Podcast Episodes

Robert Nelsen was content to work on his ranch in Montana and to ride in the rodeo.  As "punishment" for being a "smart ass," Nelsen's high school teacher made him apply for college. Now Dr. Nelsen is now president of one of California's largest public universities. 

Nikki Ahrenstorff believed her high school was "reserved for a special group of people" and that she wasn't part of it. That changed when she took an English class with Mr. Childs.  

Efrain Solis, a professional opera singer, honors his high school music and drama teacher who helped him discover his voice.

Gwen Reid develops a passion for "cowboy poetry"...in her sixties.  Her junior high summer school teacher and great grandmother had a lot to do with this.

Bob Futernick, former Associate Director of the San Francisco Fine Arts Museums, sends a thank you note to his high school art teacher, Neil Bohr -- 50 years after taking his class.

Brian Rankin's high school physics teacher lies on a bed of nails. He then places a cinder block on his chest and asks Brian to smash it with a sledge hammer -- all to demonstrate a key physics principle to his students.  Brian is now a physicist using laser technology to solve real-world problems.  

Marvin Reed, pictured here with his students, reflects on his first year as a third-grade teacher -- the only African American educator in his school in a diverse neighborhood in Berkeley, California.

Jon Lehrman's 40-year career as a doctor was shaped by a medical school teacher who challenged him to think about his purpose in becoming a doctor.  

After graduating from high school, Gabe launched his own catering company. He credits Chef Inks, his high school Culinary Arts teacher, for showing him what it takes to prepare high quality food and to run a successful business.  Gabe also works part time as a teacher alongside Chef Inks and hopes to obtain a teaching credential in the near future.

John Lescroart is a New York Times best-selling novelist who says that he might be still be a typist in a law office--or, possibly, homeless were it not for his English teacher, Father Stadler at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California.

Emili works with a teacher in South Central Los Angeles who helps a young, angry high school student deal with her emotions--through dance. This teacher story is about trust, the freedom to fail, and how the arts can transform lives.