The Teachback

Episode 9: Will Hall-Tipping

This is The Teachback, I am Will McDonough, and I’m so glad you are here today…just wow…today is special for many reasons, but Mondays have come to mean something a little more special for me since launching this little podcast 9 weeks ago. Sharing these conversations with those of you who join me is really neat and today finds us catching up with another inspiring young person out there in the world trying to make it just a little bit better every day, Will Hall-Tipping. So hang on and hang out as we talk about curiosity, ADHD, politics, ophthalmology, growing up, asking for help, and so much more.
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Thanks again for tuning in. Here’s to connecting, reflecting, and staying hungry to learn.
Today’s episode has been brought to you by Building 1 Community. Located in Stamford, Connecticut, B1C is committed to advancing the successful integration of immigrants and their families. For the past 11 years, they have been guided by compassion and a loving belief that we are better together as one community. Find out more about how to donate or volunteer on their website at https://building1community.org/
 
 

Episode 8: Shea and Maddy

Hi there! Welcome to today’s episode of The Teachack. Today we get to hang out with two–yes TWO!--friends, Maddy Culpepper and Shea Delehaunty. One of my favorite things about this conversation (and to be fair, there is so much to love!), was how easily this conversation between three people felt. We cover so much ground…talking about friendship, external validation, writing, music, teaching, healing, introspection…it’s just so good. Too good for words, in fact, so let’s go hang out with Maddy and Shea.

Episode 7: Adrian MacDonald

Come hang out with Adrian MacDonald, 2-time winner of the Leadville 100, a 100-mile race through the mountains of Colorado. More importantly, though, I got to know Adrian as a middle schooler on the fields and trails of summer camp. The relationship between campers and leaders has such a profound impact on so many young people and it is a joy to share in those memories of having known Adrian through that lens today.
 
Today’s episode has been brought to you by YMCA Camp Belknap, Located in Wolfeboro, NH. The Mission of Belknap has remained consistent for well over 100 years. Character, kindness, and a sense of joy in the world and the people who share it are the hallmarks of the Belknap experience where the mission is to preserve the unique physical and spiritual environment where young men may forever build strong character, self esteem, individual maturity and community responsibility; to acquire for life the skill of leadership and the value of good stewardship; to honor the history and traditions which are the Belknap experience; and to be a contributing citizen in the community it serves and from which it receives its benefit.
 
It is the place where Adrian and I first met and where I, myself, spent over 15 summers as a camper and leader. Check out their website at www.campbelknap.org  and see how you can give to their scholarship fund so more boys can have access to the opportunity. 

Episode 6: Susanna Montgomery

Episode 6 is here and I just want to name the fact that I needed this.
Sure, I needed to connect and have the conversation...but more importantly, I needed to re-listen to this conversation today.
Since I first met her as a middle schooler, Susanna has always been a student who cares about humans. Even as my student, she had the capacity to make me feel things deeply because of her unwavering authenticity and sincere willingness to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions. In fact, many years ago I actually wrote a blog post about a thank you note she wrote to me which ended with, I wish you so much happiness. 
 
Join us today as Susanna and I talk together about fear, about mental health, about diets and disordered eating, about stepping into our own truth and betting on ourselves….but most of all about how it feels to be invested in connecting with others and lifting people up. 
 
This was a conversation I needed to experience on the day we spoke…but also a message I needed to be reminded of today.
 
Today’s episode has been brought to you by two books: 
 
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall and Anti-Diet by Christie Harrison.
 
No matter who you are, read the books. Tell your friends. And go vote today.

Episode 5: Jaylen Craft

It is the last day of October and I am here with no tricks or treats, just another really meaningful conversation with my former student, Jaylen Craft. Be sure to listen in as Jaylen and I talk about the importance of being an older brother, the impact of role models who look like you, and the impact of New Kid, one of the most important graphic novels for all middle schoolers that was written by Jaylen’s dad, Jerry.
 
Let’s go hang out with Jaylen!
 
 
 
Today’s episode of The Teachback has been brought to you by SCHOOL TRIP, the new graphic novel by New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft. The book is set to release in early 2023  and features the newest adventures of Jordan, Drew, Liam, and all the characters that fans first met in New Kid, winner of the Newbery Award and the Coretta Scott King Author Award! In this full-color contemporary graphic novel, the gang from Riverdale Academy Day is heading to Paris, for an international education like you've never seen before ...
 
Don't miss the two hilarious and powerful companion novels by Jerry Craft, New Kid and Class Act!

Episode 4: Ivy Wappler

 Ivy Wappler joins The Teachback today to talk about everything from creativity to art to teaching to sailing to farms.  It’s a lively and fun conversation that is sure to get you thinking. I knew Ivy as a student, but she represents the first guest on the show who I never actually had in class. Rather, she was an influential student in my life in all the other ways teachers and students interact. I had the pleasure of teaching her brother and whenever she made it to campus, Ivy would always find her way over to my classroom to say hello. The conversations were always inspiring and I’m grateful to share this one with you.
 
Today’s episode of The Teachback has been brought to you by your local farms! Eating locally is better for your body, better for the planet, better for the economy, and better for your social life (local farmers are just the best!). To find a farm, coop, farmers market, or CSA near you, enter your zip code and navigate the interactive maps and resources at
www.localharvest.org/

Episode 3 : Alyssa Thomas

Today’s guest is Alyssa Thomas. 
On today’s show, you’ll get a front row seat as Alyssa discusses the books she’s been reading, where she finds inspiration, social media (Twitter and Clubhouse!), her practices of personal growth, self-awareness, her favorite book from middle school, and more.
Click here to become a sustaining member, or to continue the conversations on this podcast with a monthly virtual discussion by joining The Teachback’s Inner Circle.
 
Today’s episode has been brought to you by Horizons Student Enrichment Program: With 74 sites in 20 states, Horizons transforms the lives of underserved children and youth through year-round academic and enrichment programs to inspire learning, encourage success, and close the opportunity gap. These gaps of opportunity and achievement between low-income students and their more fortunate peers are the largest in the country in Connecticut. Through year-round programming, Horizons students discover the joys of learning, the skills for success, and the inspiration to realize their dreams. Along with better grades and higher self-esteem, Horizons students have a 100% graduation rate. Find them online and support their cause at http://www.horizonskids.org 
 
Music for today’s show comes from my former student, Michael. Find and support him on Spotify, where he’s better known as Slacker.

Episode 2: Jason Gold

 
Today’s guest is Jason Gold. 
On today’s show, you’ll get a front row seat as Jason and Mr. McDonough connect on the eve of Jason’s entry into the workforce.
They’ll discuss navigating news and current events, Jason’s middle school poetry, the power of asking questions, “slacktivism,” what it means to transition into an “adult job,” as well as a variety of other topics.
 
Today’s episode of The Teachback has been brought to you by Blessings in a Backpack. Every school-aged child in America has the nourishment needed to learn and grow. As a leader in the movement to end childhood hunger, Blessings in a Backpack strives to ensure children do not go hungry on the weekends by empowering individuals and communities to take action. Learn how you can support the food-scarce families near you by visiting https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/
 
If you enjoy this podcast, please show your support by clicking here to become a sustaining member, or to continue the conversations on this podcast with a monthly virtual discussion by joining The Teachback’s Inner Circle.

Episode 1: Leila Pearson

Today’s guest is Leila Pearson. 
 
On today’s show, you’ll get a front row seat as Leila and Mr. McDonough reconnect and revel in the human connection they share. Sit back and enjoy, because you’re about to learn:
How social media impacts adolescents
The unique challenges facing young people today
How participating in theater can launch your confidence & career
How traveling abroad and working on Capitol Hill have shifted her understanding of humanity
And tons more…
Click here to become a sustaining member, or to continue the conversations on this podcast with a monthly virtual discussion by joining The Teachback’s Inner Circle.
 
Today’s episode has been brought to you by Blossom Hill Foundation. Envisioning a world where conflict-affected children thrive, Blossom Hill funds innovative ideas to help children affected by conflict in the Middle East. Find them online at blossomhill-foundation.org/.
 
And by The Azraq Fund. Providing education initiatives and humanitarian aid to Syrian refuges and other vulnerable families in South Azraq, Jordan.  Inspired by Montessori-methodology, their Early Childhood Center serves over 60 children aged 3-5 in the town of Azraq. You can learn more about their school, as well as the ways they develop programs to provide emergency aid and education enhancement by visiting theazraqfund.org/ 
 
Introduction Music was made by my former student, Michael. Find him on Spotify where he is better known as Slacker.

The Podcast Teaser

In this pre-pod episode of THE TEACHBACK, the host, Will McDonough, interviews Will McDonough about the vision and ideation behind this podcast.