Third season of podcast begins, with prominent voices exploring community, belonging, and education
LOS OLIVOS — NBA All-Star and Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas reflects on his journey from the West Side of Chicago to international stardom in the latest episode of “The Whole Student,” Dunn School’s acclaimed podcast. Hosted by Head of School Kalyan Balaven and innovator Mo Pritzker, the episode dives deep into themes of community, mentorship, and education’s role in shaping lives and fostering belonging.
Thomas shares heartfelt stories of resilience and inspiration, including how his mother, Mary Thomas, instilled the importance of education and integrity during their most challenging times. Now the founder of Mary’s Court Foundation, which supports underprivileged families in Chicago, Thomas continues to champion the values his mother upheld.
“My mom, my biggest inspiration, my biggest motivator, … made it all work,” Thomas said. “We had some very, very difficult times … as I’m older now and I look back on what she really did and how she kept us together as a family … I’m in awe of what she did in the ’50s and ’60s as a woman.”
A unique perspective on belonging and leadership
As a student-athlete, Thomas navigated significant cultural and socioeconomic divides, experiencing firsthand the challenges of belonging in private and public educational spaces. He credits teachers and coaches like Bobby Knight for mentoring him through pivotal moments, helping him grow into both a leader on the court and an advocate for community development.
“Leadership, the way I see it, it’s given, it’s not taken,” Thomas shared. “When I look at those who lead … it comes down to trust. Can you trust this person? Can you trust their word to be accurate and also informative?”
Thomas also discussed the evolving challenges educators face in building trust and community in the classroom:“Without the teachers, without the mentors, without that passing on of knowledge, it’s a scary thought of where we would be,” Thomas said. “If we can get the students and our young folk back to being able to look at each other without suspicion, then you got a chance.”
This episode is part of “The Whole Student” podcast’s third season, which focuses on creating community and belonging in educational settings. The season has featured prominent guests like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Academy Award-winning actress Glenn Close, and NextDoor founder Prakash Janakiraman. Each guest brings unique perspectives on how educators, parents, and leaders can foster inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and supported.
A platform for transformative conversations
Since its launch, “The Whole Student” podcast has been a platform for thought-provoking discussions about education and leadership. With episodes exploring the impact of exceptional teachers, women in STEM fields, and the social challenges of modern schools, the podcast has drawn attention from national education publications and local media alike.
“Our mission is to spark meaningful conversations,” said Balaven. “Through stories like Isiah’s, we aim to inspire educators and parents to rethink education’s role in building trust, resilience, and connection.”
The episode featuring Isiah Thomas is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Seasons 1 and 2 are also available on YouTube. The episode comes at a critical time when educators and communities are grappling with how to create environments of belonging amid heightened social and technological pressures. Thomas’s reflections on mentorship and community offer timely insights for those seeking to make a positive impact in their schools and neighborhoods.
About Dunn School: Nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley of California, Dunn School is a boarding and day school for grades 6-12. Since its founding in 1957, Dunn has prioritized Whole Student Education, empowering students to grow academically, emotionally, and morally within a supportive community. The school’s mission extends beyond academics to instill qualities like leadership, responsibility, and compassion in its students.
