The SF Waldorf Podcast

Alex
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS

A bi weekly podcast produced by the San Francisco Waldorf High School in which each episode focuses on a different Waldorf related theme.

Episodes

  1. FEB 10

    Episode 8- Environmental Science

    In this episode, Tristan Kazor Riley Freeman and Maya Wong interview John Burket (an SF Waldorf biology teacher of 27 years) on the topic of environmental science. Enjoy!

    24 min

  2. JAN 27

    Episode 7- Our three students from Afghanistan

    Today’s episode is a special one. We’re honored to be joined by our three incredible exchange students from Afghanistan who are now and forever part of our school community here in San Francisco. In this conversation, they share their personal journeys, what it was like to leave home, navigate the complex process of coming to the United States, and begin a new life and education in a completely different culture. Their stories are thoughtful, honest, and deeply human, reminding us that behind every headline is a lived experience shaped by inner strength, courage and hope. We’re grateful to them for trusting us with their stories, and we invite you to listen with openness and care. How You Can Help Noorya: A local church is collecting tax-deductible educational funds to support Noorya's studies for University. Online Donations: Christ Church Los Altos - GiveBy Check: Payable to Christ Episcopal Church (1040 Border Road, Los Altos, CA 94024).Important: Please include "Afghan Student Support" in the memo line. How You Can Help Roqaia: Roqaia has been accepted to a University to study political science and pre-law. She needs to raise an additional $20,000/year to attend. Online Donations: Footsteps Missions - Donate to Roqaia••By Check: Payable to Footsteps Missions (P.O. Box 390938, Mountain View, CA 94039). Note "Afghan Student Support" in the memo line. How You Can Help Sahar: You can help Sahar by contributing to her Go Fund Me page https://gofund.me/cd0363666

    55 min

  3. JAN 12

    Episode 6- The Anxious Generation

    In this episode, we are joined by Kris Wolcott, the Health and Wellness teacher, here at the San Francisco Waldorf High School. WE take a closer look at a book that’s sparking powerful conversations among parents and educators everywhere: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt." In this book, Haidt argues that the rapid shift to a phone-based, screen-saturated childhood has contributed to soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and disconnection in today’s youth. For many in the Waldorf Community, these concerns feel familiar because we've long centered child development, play, rhythm, and human connection as essential foundations. So what can Waldorf education offer this moment of cultural reckoning? And how can we, as a community, support families in making courageous, conscious choices? Let’s find out." Show notes: Kris Wolcott on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-wolcott-801541124 A lecture from Steiner on the 12 Senses: https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA169/English/AP1990/19160620p01.html More on the 12 Senses: https://steinerbooks.org/products/9780863159879-the-care-and-development-of-the-human-senses?srsltid=AfmBOooo4n3quDDg1I9lN_fllaq2_8pL9iyRfuukL_JDzkmQq-A4M_Zr Re: the ‘race to nowhere’ trend: Denise Clark Pope and Challenge Success: https://www.challengesuccess.org

    18 min

  4. 12/29/2025

    Episode 5- The Threefold Social Organism

    In this episode, I'm joined by John Bloom to discuss one of the core concepts that shapes Waldorf education, the idea of the threefold human being. Rudolf Steiner described this as a balance of thinking, feeling, and willing, and it’s at the heart of how Waldorf schools approach teaching and child development. We’ll dive into what it means, how it’s brought into the classroom, and why it might matter more than ever in today’s world. John was Vice president of RSF Social Finance for 23 years, and served as General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in America from 2016-2023. He is a founding parent, former administrator and board member at SFWS. He has also published 3 books and numerous articles on the intersections of spirit, money, and organizational life. Enjoy!

    19 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    Episode 4- Decluttering

    In this episode we dive into slow parenting, toy decluttering, and cultivating calm. In Waldorf education, the spaces we create matter just as much as the lessons we teach. Our classrooms and homes are meant to be calm, purposeful, and alive. Places where children’s imagination can breathe. We’ll explore how simplifying our environments supports rhythm, beauty, and deeper learning, and how letting go can make room for what truly nourishes childhood.  First, you'll hear an interview by Audrey Hofsis with her father John Hofsis, a former woodworking teacher at the SF Waldorf grade school. Then you'll hear an interview with Anu Puisto, a KonMarie consultant. Anu's website is https://www.joysofsimple.com/photos. Enjoy!

    32 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Episode 3- The History of Rudolf Steiner

    In this episode, we sit down with historian Robert McDermott to explore the life and legacy of Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf education and anthroposophy. We unpack Steiner’s life, his philosophical worldview, and his often misunderstood influence on education, agriculture, and the arts. What We Cover -Steiner’s early influences and philosophical formation -The birth of Waldorf education in 1919 -Steiner and Kindred Spirits -Why Steiner’s ideas persist in the 21st century Links and Resources Mentioned -Robert McDermott – Faculty Page  https://www.ciis.edu/faculty/robert-mcdermott -Rudolf Steiner Archive https://www.rsarchive.org -The Essential Steiner (Book) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/110305.The_Essential_Steiner -Steiner and Kindred Spirits (Book) https://a.co/d/0iA0Z3m -Waldorf Education Overview  https://www.waldorfeducation.org Biodynamic Agriculture Resources  https://www.biodynamics.com

    27 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A bi weekly podcast produced by the San Francisco Waldorf High School in which each episode focuses on a different Waldorf related theme.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The SF Waldorf Podcast
  • Show Website
    The SF Waldorf Podcast