La Cañada High School has officially joined the podcast craze with its new show, “Cartnal and Gold,” a tool to spread news about school activities and objectives as well as students’ accomplishments, using a medium with which youth are familiar.
LCHS Principal Jim Cartnal and LCHS 7/8 Principal Jarrett Gold’s podcast debuted recently on both schools’ websites and Spotify.
The show’s name, displayed in its logo over a crossed-out “Cardinal,” arose from La Cañada Unified School District webmaster Toby Lewsadder’s inspiration.
“The school colors are cardinal and gold,” Cartnal said in a recent interview. “That was Toby’s idea. We have heard positive feedback so far.”
Their effort clearly is timely, considering the rising popularity of podcasts. A CBS News poll this year found that two-thirds of Americans listen to a podcast at least once in a while, and almost a quarter listen a few times a week. A year ago, a majority said it never tuned in, CBS said.
The LCHS principals’ first podcast begins with music and a voice-over by Cartnal that some might evoke a DJ. A listener will hear slightly sped-up cymbals, rolling bass and then a break into a kind of hip-hop-style drumbeat.
“Welcome to the first episode of ‘Cartnal and Gold,’” Cartnal is heard to say. “Let me make sure you heard that correctly. No, I didn’t say Cardinal and Gold. This is Cartnal” — and then his voice is manipulated to repeat the name over and over until the podcast starts.
“Dr. Gold and I were generally thinking about how to improve communications and bring the spirit of fun and collaboration into our work,” Cartnal says. “Toby was kind enough to help us. It’s a platform to talk about schoolwide initiatives.” There is a long-term plan of discussing upcoming events and celebrating student and staff achievement, Cartnal adds.
In the first episode, the principals go over their backgrounds and other basic information in a joking, almost rapid-fire manner.
“We want to start by ensuring you all know who we are and how we got here,” Cartnal says to kick off the May 3 podcast.
“So who is Mr. Cartnal?” Gold asks.
“Well, it’s me first of all,” Cartnal answers.
“It’s a long story, I’m sure,” Gold says.
“Eh, not too long. How about you, Dr. Gold? Who is the real Jarrett Gold?”
“Born and raised in Southern California,” Gold responds.
“Be more specific,” Cartnal says.
“I grew up in the San Fernando Valley,” Gold says. “Born in 1977. About 30 years after you.”
LCUSD Superintendent Wendy Sinnette said she enjoyed the first installment of the podcast.
“I think it’s really wonderful,” Sinnette said after a Tuesday night district governing board meeting. “It was really Toby Lewsadder’s idea from our tech department. And he sat down with Jim and Jarrett. I thought they were entertaining. I thought it was good for campus culture, and I think they’re going to do a monthly installment. It’ll be a nice addition to our communications.”
Cartnal said another episode should be out before school ends.
Those who wish to give feedback or information on other topics may email the duo at cartnalandgold@lcusd.net.
