#BryanBuilt Podcast cover art

#BryanBuilt Podcast

#BryanBuilt Podcast

By: Bryan City School District - Mark Rairigh and Chris Malanga
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Summary

 The official podcast of the Bryan City School District in Bryan, Ohio. Pulling back the curtain on our district to share the stories, the "why," and the celebrations of our Golden Bears. Hosted by Superintendent Mark Rairigh and Director of Media Communications Chris Malanga. Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆Bryan City School District - Mark Rairigh and Chris Malanga
Episodes
  • Thea Staten: From NWOAL to ACC "Straight Juice" (S01/E06)

    Thea Staten: From NWOAL to ACC "Straight Juice" (S01/E06)
    Apr 27 2026
    🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show NotesS01 E06: Thea Staten: From NWOAL to ACC "Straight Juice"Hosts: Chris Malanga and Superintendent Mark RairighSpecial Guests: Thea Staten and Coach Hilary Staten🎙️ Episode SummaryThis week, the #BryanBuilt Podcast goes from the studio to the softball diamond. Chris and Mark dive into the "Grit and Service" required to sustain a championship culture. We are joined by the mother-daughter duo behind the Bryan Lady Bears’ historic run: senior pitcher and NC State commit Thea Staten, along with Head Coach Hilary Staten.In this episode, we explore Thea’s journey to 1,000 career strikeouts, the gymnastics background that built her D1 power, and the "midnight call" that launched her path to the ACC. We also provide a comprehensive News Feed update regarding the 2027-2028 school calendar and the massive Arts & Education construction project. Finally, Mark and Chris put their pride on the line as they head to Field 5 to see if they can survive three pitches from one of the best arms in Ohio.⏱️ Episode Chapters:00:00 🏁 Show Intro02:00 📢 The #BryanBuilt News Feed09:32 🥎 The Deep Dive: Thea and Hilary Staten28:45 📬 The Mailbag: Business and School Collaboration33:35 🎒 The Fun Segment: In the Box vs. Thea Staten40:37 🍎 Golden Bear Standout: Chris Malanga🗞️ The #BryanBuilt News FeedSuperintendent Mark Rairigh provides updates on:The 2027-28 Calendar: The Board has officially approved the calendar two years in advance. Mark details the "traditional" structure, including a start date aligned with the first football game and a conclusion prior to Memorial Day.District Construction Progress: The demolition phase of the existing Central building classrooms is concluding . Mark explains the rejuvenation of the auditorium and the 90% funded "Art Connects Us" campaign. The CareerTech classroom is nearing completion for an August opening. Work continues on the new junior high gymnasium, where bleachers are now installed, and the weight room.Bryan Elementary Art Exhibition: New location alert! This year’s show moves to the elementary school from April 27th to May 3rd . The building will be open 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM for families to view creations from "Cub" students through fifth grade.🥎 The Deep Dive: Thea and Hilary StatenWe welcome 3x All-Ohio pitcher Thea Staten and Coach Hilary Staten to discuss the Lady Bears' rise to three straight regional finals.The Control Factor: Thea reveals she only started pitching because her grandpa told her it was the best way to be in control of the game.The NC State Path: From a midnight phone call on September 1st to committing to the Wolfpack, we look at the intensity of the D1 recruitment process.The Mom/Coach Dynamic: Hilary shares the perspective of leading a state-caliber program while navigating the recruiting trail as a parent.📬 The #BryanBuilt Mailbag: Community PartnershipsWe address a community question: "How does the school involve local businesses in the curriculum?" Mark highlights the "Bear Brews" coffee shop and partnerships that teach students about revenue, overhead, and customer service. 🎒 The Fun Segment: In the Box vs. Thea StatenMark and Chris head to the softball field to face Thea Staten’s "straight juice." Can Mark’s baseball background help him time a 65 MPH rise ball, or will the hosts be heading to the dugout with a "K" in the book? 🔔🏆 Golden Bear Standout: Chris MalangaIn a surprise twist, Superintendent Mark Rairigh takes over the mic to honor Chris Malanga. Chris was recently named the OASBO Communications Director of the Year (the Callie Wells award), recognizing his excellence in telling the story of Bryan City Schools.Connect With Us:Podcast Website: podcast.bryanschools.netSocial Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTokRemember: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ
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    49 mins
  • “Under the Sea” and Into Slang School (S01/E05)

    “Under the Sea” and Into Slang School (S01/E05)
    Apr 2 2026
    🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show NotesS01 E05: “Under the Sea” and Into Slang SchoolHosts: Chris Malanga & Superintendent Mark RairighSpecial Guests: Cast of The Little Mermaid🎙️ Episode SummaryThis week, the podcast dives into the performing arts. While the demolition of the old Central building continues to change our landscape, the spirit of BHS musical theater is stronger than ever. We are joined by the cast of The Little Mermaid to discuss a historic milestone: this year marks the first time since the 1988–1989 school year that a BHS musical will be performed at a venue other than the Arts & Education building.In this episode, we explore the grit required to adapt a massive Disney production to the stage at New Hope Church and the teamwork fueling our student performers. We also provide critical district updates in the News Feed regarding busing and retirements, and then put Mark and Chris to the ultimate test in our brand-new segment, "Slang School." It’s an episode full of laughter, district history, and a firsthand look at how our students are maintaining excellence, no matter the venue.⏱️ Episode Chapters:00:00 🏁 Show Intro01:20 📢 The #BryanBuilt News Feed14:20 🧜‍♂️ The Deep Dive: Cast of "The Little Mermaid"37:22 🎒 The Fun Segment: Slang School with Gabi & Bree53:20 🏗️ Community Q&A: Construction Progress57:30 🍎 Golden Bear Standout: Sara Nowaczyk & Niki Minor🗞️ The #BryanBuilt News FeedSuperintendent Mark Rairigh breaks down "The Big Three" updates:Busing Expansion (2026-27): Reducing the "no-bus zone" from 1 mile to 1/2 mile, opening service to 130 new students. Mark explains the planning for the upcoming school year.Legacy of Service: We honor three pillars of BHS: Steve Alspaugh (HS Principal, 21 years), Julie Taylor (Special Ed Director, 25 years), and Karen Meister (Guidance Counselor, 31 years) as they are all retiring at the end of the school year. Mark discusses the upcoming office restructuring as a result.Mitchell Owens - OTCA Coach of the Year: Celebrating Coach Owens' milestone! With Bryan since 2008 and 457 career wins, his state recognition highlights our tennis program's excellence in the NWOAL.🧜🏼‍♀️️ The Deep Dive: The Little MermaidWe welcome Emma Schlade, Noah Mills, Elleah Davis, and Director Mr. Ben Lupo to the studio.The "Road" Production: For the first time in over 35 years, the BHS musical moves to a new venue. The cast discusses the grit required to adapt to a new location.Event Details: 📅️ April 9 & 10 (7:00 PM) | April 11 (2:00 PM)📍 New Hope Church🎟️ Tickets available at BHS, the public library, or the door!Legacy on Stage: Mr. Lupo shares how the cast has stepped up to meet the challenge of a new environment while maintaining the high standard of Bryan theater.🎒 The Fun Segment: Slang SchoolClass is in session! Junior High correspondents Gabi Malanga and Bree Herman join the show via video to see if the hosts are actually "locked in." Can they decode the modern-day dialect of the middle school hallways, or are Mark and Chris headed for a "Total Cheugy" failing grade? 🔔📬 The #BryanBuilt Mailbag: Construction ProgressWe address a frequent community question: "Is the construction at the MS/HS still on track to be done within the year?" Mark provides a transparent update on the physical transformation of our campus and the timeline for completion.Submit your own questions at podcast.bryanschools.net🏆 Golden Bear Standout: Sara Nowaczyk & Niki MinorWe wrap up the show by celebrating two of our incredible Kindergarten teachers. We discuss the vital role they play in starting the educational journey for our youngest learners and the passion they bring to the classroom every single day.Connect With Us:Podcast Website: podcast.bryanschools.netSocial Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X & TikTokRemember: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Breaking Ground and Breaking Records: Swimmer, Diver, or Bowler (S01/E04)

    Breaking Ground and Breaking Records: Swimmer, Diver, or Bowler (S01/E04)
    Mar 13 2026

    🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show Notes

    S01 E04: Breaking Ground and Breaking Records: Swimmer, Diver, or Bowler

    Hosts: Chris Malanga & Superintendent Mark Rairigh

    Special Guests: Winter State Qualifiers


    🎙️ Episode Summary

    History is being unearthed—literally—at Bryan City Schools. This week, the #BryanBuilt Podcast celebrates a winter sports season that has redefined excellence for the Golden Bears. From the C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton to HP Lanes in Columbus, our student-athletes have been representing the Purple & Gold on the biggest stages in Ohio.

    In this jam-packed episode, we bridge the gap between our storied past and our record-breaking present. We discuss the physical transformation as the Central building demolition officially begins, and we sit down with the individuals who are building a legacy of their own in the pool and on the lanes.


    ⏱️ Episode Chapters:

    00:00 🏁 Show Intro

    01:45 📢 The News Feed

    09:25 🏊‍♂️ The Deep Dive - Winter State Qualifiers

    09:25 Nora Kunsman

    24:39 Girls Relay Teams

    35:47 Griffin Boehm

    41:58 Boys Relay Teams

    52:53 State Divers

    01:04:27 Zoey Gillett - State Bowler

    01:22:21 🎮 The Fun Segment: Swimmer, Diver, or Bowler?

    01:33:23 🏀️ Community Q&A

    01:40:00 🐻 Golden Bear Standout


    🗞️ The #BryanBuilt News Feed

    Superintendent Mark Rairigh joins Chris Malanga for a deep dive into district logistics and progress.

    A&E Demolition Kickoff: We discuss the historic milestone that took place this past Tuesday as the demolition of the Central building began.

    2027-28 School Calendar: We take a long-range look at the future, explaining the district's commitment to advanced planning for our families.

    Calamity Day Count: We address the question on every student’s mind as we provide the official status of our hours and what it means for the remainder of the school year.


    🏊‍♂️ The Deep Dive - Winter State Athletes

    Nora Kunsman joins us to discuss her state championship in the 50 Free and her 4th place finish in the 100 Free, breaking her own school records in the process.

    We welcome the Girls 200 Medley and 200 Freestyle relays, as well as the Boys 200 Free, 200 Medley, and 400 Free relay teams. We break down the 10th-place state finish for the boys and the incredible teamwork required to compete at this level.

    Griffin Boehm discusses his 20th-place finish in the 100 Backstroke and the mental preparation needed.

    All-Ohio diver Ethan Bailey (3rd place) and freshman Kamryn Mills discuss the pressure of diving and Bailey’s new career-best score of 415.15.

    District Champion Zoey Gillett breaks down her massive 697 series that led her to the state tournament. We also discuss the historic season, including an NWOAL title and the first-ever male state qualifier in program history, Noah Mills


    .🎮 The Fun Segment: Swimmer, Diver, or Bowler?

    In our new game, we run through a list of 10 legendary athletes. Can Mark distinguish between a world-class swimmer, a diving icon, and a bowling legend based on name alone? From Michael "The Baltimore Bullet" Phelps to the "I AM!" energy of Pete Weber, this segment is a must-listen.


    📬 The #BryanBuilt Mailbag: The 1917 Floor

    Based on a tip from a former custodian, we unearthed the original 1917 gym floor hidden beneath layers of modern surfacing at the A&E. Mark tells the story and the district's exciting plans to salvage this century-old hardwood. Submit your own questions at podcast.bryanschools.net


    🏆 Golden Bear Standout: Coach Makenzie Luce

    We wrap up the show celebrating Makenzie Luce being named the Ohio Division II Swim Coach of the Year. We discuss the culture she has instilled in this program and what this honor means for BCS.


    🔗️ Connect With Us:

    Official BCS Website: bryanschools.net

    Podcast Submissions: podcast.bryanschools.net

    Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok


    Remember: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆


    Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ

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    1 hr and 43 mins
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