Cate Stories – Podcast

Keep Scrolling

Jeff Crane ’74 – Surfing at Cate

In this episode of Cate Alumni Stories, Jeff Crane ’74 recounts the golden years of surfing at Cate. From standing at the edge of the Mesa, gazing out at the Carpinteria reef, to making the six-mile roundtrip trek down to the waves and back on Sunday mornings, Jeff relives the memories of this magical time at Cate.

Terry Sanders ’49 Reflects

In the fall of 1946, Oscar and Emmy award-winning producer and Distinguished Alumnus Terry Sanders ’49 arrived on the Mesa. In this Alumni Stories Podcast, Terry reminisces about Mr. Cate’s leadership, after-dinner readings, and deep love of language, which would go on to influence the filmmaker’s interest in storytelling.

Thanks to Hunter King ’19, Flora Troy ’19, Abnner Olivares ’19, and Nathan Martin ’17 for sound engineering and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

The Class of ’03 – Alumni Podcast

In this episode of Cate Alumni Stories, Nydia (Na) Durazo ’03 and Heather Clark ’03 reflect on their time on the Mesa and Cate’s impact on their professional careers and offer sage advice for today’s students.

Thanks to Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

Welcome to the 90s

In this episode of Cate Alumni Stories Brian Brazier ’98, Maritsa Cholmondeley ’98, and Ogo Nwanyanwu ’98 discuss dorm life in the 90s, the powerful connections shared with teachers and coaches on the Mesa, and a passion for service and the outdoors that continue to shape their personal and professional lives.

Thanks to Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering, and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

The 80s Part II – Alumni Podcast

In Part Two of the 80s podcast, Vanessa Biddle ’88 and Jamie Reilly ’88 continue the 80s theme of love, marriage, and “family of choice.” The two met at Outings Week, became high school sweethearts, and reconnected at their 10-year reunion. After years of family life with their two children and a rather large Cate tribe, Jamie reflects, “It’s shocking how tight we still are with people from high school! Living with people, you build something different.”

Thanks to Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

The 80s Part I – Alumni Podcast

In part one of the 80s podcast, Amy Stone ’88 and Bonnie Carlson Solmssen ’88 discuss the “family of choice” they discovered on the Mesa, and the enduring Cate relationships and lessons learned that have guided them through adulthood, motherhood, and career life.

Thanks to Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering, Will Anderson ’20 on guitar, and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

The 70s Part II – Alumni Podcast

In Part II of the 70s podcast, Alec McAndrew ’72, Peter Vaughn ’73, and Greg Henderson ’78 share stories about Mr. Cate, the School’s first “ditch day,” the “Rincon Effect,” and more.

Thanks to Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

Reflections from ’73 – Alumni Podcast

In Part I of the 70s podcast series, we take a trip down memory lane and share in a story of opportunity, change, and the lifelong impact of the Cate experience. Two summers before Anthony Bracks ’73 joined Cate as a freshman, he attended five-week summer sessions on the Mesa and knew that when given the opportunity, this would be his school.

Thanks to Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

The Class of ’68 – Alumni Podcast

In this third installment of our Alumni Stories Podcast, we venture back to the ’60s and the days of Scott McLeod’s English classes, dormitory monitors, and an all-boys student body. Billy Steinberg and Matt Walton, both members of the Class of 1968, reflect on their time on and off the Mesa during the age of peace, love, and rock-n-roll.

Thanks to Jennifer Soh ’19 and Ashley Broder for the background music, Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering, and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

The Class of ’58 – Alumni Podcast

In the second installment of our Alumni Stories Podcast, we move along through the years to three classmates from the class of 1958 who gathered in our story trailer to reminisce with Sarah Preston. From stories about Mr. Cate to the introduction of the whoopie cushion, Martin Hale, Pete Pallette, and Tallant Smith’s shared experiences remain fresh even at their 60th reunion.

Thanks to Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering and Aimee Stanchina for editing.

Reflections from the Class of 1948

How better to kick off our new Cate Alumni Stories podcast than with two 70th reunion classmates, Jim Crutcher ’48 and Nelson Jones ’48? The long-time friends reflect on time with Mr. Cate, teachers that mattered, and enduring friendships.

Thanks to Hunter King ’19 for sound engineering and Monique Parsons ’84 for editing.