Northern Attitude

Chris Barrett: "Process Over Results"

In this episode of Northern Attitude, we sit down with Webster Thomas teacher and former varsity basketball coach Chris Barrett following his 17th and final season in the program. Together, we look back on his 17-year legacy, focusing on what it takes to build a culture where teamwork, mental preparation, and commitment to the process matter far more than the final score. The story actually begins with co-host Steven Zaccardo, a player on the very first modified basketball team Coach Barrett coached in the district. Coach Barrett opens up about the unique privilege of mentoring a specific group of young men over a five-season journey, tracking their growth from raw potential to achieving incredible heights together. Reflecting on the emotional impact of long-term coaching and student mentorship, Barrett perfectly captures the essence of the grind, noting that "shared suffering and shared joy bond you like nothing else." It is a powerful reminder of how enduring through the hard times builds the mental resilience our youth need today, proving that "the years teach much which the days never do." Finally, we shift from the hardwood to the digital frontier, diving into a candid discussion on the proper usage and understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern coaching, classroom teaching, and our personal lives—complete with some unexpected TV recommendations. Grab an iced coffee, swish it around a bit, and let's find some clarity in the cold. Together.

Glenn Widor: "Our Job is to Give You Choice"

What does it take to lead a modern high school building while balancing the needs of students, teachers, parents, and the wider Webster community? In this episode, co-hosts Steve and Mitch sit down with Webster Thomas High School Principal Glenn Widor. Reflecting on his deep roots and various roles at Thomas since its reopening as a high school in 2001, Glenn shares his core goals for the Titan culture, his immediate priorities for student success, and the delicate art of navigating diverse stakeholder groups. At the center of his educational philosophy is a powerful directive that shapes the student experience: "Our job is to give you choice." Whether you're a Thomas student, alum, a current parent, or passionate about the future of community-minded education, this conversation offers an honest, grounded look at building an environment where every student can chart their own path. Added to this week's agenda: West Irondequoit rapid fire: Schaller's or Perkins?

Dave and Uncle Mike: "Ride the Wave"

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.

Episode 15 Teaser Trailer: Golf Shot of the Week

Before the full conversation drops Monday morning, we’re giving you a sneak peek into the first eight minutes of our sit-down with Webster Thomas alumni David Mitchell (’24) and Michael Dowden (’23). If you remember our legendary "lost pod" from back in March—the one the recording gods unfortunately swallowed whole—we promised to run it back. We dive into a nostalgic look at yearbooks in general, what they mean to the young men, and why the arrival of this year's edition earned the title of the "Golf Shot of the Week" (that one perfect element that keeps you coming back to the game). Grab a quick coffee, sample a taste of the grit and heart heading your way, and get ready for the full episode to hit your feed first thing Monday morning!

Joey and Danny Smith: "I Need to See They Care"

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.