Podcast Spotlight: Zariel Hunt

I just finished recording the second episode of the Dutch Fork Den Podcast, and I was honored to welcome Zariel Hunt, a senior at Dutch Fork High School, as my guest.

Earlier this month, Zariel published her first children’s book, Once A Pawn a Time. During our conversation, she shared her experience with the creative writing and publishing process, as well as the inspiration behind her story.

When asked about the most meaningful lessons she took from the journey, Zariel shared:

“Reaching this milestone felt entirely out of reach at first, but I hope it inspires our listeners. It shows that a lack of early experience does not define our potential, and that our own self-doubt is often the only barrier left to cross.”

Zariel’s enthusiasm and sincerity were infectious throughout the episode. Her memories of learning to play chess with her father, an experience that inspired this children’s book, were especially authentic and meaningful.

She also spoke warmly about the “village” that supported her during the publishing process, from her immediate family, her creative writing teachers/mentors here at DFHS, to the publishing team based in Atlanta, Georgia. It was inspiring to hear how encouragement, collaboration, and perseverance helped bring her vision to life.

When I asked Zariel what she hoped listeners would take away from her experience, she said:

“Ordinary things can grow into something much bigger through the creative process, and every writer deserves to have their unique voice heard and valued in the publishing journey.”

Thank you so much, Zariel, for joining the Dutch Fork Den Podcast today and for sharing your remarkable journey. You are an amazing person and author, and I cannot wait to read the next chapter of your story.

*Zariel’s book is now available for purchase on Amazon.

Welcome to the show. I’m Dr. V, and today I’m sitting down with Coach Tom Knotts, the winningest high school football coach in the state of South Carolina, to discuss what he builds with his players here at Dutch Fork High School on the daily. Coach believes a successful football program is a mindset, a standard, and a way of showing up every single day when the target is already on your back, ready to fight for your position and team. 

Think about this: winning once? Huge. Winning twice? Impressive. But ten state championships, at the same school, with the same coach? That’s not luck. That’s dominance. That’s the Dutch Fork Silver Fox standard Coach Knotts conveys in all he does, both on and off the football field. 

Because being a Silver Fox isn’t just about winning on Friday nights. It’s about discipline when nobody’s watching. It’s about consistency when success could make you comfortable. It’s about choosing excellence, again and again.

We won't be just talking about trophies or banners. We’ll be breaking down what it takes to build a perennial powerhouse, sustain greatness, and keep raising the bar when everyone’s chasing you.

Coach Knotts lives by what he calls the TK Plan, a 20-step blueprint for excellence in anything you do. And today, you’re getting a front-row seat into the philosophy behind the Silver Foxes and the standard that keeps them there.

So lock in. Take notes and “Let’s Go!”