Brentwood Academy Podcast

It’s important as we move forward, that we also honor the past. In this second installment of the Brentwood Academy podcast series, GUIDED BY HIS HAND, we share a special conversation between alumna Terri Bolden Ward from the Class of 1993 and founding Headmaster Mr. Bill Brown.  Hosted by alumna and former Middle School Director Nancy Brasher '73, Terri had the privilege of sitting down for a one-on-one with BA’s founding headmaster.

Ten acres, a dream, and a school… as we look ahead at what will undoubtedly be a historical year at Brentwood Academy, transitioning to new leadership after Curt Master’s retirement… we are honored to take a look back at our school’s rich history and the beautiful story of the Lord’s faithfulness to the BA family. In this first episode of our podcast series, GUIDED BY HIS HAND- Alum and former middle school director Nancy Brasher '73 narrates a special conversation between Mr. Masters and the school’s founding headmaster, Bill Brown. 

Join us for a conversation with BA soccer coaches JD Binger and Phil Masters recapping the recent US Men's National Team visit to campus. Hear about the incredible experience of hosting training camp for the USMNT, meeting heroes, and even a few fun interactions with our guests.

Join us for a conversation with Leroy Hyter, Jr., artist and friend of Christian Life Director Freddie Scott, as we discuss the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, the man who inspired one of Mr. Hyter's most influential works of art.We're glad you're here for this fascinating and important conversation.You can purchase the print of Frederick Douglass displayed in the video of this podcast for $40 (plus the cost of shipping) by emailing Mr. Hyter at [email protected].

Welcome to our final episode of this special series hosted by BA Headmaster Curt Masters, sharing more about Brentwood Academy’s Portrait of a Graduate.  Director of Athletics and Community Engagement Jason Mathews is in the studio for this episode, and along with Mr. Masters, they share more about our final trait- Problem Solver. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this series on the Brentwood Academy Portrait of a Graduate. In part five, Christian Life team member Linus Nguyen joins Mr. Masters as they talk about the trait of  “Christ-Follower.” 

Critical thinkers seek a deeper understanding, and that is one of the five character traits of Brentwood Academy’s Portrait of a Graduate. Today, Mr. Masters welcomes Upper School Director Andy Bradshaw to share more in episode # 4 of this special series.

This is part three of an important conversation about Brentwood Academy’s Portrait of a Graduate. In this episode, Middle School Director Jenny Cretin joins Headmaster Curt Masters as they talk about the ways Brentwood Academy faculty members develop a Thoughtful Communicator.

This is part two of our series on the Portrait of a Graduate. Mr. Masters welcomes school counselor Alyssa Hall as they share the first character trait of Brentwood Academy’s Portrait of Graduate- Resilient. 

Welcome to part one of a special series on this video edition of the Brentwood Academy podcast. We’re highlighting the implementation of Portrait of a Graduate at BA. Together, Headmaster Curt Masters and Dean of Academics Josh Davis share more about the concept, which incorporates five key characteristics of a Brentwood Academy graduate. These include resilient, critical thinker, thoughtful communicator, problem-solver, and Christ-follower.  In this series, Mr. Masters will feature BA faculty members who will share more about each of the five goals. Enjoy this introduction to Portrait of a Graduate.

Many Brentwood Academy alumni will tell you the Senior Theme Verse Retreat, which takes place each summer before the school year begins, is a highlight of their time at BA.  In this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear from Christian Life team member and senior chair Matt Brown ‘97 and seniors Bailey Elliott and Luke Gardner about this year’s retreat, how the senior theme verse was chosen, and more about the selected school-wide service project.

Get to know recently named Development Director Jason Powell.  Dr. Powell is a Brentwood Academy parent, a former faculty member, and has a heart for sharing the mission and ministry of Brentwood Academy.  Learn more about his perspective in this new role and some exciting growth ahead for BA!

Listen to the final installment of our BA Family Update for the 22-23 school year. In this episode we focus on Athletics at Brentwood Academy with Athletic Director Jason Matthews, Middle School Athletic Director Buddy Alexander, and new Head Varsity Football Coach & Assistant Athletic Director Jacob Gill. 

We've arrived at the seventh episode of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, in this final episode, as they focus on the art and discipline of celebration. We explore this somewhat surprising call and command on us as Believers and how this practice can shape our lives.  This important conversation is timely as Lent comes to an end and Easter, the greatest reason we could ever have to celebrate, draws near!Resource: "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster

In this episode, BA communication team member Jennifer Vickery Smith sits down with Andy Blackston and senior basketball team member Alec Rasmussen to discuss this year's state championship-winning season and to hear Andy's story of healing after a medical scare in the fall of 2022.

In part six of our Lent series podcast, we join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they dial in on the spiritual discipline of worship.  Is worship more than the designated, collective gathering of Sunday service, or a specific category of music? We'll examine this topic deeper and discuss what it means to live a life of worship as a Christian. 

Welcome to part five of our Lent series podcast, "Behold the Lamb." Join hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they unpack spiritual disciplines associated with this season. In this episode, they discuss the spiritual discipline of simplicity.  They provide an engaging commentary on a Christian approach to this practice that is so often only associated with Eastern spirituality or known as a pop-culture trend. 

Thanks for joining us for part four of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they focus on spiritual disciplines associated with this season. Today, they look at service and compassion. We'll explore how we engage in service as Believers, the "why" behind it, and what it truly means to live a life of compassion serving others.Resources:"Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster  

Join Brentwood Academy’s Dean of Academics Josh Davis, Middle School Director Jenny Cretin, Upper School Director Andy Bradshaw, and Director of Athletics Jason Mathews as they examine the student experience of rising Freshmen at BA. The transition from middle school to upper school holds many exciting opportunities and additional challenges for students as they mature into teenagers and young adults. In upper school, your student will experience more personal responsibility, increased academic expectations, as well as additional course offerings, athletic and extracurricular opportunities, and independence. These themes and more are discussed at length to help parents better anticipate and navigate the exciting journey ahead as part of the BA upper school family. 

We hope you enjoy the third part of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they focus on spiritual disciplines associated with this season. In this episode, they unpack prayer and meditation, how we approach both, and how we can cultivate a deeper and richer prayer life. Resource: "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster

This is the second part of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they focus on spiritual disciplines associated with this season. In this episode, they dive deep into confession and repentance as well as practical steps to strengthen both of these disciplines in your own life.Resource: "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster

Welcome to the first part of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they focus on spiritual disciplines associated with this season. In this episode, they introduce the season of Lent and discuss fasting, exploring the connection between them.Resource: "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster

Welcome back to the four-part BA Family Update series. This episode features academics at BA. Join us for a discussion led by Brentwood Academy faculty member and alumnus Matt Brown '97, Upper School Director Andy Bradshaw, Middle School Director Jenny Cretin, and Dean of Academics Josh Davis. We'll discuss what it means to foster "academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment" as we commit to  "nurturing and challenging each whole person – body, mind, and spirit– to the glory of God."

In this episode, we talk with school counselor Alyssa Hall who supports our students and teachers in a variety of ways.  We talk about her role as a resource for BA students and families, as well as tips to help you keep your student’s mindset healthy during this time of uncertainty.   

Class of 2015’s Dawson Knox completed his first season with the Buffalo Bills and sat down to talk with us about the role of faith and perseverance helped him beat the odds to be drafted to the NFL.

Fifteen years ago BA graduate Billy Ivey had the idea to leave personalized notes in his kids' lunch boxes which unexpectedly led to a positivity movement known as “Napkinisms.” "Attitude is everything. Today is not yet anything. Fill it with Laughter."  

In this episode of the Brentwood Academy podcast, we talk with BA graduate DeeAnn Hodge ’85.  DeeAnn has a heart for others that is truly inspiring - particularly her passion to pour into the lives of young girls. Hear how a simple idea of a back-yard camp turned into a ministry that has now served thousands of young girls in our community. DeeAnn will be one of the speakers at this year’s Christian Life Week (January 27-31) as we celebrate each decade of God’s faithfulness.  Enjoy this episode co-hosted by Hannah Holleman ’20.

In this episode we talk with one of the newer members of the BA faculty, math teacher and 11th grade chair, Paul Battaglia.  Our Dean of Academics, Jeff Bryant hosts this episode with Paul about his “EPIC” teaching methods and why his heart for his students is about so much more than what goes on inside the classroom.  Enjoy! 

In this edition of the BA Podcast we talk with respected athletic trainer, Alan Killingsworth. Alan shares how a special relationship with his son inspired him to work with students as well as more about the BA athletic training program, concussion protocol, and more. Also, hear from Lillie Hulgan ’20 as she helps co-host the episode!  

In addition to her job in medical sales, Brentwood Academy graduate India Way ’14 volunteers her time as the Chair of Programs and Education for the Tennessee Chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. In this edition of the BA podcast, India shares her passion for education and awareness as well as practical tips for parents and students. 

In this episode we sit down with Reid Besch ’13.  Diagnosed with Leukemia in January of 2018, Reid will inspire you with his positive outlook and faith-filled journey.  Hear how the BA family encouraged and supported Reid along the way and how he is choosing now to raise awareness and funds to help end blood cancers. bit.ly/teamreid

Becca Stevens is an author, speaker, social justice entrepreneur, and priest. She is the founder and president of Thistle Farms, a movement dedicated to supporting women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Becca has been named a White House "Champion of Change," a 2016 CNN Hero, and has been featured in the New York Times, on ABC World News and NPR. Her newest book, Love Heals, was published by Harper Collins in September of 2017.Becca will speaking at Brentwood Academy on April 11 at 7PM. RSVP for free online at https://www.brentwoodacademy.com/engage

25 years later, Curt Masters returns to mission field where his father was killed. He shares how the valley had been influenced by the word of God and how it changed. What it was like coming face to face with  members of the tribe he interacted with as a child, and how this experience has impacted his life today.

Anxiety is very real and on the rise among our children. Dr. Lauren King from Southeast Psych works with children and young adults, helping them work through their anxiety while navigating life. She talks about the increase in this condition, what things contribute to anxiety, and what we can do to help students work through anxiety in the classroom and in daily life.

Southern cuisine runs deep in the soul of Katie Horrell Jacobs '03, author of So Much To Celebrate, an inspiring guide to entertaining. Katie is a stylist, photographer, graphic designer and content contributor for Reese Witherspoon’s brand Draper James. Katie shares her family legacy of southern cuisine, her grandmother’s elegant touch and ordinary moments made special. She offers ideas and advice on how to manage the coming holiday gatherings and shares some of her own families traditions.