From the Horse's Mouth

On the latest episode of From the Horse's Mouth, we get the inside scoop about PD memories and college life from three young alumni! Host Jay Barron sits down to hear about these alumni's experiences, including their transitions to college, their journeys to choosing majors and study abroad destinations, and more. You won't want to miss this one as the group reminisces on PD memorie...

Providence Day prides itself on a global perspective, and as a result, our community is made up of families from all over the world. This week on From the Horse's Mouth, host Jay Barron brings together a group of PD mothers who moved to Charlotte from other countries and are raising their children with a spirit of cultural appreciation, alongside our global curriculum. The episode includes he...

In this episode of From the Horse’s Mouth , host Jay Barron is joined by four Upper School students who interned with the Echo Foundation to study and share with the community about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its effects on humanity. The group covers the pros and cons of the technology, how they tackled writing curriculum together, and what their internship experience was like. Tune in to le...

As seniors finalize their applications and make college commitments, our host, Jay Barron, sits down with a group that has a close connection to the process – two PD parents, Devin Kerrigan and Priya Pillai, and PD's Director of College Guidance, Jack Whelan. The conversation touches on all aspects of the college selection process, from the value of campus tours to how to handle rejections an...

In this very special episode, Jay Barron passes the mic to Lower School Administrative Assistant (and unofficial mayor of PD) Dee Smith! Known for knowing everyone on campus, Dee sits down with Shavonn Perkins (Second Grade Teacher), Amanda Matthews (Third Grade Teacher's Assistant), and Reagan Pacheco (Lower School French Teacher) for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about life in and...

Season 6 kicks off with a look inside Auerbach Hall, Providence Day’s brand-new Lower School facility! Host Jay Barron talks with Erin Harper (Head of Lower School), Andrea DePhillips (Third Grade Teacher), and Avery Northrop ’05 (Second Grade Teacher) about the design process behind the 45,000-square-foot, three-story building that brings second through fifth grade under one roof. From the role o...

As commencement approaches, three seniors — Kendall Amiri, Harry O'Neil, and Sanaya Lee — join host Jay Barron to open up about their time at PD, navigating the college admissions process, and the advice they’d give to those following in their footsteps. Tune in for favorite memories, lessons learned, and what they’ll carry long after graduation. Congratulations to the Class of '25 — we&...

In this episode of From the Horse’s Mouth , host Jay Barron is joined by history teacher Mike Lindquist and seniors Liza Grimes '25 and Reagan Wright '25 for a timely conversation on media in the 21st century. Together, they explore the history of news—from traditional journalism to social media—and what it means to be a responsible, informed media consumer. Tune in for a thoughtful disc...

In this episode of From the Horse's Mouth , host Jay Barron sits down with three students new to Providence Day: freshman Brooks Freeman, sophomore Ginny Anne Dumont, and junior Ibby Kahn. Together, they discuss what it’s like to adapt to a new school, from balancing academics, sports, and social life to getting involved and finding their place at PD. Hear their take on PD's unique quirk...

Welcome to another episode of From the Horse's Mouth ! This week, host Jay Barron explores Providence Day’s Global Exchange Program with Assistant Director of Global Programs Suzanne Clements, Australian exchange student Madison Hartley, and PD junior Elise Atkinson '26. They share insights on the Round Square Exchange Programme, the experience of studying in a foreign country, and the s...

In this episode of From the Horse’s Mouth , host Jay Barron dives into the rich, complex history of the Sardis area with faculty members David Harris and Thamar Lebrón, alongside senior Aashir Sura '25. Together, they explore hands-on ways to teach history through a local lens, using the stories of a nearby enslaved cemetery dating back to the 1600s to engage students beyond the textbook. Dis...

On our newest episode of From the Horse’s Mouth , we explore why it’s never too early to start the conversation about financial literacy. Host Jay Barron sits down with faculty members Brian Li and Danny Mehigan, along with senior Henry Zeller '25, to discuss the importance of understanding money from a young age. Together, they debunk investing myths and share practical tips for achieving fi...

In the second episode of season five, host Jay Barron sits down with Parents' Association President Britt Tuite, Charger Club President Tyhler Lynch, and parent volunteer Samie Roberts to discuss their roles at Providence Day. Hear how these dedicated parents give back to the school, the fun and rewarding experiences they’ve had, and how volunteering helps them connect with the PD community.

Welcome to season five of From the Horse's Mouth , the official podcast of Providence Day School! In this first episode of the 2024–25 school year, host Jay Barron sits down with Elyse Cannon, David Woodley, and Marie Rohde to discuss the power of art at any age. Tune in to hear how they discovered their passion for art, their favorite mediums, and how art has connected them to the PD communi...

On this special bonus episode of "From the Horse’s Mouth," guest host and Middle School computing and innovation teacher Dr. Wesley Fryer chats with Director of E-Sports Kalon Davis and graduating senior Jayden Stuart ’24. Tune in as they explore the dynamic world of e-sports, its rising popularity at PD, and the impact it has on students and the school community.

In a bittersweet episode of "From the Horse's Mouth," host Jay Barron sits down with departing Upper School Head Eric Hedinger before he begins his new role as Head of School at Augusta Preparatory Day School. Joined by friends and fellow faculty members, Upper School English Teacher Matt Spence and Upper School Physical Education Teacher Bill Finneyfrock, they fondly reminisce abou...

As the 2023–24 school year wraps up, seniors Brook Ephrem,  Cassie Miller, and Emerson Smith join host Jay Barron to reminisce about their time at PD. Tune in to hear their insights on the college admissions journey, tips for incoming Upper Schoolers, and the value of embracing versatility. Plus, get ready for some laughs with a mix of embarrassing and amusing anecdotes!

On this week's podcast, host Jay Barron converses with Lower School Musical Director Sierra Key, Upper School Theatre Director Brooke Fulton, and senior Avery Thalberg about Providence Day’s recent performing arts achievements, the intricacies of production, fostering a creative arts environment, and uncovering the unseen aspects behind the scenes!

On this episode of From the Horse's Mouth, host and lifetime doodler Jay Barron talks visual arts with Lower School Fine Arts Teacher, Gabe Devereux, and Upper School Fine Arts Teacher and AP Art History Teacher, Sydney Sheaffer. Tune in as they discuss their origin stories, teaching art vs. making art, and dispel any notion that art is the "easy class!" 

On this week’s episode of From the Horse’s Mouth, host Jay Barron interviews Environmental Sustainability Coordinator and Upper School English Teacher, Jack Hudson, senior Sophie Mao ’24, junior Meha Khanna ’25, and senior Frankie Castellucci ’24, on a topic that’s ever more present in our daily lives: sustainability. Listen in as we discuss their journey into environmentalism and renewability, an...

VIEWER DISCRETION: This podcast touches on some sensitive subjects related to mental health.  Our host, Jay Barron, speaks to Student Services Director Lisa Bernard, eighth grader Ana Arronte, ninth grader Cole Zapata, and tenth grader Caroline Krell. They openly and honestly discuss what mental health means in the context of their lives and being a PD student. Listen as they share their insight a...

Step aside, Skynet! In the last episode of season four, host Jay Barron attempts to demystify the excitement and confusion surrounding artificial intelligence (A.I.) with guidance from PD teachers Dr. Wes Fryer and Dr. James Edge, along with Christian Gibson '10, engineer with OpenAI.  

In 2021, College Board announced that I would be piloting a new AP African-American Studies course beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. Since this announcement, the course has been the target of both celebration and consternation across the country. Upper School English and history Department Chairs Marcus Smith and Ted Dickson, respectively, are at the helm of PD's effort to bring AP Afri...

As the New Year begins, the latest episode of "From the Horse's Mouth," PD's official podcast, tackles lessons learned in 2022 with a panel including host Jay Barron, Upper School Theatre director Brooke Fulton, and award winning students Astrid James '23 and John Carter Krell '23.

A year ago, Providence Day launched a Teaching Fellows Program to recruit recent college graduates to learn teaching and leadership and bring more inclusion and belonging to the teaching profession. So how's the first year going? Hear from PD's five Teaching Fellows in an episode guest-hosted by Fellow Will McCorn.