Mack Chat Podcast

Mother-Son Duo

Eau Claire Hometown Radio produces the 30-minute podcast for MACS, featuring a wide variety of guests with ties to the MACS community.

We have two very special guests—a mother and son duo who are active in the MACS community! Abby Petefish, President of the Home and School Association, and her son Jimmy, a kindergartner at St. Charles Primary School, join us to talk about the importance of volunteering and what a day in the life of a kindergartner looks like through Jimmy’s eyes.

Mother-Daughter Duo 

This week, we’re joined by two incredible guests from St. Charles Preschool & Primary School – our talented Faith Formation, Music, and Visual Art teacher Bekka Beaufeaux, and her daughter Delilah Beaufeaux, a proud Little Macks 4K student! 
 

Together, they share what life is like at St. Charles and all the amazing things MACS has to offer for our Little Macks 4K program. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming conversation!

Parent Volunteering at MACS

In this episode, we’re talking VOLUNTEERING! 
Active volunteers like Christina Meinen and her son, McDonell senior Alan, speak to the importance of parent volunteering—and in this inspiring conversation, they share why giving your time makes all the difference in a non-profit community. 

 From parent involvement to the life-changing impact of volunteer work, you'll be inspired to get involved, and learn how YOU can get involved! This Lenten season is the perfect time to step up and make a difference. Whether it’s an hour or a few, your support matters! Listen to the full episode and be ready to feel inspired.

Casa Hogar Mission Trip 

We've got an amazing student-teacher duo for you this week, McDonell History teacher Mrs. Amanda Rohloff and senior Tessa Rozowski.
There are 13 students and three faculty members who are visited Peru on the Casa Hogar Mission Trip to visit the 64 children and eight families who live in this orphanage, including these two MACS representatives! 

Students and faculty members who embark on this journey have a deep desire to see the unique ways that God loves each of his children across the world. Participants of the trip will get to see the beauty of how they worship, pray, and serve. This experience will be one where each of our communities and cultures is strengthened by the other, all in the name of growing in faith and love of Christ and His kingdom!

Mother-Daughter Duo

We are joined by mother-daughter duo from St. Charles Preschool and Primary School, Catechesis of the Good Shepard teacher Mrs. Jillian Wollmer, and kindergartner Hannah Wollmer. What's a day in the life of a kindergartner at St. Charles, and what is it like to teach Catechesis from the perspective of a teacher? This adorable episode has all these insights and more! 

Student Services at Holy Ghost Elementary 

We learn more about the Student Needs Scholarship Program at McDonell thanks to a visit from one of its teachers and a student.  This program is run through the Wisconsin Department of Education, servicing kids with special needs. We learn what this extra support looks like to help produce great results.

Spaghetti Spectacular
 

Join us as we chat with Katrina Geissler, Chair of the Spaghetti Spectacular, and Lauren Misfeldt, Student Ambassador Representative and senior at McDonell, about our upcoming event to kick off Catholic Schools Week!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at McDonell Central Catholic High School. It's going to be a day of fun, food, and family activities you won’t want to miss! Enjoy a delicious spaghetti meal and bring the kids for a fun Winter Carnival featuring bouncy houses and carnival games. This event is open to the whole community! Don’t miss out on the Spaghetti Spectacular & Kids Winter Carnival!

Mother & Son Duo

We have a wonderful podcast for you this week with guests St. Charles kindergartener Calvin Rogers, and his mother 5th grade teacher at Holy Ghost Mrs. Kendra Rogers! 
What does a day in the life of a 5th grade teacher look like? How does the virtue of responsibility playout at the kindergartener level? Learn all of this and more by tapping the link below! Special thank you to the Rogers family for coming onto the show to share their experiences at MACS!

Life at Notre Dame Middle School & Women in STEM

We have two very special guests this week, our new Notre Dame Middle School science teacher Mrs. Kiersten Jacobson and MACS Parent Ambassador Sarah Hartjes! Two things in common with these wonderful women have is being involved at the middle school, and their experiences working in STEM! 

Listen to their conversation by tapping the link today! Special thank you to both Kiersten and Sarah for coming onto the podcast.

Mother-Daughter Duo 

We have a heart-warming episode this week with a mother and daughter duo, MACS parent Jacqueline Van Hemert and 1st grader Mia Van Hemert! Together with host and President Molly Bushman, Mia speaks about her favorite part of the day at St. Charles Preschool and Primary School and teaches listeners about October's virtue of the month, Fortitude.

Jacqueline speaks about the new apostolate program Rooted for families with children ages 0-6 to meet other families in their parish, and her experience with children enrolled at St. Charles. Thank you Jacqueline and Mia for coming onto the podcast to share about your experiences at MACS. We are so blessed to have your family involved at MACS!

Building Our Future

We have two excellent guest for you this week, MACS Advancement Director Amber Leibrandt, and Secretary-Treasurer of the McDonell High School Foundation Mike Stoffel! Together with host MACS President Molly Bushman, they discuss the impact of planned giving, the Mack Messenger publication for alumni, and the importance of strategic planning to achieve goals that build our future. Tap the link to start listening how these two are building the future of MACS!

Spirit of the Macks 

McDonell student-athlete senior Grant Smiskey, and MACS parent and president of the MABC Booster Club Greg Misfelt! Together they talk about that it's like to be a part of the MACS system, and this Saturday's fundraiser, Spirit of the Macks! Tap the link to start listening to their conversation! 

Gen-Z Takeover

Recent McDonell graduate Morgan Wirtz '24 and MACS Director of Strategic Communications Olivia Knabel (the woman behind MACS social media!) sit down to speak from the perspective of Gen-Zers on faith, college-life and career aspirations.
 

Looking Forward for MACS Athletics

Mack Chat episodes have resumed for the 2024-25 school year and we have officially kicked off season 4 of the podcast! A special thank you to Northwestern Bank for sponsoring this week's episode!

New Athletics and Activities Director Bryce Meverden and junior student-athlete Elyse Bushman sit down to discuss all things sports at McDonell, and what they are looking forward to for the new school year!

Catholic Liberal Arts Programming

We have an excellent set of guests for this episode, Notre Dame Middle School and McDonell High School Principal Eric Wedemeyer '92, and Dean of Academic Affairs Mary Huffcutt 'H16.

Together with host President Molly Bushman, they sit down to discuss our Catholic liberal arts curriculum, what it is, how it's implemented, and what it means for the future of our schools. We especially invite MACS parents and families to listen to this episode to hear a full discussion what Catholic liberal arts actually is, and how it's taught within our schools! Tap here to start listening today.

The Herrons

We've got an excellent mother/daughter duo and MACS family, McDonell senior Maria Herron and mother/momager Diane Herron. 
With five other siblings in the Herron family, Maria discusses with host MACS President Molly Bushman about the transition from attending St. Peter Catholic School in Tilden to attending McDonell Central Catholic High School. Listen to their conversation about Maria's experience at MACS, including her extracurricular activities like band and theatre arts, and Diane's dedication to volunteering at MACS.

The Siegenthalers

McDonell is a family affair for the Siegenthalers with Scott serving on the education committee and as an athletics coach.  Ben is a junior student who participates in athletics, student council, show choir and many other activities.  In addition, the matriarch of the family Val is a teacher in the district and three of Ben’s siblings have come through the school.  Oh, and the family is actively involved in their parish.

We hear about their various experiences and passions as they talk to Molly on this episode.

Father/Son Duo

We have an awesome father-son duo, 4th-grader Duncan and alumnus, T.J. Proue '02! 
Duncan's graduating class will be celebrating MACS's sesquicentennial anniversary, which is 150 years of providing affordable, Catholic education to the Chippewa community!
There have been countless blessings over the years from the MACS community, but more recent, as T.J. mentions is the implementation of our new mission statement and curation of the 2030 Strategic Plan.

Science and 7th Grade

We meet another McDonell teacher and one of her students.  Shannon is a middle school teacher who also works as the track coach, the cross country coach and also leads the Science Olympiad program.  What led her to our area from North Carolina, a Catholic education path and her continuing education.

Episode: McDonell Alumni Basketball & Volleyball Weekend

The McDonell Alumni Association has over 4,000 active graduates! Nick and Rolly from the McDoenll Alumni Association talk with Molly about the Hall of Fame weekend. Specifically, they tell us about the alumni basketball and volleyball events.

Games are available for those looking for a casual environment but also for those looking for more competition. The 2024 event is March 22-23. 

Episode 36: Little Mack Chat
Jolie, a fifth grader in the McDonell school system is our special guest host. Special guest host.  She talks to a couple of kindergartners at St. Charles for an adorable episode.
What are their favorite and least favorite things about school.  Ellie tells us the shocking thing she eats for lunch every day. Will talks about being the middle child in his family.

Episode 35: Faith in Action
Gwen is a third year religion teacher at Notre Dame Middle School who also has her own children in the system. Eli is an eighth grade student who is actively involved in the district, including student ambassadors.
How does faith play a role in both of their lives?
They detail a recent mission project.  How it was decided on and the process Gwen took middle schoolers through.
Faith and a sense of belonging.

Episode 34: "The Inn Around the Corner"
   While musicals have a long history at McDonell, plays are relatively new, including the 2023 spring production of “The Inn Around the Corner” (April 27-29).
   Lily and Frank are here to promote not only the production but the entire theatre program at McDonell.  Frank is a ’16 graduate of McDonell and has returned to be an English and Social Studies teacher. 
   However, his experience in theatre is extensive, going all the way back to when he was a kid. He has helped spearhead expanding the theatrical offerings at the school. 
   Lily is a sophomore, and the spring play is her seventh production with the theatre program.  She started in the ensemble and has worked her way up the cast list over the years. What is it about acting that excites her and the way it has benefited her off stage?

Episode 33: Macks Sports and Community
Macks athlete Aidan along with WOGO play-by-play “Voice of the Macks” Caleb stop by to update everyone on how the 2022-2023 athletic schedule has gone for McDonell. Most notably, both the boys and girls basketball teams recently reached the state tournament with the girls winning the whole thing.
They go deep into the connection between the school, athletics and the Chippewa Falls community. The impact and role of faith within the program.

Episode 32: MACS Welcomes a New Family
Mack Chat welcomes a new family to the area. Kassandra and her son David moved from the Twin-Cities to Chippewa Falls for a community connected with the Catholic faith. She is starting a program at McDonell called The Catechesis of The Good Shepherd. The starter program helps children feel connected to the faith. 
As the enrollment season is upcoming, we learn the importance of quality education built around the Catholic faith.

Episode 31: Work-Life Balance
Mack Chat brings on a veteran teacher and a Middle School student to speak about the importance of a work-life balance, the changes in education, and the impact classes offered have on faith growth. Barb is a 3rd grade teacher dedicating her time to bettering education for the kids in the McDonell community.
Brynn is a 7th grade student voicing her appreciation towards teachers and father.​
This emotional conversation highlights the importance of children belonging and feeling loved.

Episode 30: A Mack Family
A family with generations of volunteering involvement tells us all about their connection to McDonell. While a number of new families enter the system annually, McDonell is also proud to have served multiple generations of others. Find out why the Rubenzers stay with McDonell year after year, generation after generation.

Episode 29: The Power of Grace
John Shakal, who is the Director of Evangelization and Outreach for the Church of Notre Dame, one of MACS' supporting parishes, shares his story, including the successes of the OCIA and other parish programs, the Eucharistic Revival, and the power of grace in our lives.

Episode 28: Volunteering with McDonell
A father-son duo jump on the program covering a range of topics. Rolly discusses his various volunteerism involvement and giving back to a school district he is a graduate of.  He takes us through his path that includes starting and running his own company. Angelo provides us with the student perspective, including previewing the upcoming “School of Rock” Musical being performed by students on February 2nd-5th. Making the choice to send your child to McDonell. The various opportunities parents have to be involved.

Episode 27: Faith and Science
Guests are McDonell Central Catholic High School Science Teacher Brian Pauley and Medical Student Megan Baier '18 discussing how a McDonell education can prepare a student to excel in biomedical science. Megan shares how her faith and relationships from McDonell are still important to her today. Brian shares how he enjoys the thrill of discovery in students and infuses the faith into the science lab.

Episode 26: Two Priests in a Pod
Molly welcomes a pair of Chippewa Falls area priests onto the podcast. They detail their path into the priesthood, which didn’t necessarily involve being from “super religious” families or other assumptions some may. We also learn what the path to becoming a priest involves.
How guidance from others influenced and helped them see God’s plan for them. Re-defining happiness from what they are thinking to what God’s idea is.
Father Hokamp discusses his passion for the Latin language
Father Guenther explains where his enjoyment and ability to cook French cuisine came from.

Episode 25: International Student Program

In this podcast we’re highlighting the international student program at McDonell. Laurie leads the international student program at the school and assists the relationship between the students, the school, and the community. We learn how her passion for traveling and experience teaching internationally led to her jumping at this opportunity.
Vika, from Ukraine, provides the perspective of a foreign exchange student enjoying her second year at McDonell. Not only her time in our area, but what got her involved in being an exchange student and the influence of her faith.
Tune in and find out all the different nations that are represented at McDonell.

Episode 24: Meet Principal Smith 

Molly heads to Holy Ghost Elementary school to chat with the principal, Jerry Smith, and one of the students, Rykar Maloney.
Rykar gives us a student's perspective and Jerry dives into what it has been like to enter into school administration and his sports background. We also learn where Jerry’s noticeable accent comes from.
They also detail their faith journey, which are unique. Rykar is going through the process of communion while Jerry was initially raised in the Baptist faith. Both are attending OCIA/OCIF to help them on their faith journey. You can learn more about the OCIA/OCIF programs at the link below.

https://www.ourladyofthefalls.org/search-for-god-ocia

Episode 23: Meet Principal Wedemeyer '92
Carter is a student and Eric is the principal at McDonell Central Catholic High School and gives us their perspective on what’s happening in the McDonell community.
Eric, who is an alum and long-time staff member, details his transition to the principal position.
Carter is a senior student who participates in sports and gives us a peek at what student life is like.
Eric and Carter also discuss how their faith plays a role in their school experience and philosophy.

Episode 22: Meet the Jacobsons 
Community leaders and supporters of the McDonell Area Catholic School system, Mary and Jerry, are the guests on this episode. We learn their background, but more importantly, why and how they support McDonell.
They give their advice to those interested in giving back.

Episode 21: Festivals of the Falls!
MACS is excited to share our first Mack Chat episode of the 2022-23 school year! 
Molly introduces us to Greg who is here talking about Festival of the Falls, and also his expectations as a new high school theology teacher. Greg is a Mack alum from 1996.
Festivals of the Falls is coming up September 9-11 and Greg tells us about the great community event. Opening night involves a tailgate before the Mack's first football game, including a pig roast, polka band, with more fun events planned for the rest of the weekend. Such as a dinner theatre at Notre Dame and an all-day chicken bbq at Holy Ghost parish.
He also dives into his new classroom role, what drew him to the position and what his goals with the students are.

Episode 20: Happy Memorial Day!

With Memorial Day upon us, Molly brings on a family that is not only associated with McDonell but the military.  We learn about military service from Drew’s dad/Annette’s husband.
It’s a fun discussion of what it means to be a part of a military family. The benefits, the sacrifices and more that every member of the family goes through.
And ways everyone can support military families.
Oh, and catch the story of how Annette’s birth name was supposed to honor astronaut John Glenn!

Throwback to Episode 1

It's a throwback episode!  In honor of longtime educator Mary Jacobson's retirement at the end of the 2021-2022 academic calendar, we go back to March 2021 and episode #1 of Mack Chat!  In this episode, Molly talks with Ann David and Mary about the student ambassador program she has developed and guided for many years.

Episode 19: Graduating Senior & Retiring Principal

Molly talks with soon to be graduating senior Marcus about his time in the McDonell school system. We hear about his participation in music and also learn about his involvement with the Altoona fire department.
The conversation then shifts to Brian, who is about to retire from his position as principal.  His memories and insight from a 40-year career in education. Oh, and we hear about his sportscasting background.

Episode 18: Little Mack Chat

A group "Little Macks"  takes over this edition of the podcast.  Jolie '30,  Greta '34 and Max '34 tackle all the hard hitting topics.  Including favorite colors, animals and more.  What they like about their teachers and things they've learned about their faith.

Episode 17: Volunteering and Internships

- Michelle talks about the “schools to skills” program that shows students opportunities.
- Laneyse discusses how this has benefited her as a student and provided direction to what career she’d likes to pursue.
- Teaching students about not just careers, but how to succeed. 
- The importance of trying various things through volunteering and internships to learn what you like (and what you don’t like).
- The Job Fair.
- Preparing students to be a part of the community.

Volunteer Chippewa Falls Facebook Page: Volunteer Chippewa Falls | Facebook

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Episode 16: Academics and the "Mack Way"

Talking the basis for why McDonell exists and that is academics. We meet a student and what their goals are along with one of the people in charge of the educational principles at the school.

It’s not just a “public school education but with religion”

What are the nuts, bolts and pillars of education here? This includes the fundamental principle of reading, and not just reading, but truly understanding literature. A dedication to the science of reading.

Why should parents send their children to McDonell for their education? What separates it from elsewhere?

From a student’s perspective, what is it that they enjoy at the school? The education and the faith element.

What is the “Mack Way”?

Episode 15: Meeting Sir

Molly and Sidney talk with Steve about his career in education and share stories as he nears retirement. McDonell has been his only teaching job since starting in 1975 and over time, he has taught Western Civilization, Government, Sociology, American History and many others. Mostly social studies, but also P.E. and religion classes.

We get the story behind his nickname “ Sir”. It involves a foreign exchange student in 1986.

How a passion another had for “hang gliding”, led to him coaching track.

Memories of Debbie Roesler

Sidney and Molly take us inside what a “Sir” class is like.

Episode 14: 13th Annual Mid-Winter Mardi Gras!

Paul McDonald comes on the program to talk about the Mardi Gras fundraiser. He is a father of current and past Macks and also teaches a class on entrepreneurship.

Mardi Gras will be February 12th, marking a return after a one-year hiatus.

Even if you can’t attend, you can still purchase raffle tickets. Prizes include cash and items from various local businesses.

Chicken, potatoes, pork loin, Cajun items, rum cakes, freshly fried beignets and much more to fill you up.

A big band will provide the music!

Its the biggest FUNdraiser of the year.

Episode 13: Upcoming Musical Performance

Gretchen Jorgenson – Director of the Musical and a Science Teacher

Helen Bullard – Fairy Godmother and Costume Director

They are here to discuss the theatre program at McDonell, which is in only it’s second year in a new incarnation. This includes an upcoming performance in February.

Musical Cinderella February 3-6

Purchase Tickets Online Box Office (booktix.com)

This is both a familiar story, but has updated music that is sure to entertain traditionalists and newbies alike.

Kids are encouraged to come dressed as princesses and princes and get their photos taken with the cast.

Episode 12: Athletics & New Wrestling Program

Molly brings on Alexis Landherr, the school's new athletics & activities director, along with sophomore athlete Wyatt Pelkey.  They are discussing the school's new wrestling team and the school's athletic program in general.

EPISODE 11: Campus Ministry 

Molly sits down with two members of McDonell's campus ministry program to get the low down from both a supervisor and student perspective.  She is joined by Erica Boehm, the campus ministry coordinator for grades 6-12 and by student Megan Hanson.

They talk campus ministry at McDonell and the programs and resources available for students in the system.

The importance of “belonging”, building friendships and providing a place to share their faith and religion as disciples of Jesus.

Major events, including an annual pilgrimage to DC. Megan talks about her personal experiences. The transformative events that take place. Including a funny story of watching nuns playing basketball.

Celebrations during the Advent Season

Balancing the challenges of the secular world

EPISODE 10: Catching up with an Alumn 

Matt Willkom a 1998 McDonell Alum and Executive Director Iowa Catholic Radio in Central Iowa is the guest. Matt and Molly reminisce about their time as classmates and about Matt’s path to becoming the executive director of Iowa Catholic Radio.

- How his time at McDonell shaped his career and his faith

- The concept of “you can’t give what you don’t have” when it comes to his relationship with God

- The possibility of his radio group expanding into the Chippewa Valley

- His Father, who is a retired dentist a Deacon and ordained minister.

- Lessons from when we had to be separated during the pandemic. How the perspective  gave us on what to focus on.

- Words of advice to his younger self when he was a student at McDonell.

- Seeing God’s work through his time in radio

EPISODE 9: Girls Succeeding with Math

Focusing on the girls and women in the math/science fields with a mother/daughter McDonell combo.  Wendy is a math teacher at the school and Rose is one of her six children who are either alums or still currently enrolled at the school.

EPISODE 8: Mental Health

Talking Mental Health with a pair of professionals tied in with the McDonell School System. Andrea Hess with Oakleaf and Ruthann Proue, a school counselor discuss mental health systems within the McDonell Schools

- What is the school district providing? The importance of being proactive with programming

- There are more issues now than before (and no, it’s not just because of COVID but instead deeper than that)

-  Why communication between kids and their adults is important

- Lastly, shifting gears, Andrea discusses “Domestic Church” and what this program is that she is involved in.

EPISODE 7: Prolife Month

Kicking off October as Pro-life month, MackChat welcomes Melissa Bowe '86 and Lydia Deering to share more about their work in adoption and permanency support services at Catholic Charities, as well as senior Paige Smiskey to talk about her work as a MACS Student Ambassador leader for the annual diaper drive October 22-28. Join us to be inspired by the passion and faith of these ladies as they make a real difference for birth parents and babies!

EPISODE 6: Back to School

Guest Kathi Brenner Rice ‘89 joins us in promoting the Steppin' Across Tilden for a Cause fundraiser coming up September 11, 2021.  It's a fun event that takes participants on a five-mile walk across Tilden. All funds raised will benefit the Christian Ruf family.

Then, MACS Admission Coordinator, Kathleen Adams, talks about the return to school. Listen in as she shares insight on the influx of students and seeing new families come in from places such as Alaska and Florida.

 EPISODE 5: State Fair and Fundraising

Listen in as Rusty Volk 'H13, executive director of the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and Jaynee (Armstrong) Brannen '03, MACS Director of Advancement, talk about their plans to 'Revive the Valley' this summer with MACS Celebrates 140 years on June 12 and the return of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. The duo also share how their faith has played a role in their work and MACS living out its commitment to community building and inviting people to share in our mission. 

 EPISODE 4: Priestly Ministry
May 14, 2021 
Molly talks with Fr. Justin Kizewski, a past chaplain and Dean for MACS, about why we need priests in Catholic schools, the truth found in Jesus Christ, and the newly formed ministry Chippewa GRACE, a faith-filled response to the trauma of clergy abuse. As Fr. Kizewski prepares for his next chapter teaching in Milwaukee, he reflects on his years in ministry in Chippewa Falls.

EPISODE 3: Health and Safety

April 13, 2021
Guests Fire and EMS Lieutenant Mr. Justus Busse and Mrs. Regi Geissler, RN, parent volunteers, chat about their passion for safety and protection of the students at MACS. Regi and Justus share their insights on the development of emergency procedures, staff training, building security, the MACS Pandemic Committee and their hope for the future.

EPISODE 2: McDonell Volleyball

April 9, 2021
Guests Mrs. Kat Roesler Hanson '03, varsity volleyball head coach for the McDonell Central Catholic High School Macks and Ms. Maggie Craker '21, a standout student athlete chat about living the Mack Way through faith, family, tradition. Maggie and Kat share how to be successful on and off the court while trusting in God through the ups and downs.

EPISODE 1 Student Ambassadors

March 26, 2021
Guests Mrs. Mary Jacobson, student ambassador program coordinator, and Ms. Ann David '21, a distinguished senior student with a record of servant leadership through the ambassador program. Expect to be inspired and entertained, while getting to know more about this amazing program and two outstanding women that are living The Mack Way!

You can find more information on this link for MACS Student Ambassador Program.