Brookstone School - Be The One

Travis Wade joins us again on Be the One, this time as he wraps up his three years as chair of the Board of Trustees at Brookstone School. Travis is a true Brookstone lifer, having attended from kindergarten through graduation, and his journey came full circle when his daughters Ruthie and Martha became students here too. In this episode, Travis looks back on the people and moments that shaped him...

After 33 years of teaching at Brookstone, Joy is closing one chapter and reflecting on a lifetime of memories, relationships, and impact. In this episode of the Be The One Podcast, Joy shares what it was like growing up at Brookstone as a student, returning years later as a teacher, and eventually teaching the children, and even grandchildren, of former students. From playing in the creek as a kid...

At Brookstone, the experience goes far beyond the classroom. In this episode of the Be The One Podcast, we sit down with two seniors just weeks before graduation to reflect on their journey, their growth, and the moments that shaped them. From state championships in cross country and tennis to building lifelong friendships and discovering purpose, their stories highlight what makes Brookstone trul...

In this episode of  Be the One Podcast , we sit down with Brookstone’s Director of College Guidance to hear the story behind the role, the vision for students, and the heart driving it all. From moving from Brazil at 14 without speaking English to building a career in education, her journey is marked by resilience, courage, and a deep commitment to helping students find their path. She shares how...

Discover what makes the Brookstone experience so meaningful through the voices of two seniors who have fully embraced student life. In this episode of the  Be The One Podcast , we sit down with  Molly Robinson and Ezra Hoard  to reflect on their time at Brookstone. From athletics and theater to leadership opportunities and community service, Molly and Ezra share the experiences that shaped their h...

Discover how Brookstone parents help shape the school community and make a real impact on student life. From volunteering as room parents to leading major events, these dedicated parents are at the heart of Brookstone’s culture. In this episode, we sit down with parent volunteers to learn about their journey, the opportunities available, and how anyone can get involved to help shape the future of...

What happens when a veteran of Alabama public school athletics decides to take a "leap of faith" into the independent school world? In this episode of the Be The One podcast, we welcome Jamie Williams, Brookstone’s new Director of Athletics. Jamie joined Brookstone in the summer of 2025 after a national search. A former Auburn football player and long-time coach, Jamie shares his unique...

In this episode, two of our Brookstone seniors sit down to reflect on what made their time here feel like home. From first impressions to meaningful relationships with teachers, activities that shaped them, and moments that made this place feel different, they share what Brookstone has meant to them as they prepare to take their next steps. A thoughtful conversation about community, growth, and fi...

Closing out the year with the one who started it all—Avery Wolff. In our final Be the One Podcast episode of the season, Avery shares her deep love for Brookstone, the legacy of her family, and how this place has woven its way into every part of her life. It’s a story of heart, history, and what it truly means to be the one.

Before starting off on his new adventure, former Digital Media Coordinator Bennett Counts sat down with Henry for a meaningful conversation reflecting on his time at Brookstone. In this episode, they discuss the people and experiences that shaped him, the lasting memories that define #whyBrookstone, and how the school helped launch his career. Don’t miss this heartfelt farewell and celebration of...

In this episode of the Be the One podcast, we’re joined by New York Times best-selling author Brad Montague, known for his inspiring book The Circles All Around Us. Stepping in as guest host is our very own Director of Wellness, Jacob Crowder, who leads a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about kindness, connection, and the circles we build.

In this episode of the Be the One podcast, we sit down with 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Chandler Riley ('97) to talk about the role Brookstone played in shaping his values, leadership, and career. Chandler shares insights on the importance of character, the lasting impact of a Brookstone education, and what it means to live with purpose and integrity. Whether you're a current student, paren...

In this episode of the Be the One podcast, we sit down with one of our 2024 distinguished alumni, Brad Guffey, as he reflects on the meaningful experiences and relationships that shaped his time at Brookstone. Brad shares how those formative years directed him toward a life of purpose, service, and impact. His story is a powerful reminder of how a strong foundation can influence the course of a li...

That wraps up this episode of the Be The One Podcast . This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Josie Alexander and Mercer Hudson , two outstanding senior athletes at Brookstone School. It was inspiring to hear about their dedication, the lessons they’ve learned through their athletic journeys, and the impact Brookstone has had on their lives. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to sub...

That’s a wrap on today’s episode of Be the One ! A huge thank you to Lulie Lampton and Bo Blackmon for joining us and sharing their Brookstone stories, favorite memories, and all the exciting details about The Drowsy Chaperone . It’s always inspiring to hear from our students who pour their passion and talent into the fine arts at Brookstone. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, be sure to subscri...

Be the One Podcast - Episode 68 Guest: Taylor Green, Director of Communications at Brookstone School In this episode of Brookstone's Be the One Podcast , we welcome Taylor Green, our talented Director of Communications. Taylor shares her journey to Brookstone, detailing what brought her to this incredible school community. She reflects on her accomplishments, from impactful storytelling to inn...

Episode 67: Making Waves and Scoring Points with Mary Sigman and Chapman Dykes In this episode of  Brookstone’s Be the One Podcast , we’re thrilled to feature Mary Sigman and Chapman Dykes, two incredible senior athletes at Brookstone School. Mary shares insights into her journey as a swimmer, while Chapman dives into his experience on the basketball court. Together, they reflect on what makes Bro...

Episode 66: Brookstone Alumni Spotlight – Stephanie Hunter Welcome back to  Brookstone’s Be the One Podcast ! In this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to sit down with Stephanie Hunter, a proud Brookstone alumna, dedicated board member, and passionate parent. Stephanie shares her unique perspective on all things Brookstone, weaving together heartfelt memories and visionary insights. In this episode,...

Episode: Spotlight on the Arts – Aladdin Jr. with Kate Depue and Charles McPherson In this week’s episode of Brookstone’s Be the One Podcast , we shine a spotlight on the talented students in our theater department as we chat with Kate Depue and Charles McPherson! Both students played key roles in Brookstone’s recent production of Aladdin Jr. , a performance that brought the magic of Agrabah to li...

Introduction: In this episode of Be the One, we’re excited to welcome J. Derrill Rice, an esteemed Brookstone alumnus from the class of 1979. Derrill reflects on his journey through Brookstone, shares his professional achievements, and highlights how the values and education he received at Brookstone shaped his career and life. Key Discussion Points: Brookstone Memories: Derrill shares his fond me...

Be the One Podcast – Episode 63 Guest: Andrew Stubbs, Brookstone's Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Episode Overview: In this episode of the Be the One Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Stubbs, the talented and passionate music teacher for Brookstone's Middle and Upper School. Andrew shares his journey into music education, the role music plays in shaping students' lives, and the exciting proj...

In this episode of the Be the One Podcast , we are joined by Jason Branch, a proud Brookstone alumni, parent, and board member. Jason reflects on his personal journey through Brookstone, sharing how his experiences shaped who he is today. He also discusses how his children are thriving at Brookstone, highlighting the growth and opportunities they have encountered. Tune in to hear Jason’s vision fo...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Ed Martin, Brookstone School's Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement. Ed shares his vision for the future of Brookstone, reflecting on the successes and challenges of his first year with the school. He also provides exciting insights into an upcoming capital campaign that promises to propel Brookstone to new heights. Whether you’re a cu...