Trailblazer Talk - by Tolton Catholic Live

This week on Trailblazer Talk, Christopher Fiala interviews Mr. Beck about teaching theology at Tolton and helping students explore their faith in a deeper way. From breaking down Scripture to discussing the Resurrection, Mr. Beck shares what makes theology classes meaningful and how his own journey led him to the classroom. Along the way, the episode highlights the impact of student relationships, the role of humor in teaching, and what makes the Tolton community so welcoming.

Hosts Addison and Kiersten celebrate Grandparents Day at Father Tolton Catholic High School in this special episode of Trailblazer Talk. Featuring students Reese Windsor and Thomas Mullen alongside their grandparents, the conversation recaps a day filled with Mass, Spanish bingo, and a school-wide search for hidden tiny horses. The guests share highlights ranging from explosive chemistry experiments involving lithium to the kitchen’s legendary coconut cookies. Grandparents also contrast modern school life with the "old days," concluding with heartfelt wisdom for the next generation on faith, service, and the value of education

In this week’s episode of Trailblazer Talk, host Carly Samuel sits down with Mrs. Deiter to explore her unique path from a 23-year career in insurance and IT to becoming a teacher at Tolton. Mrs. Deiter shares how an unexpected opportunity led her into the classroom, how faith played a role in that journey, and what it’s like teaching high school after once struggling with stage fright. The conversation also dives into her passion for healthy living, gardening, and even sourdough baking, along with a powerful reflection on her experience with breast cancer and the strength she found in community.It’s a story about embracing change, trusting the process, and discovering purpose in places you never expected.

This week on Trailblazer Talk, we go behind the scenes with the students of Tolton Catholic Live.From live broadcasts and postgame interviews to podcast production, this group shares what it’s really like to bring Tolton athletics and activities to life. The team reflects on how they got involved, the skills they’ve developed, and some of their favorite moments along the way.It’s a powerful reminder of the opportunities available at Tolton—and the community that makes it all possible.

This week on Trailblazer Talk, we sit down with Tolton wrestling standout Chris Ankenman following his incredible achievement as a four-time state champion.Chris shares how years of offseason work, strong team culture, and faith shaped his journey to the top. He also reflects on the challenges he faced along the way, including injuries and the discipline required to compete at the highest level.In the second half, head coach Ross Rosenbaum joins us to break down the growth of Tolton’s wrestling program, recent team success, and what makes this group special. From building a team-first culture to developing young athletes, Coach Rosenbaum gives insight into what’s next for Tolton wrestling.

What does it take to bring a theater production to life at Father Tolton Catholic High School?In this episode of Trailblazer Talk, students Ascanio, Maggie, and Lucas discuss their roles in Tolton’s recent production of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. They talk about playing multiple characters, performing emotional scenes on stage, and navigating the unpredictable moments that come with live theater.The conversation also dives into how Tolton’s theater program chooses its plays, what tech week is really like, and the teamwork that happens both on stage and behind the scenes. If you’re curious about student theater, acting, or what it takes to put on a play, this episode gives you an inside look at the experience.

This week on Trailblazer Talk, we hear from Trailblazer athletes preparing for what comes next — and the lessons they’re taking with them beyond Tolton.Host Addison Drinkwitz talks with college-bound seniors Makaylin Viet, Ryan Deakins, and Max Keicher about choosing their schools, competing at the next level, and how Tolton’s coaches, teammates, and faith-centered environment helped shape them as athletes and leaders. From early-morning practices to championship memories, they reflect on the moments that defined their high school careers.In the second segment, Christopher Fiala sits down with Ella Ball, Austin Seidt, and Hollis Brooks, students helping grow newer athletic opportunities at Tolton through diving, boys volleyball, and swimming. They share how new programs are built, what it means to take initiative, and why community makes all the difference.

This week on Trailblazer Talk, hear two perspectives that reveal the heart of Tolton Catholic.Carly Samuel chats with office staff member and Tolton mom Mrs. Mullen about life behind the scenes, her son Thomas, her daughter Claire’s acceptance, and how faith has carried her family through difficult seasons.Then Christopher Fiala sits down with government teacher William Bloss, who shares wild stories from his time in the U.S. Capitol, how he found his calling to teach, and why he describes Tolton in one word: “soulful.”If you want to understand what makes Tolton more than just a school, this episode is a great place to start.

This week, Addison sits down with Tolton athletic trainer Bryce Roark to talk careers, injury prevention and what motivates him on a daily basis!

In this episode of Trailblazer Talk, host Addison Drinkwitz sits down with Mr. Scherrer, Father Tolton Catholic High School’s Dean of Academics, for a conversation that spans military service, education, faith, and storytelling.Mr. Scherrer shares how a 28-year career in Army intelligence shaped his leadership, what brought him from military academies to Tolton, and how he helps build schedules, programs, and pathways that set students up for success. He also dives into his work as an author, including his award-winning book on the Wooldridge fire and his latest release on Army intelligence in World War II.From volunteering with students in a devastated Missouri town to restoring WWII vehicles in his garage, this episode is full of stories that reveal the heart behind one of Tolton’s most fascinating leaders.

From AI-powered sports chants to raising eight tons of food, discover the high-energy culture that defines the Trailblazer experience. Student leader Aven Chievous shares his journey as an MC and director, while Mrs. Ashley Moore gives the inside scoop on admissions deadlines and why no student "falls through the cracks" at Tolton. It’s the "best of both worlds" where faith meets traditional high school fun.

In this special alumni episode of Trailblazer Talk, host Carly Samuel sits down with Tolton Catholic Live alumni Evan Sapp and Charlie Sample to reflect on their time at Father Tolton Catholic High School and how those experiences shaped their college paths.Evan and Charlie share behind-the-mic memories from TCL, talk candidly about transitioning to college life, and explain how hands-on media opportunities helped them discover careers in sport management and sports journalism. From covering Chiefs training camp and professional press conferences to navigating class sizes, campus life, and academic expectations, this conversation is packed with fun and insight.They also offer practical advice for current seniors on college visits, choosing a major, managing independence, and making the most of opportunities when they appear.Whether you’re a current Trailblazer, a future college student, or a proud Tolton alum, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the experiences that start in high school can blaze a trail much farther than you ever expected.

This week, Addison sits down with President and Principal Dr. Dan Everett, and Athletic Director Pat Kelly to talk about the Blazers Game-On! campaign to build out our outdoor athletics and activities facilities.

Anatomy teacher and Instructional Coach/Curriculum Coordinator Mrs. Copeland shares how Tolton supports new teachers, builds student-centered classrooms, and keeps faith at the core. We dig into the UDL mindset, the ESQ (executive skills questionnaire), and a science-of-learning framework that forms students in spirit, heart, mind, and body. Hosted by Addison Drinkitz.

Join Chris Fiala this week as he catches up with Mathletes Corryn Partise, McKenna Sleeth and Joe Whorley.

This week, Carly offers a preview of both the boys and girls basketball seasons with Coach Osborne and Coach Bradley.

Former nun. Radio host. World traveler. Now a math teacher at Tolton. In this episode, Mrs. Klein shares her remarkable journey from growing up in the Philippines to inspiring students through math, faith, and joy. Hosted by Carly Samuel.

This week, Addison visits with Mrs. Sasser, who shares her journey from cheer coach to college counselor, and Chris sits down with senior Lilly Royal to talk about balancing sports, school, and faith as a true Trailblazer.

This week, Addison and Chris visit with Carly, Austin and Makaylin to talk about the tennis, soccer and XC seasons, and what's to come in the playoffs.

This week, Addison sits down with Dr. Lynette Caro — veterinarian-turned-Spanish-teacher-turned-theology-teacher — whose journey from Puerto Rico to Tolton is guided by an unshakable faith. Discover how her calling has evolved, and how that faith continues to steer her path.

This week, Carly visits with Spanish teacher Ms. Maschmann and girls golfer Gabby Anderson.

This week, Addison goes in-depth with new Tolton science teacher, Mrs. Wilson and talks volleyball with three seniors on the team!

This week, Carly sits down with Coach Kiley, who has the Tennis team performing at a high level, and senior softball player Bella Trim, who recently recorded her 500th strikeout for Tolton!

Trailblazer Talk is back for season 2! To kick things off, Carly sits down with Tolton Athletics and Activities Director and Vice Principal, Pat Kelly.

For our final episode of the 2024-25 academic year, Evan sits down with Tolton Executive Council members Jentry, Lydia and Catherine for a behind-the-scenes look at student leadership at the school. *This is the final episode of Season 1 - the 2024-25 academic year at Tolton Catholic. Stay subscribed so you don't miss an episode when we return in the fall.

This week, Carly gets exclusive access to Tolton President and Principal, Dr. Dan Everett, to learn about his background, and his plans for Tolton!

This week, Carly and Addison talk sports and life with Tolton athletes Isaac (tennis) and Garrett (golf).

Join us this week as Kiersten sits down with Praise and Worship leader Haydee Cullen, with a bonus impromptu song at the end of the interview. Evan brings you up to speed on the latest with Tolton Athletics.

This week Addison catches up with Camera Baskett, Tolton Dean of Students, and learns about the experiences that have shaped her career in education, and what she loves most about working with students every day!

This week, Carly talks wellness with Outreach Counselor and Director of Accommodations, Mrs. Kemble and Evan explores the demands of being a two-sport athlete in the same season with Senior runner and soccer player, Madison Taylor.

This week, Carson sits down with three-time State Champion wrestler Chris Ankenman, and Carly goes in-depth with Tolton's art teacher, Mr. Lonnie Tapia!

This week, Evan invites Lucas, a senior on the Tolton baseball team, into the studio to catch up with him about this season, and what lies beyond. Carly sits down with Ms. Haley from the office to learn more about what goes on behind the glass, and about her incredible mission trips to Indonesia, then she surprises her with a pop quiz! Listen to see how she does!

This week, Carly surprises Scholar Bowl coach Mr. Henderson with a pop quiz, and Evan brings you up to date on boys and girls basketball and wrestling postseason activities.

This week, Carly goes in-depth with Blazer Girls coach Renee Hushoff, and Evan catches up with Tolton Catholic Live alumnus Charlie Sample, all the way from the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph.

This week, Addison and Robert get you caught up on all of the latest winter sports action, including updates about our state-bound programs! And later, Carly talks soccer, washers and facilities with Soccer Coach and facilities manager Brandon Russell.

This week, Evan sits down for an in-depth chat with senior boy's basketball player Blake Pingeton, and Kiersten provides a peek into the life of nationally ranked runner Elyse Wilmes.

This week, Evan sits down for an extended interview to discuss football, faith and life with head football coach Michael Egnew.

This week, Evan brings you inside the world of Tolton's outstanding in-house chef, Rachel Klosterman, and Addison sits down for a conversation with Mathlete Yanna.

This week, Kiersten makes her debut as a Trailblazer Talk host and interviews Tolton swimmer, Maddie. Evan answers listener questions.

This week, Evan and Carson update you on the state of winter athletics and activities, and Evan sits down with Boys Basketball Head Coach Jeremy Osborne.

This week, Carly and Evan invite Theology instructor Dr. Mark Hausam and Band Director Brian Parks to the studio for engaging discussions on each topic!

Trailbazer Talk returns to recap a busy winter break, and an opportunity to get to know new Admissions Director Ashley Moore!

Join Evan this week as he sits down with special guest Fr. Mike Coleman, Tolton's original Chaplain and No. 1 superfan! Happy New Year!

This week, Evan sits down for a relaxed and insightful roundtable discussion with Tolton student-athletes Dominik (Football), Bella (Softball) and John (Cross Country).

This week, Evan takes you deep inside Tolton Catholic's boys and girls basketball seasons, and wraps with an interview with Sadie, a multi-sport senior.

This week, Carly and Robert focus on the Tolton wrestling and swimming programs, and go in-depth with theater director Nathan Holtmeyer to discuss the upcoming production of 12 Angry Jurors.

This week, Evan and Carson preview the Tolton Trailblazers' winter 2024-25 sports and activities, and bring you part 2 of their interview with athletic director Pat Kelly.

This week, Evan and Carson recap the action-packed fall sports results, and provide part 1 of an interview with Tolton Athletic Director Pat Kelly.