Stories from the Ridge, The McCallie Podcast

Latest Episodes:

McCallie International Travel: From “Other” to “Brother” May 07, 2025

Show notes

McCallie School’s international travel opportunities have expanded significantly over the past few years, with the goal of making at least one travel venture a part of every student’s McCallie experience. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, students Alex Hyde ’25 and Asa Hedrick ’27, discuss withteachers and tour leaders Frank Watkins and Will Honeycutt recent trips they took and how those trips opened their eyes and their minds to how they see and relate to people from other countries and cultures. Sumner McCallie, Dean ofFaculty and Curriculum, hosts the discussion.

Teaching Space For Boys – Now and 40 Years From Now Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

Over the past year, as McCallie School begins to examine itsneed for new academic space on campus, a group of teachers visited schools throughout the nation to see how they design and use academic and common spaces. In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Drew Read, Chief Development Officer, Dean of Faculty of Curriculum Sumner McCallie, Dean of Student Academics Chris Carpenter, Mathematics Department Chair Andrea Odle, and English Department Chair Sam Currin share what they learned from those visitsas well as their perspectives on McCallie’s space needs now and for many years tocome.

McCallie In Montana – A Transformational New Program Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

A program that is “transformational for McCallie boys andthe broader McCallie community,” is slowly being rolled out to students and alumni on the high plains of Montana. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Carter Newbold, Director of Board Relations and Strategy, talks with teachers Duke Richey and Bart Wallin, as well as students William McDowell andElijah Cooper, about their experiences in McCallie’s newest offering – McCallie in Montana.

Sports Review With Kenny Sholl Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

In this first “subset” edition of Stories from the Ridge,Executive Athletic Director Kenny Sholl discusses all things athletic at McCallie School. He is joined by Mark Wiedmer ’76 of the Communications and Marketing Department for a lively give-and-take discussion of issues within the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) as well as a review of the recent Dr. Pepper Classic and thoughts about the upcoming spring sports season.

Coach Kenneth White on the "Mantra of Mayhem" Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

In this edition of Stories from the Ridge, Head of School Lee Burns ’87, talks with new Head Basketball Coach Kenneth White ’97 about his “Mantra of Mayhem” approach to play by this year’s varsity team. Mr. White discusses this year’s team, its prospects, and his coaching style and philosophy. This interview was recorded on December 11, prior to the start of divisional play, but after a strong series of non-divisional contest openers. For more information on this year’s basketball program, a news report can be found here.

Head of School Christmas Message to Students Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

This episode of Stories from the Ridge features Head of School Lee Burns’ annual Christmas message to the student body, delivered December 11, 2024. Mr. Burns donned a ball cap from each of the 12 schools that recently made the college football playoffs and urged McCallie students to examine what hats they are wearing and what teams they are following in the game of life. More information on his talk, including a full text, can be found at www.mccallie.org/news.

Reflections And Joy: Candlelight Celebrates 40 Years Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

McCallie School’s annual Christmas musical performance known as Candlelight will celebrate its 40th year on the Ridge on Dec. 6 and 7, 2024. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Dr. James Harr, Director of Choral Programs and Director of Candlelight, sits down with Dr. Lew Cisto, retired Music Director who started Candlelight in 1985 when he first arrived on campus to teach music, and with Ben Sanders ’99, who performed in six Candlelights, to discuss the history of Candlelight, reflect on its importance in the culture and traditions of McCallie, and share a lot of heartwarming stories. Hank Hopping, Principal of the Upper School, hosts the three in this uplifting conversation about Candlelight.

Young Alumni Discuss Politics, Civility, and Respect Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

This episode of Stories from the Ridge features two McCallie alumni, John Harris, Class of ’08, and J.T. Wu, Class of ’12 – both of whom recently threw their hats in the ring to run for state political offices – talking about their approach to politics and public service. The two recently visited McCallie to talk with students about why they entered politics and how they tried to instill civility and respect in those races. Sumner McCallie, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum, conducts the interview.

A Stroll Through McCallie’s History With George Hazard Jr. ‘64 Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

In early October, 2024, George Hazard Jr., Class of 1964, was named McCallie School’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest award. McCallie bestows. In this episode of Stories from the Ridge, Mr. Hazard talks about his days as a McCallie student, teacher, and administrator – and about writing When We Came to the Ridge, the history of McCallie’s founding and early days. And he reflects on what makes McCallie so special and the teachers, administrators, and alumni who have contributed to its success over the years.

Coach Bradford Discusses Rivalry Week, Previews Game With Baylor Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

As Rivalry Week – the week of the annual football game between McCallie and crosstown rival Baylor School – got underway for 2024, Head of School Lee Burns ’87 sat down on Sept. 30 in the podcast studio with new Head Coach Joel Bradford ’07 to discuss the week and the upcoming game. The two not only discuss Coach Bradford’s coaching philosophy, but talk about how the hype and buildup over the week affects the players and coaches and inspires them to be at their best on game day.

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