The Link

pod617 - The Boston Podcast Network

Three high school classmates who graduated Milton Academy in 1986 (plus a fourth if you include Producer Dave) reunite for a podcast that is one part reminiscing, two parts truth-seeking and a splash of serendipity. Join Farah Pandith, Diana Donovan and Meredith Zinner for The Link. As the Class of ‘86 nears middle age, we’ve witnessed a great deal of change in our lives—and experienced hardships and joys. We are old enough to have some perspective and perhaps even some insights. We’re interviewing our classmates—some of the most interesting people we know—to collectively reflect on where we started, how far we’ve come, and where we might be headed. You can email our producer David Yas at david@pod617.com.

  1. Jun 5

    40 Reunion Wrapup: The Link & the Love Fest

    In this special edition of The Link, the usual crew—Diana, Farah and Meredith –and producer Dave —recap their in-person high school reunion and realize the podcast’s real impact: classmates felt more connected, heard, and excited to return because of the stories shared on the show. They describe a surprisingly ego-free, warm vibe—more “love fest” than brag fest—highlighting Dave’s ’80s/class trivia game, spontaneous afternoon dancing, and performances by classmates (including Larry, Shin, Donald, and Sam), plus Chris Perry and Grady. They shout out organizers, Milton staff help with band logistics, Bob Lee hosting a Saturday night gathering, Ruta’s moving remarks featuring Diana’s writing, and Eliza’s honest opening speech acknowledging classmates who didn’t feel safe attending. The group teases future episodes, starting with an interview with Kris Peri, and invites guests, sponsors, and listeners back.   Visit Meredith Zinner Photography for photos and the video.   Topics 01:11 Reunion Sparks New Purpose 01:45 Classmates React to Podcast 04:41 No Bragging Just Connection 07:16 Class Block Trivia Lovefest 08:34 How the Trivia Worked 13:25 Band Takes the Stage 13:59 Behind the Scenes Logistics 15:24 Onstage Moments and Setlist 18:22 Sam Sings Duran Duran Next 18:41 Duran Duran Plans 19:27 Reunion Lawn Hangouts 19:43 Milton Talks Q and A 20:36 Achievement Pressure Regrets 25:52 Extracurriculars Debate 27:55 Activities That Mattered 29:18 Bob Lee Party and Ruta 32:25 Eliza Speech and Inclusion 34:58 Next Episodes and Sponsors 36:42 Goodbyes and Outro Song

    40 Reunion Wrapup: The Link & the Love Fest

  2. May 11

    Dave Yoshida: Finding Peace in Portugal

    The hosts welcome classmate Dave Yoshida (formerly Dave Horowitz and Dave Andrews) and his husband Clyde, with a quick ’80s-themed Q&A about music, TV, fashion, and campus hangouts. Dave recounts teaching English in Japan, nonprofit leadership, and becoming a bookkeeper/tax professional who later founded Fortunate Fields (a translation of Yoshida). He explains moving from San Diego to Setúbal, Portugal three years ago for a lower cost of living, safety, healthcare, marriage equality, and easier European travel, citing overwork, COVID-era anti-Asian hostility, and family caregiving and loss. Dave reflects on feeling academically behind at Milton until Coach Griffin tutored him, his path to coming out in his early 20s, and reconnecting with friends. He also describes distancing himself from Milton over the Ray Buono report and lack of transparency, while valuing classmates, and says he’d tell his younger self, “It’s gonna be okay.”   Topics 01:13 Meet Dave Yoshida 03:35 Dave and Clyde Love Story 04:25 Back to the 80s Quiz 07:49 Milton Memories Walcott 09:11 Move to Portugal Why 15:01 Portugal Life Language 17:08 Citizenship and Politics 20:58 Looking Back at Milton 21:29 Reading Struggles Breakthrough 24:20 Almost Kicked Out 25:27 Finding Academic Voice 26:28 Football Outsider 27:17 Closeted at Milton 27:58 First Girlfriend Twist 30:52 Changing Names 33:02 Coming Out Moment 34:44 Milton Connections 36:44 Sweatpants Panic 39:14 Breaking With Milton 43:26 Advice to Young Dave 46:18 Farewell and Invite

    Dave Yoshida: Finding Peace in Portugal

  3. May 11

    From Bermuda to Milton: Kiernan Bell

    The gang welcomes guest Kiernan Bell, a former Bermuda senator and vice president of the Senate who later worked as a commercial litigator and now serves on boards. After rapid-fire ’80s favorites, Kiernan describes living on a bay in Bermuda, her path from a disliked English boarding school to boarding at Milton (Goodwin), and how Milton’s discussion-based teaching helped her learn critical thinking. She recounts joining the Milton ski team for four years despite little experience, co-captaining as ISL champions, and playing violin in orchestra trips to Montreal. Kiernan explains qualifying as a barrister in England, including wigs and court traditions, returning to Bermuda to build a long litigation career with global reinsurance work, and taking up pickleball during pandemic lockdowns. She discusses retirement to support her daughter, hopes to attend the 40th reunion, and reflects on wishing she’d had more confidence socially in high school.   Topics 01:37 Introducing Kiernan Bell 02:30 Back to the 80s Quiz 06:45 Life in Bermuda Today 07:58 From England to Milton 11:32 Ski Team Adventures 15:54 Orchestra and Montreal 18:43 Learning to Think 21:02 Law Career Path 22:38 Inns of Court Lore 23:45 Barrister Wig Life 25:31 Wig Origins Explained 27:11 Back to Bermuda Practice 28:41 Rising Through Ranks 30:07 Global Reinsurance Cases 34:54 Pickleball Pandemic Court 37:46 Next Adventures Ahead 39:12 Retiring With Purpose 40:07 Reunions and Reflections 43:15 Wild Courtroom Memory 46:54 Advice to Younger Self 49:09 Milton Friends Today 50:43 Closing Thanks and Outro

    From Bermuda to Milton: Kiernan Bell

  4. May 11

    Mo Minicus on Milton Memories, Coaching Destiny & Women’s Sports

    The guest is Mo Minicus (formerly Mo Flaherty), a longtime Darien High School varsity field hockey coach (26 years) and former All-American in field hockey and lacrosse who attended Williams. Mo recalls 1980s fashions, Milton Academy life living with her family in the basement of boys’ dorm Wolcott. She shares how failed business-job interviews led her to a Tufts graduate assistantship, then a head coaching role at Bowdoin, later moving to Rye Country Day and finally Darien, where she also raised four boys. Mo discusses lessons from her father about positive coaching, changing youth sports pressures, Title IX, and concerns about NIL’s impact on non-revenue sports, and she reflects on fitting in at Milton and hopes to attend the upcoming reunion.   Topics 00:59 Farah Meets the Pope 02:08 Meet Mo Minicus 04:17 Mo’s 80s Style 05:13 Living in Wolcott 08:50 80s Tech and Snacks 10:01 Favorite Milton Teachers 11:41 Best John Hughes Movie 12:22 Becoming a Coach 17:06 Bowdoin and Marriage 20:34 Four Boys in Six Years 22:21 Why Sports Clicked 23:43 Movement and Confidence 24:09 Parents and Youth Sports 24:54 Dad and Club Summers 25:37 Milton Opportunity 27:09 Coach Memories in Florida 28:44 Positive Coaching Advice 30:51 Loving the Coaching Life 33:17 Cuts and Finding Fit 34:12 Exercise and Paddle Talk 35:55 Women Sports and Title IX 39:34 Year Round Sports Pressure 43:02 Advice to Younger Self 47:40 Milton Impact and Reunion 52:45 Closing Thanks and Outro

    Mo Minicus on Milton Memories, Coaching Destiny & Women’s Sports

  5. May 1

    Sage Advice: Donald on Wilderness, Music, Buddhism & More

    Meredith, Farah, Diana and Dave welcome guest Donald Sage (also Milton Academy class of ’86), who lives with his wife Ellie in Fort Bragg on California’s Mendocino coast. Donald recounts meeting Ellie at a Deadhead concert, describes their quiet life amid redwoods and ocean winds, and shares his early life: growing up on a Montana cattle ranch, his mother Hope’s brain tumor and death by suicide when he was nearly nine, and being taken in by the Bancroft family in Medfield, Massachusetts. He discusses studying environmental conservation at the University of Colorado Boulder, therapy, Buddhism, meditation, and a semester in Kathmandu, plus later meditation communities and a pilgrimage to Buddhist sites in India. Donald reflects on music—from Milton orchestra and jazz to playing jam/jazz-rock-blues in clubs—plus parenting two grown children. The group reminisces about Milton baseball trips to Florida, considers attending the May reunion, and ends with Donald’s kindness-focused reflection and a brief meditation bell exercise.   Topics 00:51 Mood Check Roundtable 02:04 Introducing Donald C 03:05 Life on Mendocino Coast 04:51 How We Met Ellie 06:56 Montana Roots and Loss 10:12 New Family in Medfield 11:43 Boulder Healing and Buddhism 12:37 Milton Orchestra Triangle Story 16:00 Drumming and Band Days 18:04 Retired Trust Fund Life 18:52 Kids and Clean Energy 19:42 Meditation and Nepal Tease 20:13 Nepal To India Journey 21:13 Bitterroot Ranch Life 22:06 Organic Farming Values 22:50 Family Updates And Pets 24:08 Baseball Florida Memories 26:08 Reunion Plans And Yearbooks 28:50 Mill Valley Reflections 29:56 Kindness And Meditation Practice 33:22 Advice To Younger Self 35:07 Bell Breathing And Farewell

    Sage Advice: Donald on Wilderness, Music, Buddhism & More

  6. Apr 17

    From Netflix to TKO, Dean Garfield For The Win

    Farah, Meredith, Diana and Dave welcome classmate Dean Garfield, reflecting on high school in the 1980s and reconnecting after decades. They introduce Dean’s public-policy career, including senior roles at Netflix as VP of Public Policy, industry associations, and advisory appointments under Presidents Obama and Trump, and discuss his new role as SVP of Government Affairs at TKO (WWE, UFC, On Location, and IMG). Dean answers ’80s rapid-fire questions (movies, music, Milton classes, library hangouts, dress code, snacks), then shares his immigration story from Jamaica, early experiences in Boston during busing, how Milton became a supportive breakthrough for his family, and how sports helped him acclimate. He describes living abroad in Amsterdam and Singapore, returning to New York and Martha’s Vineyard, his daughters’ education and careers, his Netflix priorities (local-for-local global content, live sports including women’s sports, and theatrical windows), why he left Netflix, his interest in Saudi Arabia’s social transition, and how AI may reshape culture and business.   Topics 00:43 Meet The Hosts And Guest 01:57 Dean Garfield Career Highlights 03:48 Eighties Rapid Fire Quiz 06:05 Milton Memories And Snacks 11:45 From Jamaica To Boston 13:09 Finding Milton And Mentors 17:28 Sports And Staying Connected 19:05 Life Today Family And Travel 21:51 Career Through Line Begins 23:11 Chasing High Performance 24:22 Curiosity Across Cultures 24:59 Reconnecting After Decades 26:10 Netflix Influence Playbook 27:05 Local for Local Explained 28:03 Sports and Theatrical Bets 30:23 Why He Left Netflix 32:20 Choosing the Next Role 34:11 Inside TKO and WWE UFC 37:18 Geopolitics and AI Focus 40:30 Golden Age of Television 44:56 Advice to Younger Self 49:21 Farewell and Where to Connect

    From Netflix to TKO, Dean Garfield For The Win

  7. Apr 17

    Jen Stromsten: Loving Vermont

    Meredith, Diana, Farah and Dave catch up with Jen Stromsten (attended Milton for two years, entering as a junior). Jen shares her path from Brown to a UMass Amherst master’s in regional planning, and her current work as Director of Programs at Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC), an economic development nonprofit in southern Vermont. She describes working “boots on the ground” on workforce initiatives like a “reality fair” for Vermont high schoolers, grant-funded economic development, housing as a long-running planning focus, and efforts to reverse demographic decline through rural refugee resettlement—accelerated by arrivals after Afghanistan. Jen discusses living in Greenfield, Massachusetts, her husband Dave’s career as a historian of technology and curator, and how Milton’s peer culture and supportive administrators shaped her. She reflects on local problem-solving, antigovernment capacity constraints in rural areas, and wanting nonprofits to solve problems strongly enough to make themselves obsolete.   Topics 01:01 Hosts Catch Up 01:56 Oat Creamer Rant 02:37 Meet Jen Stromsten 04:01 Milton Memories 06:10 Roots and Instability 08:51 Marriage and Career Path 10:41 Grad School Pivot 12:38 Housing and Planning 13:40 Vermont Yankee Closure 15:19 Boots on Ground Work 17:31 Refugee Resettlement 19:41 Kids and Family Life 20:37 Love Story Timeline 22:23 Where Are You Now 22:32 Country Life and Commuting 23:13 Museum Trips and Bletchley Park 24:06 Rural Policy and Government Capacity 26:51 Milton Influence and Peer Culture 29:25 Mentors and Hyatt Dinner Story 32:33 Local Action and Energy Policy 36:36 Nonprofit Innovation Mindset 39:30 Advice to Milton Self 42:56 Housing Advocacy and Vermont Impact 45:59 Wrap Up and Where to Find Jen

    Jen Stromsten: Loving Vermont

  8. Apr 6

    Michael Gitlitz: The Art of ‘Chickie’

    Diana, Farah, Meredith and Dave crack open the time capsule and pull out classmate Michael Gitlitz—art dealer, museum director, and living proof that those Milton art history classes weren’t just a GPA play. Michael takes us from dorm-room décor (read: questionable) to a globe-trotting, 25-year run in the high-end art world—Herschel & Adler, Marlborough Gallery, Paddle8—before landing as executive director of the Katonah Museum of Art. Now “retired” (sure, Michael), he’s still wheeling, dealing, collecting, and casually dropping knowledge on 17th–20th century art like it’s fantasy baseball stats. Along the way: – The exact moment Milton lit the art-history fuse – Why art dealers matter (and why academia might not scratch the same itch) – A return to the ‘80s that includes fashion crimes and social survival tactics – Teachers who mattered, crushes that didn’t, and the masks we all wore – And a refreshingly real look ahead to the 40th reunion—less posing, more honesty, and finally talking about mental health without whispering it like it’s contraband It’s part nostalgia, part career masterclass, part group therapy—with better stories and worse outfits. Time Codes (because we’re professionals… allegedly): 00:00 Welcome Back to The Link 01:33 Meet Michael Gitlitz (yes, that one) 04:05 How a Milton kid ends up in the global art game 05:29 Back to the Eighties Quiz (brace yourself) 09:56 Style Regrets: A Group Confession 14:47 The Milton Spark That Started It All 15:56 Gap Year = Life Upgrade 18:05 Why Art Dealers Actually Matter 19:53 Family Stories You Didn’t Expect 20:43 Art Dealing: How the Sausage Is Made 22:08 Classmates in the Arts (you’ll be surprised) 23:04 Milton Needs a Museum (seriously) 24:53 The Cost of Collecting (spoiler: not cheap) 26:14 Favorite Living Artist 27:12 Retirement… kinda 29:09 Teachers Who Changed Everything 34:53 Reunion Talk + Mental Health (finally, honestly) 37:22 Crushes, Masks, and Surviving High School 39:00 Rules, Discipline, and Sanctuary 42:45 Life After the Art World (is there such a thing?) 43:45 Advice to Our Younger, Dumber Selves 46:30 Wrap Up (we stuck the landing)

    Michael Gitlitz: The Art of ‘Chickie’
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Three high school classmates who graduated Milton Academy in 1986 (plus a fourth if you include Producer Dave) reunite for a podcast that is one part reminiscing, two parts truth-seeking and a splash of serendipity. Join Farah Pandith, Diana Donovan and Meredith Zinner for The Link. As the Class of ‘86 nears middle age, we’ve witnessed a great deal of change in our lives—and experienced hardships and joys. We are old enough to have some perspective and perhaps even some insights. We’re interviewing our classmates—some of the most interesting people we know—to collectively reflect on where we started, how far we’ve come, and where we might be headed. You can email our producer David Yas at david@pod617.com.

Information

  • Creator
    pod617 - The Boston Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021 pod617 - The Boston Podcast Network, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Link