Nichols Talk Podcast

Introducing our next guest on the podcast: Ms. Watts (Nichols Middle School Theater Teacher). In this episode, we interview Ms. Watts, who is excited to share her story. She is currently the spokesperson for all Valu Home Centers commercials and training videos. Starting her acting career in elementary school, playing a snowman led her to study theater performance at the University of Buffalo. Now...

ntroducing our next guest on the podcast: Jared Contreras (Nichols Athletic Trainer). Jared is a core part of the Nichols athletic community, tending to any athlete. Jared talks about what led him to become an athletic trainer and his previous positions. As a part of Excelsior Orthopedics, he is not only Nichols’ trainer in the afternoons but also works in their office during the day. Jared notes...

In this episode, we interview the Advancement Work of Life Interns. Justin and Drew run the Nichols Instagram and also the Nichols Blog. They speak about their motivations to join this WoL and provide more details about what they exactly do. They are both a part of the Basketball team and begin to speak about this past season and the student support they had the whole season.

In this episode, we interview the Boys Prep Hockey Captains, Tommy Yang and Chase Cameron. The boys are headed into the biggest weekend of the year, the NYS Championships. Tommy and Chase talk about how, as a team and individually, they are preparing for the weekend ahead. Chase and Tommy are both currently billeting; they go into detail about what it’s like living away from home. As captains, the...

In this episode, we interview Aram Feldman (Class of 2027). Aram is heavily involved in what Nichols has to offer. He plays the violin and soccer, and has been involved with the student council and Jewish club since his freshman year. Aram also talks about his ambitions for next year during the college search. Tune in to hear more about Aram and his story!   Hosted by: Conor LeRoy and Luca Michiel...

In this episode, we interview Ciara Barone (Class of 2018). Ciara played Division 1 Ice hockey at Providence College after an impressive hockey career during her time at Nichols. Ciara studied Psychology at Providence for 4 years, earning her bachelor's degree. Since then, Ciara went back to school at Niagara University for another 3 years to earn her master's. Now, Ciara works at D & G Wellne...

In this episode, we interview Jack Rockefeller Nichols senior. Jack created the Philanthropy club and has been running it for two years. Jack began by fundraising for PUNT (Pediatric Cancer Collaborative) in his junior year and has led all fundraisers for Nichols since. Jack also involves himself in basketball is a key component on the court. Jack is attending the University of Chicago next fall a...

In this episode, we interview the Social Justice Work of Life interns, Sam Gwitt and Maia Porter and their mentor, Ms. Blue. They go into detail about the work they planned for MLK day as well as Earth day. They are all passionate about their work and are pleased by how much involvement Nichols students have in social justice work. Tune in to hear more detail!

In this episode, we interview RJ Gicewicz, a Nichols alumnus and head coach of the 18U prep hockey team. RJ describes his life growing up in the presence of a professional athlete, as well as his journey through sports, including hockey and football. RJ played D1 ice hockey at St. Lawrence University, where he eventually had to stop playing as medically advised, but was able to be an assistant coa...

In this episode, we interview the senior class of ‘26 presidents, Haleigh Rittling and Avi Dasgupta. Haleigh has been on the student council since her freshman year, and Avi joined in his sophomore year. Haleigh and Avi explain their desire to join the student council and describe their roles. They both explain the difficulty of making a change, which many students don’t realize. Haleigh and Avi a...

In this episode, we interview Tommy Maidment, a Nichols Alumni ‘24, Filmmaker and Photographer. Tommy goes into detail about his experience growing up in a creative family and how that has led him to become an artist himself. Tommy also explains his decision to switch from playing D3 soccer at St. Lawrence University to focusing on art at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Tommy explai...

In this episode, we interview Vonn Dudek, a D1 tennis commit and member of the class of 2026. While attending Nichols, Vonn has been a part of the History Bowl and has competed in Washington, DC for the National Tournament for the past three years. Vonn played three seasons of basketball and one season of baseball in his high school career before ultimately choosing tennis as his sport. Vonn expla...

In this Episode, we interview Chris Cloutier (Clooch), a professional lacrosse player. While playing professional lacrosse, Chris also served as a gym teacher, history teacher, and lacrosse coach at Nichols. Chris speaks about journey into the game of lacrosse, playing for UNC-Chapel Hill in college, and joining the Professional Lacrosse League (PLL). Chris also goes into detail about his decision...

In this episode, we interview Marty Biron, a retired NHL goalie and current Buffalo Sabres analyst. Marty talks about the experience that led him to the NHL and his love for his current career. He also gives insight to young hockey players who have a passion to play in the NHL. As well as talking about the advancements in technology within hockey since he played. Tune in to hear more about Marty's...

In this episode, we interview Travis Schurr, a sports photographer and videographer heavily involved in the Nichols sports community. Despite never attending the school itself, he’s known by all students, mostly through his Instagram account, which has over 1,000 followers. Travis talks about his experience growing a public image and cultivating a business out of it. What it takes to put out good...

In this episode, we interview Evie and A.J., they begin talking about what led them to run for Student Council President and some of the things they push for in the community. They then talk about what really goes into being the class presidents and the time commitments they put into the community. Evie and A.J. then share how the two of them work together as they both have strong opinions and fig...

In this episode, we interview Ms. Achatz, an upper school art teacher and advisor. She talks about some of her teaching methods that help develop young artists. Ms. Achatz also talks about her more advanced level classes and some of the guidance she has to point them in the right direction. To hear more about Ms. Achatz, you can listen to the full podcast on Podbean, Apple Music, or Spotify.

In this episode, we interview Ross Yoshida and Brian Brazee, Varsity baseball pitcher and coach. They talk about their baseball journey’s and what led each of them to Nichols. Ross begins to talk about the balance between baseball and school and what he envisions the season looking like for him and the team. Coach Brazee talks about his team and how he has begun to build it into a successful team...

In this episode, we interview Mr. Mauser, he talks about his early life living in Germany for a few years as a child. He then talks about his young adult life and how he got into teaching. Mr. Mauser also shares how he got recruited for college soccer and how it differs from the recruitment process now. To hear more about Mr. Mauser, you can listen to the full podcast on Podbean, Apple Music, or S...

In this episode, we interview Ms. Tibollo, she talks about her experiences at Nichols as a student and how they compare to her experiences now as a teacher. She also talks about her past career and what led her back to teaching history at Nichols. Ms. Tibollo then shares a little bit about her passion for Model UN and her excitement to get it back at Nichols. To hear more about Ms. Tibollo, you ca...

In this episode, we interview Ms. O, she talks about life as a college counselor and what goes into getting students into the school that's best for them. She then talks about the transition from high school to college and some of the more non-traditional routes to some professions. To hear more about Ms. O, you can listen to the full podcast on Podbean, Apple Music, or Spotify.

In this episode, we interview Mark Stahlka and Matt Hartman, coaches of the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team. They talk about what got them into basketball growing up and their role models that inspired them. Coach Stahlka and Coach Hartman share about their experiences in coaching and what led them to Nichols. To hear more about Coach Stahlka and Coach Hartman, you can listen to the full podcast on...

In this episode, we interview Tre Paulfrey and Heze Hall, both a part of the Nichols basketball team. Tre and Heze share some steps in their basketball career that have led them to where they are today. They also talk about their upcoming basketball season, along with some of the goals they have for the team and themselves. To hear more about Tre and Heze, you can listen to the full podcast on Pod...

In this episode, we interview Taylor Pietrowski, a Nichols alum who played hockey at Cornell University. Taylor shares her experiences from her time as a student-athlete and the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, while still playing at a high level. She also opens up about life after college and the transition from hockey to professional life. To hear more about Taylor, you can liste...

In this episode, we interview Glenn Kaifas, a dedicated member of the athletic community. Glenn brings a wealth of knowledge to the athletes he trains, helping them to improve every aspect of their athletic performance. He also gives insights on how to improve health for athletic performance and the difference between girl's and boy's health. To hear more about Glenn, you can listen to the full po...