The Write Team Podcast

Does a true leader ever really retire? In this heartfelt closing conversation on School House Rocks, host David Weaver sits down with Superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson to reflect on leadership, perseverance, and the desire to continue serving students—even after retirement. Dr. Gibson shares behind-the-scenes stories about secretly recruiting highly-touted football coach Claude Mathis to Marshall IS...

Should the Bible be taught in public schools? It's one of the most discussed—and most debated—issues facing education today. In this episode of School House Rocks, host David Weaver and retired superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson explore the intersection of faith, public education, constitutional rights, and school leadership. As committed Christians and experienced educators, both men share why they...

What does the future hold for public education in Texas? In this episode of School House Rocks, host David Weaver sits down with retired superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson for a candid conversation about the challenges facing today's public schools. From school choice and education savings accounts (ESAs) to district funding, property taxes, and the increasing pressure on school leaders, Dr. Gibson o...

What separates a good school district from a great one? Former Marshall ISD Superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson joins host David Weaver for an in-depth conversation about educational leadership, school improvement, and the philosophy that guided one of East Texas' most successful academic turnarounds. From his early days in ministry and coaching to leading school districts across Texas, Dr. Gibson sha...

Could NIL eventually reshape Texas high school athletics? On this segment from a recent episode of From The Press Box, David Weaver and Matt Paul discuss the growing possibility of name, image, and likeness agreements reaching high school sports—and why opening that door could permanently change the game. 🏈 High School NIL What current UIL rules allow Texas high school athletes to sign Why athlet...

Will new UIL practice regulations effectively tackle the heat in Texas? Football season is just around the corner —but before teams hit the field, there's a major rule change every coach, player, and parent needs to understand. 🏈☀️ In this segment of a recent episode of From The Press Box, David and Matt discuss the UIL's new mandatory heat safety protocols and how the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature...

Football season is almost here, and some of the biggest stories are happening off the field. 🏈 On this episode of From The Press Box, David and Matt discuss new UIL heat safety rules, the growing debate over NIL and transfers in Texas high school football, the SEC's future, and whether ESPN is entering a new era. 🏈 Texas High School Football New UIL heat safety rules take effect this season How...

Three-time Texas state champion coach Claude Mathis joins From The Press Box for an in-depth conversation about one of the most successful coaching careers in Texas high school football. 🏈 From Marshall to DeSoto, Coach Mathis reflects on the lessons, relationships, and culture that have defined his journey. 🏈 In this exclusive interview: Why returning to high school football was about family fi...

The countdown to football season continues, and the biggest stories are already making headlines. 🏈 On this segment from a recent episode of From The Press Box, David and Matt discuss Big 12 Media Days, the growing attention surrounding Texas Tech, and one of football's most difficult conversations—player safety. 🏈 Big 12 Media Days Why Big 12 Conference continues to dominate offseason headlines...

Why can't we just let pitchers pitch anymore? ⚾ On this segment of From The Press Box, the guys tackle two of baseball's hottest debates: the growing controversy surrounding MLB All-Star voting and whether pitch counts are preventing fans from witnessing history. ⭐ MLB All-Star Game Is fan voting still the best way to select All-Stars? Has the Midsummer Classic become more of a popularity contes...

The NBA offseason is delivering headlines—and one of the biggest stories isn't happening on the court this week. 🏀🔥 On this special segment from a recent episode of From The Press Box, David and Matt discuss Mark Cuban's lawsuit against the Dallas Mavericks' ownership group, debate LeBron James' future, and examine what's next for two of the NBA's most talked-about franchises. 🏀 Dallas Maverick...

The United States' World Cup journey has ended, but the conversation about the future of American soccer is just beginning. ⚽🌎 On this special segment of From The Press Box, David and Matt break down Team USA's loss to Belgium, examine why soccer still struggles to capture America's long-term attention, and preview the World Cup quarterfinals. ⚽ Team USA Breaking down the disappointing loss to...

The World Cup rolls on, NBA headlines continue to dominate, and football safety remains one of sports' biggest challenges. On this episode of From The Press Box, David Weaver and Matt Paul break down Team USA's exit from the FIFA World Cup, debate LeBron James' next move, discuss changes in Major League Baseball, and examine the latest concerns surrounding player safety in football. ⚽ World Cup T...

The NBA offseason is already making headlines, but first, we look back at an unforgettable Finals and what's next for some of the league's biggest franchises. 🏀🔥 On this segment of a recent episode From The Press Box, David and Matt discuss the New York Knicks championship run, the start of free agency, and why the Dallas Mavericks may finally be headed in the right direction. 🏆 NBA Finals Why...

Is East Texas football getting the recognition it deserves? 🏈 On this episode of From The Press Box, David and Matt examine one of the biggest questions heading into football season after the release of the latest Dave Campbell's Texas Football rankings. 🏈 Recruiting Discussion: Why do East Texas players make up just roughly three percent of the publication's Top 300 prospects? Has recruiting sh...

The FIFA World Cup has taken center stage, and even casual fans are getting caught up in the excitement. ⚽🌎 On this episode of From The Press Box, David Weaver and Matt Paul discuss why this year's tournament feels different, from the incredible fan atmosphere to Team USA's growing opportunity on the world stage. ⚽ World Cup Highlights: Why the World Cup has become the biggest event in sports T...

David and Matt are back from a busy summer break, as From The Press Box returns with a packed episode covering the biggest stories in sports—from the global stage to right here at home in East Texas. ⚽ FIFA World Cup Why the World Cup atmosphere has captivated America Team USA's path through the knockout round The unmatched passion of international soccer fans Why penalty kicks may be sports' mos...

What happens when a young man leaves his home in Sierra Leone, earns an education in the United States, and then returns to serve the very people he left behind? In this special episode of The Write Team Podcast, host David Weaver sits down in Baroma Village, Sierra Leone, with David Bondi, Country Director of the VRDUR Foundation. Bondi shares his remarkable journey from Sierra Leone to Odessa, T...

Pastor Olusegun Kolade is the founder of Watchmen Prophetic Missions International (WPMI), an organization whose goal is to touch of the lives of unreached people groups on the African continent. Since 2014, Pastor K and his team have seen over half a million souls accept Christ while also planting over 10,000 churches. Through missions, church planting, establishing Christian schools, training, a...

Today's episode of The Write Team Daily revisits the violent Pottawatomie Massacre of May 24, 1856, when abolitionist John Brown and his followers killed five pro-slavery settlers during the chaos of “Bleeding Kansas,” pushing America one step closer to the Civil War. Then, celebrate National Family Fun Day, revisit the publication of Mary Had a Little Lamb, the first telegraph message sent by Sam...

Today's episode of The Write Team Daily revisits the dramatic ambush that ended the violent crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde on May 23, 1934. The infamous outlaw couple became Depression-era legends through bank robberies, deadly shootouts, and one of the most famous manhunts in American history before their story ended on a rural Louisiana highway. Then, celebrate National Taffy Day, revisit Benja...

Postseason softball and baseball continue across East Texas—and football season is already creeping closer. ⚾🥎🏈🔥 On this episode of From The Press Box, David Weaver is joined by recruiting analyst Tristan Lundy to break down playoff action, recruiting news, and what’s ahead this summer. 🥎⚾ East Texas Playoffs: Hallsville Ladycats fighting back in the state semifinals Weather and scheduling c...

Today's episode of The Write Team Daily revisits the catastrophic Great Chilean Earthquake of May 22, 1960, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in human history. The massive quake and resulting tsunamis devastated communities across the Pacific and forever changed how nations monitor earthquakes and tsunami threats along the Ring of Fire. Then, celebrate National Vanilla Pudding Day, revisi...

Today's episode of The Write Team Daily revisits the historic solo transatlantic flight of Amelia Earhart on May 21, 1932, when the pioneering aviator battled storms, ice, exhaustion, and mechanical problems to become the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean—forever changing the image of women in aviation. Then, recognize National American Red Cross Day, celebrate National Strawberri...

he Western Conference Finals may already be an all-time classic. 🏀🔥 On this episode of From The Press Box, we break down the unforgettable double overtime thriller between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder — and why this matchup could define the NBA’s future. ⚡ Spurs vs. Thunder: Victor Wembanyama delivers a legendary performance Why this series may dominate the Western Conference...