The Woodberry Podcast

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey welcomes Julia Hixson, Associate Director of College Counseling and incoming Director of College Counseling at Woodberry Forest School.Julia brings a wealth of experience to her role, having led college advising at The Covenant School, her alma mater, and previously worked with students at the Miller School of Albemarle and Charleston Catholic. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington and Wake Forest University, Julia has dedicated her career to helping students navigate one of the most important transitions in their academic journeys.Byron and Julia discuss her path to Woodberry, her philosophy on college counseling, and what excites her about stepping into this new leadership role. They also explore her upbringing, personal interests, and the relationships that shape her work with students and families.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey welcomes Jason Ramsden, host of This Empty Nest Life, for a thoughtful conversation about one of parenting’s most significant transitions.As children take their next big steps, heading off to college, boarding school, or into independence, parents are often left navigating a new and unfamiliar season. Byron and Jason explore the emotional dynamics of becoming an empty nester, offering practical advice on how to process the change, maintain strong relationships, and build healthy habits in this next chapter of life.Drawing on his work as a coach and podcast host, Jason shares insights on finding purpose beyond parenting, staying connected without overreaching, and embracing the opportunities that come with change.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey reconnects with Colin Gay ’93, Woodberry alumnus and longtime faculty member. After graduating from Woodberry, Colin returned to the Forest to teach, serving the school for 19 years before wrapping up his time on the faculty in 2022. He now works at GovSmart, Inc., while continuing to pursue meaningful challenges beyond his career. Byron and Colin reflect on Colin’s life path, his years teaching and mentoring boys at Woodberry, and the lessons that emerged from nearly two decades on campus. The conversation also turns to Colin’s remarkable personal goal: a quest to ride his bike 10,000 days in a row. Colin shares what the streak represents, how it has shaped his discipline and perspective, and why daily commitments—big or small—can become anchors in a meaningful life.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey is joined by Sean Harvey, founder of the Warrior Compassion Institute and a men’s engagement strategist whose work focuses on purpose, healing, and authentic connection.Byron and Sean explore how Sean’s work with men, helping them confront deeper questions of identity, meaning, and belonging, aligns closely with Woodberry Forest’s mission of knowing, challenging, and loving the boys in our care. Sean shares what he has learned from working with adult men who are seeking clarity and wholeness later in life, and why intentional formation during adolescence matters so deeply.Together, they reflect on the cultural divides that fragment our world and discuss how compassion, accountability, and honest conversation can help foster healthier individuals and stronger communities. This episode offers a powerful perspective on what it means to raise young men prepared not just for success, but for meaningful lives.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with renowned author and psychologist Dr. Michael C. Reichert to explore the development and education of boys in today’s world. Dr. Reichert is an applied and research psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with children, families, and schools across clinical, community, and educational settings. He serves as Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania and has consulted and spoken globally on effective practices in boys’ education.Byron and Dr. Reichert discuss the path that led him to his vital work—blending research, clinical practice, and advocacy—and unpack key ideas about how boys learn, grow, and thrive in relational environments. They dive deep into topics from Dr. Reichert’s influential writings, including Reaching Boys, Teaching Boys, and How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men, discussing the importance of emotional literacy, supportive relationships, and reimagining traditional notions of masculinity in education.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey is joined by Janney Jay, mother of Morgan Jay ’25, for a conversation about one family's journey through a Woodberry education. Janney shares what led the Jay family to choose Woodberry Forest School and reflects on how the experience has shaped Morgan’s growth along the way.Byron and Janney also discuss the strength and reach of the Woodberry parent network and how it brings together families from all walks of life and from around the world, united by shared values and a deep commitment to their sons and the school.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Wil Brawley '92, entrepreneur, proud alumnus, and longtime friend of the school. As the co-owner of ScheduleFly, Wil has built a successful business rooted in service and relationships, values that trace back to his time at Woodberry.Byron and Wil reflect on Will’s journey from his early days as a Woodberry sports camper to his years as a student and now as a dedicated alumnus. Together, they explore the enduring strength of the Woodberry bond, how the school’s focus on honor, humility, and brotherhood continues to shape its graduates and inspire their lifelong connection to the community.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Dr. Tiff Jones, founder and owner of X-Factor Performance Consulting and a Certified Mental Performance Coach. With more than two decades of experience working with professional, collegiate, and youth athletes, Dr. Tiff helps individuals and teams reach their highest potential, both in competition and in life.Byron and Dr. Tiff discuss the power of mindset and mental skills training in shaping performance, resilience, and leadership. They also explore her holistic approach, which blends behavioral profiling and Chopra-certified practices in health, meditation, and well-being. Dr. Tiff shares how these techniques are transforming not just sports, but also the corporate and educational worlds.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes John Gulla, Executive Director of the Edward E. Ford Foundation, for a wide-ranging discussion on the forces shaping secondary education today.Together, Byron and John explore the broader trends influencing independent middle and high schools, from shifting demographics and financial models to questions of access, equity, and innovation. With years of experience leading and supporting schools across the country, John offers thoughtful insights into both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for independent education.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Harry Lavant, an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor, for a timely discussion on the rapidly evolving world of sports gambling.Together, Byron and Harry explore how the expansion of legalized sports betting is shaping culture, the unique risks it poses for young people, and the challenges parents and educators face in addressing it. They also brainstorm strategies for fostering awareness and ensuring that communities approach gambling responsibly in the years ahead.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with a very special guest, his daughter, Claire Hulsey. A rising senior at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, Claire reflects on her own educational journey while sharing what it was like to grow up on the Woodberry campus as the daughter of a headmaster.Byron and Claire talk candidly about the unique perspective that comes with being part of the Woodberry community from childhood, the lessons Claire has carried with her to St. Andrew’s, and the ways her path has been shaped by both family and school life.

In this special episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Dylan Walmsley ’19 and his mother, Kathy Walmsley, for a heartfelt conversation about the impact of a Woodberry education on both students and their families.Kathy shares an honest and thoughtful perspective on what it was like to send both of her sons to boarding school, the hopes and hesitations that came with that decision, and how the Woodberry experience shaped their family’s journey. Dylan, now pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at UC San Diego after graduating from Washington & Lee, reflects on how his time at Woodberry influenced his worldview, character, and pursuit of purpose.Together, they explore the lasting value of a Woodberry education, the growth it fosters, and the ways it prepares young men to lead lives of integrity, curiosity, and impact.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey sits down with Morgan Jay, a standout member of the Class of 2025 from Alexandria, Virginia. A prefect, cross country runner, and all-around contributor to campus life, Morgan reflects on his time at Woodberry and the moments that shaped his growth, both as a student and a young man. As he looks ahead to Harvard, Morgan shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of his Woodberry journey, the lessons he’s taking with him, and even has a little fun with a few spot-on faculty impersonations.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with Dr. Jeffrey R. Quebec, an experienced educator and founder of the Pre-Prep Showcase. With decades of leadership in independent school education, Dr. Quebec offers unique insight into the evolving landscape of boarding schools.Byron and Jeff dive into the current trends shaping the boarding school world, from shifting demographics to the rising demand for character-based education. They explore why families continue to choose boarding school experiences and how schools can better connect with mission-fit families. Dr. Quebec also shares more about his new podcast, Why Boarding School.

Wright Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN and a contributing writer to The Atlantic. He formerly worked at The Kansas City Star and the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Thompson's topics have covered a wide range of sports issues, from golf, football, basketball, and baseball, to car racing, sports history, and bullfighting. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Pappyland and The Cost of These Dreams. His most recent book, The Barn, explores the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. Thompson lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his family.

Paul Cumbo is an educator, author, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience teaching English at Jesuit high schools for boys. He was a rowing coach for much of that time, and he has also served as a swimming coach, retreat director, and service-learning coordinator. He currently teaches part-time at Canisius High School in downtown Buffalo, NY. Paul is the author of five books, including two novels. His most recent work, A Path to Manhood: Encouragement and Advice for Young Men, was published in February 2025.https://www.paulcumbo.com/

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with Larry Washington, a valued member of Woodberry’s transportation department. With an extensive and fascinating career history, Larry brings a unique perspective to life at Woodberry, both on and off the road.Byron and Larry talk about his wide-ranging professional journey, what drew him to Woodberry, and the meaningful connections he’s built while driving students, faculty, and teams to their destinations. Larry also reflects on what makes the Woodberry community special and why his role is about so much more than transportation.

Tom Batty is the executive director of the International Boys School Coalition. Tom has spent thirty-two years working in boys schools as both a math teacher (at schools such as Eton College in the UK and Waverley College in Australia) and principal of Scotch College in Melbourne. Tom joined the board of IBSC in 2012, and served as chair from 2018-2021, before being named executive director in 2022.

Ben Hulsey ’22 is the son of Headmaster Byron Hulsey ’86. Currently a junior at Washington & Lee University, Ben was the senior prefect at Woodberry, where he was also on the track and cross country teams, served on the Oracle staff, and participated in the Woodberry-in-Spain trip. Ben spent several summers working on the Woodberry maintenance crew and is serving as a class volunteer.

Tom Darden '73 is the founder and chief executive officer of Cherokee, a Raleigh-based company that builds environmental technology businesses and remediates environmentally contaminated real estate. Tom began his career with Bain & Company in Boston, working with Bain from 1981 to 1984. Beginning in 1984, he served for 16 years as the chairman of Cherokee Sanford Group, the largest private brick manufacturing company in the United States and previously the Southeast’s largest soil remediation company. Tom earned a BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar, a Master in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a JD from Yale Law School.

Danielle Coon is the manager of Woodberry's school store, a position she has held since 2022. She has more than seventeen years of progressive experience with retailer American Eagle Outfitters, where she was an award-winning lead store manager. Danielle has extensive expertise in brick and mortar stores, online sales, and visual directives.

Ted Blain came to Woodberry Forest in 1982, where five years later he became chairman of the English Department, a position that he held for more than 30 years. During his tenure at Woodberry, he held the Rufus W. Higginbotham Mastership, 1984-87; the James C. Ambler Chair of English, 1987-2020; and won the George O'Connor Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 1990, 2002, and 2011. Ted is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and holds a graduate degree from the University of Virginia.

Dr. John P.N. Austin became Deerfield Academy’s 56th Head of School in July of 2019. Prior to Deerfield, Dr. Austin served as Headmaster at King’s Academy in Madaba, Jordan, and before that as Academic Dean at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, where he joined the faculty in 1987.A graduate of Williams College, Dr. Austin holds a Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Doctoral degrees in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University, along with a Master’s degree from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College.via Deerfield.edu

Frazier Stowers ’04 serves as the co-dean of students for the 3rd and 4th forms and director of Woodberry Forest Sports Camp. Frazier has a long-standing relationship with the Sports Camp, having attended as a boy in the late ’90s, later serving as a counselor and assistant director from 2005 to 2015, and then co-director in 2017 when the camp celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Frazier’s appointment as director in 2024 marks an exciting moment and a journey coming full circle. Byron and Frazier sat down to reflect on how Sports Camp went this summer.

Closing out the 2023-2024 school year, Headmaster Byron Hulsey ’86 sits down with senior prefect Mike Guevara Miranda to discuss his time at Woodberry. Mike is from Mexico City and came to Woodberry as a fourth former in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike’s leadership potential was immediately obvious, so it came as no surprise when he was named a prefect going into his sixth-form year. He also achieved an even greater accomplishment, being voted senior prefect by his peers, the first international student to be named to that position in the long history of the school. As a scholar, a leader, and a respected classmate, Mike left an indelible mark on Woodberry. He will attend Rice University next year.

via virginia.eduBrad Wilcox is Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, Future of Freedom Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. The author of Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization (Harper Collins, 2024), Wilcox studies marriage, fatherhood, and the impact of strong and stable families on men, women, and children.Professor Wilcox is the author and coauthor of six books and has written for scientific journals such as The American Sociological Review and The Journal of Marriage and Family, as well as popular outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and National Review.With Nicholas H. Wolfinger, Wilcox is the co-author of Soul Mates: Religion, Sex, Love, and Marriage Among African Americans and Latinos (Oxford, 2016), which shines a spotlight on the lives of strong and happy minority couples. He is also the coauthor of Gender and Parenthood: Biological and Social Scientific Perspectives (Columbia, 2013) with Kathleen Kovner Kline. His research has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, National Review Online, NPR, NBC’s The Today Show, and many other media outlets. Wilcox consults regularly with companies such as Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and Kimberly-Clark on fertility and marriage trends in the United States.As an undergraduate, Wilcox was a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia (’92) and later earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University. Prior to coming to the University of Virginia, he held research fellowships at Princeton University, Yale University, and the Brookings Institution.

On the newest episode of the Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey ’86 visits with Gray Robertson ’16. Growing up, Gray attended multiple SEC championships, SEC men’s basketball tournaments, Final Fours, and national championship games. Going to those events spawned his love for sports broadcasting and gave him a chance to meet most of his announcing heroes. As one of the founding members of WFSPN, Gray was able to pursue his love of broadcasting during his time at Woodberry. He graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2020 and currently does work for Crimson Tide Sports Network, SEC Network+, 90.7 WVUA FM, and Crimson Tide Productions.

In August 2023, Debra P. Wilson began her tenure as the ninth president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). From 2019 until 2023, Wilson served as president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), where she led the organization through a period of growth and supported school leaders in her region through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her SAIS role followed 19 years at NAIS, first as assistant director of regulatory affairs and later as general counsel. In that capacity, she oversaw regulatory and advocacy work for the organization, supported schools in crises, advanced best practices in governance, and created dozens of legal advisories along with other informational resources. Before joining the NAIS staff, Debra was a tax litigator at the Department of Justice. In addition to serving on the boards of several schools, Debra’s board service includes The Enrollment Management Association (EMA), the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), and serving on the advisory board of National Network of Schools in Partnership (NNSP), a division of Close Up. Speaking frequently on topics such as leadership and governance, school safety and risk, and community health and well-being, Wilson is also co-author of the NAIS Trustee Handbook (10th and 11th editions). Wilson received a B.A. in English from Sewanee: The University of the South and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. She is a graduate of the Williams School, an independent school located on the campus of Connecticut College. She is an avid reader, photographer, and cook who loves to be outdoors.

Tracey Nibblins has been a member of the WFS Faculty since 1999. He was born and raised in neighboring Culpeper, VA., and oversees the Leonard W. Dick Gymnasium housekeeping and equipment staff.

Abbie Mills is the assistant headmaster for academic affairs. She most recently taught engineering and the ECLIPSE program and coached JV football and developmental track.She came to Woodberry in 2016 after a career at NASA’s Johnson Space Center where she was a senior project engineer and project manager specializing in fuel cell systems. Ms. Mills holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Rice University.

Catherine Wharton is Woodberry’s assistant headmaster for external affairs, overseeing all development operations. She joined the faculty in 2007. A graduate of Roanoke College, she has worked in development at the University of Virginia, Hollins University, and Garrison Forest School. Byron and Catherine sit down to discuss Catherine's unique background, her journey in the world of development, and reflect on the impressive campaigns that she has led during her time at the school.

C. Stewart Verdery, Jr. ’85 has extensive work experience in various roles related to policy and government affairs. Verdery founded and served as the CEO of Monument Advocacy, a bipartisan firm focused on providing strategic advice on public policy engagement. Before that, he was a Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, specializing in homeland security and counterterrorism. C. Stewart also worked as a Partner at Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti and was the Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, they have served in legislative counsel roles for U.S. Senators and Committees, including the U.S. Senate Assistant Majority Leader and U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.Stewart received his Bachelor's degree in History and Political Science from Williams College in 1989. In 1993 he completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.) at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Matt Boesen serves on the faculty in the history department. He came to Woodberry in 2001 and became dean of faculty in 2015. He designed and currently teaches Woodberry’s third-form history course, Stories and Histories.Dr. Boesen earned an AB from Yale University and an MA and PhD from the University of Virginia. In 2006 the John Marshall Foundation honored his work with its teaching award, presented annually to one Virginia high school teacher to recognize excellence in teaching the Constitution.

Charley Stillwell ’81 currently serves as the Head of School at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va. After graduating from WFS in 1981, he received his bachelor's degree in American History with honors from Princeton University, where he also played lacrosse, and later earned his master's degree in American History from Brown University. Byron visits with Charley to discuss what it was like growing up at Woodberry Forest, his journey as an educator, and of course...The Game.

Lisa Wright teaches music and directs Woodberry’s strings program. She is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music. Before coming to Woodberry in 2010, she spent many years performing and teaching in New York City and serving in college administration. Ms. Wright is a founding member of The Bloom Trio and regularly performs with the Roanoke Symphony, Opera Roanoke, the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival, and the Chamber Orchestra of Charlottesville.

Dr. Byron Hulsey hosts John Amos, who serves as Woodberry's chaplain. A lifelong resident of Orange, he taught for twenty-four years at St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville before coming to Woodberry Forest in 2008. Mr. Amos earned a BA from the University of Virginia. He is also a freelance writer and the author of a collection of essays, Every Now and Then.

Jackson Matteo is a three-time graduate of the University of Virginia, where he played football from 2012-2016 and served as team captain in 2016. Since then, he served the University of Virginia football program as a graduate assistant coach, working with the defensive backs and the offensive line from 2017-2019 before coming to Woodberry in 2021. Jackson finished his doctorate of education (Ed.D) in Spring 2023 through the UVA School of Education and Human Development, where his research focused on the transition experiences of Black Division-I football players who experience a redshirt freshman year at a predominantly white institution. Currently, Jackson works alongside Ted Watson and Indira Cope with individual students in the Smoot Center for Academic Development, is the head football coach for the varsity football team, and works as an assistant athletic director. Dr. Hulsey and Jackson take some time to chat about Jackson's path to Woodberry and his coaching/life philosophy.

Jim Reid served on Woodberry's faculty for 48 years, retiring in the spring of 2023. A graduate of Albion College and Duke University, Mr. Reid taught biology, was instrumental in the vision for the Manning Science Building, was heavily involved in WFS Outdoors, was a devoted advisor, and is an active member in the greater Madison County area. Dr. Byron Hulsey ’86 visits with Jim to discuss why it is that Jim stayed at WFS for so long and what impact WFS has had on his life as he enters retirement.

Dr. Byron Hulsey ’86 sits down with Robbie Handelsman ’23 to discuss what it was like growing up on campus, attending, and then graduating from Woodberry Forest. Robbie is currently a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, where he is a member of the track and field team.