PODCAST · education
The Spartan Life
by Joseph Castagna
The official podcast of Southern Lehigh High School, celebrating students, teachers, and the community!
Episodes
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Maggie Pavis and Mrs. Mooney
Flying solo--and suffering through the winter doldrums--Mr. Castagna hands the reins over to some of his Public Speaking students as seniors CHRISTIAN GORDON and TUCKER MACK give us a roving report on the boys basketball team (2:40), and senior CHARLES PROBST interviews senior dance team member...
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2022 Festivus Extravaganza!!!
On this year's Festivus episode, we feature package stories from Mr. Castagna's Public Speaking students as well as back-to-back teacher interviews! First up, SL's resident musicologist, COLBY MOONEY, leads an AIRING OF GRIEVANCES when he surveys students and staff about musical artists they…
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Elyse Paugh and Ms. Scoralik
After Mr. Castagna helps talk Mr. Haupt through his FALL FATIGUE (1:39), our hosts sit down with junior LEAH LAZUREK and sophomore MADELYN LOGHMANI to dissect season five of COBRA KAI (6:21). They then speak with senior powerlifter ELYSE PAUGH about how she found her way to the gym and how it's...
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Homecoming 2022: Avery Koser and Avery Tatasciore
Our Homecoming episode features candidates for the homecoming crown as well as appearances from staff members who will be actively involved in the annual pep rally. We first reiterate our call for musicians who can RE-RECORD OUR THEME SONG for us in the hope that we can find someone--anyone--who...
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A.J. Moncman and Mr. Joshua Miller
We're baaaaaaack!!! In our Season 5 premiere, Haupt and Castagna put the call out to listeners for a few brave souls willing to RECORD THEIR OWN VERSION of the new Spartan Life theme song (0:10). We then offer a TRIVIA QUESTION (1:46) related to that new theme song that's good for Spartan Life…
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Battle of the Bands Preview: The Bassments
In our final go-round with an act performing at this year's Battle of the Bands, we chat with The Bassments, the all-girl group who won the inaugural BOTB event last April. What have they been up to since their decisive victory last year? What changes have they made to their lineup? How prepared...
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Battle of the Bands Preview: Pitchblende
This week, your hosts chat with the members of Pitchblende as they prepare to perform at this year's Battle of the Bands on Thursday, April 28th. It's their second appearance at a Battle of the Bands event. Will their prior experience equal victory this time around? Find out when they take the...
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Battle of the Bands Preview: Lads of Kayos
Sit down with Castagna and Haupt as they discuss all things METAL with Lads of Kayos, one of the bands that will take the stage at The Spartan Life's 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands on Thursday, April 28th. Looking to buy tickets for BOTB??? Hit up one of the bands in the competition or stop by…
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Dr. Mahon
On this episode, Castagna and Haupt sit down with the district's new superintendent, Dr. Michael Mahon. Hear all about his long career in education, what drew him to Southern Lehigh, and the ambitious plans he has for the district.
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2021 Holiday Special
To liven up this holiday season, we’ve put together an hour or so of fun festivities that you can listen to while cozying up to the fireplace and sipping some hot cocoa. On this episode, we take you inside Habitat for Humanity’s Gingerbread House Building Contest, getting the skinny from Zoe Hess...
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Michael Vazquez
Follow along as Mr. Castagna is quite literally forced to interview senior Michael Vazquez. They grudgingly discuss Michael's hosting of the pep rally as well as the various SLHS "families" he's proud to call his own. They also touch upon Michael's plans for the future before Mr. Haupt makes a...
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Mr. Ben McConnell
This week, Haupt and Castagna chat with the school’s new Assistant Principal, Mr. Ben McConnell. Hear all about his many years at Allentown, his excitement about making the switch to Southern Lehigh, and whether or not any of his four kids have followed in his athletic footsteps. Spoiler alert on...
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The Frogger Experience
On a special episode of The Spartan Life, Mr. Haupt interviews Mr. Castagna about his rollicking adventure competing on the NBC Peacock TV show, Frogger! Hear all about Mr. Castagna's six week journey to fulfill a childhood dream, how he spent his two weeks of mandatory quarantine, what it was…
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Mr. Miller
Follow along as Castagna and Haupt sit down with the "new" FCS teacher, Mr. Matt Miller. He tells us about what inspired him to become a teacher many years ago, his long tenure as a Special Education teacher, and some of his fun new ideas for FCS. As he puts it: "It's not your grandmother's Home...
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Behind the Scenes of The Spartan Life w/ Aisha Durrani, Helena Munoz, Kayla Howie, and Michelle Li
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a guest on The Spartan Life? Before conducting formal interviews, we put each candidate through a screener interview to make sure the conversation will flow when the mics roll. In this episode, we take an inside look at screener interviews with four...
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Mr. Shaw
Follow along as Mr. Castagna sits down with Mr. Matthew Shaw, the latest addition to the SLHS English Department. Mr. Shaw tells us all about the high school's new Writing Center and his long career in ELA. Located in the Publications Lab, the Writing Center is a place students can go for general...
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The Spartan Life Presents Teacher Superlatives Award Show
The students have voted and the winners are in! Did your favorite teacher take home a prize? Tune in to The Spartan Life to find out! The visually-inclined can view this episode on the school's official YouTube channel.
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The Spartan Life Presents Battle of the Bands
Congratulations to Sarah Psaila, Ale Huaman, Addie Matsumura, and Andrea Keiper--the members of The Bassments--for winning last night's Battle of the Bands! This is an audio presentation of the full event. For the full visual experience, The Battle of the Bands is also streaming for FREE on the...
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Cliff Crosby
As a follow-up to his riveting presentation for the student body, we sit down with former NFL player Cliff Crosby to learn even more about how he overcame adversity to win a Super Bowl with the Rams and become a motivational speaker for the Caron Foundation. For the visually inclined, you can…
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"Running For Ralph": Cam Hines and Mr. Castagna
Mr. Haupt takes over hosting duties to interview Mr. Castagna and senior Cameron Hines about their collaboration on the LLS fundraiser, "Running For Ralph." The campaign was inspired by the death of Mr. Castagna's brother to lymphoma in September. If you'd like to donate to the cause or simply...
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Student Interviews: Ethan Crandall Presents Alec DiCesare
Up next in our series of student-led interviews, senior Ethan Crandall talks with senior Alec DiCesare about his background in track and cross country as well as his plans to continue running in college. Alec also shares the story of his "Bathroom Zoom" faux pas from the fall. This one's not to…
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The Spartan Life Student Interviews: Ava Scattergood Presents Sarah Psaila
In the first in a series of student-led interviews, senior Ava Scattergood talks with senior Sarah Psaila about her life in music. From her earliest influences to the band she's started with some of her classmates to her experience with marching band during quarantine to her plans for the future,...
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Ava Scattergood and Grant Neff
Hear all about the fall play, The Election, direct from the mouths of its co-leads, senior Ava Scattergood and junior Grant Neff. Find out what it was like filming a play while under quarantine, hear all about how Ava and Grant balanced the serious and the sophomoric in setting the tone for a...
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Mrs. Kelly
Mrs. Kelly stops by to tell us about her storied history in education, her decision NOT to retire before the 2020/2021 school year, and her advice for seniors applying to college. For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel:...
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Homecoming Episode w/ Jacob Paugh and Red Shelled Turtle
Senior Jacob Paugh co-hosts our Homecoming episode alongside Mr. Castagna. This episode was recorded live at the Homecoming streaming event, during which Jacob and Mr. C discussed mask and Zoom etiquette, weighed the odds on each Homecoming candidate, and engaged in an in-depth Q & A with Jacob's...
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Jona King
Get to know senior Jona King as he tells us all about his experience with Civil Air Patrol, his new auto detailing business, and what it was like to move to Center Valley from sunny California. For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel:...
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Bailey Seitz and Gabby Sisselberger
What has it been like pre-taping the morning announcements in a mask? We get the skinny from co-anchors Bailey Seitz and Gabby Sisselberger, who also share what it's been like preparing for the fall play, learning dance routines, navigating Zoom, and applying to college as seniors in the year…
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Ms. Ashleigh Albert
Join us as we sit down with new Special Education teacher Ms. Ashleigh Albert. She tells us all about her years studying journalism, her first job working for the Centennial School District, and her summer camping odyssey. Then she hangs around to take an ELA quiz! For the visually inclined, you...
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Marrissa Paar and Ava Godiska
In this episode, we're joined by seniors Marrissa Paar and Ava Godiska. They tell us all about managing the football team, getting the hang of fully remote learning, and making the most of their final year of high school. For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the...
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Mr. Kinslow
On this episode of The Spartan Life, we chat with new assistant principal Mr. Chad Kinslow. We cover his circuitous route to the Lehigh Valley, his goals as an administrator, and a few hobbies that keep him out and about in the community. If you haven't met Mr. Kinslow yet, this is the perfect…
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Streaming With The Spartan Life: Blinded By The Light w/ Mr. Hershey
Mr. Castagna is joined by Mr. Hershey to discuss the 2019 Bruce Springsteen-themed Pakistani-British coming-of-age story Blinded By The Light, currently streaming on HBO. From concert-going reminiscences to the deeper meanings of Springsteen lyrics to why students should give the film--and the...
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Streaming With The Spartan Life: Austin Powers International Man of Mystery
This time, Mr. Castagna and Mr. Haupt break down 1997's Austin Powers International Man of Mystery, currently streaming on Netflix. From Mike Myers' total lack of vanity (and shame) to the balance of social commentary and toilet humor, we cover it all. This episode might not quite be worth one...
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Streaming With The Spartan Life: Frozen 2 w/ Lorelai Castagna and Madelyn & Evelyn Haupt
This time, Haupt and Castagna are joined by their daughters to break down Frozen 2, currently streaming on Disney+. Together they confront the existential themes of the film, try to decipher what's been going on in the enchanted forest for the last 34 years, and discover whether or not turtles...
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Streaming With The Spartan Life: High School Musical w/ Mrs. Tocci
Since we're all stuck at home, The Spartan Life is going streaming! We'll be discussing popular movies available on major streaming platforms right now, so you can give them a watch and then listen as we take a deep analytical dive. Up first, Mrs. Tocci convinces Mr. Castagna to watch the 2006...
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Roman Lisicky and Ms. Selman
This week's episode is all about looking back at, and looking forward to, Normal Life. Prepare for a nostalgia blast as we take you behind the doors of Mr. Zacher's Cupcake Wars, talk MiniTHON and Mr. Spartan with Roman Lisicky, and get the story of St. Mary Jane's High School from Ms. Selman.…
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Lizzie Cacace and Mr. Gaugler
In a Rifle Team-centric episode, we attempt to clarify for the world exactly how the sport of Rifle works, chat with Lizzie Cacace about her stellar season "throwing lead down range," and hear Mr. Gaugler wax philosophic about Rifle, Dorney, and spending time in the great outdoors--all while...
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Brad Steigerwalt and Mrs. Dottery
Join us for another episode of The Spartan Life as we cover subdued news items going on around the school, chat with senior Brad Steigerwalt about the video game mods he designs and sells, and find out how Mrs. Dottery made the transition from a childhood in the Southwest to crushing it as a math...
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Emma Hobby and Mr. Breisch
In this installment of The Spartan Life, we share a student-produced segment detailing all the reasons you should sign up for MiniTHON, chat with Emma Hobby about the Spartan Ambassadors program, and sit down with Mr. Breisch to hear what it's like to be the school's Technology Coach. Have an…
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Michael Corrado and Mr. Zeisloft
In this installment of The Spartan Life, we take you behind the doors of the annual blood drive; talk to Michael Corrado about his band Misanthropes; and discuss teaching, style, and sports with Mr. Zeisloft. Have a suggestion for a story we should cover on the podcast? Drop us a line at...
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Emily Mackin & Hanna Ostrosky and Senora Imms
On our first episode of the new year, we feature a package story about concert-going produced by seniors Maria Corradini and Liz Swope. Then we touch base with Emily Mackin and Hanna Ostrosky, a pair of self-described "Yerds," to hear how the yearbook is coming along. Finally, we get up close and...
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BONUS EPISODE: Top 5 Star Wars Moments
With The Rise of Skywalker hitting theaters this week, we assembled the Nerds of the Round Table to countdown our lists of the Top 5 Star Wars Moments of all time! If you're a Star Wars fan, you won't want to miss a minute of our discussion with Anna Kim, Christian Piper, John Kachurak, Mr....
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Mackenzie Feight & Brianna West and Mrs. Bathgate
With the holidays fast approaching, we embrace the Festivus Feats of Strength with a package story about a rough and tough group of teachers taking part in Insanity Max workouts after school. Then, we discuss the Girls' Volleyball Team's successful season with Mackenzie Feight and Brianna West...
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Cam Fisher & Asher Smith and Ms. Kleppinger
On this episode of The Spartan Life, we start gearing up for the Thanksgiving break by sharing some "Holiday Thoughts" from around the community, talking with Cam Fisher and Asher Smith about the football team's record-breaking season, and bask in the nostalgia of a conversation with middle…
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Brielle Finkbeiner and A MYSTERY GUEST!
On the eve of the high school's production of You Can't Take it With You, we talk with one of the stars of the show, senior Brielle Finkbeiner! Then, we premiere a new segment called "Top 5" and count down our favorite Eric Church tunes with a super special mystery guest who hangs around for a…
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Leighann Phillips and Mr. Strong
On a "Very Special Episode" of The Spartan Life, we devote an hour and eight minutes to mental health awareness. Through interviews with senior Leighann Phillips and school psychologist Mr. Strong and a conversation about Feed My Starving Children, we explore the causes, experience, and treatment...
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Paige Grabusky and Officer McLaughlin
Join us as we cover news items, including Homecoming, the fall Pep Rally, and Feed My Starving Children; chat with Junior Paige Grabusky about her missionary work in Guatemala; and explore the life of a high school Resource Officer with O'Mac! Drop us a line: [email protected] Follow us on...
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LIVE From the MiniTHON 5K
On the first episode of The Spartan Life ever to be recorded LIVE, we take listeners to the MiniTHON 5K, fumble our way through news items, talk with Alex Lycette about his student film, "Seeing Purple," and share philosophies of life and teaching with the always entertaining Mr. Fay. Know the...
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Cameron Hines and Mrs. Kane
We're back! On the Season 2 Premiere of The Spartan Life, we send Mr. Haupt through the high school's new traffic circle, talk with Junior Class President Cameron Hines about his involvement in the TeenWorks Organization, and chat with Mrs. Kane about a BIG surprise! Wanna tell us how we're…
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Season 1 Finale!
On the final episode of our first season, we recap important news items from the last two months of school and sit down with the ever-quirky Mr. Dougherty. And then something very unexpected happens. Questions or comments about The Spartan Life? Email us at [email protected] Follow us on...
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The Art and Literature Club
On this episode of The Spartan Life, we feature the Art and Literature Club. Follow along as we bring you some of the life performances from their recent Coffee House; talk with Joy Fan and Lilly Nelson, who are getting ready to take the reigns of the club next year; and discuss the joys of...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The official podcast of Southern Lehigh High School, celebrating students, teachers, and the community!
HOSTED BY
Joseph Castagna
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Spartan Life have?
The Spartan Life currently has 70 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Spartan Life about?
The official podcast of Southern Lehigh High School, celebrating students, teachers, and the community!
How often does The Spartan Life release new episodes?
The Spartan Life has 70 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Spartan Life?
You can listen to The Spartan Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Spartan Life?
The Spartan Life is created and hosted by Joseph Castagna.
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