Belarusian Thunder

Dr. Shane Lynch is an award-winning conductor, composer, and music educator who has served as Director of Choral Activities at Washington and Lee University since 2009. He leads the University Singers—an internationally recognized touring choir—and the Glee Club, while also directing the university’s unique Choral Conductor Mentorship Program. A sought-after clinician and guest conductor, Dr. Lync...

Jeff Schatten is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at Washington and Lee University. Jeff specializes in artificial intelligence, organizational behavior, and leadership, and his upcoming book AI Will Take Your Job (and It's for the Best): Embracing the New Social Contract for the Age of AI will be published by Emerald Publishing in 2025. In this episode, we dive into AI’s transfor...

Stacy Yurkovskaya is a sophomore at Washington and Lee University. Alongside her classes, Stacy serves as a TA for the Russian Language department, helping students learn the language. She's extremely inquisitive and gifted in many areas of learning. In this episode, Stacy and I bond over our mutual Belarusian origins and discuss the power of language and culture.

Jackson Hotchkiss, originally from Lexington, Virginia, is a graduating senior at Washington and Lee University, where he is completing his degree in business and environmental economics. A passionate cyclist, Jackson specializes in mountain biking, a focus that reflects his love for challenging terrains and the supportive community within the sport. In this episode, we explore Jackson’s love for...

Jak Krouse is a graduating student at Washington and Lee University, majoring in Journalism and Geology. Jak has competed on the university’s wrestling team in the 165 lb weight class, achieving great success in both his athletic and extracurricular endeavors. What sets Jak apart are his intriguing and sometimes seemingly fictitious stories. Nonetheless, they are true and amazing to listen to. Joi...

Meet Clark Simcoe, Washington and Lee University's dedicated part-time dietitian and proud alum. After graduating in 2011 with a degree in geology, Clark transitioned from environmental consulting to pursue a medical career, leading him back to his alma mater in November 2022 as the campus dietitian. In this novel role, Clark is pioneering nutrition programming and offerings, extending his inf...

Please tune into this engaging and insightful episode as I welcome Reverend Nicholas Beasley, the distinguished rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Columbia, SC. With a Ph. D. from Vanderbilt University in History, Reverend Beasley's expertise spans religion in early America, Christianity in early modern Europe, and the Atlantic World. His journey includes a Master's in Divinity from Yale Uni...

Trey, a current student athlete at Washington and Lee University, is a member of the class of 2026 and actively participates in the men's wrestling team. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Trey is a passionate writer who has dedicated the past few years to crafting a complex fantasy novel—a surprising interest that many might not anticipate. Despite his commitment to literary endeavors, Trey's...

George Fredric Mau is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in private practice in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. He holds Doctor of Ministry, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, and Master of Divinity Degrees. Dr. Mau is an international keynote speaker, and has spoken at conferences in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Australia. In additional to his a...

Matt Majoy is a Washington and Lee University alum who will soon be stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, serving in the US Military. Majoy is by far, one of the most genuine, positively facetious, and kind friends, teammates, and mentor I have had the pleasure of knowing. In this episode (recorded in the Spring of 2023), Matt and I causally enjoy talking about his transition to becoming a vegan, wrestling...

Nic Zamaloff is a junior at Washington and Lee University, studying engineering and competing on the men's wrestling team. Nic "Zam" Zamaloff wrestles 157lbs this year, looking to to expand his talent and skill on the mat––but his drive extends beyond sports too. Zam is a dedicated follower of Christ who strives every day to represent himself and all christians the best he can. Although struggle a...

Mary Kate! What more to say?! My best friend at Washington and Lee University, MK is a a current junior studying Accounting and German. She has a passion for languages, foreign travel, and fashion. MK has always been someone to make me laugh, pick up others, and work hard––she is successful in anything she does, and takes any opportunity she can to learn. MK and I had a fun time recording this epi...

Chapter Markers: 0:00 — Intro 02:54 — Mentality  08:20 — Religious Influence 10:31 — Team Culture 24:41 — Changing the Process 32:50 — Father Influence  38:05 — Our Beginnings  47:57 — College Football Podcasting 1:01:57 — Team Culture 2 1:14:14 — Outro Devan Moore, a student and accomplished wrestler at Newberry College, emerged as a 2023 Division II NCAA All-American, securing the 8th position a...

Devin Bateman is a name that resonates with positivity and sportsmanship. A Junior at Washington and Lee University, he is known for his unwavering optimism and the infectious energy he brings to every room he enters. Born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Devin has made a remarkable mark as a member of the Men's Swim Team. Before his college journey, Devin honed his swimming skills at Staff...

Dave Forman, an accomplished strength and conditioning professional, assumed the role of Washington and Lee Head Coach of Strength and Conditioning and Assistant Professor of Physical Education in 2022. Notably, he spearheaded the transformation of Virginia Military Institute's football team, facilitating their first winning season and Southern Conference championship in over 40 years. Recognized...

J'Mari Lowman is an aspiring sophomore at Washington and Lee University, where he actively participates in the university's wrestling team. Known for his unwavering positivity and strong work ethic, J'Mari consistently supports those around him before tending to his own needs. I had the pleasure of recording an episode with J'Mari, where laughed and delved into his experience with illness that hin...

Michael Shinkar is a rising junior at Washington and Lee University, pursuing a major in Economics while also hoping to minor in Classics and Philosophy. He was born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey, and comes from a background of Ashkenazi Jewish and Northeastern European ancestry. Despite being raised without a predominate religion in his household, Michael became a devout Anglican Christ...

Chris Torre is probably the nicest guy you will ever meet, and his enthusiasm he brought to this conversation made for an engaging and fun episode. Chris is a rising senior at Washington and Lee University. Outside of studying business, Spanish, and Portuguese, Chris practices as an exceptional videographer, photographer, and language enthusiast. As Chris best says on his LinkedIn, "I have a love...

Harrison Kelly is a rising senior at Washington and Lee University, pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Business Administration. Alongside his academic pursuits, Harrison is an accomplished athlete, competing on the university's wrestling team. His dedication and hard work paid off in a successful season, culminating in his qualification for the NCAA Tournament in 2023. Harrison is an avid l...

Watson Deacon is a rising senior at Washington and Lee University. If you don't know Watson, he is a very charismatic, entertaining, and genuine friend. It is always fun to talk to Watson, and you can learn a lot from him! His hometown friend growing up in Kansas, Harper O'Connor, is no less entertaining and enlightening––his fascination with content creation (@HarperOC on YouTube), learning, and...

Dr. Lisa Greer is a Professor of Earth and Environmental Geoscience at Washington and Lee University. With a Ph. D. in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the University of Miami and a B.A. in Geology from The Colorado College, she brings extensive expertise to her research and this episode. Dr. Greer focuses on habitat assessment and the decline of the Caribbean coral Acropora cervicornis. Her pub...

Tade Omisore is a scholar, athlete and entrepreneur. His family is from Nigeria however he is a native of New Jersey. He is a student at Washington and Lee university on track to acquire a bachelor of science in Biology and Business Administration. When he is not studying for the MCAT or flipping Harper in the wreslting room, he is working as a independent contractor for cutting-edge start-ups whe...

Paul Youngman is the Associate Provost for Academic Development and Operations and Professor of German at Washington and Lee University. In this role, Youngman oversees various academic departments and initiatives, including the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning and the Fellowships Office, and manages budgets and space allocation. Youngman is also an accomplished researcher, with a focus on t...

Genuinely, one of my favorite conversations, Tetiana “Tania” Kozachanska joined me to record an episode! Tania and I discuss the many facets of her life that have shaped who she is. Born and raised Kyiv, Ukraine, Tania is not defined by the recent war-events persisting in her home country, although it certainly has an influence in how she chooses to hold herself. Tania is a first-year at Washingto...

Alex Winant is a Washington and Lee University Class of 2023 alumnus and previous student-athlete on the university's men's wrestling team. He completed a double major in Business Administration and Philosophy. Alex is a great friend, who is very thought-provoking, entertaining, and humble, in all that he does. In this episode, Alex and I delve into a broad range of topics, including how philosoph...