, Ovid's METAMORPHOSES and its retellings, expanding your scope of history, and Sarah's book recommendation: THE SILK ROADS by Peter Frankopan (2015). //  Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! //  Many, many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for all his hard work. //

"Outside a window, against a tree, a man named Jim leaned into heavy sleep. Though he was a powerful man of great reach, his body bore baggy rags that made him look raggedy. Drool dripped through his beard and turned to mud as it mingled with the dust of day and the crusted muck of a meal of mush." - JIM HUCKLEBERRY // Michael Otieno Molina is the Head of School at the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys in Washington D.C. He taught English at Gilman School from 2016-20 and recently published a book called JIM HUCKLEBERRY - "an antidote to the dehumanizing portrayal of Jim that stains Twain's most famous work." Mike is also a spoken word poet, Yale Law School graduate, and native of New Orleans, LA. // In Episode #35 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Mike discuss Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, the unique character of Gilman School, becoming multi-dimensional, pursuing a career in education, teaching Mark Twain's HUCKLEBERRY FINN "the right way," writing JIM HUCKLEBERRY, the complexities and contradictions of Mark Twain, Toni Morrison's literary criticism and BELOVED, Benjamin Arthur Quarles, identifying satire, George Washington Cable, spoken word poetry, Van Jones and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, how Mike found Gilman, inspiring others, bus rides post-Hurricane Katrina, Mike's creative writing process, contagious intellectual curiosity, and overcoming tech difficulties (cheers, Cesare). // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More great ones to come! // Many, many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for working technical wonders. //

In Episode #3 of the Special Topics Series of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake discusses MEDITATION & KORU MINDFULNESS with directors of the Koru Mindfulness program at Gilman School, Cheryl Nkeba and Sarah Ross. // Koru Mindfulness is an evidence-based meditation and mindfulness program for college-aged students and other young adults. The program was developed by two physicians at Duke University, and has become very popular in recent years. // Cheryl Nkeba is the Upper School Music Coordinator and co-director of Koru Mindfulness at Gilman School. // Sarah Ross is a college counselor and co-director of Koru Mindfulness at Gilman School. // Enjoy the episode? Please follow the Path to Follow Podcast on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Pathtofollowpod​​ // Many thanks to the producer of the Path to Follow Podcast, Cesare Ciccanti. //

"I think the most important advice that I'd give Carter is not to rush. There's plenty of time ahead of you...Take your time. Enjoy all of it as it comes to you." // Jared Spahn '91 is a father, proud Gilman alum, real estate developer, and founder of Old Town Construction in Ellicott City, Maryland. Carter Spahn '21 is a senior at Gilman, aspiring politician, computer technician, and founder of the Gilman Investment Society. // Such an honor hosting the first father-son dynamic duo on Episode #34 of the Path to Follow Podcast. We discuss different forms of service to country, Jared's long-time interest in politics, teaching history in South Carolina, financial literacy and the ambitious origins of the Gilman Investment Society, fond memories of Headmaster Redmond C.S. Finney, James K. Polk's presidency, teachers who made a lasting impact on Jared and Carter, plans to update the Constitution, real estate development and Old Town Construction, green building, valuable graduation advice, education through travel, what Carter will miss most about Gilman, Carter's book recommendation "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein (1964), and Jared's book recommendation "Better Places, Better Lives: A Biography of James Rouse" (2019) by Joshua Olsen. // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for his production magic. //

Greg Calhoun is an assistant football coach, track & field coach, and Lower School teacher at Gilman School. He played offensive line at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and professionally for the Florida Tarpons and Colorado Crush. // On Episode #33 of the Path to Follow Podcast, Jake and Greg discuss off-season training for football players, the coaches that inspired Greg, growing up with football as "a way of life" in Alabama, the recruiting process, the influence of social media (especially Twitter) on athletic recruitment, developing yourself as a player and student in high school, the differences in "level of play" between high school, college, and professional athletics, a "day in the life" of a college football player, Greg's football experience at University of Alabama at Birmingham, how society can influence emotional vulnerabilities, father-son relationships, and Greg's two book recommendations: "Slavery By Another Name" by Douglas A. Blackmon (2008) and "Cry Like a Man" by Jason Wilson (2019). // Enjoy the episode? Please spread the word and follow @pathtofollowpod on all platforms. More to come! // Many, many thanks to Cesare Ciccanti for his production magic. //