The Generals Redoubt

In Episode 108, Thomas sits down with Tucker Washburn — sophomore defensive back and fourth-generation W&L legacy. Tucker shares how a late recruiting process brought him to Lexington, what freshman year on the Generals football team really looks like, and why the brotherhood and people at W&L make it all worth it. He also talks about his Business Administration major and the value of a li...

In Episode 6, Kamron sits down with John Beekman Youngblood — Class of 2027, newly elected EC President, and one of W&L's most passionate defenders of the Honor System. They cover everything from White Book amendments and rebuilding law school buy-in, to a spring term trip to Vegas, and John Beekman's plans for the Marine Corps and law school after graduation. A wide-ranging conversation about...

Cole Sheppard, junior defensive lineman and three-time W&L Scholar Athlete, joins Thomas Wakefield to talk about bouncing back from a freshman season-ending knee injury, stepping into a leadership role, and why the Generals' culture is trending toward a long-awaited playoff run. They also get into academics, Greek life, and the legendary W&L alumni network.

In this episode of General Lee Speaking , host Kamron Spivey sits down with W&L sophomore Louisa Rudolph to explore the Franklin Society — a literary debate society founded in Lexington around 1800 that counted Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Governor John Letcher among its members. They trace the society's evolution from informal candlelit gatherings to a cornerstone of civic life in Ro...

Austin Halterman only picked up hammer and weight throw three months before graduating high school — and walked onto the W&L track team anyway. In this episode, he talks with host Thomas Wakefield about his unlikely journey, what it's like competing in one of college track's most niche events, and why W&L felt like home from the very first tour. Austin also shares fascinating finds from th...

Washington & Lee's Honor System is on life support — and a Class of 2022 alum is sounding the alarm. In Episode 5 of On My Honor , host Kamron Spivey sits down with Iain MacLeod, who grew up steeped in W&L's Honor System through his alma mater — only to discover as a student that its foundational principles had quietly disappeared from the White Book. Through original archival research, Ia...

Jack Camp, W&L cross country and track athlete, joins host Thomas Wakefield to talk recruiting, the academic grind, and how a canceled flight made the college decision easy. From a first regional title in 33 years to accidentally falling in love with Ancient Greek, Jack's first year at W&L has been anything but predictable. Generals on the March — telling the athletic story of Washington a...

In Episode 103 of Generals on the March, host Thomas Wakefield sits down with freshman long jumper Mason Mandis. They cover his decision to choose W&L over D1 offers, a standout first indoor season, the grind of balancing college athletics and academics, an unexpected passion for Latin, and finding brotherhood through the fraternity scene. A great listen for anyone curious about the D3 athlete...

In Episode 103 of Generals on the March, host Thomas Wakefield sits down with Mary Schleusner — three-time All-American, Division III National Player of the Year, and the all-time record holder for rebounds and double-doubles in D3 women's basketball. Mary reflects on why she chose W&L, why she stayed, and how she helped transform the Generals' program into a national contender. From a 31-1 se...

What did the Founders really mean when they wrote "All men are created equal"? In Episode 2 of Founding Philosophies , Kamron Spivey sits down with David Gowdy of the George Washington Center for Constitutional Studies to explore one of the most debated phrases in American history. They trace the idea from John Locke to Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration, examine the compromises that sh...

In Episode 2 of Generals on the March, host Thomas Wakefield sits down with Dr. Neely Young — Class of 1966, W&L historian, and grandson of Cy Young, widely considered the greatest athlete in university history. Dr. Young unpacks W&L's forgotten golden age, when a small school in Lexington competed against Army, Navy, Auburn, and the Ivys — and won. He shares the remarkable story of Cy You...

In the premiere episode of Generals on the March , host Thomas Wakefield sits down with Will Knight, a standout football captain and track athlete who embodies the Washington and Lee experience. From Durango, Colorado to Lexington, Virginia, Will shares his journey of competing at the highest level while pursuing academic excellence and building lifelong connections. In This Episode: • Why Will ch...

First in War, Forgotten by His Countrymen: Lessons on Light Horse Harry Lee; Founding Philosophies Ep. 101 Discover the remarkable and tragic life of Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III—Revolutionary War hero, Virginia governor, and father of Robert E. Lee. In this episode of Founding Philosophies, host Kamron Spivey sits down with author Ryan Cole to explore why this brilliant military tactician an...

Welcome to Episode 4 of "On My Honor." In this feature, host Kamron Spivey is joined by senior student-athlete Jordan Kach for an honest conversation about the W&L Honor System. Together, they discuss how this unique institution of trust shapes academics, athletics, and campus life, how it continues to set W&L apart from other institutions, and what we can do to reinforce it. Whether you’r...

This episode features honest insights from a freshman within the W&L community. Hear an authentic look at what the Honor System, our community of trust, and academic integrity means to new students. Perfect for prospective students, parents, or anyone curious about campus life at Washington and Lee University. Don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comments, subscribe for more episodes, an...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 2 of "On My Honor"! This week, host Kamron Spivey sits down with Alex Kagan, junior and editor-in-chief of The W&L Spectator, for an in-depth conversation about the Honor System at Washington and Lee University. In this episode, Kamron and Alex explore the history, traditions, and current debates surrounding the Honor System—one of W&L’s most distinctive features. The...

Welcome to the first episode of "On My Honor," a podcast miniseries exploring the Honor System at Washington and Lee University! 🎙️ In this episode, host Kamron Spivey, '24, sits down with senior Tim Johns, '26, to discuss the history, culture, and future of honor at W&L. From first impressions as a student to the impact of the Single Sanction policy, Tim shares candid insights about what make...

Join host Kamron Spivey and freshman football player Thomas Wakefield (Class of 2029) for an in-depth exploration of Washington and Lee University's rich athletic heritage, spanning over 150 years from 1872 to today. In this episode, Thomas shares his journey to W&L and what drew him to the university's unique combination of academic excellence and Division III athletics. Together, Kamron and...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on President Robert E. Lee, whose influence is woven into every aspect of university life. From upholding the honor system and shaping the single sanction approach, to guiding the development of fraternities and the academic curriculum, Lee’s legacy is truly integral. Whether you’re an alum, a current student, or just curious about what makes our institution s...

I am joined today by a close friend of mine and soon to be alumnus, Drew Thompson. Many of you may know Drew from his three year span as Editor-in-chief of The W&L Spectator. He certainly amassed quite the following from his devotion to Washington and Lee traditions, which is why I've asked him to join me today in a discussion on perhaps our university's richest tradition, the Honor System. Wa...

This series is all about our alma mater's unique heritage. Join us each episode as we discuss the critical characters and events that transformed a small Scots-Irish Academy into one of the premier institutions in America. Hear from alumni, students and professors as they share their experience and perspective on these moments. And most importantly, understand why we must instill current and futur...