Wes and Shelly Share

On October 12, 2026, Wes and Shelly Fryer record episode 43 of "Wes and Shelly Share" from their sun porch at the end of fall break, reflecting on listening to an older “Grandparent Memories” episode and the importance of preserving family stories. They share recent visits with Shelly’s sister Jana and friend Cici, including trips to Montreat, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Little Switzerland. They discuss becoming long-distance grandparents as their daughter Sarah and Robbie expect a baby boy due November 30, and talk about the kind of grandparents they hope to be, including reading children’s books and recording story videos with QR-code access for grandchildren. In the second half, they explore family educational values, Shelly’s parents’ educator and music backgrounds, choices about neighborhoods and schools, and how their choices took their children to Classen SAS and Casady School in Oklahoma City, and brought Shelly to teach 4 years at Positive Tomorrows school. They close with links about archiving digital legacy, the Blue Ridge, Wes’ blog archive, and Crystal Marie’s “Undertold” podcast.

00:00 Podcast Welcome Setup

00:43 Fall Break Recap

03:03 Becoming Grandparents

04:53 Distance Connection Tech

07:26 Grandparent Identity Dreams

12:40 Time Fleeting Bluebirds

15:18 Books Legacy Plan

20:45 Halftime Family History

21:46 Educational Values Intro

22:30 Shelley Parents Education

26:23 Piano Lessons Memories

27:32 Early Music Roots

29:19 Choirs and Singing Life

30:14 Why the Bassoon

31:53 Parenting Activities Balance

33:21 Paying for Opportunities

37:18 Neighborhoods and Schools

39:08 Murphy School Memories

42:49 Finding Classen SAS

48:09 Positive Tomorrows Chapter

52:13 Blue Ridge Wanderlinks

55:12 Creative Archive Wonderlink

56:33 Undertold History Podcast

57:46 Closing and Signoff

Referenced Links:

1. Ep 22: Grandparent Memories (October 2023) on Wes and Shelly Share

2. Montreat Conference Center

3. Blue Ridge Parkway reopening after Hurricane Helene, including the stretch to Little Switzerland (WLOS)

4. Mount Mitchell State Park (NC State Parks)

5. Fryer - Henley - Ward - Lovell Family History (history.wesfryer.com)

6. Storychasers

7. Story Time from Space

8. Bob Taught Me (podcasts by Bob Sprankle)

9. Positive Tomorrows (Oklahoma City)

10. Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast (OKCPS)

11. Moving at the Speed of Creativity blog archive and the Speed of Creativity podcasts page

12. Dangerously Irrelevant, Scott McLeod’s blog

13. Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve (Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation)

14. U.S. National Whitewater Center

15. UnderTold by CM, including the “All Ears” episodes for kids (listen on Spotify)

16. Wes and Shelly Share: all episodes and subscribe links (shellyfryer.com/podcast), with direct links for Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Pocket Casts
    

In this episode from July 23, 2026, we are joined by our youngest daughter, Rachel, to reflect on the past summer as well as the past few years that have taken all of us from Oklahoma City to North Carolina, Virginia, and Colorado. Lots of background noise, but that’s because we recorded this thing at a wonderful Manitou Springs motel! Shelly shared about her experiences at Wild Heart Teacher Retreat #36 this summer in Divide, Colorado. We also talked about our “Space Education Camp” for teachers in Stilwell, Oklahoma. Links to these events and resources are included in our show notes and description below.

Wild Heart Teacher Retreats

https://sites.google.com/wildheartteacher.org/wild-heart-teacher/retreats-2026

July 2026 Space Education Camp” for teachers

https://www.astrokidsclub.org/for-teachers/july-2026

Contact us with feedback for this episode and our podcast!

https://wesfryer.com/contact/

On May 16, 2026, Wes and Shelly Fryer discuss why they run summer STEM camps and what they’re offering in summer 2026, noting they’re teaching 16 half-day camps (Shelly 9, Wes 7). They emphasize camps as passion projects and a “sandbox” for learning through play, curiosity, wonder, and computational thinking, with structure, community-building, partner work, and parent communication. They share reflections from past camps (including COVID-era online Minecraft camps) and lessons learned at Providence Day’s extensive summer program, including the importance of streamlined logins and student helpers. They point listeners to camps.shellyfryer.com for updated enrollment, astrokidsclub.org for Minecraft content, and mention sites like classroom.shellyfryer.com. Shelly outlines LEGO, rocket/design, Artemis innovation, and a new “Super Sleuths” forensics/breakout camp; Wes previews animal websites, space-themed Minecraft coding, wizarding builds, mini-game coding, and game coding with AI, plus upcoming STEM PD in July with Cherokee immersion teachers in Oklahoma.00:00 Welcome and Camp Overview00:51 Why We Run STEM Camps02:42 Where to Find Camp Info04:24 Curiosity Wonder and Play05:56 Shelly’s Lego Camp Philosophy08:44 Wes’s Minecraft Camp Journey14:42 Shelly’s Coding and STEM Roots18:50 Lessons From Last Summer21:54 Shelly’s Camp Structure and Community26:38 Computational Thinking Teaser27:16 Coding Social Skills27:26 Computational Thinking Basics28:08 AI Iteration Milestone29:40 Screen Time Hard Fun30:40 News Feed Sponsor31:39 Shelly Lego Camps32:23 Rocket Design Camp33:59 Innovation Design Artemis35:11 Super Sleuths Forensics36:18 Camp Sites Resources38:24 Wes Minecraft Space40:38 Wizarding Minecraft Build42:30 Minecraft Minigame Coding44:49 Game Coding With AI46:05 Cherokee STEM Teacher Camp48:55 Design Thinking With Teachers50:43 Contact Subscribe Wrap

Wes and Shelly record outside on a warm April evening in Matthews, North Carolina, reflecting on spring break 2026 and how life feels nearly four years after their move from Oklahoma City. They describe a two-day drive to Kansas to visit Wildcat, including an award-winning multi-course meal at the Freight House in Paducah, Kentucky, and arriving to a sudden blizzard and 13-degree weather. They spent time organizing Wildcat’s apartment, then Shelly flew from Kansas City to Amarillo for her Aunt Kay’s memorial. Wes recounts a stressful oil leak from a recent oil change, a major I-70 crash, and multiple airport pickups as Sarah, Rachel, and Shelly arrived, leading to a relaxed week at home together. They share updates on work, church and community connections, Wes’s teaching and activism, excitement about the Artemis crewed mission, and summer plans including camps, family trips, and potential mountain travel. Please visit shellyfryer.com/podcast for links to all past episodes of “Wes and Shelly Share,” and subscribe to us on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts!

https://www.shellyfryer.com/podcast/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcCkQ9mj_ok96Coo3a0QWNgHu9Q5-15Fz 

00:00 Spring Evening Setup

00:57 Azaleas and Settling In

01:30 Road Trip to Kansas

02:23 Cold Front Blizzard Arrival

03:06 Wildcat Visit and Unpacking

03:48 Aunt Kay Memorial Trip

05:51 Paducah and Freight House

07:54 Oil Leak and Highway Drama

10:10 Girls Home for Break

12:12 Midroll Newsfeed Plug

13:10 Four Years in Carolina

15:16 Artemis Mission Excitement

16:20 Wes Reflections and Friends

18:11 Media Literacy Unit

19:14 Community and Church Life

20:15 Volunteering and Civic Work

21:33 Doing What You're Encoded For

22:26 Loss and Life Perspective

23:46 Summer Plans and Camps

25:41 Family Trips and Milestones

29:39 Wonder and Wander Links

32:27 Artemis and Space Values

33:47 Closing and Sign Off

In Episode 39 of 'Wes and Shelly Share,' recorded on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, Wes and Shelly discuss a recent snowstorm in Charlotte, North Carolina, and reminisce on snow day memories from their childhoods and adulthood. They recount their experiences and reflections on the impact of snow days, discuss the fun of sledding with family and friends, and share their enjoyment of simple, home-centered activities during the snowy weather.

In the second half of the podcast, they transition to more serious topics, discussing the current political climate, their concerns about rising fascism, and the state of immigration control enforcement in the United States. They talk about their engagement in community support activities through their church, school, and local organizations, and the importance of staying well and building supportive networks during these troubling times. The episode ends on a hopeful note with Shelly sharing her excitement about space exploration and upcoming events she is involved in, reflecting their commitment to finding joy and connection even in challenging times.00:00 Introduction and Snow Day Setup01:18 Weather Recap and Snowstorm Impact03:14 Shelly's Snow Day Memories07:09 Wes's Snow Day Memories09:42 Snow Days in Manhattan, Kansas11:46 Modern Snow Days and Remote Learning13:48 Family Snow Day Adventures17:56 Sledding Memories and Reflections20:03 Halftime Break20:16 Ad Break: News with Wes22:07 Political Climate and Personal Reflections24:08 ICE and Immigration Issues33:44 Community Support and Activism45:04 Concluding Thoughts and Positive Notes

In episode 37 of 'Wes and Shelly Share,' recorded on Monday, November 24th, 2025, Wes and Shelly reflect on their recent trip to the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC. They discuss their experiences and insights gained from the visit, including the importance of acknowledging and understanding the history of racism in the United States. They also share personal memories of their mothers and the traditions they upheld, particularly around Thanksgiving. With a mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling, they provide a glimpse into their lives, family history, and the values they cherish. Join them as they share both their reflections on history and the warmth of family traditions.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:25 Thanksgiving Week Plans

01:39 Reflecting on Professional Development

02:36 Church Retreats and Community Engagement

03:33 Trip to the International African American Museum

06:41 Museum Experience and Reflections

23:03 Gullah People and Cultural Insights

30:12 Thanksgiving Memories and Family Traditions

33:27 Thanksgiving Memories and Traditions

33:59 Family Cooking and Mishaps

35:37 Thanksgiving at Your House

38:37 Mother's Baking and Holiday Treats

41:12 Reflections on Mother's Personality

41:49 Aunt Pauline and Family Connections

42:41 Mother's Homemaking and Family Time

43:16 Piddling and Shopping Memories

44:10 Mother's Retirement and Family Gatherings

44:54 Contrasts Between Our Mothers

45:49 Gourmet Cooking and Holiday Experiments

47:11 Memories of the Leavenworth House

51:51 Creating New Traditions

52:35 Podcast Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

Join Wes and Shelly Fryer in episode 36 of the 'Wes and Shelly Share' podcast, recorded on a beautiful fall day at Duke University. They reflect on their busy weekend, which included attending the second 'No Kings' protest in Charlotte, facilitating a webinar with renowned author Anne Applebaum, and sharing personal insights on representative democracy and social activism. The episode also dives into recent fall break activities where Shelly and Wes visited Oklahoma City and Kansas respectively. The couple discusses their roles as empty nesters, their continued involvement with community organizations, and their advocacy for democracy and human rights.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:35 Weekend Plans and Reflections03:26 The No Kings Protest04:43 Technical Challenges and Successes07:07 Personal Reflections and Community Involvement15:57 Confronting Whiteness and Cultural Healing17:48 Conclusion and Call to Action43:53 Podcast Information and OutroPlease share our podcast with others, write us a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or elsewhere, and subscribe to stay updated!

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Join us for a reflection recorded from the lookout point above Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park! We share about our adventures in the Tetons this week, and also reflect on some highlights from our summer camps this past June and July at Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here are some of the links we mentioned in our show:

1. Shelly’s Rocket Summer Camp Lessons
2. Wes' Creating Cool Websites Summer Camp Curriculum
3. Wes’ YouTube Short video: Moose and Baby (Grand Teton National Park)
4. Wes’ YouTube video: Granite Hot Springs Pool (Jackson Hole, Wyoming)
5. Wes’ YouTube video for Communitarian Prepper: Travel Emergency Preps
6. Jackson Lake Lodge

Join Wes and Shelly Fryer on June 5, 2025, as they broadcast from Mile High Campground in Cherokee, North Carolina, sharing their mesmerizing picnic spot overlooking the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. They recount their recent experiences of attending a 75-year-old theatrical performance, 'Unto These Hills,' which delves into the rich and complex history of the Cherokee people. They discuss the importance of learning hard history, the resilience of Native American tribes, and the dynamics of historical narratives. The episode also touches on personal healing from trauma, their love for literature, and the joys of camping as an escape from the busyness of life. The podcast features insights into Wess’s engagement with Civil War memoirs and Shelly's dive into science fiction novels. Don't miss their reflections on the connections between history, identity, and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction and Scenic Picnic Spot

00:46 Exploring Mile High Campground

02:50 Cherokee History and Theatrical Experience

04:02 Reflections on Historical Pageants

20:51 Personal Healing and Reflections

28:55 Books We're Reading

37:28 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Join Wes and Shelly for Episode 33 of 'Wes and Shelly Share' as they reflect on sources of joy and discuss their exciting summer goals. From reminiscing about Easter memories to camping adventures, cooking over wood fires, and bird watching, this episode is filled with heartwarming stories and plans for outdoor activities. Listen in as they talk about their love for teaching, their furry family members, and the joy that simple pleasures like reading and designing lessons bring. Plus, get a sneak peek into their upcoming trips to the mountains of North Carolina and Wyoming's Grand Tetons. Don't miss this episode full of joy, gratitude, and future adventures!