TSD World Class Podcasts

Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky shares a conversation with students and staff at Troy Union Elementary School about their love of reading.

Eric Flessa is a teacher at Troy College & Career High School who previously student taught at Athens High School and has subsequently spent his entire teaching career in the Troy School District. In this interview we discuss his journey and passion for what he does everyday.

Podcast by Meera Iyer, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Juggling multiple sports during a single season is difficult for students to manage. Troy Athens senior Kata Tasich details the grind of simultaneously playing varsity basketball and competing in powerlifting.

Podcast by Taryn Fritzsching, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

TSD Service Spotlight is a student-produced podcast series about individuals in our district who support and impact others. This episode features Kendra Montante, TSD Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives.Podcast by Angelina Matti, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

This is Jesse Allgeier's first school year as an assistant principal, but she is no stranger to Troy High School. In this interview we discuss her passion for education, her experience as a counselor, and what led her to joining our community.

Podcast by Meera Iyer, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Career and Technical Education classes are highly valuable opportunities for students to gain career readiness skills. These programs are spotlighted nationally every February to promote how work-based learning experiences in school lead to future careers. The Troy School District continues this national conversation with Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky, featuring CTE Supervisor Mike Munaco and Athens teacher Adam Burns.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky shares a conversation with Director of Athletics Matt Jansen about the learning opportunities for our student athletes and how participating as part of a team supports belonging in the Troy School District.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky tours the construction site of the future Smith Middle School with principal Ryan Brinks.

Dr. Machesky visits the TSD Preschool to learn and share more about our early childhood programs. He is joined by Preschool Director Erin Keyser, Early Childhood Instructional Specialist Stacey Beloungea, Teacher Pat Grandy, and Supervisor of Preschool Programming Katie Haener.

Running is a sport built on consistency, grit, and the quiet work no one sees. At Troy Athens, one athlete has embodied that standard. This episode highlights senior Nate Linden, record-setting runner and Saginaw Valley State commit, and the path that brought him here.

It's Principal Appreciation Month! Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky visits our new elementary school principals to learn about their leadership journey and why they chose to make the Troy School District their home. We're excited to welcome Ross Burdette (Hill), Colette Ivey (Martell), and Reba McNally (Hamilton) to the podcast and to Troy!

In this interview with 2025 Athens graduate Anoush Rophael, we learn about her passion for music and how her experience in the Troy School District contributed to her life's journey.

Podcast by Meera Iyer, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Welcome to the first episode of "Why Troy?" where we showcase the people, stories, and experiences that truly make the Troy School District a high-quality, world class public education for our students. Through these stories we hope to answer the question... Why Troy? In this episode, we're joined by Bemis Elementary School Principal Harleen Singh, who is also a proud parent of three TSD students.

Podcast by Sandra James, a Creative Guild Producer.

Throughout their years in the Troy School District, students have many opportunities to take advantage of traveling with their classmates. 5th grade goes to camp, 8th grade visits Washington, DC, and high school students can travel the world. Discover the value of these programs through this in-depth discussion with Sue Syme and Erich Beregszazy about Athens Abroad, Frank Leone from Boulan Park Middle School about the DC trip, and Vanessa Jajou from Wattles Elementary about 5th grade camp.

Podcast by Meera Iyer, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky tours the construction site of the new Smith Middle School building with principal Ryan Brinks, and along the way they hear from staff and teachers about what the future will look like.

Welcome to The Adventure Mindset podcast! In our fourth episode, we hear from Ms. Emily Beski about what it takes to lead unforgettable school events. Get ready for an uplifting conversation filled with practical leadership tips, collaboration strategies, and a powerful reminder of why passion makes all the difference. Podcast by Nurayda Albeez, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Welcome to The Adventure Mindset Podcast! In our third episode, we hear from Mr. Colin Quinn to discover a counterintuitive aspect of leadership. Listen for an encouraging conversation about creativity, confidence, and how giving students space to grow can transform them into remarkable leaders - on and off the screen!

Welcome to The Adventure Mindset podcast! In our second episode, we hear form Ms. Deanna Dutts and immerse ourselves into the world of student empowerment. Tune in for a motivational discussion about giving opportunity to others, leading with empathy, and embracing the courage to stand out!Podcast by Nurayda Albeez, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Students and teachers share their experiences of organizing and leading Athens Charity Week and Troy High Activist Week.

The Elevating Voices podcast takes a deep dive into courageous and candid conversations. In this episode, we hear from Baker Middle School Principal Jonathan Cross and a panel of students sharing their experiences. We invite you in, to settle in, listen with your heart and embrace the moment.

Welcome to The Adventure Mindset podcast! In our first episode, we hear from Mr. Mark Chrzanowski to explore a transformative approach to physical education. Join us for an inspiring conversation on pushing boundaries to foster leadership, strengthen teamwork, and spark personal growth!

The Elevating Voices podcast takes a deep dive into courageous and candid conversations. In today's episode, we get up close and personal with the Black Student Union leadership at Athens High School. We invite you in, to settle in, listen with your heart and embrace the moment.

We take a closer look at the 2024 record-setting Athens track team.

Podcast by Ryan Stasinski, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Girls Powerlifting athletes talk about the season, their personal goals, and what to expect from the upcoming Athens Regional.

Podcast by Ryan Stasinski, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

SSAB members share their experience with leadership and discuss the upcoming MLK Day of Service.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky discusses the IA program and application process with Principal Patrick Griffin. Then, senior students Nurayda Albeez, Monica Marena, and Angel Pan share their experiences and testimonials. The conversation rounds out with teachers Amanda McSween and Tiffany Mack discussing their connections with the IA community and why it's a great place to be.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky tours the construction site of the future Smith Middle School with principal Ryan Brinks.

It's hockey season in the Troy School District! Listen as we interview the Boys Troy United Hockey team head coach (Josh Brown) and two of their captains (Caleb Dominguez/Athens, Matthew Van Raemdonck/Troy High).

Podcast by Ryan Stasinski, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

In his new podcast series, Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky discusses our new elementary playgrounds with Hill Principal Shari Pawlus and 5th grade student guests.

Thanks to our students:

Greyson Glass

Brady Burns

Alexis Centi

Julia Kinaia

Bond updates, Millage Renewal on November 5, community conversations, students receive AP capstone diplomas, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

Bemis Elementary students talk about their favorite moments from the first week of school. Highlights include meeting new friends, team building games, and playing with play-doh.

SSAB Middle School Leadership Conference, Larson named National School of Character, bond project updates, graduations, athletic achievements, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

8th grade students in our middle schools recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by Troy community members about their learning journey. A group of five 8th graders from Larson Middle School sit down and talk about their experience getting interviewed! 

Podcast hosted by Sahasra Bathula, a Creative Guild Student Contributor.

Join us for an in-depth conversation about safety and security in our schools with Todd Gilevich (Director of Security) and Officer Brian Jones (Troy PD School Resource Officer).

This podcast was produced by Boulan Park Middle School student Meera Iyer.

Students compete at DECA, celebrating teachers and support staff, state championships won by powerlifting and synchronized swim, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

Smith Middle School Principal Ryan Brinks discusses what students and the community can expect from the new building. Podcast Interview by Azra Yildiz & Seowoo Kim, Creative Guild Student Contributors.

New websites and mobile app, Career Accelerator Program Match Day, inaugural Business Council meeting, Teacher of the Year winners, Charity Week totals, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

This podcast highlights the voices, experiences, and contributions of Black/African American Staff and Student leaders within the Troy School District. Moderated by Chantelle Yancey (Supervisor for Educational Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relationships), panelists include Jayla Turner (Senior at Troy High School), Makenzie Sawyers (Senior at Athens High School), Shari Pawlus (Principal at Hill Elementary School), Stephan Henning (Assistant Principal at Larson Middle School), and Vernon Burden (Principal at Athens High School).

Smith Orchestra performs in Grand Rapids, first Business Council meeting, upcoming charitable activities at Troy High and Athens, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

Launching TSD Early College, upcoming MLK Day of Service, information nights, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

District-wide wellness weekends, Athens Theatre Company presents The Wizard of Oz, Coffee with the Superintendent, Athens Boys Soccer Team wins State Championship, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

Portrait of a Learner, SSAB starting their work, rivalry week for high school athletics, SME PRIME labs launch at Troy High, National Principals Month, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

The Colts and Red Hawks square off tonight in volleyball! We sit down with Gabby Bouzide and Bella Colon (Troy High) and Caroline Cubitt and Madie Tennies (Athens) to hear how their seasons have been going, what they discuss in the circle after celebrating a point, and what they have left to look forward to this season.

Starting the new school year, upcoming playground replacement, homecoming events, new director of safety and security, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

Performing arts have been a big part of the Troy School District for a long time, so what does this program offer? What is the lasting impact of music education on students and teachers?

TSD World Class Podcasts returns with its first episode this school year, produced by Boulan Park Middle School student Meera Iyer.

Thank you to our guests (in order of appearance):

Jaynie Sorenson, 5th Grade Band Teacher

Rhiannon Tesolin, Boulan Park Middle School Orchestra Teacher

Joe Havrilla, Boulan Park Middle School Band Teacher & TSD Instrumental Music Coordinator

Jeffery Wu, Troy High School Orchestra Student

Brian Nutting, Troy High School Band Teacher

Sonia Puri, Troy High School Band Student

Matt Tignanelli, 5th Grade Band Teacher

Gargi, Boulan Park Middle School Orchestra Student

Anna, Boulan Park Middle School Band Student

Anoush Rophael, Athens High School Orchestra Student

Graduation, Baker Middle School student places 5th in national spelling bee, charity softball game, Athens TV wins Best Narrative at Michigan Student Film Festival, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

C-SPAN's national StudentCam award winners from Athens, history making hockey player from Troy High, Athens Theatre Company presents You Can't Take It With You, National Autism Awareness Month, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.

Synchro athletes Rebecca Austin (Troy High junior), Crystal Hensley (Athens junior), Ana Sofia Hernandez Gomez (Troy High sophomore), and Cynthia Wang (Troy High senior) discuss the difficulties of their sport and why they love it.

Creative Guild student Meera Iyer presents information on disabilities and autism along with resources that the Troy School District provides. March is National Disabilities Awareness Month and April is National Austin Awareness Month. This episode is a student work, written and produced by Meera who attends middle school in the Troy School District.

Visit from State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice, March is Reading Month, Baker Middle School student Aryan Khedkar wins regional spelling bee, Athens Women's Varsity Powerlifting wins state championship, Troy Theatre Ensemble presents Curtains, upcoming robotics competition hosted at Athens, and more on this episode of Inside TSD with Dr. Rich Machesky.