Season 2 · Episode 18 · Dec 24, 2025

Mr. Harmon Holiday Special (Part 1)

Hosted by Charlie Martin & Jack NelsonSpecial Episodes·High School Faculty32 minutes
Chapters

In Episode 18 of Season 2 of The Late Start Show (and the next year of The Harmon Holiday Special), Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down by the fire with Mr. Terry Harmon, legendary science teacher and Outdoor Projects advisor at University School, to talk all things winter on campus.


From the first real signs of the season to the magic of a frozen Lake Kilroy, Mr. Harmon breaks down how the school measures ice safety (and where not to step), then goes deep on what’s happening beneath the ice, why water behaves so strangely, why ice floats, and how big bodies of water shape weather (and even agriculture) around Lake Erie. Along the way, he revisits the unforgettable winter of 1977, 78, connects the brook trout to the bigger story of wilderness and conservation, and shares the personal moments that sparked his love of trout, from childhood canoe trips in Canada to hatching eggs at home and helping launch the school’s trout hatchery decades ago.


This episode is equal parts a science lesson, winter story time, and a love letter to the outdoors, perfect to listen to while it’s cold outside. Stay tuned for Part 2 as we rebuild the fire and keep the conversation going.


Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.

This episode's GUESTS
Mr. Terry Harmon

Mr. Terry Harmon is the Kilroy Chairholder in Natural Science and Environmental Studies and the Outdoor Projects Advisor at University School. He joined the school in 1970, where he was instrumental in developing the outdoor program and establishing the trout hatchery and maple sugaring operations. Mr. Harmon earned his B.S. and M.S. in Biology and Environmental Sciences from The University of Michigan. In 2002, he was recognized with the Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award for his contributions to outdoor biology education.

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