The Generals Redoubt

Can we still build like the Founders did? On this episode of Founding Philosophies, Kamron Spivey talks with Rodney Mims Cook Jr. — chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and president of the National Monuments Foundation — about restoring beauty to Washington, D.C., the new Triumphal Arch planned for Arlington National Cemetery, and his family's personal ties to Robert E. Lee's legacy. They discuss why monuments matter, how his father's epiphany in the Lee Chapel shaped a lifelong friendship with the King family, and what America's built environment should say about the nation as it turns 250.

In this final episode, host Thomas Wakefield turns the mic on himself, sharing his journey from Charlotte high school football to starting as a freshman offensive lineman at Washington and Lee — plus what the honor system, triple-option offense, and O-line brotherhood taught him along the way.

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Jack Clayton, sophomore offensive lineman and pre-med student at Washington and Lee, joins host Thomas Wakefield to talk about choosing D3 over D-I offers, balancing football with a pre-med course load, the tight-knit culture of the W&L football team, and life beyond the field—fraternity, pickup basketball, and even Dungeons & Dragons. He also reflects on mentors, leadership growth from freshman to upperclassman, and his favorite moments so far, from bowl wins to a memorable trip to San Antonio.

Generals on the March is a storytelling podcast exploring the athletic history of Washington and Lee University through interviews with athletes, coaches, and alumni.

In Episode 108, Thomas sits down with Tucker Washburn — sophomore defensive back and fourth-generation W&L legacy. Tucker shares how a late recruiting process brought him to Lexington, what freshman year on the Generals football team really looks like, and why the brotherhood and people at W&L make it all worth it. He also talks about his Business Administration major and the value of a liberal arts education.

Generals on the March is a storytelling podcast exploring the athletic history of Washington and Lee University through interviews with athletes, coaches, and alumni.

In Episode 6, Kamron sits down with John Beekman Youngblood — Class of 2027, newly elected EC President, and one of W&L's most passionate defenders of the Honor System. They cover everything from White Book amendments and rebuilding law school buy-in, to a spring term trip to Vegas, and John Beekman's plans for the Marine Corps and law school after graduation. A wide-ranging conversation about leadership, honor, and what makes W&L truly unique.

On My Honor explores the traditions and values that define Washington and Lee University.

Cole Sheppard, junior defensive lineman and three-time W&L Scholar Athlete, joins Thomas Wakefield to talk about bouncing back from a freshman season-ending knee injury, stepping into a leadership role, and why the Generals' culture is trending toward a long-awaited playoff run. They also get into academics, Greek life, and the legendary W&L alumni network.

In this episode of General Lee Speaking, host Kamron Spivey sits down with W&L sophomore Louisa Rudolph to explore the Franklin Society — a literary debate society founded in Lexington around 1800 that counted Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Governor John Letcher among its members. They trace the society's evolution from informal candlelit gatherings to a cornerstone of civic life in Rockbridge County, discuss its rules of civil discourse, its remarkable library, and how its debates reflected shifting attitudes on slavery and secession. They also share why The Generals Redoubt has revived the Franklin Society at Fancy Hill — and what its legacy means for civil discourse today.

Austin Halterman only picked up hammer and weight throw three months before graduating high school — and walked onto the W&L track team anyway. In this episode, he talks with host Thomas Wakefield about his unlikely journey, what it's like competing in one of college track's most niche events, and why W&L felt like home from the very first tour.

Austin also shares fascinating finds from the university's Special Collections — including an 1883 track meet document, a letter from Alabama's first national championship coach, and the oldest recorded honor pledge in W&L history.

Washington & Lee's Honor System is on life support — and a Class of 2022 alum is sounding the alarm.

In Episode 5 of On My Honor, host Kamron Spivey sits down with Iain MacLeod, who grew up steeped in W&L's Honor System through his alma mater — only to discover as a student that its foundational principles had quietly disappeared from the White Book. Through original archival research, Iain traced how "never lie, cheat, or steal" was systematically replaced over successive review cycles with a vague "community trust" standard.

They discuss the three events that radicalized Iain's thinking — the EC's controversial name-change statement, COVID-era Honor violation proposals, and the moment his mother learned the White Book no longer said what she thought it did — and what it all means for the future of student self-governance at W&L.

On My Honor explores the traditions and values that define Washington and Lee University.

Jack Camp, W&L cross country and track athlete, joins host Thomas Wakefield to talk recruiting, the academic grind, and how a canceled flight made the college decision easy. From a first regional title in 33 years to accidentally falling in love with Ancient Greek, Jack's first year at W&L has been anything but predictable.

Generals on the March — telling the athletic story of Washington and Lee University.