The QuadPod

On this episode, we look at just a few of the many doors at Baylor. There is the door "in," which involves the admissions process, and the door "out," involving our college counseling department. First, we speak with head of Baylor admissions, Ryan Armstrong, to get a broad overview of what the application process is like for prospective families, and then we take an in depth look at two early admissions events, "shadow day" and the "Big Red Quest." Next, we check in with two members of the college counseling department, Kelly O' Mara, and head of college counseling, Ann Katherine Taylor, to hear how they are helping our students pick the "right door" into higher education. Finally, we explore the many doors of opportunity offered at this year's club fair. Student voices in this episode include Ivan Zheng ('27), Amelie Johnson ('26), Zuma Bentley ('32), Abby Phillips ('32), Mason Finlay ('26), and Braylee Newell ('26).

For our final episode of the season, we sit down with four educators who are about to embark on a new chapter in their lives: retirement. Taryn Harris ('26) speaks with Bill Cox, Austin Clark, Betsy Carmichael, and Heather Ott about their careers at Baylor, thoughts on education, and what's next for them.

Buckle up for an epic episode detailing several ways Baylor students are gaining experiential knowledge of professional fields via clubs, extracurriculars, and competitions. First, we get a front row seat to two performances from the Winter Players. These two children's plays feature work either written or directed by Baylor students. Next, we crash a mock trial practice just days before a major competition and witness students litigating a rather unusual case. Then, we head down to the music room to learn about Baylor's new music production studio and hear some of the projects recently created there. Finally, we touch base with students involved in the M3C math modeling challenge, a 14-hour marathon competition where students must design solutions to complex "real world" problems. This episode features many voices, including Wesley Chi ('26), Cody Coppage ('26), Mason Finlay ('26), Julia Gardner ('25), Vivian Webster ('25), Graham McDowell ('27), Ivan Zheng ('27), Julian Ramirez de Arellano ('25), Taryn Harris ('26), and Anna Zhang ('25).

On this episode, we have a midwinter medley of sorts for you, a handful of short audio pieces produced by students in last semester’s audio journalism elective, stories that happen to coincide well with events and activities that are in full swing during this winter season. First up, we have senior Laura Kathryn Anderson’s deep dive on Baylor’s dance program. They are currently revving up for one of their marquee events of the season, Verve, which you can learn all about on this episode. Next, with basketball season entering conference play, senior and captain Luke Smith sits down with new head men's basketball coach, Quinn McDowell, to learn about his journey from playing professionally overseas to coaching at Baylor. And finally, with Valentine’s Day under a month away, we’ll toss in a love story for good measure. Senior Francie Raulet brings us the story behind her father’s elaborate proposal to her mother, and, well it’s sure to warm your heart. This episode is hosted by Mike Kelly.

On this episode, we are featuring four interviews conducted by students in this recent fall semester’s audio journalism elective. In each conversation, the student spoke with a Baylor graduate or parent to learn about the path that led them to where they are now and to gain insight into what it’s like to be in their shoes. First, junior Mary Holmes Phillips brings us her interview with Lauren Williams, class of 2010. Lauren is a beat reporter covering the Atlanta Hawks for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Next, we have senior Cam Sparks in conversation with Amari Jefferson ('24). Amari graduated from Baylor last year. After starring for both Baylor’s football and baseball teams, he is now enrolled at Alabama, where he is continuing his athletic career in both sports. Then, we have junior Aubrey Olinger speaking with Dr. Tonia Cox. Dr. Cox is a Baylor parent and a successful pediatrician in town with over fifteen years of experience in the field. Finally, we have another current Baylor parent, Lindsey Frost, in conversation with senior Natalie Duke. Mrs. Frost is the owner, CEO, and lead designer of Frost Designs, Incorporated, located in downtown Chattanooga.

On this episode, we look at all the ways Baylor students and faculty are giving back to their communities, both inside and outside of Baylor. We drop by a Habitat for Humanity build site with student volunteers from Baylor, visit the annual Turkey Train with the middle school, and speak with Baylor faculty member Sarah Arvidson about her relief efforts in the aftermath of hurricane Helene. We also poll the community on what they are most grateful for this season in a special vox pop by Mary Holmes Phillips ('26). This episode is hosted by Mason Finlay ('26) and Olive Smith ('25).

On this episode, we explore the subject of civic engagement through the lens of two Baylor programs: the civic scholars program and the Harris-Stanford honors program. In addition, we speak with students about which issues they value most heading into election season, as well as touch base with a member of the Baylor history department about addressing current events in the classroom. This episode features interviews with Mary Beth Hopping, Cecily Honeycutt, and Dr. Logan Edwards. Student voices include Tate Harrison ('25), Harper Kelly ('25), Sasha Smith ('25), Mary Holmes Phillips ('26), and Benjamin Daniel ('25). This episode is hosted by Mason Finlay ('26) and Olive Smith ('25).

On this episode, we drop in on the club fair before sitting down with our new chaplain, Matt Farr ('03), and our new lead scientist of sustainability for the Baylor Research program, Nastassja Hagan. We end the episode by crashing a chess match between the club's two co-presidents, seniors Olive Smith and Marshall Bible. This episode is hosted by Harper Kelly ('25) and Mason Finlay ('26), with interviews by Tate Harrison ('25), Ella Grace Lazenby ('26), and Ivan Zheng ('27).

On this episode, we are sharing a student project created last spring by two graduating seniors, Alana Zavala ('24) and Karen Hori ('24). This "podcast pilot" was designed as a "guide for new incoming students" at Baylor and features conversations with Zoe Misenhimer ('26) and two key members of Baylor's extensive support staff, namely Carissa Margio, upper school guidance counselor, and Mary Beth Hopping, humanities specialist in the learning center. Using the clear vision of hindsight, Alana and Karen bring to light some of the lessons they learned about navigating a new school environment.