The Raider Ramble

On this episode of The Raider Ramble, senior Lexie Smith sits down with Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña during his visit to North Shore Country Day. From his journey as a reluctant reader to the stories and experiences that inspire his award-winning books, Matt shares thoughtful insights on writing, identity, creativity and the power of representation in children’s literature. Plus, L...

In this episode of Raider Ramble, host Drea Gallaga welcomes back North Shore Country Day alum James Robinson ’15, an Emmy-winning filmmaker and author of Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen. James reflects on his time at NSCD and shares how his early experiences here helped shape his path into documentary filmmaking and storytelling. The conversation explores the inspiration behind W...

In this episode of Raider Ramble, host Lisa Doi ’09 welcomes back NSCD alum and acclaimed actor Joel de la Fuente ’87, joined by award-winning writer Jeanne Sakata, for a powerful conversation about storytelling, history, and purpose. Joel reflects on returning to North Shore Country Day and the role NSCD played in shaping his creative path. Together, Joel and Jeanne dive into Hold These Truths, t...

In this new episode of The Raider Ramble, Head of School Tom Flemma sits down with Jeff Selingo, New York Times bestselling author and one of the nation’s most trusted voices on higher education, college admissions and the changing job market. For more than 25 years, Selingo’s reporting has helped families, educators and leaders make sense of an ever-shifting landscape — and today’s conversation i...

What makes North Shore, North Shore? In this reflective episode of The Raider Ramble, host and lifelong Raider Mullery Doar ’06 explores the stories, rituals and rhythms that bind generations of students together. From the joy of buddy day to Morning Ex, these traditions form the heartbeat of our community. We hear from current students about the moments that make them feel like they truly belong,...

We’re kicking off Season 3 of the Raider Ramble with a very special guest: Patricia Ostrom Kohnen ’60, this year’s Francis R. Stanton ’27 Alumni Recognition award recipient. A pioneer in STEM at a time when few women pursued such careers, Pat built a remarkable 25-year career with Chevron after early work at Procter & Gamble and in education. Alongside her professional achievements, she has de...

In this episode of The Raider Ramble, hosts Diana Flemma and Sarah Levi offer insightful guidance for parents navigating the summer months with their teenage and college-aged children. As licensed mental health professionals and seasoned parents themselves, Diana and Sarah explore how summer can be a powerful season for reflection, independence-building, and emotional resilience. They break the se...

In this episode of Raider Ramble, Montse Lusarreta, Lower School Counselor, and Courtney Wilson, Middle School Counselor, are joined by this year's Harold Hines Visiting Fellow, Dr. Ethan Kross. Renowned as a leading expert on emotional regulation, Dr. Kross delves into the science of emotions in his latest book, "Shift: Managing Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You." Drawing from...

In this episode of Raider Ramble, Robyn Schuster, President of the North Shore Country Day Parents’ Association, and Rachel Sun, Assistant Head of Middle School, discuss the importance of the parent-student-teacher partnership in supporting students through the challenges of middle school. They delve into the role of advisors, goal-setting, reflection, and navigating social dynamics to help studen...

In this episode of the Raider Ramble Podcast, hosts Hannah Chung and Gray Hulick from the Parents’ Association take a deep dive into the topic of parental burnout. From uncovering warning signs to emphasizing the crucial role of seeking support, they dig into the nitty-gritty details of managing the demands of parenting. Don't miss out on this exhilarating discussion that promises to enlighte...

In this episode of the Raider Ramble Podcast, we peek behind the curtains of North Shore Country Day, exploring stories that connect the past with the present. Host Mullery Doar guides listeners through the lesser-known narratives of our school's auditorium and gymnasium — places where the imprint of notable individuals can still be felt.

On this episode of the Raider Ramble Podcast, Head of School Tom Flemma has an in-depth conversation with Dr. David Yeager about his groundbreaking book, "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People." Discover key insights and strategies for encouraging and inspiring young individuals in this engaging chat. Here are the key takeaways we have for you: Mentor Mindset: Great leaders in...

Tune into this insightful edition of the Raider Ramble Podcast, where Kristen Kaczynski and Matthew Mettille from North Shore Country Day's College Counseling Office discuss the evolving landscape of the college admissions process. Our special guest, Mac Devereux '23, now a student at McGill University, joins the duo to share how expert college counseling played a pivotal role in transfo...

In the season finale of the Raider Ramble, five of our eight Lifers join us to reflect on their journey at NSCD. They've grown alongside one another from their earliest days to their senior year, each step forging their Raider identity. As they share cherished memories and offer advice to our younger students, you'll feel the strong pulse of our North Shore community. Tune in to this fin...

In Episode 5 of the Raider Ramble, NSCD alum Mullery Doar '06 explores the origin of the mysterious Ozzy Ball, a game that is deeply rooted in North Shore Country Day's lower school culture. Mullery, who is also director of admissions and financial aid, talks with students and teachers as she seeks to uncover its origin. Where did Ozzy come from? When did students start playing it? Come...

Get ready to take a deep dive into the world of social media with Episode 4 of the Raider Ramble podcast! In this episode, Liz Sherwood, a parent of four kids, leads a fascinating chat with Middle School Counselor Courtney Wilson and Information and Media Literacy Librarian Jared Branahl. Discover how parents can guide and shape their children's social media journeys, unlocking doors to self-...

In this episode, Molly Oelerich '87 and Trina Sandshafer, Executive Vice President and Design Principal at Kahler Slater, discuss the Mac Gym renovation project at NSCD. They delve into the design process and highlight the importance of prioritizing the needs and ideas from various stakeholders to create a space that promotes the health and wellness of the students. Here are the key takeaways...

In this exciting episode, NSCD parents Arturo Garcia Middle, Upper School Computer Science Teacher, and Dr. Jessica Rappaport of Rappaport Pediatrics dive head first into a very complex, complicated and sometime sore subject of screen time. From navigating the educational benefits to understanding the potential risks, we are going to explore the ever-evolving landscape of technology and how it imp...

Have you ever found yourself questioning the right level of activity for your child? Are you intrigued by the signs of over-scheduling and the significance of balance in their lives? In this exciting episode, join us as we deep dive into the world of scheduling for children. We'll unravel the delicate balance between the right level of activity and unscheduled time. Prepare yourself for an en...