Brentwood Academy Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brentwood Academy
Built on a strong foundation of personal relationships with one another and with Christ, the Brentwood Academy mission flourishes each day as faculty and students pursue excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, and their faith. Through this podcast it’s our goal to provide a place to hear about unique programs, chapel talks, interesting stories and profiles on members of the BA community. To learn more about BA visit us online at brentwoodacademy.com.
It’s important as we move forward, that we also honor the past. In this second installment of the Brentwood Academy podcast series, GUIDED BY HIS HAND, we share a special conversation between alumna Terri Bolden Ward from the Class of 1993 and founding Headmaster Mr. Bill Brown. Hosted by alumna and former Middle School Director Nancy Brasher '73, Terri had the privilege of sitting down for a one-on-one with BA’s founding headmaster.
Ten acres, a dream, and a school… as we look ahead at what will undoubtedly be a historical year at Brentwood Academy, transitioning to new leadership after Curt Master’s retirement… we are honored to take a look back at our school’s rich history and the beautiful story of the Lord’s faithfulness to the BA family. In this first episode of our podcast series, GUIDED BY HIS HAND- Alum and former middle school director Nancy Brasher '73 narrates a special conversation between Mr. Masters and the school’s founding headmaster, Bill Brown.
Join us for a conversation with BA soccer coaches JD Binger and Phil Masters recapping the recent US Men's National Team visit to campus. Hear about the incredible experience of hosting training camp for the USMNT, meeting heroes, and even a few fun interactions with our guests.
Join us for a conversation with Leroy Hyter, Jr., artist and friend of Christian Life Director Freddie Scott, as we discuss the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, the man who inspired one of Mr. Hyter's most influential works of art.
We're glad you're here for this fascinating and important conversation.
You can purchase the print of Frederick Douglass displayed in the video of this podcast for $40 (plus the cost of shipping) by emailing Mr. Hyter at lhyterjr@yahoo.com.
Welcome to our final episode of this special series hosted by BA Headmaster Curt Masters, sharing more about Brentwood Academy’s Portrait of a Graduate. Director of Athletics and Community Engagement Jason Mathews is in the studio for this episode, and along with Mr. Masters, they share more about our final trait- Problem Solver.
This is part two of our series on the Portrait of a Graduate. Mr. Masters welcomes school counselor Alyssa Hall as they share the first character trait of Brentwood Academy’s Portrait of Graduate- Resilient.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this series on the Brentwood Academy Portrait of a Graduate. In part five, Christian Life team member Linus Nguyen joins Mr. Masters as they talk about the trait of “Christ-Follower.”
Welcome to part one of a special series on this video edition of the Brentwood Academy podcast. We’re highlighting the implementation of Portrait of a Graduate at BA. Together, Headmaster Curt Masters and Dean of Academics Josh Davis share more about the concept, which incorporates five key characteristics of a Brentwood Academy graduate. These include resilient, critical thinker, thoughtful communicator, problem-solver, and Christ-follower. In this series, Mr. Masters will feature BA faculty members who will share more about each of the five goals. Enjoy this introduction to Portrait of a Graduate.
This is part three of an important conversation about Brentwood Academy’s Portrait of a Graduate. In this episode, Middle School Director Jenny Cretin joins Headmaster Curt Masters as they talk about the ways Brentwood Academy faculty members develop a Thoughtful Communicator.
Critical thinkers seek a deeper understanding, and that is one of the five character traits of Brentwood Academy’s Portrait of a Graduate. Today, Mr. Masters welcomes Upper School Director Andy Bradshaw to share more in episode # 4 of this special series.
Many Brentwood Academy alumni will tell you the Senior Theme Verse Retreat, which takes place each summer before the school year begins, is a highlight of their time at BA. In this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear from Christian Life team member and senior chair Matt Brown ‘97 and seniors Bailey Elliott and Luke Gardner about this year’s retreat, how the senior theme verse was chosen, and more about the selected school-wide service project.
Get to know recently named Development Director Jason Powell. Dr. Powell is a Brentwood Academy parent, a former faculty member, and has a heart for sharing the mission and ministry of Brentwood Academy. Learn more about his perspective in this new role and some exciting growth ahead for BA!
Listen to the final installment of our BA Family Update for the 22-23 school year. In this episode we focus on Athletics at Brentwood Academy with Athletic Director Jason Matthews, Middle School Athletic Director Buddy Alexander, and new Head Varsity Football Coach & Assistant Athletic Director Jacob Gill.
We've arrived at the seventh episode of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, in this final episode, as they focus on the art and discipline of celebration. We explore this somewhat surprising call and command on us as Believers and how this practice can shape our lives. This important conversation is timely as Lent comes to an end and Easter, the greatest reason we could ever have to celebrate, draws near!
Resource:
"Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster
In this episode, BA communication team member sits down with Andy Blackston and Alec Rasmussen to discuss this year's state championship-winning season and hear Andy's story of healing after a medical scare in the fall of 2022.
In part six of our Lent series podcast, we join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they dial in on the spiritual discipline of worship. Is worship more than the designated, collective gathering of Sunday service, or a specific category of music? We'll examine this topic deeper and discuss what it means to live a life of worship as a Christian.
Welcome to part five of our Lent series podcast, "Behold the Lamb." Join hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they unpack spiritual disciplines associated with this season. In this episode, they discuss the spiritual discipline of simplicity. They provide an engaging commentary on a Christian approach to this practice that is so often only associated with Eastern spirituality or known as a pop-culture trend.
Thanks for joining us for part four of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they focus on spiritual disciplines associated with this season. Today, they look at service and compassion. We'll explore how we engage in service as Believers, the "why" behind it, and what it truly means to live a life of compassion serving others.
Resources:
"Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster
Join Brentwood Academy’s Dean of Academics Josh Davis, Middle School Director Jenny Cretin, Upper School Director Andy Bradshaw, and Director of Athletics Jason Mathews as they examine the student experience of rising Freshmen at BA. The transition from middle school to upper school holds many exciting opportunities and additional challenges for students as they mature into teenagers and young adults. In upper school, your student will experience more personal responsibility, increased academic expectations, as well as additional course offerings, athletic and extracurricular opportunities, and independence. These themes and more are discussed at length to help parents better anticipate and navigate the exciting journey ahead as part of the BA upper school family.
We hope you enjoy the third part of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they focus on spiritual disciplines associated with this season. In this episode, they unpack prayer and meditation, how we approach both, and how we can cultivate a deeper and richer prayer life.
Resource:
"Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster
This is the second part of the podcast portion of our Lent series, "Behold the Lamb." Join our hosts, BA Christian Life faculty members Matt Brown and Linus Nguyen, as they focus on spiritual disciplines associated with this season. In this episode, they dive deep into confession and repentance as well as practical steps to strengthen both of these disciplines in your own life.
In this episode, we talk with school counselor Alyssa Hall who supports our students and teachers in a variety of ways. We talk about her role as a resource for BA students and families, as well as tips to help you keep your student’s mindset healthy during this time of uncertainty.
Class of 2015’s Dawson Knox completed his first season with the Buffalo Bills and sat down to talk with us about the role of faith and perseverance helped him beat the odds to be drafted to the NFL.
Fifteen years ago BA graduate Billy Ivey had the idea to leave personalized notes in his kids' lunch boxes which unexpectedly led to a positivity movement known as “Napkinisms.” "Attitude is everything. Today is not yet anything. Fill it with Laughter."
In this episode of the Brentwood Academy podcast, we talk with BA graduate DeeAnn Hodge ’85. DeeAnn has a heart for others that is truly inspiring - particularly her passion to pour into the lives of young girls. Hear how a simple idea of a back-yard camp turned into a ministry that has now served thousands of young girls in our community. DeeAnn will be one of the speakers at this year’s Christian Life Week (January 27-31) as we celebrate each decade of God’s faithfulness. Enjoy this episode co-hosted by Hannah Holleman ’20.
In this episode we talk with one of the newer members of the BA faculty, math teacher and 11th grade chair, Paul Battaglia. Our Dean of Academics, Jeff Bryant hosts this episode with Paul about his “EPIC” teaching methods and why his heart for his students is about so much more than what goes on inside the classroom. Enjoy!
In this edition of the BA Podcast we talk with respected athletic trainer, Alan Killingsworth. Alan shares how a special relationship with his son inspired him to work with students as well as more about the BA athletic training program, concussion protocol, and more. Also, hear from Lillie Hulgan ’20 as she helps co-host the episode!
In addition to her job in medical sales, Brentwood Academy graduate India Way ’14 volunteers her time as the Chair of Programs and Education for the Tennessee Chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. In this edition of the BA podcast, India shares her passion for education and awareness as well as practical tips for parents and students.
We’re kicking off this season of the Brentwood Academy podcast with the Director of Christian Life, Rian Berger. Rian fills us in on all of the exciting changes to chapel, service projects, and more. Rian tells us about new and innovative ways we’re helping students to engage in scripture. Plus, you’ll hear the real story behind Mr. Berger’s “rented” pet rabbit in “5 Questions with Mr. Berger!”
In this episode we sit down with Reid Besch ’13. Diagnosed with Leukemia in January of 2018, Reid will inspire you with his positive outlook and faith-filled journey. Hear how the BA family encouraged and supported Reid along the way and how he is choosing now to raise awareness and funds to help end blood cancers.
bit.ly/teamreid
Becca Stevens is an author, speaker, social justice entrepreneur, and priest. She is the founder and president of Thistle Farms, a movement dedicated to supporting women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Becca has been named a White House "Champion of Change," a 2016 CNN Hero, and has been featured in the New York Times, on ABC World News and NPR. Her newest book, Love Heals, was published by Harper Collins in September of 2017.
Becca will speaking at Brentwood Academy on April 11 at 7PM. RSVP for free online at https://www.brentwoodacademy.com/engage
Students at Brentwood Academy are reviving a culture of worship. In this episode, faculty member Emily Borders, senior Jack Victory '19, and junior Gracey Sanderson '20 join BA faculty member and podcast host Matt Brown '97 on a discussion on the importance of musical worship and how students are leading the way. Hear about how Worship at The Well got started and how it's helping students gain a new perspective on their faith.
25 years later, Curt Masters returns to mission field where his father was killed. He shares how the valley had been influenced by the word of God and how it changed. What it was like coming face to face with members of the tribe he interacted with as a child, and how this experience has impacted his life today.
Anxiety is very real and on the rise among our children. Dr. Lauren King from Southeast Psych works with children and young adults, helping them work through their anxiety while navigating life. She talks about the increase in this condition, what things contribute to anxiety, and what we can do to help students work through anxiety in the classroom and in daily life.
Southern cuisine runs deep in the soul of Katie Horrell Jacobs '03, author of So Much To Celebrate, an inspiring guide to entertaining. Katie is a stylist, photographer, graphic designer and content contributor for Reese Witherspoon’s brand Draper James. Katie shares her family legacy of southern cuisine, her grandmother’s elegant touch and ordinary moments made special. She offers ideas and advice on how to manage the coming holiday gatherings and shares some of her own families traditions.
Headmaster of Brentwood Academy, Curt Masters, shares his unique and fascinating story of growing up as a child on a mission field in a remote and primitive part of the world.
Curt Masters journey as only the second headmaster of an almost 50-year-old school is inspiring, but it’s his story about growing up on a mission field in a remote part of the world with stone-age tribes-people that is truly fascinating. Curt shares how his parents’ made the decision to respond to God’s call to move their family across the world to share the gospel with those that had never heard it. He talks about daily life in this primitive village, how his father was killed by another tribe not wanting outsiders to influence their ancestor and spirit worship, and his mother’s decision to carry on with the mission they started.
Entrepreneurship is on the rise, it's a word we hear more now than ever. Belmont Finance Professor, Sam Walton Fellow, and BA Parent Dr. John Gonas, provides his students real life experience by getting them out of the classroom and into the community to create social entrepreneurial models that have a social impact.
Why is story so important? Why did Jesus speak in stories? Members of the BA English faculty sit down to discuss the power of story and how stories change the way we think.
Senior Conner Smith is spending his summer break working, like many teens. However, his "day job" has quickly led to the "dream job" that young songwriters in Nashville only fantasize about. He recently signed a songwriting contract with a local publishing company that resulted in his opening for country mega-star Sam Hunt on tour earlier in the summer. Conner is described by many to be "country's music's next breakout star." In this episode, Conner discusses his passion for music and describes this "crazy blessing" that he is currently living.
What is Pentecost? Why is it important to celebrate and recognize the church holiday of Pentecost? In this episode, BA faculty member Dr. René Rochester and BA Podcast host Matt Brown '97 discuss the importance of Pentecost and how God uses the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
What is Pentecost? Why is it important to celebrate and recognize the church holiday of Pentecost? In this episode, BA faculty member Dr. René Rochester and BA Podcast host Matt Brown '97 discuss the importance of Pentecost and how God uses the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
Why is the topic of race so important to talk about? Is the race issue still relevant and how do we address it? Faculty members Austin Groves and Brad Perry share how God offers biblical language on racial unity. This is a 2 part series.
Why is the topic of race so important to talk about? Is the race issue still relevant and how do we address it? Faculty members Austin Groves and Brad Perry share how God offers biblical language on racial unity. This is a 2 part series.
How do we reconcile our faith with science? How can we believe in miracles and the gospel of the Resurrection of Christ in a scientific world? What are some of the fundamental things to understand about the Bible and the scientific method? Finally, how do parents discuss this hard topic with their student?
In this first of two episodes, spiritual life faculty member Matt Brown sits down with three of long-time Brentwood Academy science faculty members: Tom Cox (biology), Wendy Stallings (physics), and Jeff Bryant (chemistry) to discuss these questions and more. Below are links to resources that Tom, Wendy, and Jeff mention throughout the show.
RESOURCES:
Surprised by Hope – by N.T. Wright
Science and Religion: Some Historical Perspectives – by John Hedley Brooke
Notes From the Tilt-A-Whirl – by N.D. Wilson
The Language of God – by Francis Collins
Mere Christianity – by C.S. Lewis
A Scientific Theology, Volumes 1 & 2 – by Alister McGrath
Belief in God in the Age of Science – By John Polkinghorn
How do we reconcile our faith with science? How can we believe in miracles and the gospel of the Resurrection of Christ in a scientific world? What are some of the fundamental things to understand about the Bible and the scientific method? In this first of two episodes, spiritual life faculty member Matt Brown sits down with three of long-time Brentwood Academy science faculty members: Tom Cox (biology), Wendy Stallings (physics), and Jeff Bryant (chemistry) to discuss these questions and more. Below are links to resources that Tom, Wendy, and Jeff mention throughout the show. Make sure to stay tuned for Part 2 as we discuss how parents can approach this seemingly difficult topic.
RESOURCES:
Surprised by Hope – by N.T. Wright
Science and Religion: Some Historical Perspectives – by John Hedley Brooke
Notes From the Tilt-A-Whirl – by N.D. Wilson
The Language of God – by Francis Collins
Mere Christianity – by C.S. Lewis
A Scientific Theology, Volumes 1 & 2 – by Alister McGrath
Belief in God in the Age of Science – By John Polkinghorn
Former BA parents and trustees Dick Wright and Michael Blanton tell their Brentwood Academy story and how BA has impacted their families. You'll hear stories of their experience serving on the board of trustees, the development of the BA fine arts program and how current BA Headmaster Curt Masters was selected to succeed Founding Headmaster Bill Brown. Dick and Michael are coming back to BA to serve another four-year term on the board of trustees. Hear their vision and hope for the school they have come to love and appreciate.
While Christian rapper Tedashii’s robust stature and delivery on the mic catch the attention of most, his gentle spirit hints at an even deeper story behind the man and the music. Tedashii was the selected guest speaker for Wednesday's Spiritual Emphasis Week assembly. Student's heard his story and how they can trust God with everything in their life because He knows. He focused his talk around God's omniscient character.
Jim Chapman is an artist, swim coach and father of 4 adopted girls from China. We learn that it’s important for boys to know they can be both creative and athletic, and how he and his wife were called to adopt 4 children, two with special needs, leading them to be honored in Washington, D.C. as "Angels in Adoption."
Carolyn Dobbins, Brentwood Academy's Coordinator of Writing, has helped countless students go from the stress and dislike of writing to discovering a talent and ability to write at a college level. Her relentless faith and passion for teaching has given her a gift to connect with students, while also walking a journey of cancer at the same time.
Col. Kent Bradford sits down with BA Assistant Director of Communication, Phil Goodman to talk about the importance of Veterans Day, his experience in the U.S. Marine Corps and how our students can learn and appreciate the sacrifice of our military service men and women.
Sixth grade teacher Jane-Ann Myers, a trained speech pathologist, reaches into her "teaching tool box" to pull out creative ways to engage young minds. Utilizing a resource that pairs academic researchers with rap artists, Mrs. Myers equips students with the skills they need to understand what they read.
Kurston Biggers is the Assistant Director of Admission, a football coach and is an alum from the class of 1997. In this episode, Kurston shares his testimony and talks about how his relationships and experiences at BA shaped his faith and changed his family's life. Hear how his story influences his role as Assistant Director of Admission and the relationships he develops with current students at BA.
In this episode, four upper school faculty members answer questions about the recent performance of Frankenstein 1930 by the fine arts department. Students and audience members were asked to consider the following questions while watching the play, and our teachers took on the task of answering them during a recent Chapel: Who is responsible for The Creature's actions? Does Victor accept God's forgiveness? What are the moments of sacrifice in the play? Does Victor leave a positive or negative legacy? Faculty members: Mrs. Kasey Carmona '05, Mrs. Kristin Vazquez, Mr. Matt Brown '97, Mr. Austin Groves, and Dr. Rene Rochester.
In this episode Jeanne Natwick sits down with Shelley Miller, the Director of College Counseling at Brentwood Academy, to talk about the college process. We all know that this is a daunting journey and often times confusing and overwhelming. Shelley offers practical and valuable advice based on her many years of experience in both in college admission offices and high school college counseling.
In this episode we listen into the Brentwood Academy Upper School Chapel service with guest speaker, BA English faculty member, David Sawyer.