On this episode, we tell the remarkable story of how freshman Luke Thompson ('24) became one of the top birding experts in our region and established Baylor's campus as the premiere location for birding in the state.  First we speak with Susan Wilson (wife of headmaster Scott Wilson), an avid birder herself who took Luke under her proverbial wing when he was just a shy sixth grader with an interest in birds.  Then we speak with Kevin Calhoun, curator of forests at the Tennessee Aquarium and one of the leading bird experts in the state about his friendship with Luke and what makes Baylor such a unique location for birding.  Finally, we head out on campus with Luke himself in an attempt to discover how this unassuming young man has almost single-handedly made Baylor the center of the birding world in Tennessee.  Join us and discover what ties us together as a community.

QuadPod EP6- Birding at Baylor

On this episode, we celebrate the tenure and legacy of Scott Wilson ('75) who has served our school as headmaster for the past twelve years.  First, we start by speaking with Susan Collins, Scott’s assistant during those years, and someone who knows him as well as anybody.  Next, we sit down with Matt Lewis ('74), who offers us a perspective on Scott’s legacy and the transformative effect his fundraising efforts have brought to the campus during his tenure, and finally, senior Orly Berke ('21) gives Scott his exit interview.  Interspersed, we’ll hear some highlights from Scott’s final speech to the student body and well wishes from some of his closest friends and supporters.  Listen and discover what ties us together as a community.

QuadPod EP7- Crazy Love

On this episode, we will dive into some unique Baylor codes and customs.  First, senior and chairman of the honor council, Brett Cooper ('22), speaks with faculty advisor to the council, Elin Bunch ('09), about the legacy and tradition of the honor code here at Baylor, and then Brett sits down with senior David Danquah ('22) to answer some questions of his own about his time with the council.  Next, we explore the history of the "Round Table,” a longstanding club at Baylor devoted to the discussion of literature, with senior Kye Hamilton ('22) and past and present moderators of the table, including Bill Cushman ('59), Jim Stover, and Heather Ott.  Finally, junior Dalton Restelli ('23) speaks with Austin Clark and Shaw Wilson ('84) about bringing the tradition of wearing the Red Blazers back to Baylor.  This episode is hosted by juniors John Emendorfer and Reese Hullander, with sound engineering by DaCorian Jones-Montgomery ('22).

QuadPod EP10- Community Codes and Customs

On this episode, we’re going to do a little time traveling.  First, we go back to 1985 with Jasper Bulley (’22) and Scott Wilson (’75), former head of school and, back in 85, head of admissions at Baylor, to get the backstory on Baylor’s decision to go co-ed.  Then, Gaston Carmichael (’22) and Alexis Janosz (’22) sit down with Barry and Alexis Bogo (class of 85’ and 89’ respectively) to get a glimpse from the student perspective of Baylor’s transition to a co-ed institution.  Next, we go back even further with Emma Thompson (’22) and Baylor world language instructor Kenneth Parks to hear the story of a true female pioneer on Baylor’s campus, the first full-time female faculty member, Madame Scheni, who began her teaching career at Baylor in 1962.  Finally, we travel back to the future with Lis Cortes ('22), or, I guess, the present, and hear from four female faculty members—Betsy Carmichael, Kristin Vines, Priscilla Birdsall, and Takisha Haynie—who exemplify all the good that was gained by adding women at Baylor.  This episode is hosted by Halden Williams (’22) and Gail Bailey (’23) with studio recording by Hinton Stefaniuk (’23).  A special "thank you" to everyone that participated in this episode, especially Baylor faculty member Cecily Honeycutt, who provided the inspiration for telling these stories.

QuadPod EP13- Celebrating Women at Baylor

Full interview with Alexis Bogo ('89) and Barry Bogo ('85).  Alexis and Barry are featured in episode 13 of the QuadPod.  Seniors Gaston Carmichael ('22) and Lexi Janosz ('22) conducted this interview.

Interview with Alexis and Barry Bogo

The final episode of season two highlights six "personal projects" from the audio journalism elective at Baylor.  First, we hear from Nathan Andreotti ('23).  Nathan interviews his parents, Marcio Andreotti and Marcia Ulinski, about their decision to leave Brazil for the US and begin a new life right here in Chattanooga, TN.  Next, we join Halden Williams ('22), Vivi Christopoulos ('23), and Autumn Phillips ('24) to discuss the evolution of the girls wrestling team at Baylor.  Next, Gaston Carmichael ('22) interviews his father, Alan Carmichael ('82), about following his childhood passion for baseball all the way to the pros.  Then, Weston Carico ('22) interviews his father, Trey Carico ('91), about their shared love of rafting and paddling the southeast’s great rivers and what being on the water has taught them along the way.  Next, Abagail Bailey ('23) brings us a unique audio drama about the final eight minutes before the end of the world.  Finally, Alexis Janosz ('22) delivers the story of Kevin Murphey, a family friend whose world came crashing down at an early age.  Escaping a rough childhood of abuse and neglect, Kevin learned to fight off the demons in his life with a steadfast faith and a sense of gratitude for even the hardest lessons.  In between these stories, we hear excerpts from several peer interviews conducted in the audio journalism class.  These conversations feature Owen Trainor ('23), Bridger Knee ('22), Sheldon McKnight ('22), Jasper Bulley ('22), Alexis Janosz ('22), and William Duncan ('22).  We conclude the episode with a special outro dedicated to the senior class of 2022.  This episode is hosted by Mike Kelly and was recorded at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN.

QuadPod EP15- Getting Personal

Short List produced for episode 21 of the QuadPod.  Produced by Justin Todd ('23).

Short List (Valentine's Day Edition)

For the final episode of the season, we are highlighting some of the year’s best work from students in the audio journalism elective here at Baylor.  We have "personal projects" from Conleigh Brock ('23), Justin Todd ('23), Caleb Hampton ('23), Carilyne Wyke ('23), Addi Yates ('24), and Dawson Bowers ('24).  Two of these projects feature Baylor people: Addi interviews Mohammed Wumpini ('23) and Dawson interviews Austin Clark.  Sprinkled throughout the episode are shorter, creative pieces from Asher Skyles ('23), Emery Carico ('24), Bowen Allen ('23), Morgan Sharpe ('23), and Bella White ('23).

QuadPod EP24- Getting Personal (Again)

Baylor offers no shortage of travel opportunities for students and faculty alike.  On this episode, we hear from members of our community who went abroad this summer, learning more about where they went and the new perspectives they brought back with them.  First, freshman Ivan Zheng catches up with junior Tate Harrison to hear about his summer semester in South Africa. Tate is one of six students from Baylor who traveled overseas this summer as part of the global exchange program.  Next, we take to the quad with senior Peyton Smith to find out which destinations other Baylor students and faculty are wanting to explore.  Then, senior Blake Bogo gets the backstory on a once-of-a-lifetime trip that faculty member Kristin Vines took with the support of Baylor’s Barks-Guerry global grant.  After, senior Vincent McClure gets the inside take from defensive coordinator Chris Brown on the football team’s recent excursion to Dublin, Ireland for a showcase game.  Finally, senior Alana Zavala speaks with faculty member and trip chaperone Greta Mountain about the bi-annual Liz Aplin trip, where art takes center stage.  This episode is hosted by seniors Aly Johnston and Anya Wiisanen.

QuadPod EP25- Baylor, Abroad!

On this episode, in the spirit of this peak season, we’ll be highlighting some of the special events and transformational experiences happening on campus right now.  First, senior Karen Hori sits down with the community service special events coordinator, Aashi Patel, to learn more about the program’s special Trunk or Treat night on campus.  Just after, join Karen and senior Alana Zavala as they take you to the event itself to hear what the night means for the young scholars who get to attend.  Next, senior Blake Bogo sits down with Baylor’s social media specialist Molly Glascock Smith ('12) to discuss the new face of Heywood stadium and how she’s helped bring a heightened awareness of campus life to the broader world through Baylor’s social media accounts.  Then, senior Vincent McClure polls the student body on their favorite dress up themes at this season’s home football games.  Next, senior Aly Johnston speaks with two peak performers of this year’s outstanding girl's soccer team, seniors Jada Cooper and Elizabeth Stophel, about how their leadership helped the team return to championship heights. And finally, we’ll join senior JahslynRose Bush and Baylor board member and alum, David Knox ('02), to hear about his transformational years at Baylor and how it propelled him towards a bright future.  This episode is hosted by Tate Harrison ('25) and Anya Wiisanen ('24).

QuadPod EP26- Peaks and Transformations

On this episode, we speak with three individuals who bring a unique set of life experiences to our community, experiences that further enrich our education here at Baylor.  First, senior Vincent McClure sits down with Tony Easley, who coaches both boys' basketball and serves as Baylor’s strength and conditioning coach.  Mr. Easley played professional basketball for 11 years on seven different teams in seven different countries.  As a young aspiring player who didn’t even make his 9th-grade basketball team, this was a future that, as a young man, he never could have imagined. Next, senior Blake Bogo speaks with Baylor faculty member Jack Studer ('01).  Mr. Studer is a successful entrepreneur who is sharing his knowledge and expertise about business start-ups and successes in the form of a new elective at Baylor.  Finally, if you are a loyal listener of this program, you might recall that we had junior Tate Harrison kick off this season by describing his summer as an exchange student in South Africa. On this episode, we bring you part two of that story, where we turn the tables and Tate interviews Dylan Beukes, a young man from Tate’s host family in South Africa who spent six weeks here at Baylor as part of the same exchange program.  This episode is hosted by seniors Anya Wiisanen and Karen Hori.

QuadPod EP27- This Other World

On this episode we are featuring four solid interviews that students in the audio journalism elective conducted for their final projects in the class.  These four are not only all strong pieces, but they go together because they all share something in common: each student is a future college athlete who chose to sit down with a coach they admire to learn more about them, the game they have devoted their lives to, and to share stories about the sport they both love.  Each student handled all aspects of the production, from crafting the questions, running the tech, and finally editing the interview tape down to a 5-8 minute running time.  First, we’ll join senior Tomas Valincus and head coach Mike Kinney to talk baseball, then we’ll hear senior Riley Oleksik relive the historic sweet sixteen run that head Baylor girls' basketball coach John Gibson took with the 1997 UTC men’s basketball team while serving as an assistant coach.  We’ll stick with basketball for our next piece, as senior Nyziah Waley gives us a preview of the boys' basketball season with Baylor head coach and athletic director Mark Price.  Finally, we’ll hear senior Jack Murdock and head boys' lacrosse coach Tyler White talk about the game they both love.  Each of these students is a gifted athlete heading on to play at the next level and credit their esteemed coaches at Baylor for making that a possibility.

QuadPod EP28- Coaches in Conversation

On this episode, we climb inside the world of the middle school production of "James and the Giant Peach."  First, freshman Ivan Zheng speaks with the show’s director, Allison Lamb, about some of the unique challenges of this production.  Next, senior Alana Zavala sits down with Elizabeth Agner, class of 2028, to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to be the stage manager in a multifaceted production like this.  Then, senior Anya Wiisanen talks theatre costuming and fashion with junior Harper Kelly.  Finally, if stepping into Dahl’s imaginary world isn’t enough to help you beat the winter doldrums, senior Dawson Bower gets some ideas from student activities coordinator, Daxton Bacalman, about ways to get involved and have fun off campus this season, and what we have to look forward to just around the corner.

QuadPod EP29- A Little Magic

Travel to San Francisco with 11 Baylor students for the Harvard Model Congress Conference, a prestigious government simulation conference in the city by the bay.  Hear students debate the most pressing issues facing our country today, led by their fearless leader, Baylor faculty member, Mary Beth Hopping.  This episode is hosted by Mike Kelly, QuadPod "coach" and chaperone on the trip.  Student voices include sophomore Shanina Dong, and juniors Benjamin Daniel, Eric Zheng, Tate Harrison, Grace Simmons, Finn Ryan, Julia Gardner, Ella Grace Lazenby, Alisha Chandra, Luci Hemphill, and Harper Kelly.

QuadPod EP30- The Great Wave

The hill is alive with the sound of music!  On this episode, we are featuring some of Baylor's most fluent speakers of "the universal language."  First, senior Vincent McClure sits down with Vic Oaks, director of Baylor's choral program and the chair of fine arts here at Baylor, to get an overview of the value of an arts and music education.  Next, senior Alana Zavala brings us the story of Mae Bender ('24), a Baylor student taking singing to operatic heights.  Then, Tate Harrison ('25) speaks with freshman Shepherd Sewell, one of the top young cellists in the state, about his path to mastery.  And finally, Mr. Kelly talks all things banjo with director of the learning center, Jennifer Averbeck.  This episode is hosted by seniors Alana Zavala and Anya Wiisanen.

QuadPod EP31- Striking a Chord

Perry Key sits down talk about his Baylor career with fellow faculty member, Tim Williams.

Perry Key

On this episode, we drop in on the club fair before sitting down with our new chaplain, Matt Farr ('03), and our new lead scientist of sustainability for the Baylor Research program, Nastassja Hagan.  We end the episode by crashing a chess match between the club's two co-presidents, seniors Olive Smith and Marshall Bible.  This episode is hosted by Harper Kelly ('25) and Mason Finlay ('26), with interviews by Tate Harrison ('25), Ella Grace Lazenby ('26), and Ivan Zheng ('27).

QuadPod EP35- New Chapter

On this episode, we explore the subject of civic engagement through the lens of two Baylor programs: the civic scholars program and the Harris-Stanford honors program.  In addition, we speak with students about which issues they value most heading into election season, as well as touch base with a member of the Baylor history department about addressing current events in the classroom.  This episode features interviews with Mary Beth Hopping, Cecily Honeycutt, and Dr. Logan Edwards.  Student voices include Tate Harrison ('25), Sasha Smith ('25), Mary Holmes Phillips ('26), and Benjamin Daniel ('25).  This episode is hosted by Mason Finlay ('26) and Olive Smith ('25).  

QuadPod EP36- Civic Engagement

On this episode, we look at all the ways Baylor students and faculty are giving back to their communities, both inside and outside of Baylor.  We drop by a Habitat for Humanity build site with student volunteers from Baylor, visit the annual Turkey Train with the middle school, and speak with Baylor faculty member Sarah Arvidson about her relief efforts in the aftermath of hurricane Helene.  We also poll the community on what they are most grateful for this season in a special vox pop by Mary Holmes Phillips ('26).  This episode is hosted by Mason Finlay ('26) and Olive Smith ('25).  

QuadPod EP37- Giving Back

On this episode, we are featuring four interviews conducted by students in this recent fall semester’s audio journalism elective.  In each conversation, the student spoke with a Baylor graduate or parent to learn about the path that led them to where they are now and to gain insight into what it’s like to be in their shoes.  First, junior Mary Holmes Phillips brings us her interview with Lauren Williams, class of 2010.  Lauren is a beat reporter covering the Atlanta Hawks for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.  Next up, we have senior Cam Sparks in conversation with Amari Jefferson ('24).  Cam was recently honored as a Navy 2025 All-American for his excellence on the gridiron and will make his college declaration to play division 1 football in the coming weeks.  Amari graduated from Baylor last year.  After starring for both Baylor’s football and baseball teams, he is now enrolled at Alabama, where he is continuing his athletic career in both sports.  Then, we have junior Aubrey Olinger speaking with Dr. Tonia Cox.  Dr. Cox is a Baylor parent and a successful pediatrician in town with over fifteen years of experience in the field.  Finally, we have another current Baylor parent, Lindsey Frost, in conversation with senior Natalie Duke.  Mrs. Frost is the owner, CEO, and lead designer of Frost Designs, Incorporated, located in downtown Chattanooga.  

QuadPod EP38- Where You Stand

On this episode, we have a midwinter medley of sorts for you, a handful of short audio pieces produced by students in last semester’s audio journalism elective, stories that happen to coincide well with events and activities that are in full swing during this winter season.  First up, we have senior Laura Kathryn Anderson’s deep dive on Baylor’s dance program.  They are currently revving up for one of their marquee events of the season, Verve, which you can learn all about on this episode.  Next, with basketball season entering conference play, senior and captain Luke Smith sits down with new head men's basketball coach, Quinn McDowell, to learn about his journey from playing professionally overseas to coaching at Baylor.  And finally, with Valentine’s Day under a month away, we’ll toss in a love story for good measure.  Senior Francie Raulet brings us the story behind her father’s elaborate proposal to her mother, and, well it’s sure to warm your heart.  This episode is hosted by Mike Kelly.

QuadPod EP39- Midwinter Medley

Buckle up for an epic episode detailing several ways Baylor students are gaining experiential knowledge of professional fields via clubs, extracurriculars, and competitions.  First, we get a front row seat to two performances from the Winter Players.  These two children's plays feature work either written or directed by Baylor students.  Next, we crash a mock trial practice just days before a major competition and witness students litigating a rather unusual case.  Then, we head down to the music room to learn about Baylor's new music production studio and hear some of the projects recently created there.  Finally, we touch base with students involved in the M3C math modeling challenge, a 14-hour marathon competition where students must design solutions to complex "real world" problems.  This episode features many voices, including Wesley Chi ('26), Cody Coppage ('26), Mason Finlay ('26), Julia Gardner ('25), Vivian Webster ('25), Graham McDowell ('27), Ivan Zheng ('27), Julian Ramirez de Arellano ('25), Taryn Harris ('26), and Anna Zhang ('25).

QuadPod EP40- Keeping it Real

Come along on Baylor's "senior trip," a rite of passage for Baylor seniors that is now heading into its 50th year.  Featuring audio recorded by Justin Todd ('23) on the 2023 senior trip, along with interviews featuring past & present architects of the trip, this episode invites you to come along for this special week in the woods.  This episode features interviews with Ashlee O'Steen, Tim Williams, & Tim Laramore.  Interviews were conducted by Ivan Zheng ('27) and Mary Holmes Phillips ('26).  Additional voices include Herb Barks Jr., Scott Wilson, and others.

QuadPod EP41- Paddling Together: 50 Years of Senior Trip

Perry Key interviews Tim Williams about Tim's 35-year career with Baylor School.

Tim Williams Interview

For our final episode of the season, we sit down with four educators who are about to embark on a new chapter in their lives: retirement.  Taryn Harris ('26) speaks with Bill Cox, Austin Clark, Betsy Carmichael, and Heather Ott about their careers at Baylor, thoughts on education, and what's next for them.

QuadPod EP42- New Chapter

On this episode, we look at just a few of the many doors at Baylor.  There is the door "in," which involves the admissions process, and the door "out," involving our college counseling department. First, we speak with head of Baylor admissions, Ryan Armstrong, to get a broad overview of what the application process is like for prospective families, and then we take an in depth look at two early admissions events, "shadow day" and the "Big Red Quest."  Next, we check in with two members of the college counseling department, Kelly O' Mara, and head of college counseling, Ann Katherine Taylor, to hear how they are helping our students pick the "right door" into higher education.  Finally, we explore the many doors of opportunity offered at this year's club fair.  Student voices in this episode include Ivan Zheng ('27), Amelie Johnson ('26), Zuma Bentley ('32), Abby Phillips ('32), Mason Finlay ('26), and Braylee Newell ('26).

QuadPod EP43- Open Doors

On this episode, reach into your goodie bag for some delectable sonic sweets!  First, we travel back in time with Jim Frierson ('67) to learn about Baylor's Glee Club, which reached some incredible heights during the 50s and 60s under the direction of Dr. Vernon Kellett, including recording an album in Nashville with Columbia records.  You'll get to hear some tracks from this amazing album before traveling back to the present with Mason Finlay ('26) to hear how the choir, under the direction of Vic Oaks, is keeping the spirit alive today.  Then, B Newell ('26) sits down with assistant head of school, Shaw Wilson ('84), to hear about his recent community time/history time lecture on the evolution of music consumption.  Both cover their own personal listening histories and habits, while sharing some of their favorite songs along the way.  Next, we turn to Rike Field with Mattson Lewis ('74) for a brief recap of how it functioned as Baylor's primary athletic field for a number of decades, before joining Taryn Harris ('26) and head of school, Chris Angel ('89), to learn about an exciting new chapter for Rike.  Finally, we cap off the episode with a special Halloween vox pop to prime that sweet tooth.  This episode is hosted by Mason Finlay ('26) and B Newell ('26).

QuadPod EP44- Living History

On this episode, take a deep dive into two cutting-edge programs on Baylor's campus: Robotics and Moonshot Design.  Hear how students are combining mechanical engineering, software programming, design, public speaking, creative thinking, and more in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.  This episode features the following students: Avery Levin ('27), Henry Rolleston ('26), Owen McKenna ('27), Alli McCroskey ('28), Brandon Oakes ('26), Lana Mitchell ('27), Chase Mansfield ('28), Tvesha Patel ('28), Grace Tang ('28), and Katelyn Steele ('28).  Providing an overview of each program are faculty members Dr. Louie Elliott (Robotics) and Dr. Antonio Herrera (Moonshot Design).

QuadPod EP45- Cutting Edge

On this episode, we’ll hear from members of Baylor's 2025 state championship teams (Fall season) and take a quick look back at their seasons before turning the page to 2026.  First, we join head football coach Erik Kimrey, senior quarterback Briggs Cherry and senior wide receiver and defensive back Jamyan Theodore to discuss their historic undefeated season and run to the state title.  Next, we sit down with four senior members of the girls' soccer team—Hadley Griffith, Lilly Catalanotto, Zoe Misenhimer, & Alison Noland--to discuss the road to their threepeat, as the team won their third straight championship this year.  And finally, we’ll end with two members of the girls’ golf team, Carlee Rogers and Katie Grace Tudor--who led their team to the program’s 21st championship overall.

QuadPod EP46- Something Great

Steven Yao talks to Ricky Miles and Kitty Wadley about their time at Baylor School and Miss Kitty's iconic grill.

Baylor School

Popular tracks