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On Our Minds

On Our Minds

Student Reporting Labs 86 Episodes Jun 24, 2026

On Our Minds is an Edward R. Murrow award-winning podcast about teen life, produced by teens for teens in collaboration with PBS News Student Reporting Labs. Season 6 is an audio road trip exploring what’s unique about teen life in every corner of the country through hyperlocal stories about cities, towns, and neighborhoods.

Episodes

What makes a place feel like home? Jun 24, 2026 08:26 In the final episode of this season, student producer Joslyn shares her journey of moving from place to place and always finding herself drawn back to Las Vegas.From snowy Michigan winters to the bright lights of the Strip, Joslyn reflects on identity, belonging, and the moment she realized where home truly was.Today’s segment was produced by Joslyn Rakes.Lead Producer Becky Wandel produc
What a VW Bus Can Teach You About Life Jun 19, 2026 13:13 Recorded as a special collaboration between Teacher Reporting Labs and On Our Minds, this episode brings educators and student hosts together for an unexpected conversation sparked by a community thread about VW buses. What begins with nostalgic memories of iconic road trips quickly expands into a reflection on freedom, identity, risk, and connection— through stories ranging from childhoo
Why getting around without a car in California can be surprisingly nice Jun 17, 2026 13:29 In suburban California, getting around often means getting in a car. But for Keerthi in San Ramon and Padma in Fremont, walking, running, and riding the bus opened up a different view of their hometowns. Along trails, sidewalks, and bus routes, they discovered hidden neighborhoods, unexpected connections, and the small moments that make a community feel alive. This episode explores what h
How food brings cultures together in El Paso Jun 10, 2026 06:42 What does it mean to live in a city where cultures, languages, and traditions meet every day?In this episode of On Our Minds, we travel to El Paso, Texas, where student journalists Marium and Aruja explore life in one of America's most unique border communities. Along the way, hosts Zack and Helena share the foods that connect them to their cultures—from tacos to pernil—and reflect on how
How one San Juan street reflects Puerto Rico’s culture, community and change Jun 3, 2026 08:39 This On Our Minds episode heads to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where hosts Zack and Helena reflect on belonging, culture and the small details that make a place feel like home. The episode explores Calle Loíza, a vibrant street long shaped by generations of residents from around the globe, now facing an uncertain future as it becomes a tourist destination.Today’s segments were produced by Mira
Teenage beekeeper in New York buzzes about native species May 27, 2026 08:05 This week on the On Our Minds Roadtrip, hosts Zack and Helena take us to the city that never sleeps. Jess, the president of her university’s beekeeping club, walks us through what it means to be a young beekeeper in New York City.She shares that New York City’s diversity doesn't stop at just people and culture. The city is home to over 200 species of bees. Special thanks to K.U.T., Jake P
Finding warmth in the wicked cold Massachusetts weather May 20, 2026 12:23 Take a road trip to Massachusetts with hosts Zack and Helena in this episode of On Our Minds.It can be cold and confusing, but also surprisingly warm and welcoming.Shane from Attleboro takes us inside his apartment building, filled with colorful neighbors who’ll dig your car out of the snow and give you some great advice along the way.Then, middle schoolers who hail from all over the worl
The power of public art and Dunkin Donuts in New Jersey May 13, 2026 13:29 Take a road trip to New Jersey in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena discuss what in their surroundings sparks curiosity. Student producer, Abigail Kim in Leonia, New Jersey takes you to a scuplture garden at the heart of her town. While, Libby Peckman in Highland Park, New Jersey talks about the small ways she finds community and wonder in the mundane.Special thanks to K
How a small art shop built a community in the Midwest May 6, 2026 08:20 Take a road trip to Richmond, Indiana, in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena explore what “community” really means—from hometown sports teams and small-town festivals to unexpected spaces that bring people together.At the center of this story is Oblivion, a local art store turned creative haven, where strangers become collaborators, and a fading town finds new life throug
How drag queens are creating safe spaces in Missouri Apr 29, 2026 07:42 This episode of On Our Minds Road Trip takes us to Columbia, Missouri, where drag performers are building community, creating joy, and challenging stereotypes.Student producer Maggie LeBeau takes us inside the local drag scene, introducing us to performers like Alexxa Pro and Artemis Gray. They’re creating spaces of belonging, especially for young queer people who don’t always have one.Ma
Inside Minneapolis’ giant pencil festival Apr 22, 2026 07:32 Why does Minneapolis celebrate a giant pencil every year? In this episode of On Our Minds: Road Trip, hosts Zack and Helena head to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to explore one of the city’s most delightfully weird traditions: the Giant Pencil Festival on Lake of the Isles. From dancing pencil costumes to a dramatic annual “sharpening” ceremony, this story highlights how creativity, humor, a
Driving through Colorado changed how I see my childhood Apr 15, 2026 07:59 On Our Minds is produced by teens with PBS News Student Reporting Labs. For our sixth season, hosts Zack from Southern California and Helena from North Carolina head out on a road trip across the U.S.This first episode takes us to Winter Park, Colorado. Student journalist Theo shares a personal story about growing up, drifting from childhood traditions, and what it feels like to rediscove

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