What happens when you bring two Webster Thomas alumni back into the studio? You get an honest, unfiltered look at life after high school, the mental shifts required to grow up, and a crucial conversation about men's mental health that every parent and student needs to hear.

After kicking things off with a lighter look at the arrival of this year's high school yearbooks (and explaining the mystery of the March "lost pod"), we dive deep into the unique post-graduation realities of Uncle Michael and Dave.

Key Discussion Points

• The Unorthodox Path: Michael opens up about his non-linear college journey, proving that finding your own way takes its own kind of grit.
• Decisions for the Future Self: David shares the exact mindset shift that allowed him to level up academically: moving away from instant gratification and starting to make daily choices with his "future self" in mind.
• The Toughest Hurdle: a raw, essential roundtable on why it is so uniquely difficult for young men to ask for help. We break down the stigma, the cultural pressures, and how we can build a better community of support right here in Webster.

Please note: this is our second episode with the explicit tag! Danny tried, but a true roast master has to keep it real.

In this episode of Northern Attitude, Mitch and Steve sit down with brothers Joey and Danny Smith for a raw, honest look at the modern high school experience through two very different lenses. Danny, a Webster Thomas alumnus (Class of 2023), opens up about his uphill battle to find his path through the traditional public school structure. Meanwhile, his younger brother Joey, voted Most Artistic by the class of '26, shares what he needs from his educators today to feel motivated, engaged, and how he found it in Todd Stahl's room.

Together, the four dig deep and discuss a universal challenge: the breakdown of communication. From the anxiety of receiving constructive criticism to the art of giving it, this episode explores the friction that happens when feedback gets lost in translation—and how we can bridge the gap.

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 decade

Chris’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.