Northern Attitude

This week on Northern Attitude, Steven Zaccardo takes the helm for a special, intimate conversation. While Mitch is away, the 'heart' of the pod's mission takes center stage as Steven sits down with a very special guest: his mother.Together, they explore the complex architecture of human connection—from the spark of initial chemistry to the delicate importance of timing in lifelong relationships. In a world that often feels cold, they find warmth in discussing the restorative power of family and the unmatched joy found in the sound of a grandchild’s laughter. It’s a reminder that at the intersection of mental health and education lies the wisdom of those who raised us. Grab a coffee and join us for a conversation about the things that truly matter.

What if you could take everything you know now and walk back through the front doors of Webster Thomas? This week, Mitch and Steven are joined by Class of 2012 alumni Katie Epner, the Director of Video Production at WXXI.In a raw and nostalgic conversation, we peel back the layers of the "high school hierarchy" to discuss what really matters once the tassels are turned. From the weight of losing classmates to the evolution of local radio, Katie shares how her journey from Webster to the forefront of public broadcasting was paved less by a degree and more by the relentless practice of her craft.In this episode, we discuss:The "Cool Kid" Myth: Reframing our high school social structures through the lens of adulthood.Education vs. Practice: Why a college degree might get you the interview, but your "grit" and portfolio get you the job.Finding Clarity in Loss: A heartfelt look at how the death of classmates shaped our perspective on community and mental health.For the Love of Media: Katie’s transition into the world of WXXI and her enduring passion for the airwaves.The Rapid Fire: Favorite albums, Webster memories, and quick-hitting insights.Join us as we find some clarity in the cold.

In this episode, Steven and Mitch sit down with a true Webster Thomas blue blood: Dr. Chris Callahan, a student ('04 OG) and servant of the Thomas community for over a decadeChris’s journey isn’t just a career path; it’s a masterclass in growth and development. We trace his steps from D1 football fields and history lectures to the front lines of Special Education as a TA and teacher, eventually leading him to the Principal’s office and a Doctorate in Education.In this episode, we discuss:The Webster Roots: The Thomas experiences that molded him and shaped his future.The Educational Ladder: The transition from Special Ed TA to Building Principal.Mindset & Leadership: Navigating the space between stimulus and response.The Human Side: Balancing a high-level career with family and a sense of humor.It’s not all heavy lifting, though—expect plenty of laughs as we swap stories about the humor and fulfillment found in the daily grind, the importance of family, and the joy of being a DeWitt Road Panda Bear.Grab a coffee (black), get a workout in, and let’s grind our way towards some clarity.

What would Pam do? We get so many great answers to that classic question on this week's episode. Pamela shares her unique perspective on Webster Thomas and all of its interpersonal connections. The school secretaries are the first ones in and the last ones out every day, and have perhaps the greatest ability to observe and influence the whole building. This episode is brought to you by Ridge Donuts; grab some fritter and a coffee and let's find some clarity.

Steve and Mitch stroll down memory lane with the godfather of the podcast and the finest of fine arts educators Mr Todd Stahl. This episode is packed with origin stories, pedagogy(!) and core memories. Grab some coffee, a canvas, and some charcoal. Let's fail forwards towards some clarity in the cold.

Webster Thomas legend Joe Zaccardo chops it up with his brother and a starstruck fan boy. We discussed what the glory days were really like under the helmet(s), and the lessons he learned, from tee ball to the Carrier Dome, that he still carries around 20 years later. Grab some popcorn and prepare for goosebumps.

Mitch tries hosting solo with the other half of MEKK (Molly, Ella, Kate, and Kelly). Molly and Ella cut their teeth together on the ice for the Webster Lakers... Kate and Kelly did it for just as long, but performing on stage. We discuss how they process the emotions of big decisions, as well as what they've learned about themselves and how they've grown along the way. Grab a sugar-free baja blast and get comfortable!

A lifetime Warrior (and RL Thomas grad) Shawn Strege joins the pod for a deep dive into the class of '94 lore, sports & mental health, and some mindfulness-based stress reduction. Grab a hot coffee, because there are chills galore in this episode.

A Penguin and an Eagle take us through the birth and rise of the Webster Lakers ice hockey team. Buckle up for a bus ride with two student-athletes from opposite sides of the ridge who didn't just play a game—they made history. Join us as we sit down with members of the very first girls' varsity hockey team in Section V. Ella and Molly discuss the grit, joy, agony, and legacy of the first three seasons of the program.

Erika and the bearded ones dive deep into the compassion and unconditional love that resides at the core of an educator. We share mantras, mindsets, and Big Mike's movie moment. You should absolutely grab a coffee and get comfortable for this one. We love love and we love you!

Three-time Grammy nominee and founding father of the T-Birds, Dr Kyle Sackett joins the pod as the first ever guest on Northern Attitude. Kyle discusses the winding road that led him back to his alma mater 14 years after he graduated, and provides an oral history of the genesis of the Webster Thomas fan section. Before he leaves to go back to rehearsal, Dr Sackett shares his coaching style that he uses to get his performers ready for the bright lights of the big stage.

Steven and Michael introduce themselves (finally) and discuss the reaction to the first episode. They finish clarifying the vision for the pod and its name by getting into the conflict cycle and how to navigate it. Finally, they practice their interviewing skills on each other with a few deep and a handful of lighter questions. Forgive their northern attitude, they were raised out in the cold.

Steven and Michael introduce themselves and how they found their place in the profession. Then they dive into the purpose of the podcast, setting the stage for future guests and topics.