The Woodberry Podcast

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey welcomes S. C. “Sam” Gwynne, acclaimed author and journalist known for his engaging explorations of American history and culture. Gwynne is the author of Empire of the Summer Moon, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times bestseller, as well as Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson and The Perfect Pass: American Genius and the Reinvention of Football.

Byron and Sam discuss his writing ethos and style, the curiosity and research that shape his work, and his visit to Woodberry Forest. It’s a conversation about the power of storytelling, the pursuit of knowledge, and the lasting importance of intellectual curiosity.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey welcomes Ben Hale, a longtime member of the Woodberry faculty who has taught English and coached cross country and track since joining the school in 1992. The holder of the Robert F. Vasquez Chair, Ben has spent more than three decades as a teacher, coach, mentor, and unmistakable presence at The Forest.

Byron and Ben reflect on the path that brought him to Woodberry, from his early work in school administration to the career he has built here. They explore what has kept Ben at Woodberry for so many years and what it means to become part of the fabric of a school community.

The conversation also looks at Woodberry itself, what has remained consistent across generations of students and faculty, and what has inevitably changed. Along the way, Byron and Ben discuss the importance of humor and humility, and how those qualities can shape the way we teach, lead, and live alongside one another.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey welcomes Puff Summers ’01, a Woodberry alumnus who has taken an extraordinary journey from the Forest to basketball courts around the world, and back home again as Woodberry’s Head Varsity Basketball Coach.

Puff and Byron reflect on his years as a student, his professional basketball career, and the experiences that came from living and playing in different parts of the world. They also discuss what brought Puff back to Woodberry and what it means to now guide the next generation of Tigers.

At the heart of the conversation is the idea of coming home, returning to a place that helped shape you and finding new meaning in it from a different perspective. Puff shares what the Forest means to him today and how his experiences have shaped the coach, mentor, and person he has become.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey welcomes Drew Collier ’03. A graduate of Woodberry Forest School and Wofford College, Drew returned to the Forest as a faculty member and has become a cornerstone of the Spanish department and the broader Woodberry community. Recently appointed chair of the department, Drew also leads several of the school’s international and abroad programs, helping students expand their understanding of language, culture, and the world beyond campus.

Byron and Drew reflect on Drew’s journey from student to teacher, the experiences that led him back to Woodberry, and the relationships that have shaped his career at the school. They also discuss the lasting impact of study abroad opportunities and why immersive travel experiences can be transformational for young men during their formative years.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey welcomes Julia Hixson, Associate Director of College Counseling and incoming Director of College Counseling at Woodberry Forest School.

Julia brings a wealth of experience to her role, having led college advising at The Covenant School, her alma mater, and previously worked with students at the Miller School of Albemarle and Charleston Catholic. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington and Wake Forest University, Julia has dedicated her career to helping students navigate one of the most important transitions in their academic journeys.

Byron and Julia discuss her path to Woodberry, her philosophy on college counseling, and what excites her about stepping into this new leadership role. They also explore her upbringing, personal interests, and the relationships that shape her work with students and families.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey welcomes Jason Ramsden, host of This Empty Nest Life, for a thoughtful conversation about one of parenting’s most significant transitions.

As children take their next big steps, heading off to college, boarding school, or into independence, parents are often left navigating a new and unfamiliar season. Byron and Jason explore the emotional dynamics of becoming an empty nester, offering practical advice on how to process the change, maintain strong relationships, and build healthy habits in this next chapter of life.

Drawing on his work as a coach and podcast host, Jason shares insights on finding purpose beyond parenting, staying connected without overreaching, and embracing the opportunities that come with change.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey reconnects with Colin Gay ’93, Woodberry alumnus and longtime faculty member. After graduating from Woodberry, Colin returned to the Forest to teach, serving the school for 19 years before wrapping up his time on the faculty in 2022. He now works at GovSmart, Inc., while continuing to pursue meaningful challenges beyond his career.

Byron and Colin reflect on Colin’s life path, his years teaching and mentoring boys at Woodberry, and the lessons that emerged from nearly two decades on campus. The conversation also turns to Colin’s remarkable personal goal: a quest to ride his bike 10,000 days in a row. Colin shares what the streak represents, how it has shaped his discipline and perspective, and why daily commitments—big or small—can become anchors in a meaningful life.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey is joined by Sean Harvey, founder of the Warrior Compassion Institute and a men’s engagement strategist whose work focuses on purpose, healing, and authentic connection.

Byron and Sean explore how Sean’s work with men, helping them confront deeper questions of identity, meaning, and belonging, aligns closely with Woodberry Forest’s mission of knowing, challenging, and loving the boys in our care. Sean shares what he has learned from working with adult men who are seeking clarity and wholeness later in life, and why intentional formation during adolescence matters so deeply.

Together, they reflect on the cultural divides that fragment our world and discuss how compassion, accountability, and honest conversation can help foster healthier individuals and stronger communities. This episode offers a powerful perspective on what it means to raise young men prepared not just for success, but for meaningful lives.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with renowned author and psychologist Dr. Michael C. Reichert to explore the development and education of boys in today’s world. Dr. Reichert is an applied and research psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with children, families, and schools across clinical, community, and educational settings. He serves as Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania and has consulted and spoken globally on effective practices in boys’ education.

Byron and Dr. Reichert discuss the path that led him to his vital work—blending research, clinical practice, and advocacy—and unpack key ideas about how boys learn, grow, and thrive in relational environments. They dive deep into topics from Dr. Reichert’s influential writings, including Reaching Boys, Teaching Boys, and How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men, discussing the importance of emotional literacy, supportive relationships, and reimagining traditional notions of masculinity in education.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey is joined by Janney Jay, mother of Morgan Jay ’25, for a conversation about one family's journey through a Woodberry education. Janney shares what led the Jay family to choose Woodberry Forest School and reflects on how the experience has shaped Morgan’s growth along the way.

Byron and Janney also discuss the strength and reach of the Woodberry parent network and how it brings together families from all walks of life and from around the world, united by shared values and a deep commitment to their sons and the school.