Roots and Branches: Pinewood Alumni Podcast Pinewood School

In this episode of Roots and Branches, our guest, Kendahl Wallis-Lang from the class of 2014, recounts her journey from being a student at Pinewood School, starting from the fifth grade through to the twelfth grade, to choosing a career in medicine and specializing in OBGYN. Kendahl highlights her rich experience at Pinewood, detailing the impact of the school’s small, supportive community and the lasting friendships she formed. 
She vividly remembers participating in science clubs, attending summer camps, and particularly enjoying the science classes taught by Dr. Lauer and Ms. Hudson. Kendahl also discusses her involvement in basketball, where she played varsity and won state championships in her freshman and senior years, underlining the sense of close-knit community and teamwork she experienced. Her love for science continued into high school, where she took multiple AP science classes, nurturing her passion that would eventually lead her to pursue medicine. Kendahl reflects on her time at Occidental College, which she chose to attend partly due to the opportunity to continue playing basketball. She talks about adjusting to the demands of balancing sports and academics and getting involved in clubs like the peer health exchange. Eventually, Kendahl's path led her to medical school despite initially having reservations about attending. 
She discusses the decision process for specializing in OBGYN during medical school, a choice driven by a desire to combine procedural work with patient interaction and advocacy. Kendahl also touches on the importance of mentorship, sharing how it impacted her career choices and how she aims to provide guidance to younger students interested in medicine. We wrap up our conversation with Kendahl discussing her residency in OBGYN at Kaiser San Francisco, her aspirations for a fellowship in gynecologic oncology, and her hopes to build a practice in the Bay Area. 

This episode of the 'Roots and Branches' podcast features Max Darrow, a Pinewood alum and a weekend morning anchor at CBS San Francisco, discussing his journey from being a passionate member of the Panther Prince at Pinewood to excelling in the field of broadcast journalism. Max shares insights into his formative years at Pinewood, his transition from sports to news journalism, the importance of internships, and the challenges and rewards of his profession. He also reflects on key moments in his career, such as covering major sports events and political figures, and emphasizes the importance of listening, slowing down, and embracing the human element in storytelling.

In this episode of Roots and Branches, we feature Christina Bullock, a notable alum of Pinewood’s class of 2004, who founded Joyasol, a sustainable and ethical women’s shoe brand. Christina shares her journey from graduation to founding Joyasol, highlighting her transition from working in big tech and apparel to focusing on sustainability and philanthropy in the fashion industry. She discusses the challenges of starting a business, from initial operational setups to trademarking and naming her brand. Christina also emphasizes the importance of integrity, kindness, and continual learning, which were instilled during her time at Pinewood. Moreover, she offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and Pinewood students, encouraging them to pursue their passions, network actively, and remain open to changing career paths. Christina’s story is a blend of creativity, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact, inspiring listeners to embark on their own journey of aligning passion with purpose.

In this captivating installment of Roots and Branches, we welcome two remarkable guests who have played pivotal roles in shaping the tapestry of the Pinewood community. First, we have Carson Robinette, a distinguished alum from Pinewood's Class of 2015, whose journey from high school theater to the stages of UCLA's Theatre program and the National Tour of 'Fiddler on the Roof' is nothing short of inspiring. Alongside Carson, we're privileged to have Doug Eivers, Pinewood's esteemed technical director and theater luminary of 18 years, who joins us as a guest host.

Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey down memory lane, reminiscing about the unforgettable performances that have graced the Pinewood stage while delving into the profound significance of personal growth within the theatrical realm. Moreover, they offer invaluable insights from their experiences navigating the landscape of professional theater, shining the path for aspiring performers and practitioners alike.

With his wealth of experience and passion for the performing arts, Carson imparts wisdom and guidance, offering pearls of advice to our Pinewood community. Through lively anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, this episode serves as a shining example of the transformative power of theater and the enduring bonds forged within the Pinewood community.

In the second episode of Roots and Branches, culinary expert Chef Jason Raffin, an alum of Pinewood School, shares his journey from an enthusiastic 14-year-old cooking novice to a renowned chef in the vibrant culinary scene of Maui. Chef Jason shares how a wildfire affected his life and the Maui community, wiping out his home and belongings. Compelled by the disaster, he founded the Chef Collectives for COVID, a non-profit committed to addressing community needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Jason shares insights about Maui's reliance on tourism and its impact on the food and small business community. He emphasizes the importance of supporting the Maui community as they face declining tourism and rising food costs. Further, he shares his future strides and encourages visitors to support Maui and its businesses.

Connect with Jason on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/jraffattacker/ (@jraffattacker).

Jason's book, 'Keto Like a Chef', can be found/preordered here: https://www.amazon.com/Keto-Like-Chef-Showstopping-Recipes/dp/195941156X

In this inaugural episode of "Roots and Branches," the Pinewood Alumni Podcast, host Anne Wong engages Pinewood School's President and Head of School, Scott Riches, in conversation. Scott, himself an alumnus of the school, delves into Pinewood's unique history and origins, reminiscing about his time as a Pinewood student. He shares his fond memories of cherished traditions, such as spirited sports days and the close-knit Pinewood community.
Scott underscores the importance of appreciating each moment, encouraging students to explore their passions and step out of their comfort zones. He also discusses the significance of networking and mentorship opportunities, which are invaluable for recent graduates as they embark on their journeys.
The episode offers an exciting glimpse into Pinewood's future, featuring upcoming plans like the renovation of the Upper Campus and a capital campaign to support these developments.