From the Horse's Mouth

On this special bonus episode of "From the Horse’s Mouth," guest host and Middle School computing and innovation teacher Dr. Wesley Fryer chats with Director of E-Sports Kalon Davis and graduating senior Jayden Stuart ’24. Tune in as they explore the dynamic world of e-sports, its rising popularity at PD, and the impact it has on students and the school community.

In a bittersweet episode of "From the Horse's Mouth," host Jay Barron sits down with departing Upper School Head Eric Hedinger before he begins his new role as Head of School at Augusta Preparatory Day School. Joined by friends and fellow faculty members, Upper School English Teacher Matt Spence and Upper School Physical Education Teacher Bill Finneyfrock, they fondly reminisce about their time as English teachers in the legendary West Wing, share the joys of coaching (and playing) soccer, and swap classic memories from Providence Day School. Tune in as we bid a heartfelt farewell to Eric, proving that no matter where life takes us, once you're part of PD, you're family.

As the 2023–24 school year wraps up, seniors Brook Ephrem,  Cassie Miller, and Emerson Smith join host Jay Barron to reminisce about their time at PD. Tune in to hear their insights on the college admissions journey, tips for incoming Upper Schoolers, and the value of embracing versatility. Plus, get ready for some laughs with a mix of embarrassing and amusing anecdotes!

On this week's podcast, host Jay Barron converses with Lower School Musical Director Sierra Key, Upper School Theatre Director Brooke Fulton, and senior Avery Thalberg about Providence Day’s recent performing arts achievements, the intricacies of production, fostering a creative arts environment, and uncovering the unseen aspects behind the scenes!

On this week’s episode of From the Horse’s Mouth, host Jay Barron interviews Environmental Sustainability Coordinator and Upper School English Teacher, Jack Hudson, senior Sophie Mao ’24, junior Meha Khanna ’25, and senior Frankie Castellucci ’24, on a topic that’s ever more present in our daily lives: sustainability. Listen in as we discuss their journey into environmentalism and renewability, and how we can all take steps to make a difference both locally and abroad.

On this episode of From the Horse's Mouth, host and lifetime doodler Jay Barron talks visual arts with Lower School Fine Arts Teacher, Gabe Devereux, and Upper School Fine Arts Teacher and AP Art History Teacher, Sydney Sheaffer. Tune in as they discuss their origin stories, teaching art vs. making art, and dispel any notion that art is the "easy class!" 

VIEWER DISCRETION: This podcast touches on some sensitive subjects related to mental health. 

Our host, Jay Barron, speaks to Student Services Director Lisa Bernard, eighth grader Ana Arronte, ninth grader Cole Zapata, and tenth grader Caroline Krell. They openly and honestly discuss what mental health means in the context of their lives and being a PD student. Listen as they share their insight about personal struggles and triumphs. Plus, you will learn some helpful tips on dealing with stress and different ways to tackle both anxiety and depression. 

Step aside, Skynet! In the last episode of season four, host Jay Barron attempts to demystify the excitement and confusion surrounding artificial intelligence (A.I.) with guidance from PD teachers Dr. Wes Fryer and Dr. James Edge, along with Christian Gibson '10, engineer with OpenAI.  

In 2021, College Board announced that I would be piloting a new AP African-American Studies course beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. Since this announcement, the course has been the target of both celebration and consternation across the country. Upper School English and history Department Chairs Marcus Smith and Ted Dickson, respectively, are at the helm of PD's effort to bring AP African-American Studies to the classroom. How'd they do it? Hear from them in this special Black History Month episode, hosted by Will McCorn.

As the New Year begins, the latest episode of "From the Horse's Mouth," PD's official podcast, tackles lessons learned in 2022 with a panel including host Jay Barron, Upper School Theatre director Brooke Fulton, and award winning students Astrid James '23 and John Carter Krell '23.