The Henry Puffer Podcast

On this week’s episode, we present a special two-part series featuring the 5th and 6th graders of the Henry Puffer Podcast Club. This year marks a bittersweet transition as we say goodbye not only to our 6th graders heading to middle school, but also to our 5th graders due to upcoming district school changes. Join us as students reflect on their experiences, favorite memories, and the friendships...

On this week’s episode, we present a special two-part series featuring the 5th and 6th graders of the Henry Puffer Podcast Club. This year marks a bittersweet transition as we say goodbye not only to our 6th graders heading to middle school, but also to our 5th graders due to upcoming district school changes. Join us as students reflect on their experiences, favorite memories, and the friendships...

Season 7, Episode 8 of the Henry Puffer Podcast features  Jack Stanton , the standout sophomore guard for Princeton Basketball from Downers Grove, Illinois. You might remember Jack 2023 podcast debut from his junior year at Downers Grove North, now he’s taking the Ivy League by storm with clutch shooting, lockdown defense, and game-changing performances. Last season, he poured in 17 points on 6-fo...

In this episode, our student-led podcast hosted by Claire along with Hunter, Rudy, Reagan W., Chase, Ben, and Emma B., and Lia sits down with Zoe McGrath, Director of Development at the West Suburban Humane Society. Zoe shares her journey into working in animal welfare, her passion for helping pets find loving homes, and what it’s really like to care for animals in need. From rescue and adoption s...

In this episode, our student-led podcast hosted by Claire along with Lily, Reagan P., Emma, Ben, Brooke, Lainey, Maddie, and Reagan W.sits down with  Janice Christensen , President of  Nora Fleming, Inc. , devoted mother, and  formerly of Downers Grove, now residing in Chicago and Florida . Janice shares her journey into leadership, the story behind the creation and growth of Nora Fleming, and wha...

In this episode, our podcast led by Hunter along with Emma, Sam, Ben, Claire, Lainey, Reagan P., Maddie, and Reagan W. sits down with Campbell Thulin, a junior at Downers Grove North and one of the most highly sought after recruits in the nation. With 17 Division I offers from elite programs including Harvard, Princeton, Penn State, and BYU, Campbell has made her mark as a standout both on and off...

Keri Petsche is the owner and driving force behind  Iced Custom Cookies by Keri , a successful small business specializing in beautifully decorated, custom cookies. With a passion for creativity and cookies, Keri has turned her love of baking into a thriving business. In Season 7, Episode 4 of the  Henry Puffer Podcast , we welcome Keri to share her journey, insights, and the sweet story behind he...

🎸 In Season 7, Episode 3 of the Henry Puffer Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Briley—a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Downers Grove, Illinois! Briley has been singing since she could talk and has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Joffrey Ballet, and at countless festivals, block parties, and open mic nights. She writes her own music, puts her unique spin on fan-favorite co...

🎻 In Season 7, Episode 2 of the Henry Puffer Podcast, we welcome the extraordinary violinist Tiffany Moore! Tiffany’s story is one of resilience and unwavering passion. What began as a dream has grown into a remarkable journey. From her early days as a young artist to performing for thousands and inspiring a devoted community of more than 87,000 followers on Instagram. Her determination and raw m...

Season 7, Episode 1 of The Henry Puffer Podcast kicks off with an inspiring conversation featuring Sam Alden, a seasoned marathon runner and endurance athlete whose journey spans continents and countless finish lines. Originally from Manchester, England , Sam has proudly represented her country on the international running stage. Now based in Aspen, Colorado , she’s built an extraordinary résumé,...

In Season 6, Episode 8 of the Henry Puffer Podcast, Jeff Zimmerman joins as a truly inspiring guest! Tune in as Jeff shares his journey as a renowned Chicago-based muralist, dives into the stories behind some of his most iconic large-scale works, and reflects on how art connects communities across the city. You won’t want to miss this colorful and creative episode! 🎙️ Join hosts Ryan, Hunter, Ella...

***Be sure to check out the episode when the podcast club interviews Matt Rodrigues of NBC Chicago Today. 🌟 Go Behind the Scenes with the Henry Puffer Podcast! 🌟 Get ready for a behind the scenes special episode where Matt Rodrigues sits down with the Henry Puffer Podcast crew for an unforgettable conversation. Expect plenty of laughs, a few tears, and some powerful lessons on the importance of...

For this special episode, a group of students came together to discuss social issues that kids face today. As the conversation unfolded, other club members chimed in, offering their insights and perspectives. It's a powerful dialogue that sheds light on important challenges young people experience. 🎙️Join hosts, Ryan, Leo, Jackson, Nathan, Julian, and Teddy. We’re excited to share these conver...

In Season 6, Episode 6 of the  Henry Puffer Podcast , Matthew Rodrigues joins as an extraordinary guest! Tune in as Matthew shares his incredible journey, offers behind-the-scenes insights into  Chicago Today , and talks about his love for Chicago. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss! 🎙️ Join hosts Ryan, Abby, Annabelle, Cole, Hunter, Ella, Zoey, Maddie, Samantha, and Lainey for an inspiring an...

Tune in to Season 6, Episode 8 of the  Henry Puffer Podcast  as we welcome Nicole Laha—Mrs. America 2022 and full-time Illinois State Representative for the 82nd District, serving portions of DuPage, Cook, and Will Counties. 🎙️ Nicole has dedicated her career to advocacy and public service. She previously served as a Village of Homer Glen Trustee (2021-2023) and co-founded the Village of Homer Gle...

In Season 6, Episode 7 of the Henry Puffer Podcast,  Ashley Sterba of Ms. Sterba's Kitchen  joins as an extraordinary guest! Tune in as Ashley shares her incredible journey, offers behind-the-scenes insights into her baking world, and talks about her passion for baking. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss! 🎙️ Join hosts Emma, Lia, Julian, Nathan, Annabelle, and Sam or an inspiring and exciting...

In  Season 6, Episode 5  of the Henry Puffer Podcast features an extraordinary guest:  Jude Warwick , the rising star shortstop for the  Detroit Tigers ! ⚾Before being drafted in 2024, Jude was a standout athlete at  Downers Grove North , where his passion for baseball and dedication to the sport set him apart. Originally committed to  Michigan State University , Jude made waves when he was selec...

In the fourth episode of Season 6, the Henry Puffer Podcast team is thrilled to welcome Andrew Kula, a talented journalism student from the University of Missouri (Mizzou). Andrew, who won the state title for journalism in 2022 as a student at Lemont High School, is now a sophomore at Mizzou. He continues to showcase his skills, working with KOMU 8 News and hosting  The Pulse  show on Facebook. Th...

In the third episode of Season 6, the  Henry Puffer Podcast  team is excited to host a remarkable local business owner:  Jennifer Larkin of Paper Peony  in Downers Grove, Illinois. Jennifer is the creative force behind this charming small business, specializing in beautifully crafted candles and an array of cute, thoughtful cards and gifts. With a passion for creativity and community, Jennifer’s s...

In the second episode of Season 6, the  Henry Puffer Podcast  team is thrilled to welcome a remarkable guest: Vicki McGrath of Vicki McGrath Art. With over two decades dedicated to her craft, Vicki has perfected a unique Modern Impressionistic style, known for its minimal brushstrokes and vibrant use of color, light, and shadow to create movement and depth. Her work, beloved by collectors worldwid...

In the highly anticipated Season 6 premiere of the  Henry Puffer Podcast , the team is thrilled to welcome a very special guest—Angie Conley, the standout #17 midfielder from the Notre Dame Lacrosse Team. As a freshman, Angie made an impressive impact, competing in 11 games for the Irish, where she tallied seven goals and five assists, amassing 12 points in the 2024 season. She finished second amo...

In Season 5, Episode 9 of the Henry Puffer Podcast, our team is thrilled to welcome Emily VanHoutan, Matthew Sirota, and Sydney Miller, seniors at Downers Grove North and talented members of the school's musical production, "The Little Mermaid." Join our hosts Cole, Brynn, Hunter, Lily, Sam, Lucy, Brooke, Ryan, Maddie, and Lainey as they dive into the fascinating world behind the sce...

In Season 5, Episode 8 of the Henry Puffer Podcast, The team will interview Ryan Gustis, a junior at Downers Grove North and the founder of the Backpack Project. Ryan, a cross country and track member, leads a mission to help those in need by providing backpacks filled with everyday essentials. Join hosts Ella, Abby, Zoey, Jax, Lainey, Maddie, Rohan, Anna, Lucy, Julian, Brynn, and Lily in this upc...

In Season 5, Episode 7of the Henry Puffer Podcast, The team will interview Brad Deel, a dedicated sports photographer and enthusiast known for giving his all in every shot, always delivering 110 percent. As a seasoned professional, he travels nationwide teaching photography and has collaborated with industry giants like Netflix and ESPN. Brad's dynamic style and passion for freezing sports moments...

In Season 5, Episode 6 of the Henry Puffer Podcast, The team will interview Estelle Czech from the University of Texas-Austin and Payton Janicki from Wagner College in New York—two exceptional college softball players and fierce competitors both on and off the field. Tune in to hear their inspiring journey, from being teammates at Downers Grove North to becoming standout players in collegiate soft...