Talking Heads Podcast
About the show...
Talking Heads is precisely that, the Oakhill Day School Head of School and Division Directors discussing the hot topics of the day at Oakhill Day School in Gladstone, Missouri. This monthly podcast features special guests who share their knowledge and expertise with the Oakhill Community!
Leave us a question or topic suggestion to possibly be featured in a future episode!
Seasons
Season 3
Episode 24 Summary
Join us as we discover the heart and soul behind our educators' passion for teaching. But first, the Heads set the stage with a lively chat about binge-worthy TV shows for the chilly winter months.
Then, we sit down with an incredible lineup of Oakhill teachers: Terri Ferris, Alex Dickey, Dena Cole, Stephanie Lafferty, Leah Hyatt, Jaci Ebert, April Gunderson, and Becky Clemis. Together, we explore the unique motivations that led each of them to pursue a career in education, eventually bringing them to the ODS classroom. Tune in to hear their stories, insights, and heartfelt dedication to shaping the future of Oakhill students. This episode is sure to inspire and uplift as we celebrate the incredible educators who make Oakhill shine.
Mailbag time!
The Heads want to hear your thoughts on Season 3. Leave a message thanking your favorite ODS teacher, and you might be featured on an upcoming show!
Premiere Date: February 14, 2024
Audio Credits:
Intro - Oakhill Hype Song by U-Neek CC
Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Light Guitar - Podcast transition music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
Episode 23 Summary
This month, the Heads discuss preparations for the holiday season and movies before engaging in a conversation with K12itc President Brad Sandt. They delve into the behind-the-scenes efforts of his company to maintain Oakhill's technology infrastructure security amid the rising tide of cyber attacks. Brad also imparts valuable advice to the Heads on incorporating aspects of their school-focused strategies into their daily online lives.
Guest Bio:
Brad Sandt is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Menlo. Previously, he served as the Director of Technology at Park Hill School District. Brad Sandt is an alumnus of Park University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Management/Computer Information Systems. He has received training and holds certifications from prominent entities such as Cisco Systems, Microsoft, EMC, Citrix, VMware, and SAP Business Objects.
Mailbag time!
As the second half of the school year approaches, the Heads want to hear your thoughts on Season 3. Leave a message, and you might be featured on an upcoming show!
Premiere Date: December 15, 2023
Audio Credits:
Intro - Oakhill Hype Song by U-Neek CC
Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 22 Summary
This month, the Heads will explore the vital work of Oakhill's H.E.A.R.T. Team. Join special guests Delaney Zimmermann, Abby Pavlisin, and Chris Fernandez as they delve into the team's dedicated efforts to foster the mental and physical well-being of Oakhill students. Discover the impactful initiatives and strategies that make a difference in our school community. Tune in for an insightful conversation on creating a nurturing environment for our students' holistic growth. The Heads also talk turkey-time preparations. Enjoy!
Extra Content: Learn more about Oakhill's H.E.A.R.T. Team! Read Now
Mailbag time!
We want to hear from you! Are you a family who has interacted with our H.E.A.R.T. Team? Show them a little love for the work that they do for ODS students each day.
Premiere Date: November 23, 2023
Audio Credits:
Intro - Oakhill Hype Song by U-Neek CC
Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 21 Summary
Join us as the Heads go all in on Oakhill's new 2-year Fund-a-need project, the Welcome Project! Director of Auxiliary Services, Athletics, and Edupreneurship Taylor Clevenger and Oakhill Parent and Architect Aaron Ross join the heads to talk about how the project came to be and to give all of the details on what we hope to see change around campus within the next 2 years! Also, the Heads chat candy, Halloween, and all the fun things that come with the season!
Mailbag time!
Are you excited about the project? What is your favorite part of the new initiative? We want to hear from you!
Premiere Date: October 25, 2023
Audio Credits:
Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Extra Content
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Oakhill Day School's exciting new 2-year Fund a Need Project, and we invite you to be a part of this long awaited journey!
This Fund-a-Need Project encompasses four key areas of enhancement to the Oakhill grounds:
Gym Entry/Storage
This addition is a welcoming and modern entry to our gymnasium with enough bathroom stalls for a crowd and plenty of storage for equipment and concessions to enhance the overall experience for students, families, and visitors attending sports and art performances.
Sport Courts and Outdoor Play Area
Plans to build new sport courts and outdoor play areas will provide students of all ages with improved spaces for physical activity and recreation.
Living Lab and Outdoor Classroom Expansion
The Living Lab and Outdoor Classroom will be expanded to promote hands-on learning and environmental education, connecting students with nature.
Gated North Entrance/Improved Natural Spaces
The anticipated purchase of the remaining home just north of the Oakhill gymnasium will allow ample space to expand natural shade tree areas, creating a park-like atmosphere throughout campus. An outdoor terrace just east of the Commons near the new playground will develop opportunities for outdoor education, exploration, performance, and play, enriching the learning experiences of our students.
The total cost of this project is $1.5 million, which we hope to raise over the next two years. We are delighted that this initiative will enhance our current footprint programmatically and aesthetically. We encourage donors to consider prioritizing this project in their forthcoming years of giving and to extend their support to advance our goals.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals who have pivotal roles in bringing this vision to life. The in-kind donation of their services has already significantly impacted the fundraising efforts surrounding this project. Thank you to:
- Aaron Ross, a current Oakhill Parent whose innovative ideas have shaped this project into what you see today, is the architect working on this project.
- Sean Eisler made an invaluable contribution by completing the necessary drawings to kickstart obtaining construction bids. Sean is an alumni parent and Engineer at Henderson Engineering who has done much work for Oakhill as a valued board member and consultant on numerous other capital improvement projects around campus.
- Ben Becker, an Oakhill Alumni ('14) and Business Development Strategist with Luke Draily Construction, has partnered with us to turn this vision into reality. Ben also worked on the construction of the Titan Project.
We are excited to meet with all Oakhill families who are interested in learning more about how they can support this project. You are all welcome to join us, walk through the plans, and engage in in-depth discussions about the project's impact on our beloved Oakhill community.
Your support, whether through donations, or spreading the word, will make a real difference in our school's future. We look forward to your involvement as we embark on this exciting journey together.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming meetings and events related to the Fund-a-Need Project. Together, we can make a lasting impact on Oakhill Day School.
Explore the Project
Episode 20 Summary
In this episode, Kathryn Dodson, Director of Campus and Business Operations, joins the Heads to delve into the critical topic of school safety at Oakhill. Tune in to learn about our strategies for ensuring a secure environment and gain insight into Oakhill's holistic approach to campus safety. And, stay tuned for a recap of Parents' Night and more exciting updates as we kick off the fall season at Oakhill!
Mailbag time!
Season three is underway? What would you like to hear the Heads discuss this season?
Premiere Date: September 26, 2023
Audio Credits:
Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 19 Summary
They're Baaaaack! And talkier than ever! Can you believe it? We are starting our third season of the Oakhill Taking Heads Podcast. It is amazing! We are super excited about the podcasts we have lined up for the upcoming season. But before we get too far into the school year, we wanted to spend a little time going over Oakhill 101 to give you insight into why we do what we do at Oakhill! Later in the podcast, special guest PTO President Tammy Wright is chatting with the heads to give everyone the scoop on what you can expect from your PTO in the 2023-2024 school year.
Mailbag time!
Season three is underway? What would you like to hear the Heads discuss this season?
Premiere Date: August 24, 2023
Audio Credits:
Season 2
Episode 18 Summary
It's hard to believe we are wrapping up our second season of the Oakhill Taking Heads Podcast. By popular demand, we invited some of our ODS Alumni back for a catch-up session. Join us as The Heads take on the portrait of an Oakhill graduate - round 2! What does it mean to be an Oakhill graduate, what are they doing, and where are they now? This year, our Heads are catching up with young alumni Jackson Keuhn ('18), Lily Clevenger ('22/12th Grade), Brooke McCanles ('18), Olivia DiGerlamo ('18), Jonas Beckham ('20), and Mary-Kathryn Wert ('19).
Also, this is our last episode of the season, but don't worry; we will be back in August for season 3 of Talking Heads!
Mailbag time!
What did you think about season 2 of Talking Heads? Is there something you want the Heads to cover next season? We want to hear from you! Leave us a Message
Premiere Date: May 23, 2023
Audio Credits:
Episode 17 Summary
The Talking Heads are back from a little hiatus caused by the hustle and bustle of the end of the school year! Maggie Newhouse steps in for Ms. G for part of the show, and Jared Cole, Middle School Science Teacher, joins the heads for a special Earth Day edition of the Podcast. Hear Mr. Cole's rundown of Oakhill's Living Lab outdoor classroom and other green initiatives from his science room. Also, on the show, the Heads discuss highly anticipated end-of-year events from the year, like the Auction and the preparation for the Florida Keys trip.
Mailbag time!
Show Mr. Cole some love! Leave him a message, do you love the Living Lab, what would you like to see ODS do next? Leave us a message
Premiere Date: April 25, 2023
Audio Credits:
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Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
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Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 16 Summary
This month on The Talking Heads, we get candid about our journey into D.E.I. work. Special guest Elaina Holsey joins the podcast to talk about her work with Single Story, Inc. and her work as Oakhill's S.E.E.D. (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) leader. The Heads also discuss how Oakhill's D.E.I. work is furthering its mission of making each student, staff, and community member feel known and valued. We'll also find out how our Heads celebrated the Chief's Super Bowl win and how they prepared for Spring Break. Also joining the Heads is Maggie Newhouse, ODS Director of Student Affairs, to chime in on the conversation. Enjoy!
Mailbag time!
We'd love to hear from you! What did you think of this month's conversation? Please leave us a message.
Premiere Date: March 7, 2023
Audio Credits:
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Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
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Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 15 Summary
This month on The Talking Heads, our Heads get unfiltered while talking, having a filter on and offline. Oakhill works hard to teach students how to live the Lifeskills, but what happens when they go online? Communication gets tricky with a screen involved, and we will unpack it all with today's special guest, Mrs. Sara Verwers, Oakhill's Techbrarian, with knowledge of all things online. We'll also find out how our Heads have kicked off the cold start to the second semester. Enjoy!
Mailbag time!
We'd love to hear from you! What do you think about filters on and offline? Please leave us a message.
Premiere Date: January 30, 2023
Audio Credits:
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Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
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Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 14 Summary
This month on The Talking Heads, our Heads are flying solo and giving their hot takes on hot education topics. In the digital age, is it essential to still teach students how to read a clock, write in cursive, learn measurements, and more? We'll also find out what our Heads have planned for the holidays as Winter Break quickly approaches. Enjoy!
Mailbag time!
We'd love to hear from you! What things did you learn to do as a child that you think should be given more time in today's academic landscape? Please leave us a message.
Premiere Date: December 15, 2022
Audio Credits:
- Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
- Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 13 Summary
This month on The Talking Heads, our Heads dive into the next steps after a student receives a diagnosis. Finding out your child needs more academic or emotional support can be stressful; that's why Oakhill's Learning Specialist, Delaney Zimmermann, and Wellness Counselor, Abby Pavlisin, are on the podcast to help give parents ways to go from diagnosis to academic success! Also, on the podcast, the Heads share how they get ready for the holidays. Enjoy the show!
Mailbag time!
We'd love to hear from you! Please leave us a message.
Premiere Date: November 30, 2022
Audio Credits:
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Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
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Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 12 Summary
This month on The Talking Heads, we welcome Oakhill Upper School Division Director Margaret Sarver to the podcast! Then, our Heads sit back and listen to a few members of the ODS teaching staff explain what makes them happy to teach. The team then discusses the impact each of those teachers brings to the school community, especially their classrooms. The Heads also dive into Halloween and the hustle and bustle of school life in the Fall!
Mailbag time!
Remember to leave a shout-out to your teachers! What about your teacher makes you smile? We'd love to hear from you! Please leave us a message.
Premiere Date: October 31, 2022
Audio Credits:
- Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
- Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Episode 11 Summary
The Talking Heads welcome Audra Olson, 5th Grade Teacher, back to the podcast to dive deeper into Conscious Discipline. The team discusses teacher training, implementation, and what has been working so far as the Oakhill teaching staff progress on their journey into positive social and emotional learning. Also, on the podcast, the Heads talk football and the start of Autumn!
Mailbag time!
Are you anxious to try Conscious Discipline at home? Leave us any questions about the process, and we will answer them in a future podcast with Audra! Leave us a message
Premiere Date: September 29, 2022
Audio Credits:
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Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
Episode 10 Summary
The Talking Heads are back, refreshed, and ready to take on a new season of conversations in all things education. To kick off season two, the Heads are talking to Oakhill Athletic Director Taylor Clevenger about the importance of movement on classroom management, success, and athletics at Oakhill. Also, on the podcast, we hear about the Heads' adventures over the summer months, and Ms. G reveals her secret talent!
Mailbag time!
What do you do to encourage movement at home? We want to hear how your family stays active! Leave us a message
Premiere Date: September 6, 2022
Audio Credits:
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Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
Season 1
Episode 9 Summary
That's a wrap! Our first season of the Oakhill Taking Heads Podcast is coming to an end. What better way to end the season than by catching up with a few of our alumni! Join us as The Heads talks portrait of an Oakhill graduate. What does it mean to be an Oakhill graduate, what are they doing, and where are they now? Chatting with our Heads are alumni Alex Diaz ('12), Anthony Giordano ('13), Harrison Feaster ('14), Delaney Clawson ('16), Connor Carlson ('17), and a special surprise, Brady McCanles ('14). This episode is longer than usual, but these former students blew us away; we couldn't help ourselves. We have bankers, filmmakers, golf professionals, and scientists repping Oakhill every day! Hear all about it for yourself directly from the alumni.
Also, this is our last episode of the season, but don't worry; we will be back in August for season 2 of Talking Heads!
Mailbag time!
What did you think about season 1 of Talking Heads? Is there something you want the Heads to cover next season? We want to hear from you! Leave us a Message
Premiere Date: May 25, 2022
Audio Credits:
Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Roots — KV [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch | Free Download / Stream
Episode 8 Summary
This month, our heads are talking internet safety and cyber security. In an increasingly digital world, the conversation is not whether or not to give students technology but how we can keep them safe while using technology. Join us as The Heads talk about their own technological woes and how the school has pivoted to make the tech students bring with them part of the school day. Stick around as guest experts join us, Oakhill's Innovation Specialist Sara Verwers and 8th Grade parent, and Chief Information Security Officer Cindi Carter. They will walk us through simple steps to get your family one step closer to being safe and secure online.
Get more info about keeping your family safe online: Visit staysafeonline.org for more information!
Mailbag time!
Got questions or comments? We want to hear from you! Leave us a Message
Premiere Date: April 14, 2022
Audio Credits:
Episode 7 Summary
This month, our heads are talking parenting and discipline. Parenting is one of the most challenging jobs that a person can have, and there is no guidebook. Join us as The Heads talk about their parenting journeys, discuss questions from Oakhill parents, and more! Then stick around for the show's second half, where 5th-grade teacher Audra Olson will walk us through Conscious Discipline, a comprehensive emotional intelligence and classroom management system that integrates all learning domains (social, emotional, physical, cultural, and cognitive).
Want to bring Conscious Discipline into your home? Visit Conscious Discipline for Parents and download free resources!
Mailbag time!
Got questions or comments? Want to leave a parenting tip? We want to hear from you! Leave us a Message
Premiere Date: March 10, 2022
Audio Credits:
Episode 6 Summary
This month, our heads are talking State of the School and Summer. How is Oakhill doing as we head into the last half of the year? Get a real-time update on admissions, finance, and more as we talk about the growth the school has seen so far over the 2021-2022 school year. Board of Trustees President, An Le, is joining us to help lead this important conversation. In the second half of the episode, Kids' Club and Summer Coordinator, Taylor Clevenger, joins us in the studio to talk about Oakhill Fully Charged Summer 2022. What's new this summer? Will Mr. Kleyh get invited back to the pool? Find out the answer to this and more in our next episode of Talking Heads!
Mailbag time!
Got questions or comments? Leave a Message!
Premiere Date: February 22, 2022
Audio Credits:
Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC
Extra Content
Episode 5 Summary
This month, our heads are talking about investing in the future. Specifically, your child's future. How can you save for your child's education expenses while creating a nest egg that will last well beyond your lifetime? Our guests, Angela Williams from MOST (Missouri's 529 Education Plan) and Leslie Gasser, Oakhill's Director of Development, will walk us through the process of saving for today and tomorrow.
Mailbag time!
This month's episode is jammed full of information, have questions or comments? We want to hear from you! Leave a Message
Premiere Date: January 28, 2022
Audio Credits:
Episode 4 Summary
This month, our heads are talking, "Why Oakhill?" Picking a school for your child can be challenging for any family. What did you look for in a school? Class size, great teachers, academic outcomes? What makes a school a good fit for your family? Oakhill Director of Admissions and Financial Assistance, Dorothy Beckham, joins the Heads this month to walk through the ODS family journey, the family/school partnership and talks about the value of an Independent School education. Enjoy this month's conversation with the Talking Heads!
Mailbag time!
Why did you look for when choosing a school? We want to know your thoughts! Please leave us a message.
Premiere Date: December 9, 2021
Audio Credits:
Episode 3 Summary
This week our Talking Heads talk traditions and their importance to the Oakhill community. We'll also take a look at what's happening at Oakhill in the next month and will chat with special guests, Emma (4th Grade) and Oakhill Third Grade teacher Mrs. Hadel, about their exciting trip to Cape Canaveral to watch the NASA Lucy Mission Space Launch. Sit back, grab a snack, and enjoy this month's Talking Heads.
Mailbag time!
What are some of your favorite school traditions? These could be Oakhill traditions or ones that you experienced during your school years! Please leave us a message.
Premiere Date: November 11, 2021
Audio Credits:
Episode 2 Summary
This week our Talking Heads recap the middle school's recent trip to the Badlands trip and discuss why Oakhill makes student travel part of the curriculum. We'll also get a run-through of the big fall events coming up for Oakhill and we will get a glimpse at how the Mental Wellness programming has evolved over the past year. Sit back, and enjoy this month's fun with the Talking Heads.
Premiere Date: October 14, 2021
Audio Credits:
Extra Content
Episode 1 Summary
So here we are, the Talking Heads (of school and divisions) embarking on a new adventure! We're educators, not talk show hosts, but we are going to do our best each month to engage and inform as we host a variety of special guests and give you a preview of what's happened and what's coming up at Oakhill. Sit back, and enjoy our first episode of Talking Heads with your hosts Suzanne McCanles (Head of School), Amy Ganaden (MS and IM Division Director), Tim Ziegler (LS and EC Division Director), Tori Jones (PRIME High School Director), and special guest, Delaney Zimmermann (Oakhill's Learning Specialist).
Premiere Date: September 9, 2021
Audio Credits:
- Intro - Froze Egg by Lame Drivers CC
- Transitions - Triple and Live It (Instrumental) by Ketsa CC