The Whole Student

Join Kal Balaven and Mo Pritzker on The Whole Student for a timely discussion with Kate Sheppard and Maya Sullivan of See Change Consulting, focusing on the essential elements of community, belonging, and purpose in education. This episode tackles the challenges of fostering genuine connection in an era of digital interaction and explores how educators can support students in their search for meaning. Kal, Mo, Kate, and Maya delve into the ways technology shapes young people's understanding of community and friendship, examining both the benefits and drawbacks of online engagement. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and provides practical strategies for cultivating belonging within school environments. Insights from students who participated in See Change Consulting's brain circuit types workshops add a powerful layer to the discussion, highlighting the real-world impact of this work. Key themes include: Defining community in a modern context The influence of technology on connection and relationships The evolving meaning of "friendship" Actionable steps for schools to promote belonging Guiding young people in the exploration of purpose The value of understanding diverse perspectives through brain circuit types This episode provides educators and parents with valuable tools and perspectives for fostering a stronger sense of community and purpose among young people.

In this compelling episode of The Whole Student, hosts Kal Balaven and Mo Pritzker welcome Irshad Manji, New York Times Bestselling Author and founder of the Moral Courage College, for a transformative conversation. Kal begins by sharing a candid and somewhat "embarrassing" story: in 2008, based on secondhand information, he attempted to "cancel" Irshad, believing her to be an "Islamophobe." This episode documents Kal's journey from that misperception to a deep appreciation for Irshad's work. A returning guest from Season 1, Irshad shares her insights on the crucial difference between belonging and groupthink, emphasizing the importance of voluntary affiliation over community ownership. She delves into practical strategies for cultivating moral courage, navigating today's cancel culture, and building trust in a divided society. Key themes include: The power of listening: Irshad stresses the importance of meeting people where they are, asking genuine questions, and building trust through active listening. Navigating the "Anger Highway": The conversation explores how to move beyond reactive emotions and engage in constructive dialogue. Confident humility: Irshad highlights the paradox of standing your ground while creating common ground, and trusting the validity of your own experiences without being threatened by others. The role of education: The episode underscores the need to equip students with the skills to engage in healthy conversations and build bridges across differences. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of open dialogue, critical thinking, and the courage to challenge our own assumptions. Join Kal, Mo, and Irshad as they explore how we can foster a more inclusive and understanding world.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Whole Student, hosts Kal Balaven and Mo Pritzker sit down with Jane Metcalfe, a visionary leader and co-founder of Wired Magazine, to delve into the dynamic intersection of technology, education, and human connection. Jane shares her inspiring journey, from the early challenges of launching Wired to the driving forces behind its groundbreaking success. She also reflects on the profound influence of teachers and mentors throughout her life, underscoring their vital role in shaping her thinking and career. The conversation tackles critical questions surrounding the integration of AI and advanced technologies in education. How can we empower students to navigate the complexities of a tech-driven world? What role do educators play in guiding students through these advancements, fostering media literacy, and ensuring responsible use of AI? Jane, Kal, and Mo explore the potential of AI as a supportive tool for learning, emphasizing its ability to enhance, rather than replace, human interaction in the classroom. This episode offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about the future of education. Tune in to discover how we can prepare students not just for the jobs of tomorrow, but for a life of purpose, connection, and continuous learning in the age of AI.

In this powerful episode of The Whole Student, NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas shares his journey from the West Side of Chicago to basketball greatness—and the mentors, teachers, and life lessons that shaped him along the way. Hosted by Dunn School's Head of School Kalyan Balaven and entrepreneur Mo Pritzker, this conversation dives deep into the themes of belonging, trust, and the transformative power of education. Thomas reflects on pivotal moments from his upbringing, his mother's unwavering support, and the importance of building communities where everyone feels valued. This episode offers timely insights for educators, parents, and leaders looking to foster trust, connection, and purpose in their communities. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a sports icon who continues to champion education and mentorship.

In this insightful episode of The Whole Student Podcast, hosts Kal Balaven and Mo Pritzker dive into the complex relationship between technology, community, and education with special guest Prakash Janakiraman, co-founder of Nextdoor. Prakash shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Hayward to creating one of the world's leading platforms for building local connections. Together, they explore the dual role of technology as both a bridge and a barrier to meaningful relationships in schools and neighborhoods. The conversation examines how tools like Nextdoor foster authentic community ties through initiatives like the “good neighbor pledge” and innovative AI content moderation. Kal and Mo also discuss the challenges educators face with technology's impact on student connection and focus, offering thoughtful insights on guiding young people toward intentional, purposeful tech use. This episode offers a fascinating blend of personal stories, practical advice, and thought-provoking ideas on harnessing technology to strengthen communities. Tune in to discover how we can all become better digital citizens!

In this powerful episode of The Whole Student Podcast, hosts Kal Balaven and Mo Pritzker tackle the critical issues of identity, belonging, and mental health in today's students. Joined by renowned actress and mental health advocate Glenn Close, the conversation offers an intimate look into her personal journey and the inspiration behind her advocacy work. Glenn opens up about her family's experience with mental illness, leading to the creation of Bring Change to Mind, an organization dedicated to ending the stigma through student-led peer support programs. Together, they explore the pressures students face from social media, the transformative power of empathy, and actionable ways to build more supportive, connected communities in schools. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how we can all make a difference in student wellness and mental health. Don't miss this heartfelt and timely conversation!

Building Foundations: Governor JB Pritzker on Community, Belonging, and Purpose In this episode of the Whole Student Podcast, hosts Mo Pritzker and Kal Balaven delve into the themes of community, belonging, and purpose with special guest, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Governor Pritzker shares insights from his political and philanthropic work, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development, mental health, and the evolving role of educators. The discussion offers a candid look at the Governor's personal journey and the impacts of policies on fostering a sense of belonging and stability for young people in Illinois and around the country. The episode explores the critical role of teachers, the challenges posed by technology, and the importance of breaking stigmas tied to mental health.

Dunn alumnus, alumni parent, and current chair of the Dunn Board of Trustees, Guy Walker '76 has dedicated himself in service to his alma mater. This year, we celebrate 65 years of Dunn School, and perhaps the most striking fact of all is that, come Saturday, Guy will have been in attendance at Dunn's graduation ceremony for 50 of those years. He attended his first Dunn commencement at the end of his sophomore year in 1974 after transferring from Dominguez High School in Compton. After he graduated, he returned to celebrate the younger classmates he had bonded with — and in that act, Guy began to build community with students he hadn't attended school with. Then he returned to attend their graduations. The cycle continues, and this school year, Guy sat down to talk about his run of consecutive commencements, as well as his educational background and the teachers who inspired him, for the final episode of The Whole Student podcast with Head of School Kal Balaven. Please join us in recognizing Guy for his commitment to Dunn School and congratulate him on his 50-year string of sharing his presence with our graduates.

Pioneering advertising executive Mark Hurst joined Dunn Head of School Kal Balaven for The Whole Student's first ever live podcast! Filmed on campus at Dunn School during the inaugural Robert W. Jurgensen Entrepreneurship Program's shareholder summit, Mark talks about his secrets to success, how to deal with failure, and his journey starting as a student through an advertising career recognized by Ad Age for creating the campaign of the decade for Federal Express in the 1980s. Mark takes questions from our audience of students and families in this must-listen episode. Don't miss it!

In the longest episode of The Whole Student to date, Kal welcomes author, journalist, activist, public speaker, entrepreneur (and much more) Kevin Powell to discuss Kevin's educational journey as a student growing up in New Jersey all the way through his college career at Rutgers. The episode itself turns into a history lesson of sorts as the impact of rap music across generations is explored by one of the most acclaimed political, cultural, literary and hip-hop voices in America today. Do not miss it. 

A New York Times International Bestselling Author 23 times over (including the Orphan X series), Gregg Hurwitz is a master storyteller whose work has appeared across many media – from books to comics to screen and digital. Also a writer of political editorials, Gregg works against polarization in culture and politics. Hear the origins of his liberal arts education and learn about the foundational moments that have brought Gregg to where he is today. Gregg puts his passion for the craft on full display through spotlighting the teachers who influenced him most.    

Educator and author Elizabeth Denevi is one of the industry's foremost experts on promoting equity and diversity in schools, colleges, universities, and community agencies. As a former student who did not have a teacher of color herself until graduate work in college, Elizabeth personally understands the value of seeing yourself in history lessons — making concepts like Black History Month and ethnic diversity among faculty so important to students of color. Her writing and professional development also includes measures that reveal how white people have contributed to antiracism, paving paths for everyone to celebrate and take part in the movement.

Considering how comedy writer Les Firestein helped usher TV smash hit "In Living Color" to fame as an executive producer with the show's unique and irreverent brand of risk-taking sketch comedy, it's no surprise that Les also challenged the system in his days as a student. Watch him reminisce about his educational experiences and reflect on how a propensity for challenging authority as a youth has led to his latest entrepreneurial venture, a magazine that blends architecture with his personal brand of humor titled The Riv.

In a matter of weeks, Mike "Oz" Osegueda lost his dream job then suffered a devastating family tragedy. But the former prototypical journalism student took inspiration from his grandfather's motor shop to pivot into entrepreneurship as the premier Fresno food aficionado, and has used those reporter skills to help bring awareness and reform to hit-and-run penalties in California.

Join Montecito Journal CEO and Executive Editor Gwyn Lurie as she details the most impactful teachers along an illustrious career that includes spans as an ABC News journalist, documentary filmmaker, Hollywood screenwriter, and on to her renaissance in local print journalism. In contrast to previous guests who leaned on classroom experiences, Gwyn heaps praise on the teachers and mentors who helped shape her in her adult life.

Nationally renowned for his writing and Ted Talk on racial literacy as well as his decades of experience as a clinical and consulting psychologist in low-income rural and urban neighborhoods across the country, Howard C. Stevenson had teachers who recognized and celebrated his talent and who challenged the status quo to give him and other black students opportunities that he still treasures today. Just as vivid in his mind are those teachers who marked him for abuse. On this episode of The Whole Student, hear Howard's recollections both of teachers who uplifted him and those who took out their aggression on him as a youth.

Season 2 of The Whole Student podcast starts now! Justin Ching, Forbes 30 Under 30 award-winning writer/director for TV and film — and Dunn School alumnus — returns to his alma mater to talk about his experience as a troubled youth in the Inland Empire, the transformational teachers he experienced at Dunn School, and an entrepreneurship mentor who influenced him at home.

As a collegiate and professional athlete, Grady Hall's formative teachers ranged from the third-grade teacher who first legitimized and encouraged his status as a day dreamer to high-level coaches who taught him in adulthood how to cope with pressure on the baseball pitcher's mound. They're lessons that stick with and influence him into the next stage of his life and career as a budding filmmaker.

As he supported his wife Giulia through psychotic episodes and grueling hospital stays, International Bestselling author Mark Lukach's world was completely upended. He dedicated his waking life to supporting her and first imagined his unconditional love would solve everything.  But Lukach learned an important lesson during those times that is especially poignant as the country acknowledges National Mental Health Awareness Month: You have to take care of yourself — mentally, emotionally and physically — in order to care for someone else. “Twelve years ago when Giulia got sick, the conversations about self care were really quiet and sort of hidden in the closet,” Lukach said, “and thankfully I feel like there's a lot more around that. I'm glad I can be another voice encouraging people to take care of themselves as they face their own traumas in their lives and lean on the people who they love to get through them.” Lukach, an educator and author of the International Bestselling book ‘My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward' is the latest guest of “The Whole Student” podcast, a show hosted by Lukach's former colleague in the classroom, Dunn Head of School Kalyan Balaven. Lukach spoke about the teachers who have influenced him over the years, including the 10th-grade English teacher, Mr. Jordan, who inspired his love of writing — by challenging him with his first and only poor grade.  

Acclaimed graphic novelist Emily Bowen Cohen writes and draws from the perspective of her multi-ethnic identity — Jewish and Native American. But defining that identity was something she was struggling with as a youth after the death of her father, a Native American physician in Oklahoma. Then her English teacher in her mom's home state of New Jersey gave her an assignment that forced her to confront not only her feelings about the loss of her dad but also what being Native American means to her. The cathartic and formative experience was perhaps her secret origin, laying the groundwork for her artistic expression. Don't miss this episode of The Whole Student, and enjoy Emily's work at the following spots: https://www.memberoftwotribes.com https://www.instagram.com/memberoftwotribes  

Our Women in STEM series continues with RingCentral executive and Ukraine native Kira Makagon, who overcame obstacles including Soviet ethnic discrimination against Jews prior to immigrating to the United States as a teen. She talked with Kal about her early education in Ukraine, the teachers who influenced her before and after finding a home in the Bay Area, how all of those experiences impacted her standout leadership style in an industry led mostly by men, and how shocked she is by Russia's current invasion of Ukraine. 

The student becomes the teacher on the latest 'Whole Student' podcast! Tune in for a special episode of The Whole Student. Dunn School Learning Strategies teacher Kimberly Brandon makes a guest appearance to help tell the story of Charli Turner Thorne, Brandon's coach, mentor and surrogate mom. Thorne has the second most wins in the history of Pac-12 women's basketball, and after filming this interview earlier in the season, she just recently announced that she is retiring from coaching. After 25 seasons of exemplifying the care and empathy she learned as a student, Charli leaves a lasting legacy of pupils like Kimberly who carry her Whole Student Educational philosophy forward. 

To kick off Black History Month, The Whole Student podcast host Kal Balaven talks with Zaretta Hammond, an educator and the author of "Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students." Zaretta's journey as a student was heavily influenced by her cultural and class perspective, growing up poor as one of few Black students in an affluent and predominantly white and Asian-American school. The teachers who impacted her most were those who saw beyond those differences and pushed her to level up — to break through the predefined labels placed on her by others and even herself.

Continuing our series on notable Women in STEM is Tané Remington, an accomplished physicist who finds solutions crucial to planetary survival. Perhaps you've seen the new Netflix film "Don't Look Up." Well, Tané has actually worked on 2D and 3D modeling to simulate potential impact hazards such as asteroids. Now focused on innovative technologies crucial to our supply of drinking water, she has always been attracted to the toughest problems, starting in her days as a student. That propensity, coupled with overlooking some simpler questions on a grade school test, is what allowed her high school teacher to put her on the STEM track.

Extreme physical and emotional abuse from her father at home drove Irshad Manji to seek education as a means to help people. Her high school drama teacher restored her faith in the goodness of humanity. Now, the author and lecturer teaches moral courage in the interest of healing political, racial, and cultural divides. Hear more of her inspirational journey on a special holiday episode of The Whole Student.

Before she was a leading exec at some of the biggest names in tech, Maria Zhang had to overcome the stereotype that math was for boys. The second episode of The Whole Student tells the story of how one teacher's 2 minutes of silence helped launch Maria on a career trajectory that's included high-level positions at Yahoo, LinkedIn and Tinder. Now the VP of Engineering at Instagram, Maria is our first in a special series of episodes featuring Successful Women in STEM.  

The Whole Student podcast premieres with esteemed guest James Joyce. Among his many accomplishments, James is a community leader and founder of the event series "Coffee With A Black Guy." An experienced public servant and a former award-winning journalist, James is currently running for Mayor of Santa Barbara, and he sat down with Kal to talk about teachers who drove him — some through their unique understanding of his personality and another through an astonishing confrontation. Please enjoy this honest and emotional conversation with a rising local leader.