The Spartan Life

Flying solo--and suffering through the winter doldrums--Mr. Castagna hands the reins over to some of his Public Speaking students as seniors CHRISTIAN GORDON and TUCKER MACK give us a roving report on the boys basketball team (2:40), and senior CHARLES PROBST interviews senior dance team member MAGGIE PAVIS (9:55). Then, Mr. Castagna gets back behind the mic to chat with MRS. MOONEY about her new role as secretary in the front office (18:31).

Got a suggestion? Drop us a line at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org.

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On this year's Festivus episode, we feature package stories from Mr. Castagna's Public Speaking students as well as back-to-back teacher interviews! First up, SL's resident musicologist, COLBY MOONEY, leads an AIRING OF GRIEVANCES when he surveys students and staff about musical artists they think are overrated (1:50). Then the Gym Bros (NICK VENTRESCA and MICHAEL FLUCK) discuss fitness habits with community members eager to share their FEATS OF STRENGTH (13:36). After that, MRS. SCHIFFER stops by to tell us all about her new gig here at SL and explain what it's like to be a "Horse Mom" (22:19). Finally, we snag our biggest interview to date, sitting down with the one and only MR. MICHAEL ANTHONY (53:20).

Wanna suggest someone we should feature on the show??? Drop us a line at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org.

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After Mr. Castagna helps talk Mr. Haupt through his FALL FATIGUE (1:39), our hosts sit down with junior LEAH LAZUREK and sophomore MADELYN LOGHMANI to dissect season five of COBRA KAI (6:21). They then speak with senior powerlifter ELYSE PAUGH about how she found her way to the gym and how it's made her a stronger, more confident individual (26:05). Finally, Ms. Scoralik stops by to discuss the wide array of experiences that inspired her to become a tech ed teacher (52:06).

Interested in recording your own version of the new Spartan Life theme song??? Wanna suggest someone we should feature on the show??? Drop us a line at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org.

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Our Homecoming episode features candidates for the homecoming crown as well as appearances from staff members who will be actively involved in the annual pep rally. We first reiterate our call for musicians who can RE-RECORD OUR THEME SONG for us in the hope that we can find someone--anyone--who can sing it better than Mr. Haupt and Mr. Castagna (1:15). After that, we challenge the community with another TRIVIA QUESTION, this one focusing on the immortal cinema classic, The Karate Kid (3:07). Mr. Castagna then chats with a handful of teachers--including Senorita Swartz, Mr. Schrader, and Mrs. Shiffer--who will be participating in the DANCE-OFF at this year's pep rally (4:50). Star quarterback AVERY KOSER then stops by for a visit to tell us all about what we can expect from the team at this year's homecoming game against Lehighton (12:00). Finally, we wrap this episode up with a descent into absolute lunacy in an interview with admittedly "weird" senior AVERY TATASCIORE. Hold on, people, this one's a wild ride!

Interested in recording your own version of the new Spartan Life theme song??? Have an answer for that trivia question??? Wanna suggest someone we should feature on the show??? Drop us a line at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org.

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We're baaaaaaack!!!

In our Season 5 premiere, Haupt and Castagna put the call out to listeners for a few brave souls willing to RECORD THEIR OWN VERSION of the new Spartan Life theme song (0:10). We then offer a TRIVIA QUESTION (1:46) related to that new theme song that's good for Spartan Life swag or EXTRA CREDIT in a class of your choice! After that, we touch base with a handful of students and staff members--including Katie Farrell, Mr. Zeisloft, and Jack Inglis--to find out HOW THEY SPENT THEIR SUMMER VACATION (4:16). We then have the privilege of sitting down with senior A.J. MONCMAN to hear all about how a positive attitude and a good sense of humor have helped him keep "dancing in the rain" of visual impairment (11:36). Finally, we talk educational philosophy, workout habits, and the dumpster fire that is the current state of the Star Wars franchise with your new principal, MR. JOSHUA MILLER (43:39).

Interested in recording your own version of the new Spartan Life theme song??? Have an answer for that trivia question??? Have a suggestion for someone we should feature on the show??? Drop us a line at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org.

We are available on all major podcast platforms. Like and Subscribe on your device and leave us a review!

In our final go-round with an act performing at this year's Battle of the Bands, we chat with The Bassments, the all-girl group who won the inaugural BOTB event last April. What have they been up to since their decisive victory last year? What changes have they made to their lineup? How prepared are they to defend their crown on April 28th? Listen along and find out the answers to these questions and more, only on The Spartan Life!

Looking to buy tickets for BOTB??? Hit up the members of The Bassments or any other band in the competition, or simply stop by Room 123 at any time. GA tickets are just $5.00. VIP tickets are $10.00 and include entry into a series of raffles at the event. Tickets will also be sold at the door. All proceeds benefit MiniTHON and the fight against childhood cancer.

This week, your hosts chat with the members of Pitchblende as they prepare to perform at this year's Battle of the Bands on Thursday, April 28th. It's their second appearance at a Battle of the Bands event. Will their prior experience equal victory this time around? Find out when they take the stage later this month.

Looking to buy tickets for BOTB??? Hit up the members of Pitchblende or any other band in the competition or simply stop by Room 123 at any time. GA tickets are just $5.00. VIP tickets are $10.00 and include entry into a series of raffles at the event. Tickets will also be available at the door. All proceeds benefit MiniTHON and the fight against childhood cancer.

Sit down with Castagna and Haupt as they discuss all things METAL with Lads of Kayos, one of the bands that will take the stage at The Spartan Life's 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands on Thursday, April 28th.

Looking to buy tickets for BOTB??? Hit up one of the bands in the competition or stop by Room 123. GA tickets are just $5.00. VIP tickets are $10.00 and include entry into a series of raffles at the event. Tickets will also be available at the door. All proceeds benefit MiniTHON and the fight against childhood cancer.

On this episode, Castagna and Haupt sit down with the district's new superintendent, Dr. Michael Mahon. Hear all about his long career in education, what drew him to Southern Lehigh, and the ambitious plans he has for the district.

To liven up this holiday season, we’ve put together an hour or so of fun festivities that you can listen to while cozying up to the fireplace and sipping some hot cocoa. On this episode, we take you inside Habitat for Humanity’s Gingerbread House Building Contest, getting the skinny from Zoe Hess and Autumn Garges. Then, we sit down with Sra. Deterville to hear about her exotic roots, love of the Spanish language, and thoughts on making the transition from the Elementary to high school level. Finally, we chat with senior Colleen Schlieman about her old soul, gothic sensibilities, and plans for a future in makeup effects. Plus, Mr. Haupt learns the true meaning of the holiday season in a radio play we call “It’s a Wonderful Haupt.”

Follow along as Mr. Castagna is quite literally forced to interview senior Michael Vazquez. They grudgingly discuss Michael's hosting of the pep rally as well as the various SLHS "families" he's proud to call his own. They also touch upon Michael's plans for the future before Mr. Haupt makes a brief, but memorable, appearance.

This week, Haupt and Castagna chat with the school’s new Assistant Principal, Mr. Ben McConnell. Hear all about his many years at Allentown, his excitement about making the switch to Southern Lehigh, and whether or not any of his four kids have followed in his athletic footsteps. Spoiler alert on that last one: It’s not looking good.

On a special episode of The Spartan Life, Mr. Haupt interviews Mr. Castagna about his rollicking adventure competing on the NBC Peacock TV show, Frogger! Hear all about Mr. Castagna's six week journey to fulfill a childhood dream, how he spent his two weeks of mandatory quarantine, what it was like to bounce his way through Frogs in Space, and just how devastating it was to drop that fourth froglet on the Boss Toad level.

Follow along as Castagna and Haupt sit down with the "new" FCS teacher, Mr. Matt Miller. He tells us about what inspired him to become a teacher many years ago, his long tenure as a Special Education teacher, and some of his fun new ideas for FCS. As he puts it: "It's not your grandmother's Home Ec!"

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a guest on The Spartan Life? Before conducting formal interviews, we put each candidate through a screener interview to make sure the conversation will flow when the mics roll. In this episode, we take an inside look at screener interviews with four alumni who graduated this past spring. Rest assured that when Aisha Durrani, Helena Munoz, Kayla Howie, and Michelle Li meet with Mr. Castagna on Zoom, things don't quite go as planned.

Follow along as Mr. Castagna sits down with Mr. Matthew Shaw, the latest addition to the SLHS English Department. Mr. Shaw tells us all about the high school's new Writing Center and his long career in ELA. Located in the Publications Lab, the Writing Center is a place students can go for general help with writing skills, assistance in revising rough drafts, or even advice on upcoming writing assignments. So, if you've always wanted to be a stronger writer or your writing skills are already well polished, but you're a bit of a perfectionist about your writing assignments, Mr. Shaw explains the myriad opportunities awaiting students in the Writing Center.

As a follow-up to his riveting presentation for the student body, we sit down with former NFL player Cliff Crosby to learn even more about how he overcame adversity to win a Super Bowl with the Rams and become a motivational speaker for the Caron Foundation.

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the high school's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/L_uOIAF0Mac

Up next in our series of student-led interviews, senior Ethan Crandall talks with senior Alec DiCesare about his background in track and cross country as well as his plans to continue running in college. Alec also shares the story of his "Bathroom Zoom" faux pas from the fall. This one's not to be missed!

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the high school's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NiLEDPDu38Q

In the first in a series of student-led interviews, senior Ava Scattergood talks with senior Sarah Psaila about her life in music. From her earliest influences to the band she's started with some of her classmates to her experience with marching band during quarantine to her plans for the future, Sarah tells us all about just how integral a part of her life music has become.

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the high school's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/bQ_rSa5BWVE

Hear all about the fall play, The Election, direct from the mouths of its co-leads, senior Ava Scattergood and junior Grant Neff. Find out what it was like filming a play while under quarantine, hear all about how Ava and Grant balanced the serious and the sophomoric in setting the tone for a satire, and learn how acting will play a part in both of their plans for the future.

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/U3SzPQJg6Tc

Mrs. Kelly stops by to tell us about her storied history in education, her decision NOT to retire before the 2020/2021 school year, and her advice for seniors applying to college.

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/sgWMNmqRXX4

Senior Jacob Paugh co-hosts our Homecoming episode alongside Mr. Castagna. This episode was recorded live at the Homecoming streaming event, during which Jacob and Mr. C discussed mask and Zoom etiquette, weighed the odds on each Homecoming candidate, and engaged in an in-depth Q & A with Jacob's band, Red Shelled Turtle.

Get to know senior Jona King as he tells us all about his experience with Civil Air Patrol, his new auto detailing business, and what it was like to move to Center Valley from sunny California.

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Tb7m-mMARlI

What has it been like pre-taping the morning announcements in a mask? We get the skinny from co-anchors Bailey Seitz and Gabby Sisselberger, who also share what it's been like preparing for the fall play, learning dance routines, navigating Zoom, and applying to college as seniors in the year 2020.

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/8UdG80VM3yQ

Join us as we sit down with new Special Education teacher Ms. Ashleigh Albert. She tells us all about her years studying journalism, her first job working for the Centennial School District, and her summer camping odyssey. Then she hangs around to take an ELA quiz!

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/DeorMyMcE1M

In this episode, we're joined by seniors Marrissa Paar and Ava Godiska. They tell us all about managing the football team, getting the hang of fully remote learning, and making the most of their final year of high school.

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9ZNUPX8YJvY

On this episode of The Spartan Life, we chat with new assistant principal Mr. Chad Kinslow. We cover his circuitous route to the Lehigh Valley, his goals as an administrator, and a few hobbies that keep him out and about in the community. If you haven't met Mr. Kinslow yet, this is the perfect way to get to know him!

For the visually inclined, you can watch all of this transpire on the school's new YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/H9AqYEYrcuc

Mr. Castagna is joined by Mr. Hershey to discuss the 2019 Bruce Springsteen-themed Pakistani-British coming-of-age story Blinded By The Light, currently streaming on HBO. From concert-going reminiscences to the deeper meanings of Springsteen lyrics to why students should give the film--and the music of Bruce Springsteen--a fair shake, two Springsteen fanatics dig into every nook and cranny of the film's relationship to the immortal New Jersey recording artist. While this episode is admittedly not for everybody (I think Mr. Ruhf has seen the film, maybe?) if you're looking for a movie that inspires with its story and musical interludes, you might want to check out Blinded By The Light and then listen as we break it down.

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This time, Mr. Castagna and Mr. Haupt break down 1997's Austin Powers International Man of Mystery, currently streaming on Netflix. From Mike Myers' total lack of vanity (and shame) to the balance of social commentary and toilet humor, we cover it all. This episode might not quite be worth one MILLION dollars, but it sure is groovy, baby, yeah!

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This time, Haupt and Castagna are joined by their daughters to break down Frozen 2, currently streaming on Disney+. Together they confront the existential themes of the film, try to decipher what's been going on in the enchanted forest for the last 34 years, and discover whether or not turtles actually breathe through their butts.

Want to share your opinion of Frozen 2? Send us a message at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org

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Since we're all stuck at home, The Spartan Life is going streaming! We'll be discussing popular movies available on major streaming platforms right now, so you can give them a watch and then listen as we take a deep analytical dive. Up first, Mrs. Tocci convinces Mr. Castagna to watch the 2006 Disney Channel Original, High School Musical! We then take a close look at the rampant wealth and privilege on display, consider whether or not Ms. Darbus and Troy's father are totally soulless, and question the bizarre relationship between Sharpay and Ryan.

Wanna weigh in on our analysis of High School Musical? Drop us a line: SLSpartanLife@slsd.org

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This week's episode is all about looking back at, and looking forward to, Normal Life. Prepare for a nostalgia blast as we take you behind the doors of Mr. Zacher's Cupcake Wars, talk MiniTHON and Mr. Spartan with Roman Lisicky, and get the story of St. Mary Jane's High School from Ms. Selman. It's a tour through what was, what might have been and--MORE IMPORTANTLY--what will be again. If you're itching to get back to normal, this is a must-listen!

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In a Rifle Team-centric episode, we attempt to clarify for the world exactly how the sport of Rifle works, chat with Lizzie Cacace about her stellar season "throwing lead down range," and hear Mr. Gaugler wax philosophic about Rifle, Dorney, and spending time in the great outdoors--all while featuring a very special guest co-host!

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Join us for another episode of The Spartan Life as we cover subdued news items going on around the school, chat with senior Brad Steigerwalt about the video game mods he designs and sells, and find out how Mrs. Dottery made the transition from a childhood in the Southwest to crushing it as a math teacher at SLHS.

Do you know the answer to this episode's trivia question? Be the first to email us at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org

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In this installment of The Spartan Life, we share a student-produced segment detailing all the reasons you should sign up for MiniTHON, chat with Emma Hobby about the Spartan Ambassadors program, and sit down with Mr. Breisch to hear what it's like to be the school's Technology Coach.

Have an idea for a segment on The Spartan Life? Know of a student or staff member we should interview? Drop us a line at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org.

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In this installment of The Spartan Life, we take you behind the doors of the annual blood drive; talk to Michael Corrado about his band Misanthropes; and discuss teaching, style, and sports with Mr. Zeisloft.

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On our first episode of the new year, we feature a package story about concert-going produced by seniors Maria Corradini and Liz Swope. Then we touch base with Emily Mackin and Hanna Ostrosky, a pair of self-described "Yerds," to hear how the yearbook is coming along. Finally, we get up close and personal with the one and only, Senora Imms. 

Want to tell us how we're doing? Have some suggestions of students or teachers we should interview? Drop us a line at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org

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With The Rise of Skywalker hitting theaters this week, we assembled the Nerds of the Round Table to countdown our lists of the Top 5 Star Wars Moments of all time! If you're a Star Wars fan, you won't want to miss a minute of our discussion with Anna Kim, Christian Piper, John Kachurak, Mr. Zeisloft, and the Jedi Master himself, Michael Woods! If you're planning on seeing The Rise of Skywalker, this is required listening!

Have a Star Wars opinion to share with us? Send us an email at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org

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With the holidays fast approaching, we embrace the Festivus Feats of Strength with a package story about a rough and tough group of teachers taking part in Insanity Max workouts after school. Then, we discuss the Girls' Volleyball Team's successful season with Mackenzie Feight and Brianna West before getting creative with art teacher Mrs. Bathgate.

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On this episode of The Spartan Life, we start gearing up for the Thanksgiving break by sharing some "Holiday Thoughts" from around the community, talking with Cam Fisher and Asher Smith about the football team's record-breaking season, and bask in the nostalgia of a conversation with middle school English teacher, Ms. Kleppinger.

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On the eve of the high school's production of You Can't Take it With You, we talk with one of the stars of the show, senior Brielle Finkbeiner! Then, we premiere a new segment called "Top 5" and count down our favorite Eric Church tunes with a super special mystery guest who hangs around for a full interview. Who could this staff member be? Well, she just might be the jolliest person you're likely to find in the halls of Southern Lehigh. Still not sure who it is? Give the episode a listen to find out!

Do you have a "Top 5" to countdown on a future episode of The Spartan Life? Do you know the answer to this week's trivia question? We want to hear from YOU! Drop us a line at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org.

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On a "Very Special Episode" of The Spartan Life, we devote an hour and eight minutes to mental health awareness. Through interviews with senior Leighann Phillips and school psychologist Mr. Strong and a conversation about Feed My Starving Children, we explore the causes, experience, and treatment of anxiety and depression. 

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Join us as we cover news items, including Homecoming, the fall Pep Rally, and Feed My Starving Children; chat with Junior Paige Grabusky about her missionary work in Guatemala; and explore the life of a high school Resource Officer with O'Mac!

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On the final episode of our first season, we recap important news items from the last two months of school and sit down with the ever-quirky Mr. Dougherty.

And then something very unexpected happens.

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On this episode of The Spartan Life, we feature the Art and Literature Club. Follow along as we bring you some of the life performances from their recent Coffee House; talk with Joy Fan and Lilly Nelson, who are getting ready to take the reigns of the club next year; and discuss the joys of teaching English with Art and Literature Club advisor, Mrs. Ciotti. 

Got some feedback for us? Hit us up at SLSpartanLife@slsd.org.

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