Focal Point Podcast

This episode marks the beginning of a new series called "Student Spotlight." In this series we will talk to a student to highlight a unique activity they participate in in. Focal Point Podcast Host and Assistant Digital Manager Will Clifford interviewed junior Vikram Singh. Singh produces music and makes beats that he sells to professional producers and musical artists. https://smremarker.com/

To open up the episode, Brand Manager Will Clifford speaks with Board of Trustees Member Paul Genender '87 about his experience in Mexico as a father and former Marksman (1:25). Next, Editor-In-Chief Shreyan Daulat talks with senior Jacob Weinstein about his opinions of his class and how they acted during the trip (11:45). Similarly, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt learns more about senior Silas Hosler's experiences on the spring break trip and how he hoped he and the rest of the senior class represented the school off campus (17:27).

To open up the episode, Brand Manager Will Clifford speaks with senior Bijaan Noormohamed to learn how AI has changed the way Noormohamed has approached his writing. (1:19). Next, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt talks with English and History Teacher Dr. John Perryman about the school's approach to the increasing usage of technology and its shortcuts. (14:58).

To open up the episode, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt talks with Kami Mattioli, Director of Digital Content for the Minnesota Timberwolves, about the impact of social media in the sports world (0:42). Next, Brand Manager Will Clifford speaks with senior Christian Tsvetanov (10:53) to learn about how he became successful growing his social media brand. Finally, and Editor-In-Chief Shreyan Daulat dives into the America Ninja Warrior world with senior Christian Youst, and how he managed his social media success from his competing success (24:28).

To open up the episode, Editor-In-Chief Shreyan Daulat talks with Upper School Choir Director Tinsley Silcox about the choir's stance on religious diversity and spirituality at St. Mark's (1:00). Next, Brand Manager Will Clifford speaks with junior Reed Sussman (11:39) and sophomore David Gershenson (16:20) to learn about their different perspectives on how the school balances their religious values. Finally, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt dives into how the Chapel Council operates with Chapel Council President Bowden Slates, and the new perspectives he has learned (29:00).

In his first full episode as host, Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt opens the episode with new Focus Magazine Editor-in-Chief Myles Lowenberg to talk about his experience going to political rallies for Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke, and how impactful rallies are during election season (1:25). Next, Dillon and Issues Editor Dawson Yao dive into the importance of children developing their own political opinions, rather than them following their parent’s beliefs (15:45). Finally, Dillon talks with Sports Editor Ben Adams about his journey recovering from two surgeries after suffering an ACL tear, and how he looks forward to getting back on the pitch at full strength  (27:45). Hosted by Executive Content Editor Dillon Wyatt

In their final episode as hosts of Behind the Column, former Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak explore six columns from the April edition of The ReMarker. First, former Assignments Editor Will Pechersky thinks back on some of his favorite memories from his 12 years at 10600 Preston Road with Peter (1:50). Then, Peter does the same on his 11 and three-quarters years here with Toby (14:25). Next, former Opinions Editor Axel Icazbalceta explains some of his favorite lyrics from artist Mitski to Peter (28:40). We then shift over to a guest column from senior Tomek Marczewski in which he elaborates on his newfound love for cooking to Toby (45:50). After Peter and Toby’s final interviews, new Focal Point Host Dillon Wyatt talks to former In-Depth Editor Jonathan Yin about what it’s like taking care of his autistic younger brothers (57:05). Finally, Dillon chats with Focus Magazine Editor-in-Chief Myles Lowenberg about his satirical column surrounding the college application process (1:07:05). Hosted by former Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett.

In our fifth episode of Behind the Column, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak interview four columnists from the March edition of The ReMarker. First, Toby shares a few stories about his ADHD and the lessons he's learned coping with it with Peter (1:15). Then, Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams explains the press censorship going on in his old home of Hong Kong to Peter (14:55). Next, rookie staff writer Grayson Redmond talks about his silent car rides with his dad with Toby (27:05). Finally, Issues Editor Keshav Krishna dives into the complex topic of affirmative action with Toby (40:25). Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett

In this year's fourth episode, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak go behind the column with five columnists from the February edition of The ReMarker. First, Peter talks about his transition from being a three-sport athlete to a one-sport athlete with Toby (1:15). Then, Assignments Editor Will Pechersky gives some helpful tips about the stressful college application process with Peter (14:15). Next, Issues Editor Keshav Krishna explains his love for local libraries and why they should stick around to Toby (29:10). Opinions Editor Axel Icazbalceta answers the question, 'Why be happy when you can be interesting?' to Peter (41:35). Finally, 10600/Culture Editor Shreyan Daulat describes his search for spirituality in Istanbul to Toby (59:10).  Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett.

In this year's third episode of Behind the Column, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak explore the ins and outs of five columns from the December edition of The ReMarker. First, Toby explains to Peter why he decided to go vegetarian for two weeks and what he learned from the experience (1:20). Then, Issues Editor Myles Lowenberg analyzes the political atmosphere around school board elections with Toby (15:40). Next, Issues Editor Keshav Krishna describes a long day on the hills of Oklahoma with his dad to Peter (25:00). Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams talks with Peter about The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, an attempt to fill in holes in the English language with the coining of new words (33:35). Finally, Focus Editor Morgan Chow discusses the importance of seeing Asian representation, and representation from all races, in media with Toby (44:30).  Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett.

In this year's second episode of Behind the Column, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak explore four columns from fellow staff members, along with one guest column. First, Sports Editor Arjun Khatti breaks down to Peter why he believes St. Mark's students and student-athletes everywhere shouldn't give up on their high school sports (1:15). Next, Issues Editor Keshav Krishna explains to Toby why he's been experimenting with watching Fox News (11:10). Then, Hockaday senior Eleanor Lockhart dives into her guest column on why she opposes Senate Bill 8, which bans abortions after a heartbeat is detected in the state of Texas, with Peter (28:50). A man of many nicknames, In-Depth Editor Jonathan Yin talks with Toby about them all: from Joj to J Dawg the Large to just Jonny (43:00). Finally, Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams breaks down his essentials – things he can't live without – to Toby (56:50). Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett.

With the first episode of the school year, Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett dive deeper behind five columns from The ReMarker September paper. First, Toby chats with Editorials & Opinion Editor Axel Icazbalceta about one of his closest friends, Madison (1:15). Next, Peter talks with his Co-Host, Toby, about his experience working at a sandwich shop over the summer (24:15). Then, Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams shares a "sliding glass door" story of his father on 9/11 with Peter (36:10). With the return of fans, Health & Sports Editor Dillon Wyatt explains to Peter why he believes students should continue to cheer on their classmates from the stands (48:50). Finally, News & Issues Editor Myles Lowenberg talks with Toby about his favorite, or rather least favorite, political loophole: the filibuster (57:50). Special thanks to seniors Xander Bowles and Blake Molthan for making the new transition music!  Hosted by Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak

In their first full episode as co-hosts, Managing Editors Toby Barrett and Peter Orsak open the episode with next year's Editor-in-Chief Austin Williams to converse about his obsession for listening to podcasts such as This American Life's "Serial" and "The Joe Rogan Experience" (1:25). Next, Toby switches from host to guest, as he and Peter dive into his love for movie theatres, and how he hopes they are able to stick around following the pandemic and for years to come (19:30). Finally, Peter talks with Head Photographer Ekansh Tambe about a restriction on drone photography in the state of Texas that threatens photojournalists with fines and jail time, and Ekansh updates us on the lawsuit against this legislation claiming a violation of our First Amendment rights (33:50). Hosted by Managing Editors Peter Orsak and Toby Barrett

Hours after the conclusion of the 2021 NFL Draft, William Aniol and Siddhartha Sinha discuss their initial takeaways from the draft. They also talk about the Dallas Cowboys' draft as well as Sinha's Ohio State Buckeyes and Aniol's Texas Longhorns before talking about the biggest steals and reaches in their opinions. Hosts: William Aniol, Siddhartha Sinha Producer: Siddhartha Sinha

Henry McElhaney and Eric Yoo get together during a free period to talk about how they got into soccer, memories from the Lions soccer program, their favorite squads and players in Europe and news of the European Super League.  Hosts: Henry McElhaney, Eric Yoo, Siddhartha Sinha Producer: Siddhartha Sinha