The Late Start Show

In Episode 5 of Season Two of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with Anthony Doerr, University School Class of 1991 alum, New York Times bestselling author, and Pulitzer Prize winner. From library runs and Outdoor Projects days with Mr. Terry Harmon to a home that celebrated curiosity, Doerr reflects on how his Cleveland roots, US education, and early obsessions with stories forged his voice.

The conversation traces Bowdoin College, post-grad years in Telluride and mailing stories to magazines, and the life-jolting Rome Prize. Doerr unpacks his bestselling novel All the Light We Cannot See, an interrupted cell call on a train that led him to radio, propaganda, and the unseen light spectrum, and the whirlwind of global success, and a craft-first reset that produced his next ambitious novel Cloud Cuckoo Land. He urges students to “chase your enthusiasm” and find awe anywhere (even in a migrating hummingbird), speaks candidly about working through a concussion, and closes with his “why”: to arrange words that light up images in a stranger’s mind, connect us, and make the world feel a little less lonely.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 4 of Season Two of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with Mrs. Ullery, Assistant Director of College Counseling, sophomore class dean, former Director of IT, and longtime librarian at University School, to trace a career defined by curiosity, care, and community-building.

The conversation spans her Summit County roots with a twin and two teacher parents; a Spanish major at Miami University that led to study abroad in Mexico and a first teaching post in Wichita; a return to Ohio for Cleveland Heights classrooms and a Kent State master’s in instructional technology and library media; and her 2004 arrival at US as librarian before stepping in as Director of IT to help lead the school’s COVID-19 pivot. She spotlights book club lunches, advising one of the first all-boys One Love chapters, the sponsor system, sophomore-year growth, archival traditions like the first- and last-day handshake, and her WKYC digital-detox message, along with thoughtful guidance on AI and learning to “give up a little control” to spark authentic dialogue. Closing with gratitude (from her Thanksgiving assembly) and a clear “why,” Mrs. Ullery says her purpose is simple: love people well, take care of them, and make sure they know they matter.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 3 of Season Two of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with Jordan Barham, University School Class of 2012 alum and professional basketball player. From backyard battles and multi-sport seasons at US to becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer, Jordan reflects on how family sacrifice, tough coaching, and a tight brotherhood forged his edge.

The conversation traces his choice of Davidson College, the shock-and-learn curve of Division I speed, and hard match-ups like Duke, UNC, UVA, and stars like Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins, plus a trip to the college slam dunk contest. Jordan opens about a globe-spanning pro career in France, the Czech Republic, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Luxembourg; lessons from mentors like Coaches Lipford, Oslan, Zappas, and Stevens; and the senior-night memory that still gives him chills. Looking ahead to NBA scouting and front-office paths back home, he closes with his “why”: to honor his mom and brother’s decades of sacrifice and keep chasing a game he loved long before he was paid to play it.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 2 of Season Two of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with Travis Phillips, a senior, Peters House prefect, and standout double bassist at University School. From arriving at US in first grade to balancing AP rigor, varsity football, and conservatory-level practice, Travis shares how discipline, great coaching, and community shaped his pursuit of excellence.

The conversation follows his training at Music School Settlement, Interlochen, and the Cleveland Institute of Music; acceptance into the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra; and a national NYO residency culminating in a Carnegie Hall debut and Dominican Republic tour. He spotlights his Anderson Scholars project, measuring rosin friction with an infrared rig built alongside Mr. McEwen, plus lessons from tough courses and time-management. Looking ahead to biomedical engineering and double-bass performance (with Northwestern atop the list), Travis closes with his “why”: wake up every day striving to be the best.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 1 of Season Two of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with Mr. Patrick Gallagher, Head of School at University School. From growing up in Strongsville as the youngest of five to leading US through a period of renewal and growth, Mr. Gallagher shares his journey through teaching, mentorship, and mission-driven leadership.

The conversation traces his path from St. Edward High School and early lessons in hard work to formative years at Culver Academies with three dedicated mentors, his move to US in 2005, and roles as English teacher, college counselor, and Dean of Faculty before becoming interim—and then permanent—Head of School in 2018. He reflects on preserving tradition while “cultivating gardens,” the power of gratitude, and a whole-boy education across athletics, arts, and experiential learning. Mr. Gallagher also celebrates US brotherhood, alumni impact, and his “why”: ensuring every boy is known by caring adults and challenged to think deeply, work hard, and lead with character.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 36 of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with Mr. Krystopher Perry Spanish teacher and Upper School Director at University School. From growing up in Venezuela and Alabama to leading US through a pandemic, Mr. Perry shares his journey through language, leadership, and the values that have defined his life.

The conversation follows Mr. Perry’s story from his early days as an older brother and soccer player to his path through Amherst College, a brief stint in finance, and ultimately the calling that brought him into education. He opens up about the mentors who shaped him, his love of theater and travel, and his move to US in 2012 after a phone call that changed everything. Mr. Perry reflects on the importance of building community, leading with humility, and creating space for boys to grow into men of character.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 35 of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with Fletcher Rollinson, world record holder, future Tufts student, and cancer survivor. Fletcher opens up about his extraordinary journey, from receiving a rare brain cancer diagnosis at age 11 to returning stronger than ever with a commitment to kindness, medicine, and making a difference.

The conversation traces Fletcher’s story from the moment of his diagnosis to the powerful support of family, the routines that grounded him, and the hope that carried him through four rounds of chemotherapy. He reflects on the impact of a surprise FaceTime from YouTuber Mark Rober, announcing a Cleveland Browns draft pick, and leading a blood drive at University School. Fletcher shares what inspired him to pursue a future in medicine, his involvement in the Future Healthcare Professionals Club, and his plans to study biology on the pre-med track at Tufts. This heartfelt, funny, and deeply inspiring episode is a testament to Fletcher’s humility, humor, and strength, and a powerful reminder of the beauty of a second chance.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 34 of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with Class of 2021 alum Toussaint Miller—musician, neuroscience major, and civic leader. Toussaint shares his journey from a bright kid in Cleveland to a soon-to-be Harvard graduate heading to Oxford for his master’s in the history of science and medicine. He opens up about his deep-rooted passions for music and medicine, and how they intersect in his life—from jazz band memories at US to studying music’s effect on Alzheimer’s patients.

The conversation explores Toussaint’s community-driven mindset, including the mentorship program he helped lead and the Conscious Community Conversations initiative he launched during the social justice movement of 2020. He reflects on the role of family, his pivot to squash, his experiences as head prefect, and his love for French language and culture. Toussaint also discusses his advice for high schoolers feeling the pressure of college apps, the value of genuine curiosity, and the importance of building strong communities wherever you go. This is an inspiring, funny, and intresting episode that captures Toussaint’s unique blend of interests.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 33 of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with the warm and welcoming face of University School, Ms. Fornaro. Known for her kindness, Mrs. Fornaro shares her journey from growing up in Mayfield Village to working in floral design, and eventually finding her calling in school offices across Northeast Ohio. She recounts memorable moments—from navigating chaotic COVID seating charts to being honored with a trophy at assembly—and reflects on the unexpected joys of working in an all-boys school.

Mrs. Fornaro speaks to the heart of what makes US special: the students, the traditions, and the everyday interactions that build a sense of community. She talks about the energy she gets from the people around her, the moments of connection that brighten her day, and how being surrounded by thoughtful, driven students keeps her coming back with a smile. This episode is a tribute to the people who make schools feel like home, and a reminder of the quiet impact made by those who greet us at the door.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

In Episode 32 of The Late Start Show, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down with beloved history teacher, basketball coach, and published scholar Dr. Tyler Yoder. From the basketball court to the humanities classroom, Dr. Yoder shares his extraordinary journey, from defending his undergraduate thesis under his father’s sharp questions to earning a PhD in ancient languages and translating cuneiform tablets discarded by pharaohs.

Dr. Yoder reflects on what it means to teach with intention, the power of asking hard questions, and the challenges of balancing coaching, writing, and fatherhood. He opens up about his life as a student-athlete, the joy of coaching middle school basketball—whether going undefeated or grinding through tough seasons—and the lessons learned from both victory and defeat. This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on legacy, curiosity, and the enduring pursuit of knowledge.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.