From Backyard Roller Coaster Dad to Building a Giant Sphere – Catching Up with Will Pemble

From Backyard Roller Coaster Dad to Building a Giant Sphere – Catching Up with Will Pemble

In this episode of Second Look, Claudine Wong reconnects with Will Pemble — better known years ago as “Roller Coaster Dad” after building elaborate backyard coasters. Since our first conversation in 2018, Will has been busy moving back to Connecticut, creating custom Sprinter vans, experimenting with geodesic domes, and—most recently—constructing an 18-foot wooden sphere that’s become both a neighborhood landmark and a surprise concert venue. With Will, there’s truly never a dull moment—we talk about his endless curiosity, his family’s patience, and the joy of building just for the sake of fun. * [00:00] Welcome back: reintroducing Will Pemble * [01:00] Flashback: the backyard roller coaster story * [02:30] Building the “Gold Boss” coaster with his son * [05:00] From Roller Coaster Dad to new adventures * [06:30] Life changes: moving East during COVID * [07:30] Custom Sprinter vans (including a $300K one!) * [09:00] The “Veggie Dome” idea that morphed into something bigger * [11:45] Sphere inspiration from Buckminster Fuller * [14:30] Engineering challenges & neighborhood reactions * [19:00] Acoustic experiments inside the sphere * [23:00] Costs, timeline, and effort behind the 18.5-foot sphere * [28:50] Live band performance inside the structure * [31:00] Why the Veggie Dome never happened (sorry, Liz!) * [34:00] Reflections on creativity, fun, and what’s next * Curiosity fuels creativity – Every project starts with a “what if?” * Family-centered decisions – Moving closer to his kids during COVID shaped his path. * Community connections – Projects drew fascination from neighbors, carpenters, and passersby. * Joy in the journey – These builds aren’t just about the end product—they’re about fun, learning, and surprise. * Unexpected outcomes – A greenhouse request turned into a giant sphere—and a concert venue. *  Watch other Second Look episodes: ⁠KTVU Podcasts – Second Look⁠ [https://www.ktvu.com/tag/podcasts/second-look?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Key Takeaways & Themes * Curiosity fuels creativity – Every project starts with a “what if?” * Family-centered decisions – Moving closer to his kids during COVID shaped his path. * Community connections – Projects drew fascination from neighbors, carpenters, and passersby. * Joy in the journey – These builds aren’t just about the end product—they’re about fun, learning, and surprise. * Unexpected outcomes – A greenhouse request turned into a giant sphere—and a concert venue. Links & Resources *  Watch other Second Look episodes: ⁠KTVU Podcasts – Second Look⁠ [https://www.ktvu.com/tag/podcasts/second-look?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Connect With Me  Instagram: ⁠@claudinewongktvu⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/claudinewongktvu?utm_source=chatgpt.com]   TikTok: @claudinektvu   Facebook: ⁠Claudine Wong KTVU⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ClaudineWongKTVU?utm_source=chatgpt.com]   YouTube: ⁠@ClaudineWongKTVU⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@ClaudineWongKTVU?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Remarkable journey to overcome homelessness and drug addiction

Claudine revisits the inspiring story of Rich Goodwin, a man who overcame homelessness and drug addiction in San Francisco's Tenderloin. After hitting rock bottom with an overdose, Goodwin entered detox and began a remarkable journey of recovery and helping others. He became a certified drug and alcohol counselor, now directing a successful program at Solano prison with a remarkably low recidivism rate. Beyond his counseling work, Goodwin rediscovered his passion for wrestling and jiu-jitsu, earning multiple world titles and opening his own martial arts academy to foster a safe, supportive community. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his story and providing a positive environment to help individuals, from young children facing bullying to adults battling addiction. Goodwin continues to balance his demanding career, personal life, and athletic pursuits, driven by a deep desire to give back and show that change is possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Oakland Turf Dancing

It's been 14 years since KTVU's Claudine Wong talked with then-22 year old Denzel "Chonkie" Worthington.... an Oakland dancer at the forefront of a viral movement called "turf dancing." The artistic tributes through dance first went viral in 2011, and enjoyed another moment of fame after turf dancers were featured in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX Halftime show. Following that, Claudine sat down with Chonkie again.... to take a second look at his turf dancing career -- and where it's taken him all these years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Battling stage 4 lung cancer

In November of 2017, KTVU's Claudine Wong sat down with Donna Terry, a Morgan Hill woman who had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer earlier that year. She was given just six months to two years to live. Now, eight years later, Claudine sits down with Donna again… to take a second look at what has become a years-long battle with cancer — and what's still inspiring her to fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Rock Steady Boxing

Welcome to 2nd Look. Eight years ago, KTVU's Claudine Wong sat down with Daniel Burkhardt, the owner & head coach of Rock Steady Boxing -- the Bay Area chapter of an organization dedicated to the fight against Parkinson's Disease. Through specialized fitness classes, Rock Steady Boxing gives people with the disease a unique chance at improving their quality of life. Today, Claudine sits down with Daniel again -- to take a second look at his mission.... and what's changed since they last met. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]