NCWHS podCATS

Hosts Joe Burgess and Tim Franz catch up with Class of '17 alumn Glenn Kinley. Glenn is currently a sports broadcast/tv personality for WCIA in Champaign, Illinois. Don't miss this opportunity to see what Glenn has been up to.

Join us for a discussion about our parking lot and bathroom issues as well as talking with some of the major players in this Spring's Musical. Hosts Joe Burgess and Tim Franz are joined by freshmen Amelia Holmes and Carley Lange where we discuss some of the issues of locked bathrooms and parking lot issues before and after school. Tim Franz and guest host Cullen Matthews talk with the head musical sponsor Hillary Hines-Holl and students Jo Brown and Gabby Streily about the Spring 2026 Musical Chicago (the teen edition).

PodCATS Season 4, Episode 1 - Behind the StopwatchHosts - Joe Burgess, Tim FranzCo-Hosts - Mathia Atchison, Cooper FranzTopic - Are We Prepared for Life Beyond Normal West?Game - Snake Draft for "Things we wish we taught in high school"Guests:  Track Coaches Rici Brack and Greg Rogers

Check out this episode which discusses the Unit 5 Art Show hosted at Normal West. PodCATS Hosts Joe Burgess and Tim Franz interview Art Teacher Kailey Peterson and Normal West students Jasper Thomason and Natalie Sokulski talk about the Unit 5 Art Show and what it entails. The show is at Normal West on Tuesday, April 15th from 5-8 - don't miss the opportunity to learn more about it and come in on the 15th to see these impressive artists. The Art Show will feature art work from K-12 students from Unit 5.

Hosts Joe Burgess and Tim Franz are joined by Co-Hosts Benedicte Diamonika and Faithe Streily to talk about Spring Break, including what are plans are (were) for this Spring Break and what type of Spring Break destinations and activities make the most sense.

Host Joe Burgess interviews Laura Stephenson, Peg Modglin and Kristy Fairfield to talk about the Learning Resources department.  Topics include their backgrounds in education, the ever-changing regulations around special education, and the diversity in the Learning Resources department.  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about a very important department that supports so many teachers and students.

Hosts Joe Burgess and Tim Franz catch up with 2016 Normal West Grad Reganne Camp.  We discussed her time as a softball player for the Wildcats, which included a State Runner-Up finish and what teachers and coaches had a profound impact on her.  We also discussed her career at Amazon and what she is up to currently.  Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with West grad Reganne Camp.

Hosts Joe Burgess and Tim Franz catch up with 2022 Normal West Grad Paige Lemenager. We discussed her time at Normal West, including her involvement with FFA and Livestock judging. Paige then talked about what Livestock judging is like at the collegiate level, and finished with talking about her favorites West food, teachers and memories. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about what 2022 Paige Lemenager is up to lately!

Hosts Joe Burgess and Tim Franz catch up with 2016 Normal West Grad Kyler Stork. We discussed what his days were like at West, his college basketball days at Greenville and Eureka, and his days as a professional basketball player overseas. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with Kyler Stork!

Host Tim Franz interviews Social Studies teachers Tony Berardi, John Bierbaum and Jill Brody to find out more about why they became teachers, what they like about teaching Social Studies and what they would be doing if they weren’t teaching. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about a few of the outstanding teachers in the Social Studies Department.

Season 3 - Episode 12 - Music In Our Lives Co-Hosts Mazin Syed and Chris Bishop join Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz to talk about how music permeates our lives.  We talked about our favorite music, how music makes memories stand out, and other elements of music like concerts. 

Hosts Joe Burgess and Tim Franz catch up with 2021 Normal West Grad Corey Walker.  We discussed his transition from Western Michigan to WIsconsin, reflected on his playing days at Normal West, his most influential teachers and moments at West, and what lies ahead.  Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with Corey.

Co-Hosts Cooper Franz and Mathia Atchison join Mr. Franz and Mr. Burgess to talk about holiday traditions and what we typically do over the holiday break.  Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz reminisce about their holiday breaks as students, as well as some of the traditions they either long for or continue to uphold.  The podcast ends with a “Holiday Food Starting Lineup” where each host gives their top five holiday food/drink items.

Co-Hosts Cooper Temples and Tyler Hoss join Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz to recap most of the Fall Sports seasons.  The next session is an Extended Cut video which features Mr. Rumps asking Normal West students and staff about their Thanksgiving traditions, favorite foods, etc.  The podcast wraps up with a ranking of NFL teams into tiers.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to get to know some of the member of the Science Department and some of the courses that the Science Department offers.

Mr. Burgess interviews PE Teachers Chad Aubin, Curt Brown and Molly Sharer-Barbee and learns more about the life of a PE teacher. They discuss their educational upbringing, what led to them become a PE teacher, and dispels some of the PE Teacher Myths. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the PE department.

Co-Hosts Emma O’Brien and Julia Knuth join Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz to talk about Pop Culture and today’s trends and news.  They discussed Millie Bobby Brown’s recent wedding, the announcement of Suni Lee as Woman of the Year for Glamour Magazine, Dancing with the Stars tidbits, Mr. Franz’s resemblance with Will Byers of Stranger Things and plenty of other pop culture news.  Mr. Burgess then interviewed Dane Schlipmann, Lynn Southall and Ms. Barth to talk about the upcoming Fall Play, The Crucible. 

If you have had any experience or tie to Normal West, other than casually, you are NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS EPISODE! Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz have the unique opportunity to interview all Four of Normal West's principals, past and present. The Four take turns talking about memories of the opening of West and all the traditions and events along the way of our 30-year history. We end with "Wildcat Madness," a tournament-style bracket of the best traditions in Wildcat history.

Season 3 - Episode 3 Part 1 Celebrating West - Wall of Fame Inductees No Co-Hosts this week - just an opportunity to interview some legends at Normal West.  Part 1 is an interview with 2024 Wildcat Wall of Fame Inductees Mandy Garner (Class of 2001) and Drew (Andrew) Loy (Class of 2016).  Don’t miss this opportunity to find out more about these two very talented and well-deserving Wildcats and their journey from their Wildcat days to their current lives as extremely successful adults! Part 2 will drop in a few days and will include an interview with all 4 Normal West Principals.

Co-Hosts Benedicte Diamonika and Faithe Streily joined Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz to discuss Homecoming 2024, including some tips to help have the best experience at the dance, as well as other homecoming activities such as decorating, PowderPuff and the assembly. (0:00-15:03)  Next, Mr. Franz was joined by Senior Board advisors Sara Maynerich and Abby Primo and Senior Board President Bailey Vaux to talk about all of the planning that goes into Homecoming. (15:04-28:17)  The episode concluded with a bracket-style tournament of Homecoming Themes - listen and find out what theme won! (28:25-49:47)

What is an Interventionist? What do they do at West? Who are they? Find out the answer to these questions in the most recent installment to the PodCATS Department Spotlight.

Co-Hosts Cooper Franz and Evan Pattelli joined Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz to discuss what they were most looking forward to this school year (0:00-14:30).  Next, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz welcomed guests Leah Marlene, recording artist and Normal West grad, and Sara Williams, Choir Director at Normal West. Topics included Leah’s musical journey, including her time on American Idol and her impression left at West through the Respect 49 song, as well as where her career is headed (14:39-52:32). The podcast ends with a snake draft of “must haves” when camping and a brief audio clip of Respect 49. This is our longest podcast in PodCATS history, but is WELL WORTH the time to listen or watch! 

Co-hosts Natalie Nenne and Mallory Witzemann join the show for the final time to discuss several topics such as their most impactful classes and teachers and their favorite experiences from Normal West (0:00-9:48) . Next, MTSS Coordinator Rexie Lanier joins the show to talk about her teaching career and what she’ll be doing in retirement (9:49-30:27). We finish with a discussion about “Things we just don’t understand”. Help teachers! (30:28-54:01). Enjoy!

Don't miss this opportunity to get to know three members of the Normal West Math Department, including Mrs. Saal, Ms. Kraus and Mr. Hatzer.

Co-hosts Ben Jorczak and Zion Russell join the show to discuss several topics such as their future endeavors and  their most impactful classes and teachers (0:00-12:18) . Next, we are joined by Normal West Assistant Principal, Mr. Gliege to discuss his time at West and his future in education (12:19-36:36). We finish with a sports game called “Start, bench, cut” (36:37-54:19). Enjoy!

Please don't miss this opportunity to find out more about the Foreign Language Department and teachers Frau Higby, Senora Galvan and Madame Klieber.

Co-hosts Corinna Thomas and Sofi Benitez join the show to discuss several topics such as the eclipse, how they prepared for the SAT and our thoughts on cell phones in the classroom (0:00 - 23:14). Next, we interview Mrs. Karen Shaw, Seth Meyer and Faith Streily to discuss the upcoming Spring Musical, Shrek. (23:24 - 44:17).  We end the podcast with  “Random Trivia”. (44:28 - 59:36) Enjoy!

This week's department spotlight is with the Family and Consumer Sciences department. We are joined by Mrs. Lehr, Mrs. Suddarth and Mrs. Webster.  Take a listen and get to know more about how they became teachers, what they love about teaching Family and Consumer Sciences and what their hobbies are outside of school! Enjoy!

This week's department spotlight is with the English department. We are joined by Mrs. Gerard, Mrs. Mackinson and Mr. Kroesch.  Take a listen and get to know more about how they became teachers, what they love about teaching English and what their hobbies are outside of school! Enjoy!

Co-hosts Mallory Witzemann and Natalie Nenne  join the show to discuss all the clubs at NCWHS we have available, how to join them, and how to start one (0:00 - 13:04). Next, we interview Mrs. Natalie Spath, Voltaire Grant, and Leah Smolen to discuss the return of The Paw Print (13:10 - 34:26).  We end the podcast with a “Spring Trivia” and talk a lot about flowers! (34:32 - 48:36) Enjoy!

In this Department Spotlight, we interview Art teacher Ali Acuyz, Julie Hinman and Kailey Peterson. Don't miss this opportunity to get to know more about the Art Department, its teachers and what the department has to offer.

Co-hosts Zion Russell and Ben Jorczak  join the show to discuss how they’re dealing with senioritis and give their perspectives on it (0:00 - 9:22). Next, we have a friendly competition that revolves around the Super Bowl props and make our predictions for the big game (9:32-18:50).  Next, we interview cheer coaches Anna Peterson and Lily Givens along with Bode Reed, Charli Wright and Lindsey Stoewer to discuss their state cheer competition (18:59-37:52).  We end the podcast by having a draft of our most necessary apps if we were stranded on a desert island (38:00-52:04). Enjoy! Special thanks to Evan Pattelli and Cooper Franz for their work as Producer and Sound Engineer!

Every other week, on weeks that the traditional podCATS podcast is not dropped, we will spotlight one or two departments at Normal West. In these spotlights we will get to know some of the teachers, courses, and other important elements of that department. We are starting with the Business Department and are interviewing Mrs. Maynerich, Mr. Matthews and Mr. Piepenbrink. We hope you enjoy these spotlights!

Ms. Angie Codron, Ms. Becky Frangella, E-Learning Discussion and Pet Peeves Co-hosts Corinna Thomas and Sofi Benitez join the show to discuss what they like and dislike about e-learning (0:00 - 14:37). Next, we are joined by our Principal Ms. Angie Codron and our Associate Principal, Ms. Becky Frangella to talk about their new roles at West and get to know them a little bit more (14:50 - 40:51).  We then finish with a discussion about our biggest pet peeves. 

Co-hosts Natalie Nenne and Mallory Witzemann join the show to discuss growing up and what they notice about their transition into adulthood. (0:00 - 16:44). Next, we are joined by former Normal West Principal, Dave Johnson, to see how he is doing in his new role as Superintendent at Fieldcrest and find out what he misses about West (16:53-31:26).  We then finish with a game of “Disney Trivia” (31:35-43:00). Enjoy!

New co-hosts Ben Jorczak and Zion Russell join the show to discuss school safety within the building. (0:00 - 19:12). Next, we are joined by Officer Cowley to discuss the school safety issue from his perspective and he gives important advice(19:20 - 37:10).  Mr. Burgess is then joined by Zion, Ben and Mr. Matthews to play some generational trivia. Who will come out on top? (37:20 - 49:39).

Sofi Benitez and Corinna Thomas join the show and discuss what it’s like to be a senior and how it’s different from last year (0:00 - 21:28). Next, we are joined by Coach Mueller, Ellie Rink and Reanne Cupples to discuss their super successful year so far (21:29-36:55).  The crew finishes up having a “favorite things about fall” draft. (36:56-49:18).

Natalie Nenne, Mallory Witzemann, and Mrs. Maynerich join the show for the 1st time and discuss how Homecoming went and what they enjoyed most.  The group also discusses their take on the Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift “relationship” (0:00 - 14:14). Next, Mr. Franz is joined by Trey Frost and Sam Beirne to discuss their experiences as Homecoming Royalty and what it meant to them. (14:25-23:00).  The crew finishes up with a game called “finish the lyric” (23:05-28:44).

One this weeks episode we take a little behind the scenes interview with our producer and editor Carter Brown as well as music producer TJ Kelley. (0:00 - 12:09) Then we are joined by Miss Amy Copple and Lisa Tomlin to reflect on old times, say goodbye and wish them luck in their retirement, (12:19 - 46:57) finally we wrap things up by saying good bye to you all as this is the final Episode of season one. (47:37 - END) This has been a wonderful experience and I'm extremely touched that so many of you listened to our stupid little podcast, really it means the world to not only me but to every member of the crew. I hope you'll join us next year for more goofy games, interesting interviews, and foolish facts. Until next time, remember it's a great day to be a wildcat! ~ Carter Brown, Class of 2023

On this weeks episode we are joined by Ian Jirk , Ashlyn Hicks & Sydney Sennett to reflect on the time spent and highschool and give some advice to the upcoming freshmen. Next we welcome on the two school psychologists, Kim Wilson and Lauren Goveia to talk about mental health. Make sure to tune in next week for the final episode of this season and of the school year!

On this weeks episode we’re joined by Sofi Benitez and Corinna Thomas to talk about news happening around the school(0:00 - 11:48) We’re then joined by Mrs. Ruff to discuss the prom planning process and the challenges involved with organizing such a big event. (12:02 - 18:50 stamp) Finally, We wrap up by playing a jeopardy style game and guessing fun facts with various degrees of confidence. (19:00 - end)

Ian Jirik joins the show to discuss spring break and how students can keep their minds sharp over break as well as minimize “senioritis” (0:00 - 12:56). Next, Mr. Burgess is joined by head softball coach April Schermann and senior Katie Poehlman to discuss their expectations for the softball season (13:01 - 30:39). Following that, Mr. Franz and Mrs. Maynerich interview Sara Williams and Seth Meyer to discuss the jazz voice and their contributions to the Normal West Music Program (30:45 - 45:59). The crew finishes up with a “favorite things about spring” draft. Enjoy!

Our two new co-hosts, Tyler Piazza and Jack Rood join the show to discuss their plans after high school along with a quick discussion about the upcoming referendum (0:00 - 13:32). Next, Mr. Matthews & Mr. Burgess are joined by  Amaya Hursey to discuss her involvement as President of Black Student Union, “Not in Our School”, and Promise Council  (13:43 - 27:51). Lastly, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Franz, Tyler & Jack do a “draft” of their favorite teachers they have had throughout their time at Normal West(28:01-42:38).  Enjoy!

Ashlyn Hicks co-hosts the podcast with Mr. Franz and Mr. Burgess to go through “Celebrating the Cats” and all the accomplishments that have occurred the last month (0:00 - 9.00). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Kevin Pascal to discuss his battle with cancer and what the donation money has meant to him (9:10 - 19:54). Also, Mr. Franz and Mr. Burgess are joined by the 2023 King of Hearts, Jayden Mangruem as well as Sydney Young to discuss how the competition went (20:04 - 35:16). Lastly, Mr. Burgess & Mr. Franz are joined by Mr. Piepenbrink and Ashlyn to discuss “Things that they are Elite at” (35:26 -50:59).  Enjoy!

Ian Jirk and Mallory Witzemann, join the podcast as co-hosts to discuss why more people should join school clubs and activities (0:00 - 9:12). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Mrs. Condron to discuss her current job as an assistant principle and her promotion to principle next year (9:18 - 25:21)  Lastly, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Franz, Ian & Mallory have a very lively conversation about some their own most embarrassing moments (25:28 - 36:55)

Sofi Benitez & Corinna Thomas join the podcast as co-hosts to discuss what ultimately makes a good teacher in their eyes (0:00 - 14:07). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Mr. Rumps and Josue Rojas to discuss how the boxing club got started and why it has been so impactful to those in it (14:17 - 35:00). Lastly, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Franz, Sofi & Corinna draft and debate the best winter activities (35:09 - 51:56)

Sydney Sennett & Ashlyn Hicks join the podcast as co-hosts to talk about their senioritis with Mr. Franz and Mr. Burgess (0:00 -3:42). Next, Mr. Piepenbrink & Mr. Burgess are joined by Mr. Klokkenga and Braelyn Sauder to discuss what the Freshman Mentoring Program means to them (3:51 - 19:11). Lastly, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Franz, Sydney & Ashlyn discuss their thoughts on the recent changes with snow days, course selection (19:21 - 32:04) and they finish with a game of “this or that” (32:14 - 47:09) Enjoy!

Mallory Witzemann and Sofi Benitez join the podcast as co-hosts to talk about their thoughts on finals with Mr. Burgess and Mr. Franz (0:00 -12:13). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Coach Hafermann and Kylen Smith to discuss the big Intercity basketball win and the upcoming season (12:23 - 33:36). Then, Mr. Matthews and Mr. Piepenbrink are joined by Coach Dunn, Meredith Bertsche and Ashley Wilcox to discuss the girls basketball season (33:47 - 43:34). The crew finishes up with a little holiday trivia! (43:45 - 1:00:52) Enjoy!

Ian Jirik & Corinna Thomas join the podcast as co-hosts to talk about what went on at West last week and what you have to look forward to next week throughout the school (0:00 - 3:40). Next, Mr. Franz & Mr. Burgess are joined by Mrs. Traci Verdrey to discuss her Channel 25 award as well as her Thanksgiving favorites and recommendations (3:50 - 18:04). Mr. Burgess, Mrs. Maynerich & Mallory Witzeman are then joined by Mr. Corey Ostling to discuss recommendations on life after high school and how to prepare (18:14 - 37:59). The crew finishes up by discussing all things related to Thanksgiving in light of the upcoming break! (38:09 - 1:04:36) Enjoy!

Ashlyn Hicks & Sydney Sennett join the podcast as co-hosts to talk about what went on at West last week and what you have to look forward to next week throughout the school (0:00 - 5:21). Next, Ian Jirk and Mr. Brady Piepenbrink are joined by Officer Charles Cowley to discuss his time as a resource officer at Normal West (5:33 - 20:03). Mr. Matthews & Mr. Franz are then joined by Marnie Howard & Coach Maggie Root to discuss her upcoming state meet as well as her swimming/diving career (20:15 - 34:55). The crew finishes up by discussing youth sports and the transition to high school/college athletics and Ashlyn & Sydney give some advice to younger athletes (35:05 - 47:59).  Lastly, they all list some things which they hate that most people love (48:10 - 59:40) Enjoy!