The Memphis Duo Behind the ‘Night Classy’ Podcast
Katja Barnhart and Hayley Madden are full-time teachers who moonlight as podcasters. Meet the two women behind Memphis's own 'Night Classy' podcast!
Katja Barnhart and Hayley Madden met at summer training for Teach For America and quickly bonded over their shared love of The Office, Game of Thrones, and Megan Thee Stallion. The Memphis-area educators are now best friends, roommates, and the creators of one of the coolest podcasts around, Night Classy.
Described as “a tipsy night class teaching the oddities and curiosities you never learned in school,” Night Classy takes a deep dive into untold stories of true crime, history, pop culture, science, and more. Co-hosts Kat and Hayley enjoy a sip or two of wine as they take listeners on a fun-filled “learny journey.” Meet the duo behind the podcast and our new FACES of Memphis, Katja Barnhart and Hayley Madden!
Tell us a little about your background.
Katja: I grew up in western Washington, in and around Seattle. I was a nerdy kid who always got straight As and whose favorite hobby was reading books — primarily the Twilight Saga over and over again. I graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a bachelor’s degree in History and a minor in Anthropology.
As graduation loomed, I had no idea what I wanted to do. On a whim, I applied to Teach For America (TFA). My application was accepted and I went to Memphis to teach in an underserved school for my two-year commitment.
Hayley: I grew up in Milford, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. My childhood was spent playing pretend, creating dramatic scenes with my Barbies and Bratz dolls, catching various bugs and frogs, and rehearsing Britney Spears songs for my stuffed animals. I always thought I’d go far away for college, but I loved the University of Cincinnati, where I studied psychology and early childhood development. Late in the first semester of senior year, I applied to TFA and was thrilled to get an assignment to Memphis.
What attracted you to teaching as a profession?
Katja: I have always loved school, and to be honest, I just didn’t want to leave! Over the years, my love for teaching has grown. I love to come up with new ways to explain concepts so my students can understand. And my students are so funny. They make me laugh every day.
Hayley: I am amazed by the rapid development in early childhood. Kids are like sponges with information, and the balance between nature and nurture fascinates me. I have had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with children in the special needs community. As a teacher, it’s such a win for me and the child to find what works for them and expand their horizons!
Are you still teaching, or is the podcast your full-time gig? If you are still teaching, can you share how you balance the two?
Katja: Teaching is my full-time job. I teach seventh-grade math and do podcasting on the side. The podcast takes up about three evenings each week, between researching, promoting, recording, and making bonus content for Patreon. Sometimes, it is overwhelming, but in the end, it’s worth it! We have fun, and it’s fulfilling knowing how much our listeners enjoy our content.
Hayley: I’m still a teacher, but instead of being in the classroom, I work on a diagnostic team to help set up preschool-age children with special education services. Balancing a full-time job and podcasting has gotten easier as time goes on.
What was the inspiration behind the podcast?
Katja: Comedy and informational podcasts are a favorite of mine. I was inspired by shows like My Favorite Murder, The Dollop, Wine and Crime, And That’s Why We Drink, and more. Podcasting sounded like a great way to learn and have fun with my best friend at the same time.
Hayley: The only podcast I had ever listened to before Kat posited that we should start our own podcast was Wondery’s Dr. Death. So, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into, but it sounded fun to hang out with my besties and talk about interesting topics, so I was in! Now, I’m constantly listening to podcasts.
We love the idea of a “learny journey”! What does that mean to each of you?
Katja: We want our show to feel like hanging out with two friends. We hope listeners can get lost in the story and the camaraderie shared by Hayley and me.
Hayley: I love any name that rhymes, so I was glad when “learny journey” stuck. In each episode, we learn something new and take lots of detours, whether it’s talking about the latest stray animal Alec and Kat have taken in, or various haunted experiences we seek out. Hopefully, by the end of the episode, it feels like a well-rounded journey with good friends.
You sound like you are having so much fun! What has been your favorite podcast episode to date?
Katja: It’s hard to say because we’ve made so many that I don’t even remember most of them! We joke that as soon as we record an episode, all the info is erased from our minds forever. I always tell people to start listening to the most recent episodes first. We have definitely gotten better with experience!
Hayley: We have a blast recording. I can’t pick just one episode; however, it’s always cool to learn in-depth about something you’ve heard about but never investigated yourself or knew there was more to the story! Kat’s lesson on Lisa Frank in episode 27 is one of my favorite examples.
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
Katja: I’m a horse girl that never grew out of it. You can find me at the barn with my horse (Duke) every spare minute I’m not teaching or podcasting.
Hayley: I’m a sleepy girl. I’ll be taking a nap on the weekends if I’m not reading on my Kindle, thrifting for treasures, or spray painting various pieces of furniture — I love decorating.
What’s on your nightstand?
Katja: A sleep mask, water bottle, and my Nintendo Switch (I play Stardew Valley every night before bed).
Hayley: My pill case, sleep mask, cuticle oil, glasses, lotion, Kindle and its accessories (Bluetooth remote!), water bottle, journal, nail clippers and file, and a lamp. My nightstand is stacked with stuff, and my cat loves knocking things off it to “hint” that he’s hungry at 3 a.m.
What’s your best piece of advice?
Katja: Take your meds.
Hayley: Don’t worry too much because it’s not that serious. Unless it is. Use discretion.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Katja: Horses, a sleep mask, and Halloween.
Hayley: Paneer masala, retail therapy, and my cats (Safdie and Bababy).
All images courtesy of Night Classy.
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Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.