Palm Court Podcast

Join Mike Palmer, Grant Balfour, and Megan Citron, along with "friend of the show" Joanne Dramko, for a captivating conversation with New College of Florida (NCF) alumni and NCAA Board Members Monica Lewman Wulf and Stuart Clarry.

This episode offers a delightful mix of personal stories and reflections on the New College experience with a focus on Alumni Engagement. Monica shares the details of her recent Antarctic wedding to fellow New College alum, Henry, a celebration that uniquely incorporated their desire for unique experiences and, of course, penguins. Stuart, who was Grant's roommate, reminisces about their time on campus, sharing anecdotes about the self-reliance cultivated at New College and some memorable dorm-life moments.  

Beyond the personal stories, Monica and Stuart, who are both involved in the Alumni Association, provide valuable insights into alumni engagement and the complexities of navigating trust and communication with the new college administration, including their perspectives on the recent contentious alumni event with President Richard Corcoran.  

Whether you're an alum or simply interested in the unique dynamics of a liberal arts college, this episode is a must-listen. Don't forget to subscribe to the Palm Court Podcast for more engaging conversations and updates from the New College community!

The Palm Court Podcast presents an emergency Oscars 2025 episode devoted to the Gene Hackman situation! With Suzanne Clayton, Palm Court's Oscars predictions oracle, Mike, Megan and Grant prognosticate on the Oscars and reminisce about past Oscars shared in a Whatsapp Group Chat, including the infamous Will Smith slap of Chris Rock. Clayton, a five-time winner of the Palm Court Oscar pool, offers her keen and at times surprising insights on the nominees, including her thoughts on Best Picture and Best Animated Feature despite only having seen 2 of the 10 Best Picture nominees.

Then, the hosts pay tribute to the legendary actor's illustrious career, from his breakout role in The French Connection to his iconic portrayal of Lex Luthor, his brilliant cameo in Young Frankenstein, his roles in The Royal Tannenbaums, Unforgiven, Get Shorty and more. Quite the cinematic oeuvre!

Finally, we take a deep dive into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the Hackman "incident" and the three dogs, one dead in a closet. We try to piece together the timeline of events and speculate on the cause of death for Hackman and his wife. We also discuss the role of the dogs in the incident and whether or not they were involved in any foul play. Plus, we dconclude a quick "dead pool" on who will be the next celebrity to die. Yikes?!?!

Listen and subscribe now, and be sure to check out our previous Oscars 2025 episode featuring Kim McShane and Harrison Bender! Don't miss any of it heading into (and coming out of?) the Big Show on Sunday night.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Special Guests

01:12 Oscars 2025 Predictions

03:13 Movie Reviews and Opinions

13:42 Gene Hackman Tribute

20:38 Remembering the Departed: In Memoriam Discussion

21:12 True Crime Talk: Natalie Wood's Mysterious Death

21:56 Heart to Heart: TV Nostalgia and Dog Stories

22:37 Unraveling a Bizarre Crime Scene

24:43 Speculating on Celebrity Deaths

28:56 Oscar Predictions and Deadpool Picks

32:55 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewells

Join us for our annual Oscars preview! We're diving deep into the 2025 Academy Award nominations with a panel of film enthusiasts. We're discussing the snubs, the surprises, and the sure-to-be winners. From Best Picture to Best Supporting Actor, we're dissecting it all.  

We're also sharing our personal Oscar memories and trivia. Did you know that a screenwriter once won an Oscar nearly 40 years after his death? Or that Judy Garland was only 16 when she starred in The Wizard of Oz? We hit on some trivia, recall film adventures at New College and beyond. And dive deep with Kim, Harrison, Megan, Grant, and Mike. Don't miss it!  

Tune in for a lively discussion about the biggest night in Hollywood. Don't forget to subscribe to the Palm Court Podcast for more great content!  

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:56 Guest Introductions and Film Backgrounds

01:42 Kim McShane's Film Journey

07:21 Harrison Bender's Film Career

10:49 Megan's Cinematic Experiences

15:02 Oscar Nominees Discussion

32:36 Timothee Chalamet's Potential Record-Breaking Win

33:20 Hidden Gems and Overlooked Performances

34:02 Succession and Other TV Show Mentions

34:33 Colman Domingo's Stellar Performance

35:44 Leading Actor and Actress Predictions

38:39 Best Picture Contenders

40:11 Documentary Highlights

46:25 Animated Feature Film Recommendations

50:45 Best Original Score and Song Discussions

54:29 Final Thoughts and Predictions

Step into the world of New College in 1968-69—a time of radical possibility, political upheaval, and unapologetic experimentation. Mike, Grant, and Megan are joined by a group of alumni who lived it and were recently reunited, decades later—Max Reif, David Ross, Andy Roman, David Adams, Tom Weislocher—after a cache of evocative photos from the era unleashed a powerful torrent of memories and feelings.

The photos, most taken by David Ross, transport us to familiar places: the Pei Dorms, Ham Center, Palm Court, even Cars of Yesteryear, and also reveal the bonding experiences that brought this group together: a psychedelic hearse trip to Washington D.C. to a yippie protest at Nixon's inauguration, an unforgettable ISP wilderness expedition on Upper Captiva Island, the formation of the "Happy Bunny Farm" commune in upstate New York, plus a side-trip (for some) to Woodstock.

The guests recount their memories of those years while reflecting on the passage of time and the heartfelt challenges of growing older and staying true to those vivacious youngsters in the photos. Their energy, curiosity, and lifelong quest for knowledge is palpable (and familiar) in this reunion and meeting of hearts and minds.

Show Notes:

Photo: The Captiva Island ISP group in front of Ham Center included Laurel Roth and Sal Lee Anderson (with feathers), then Kitty Warner, and between her and Andy, Cindy Cole (also part of the farm near Dryden NY). 

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Special Edition

00:47 Introducing the Special Guests from the 60s and 70s

01:39 The Story Behind the Photos

02:55 Reconnecting After Decades

03:31 Life at New College in the Late 60s

05:45 The Captiva Island Expedition

07:54 Reflections on Florida and New College

15:17 The Happy Bunny Farm Commune

19:03 The Cultural Shift of the 60s

24:08 Sailing Adventures and College Memories

25:05 Life at New College: Community and Isolation

26:29 Woodstock and Other Festivals

27:49 David Peeney and New College Legends

32:57 Protests and Academic Struggles

35:16 Reflections on Aging and Mortality

38:07 Final Thoughts and Farewells

 In this episode of Palm Court Podcast, we talk with journalist Kathryn Joyce about the state of public education in Florida. Joyce, an investigative editor at In These Times and author of two books on the Christian right, discusses her background and interest in the right-wing political movement’s influence on education. Her recent article, The New College Gambit, chronicles the New College story and forms the foundation of the conversation in this episode.  

We discuss the right-wing takeover of New College, a small public liberal arts college in Florida, and the implications for higher education. The takeover, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, included a push to reconstitute the student body with athletes and the installation of new trustees with an agenda to dismantle the school along ideological lines.  

We also discuss the impact of the ouster of Ben Sasse from the presidency at the University of Florida and the apparent political spoil system in Florida higher education.  

Joyce discusses the potential outcomes of the takeover, including the possibility that New College will fail or be absorbed into the University of South Florida. She also discusses the importance of organizations such as PEN America and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) in defending academic freedom.  

The episode ends with a call to action for listeners to support independent journalists and news outlets and to pay attention to the threats to higher education in the United States and around the world. Don't miss it!

NOTES:

“The New College Gambit,” In These Times, 9 Dec 24, is one of the better accounts of recent events at New College. 

“A Search for Answers. A Search for Blame,” was Joyce’s post-Parkland school-discipline story. 

Flagler College hosted the non-partisan Freedom to Teach conference. 

Libby Harrity and Steven Walker episodes.

“Classical education” could come to the D.O.D.’s 161 schools. 

“The Trustee Solution” is an article trustee Mark Bauerlein  wrote for trustee Christopher Rufo’s City Journal, advocating trustees make bold political moves. 

Cost-per-student has begun to alarm the conservative Board of Governors.

Ben Sasse’s extravagant spending and sudden exit changed the political climate.  

Liv Coleman is a University of Tampa prof and former political candidate. 

Randy Fine, who proposed merging NCF involuntarily into a larger university in 2020, then lost a bid to become president of FAU, is currently running to fill a national seat vacated by a Trump appointment. 

Aaron Hillegass, tech entrepreneur and former NCF data science director.

NCF’s largest class ever remains the 861 students of 2015-16; more students have been accepted and enrolled recently, but subsequently transferred out in large numbers as well. 

AAUP’s more activist stance resulted, in part, in a detailed report on New College.  

Universities did not fare well under Pinochet. 

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

01:03 Reflecting on January 6th and New College

01:18 Interview with Journalist Kathryn Joyce

02:25 Kathryn Joyce's Background and Work

03:12 The Right-Wing Influence on Education

06:07 The New College Takeover

08:27 Challenges and Future of New College

12:21 Broader Implications and Activism

21:46 Final Thoughts and Campus Reflections

33:00 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Palm Court Podcast, hosts Mike Palmer, Grant Balfour, and Megan Cytron interview Fay Clayton, a member of New College's charter class of 1964. Clayton shares her experiences as a pioneering student, her connections to the college through her family, and her journey from a farm in New Jersey to becoming a prominent litigator. She reflects on the unique educational environment of New College, its impact on her and her family, and her notable legal career, including her work with the National Organization for Women on landmark cases. Clayton also comments on the current challenges faced by New College and expresses hope for its future.

NOTES:

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Palm Court Podcast

00:37 Meet Fay Clayton: A Charter Class Pioneer

02:13 Life at New College: Early Experiences

03:50 Academic Adventures and Friendships

06:46 From Farm Life to New College

09:01 Dorm Life and Campus Culture

13:09 Professional Journey: From Montessori to Law

19:16 A Litigator's Journey: Early Career and Pro Bono Work

21:08 Landmark Cases: Fighting for Civil Rights and Women's Rights

22:15 Supreme Court Battles and Legal Triumphs

25:26 Reflections on New College and Its Challenges

29:26 The Future of New College: Hopes and Concerns

34:25 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Palm Court Podcast, hosts Mike Palmer, Megan Cytron, and Grant Balfour are joined by Dr. Amy Reid, a long-standing faculty member of New College, former Board of Trustees member, and recent collaborator with PEN America. We discuss the impact of recent political upheavals on the college, Dr. Reid's extensive contributions to the institution over 29 years, and her reflections on New College's unique educational environment. Dr. Reid also shares her personal story and perspective, transition to PEN America, advocacy for academic freedom, and her role in supporting and representing the New College community. The conversation delves into an insider's view of the hostile takeover and resistance and the broader implications for higher education in Florida and beyond.

NOTES:

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Palm Court Podcast

00:47 Introducing Dr. Amy Reid

01:41 Amy's Journey to New College

04:50 Teaching at New College

07:35 Building the Gender Studies Program

11:46 Challenges and Changes at New College

15:24 Board of Trustees Experience

21:35 Working with PEN America

31:07 Reflections and Future of New College

39:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of the Palm Court Podcast, hosts Mike Palmer, Megan Cytron, and Grant Balfour engage with Miles Iton, a New College graduate with a multidisciplinary background in philosophy, hip-hop, and entrepreneurial education. Miles shares his compelling origin story from almost attending Howard to thriving at New College, where he helped establish the Black Student Union and organized community events. He discusses his intriguing thesis on hip-hop as a Rousseauean civil religion and his role in breaking open New College's insular nature, facilitating engagement with Newtown and the broader Sarasota community. The conversation highlights his transition into the education sector, promoting arts-based learning in Taiwan and the U.S with Lo-Fi Language Learning. Join us as we delve into how New College’s tutorial system and environment shaped Miles’ path, offering insights into navigating political upheaval and fostering community connections.

NOTES:

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Election Context

00:51 Guest Introduction: Miles Eitan

01:26 Miles' Journey to New College

03:00 New College Experiences and Achievements

05:58 Hip Hop and Education

08:17 Challenges and Controversies at New College

19:46 Reflections on New College and Future Outlook

23:34 Reflecting on Trump's Election

24:27 Current Political Climate and New College

26:16 Founding the Black Student Union

29:59 Experiences in Sarasota and Community Perception

31:33 Entrepreneurship and New College's Role

36:05 The Diddy Story and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Palm Court Podcast, hosts Mike Palmer, Megan Cytron, and Grant Balfour sit down with Dr. Mike Campbell to explore his deep-rooted connection to New College. Mike, an alumnus and former faculty member, admistrator, and board member, details his academic journey and professional career, which moved him from student to working to in the counseling center, teaching, becoming housing director, and eventually, to serving as a resilient advocate for the institution amidst many changes including the recent political upheavals and "hostile takeover."

Mike also shares his perspectives as a recent homeowner in the Uplands neighborhood in Sarasota which borders on the campus and has been in the spotlight in light of the new administration's tree removal efforts that have significant impacts on the local community.

The discussion traverses his experiences in Barbados and his relentless commitment to New College's alumni networks. Dr. Campbell shares insights into the alumni association's independence, recent political impacts on the college, and his perspectives on fostering resilience and community within higher education.

Show Notes:

Libby Harrity, former student senate president at New College of Florida, joins Mike, Grant, and Megan to share her first-hand experience of the hostile takeover and the on-the-ground resistance it sparked, which ultimately resulted in her (forced) exodus to Hampshire College after a very public clash between administrators and student protestors.

Now a fourth-year thesis student, Libby gives us an inside look at how 80 students from different backgrounds went into exile "up north" to continue their education. She also shares insights into the current situation on campus at New College, reporting on how students are weathering the climate of imposed change and destruction as best as they can amidst increased police presence, forced separation, and absurd restrictions on student gatherings. We also touch on New College as the "canary in the swamp" and the broader implications of the takeover for higher education and academic freedom.

Libby discusses her in-progress thesis work, research into francophone anti-colonial liberation movements, while connecting the dots to her experiences and the broader political climate in Florida and the US. Our particular historical moment is one of stories big and small and Libby—inspired by the insights of thinkers like Frantz Fanon and Aimé Césaire—is determined to tell the people's history of these years. We chat about the cultural differences between NCF and Hampshire, and Libby's dream to install a mural honoring the New College diaspora at Hampshire and perhaps throw a real wall.

Libby's story offers a unique perspective on how a community can come together—across generations and geographies—to take care of one another and fight for New College's ideals and academic freedom. Throughout the conversation, we reflect on New College's indelible spirt, the potential for future change in FL's political landscape, and the resilience of our community in the face of adversity.

Shownotes: