In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes John Gulla, Executive Director of the Edward E. Ford Foundation, for a wide-ranging discussion on the forces shaping secondary education today.

Together, Byron and John explore the broader trends influencing independent middle and high schools, from shifting demographics and financial models to questions of access, equity, and innovation. With years of experience leading and supporting schools across the country, John offers thoughtful insights into both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for independent education.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Harry Lavant, an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor, for a timely discussion on the rapidly evolving world of sports gambling.

Together, Byron and Harry explore how the expansion of legalized sports betting is shaping culture, the unique risks it poses for young people, and the challenges parents and educators face in addressing it. They also brainstorm strategies for fostering awareness and ensuring that communities approach gambling responsibly in the years ahead.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with a very special guest, his daughter, Claire Hulsey. A rising senior at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, Claire reflects on her own educational journey while sharing what it was like to grow up on the Woodberry campus as the daughter of a headmaster.

Byron and Claire talk candidly about the unique perspective that comes with being part of the Woodberry community from childhood, the lessons Claire has carried with her to St. Andrew’s, and the ways her path has been shaped by both family and school life.

In this special episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Dylan Walmsley ’19 and his mother, Kathy Walmsley, for a heartfelt conversation about the impact of a Woodberry education on both students and their families.

Kathy shares an honest and thoughtful perspective on what it was like to send both of her sons to boarding school, the hopes and hesitations that came with that decision, and how the Woodberry experience shaped their family’s journey. Dylan, now pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at UC San Diego after graduating from Washington & Lee, reflects on how his time at Woodberry influenced his worldview, character, and pursuit of purpose.

Together, they explore the lasting value of a Woodberry education, the growth it fosters, and the ways it prepares young men to lead lives of integrity, curiosity, and impact.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey sits down with Morgan Jay, a standout member of the Class of 2025 from Alexandria, Virginia. A prefect, cross country runner, and all-around contributor to campus life, Morgan reflects on his time at Woodberry and the moments that shaped his growth, both as a student and a young man. As he looks ahead to Harvard, Morgan shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of his Woodberry journey, the lessons he’s taking with him, and even has a little fun with a few spot-on faculty impersonations.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with Dr. Jeffrey R. Quebec, an experienced educator and founder of the Pre-Prep Showcase. With decades of leadership in independent school education, Dr. Quebec offers unique insight into the evolving landscape of boarding schools.

Byron and Jeff dive into the current trends shaping the boarding school world, from shifting demographics to the rising demand for character-based education. They explore why families continue to choose boarding school experiences and how schools can better connect with mission-fit families. Dr. Quebec also shares more about his new podcast, Why Boarding School.

Wright Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN and a contributing writer to The Atlantic. He formerly worked at The Kansas City Star and the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Thompson's topics have covered a wide range of sports issues, from golf, football, basketball, and baseball, to car racing, sports history, and bullfighting. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Pappyland and The Cost of These Dreams. His most recent book, The Barn, explores the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. Thompson lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his family.

Paul Cumbo is an educator, author, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience teaching English at Jesuit high schools for boys. He was a rowing coach for much of that time, and he has also served as a swimming coach, retreat director, and service-learning coordinator. He currently teaches part-time at Canisius High School in downtown Buffalo, NY. Paul is the author of five books, including two novels. His most recent work, A Path to Manhood: Encouragement and Advice for Young Men, was published in February 2025.

https://www.paulcumbo.com/

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with Larry Washington, a valued member of Woodberry’s transportation department. With an extensive and fascinating career history, Larry brings a unique perspective to life at Woodberry, both on and off the road.

Byron and Larry talk about his wide-ranging professional journey, what drew him to Woodberry, and the meaningful connections he’s built while driving students, faculty, and teams to their destinations. Larry also reflects on what makes the Woodberry community special and why his role is about so much more than transportation.

Tom Batty is the executive director of the International Boys School Coalition. Tom has spent thirty-two years working in boys schools as both a math teacher (at schools such as Eton College in the UK and Waverley College in Australia) and principal of Scotch College in Melbourne. Tom joined the board of IBSC in 2012, and served as chair from 2018-2021, before being named executive director in 2022.