The Woodberry Podcast

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey is joined by Sean Harvey, founder of the Warrior Compassion Institute and a men’s engagement strategist whose work focuses on purpose, healing, and authentic connection.Byron and Sean explore how Sean’s work with men, helping them confront deeper questions of identity, meaning, and belonging, aligns closely with Woodberry Forest’s mission of knowing, challenging, and loving the boys in our care. Sean shares what he has learned from working with adult men who are seeking clarity and wholeness later in life, and why intentional formation during adolescence matters so deeply.Together, they reflect on the cultural divides that fragment our world and discuss how compassion, accountability, and honest conversation can help foster healthier individuals and stronger communities. This episode offers a powerful perspective on what it means to raise young men prepared not just for success, but for meaningful lives.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with renowned author and psychologist Dr. Michael C. Reichert to explore the development and education of boys in today’s world. Dr. Reichert is an applied and research psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with children, families, and schools across clinical, community, and educational settings. He serves as Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania and has consulted and spoken globally on effective practices in boys’ education.Byron and Dr. Reichert discuss the path that led him to his vital work—blending research, clinical practice, and advocacy—and unpack key ideas about how boys learn, grow, and thrive in relational environments. They dive deep into topics from Dr. Reichert’s influential writings, including Reaching Boys, Teaching Boys, and How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men, discussing the importance of emotional literacy, supportive relationships, and reimagining traditional notions of masculinity in education.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey is joined by Janney Jay, mother of Morgan Jay ’25, for a conversation about one family's journey through a Woodberry education. Janney shares what led the Jay family to choose Woodberry Forest School and reflects on how the experience has shaped Morgan’s growth along the way.Byron and Janney also discuss the strength and reach of the Woodberry parent network and how it brings together families from all walks of life and from around the world, united by shared values and a deep commitment to their sons and the school.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Wil Brawley '92, entrepreneur, proud alumnus, and longtime friend of the school. As the co-owner of ScheduleFly, Wil has built a successful business rooted in service and relationships, values that trace back to his time at Woodberry.Byron and Wil reflect on Will’s journey from his early days as a Woodberry sports camper to his years as a student and now as a dedicated alumnus. Together, they explore the enduring strength of the Woodberry bond, how the school’s focus on honor, humility, and brotherhood continues to shape its graduates and inspire their lifelong connection to the community.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Dr. Tiff Jones, founder and owner of X-Factor Performance Consulting and a Certified Mental Performance Coach. With more than two decades of experience working with professional, collegiate, and youth athletes, Dr. Tiff helps individuals and teams reach their highest potential, both in competition and in life.Byron and Dr. Tiff discuss the power of mindset and mental skills training in shaping performance, resilience, and leadership. They also explore her holistic approach, which blends behavioral profiling and Chopra-certified practices in health, meditation, and well-being. Dr. Tiff shares how these techniques are transforming not just sports, but also the corporate and educational worlds.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes John Gulla, Executive Director of the Edward E. Ford Foundation, for a wide-ranging discussion on the forces shaping secondary education today.Together, Byron and John explore the broader trends influencing independent middle and high schools, from shifting demographics and financial models to questions of access, equity, and innovation. With years of experience leading and supporting schools across the country, John offers thoughtful insights into both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for independent education.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Harry Lavant, an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor, for a timely discussion on the rapidly evolving world of sports gambling.Together, Byron and Harry explore how the expansion of legalized sports betting is shaping culture, the unique risks it poses for young people, and the challenges parents and educators face in addressing it. They also brainstorm strategies for fostering awareness and ensuring that communities approach gambling responsibly in the years ahead.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with a very special guest, his daughter, Claire Hulsey. A rising senior at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, Claire reflects on her own educational journey while sharing what it was like to grow up on the Woodberry campus as the daughter of a headmaster.Byron and Claire talk candidly about the unique perspective that comes with being part of the Woodberry community from childhood, the lessons Claire has carried with her to St. Andrew’s, and the ways her path has been shaped by both family and school life.

In this special episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey welcomes Dylan Walmsley ’19 and his mother, Kathy Walmsley, for a heartfelt conversation about the impact of a Woodberry education on both students and their families.Kathy shares an honest and thoughtful perspective on what it was like to send both of her sons to boarding school, the hopes and hesitations that came with that decision, and how the Woodberry experience shaped their family’s journey. Dylan, now pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at UC San Diego after graduating from Washington & Lee, reflects on how his time at Woodberry influenced his worldview, character, and pursuit of purpose.Together, they explore the lasting value of a Woodberry education, the growth it fosters, and the ways it prepares young men to lead lives of integrity, curiosity, and impact.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Dr. Byron Hulsey sits down with Morgan Jay, a standout member of the Class of 2025 from Alexandria, Virginia. A prefect, cross country runner, and all-around contributor to campus life, Morgan reflects on his time at Woodberry and the moments that shaped his growth, both as a student and a young man. As he looks ahead to Harvard, Morgan shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of his Woodberry journey, the lessons he’s taking with him, and even has a little fun with a few spot-on faculty impersonations.

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with Dr. Jeffrey R. Quebec, an experienced educator and founder of the Pre-Prep Showcase. With decades of leadership in independent school education, Dr. Quebec offers unique insight into the evolving landscape of boarding schools.Byron and Jeff dive into the current trends shaping the boarding school world, from shifting demographics to the rising demand for character-based education. They explore why families continue to choose boarding school experiences and how schools can better connect with mission-fit families. Dr. Quebec also shares more about his new podcast, Why Boarding School.

Wright Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN and a contributing writer to The Atlantic. He formerly worked at The Kansas City Star and the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Thompson's topics have covered a wide range of sports issues, from golf, football, basketball, and baseball, to car racing, sports history, and bullfighting. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Pappyland and The Cost of These Dreams. His most recent book, The Barn, explores the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. Thompson lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his family.

Paul Cumbo is an educator, author, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience teaching English at Jesuit high schools for boys. He was a rowing coach for much of that time, and he has also served as a swimming coach, retreat director, and service-learning coordinator. He currently teaches part-time at Canisius High School in downtown Buffalo, NY. Paul is the author of five books, including two novels. His most recent work, A Path to Manhood: Encouragement and Advice for Young Men, was published in February 2025.https://www.paulcumbo.com/

In this episode of The Woodberry Podcast, Headmaster Byron Hulsey sits down with Larry Washington, a valued member of Woodberry’s transportation department. With an extensive and fascinating career history, Larry brings a unique perspective to life at Woodberry, both on and off the road.Byron and Larry talk about his wide-ranging professional journey, what drew him to Woodberry, and the meaningful connections he’s built while driving students, faculty, and teams to their destinations. Larry also reflects on what makes the Woodberry community special and why his role is about so much more than transportation.

Tom Batty is the executive director of the International Boys School Coalition. Tom has spent thirty-two years working in boys schools as both a math teacher (at schools such as Eton College in the UK and Waverley College in Australia) and principal of Scotch College in Melbourne. Tom joined the board of IBSC in 2012, and served as chair from 2018-2021, before being named executive director in 2022.

Ben Hulsey ’22 is the son of Headmaster Byron Hulsey ’86. Currently a junior at Washington & Lee University, Ben was the senior prefect at Woodberry, where he was also on the track and cross country teams, served on the Oracle staff, and participated in the Woodberry-in-Spain trip. Ben spent several summers working on the Woodberry maintenance crew and is serving as a class volunteer.

Tom Darden '73 is the founder and chief executive officer of Cherokee, a Raleigh-based company that builds environmental technology businesses and remediates environmentally contaminated real estate. Tom began his career with Bain & Company in Boston, working with Bain from 1981 to 1984. Beginning in 1984, he served for 16 years as the chairman of Cherokee Sanford Group, the largest private brick manufacturing company in the United States and previously the Southeast’s largest soil remediation company. Tom earned a BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar, a Master in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a JD from Yale Law School.

Danielle Coon is the manager of Woodberry's school store, a position she has held since 2022. She has more than seventeen years of progressive experience with retailer American Eagle Outfitters, where she was an award-winning lead store manager. Danielle has extensive expertise in brick and mortar stores, online sales, and visual directives.

Ted Blain came to Woodberry Forest in 1982, where five years later he became chairman of the English Department, a position that he held for more than 30 years. During his tenure at Woodberry, he held the Rufus W. Higginbotham Mastership, 1984-87; the James C. Ambler Chair of English, 1987-2020; and won the George O'Connor Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 1990, 2002, and 2011. Ted is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and holds a graduate degree from the University of Virginia.

Dr. John P.N. Austin became Deerfield Academy’s 56th Head of School in July of 2019. Prior to Deerfield, Dr. Austin served as Headmaster at King’s Academy in Madaba, Jordan, and before that as Academic Dean at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, where he joined the faculty in 1987.A graduate of Williams College, Dr. Austin holds a Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Doctoral degrees in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University, along with a Master’s degree from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College.via Deerfield.edu