Elevate Empathy's Share Chair Podcast

The future of The Share Chair podcast comes into question as Spring Lake student host and editor, Adriana Zamarron, nears graduation. As our podcast comes to a possible close, we invite Fruitport High School host Greg Kobylak and podcast founder David Theune to explore the impact of this storytelling adventure.

Listen to the cast of Mamma Mia! from Fruitport High School as they share their passion and show thanks for the entire team that supports a big theater production. Join students Brantley Mellem and Kadie Juska along with host Mr Kobylak for a conversion you are sure to enjoy.

In this weeks episode of the Share Chair podcast, we meet Brad and Christian - two Champions of Healthy Manhood at Resilience. Resilience is a non-profit organization that advocates against violence: more specifically, domestic violence. As champions, Brad and Christian teach courses to men and boys that encourage them to detach themselves from societal expectations of masculinity and; ultimately, foster healthy manhood. Join in as they familiarize us with their work, personal journeys, and the overarching mask that most men and boys live in.

Listen in as Fruitport Student, Prisha Chaudhry, describes how the challenge of moving to a foreign place at a young age has formed her into the hardworking young woman she is today. Host, Greg Kobylak, leads the conversation to discover how Prisha has reacted to the drastic change in her life, and what it has led to in the present.

Greg, our Share Chair Partner at Fruitport High School, meets with Avis Downey, a queer trans male. As Avis explores his identity, he understands that there is a spectrum surrounding his gender that isn't easily defined. Avis continues to explore his journey with gender identity, while also navigating hobbies, school, and relationships; which shows to be challenging. Join in on this informational and interesting podcast!

Dive into a perspective-changing episode with Axle Kwiatkowski. Axle is a transman, in this episode Axle shares his story, and all of the light and darkness that surrounds his public identity. Throughout this conversation, we explore several compelling 'issues' surrounding the LGBTQ+ [but more specifically the trans] community. This podcast is incredibly meaningful, and I think it is important for everyone to take a look into what it means to be trans.

Listen in on Senior Levi Glynn's experience with continuing to challenge himself. Join us to hear his physical and mental journey with Cross Country, and how it has contributed to his life. Levi Glynn gives us a glimpse into his passion for running and how it symbolizes his self-indulgence to continue working on himself and his goals.

Tune in on a packed interview with Jessica Stewart, Spring Lake High School's first-ever female Kicker of the Varsity Football Team! Listen in on Jessica's journey with sports and how she came to be a true representation of the evolving sports era at Spring Lake High School this year. Not only is she an inspiration to young girls all over the district, but she inspires all of us to trudge over the limitations of our modern world and seize the opportunities that surround us.

This week, The Share Chair Podcast visits Fruitport one last time for this season. There, we got to meet Julie Ferguson. Julie has taught since 1988, and has incluenced countless classes of kindergarteners. With the announcement of her retirement, Julie comes to us with stories of her years teaching, differences of then and now, and just why she loves her job as a teacher. Tune in for more on Julie's story and stick around for one final episode from The Share Chair Podcast!

With much anticipation to graduate in only a matter of months, Spencer Cobb was ready to take off into adulthood. Unfortunately, a severe injury to his spine left him paralyzed and took away any hopes of the life he had hoped for, or so he thought. Many publications have covered the accident and the slow mend of his body, but today we meet with Spencer to learn who he is. The indomitable mind set, the bright future, the man who is far more than just an injury: Spencer Cobb. Tune in this week for more on Spencer's story and stick around for more from The Share Chair Podcast.

This week at Spring Lake High School, The Share Chair Podcast met with Tyler Robinson. Tyler introduces us to his rap career as "G0LDNBXY", and gives us some history on the turns it has taken. Later, we delve into what makes music special to him and how he reflects that on his own life. Tune in for more on Tyler's story and stick around for more on The Share Chair Podcast.

This week on The Share Chair Podcast we meet three different students at Fruitport High School. Mylee, Brooklyn, and Caden are all members of the Be NICE program. This episode, they speak about what it truely means to represent the program, and doing more than just being kind to others. This episode we get some insight on the rollout of Be NICE at Fruitport and how they have navigated so far. Tune in for more on their story and stick around for more on The Share Chair Podcast.

This week on The Share Chair Podcast, we meet Sophmore Ava Davidson. Ava has seen many successes this year. From making All-State choir to taking a lead role in the production "White Christmas", Ava is certainly at the top of her heap. However, she now faces the question of what comes next, how can she continue to grow? This episode, Ava gives us insight on her future goals and what levels of work and dedication it takes to succeed, because nothing ever is easy, and we together explore a series of philosophical discussions that can be attuned to anyone's life. Tune in for more on Ava's story and stick around for more on The Share Chair Podcast.

Mixed emotion fills The Share Chair studio as we welcome Adriana Zamarron not only to the podcast, but to the role of student producer. The old addage would suggest that, as a new door opens for Adriana, one closes as well. Sadly, for us it means that our beloved David Theune will be leaving the podcast for good, and is joining us for one last interview over his last seven years of dedication to this wonderful podcast. To meet Adriana and give a final goodbye to Theune, check out this latest episode, and stick around for more from The Share Chair Podcast.

This week, The Share Chair goes over to Fruitport to meet Katee Tompkins & Kadie Juska. With the opening night of their musical "The Addam's Family" just around the corner, both of them share some excitement for the new show, as well as the acting careers that have led them to the stage today! Listen in for more on their story and stay tuned for more from The Share Chair Podcast.

This week on The Share Chair Podcast, we get to talk to Sophomore Gabe Gardner. Gabe's heart lies in his creative outlets. He adores cinema, writing, comedic impressions, and making people laugh. Gabe has a great love for his friends but also can feel put down by others around him. This episode, we three take a dive into Gabe's hobbies as well as the philosophy of what it means to love or hate people. Tune in for more on Gabe and stick around for more from The Share Chair Podcast!

This week on The Share Chair Podcast, we had the pleasure of meeting everybody's favorite boys: Ben Carlson and Caden Kyser. Both now in their senior year, Caden and Ben met as trombone players in 5th grade band. Now, as the sole senior players, Caden and Ben have forged an unlikely bond over the years. In this episode you get an inside look at the long friendship between these two goofy guys. Check out this episode to hear their story, and tune in for more on The Share Chair Podcast!

This week on The Share Chair Podcast we meet freshman Patrick Goran. Patrick recently lost his grandmother, which took a toll on many of his family members, namely his grandpa. In hopes of lifting his spirits, Patrick reached out to his grandpa with a letter. Soon, one letter became two, then three and four, until he was writing a letter to him daily. Touched by the letters, his grandfather shared them with his friends, who then spread the love of Patrick's writing. Now, Patrick has published the letters as a book: "Letters To Grandpa". In this episode, Patrick speaks to us about writing the letters and his experience reconnecting with his grandfather. Go checkout his website at https://www.letters2grandpa.com/ and pick up a copy today! A portion of all proceeds go to a foundation set to help find a cure for alzheimer's disease.

Sending a great big welcome to Fruitport's newest teacher, Steve Joblonski! This episode, we get to learn all about Steve and what has led him here to teaching our students. From working with biology out in the field to running not one, not two, but three 100-mile ultra marathons, Steve has a lot to offer our school! Listen in for more on Steve and tune in for more from The Share Chair Podcast.

Last week at Spring Lake, our school tried something new. We took an hour long "brain break" to give our minds a rest from the long, laborous days at school. Rosie and Tori, both members of our student council, came in to speak to us about the nature of the break. Listen in for more on why we took the break, and what we can expect in the future! Also, remember to tune in for more on The Share Chair Podcast!