What happens when you stop living as an individual and start choosing to change the environment around you? In this episode of Northern Attitude, Steven and Mitch debrief an incredible week—from microscopes, lo-fi Star Wars beats, and fetal pig dissections in the classroom to autumn hikes on the Hojack Trail featuring some classic Chief wisdom on adversity, carrots, eggs, and coffee beans.

Then, we’re joined by community legend Jamie Buss. Jamie breaks down the 13-year journey of Making Spirits Bright (MSB), an Adopt-A-Family organization rooted in Webster that has provided household necessities, winter gear, and holiday joy to hundreds of families in need. Jamie shares the inspiring (and sometimes frustrating) battle of launching the first-ever Section V Girls Varsity Hockey team right here in Webster, the power of recognizing our own privilege, and her grand vision for a collaborative, self-sustaining community space marrying non-profit heart with local business resources.

If you've ever wondered how small, everyday choices can transform an entire town, grab a coffee, get comfortable, and find some clarity in the perfect autumn weather with us.

In this episode, we cover:

• Golf Shot & Quote of the Week: Both by Mitch this week!
• Making Spirits Bright (MSB): How a basement project grew into a multi-family holiday operation with local police and fire escorts.
• Pioneering Girls Hockey: Breaking down barriers for Section V female athletes and why Webster led the charge.
• Rethinking Privilege & Community: Operationalizing kindness, dismantling systemic barriers, and Jamie’s rapid-fire answers (including Harold and Maude, Don Mattingly, and Tedeschi Trucks Band).

In Episode 207, Stephen Zaccardo is flying solo as host and welcomes to the studio Webster Thomas business teacher, advisor, coach, and 2025 commencement speaker Emily Hardy.

From navigating the dilemma of late arrivals with snacks (Rice Krispy Treats, etc) to deep dives on the subtle mentoring that teachers do, handling high school trial-by-fire moments, and the profound impact of "planting flowers in a garden you may never get to see," this episode is all about the power of showing up for kids. Emily shares her personal journey through the education system, the mentors who changed her life (shout-out to Mr. Coughlin and Mr. Romeo), and why teaching is ultimately just a convenient medium for caring about people.

Grab your matcha, settle in, and join us for a conversation full of service, faith, and a reminder of why we do what we do.

For this special milestone episode, we flip the script! Co-hosts Michael Mitchell and Steven Zaccardo step into the guest chairs as producer Craig takes the helm to lead a candid, retrospective conversation. Tune in as the roles reverse, exploring the deep intersection of education, mental health, and community as our hosts reflect on parenthood, teaching journeys, vulnerability, and the true meaning of grace. Grab a coffee, get comfortable, and let’s find some clarity in the cold.