SLUH Insignis Podcast

The Prep News is one of St. Louis U. High's most enduring and celebrated institutions. In this episode of Insignis, we talk with Steve Missey '88, the paper's longest serving moderator. He shares his story of working the sports beat as student reporter, being mentored by legendary moderator Jim Raterman when he returned to SLUH as a young teacher and challenging a new generation of aspiring young journalists to “value the truth” at a time when that mission has never been more urgent. We'll also hear from Jim Raterman himself, and of course, we'll go "down the hall' to meet the the student reporters, editors and designers who put together the editions of The Prep News each week. 

The competitive, transactional and tech-laden world of international business may seem completely at odds with the raw physicality, interdependence and creaturely vulnerability we experience in the world of nature. But in this episode of Insignis, we meet alum Tim Bantle, a one-time wilderness guide and adventurer, now CEO of Seattle -based Eddie Bauer. Tim not only crosses between these worlds, but has made it his vocational and professional mission to hold them together. And he still rides his bike to work everyday. You don't want to miss his story or his insights. And we'll go "down the hall' to meet students and faculty who tell us how both wilderness and business programs are a vibrant part of their formation at SLUH.

Eric Clark ‘83, President of Loyola Academy in St. Louis and former Dean of Students at SLUH is one of the most inspiring leaders our community has ever encountered. He recalls the significant influences and experiences that have guided him throughout his life.

The newest episode of the SLUH Insignis podcast highlights a realm where the star of the SLUH legacy of excellence burns brightly: the performing arts. You'll hear from: Kathryn Whitaker, director of acclaimed Dauphin Players productions on the Schulte Theater stage; Two alumni members of the celebrated Gunn family, Brian '88 and Mark '89, share what it takes to pitch and write a script for a Hollywood movie; Christian Probst '12 describes what it's like to step out into the lights as a Broadway performer; and  Bob Griffin '86 takes us backstage as a master carpenter for a glimpse of how Broadway magic really gets made. Doc Crotzer '02 - editor of acclaimed TV series "Glee - tells the story of how key classes and experiences at SLUH launched his career trajectory. As always, we'll go "down the hall" at Backer Memorial to listen to students share how they have been formed by our outstanding programs in drama, film and media production. Don't miss this episode – it's a "Good Show!"

“Tech Guru Turned Cultural  Ambassador” Tom McTigue '55 was a force behind the dawn of digital computing in avionics. He didn't want to come to SLUH, but credits his years here as one of the keys to his success. His professional travels turned him into a globe-trotting consultant on the importance of understanding other cultures. That, in turn, made him a world-class advocate for something he says anyone seeking success must learn to embrace: sales.   

“Act IV @ SLUH :The New Principal” Matt Stewart, SJ '98 is the new Principal at SLUH. But this is his fourth act at the Backer Memorial. He was a student, returned as a teacher and Director of Campus Ministry before departing for Jesuit formation, returned again as an ordained Jesuit Priest and member of the Administrative Team in teaching and pastoral roles and was named SLUH's new Principal at the end of 2022.  

“Talent, Trauma and Transformation” Antwine Willis '19 experienced childhood trauma and self-doubt that caused him to lose confidence in the sparkling, creative person he'd been as a young child. He tells the story of how found that unique voice again during his years at SLUH and where he hopes his talents and ambition will take him in the future.

Insignis is celebrating one of the most important influences on young people: sports! Three extraordinary guests are our guides as we explore "Spirit in Sport."

Ignatius 500 is a celebration of the Ignatian Year. It's been 500 years since St. Ignatius was wounded in battle by an errant cannonball and experienced a profound conversation in recovery. You'll hear how his powerful, solitary experience still reverberates in the works and mission of the Jesuits, especially in education. Interviewees include Fr. Matt Stewart, SJ '98, Mr. and Mrs. Hap '82 and Mary Burke, and Dr. Eric Clark '83.

The conversation with our panel continues as they describe not only the "Hyflex" mode of the past semester, but the profound ways this crisis will influence the future of SLUH. There's more great music from our student and alum groups and another trip "down the hall" that includes a preview of the "New Spoonriver Anthology" drama on the Schulte Theater stage, coming to you soon on video! Featured interviewees include Spanish Teacher Maria Paz Campos, Science teacher Mary Russo and more short takes with school leaders and a closing reflection with Principal Fr. Ian Gibbons.

Life at St. Louis University High was disrupted overnight by the pandemic. But thanks to relentless, but creative work by the whole community last spring, over the summer, and again this past fall, the SLUH experience was re-engineered into a new, "hyflex" version of what it has always been.

Features interviews with diverse collection of SLUH alumni, faculty and staff who have lived and worked all over the world.

Features interviews with a diverse collection of SLUH alumni who have lived and worked all over the world.

In this episode we explore issues of authenticity, creativity and diversity against the background of high school education and formation. Among the questions we consider: How can we encourage and support young people (as well the adults who work with them) to find their own voices? You'll hear from: Mrs. Addie Akin and the SLUH Chorus; Dan Cornell '94, a national leader and entrepreneur in software security; Daniel Heard '04, a PhD statistician and risk analyst for USAA and recent speaker at SLUH's Black History Month assembly; Senior and Presidential Leadership Award winner Antwine Wills '19; and SLUH Director of Equity and Inclusion, Frank Kovarik '94. This show also features original music by Ramon Ortiz '20 and a reading from a recent essay in Sisyphus by Matt Friedrichs '20. 

Making Makers

SJ @ SLUH features three Jesuits at SLUH: Fr. James Hill, S.J. (Theology teacher, Director of Campus Ministry), Fr. Ralph Houlihan, S.J. '52 (Theology teacher) and James Page, S.J. (Theology teacher). The interview, conducted by Jim Linhares, Assistant Principal for Mission, focuses on everything from St. Ignatius of Loyola to what it's like to be trained and influenced by the Jesuits, as well as insights into professional careers at SLUH.

Fine arts teacher Kevin McKernan '01 discusses the art of improvisation, the power of failure, SLUH legend Joe Schulte '54 and much more in the first episode of Insignis. Interview by host Jim Linhares.