Distinguished Speakers Podcasts

As part of our overall academic enrichment, we are fortunate to welcome to campus authors, business leaders, religious leaders, and artists from all disciplines as distinguished guest lecturers throughout the year. The following is a list organized by month and year.

Recent Podcasts

  • A.J. Jacobs

    Cushman Lecture Series

    Best-selling author A.J. Jacobs has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, The Colbert Report and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
    Recorded: Mon, 6 May 2013

  • Maeghan Jones

    CEO & President, Chattanooga Area Food Bank

    Maeghan has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years. She serves as CEO and President of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
    Recorded: Mon, 22 April 2013

  • Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein

    Teacher, Preacher, Community leader

    Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein has served Temple Israel and was named by Memphis Magazine as one of the city’s most significant leaders.
    Recorded: Mon, 8 April 2013

  • Julie Baumgardner

    CEO, First Things First

    As a passionate advocate for healthy marriage and family, Mrs. Baumgardner frequently speaks on these issues both locally and nationally.
    Recorded: Mon, 18 March 2013

  • James Lingo

    FCD

    The Parent Alliance hosted FCD consultant James Lingo for a special parent presentation on substance abuse prevention.
    Recorded: Mon, 25 February 2013

  • Brittan Berry

    People Operations, Google

    Brittan Berry talks about her experiences working with orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDs in South Africa's rural townships.
    Recorded: Mon, 25 February 2013

  • Trisha Meili

    The Central Park Jogger

    Trisha Meili shares her amazing story of survival and recovery.
    Recorded: Wed, 13 February 2013

  • Walter Hautzig

    Renowned Pianist, Conductor

    The Baylor School Fine Arts Department hosted internationally renowned pianist Walter Hautzig who performed in chapel.
    Recorded: Mon, 11 February 2013

  • Natalie Daise

    Speaker, Writer, Artist, Facilitator

    For more than 20 years, Natalie Daise has developed and facilitated interactive learning experiences for organizations, educators, students, and audiences in schools, universities, conferences, and other venues.
    Recorded: Mon, 4 February 2013

  • History Department Lecture Series

    Dr. Woody Register

    Dr. Register, a professor at Sewanee, the University of the South, spoke about the creation of the American amusement industry.
    Recorded: Tue, 29 January 2013

  • Joel Hilchey

    Speaker, Writer, Founder, The BeanStalk Project

    Joel Hilchey is a speaker, writer, and the founder of The Beanstalk Project (a youth engagement initiative to promote global citizenship, develop youth leadership, and create positive social change).
    Recorded: Mon, 28 January 2013

  • Naomi Tutu - MLK Day Celebration

    Human Rights Activist

    Human rights activist Naomi Tutu delivered the keynote for Baylor School's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.
    Recorded: Fri, 18 January 2013

  • Rabbi Bill S. Tepper

    Mizpah Congregation, Chattanooga

    Rabbi Bill S. Tepper, a native of Toronto, is the 17th Rabbi to lead the historic Mizpah Congregation in Chattanooga.
    Recorded: Mon, 14 January 2013

  • Jack Stanford Memorial Service

    Baylor Community, Family, Friends

    A memorial service was held in the Alumni Chapel to celebrate and honor the life and many contributions of Jack Stanford.
    Recorded: Mon, 10 December 2012

  • Annie M. Paul

    Author, Journalist

    Annie Murphy Paul is an author, journalist, consultant and speaker who helps people understand how we learn and how we can do it better.
    Recorded: Mon, 10 December 2012

  • Louis “Kayo” Erwin

    WW II Veteran

    Local WW II veteran Louis “Kayo” Erwin, 87, shared a detailed accounting of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis (July 30, 1945) and his incredible story of survival with Bob Olson’s World War II class.
    Recorded: Tue, 4 December 2012

  • James L Catanzaro

    President of Chattanooga State

    Dr. James L. Catanzaro, President of Chattanooga State speaks in Chapel.
    Recorded: Mon, 3 December 2012

  • Kyle Matthews

    Musician, Songwriter

    In two decades of writing and performing, Kyle Matthews has emerged as one of Christian music’s most outstanding and unique songwriters.
    Recorded: Mon, 29 October 2012

  • Rev. Dan Scott

    Baylor Chaplain

    Rev. Dan Scott shares perspectives and stories from his many years of working with students and parents.
    Recorded: Mon, 15 October 2012

  • Invisible Children Presentation

    National Volunteers

    Invisible Children Uganda (ICU) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for war-affected northern Ugandans by providing access to quality education and improved livelihoods.
    Recorded: Mon, 1 October 2012

  • Rev. Lou Parsons

    Assisi Episcopal Church

    The Reverend Louisa “Lou” Tucker Parsons is currently rector of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Ooltewah, Tennessee.
    Recorded: Mon, 24 September 2012

  • Dr. Arun Gandhi addresses Middle School

    Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Non-violence Advocate

    Dr. Arun Gandhi speaks with Middle School students plus students from other visiting schools. Dr. Gandhi carries on the work of Mahatma Gandhi teaching his message of nonviolence in cities around the world.
    Recorded: Wed, 19 September 2012

  • Dr. Arun Gandhi

    Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Non-violence Advocate

    Dr. Arun Gandhi speaks with the Baylor community during a special chapel event. Dr. Gandhi carries on the work of Mahatma Gandhi teaching his message of nonviolence in cities around the world.
    Recorded: Wed, 19 September 2012

  • Jerry Faulkner

    Basketball Coach, Speaker

    Coach Jerry Faulkner, former Charlotte Latin (NC) Head Boys Basketball Coach, won over 700 games at the high school level.
    Recorded: Mon, 17 September 2012

  • Ryan Long and Alathea

    Songwriters, Musicians

    Musicians Ryan Long and singer/songwriter duo Alathea perform in chapel.
    Recorded: Mon, 7 May 2012

  • Bill Curry

    Head Coach, ESPN Analyst

    Bill Curry has spent his entire adult life as a leader and communicator. His NFL career included two Super Bowl titles and a stint as the President of the NFL Players Association.
    Recorded: Mon, 30 April 2012

  • Chinese Folk Musicians

    China Ocean University

    The highly acclaimed virtuoso players of Chinese Folk Music recently performed for Baylor School music and Chinese classes.
    Recorded: Fri, 20 April 2012

  • Walter Hautzig

    Concert Pianist

    Austrian concert pianist Walter Hautzig performs with Baylor’s orchestra under the direction of Tom Schow.
    Recorded: Mon, 16 April 2012

  • Jennifer Pharr Davis

    Cushman Lecture Series

    Jennifer has hiked over 11,000 miles of Long Distance Trails on 6 continents and currently holds endurance records on the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail and Bibbulmun Track.
    Recorded: Mon, 2 April 2012

  • Zan Guerry Tennis Center Dedication

    Scott Wilson, Zan Guerry, Special Guests

    Parents, alumni, and friends of Baylor attended the dedication of an expansive new tennis center in honor of Zan Guerry ’67.
    Recorded: Sat, 31 March 2012

  • Jason Taylor

    President, Chattanooga Times Free Press

    Jason Taylor, President of the Chattanooga Times Free Press newspaper, is one of the most dynamic and accomplished leaders in his industry.
    Recorded: Mon, 26 March 2012

  • Eddie Davis

    Athletics Trainer

    Eddie Davis shares his reflections about the worst thing that ever happened in his life - the loss of his wife and beloved Baylor community member Janie Davis.
    Recorded: Mon, 27 February 2012

  • Chris Waddell

    Executive Director, One Revolution

    Chris Waddell, the most decorated male skier in Paralympic history, shares his inspiring story during a special chapel presentation.
    Recorded: Wed, 22 February 2012

  • Todd Etter '86

    Scholarship Dinner Keynote

    Todd Etter '86, who is one of the founding employees and partner of the non-traditional investment advice company known as the Motley Fool was the keynote speaker at Baylor's annual scholarship dinner
    Recorded: Tue, 21 February 2012

  • Karl Dewayne Gardner

    Actor, Director, Destiny Theater

    Karl D. Gardner…presents "African American Theatre: Yesterday and Today," as part of Baylor's African American Read-in
    Recorded: Mon, 6 February 2012

  • Dr. Ernest Morrell

    Professor, Writer, Producer

    Dr. Ernest Morell, Professor of English Education and Director of the Institute for Urban and Minority Education (IUME) at Teachers College, Columbia University.
    Recorded: Fri, 13 January 2012

  • Colloquium

    Westminster Choir

    During Colloquium, upper school students enjoyed a special concert by the Westminster Choir College, one of the top collegiate choirs in the country.
    Recorded: Thu, 12 January 2012

  • Dr. Grady Butler

    College Dean, Morehouse Collge

    Grady Butler was arrested in October 1960 for attempting to eat at a restaurant in Rich’s in Atlanta. He spent several days in the Fulton County jail along with his cellmate, Martin Luther King, Jr
    Recorded: Mon, 5 December 2011

  • Dr. Clifford Kuhn

    Author, Trainer, Personal Coach

    Dr. Clifford Kuhn presents concepts from his latest book "All Starts With A Smile: Seven Steps to Being Happier Right Now"
    Recorded: Mon, 24 October 2011

  • Dr. James L. Catanzaro

    President, Chattanooga State Community College

    Dr. James L. Catanzaro speaks on what it takes to be happy.
    Recorded: Mon, 17 October 2011

  • Amy-Jill Levine

    Vanderbilt University

    Amy-Jill Levine is E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School.
    Recorded: Mon, 3 October 2011

  • Alan Williams

    Teammates Matter

    Project Teammates Matter exists to put perspective back into sports by promoting TEAM in school communities throughout the country.
    Recorded: Mon, 19 September 2011

  • Rev. Brian Davis

    Pastor

    Brian is currently on staff at First Centenary United Methodist Church and pastor for the contemporary service called The Vine.
    Recorded: Mon, 9 May 2011

  • Tucker Carrington

    Cushman Fellows Lecture Series

    Tucker Carrington, the executive director of the Mississippi Innocence Project shared insights from his work with two wrongly convicted men
    Recorded: Mon, 2 May 2011

  • Kelleen Corrigan

    Associate Protection Officer, United Nations

    Kelleen serves in Bogotá, Colombia, working to prevent displacement and to ensure protection for refugees
    Recorded: Mon, 25 April 2011

  • Reverend Charles Hasty, Jr.

    Pastor

    Rev. Charles “Chuck” Hasty, Jr. spoke at chapel about the value of appreciating the opportunity of each day.
    Recorded: Mon, 18 April 2011

  • Betsy Barks Cox

    Writer, Teacher

    Betsy Barks Cox, who will be inducted this year into the Fellowship of Southern Writers speaks at a special assembly.
    Recorded: Wed, 13 April 2011

  • Rene Johnson

    Professor, Finlandia University

    Rene Johnson came to Finlandia University in Hancock, Mich. in 2005 after 12 years of teaching in the African countries of Ethiopia, Kenya and Tarzania.
    Recorded: Mon, 11 April 2011

  • Ed Huey

    Musician, Former Faculty Member

    Former faculty member Ed Huey wows the crowd with his musical prowess
    Recorded: Mon, 4 April 2011

  • The Von D. Oehmig Sports Performance Center Dedication

    School Officials, Donors, Guests

    The Von D. Oehmig Sports Performance Center was officially dedicated on March 11.
    Recorded: Wed, 16 March 2011

  • College Forum 2011

    Panel of College Deans and Directors

    The Baylor School College Forum is a unique opportunity for both juniors and their parents to learn first-hand about the college admissions process
    Recorded: Sat, 19 February 2011

  • LaFrederick M. Thirkill

    Educator, Playwright, Actor, Musician

    A distinguished local educator, playwright, actor, and musician, LaFrederick M.Thirkill serves an assistant principal at Apison Elementary School.
    Recorded: Mon, 7 February 2011

  • Athletic Recruiting Program

    Administrators from several colleges

    The Athletic and College Counseling Offices sponsored an Athletic Recruiting Program for all Baylor upper school students and their parents.
    Recorded: Mon, 31 January 2011

  • Br. Ron Fender

    Outreach Manager, Community Kitchen

    Br. Ron Fender is a vowed member of the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory, a religious order in the Episcopal Church. He serves as the outreach case manager at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
    Recorded: Mon, 31 January 2011

  • MLK Day Concluding Celebration

    Love, Peace and Happiness, Faculty & Students

    The Baylor community enjoyed wrapping up our 17th annual MLK "Day On" celebration with a lively event led by faculty member Ken Parks and his band, Love, Peace, and Happiness.
    Recorded: Mon, 17 January 2011

  • Ruth Brinkley

    MLK Day Celebration Keynote

    Former Memorial Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Ruth Brinkley was the featured guest speaker for Baylor School’s 17th annual “MLK Day On” celebration
    Recorded: Mon, 17 January 2011

  • Theodore Roosevelt Malloch

    CEO, Author, Global Leadership

    Theodore Roosevelt Malloch discusses his upcoming PBS documentary on ethical leadership in business. Introduction by Baylor alumni Lauren Templeton.
    Recorded: Fri, 10 December 2010

  • Pat Bassett - TAIS Keynote

    President, NAIS

    Pat Bassett, president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) opened the TAIS conference speaking on "The Three Essential Questions for Creating 21st Century Schools.”
    Recorded: Mon, 8 November 2010

  • Holmes Rolston III

    Professor, Environmental Ethics

    Holmes Rolston III is University Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University. He is unanimously regarded as a founder of the field of environmental ethics
    Recorded: Mon, 25 October 2010

  • Bud Krogh

    Senior Fellow on Leadership, Ethics, and Integrity

    Mr. Krogh currently serves as a Senior Fellow on Leadership, Ethics, and Integrity at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.
    Recorded: Mon, 11 October 2010

  • Marc Elliot

    Motivational Speaker on Tolerance

    Motivational speaker Marc Elliot speaks about the importance of tolerance.

    Recorded: Thu, 7 October 2010

  • John Two-Hawks

    Native American Musician

    John Two-Hawks is a Grammy-and-Emmy nominated, Platinum-Award winning musician whose music has been featured in movies by Fox Searchlight, films by HBO, and programs by The History Channel.
    Recorded: Tue, 28 September 2010

  • Col. Tommy Preston

    Chaplain, US Army

    Col. Tommy Preston speaks about the importance of heroes in the military and in everyday life.
    Recorded: Mon, 20 September 2010

  • Dr. Susan O. Underwood

    Poet, Creative Writing Professor

    Susan O'Dell Underwood directs the creative writing program at Carson-Newman College and also teaches courses in poetry, short fiction, and Appalachian literature
    Recorded: Mon, 13 September 2010

  • Start of School Address

    Dr. Herb Barks ‘51

    Dr. Herb Barks ’51 speaks at chapel about the true nature of intelligence.
    Recorded: Mon, 30 August 2010

  • Olu Q. Menjay

    Headmaster, Ricks School, Africa

    Olu Q. Menjay speaks to students about the power of investing in small things that change our world.
    Recorded: Mon, 26 April 2010

  • Sean Swarner

    Cancer Survivor, Mountain Climber

    Sean Swarner, a two-time cancer survivor recounts his inspiring story of climbing the 7 highest mountains in each of the seven continents.
    Recorded: Tue, 6 April 2010

  • Michael Golden ’67

    Vice Chairman of the New York Times Company

    Michael Golden ’67, Vice Chairman of the New York Times Company speaks at Baylor’s annual scholarship dinner.
    Recorded: Thu, 18 March 2010

  • Rob and Jennifer Rice

    Humanitarian Pilots

    Rob and Jennifer Rice share about their recent relief efforts in Haiti via their aviation company Great Commission Air.
    Recorded: Mon, 1 March 2010

  • Roger Crawford

    Author, Inspirational Speaker

    Best–selling author and inspirational keynote speaker, Roger Crawford speaks at Chapel about how to turn the pessimism of “I can’t” into the unstoppable power of “I can.”
    Recorded: Tue, 23 February 2010

  • Abdullah Antepli

    Duke University Chaplain

    Imam Abdullah Antepli is the Muslim Chaplain at Duke University.
    Recorded: Mon, 8 February 2010

  • Kenneth Hoats at Parent Alliance

    Education Counselor

    Baylor parents attended a special program featuring Kenneth Hoats on “Raising a Resilient Child: Giving your Child an Effective Philosophy of Life.”
    Recorded: Mon, 1 February 2010

  • Kenneth Hoats

    Education Counselor

    A licensed professional counselor and certified educational counselor, Hoats speaks with students on leadership and developing an effective philosophy of life.
    Recorded: Mon, 1 February 2010

  • The Power of Words

    Rabbi Ken Kanter

    Rabbi Ken Kanter, Director of the Rabbinical School for the Hebrew Union College speaks to Baylor students about the power of words.
    Recorded: Wed, 27 January 2010

  • Tennis Greats Visit

    Melanie Oudin & the Bryan Brothers

    Baylor students were treated to a visit from some world-class tennis greats, rising star Melanie Oudin and five-time world champions Bob and Mike Bryan.
    Recorded: Thu, 3 December 2009

  • Kyle Maynard

    Champion Wrestler, Author

    Champion wrestler and author, Kyle Maynard, who was born without arms or legs, spoke to Baylor students Monday in chapel.
    Recorded: Mon, 16 November 2009

  • Joe Gawrys Receives Conrow Miller Award

    Joe & the Baylor Community

    Joe Gawrys was on campus to receive this year’s Conrow Miller award, which was presented in assembly by Tim Larramore, Yasmine Kangles Key, and Kristen Jenkins, members of the class of 1999.
    Recorded: Fri, 6 November 2009

  • Kani Xulam

    American Kurdish Information Network

    Kani Xulam, founder of the American Kurdish Information Network speaks to students about the plight of the Kurdish people in Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria.
    Recorded: Mon, 26 October 2009

  • Alumni Awards Banquet

    Honorees & Guests

    Baylor honored 14 individuals at the annual Alumni Awards Banquet as part of the school’s Alumni Weekend festivities.
    Recorded: Sat, 3 October 2009

  • Dr. Stephen Post

    Professor, Author

    Stephen Post, author of the book "Why Good Things Happen to Good People", shares with students some of the thoughts and research around what makes people happy
    Recorded: Mon, 28 September 2009

  • A Challenge to the Class of 2010

    Dr. Herb Barks '51

    Former headmaster Dr. Herb Barks '51 addresses the Class of 2010.
    Recorded: Mon, 31 August 2009

  • Floyd Celepino

    Senior Luncheon Keynote

    Veteran Latin instructor Floyd Celapino muses on linoleum and the difference between life and living at the class of 2009 luncheon.
    Recorded: Mon, 18 May 2009

  • Harrison Hall Dedication

    School Officials & Guests

    School officials cut the ribbon for Baylor's new Harrison Hall dormitory.
    Recorded: Fri, 8 May 2009

  • Scott Wilson '75

    Incoming Headmaster

    In his keynote Chapel address to Baylor students, faculty, and staff, Scott Wilson '75 looks back to his days as a student
    Recorded: Mon, 27 April 2009

  • Lauren Templeton '94

    Principal, Lauren Templeton Capital Management

    Recorded: Tue, 21 April 2009

  • Dr. Bill Stacy

    Headmaster

    Headmaster Dr. Bill Stacy delivered a farewell message today to the student body, Introduction by Chairman Zan Guerry.
    Recorded: Mon, 20 April 2009

  • Wendell Berry

    Poet, Author, Essayist

    Poet, essayist, farmer, and novelist Wendell Berry visited classes and spoke to Baylor students about sustainable land use and the importance of community
    Recorded: Thu, 2 April 2009

  • Bill McClay

    Professor of History, UTC

    Wilfred M. McClay is the SunTrust Bank Chair of Excellence and Professor of History in Humanities at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
    Recorded: Mon, 26 January 2009

  • Morris Dees

    Civil Rights Leader

    Stating that America is a great nation "because of our diversity and not in spite of it," Civil Rights leader Morris Dees spoke to more than 1,300 members of the Baylor community
    Recorded: Mon, 19 January 2009

  • Grant Teaff

    Coach, Executive

    In 13 years as the Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association, Grant Teaff has become one of the most effective administrators in intercollegiate athletics.
    Recorded: Mon, 27 October 2008

  • Bill Cushman ’59

    Baylor Teacher - Retired

    A Baylor graduate himself, Bill Cushman '59 taught generations of Baylor students the importance of both knowing and feeling and the value of both experiencing and imagining during his 44 years on the Baylor faculty
    Recorded: Mon, 29 September 2008

  • Will Bowen

    Minister, Author

    Will Bowen has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, The ABC Evening News, Fox News Channel and in hundreds of TV and radio interviews
    Recorded: Mon, 15 September 2008

  • Kyle Matthews

    Christian Songwriter

    One of Christian music's most prolific songwriters, Kyle Matthews performs in the Chapel.’
    Recorded: Mon, 8 September 2008

  • A Challenge to the Class of 2009

    Dr. Herb Barks '51

    Baylor’s third headmaster, Dr. Herb Barks speaks to the class of 2009.
    Recorded: Mon, 25 August 2008

  • Jeff Wolfsberg

    Substance Abuse Expert

    Jeff Wolfsberg, an expert on adolescent substance abuse issues, speaks with Middle School parents
    Recorded: Thu, 22 May 2008

  • Dr. Herb Barks '51

    Former Headmaster

    Former Headmaster Dr. Herb Barks '51, keynotes our Scholarship Dinner
    Recorded: Tue, 15 April 2008

  • Coleman Barks '55

    Poet, Author, Translator

    Poet and author Coleman Barks '55 shared his poetry with students.
    Recorded: Mon, 14 April 2008

  • Sylvia Mackey

    A talk to Baylor students today regarding using life's adversity as a way to create something positive for others
    Recorded: Mon, 31 March 2008

  • Joe Ehrman

    Founder - Building Men and Women for Others

    Former NFL player Joe Ehrmann spoke to Baylor students regarding finding the meaning, value, and purpose of life.
    Recorded: Mon, 3 March 2008

  • Bishop William H. Willimon

    United Methodist Church

    Bishop Willimon speaks to the upper school student body.
    Recorded: Fri, 7 December 2007

  • Barbara Gaines

    Advertising Manager, BellSouth

    Barbara discusses the segregated culture of her childhood, her aspirations for college, and her long association with Agnes Scott College.
    Recorded: Mon, 22 October 2007

  • Best-selling Author Pat Conroy

    The Baylor Chapel

    Pat Conroy, the author of "Prince of Tides," "The Great Santini," “The Lords of Discipline” and numerous other best-selling novels
    Recorded: Mon, 8 October 2007

  • Class of '67 Economics Leaders Panel

    Jim Frierson, Zan Guerry, Rob Mayfield, Hal Bosworth, Rick Estabrook

    The Class of '67 presented a panel discussion for one of Baylor's economics classes.
    Recorded: Fri, 5 October 2007

  • Dr. Herb Barks '51

    Former Headmaster

    Dr. Herb Barks '51 addressed Baylor students in chapel about the essence of Baylor.
    Recorded: Mon, 27 August 2007
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