While Steven is away attending a wedding, Mitch steps into the co-host chair solo—bringing in his two longest-tenured co-teachers and work "brother and sister," Craig Johnville and Dena Wilcox.

In this episode, the trio dives deep into the realities of education, finding your professional family, and navigating the mental load of teaching and parenting.

In this discussion:

• The Power of Co-Teaching: Why having a trusted partner in the classroom is essential for surviving the educational "foxhole" and building a joyful, resilient environment.
• Deep Local Roots: Reflecting on growing up in Webster, NY, being active in the community, and why this town gets into your blood.
• Executive Functioning & Resilience: Helping students (and our own kids) manage the digital age, handle constructive stress, and learn that perfection is a prison.

Grab a coffee, get comfortable, and join us for a heartwarming, honest conversation about community, collegiality, and connection.

"My why in education is relationships." — Chris Golamb

In this episode, Steven and Mitch sit down with Chris Golamb, Director of Physical Education and Athletics at Webster Thomas High School, for an inspiring and grounded conversation about what truly holds a school and community together.

A proud Webster native—from his early days as a DeWitt Road Panda and Webster High graduate to his physical education, coaching, and administrative career spanning Cortland, Brockport, U of R, and Monroe and Edison High Schools—Chris brings a wealth of local perspective and heart back home to Webster.

In this discussion, Chris breaks down:

• The Core Philosophy: Why building authentic relationships is the absolute most crucial element in education, athletics, and student mental health.
• Breaking Bread: How something as simple as sharing food serves as his favorite tool to disarm barriers, spark real conversations, and build trust across the district.
• Community & Grit: Tracing his journey through local Section V sports and returning to lead the athletic department in his hometown.

Before diving into the interview, Steven and Michael open with a quick reflection on Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, the value of being present with family, and a powerful moment in the studio where high school students stepped up to the mics to connect with one another.

Grab a coffee, get comfortable, and join us for a deep dive into local leadership with Chris Golamb.

In this episode of Northern Attitude, Steven and Mitch sit down with Jason Jipson—a Webster Thomas parent who has quietly become an integral part of the local sports culture. Through his photography and videography business, PBJ Media, Jason donates his time and talent to capture countless Webster athletic teams, giving high-resolution memories back to local families.

We trace Jason’s winding path to the sidelines, including his military service and the various trades that shaped his perspective before he ever bought his own camera. Central to his life is a simple, powerful mantra forged during his work counseling veterans: "Just show up." Jason breaks down why grand overhauls aren't necessary—real progress, healing, and growth come from focusing on small, consistent moves in the right direction.

In our mental health segment, Jason opens up with incredible vulnerability about navigating divorce, building a new blended family, and embedding that "show up for each other" mindset into the DNA of his home. We round out the conversation with a tear-jerker cinematic moment that ties together service, sports, and what it truly means to show up when it matters most.

Key Themes

• How PBJ Media (Pics By Jip) became a staple on Webster sidelines.
• Jason’s non-linear career path, military roots, and discovering a passion for building community through visual storytelling.
• The genesis of the mantra: why small moves in the right direction outweigh grand gestures during tough times.
• Navigating divorce, blending a family, and teaching kids the discipline of showing up for one another.
• The cinematic, emotional movie moment that brought the room to tears.