Express Yourself!
Express Yourself! is a teen-focused radio program produced by Starstyle Productions, LLC as part of the Be the Star You Are! charity. Hosted by teens and teenage field reporters, the show covers topics like books, music, technology, school, health, and more. It airs Sundays at 3 PM Pacific on VoiceAmerica Empowerment, aiming to uplift and encourage young listeners to express their views.
Episodes
The Women's Reproductive Rights in the United States
"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." - Michelle Obama In this episode of Empowerment and Equality, host Hannah Sahota examines the state of women's reproductive rights in America and the social forces shaping the national debate. Through historical context, policy analysis, and thoughtful commentary, the program explores how access to reproductive healthcare (including contr
The Importance of Free Speech
"If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter" George Washington. Imagine if every time you wanted to say something, a tiny government elf popped up on your shoulder and said, "Hmm… approved… denied… or maybe rephrase that in a way that makes me emotionally comfortable." Host, Keerthi, talks about the importance of free speech. With her natu
Survival Conservation
"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." · Robert Swan Why is conservation critical? Host Diya asks us to imagine life without clean water or wildlife. Conservation is one of our strongest defenses against climate change. Forests, oceans, and wetlands absorb enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, helping regulate Earth's temperature. The food we eat
The Impact of Social Media
On this episode of Express Yourself!, Hannah Sahota's "Empowerment and Equality" segment explores the ever-changing relationship between social media, surveillance, and human dignity in the digital age. Using historical context, personal experience, political commentary, and social critique, the show traces the growth of social media from early internet communication systems to today's hyperconnec
EMPOWERING MALAWI
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." · Nelson Mandela The poverty-ridden country of Malawi was devastated by AIDS. Host Julia Howe interviews the founder of Jacaranda Foundation, Marie da Silva, a Malawian education activist with a powerful personal story. Auntie Marie was working as a nanny in the US when she heard the local school was closing i
Voter Rights and Voter Suppression
"Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don't vote." - Christian Lange Are voter rights under attack in the United States? In her segment, Empowerment and Equality, Express Yourself!™ radio host, Hannah Sahota, leads us through the history of American democracy, showcased through voting in elections. Voting is one of the most important rights in a democratic society because it is the funda
Fashion and the Effects on Accelerated Garbage
"Become an active citizen through your wardrobe." Livia Firth Today we're not talking about a bill, a ballot measure, or a party platform. We're talking about your closet. The fashion industry generates 92 million tons of textile waste annually. Host Julia Howe and reporter Hanna Yu tackle the tragedy of fast fashion and its environmental impact. Hanna focuses on the philosophy of this conspicuo
Social Media Phenomena and Rhetoric
Hosted by Hannah Sahota, this episode of Express Yourself! invites listeners into a thought-provoking exploration of how online rhetoric shapes the world we live in today. In her segment, "Empowerment and Equality," Hannah breaks down how viral posts, influencers, and algorithm-driven platforms like TikTok and Instagram are no longer just sources of entertainment, but powerful forces that influenc
AI on the Moon and Mars?
"We are an impossibility in an impossible universe." Ray Bradbury Radio hosts Julia Howe and Saanvi Phaneendra take us to outer space via AI. Today, we are diving into one of the most exciting things happening in space exploration. Humanity is not just visiting other worlds; we are planning to live on them. And AI is right at the center of making that happen. NASA is not trying to repeat Apollo.
The Artemis Space Mission
"We choose to go to the Moon not because it is easy, but because it is hard." — President John F. Kennedy, 1962 Apollo planted a seed. Artemis is the tree. For the first time in over 50 years, humans are flying to the Moon. Not in a textbook. Not in a movie. Right now. NASA's Artemis program was officially established in 2017, named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology. Host Saanvi
Cancer Awareness
In this episode of Express Yourself!, host Hannah Sahota leads her segment "Empowerment and Equality" with a powerful and accessible conversation on cancer awareness, breaking down what cancer is, how it develops, and why early detection and prevention are critical. The segment explores key warning signs, screening methods, and lifestyle factors, while also highlighting the role of vaccines and en
When AI Takes Over Earth, Humanity Reaches for the Stars
In this episode, "When AI Takes Over Earth, Humanity Reaches for the Stars," Saanvi Phaneendra explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and space exploration, and what it means for the future. As AI continues to transform industries such as coding, banking, and creative fields, she raises an important question: what role will humans play in an increasingly automated world? She emphas
Stress Relief
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." — William James What is stress, why do we experience it, and what can we do to relieve anxiety? Host Hannah Sahota and reporter Kirpa Gill tackle this complicated subject that affects everyone. There are three types of stress: acute, episodic, and chronic. The youth discuss techniques to overcome stress, includ
Self-Care and Empathy
"You can only understand people if you feel them in yourself." — John Steinbeck According to the Stanford Medical Health Center, by including teens as full participants in self-care, they're more likely to choose healthy behaviors during their lives. Hannah Sahota hosts this important program focusing on empathy and self-care with reporters Diya and Jatin. According to the World Health Organiz
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health
Mental health is a part of being human. We are not only our eyes, ears, voice, and body parts, but we are also our emotions. These emotions affect how we feel, react, and portray ourselves to the world. Kirpa hosts a program with reporters Milan and Jatin, with an open discussion defining mental health and how we define it to ourselves and to others. Educate yourself, create safe places, and choos
Cancer Awareness
"Cancer is just a chapter in our lives and not the whole story."— Allie Moreno Host Keerthi begins the show with a bold and true statement: "Teenagers are some of the most powerful people on the planet." She believes that teens need to be involved in cancer advocacy. Cancer isn't just a medical issue. It's a human issue. It's about funding research. It's about supporting families. It's about maki
Confidence Versus Comparison
"Comparison is the thief of joy." – Theodore Roosevelt Are you confident in your abilities? Do you compare yourselves to others? Host Julia dives into the importance of confidence and reframes how to think about comparison. She interviews reporter Jatin, who shares how comparison negatively affects confidence. He talks about the effects of social media and AI. Reporter Milan then speaks with J
Leading with Kindness
· "Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness." – Maya Angelou What is kindness? How can we lead with kindness? Host Sharanya along with reporters Milan and Jatin offer their insights into how kindness improves happiness, positive emotions, and social connections while reducing anxiety. Being kind to others manifests kindness for ourselves. Shara
What it Means to be an American
it Means to be an American "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." – John F. Kennedy Host Sharanya discusses how being a naturalized citizen has affected her and her family. Being an American to her means being honest about governmental failures instead of pretending they don't exist. It means refusing to confuse patriotism with bli
KBG Syndrome and Using AI to Write Songs
"I think every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine." - Neil Armstrong Some people use their heartbeats to make noise. Others use them to make meaning. In today's broadcast, host Julia interviews someone who does exactly that through music. Rachel Schaub is an emerging 17-year-old pop songwriter and artist from the Detroit area whose music is playful, ex
How Curiosity Leads to Success
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." Albert Einstein Brothers, Jatin and Milan, reporters on Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio, talk about how being curious leads to success in all things. Jatin discusses how curiosity helped some people become famous for their inventions. Milan reads a poem and encourages teens to explore and be curious. Producer, Cynthia Brian, hosts the pr
Goals for the New Year!
"Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves."~ Mahatma Gandhi It's a brand-new year, and Express Yourself!™ teen reporters, Milan and Jatin, share their suggestions for creating goals and resolutions. Producer, Cynthia Brian, hosts providing a few insights into planning for success. "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!" Happy 2026…Sparkle and Shine!
Holiday Celebrations with Julia Howe
"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." – Norman Vincent Peale. In this holiday episode, Host Julia explores what the season really feels like for teenagers: balancing stress, shifting family dynamics, and the pressure to enjoy a "magical" time of year, while learning how to make the holidays meaningful on our own terms. Julia reflects
Exploring the Existence of God
"If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him." Voltaire Does asking whether God exists help teens think about bigger questions like what gives life meaning? What makes something right or wrong? Who or what do I look to when I'm trying to understand my purpose, my identity, my relationships, or the challenges? Host Hanna talks about the fact that even teens who don't believe in a hi
Thanksgiving and Gratitude
"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed."— Maya Angelou A family-friendly Thanksgiving program with host Kirpa and her cousins Milan and Jatin as they celebrate gratitude, food, music, travel, and joy. Thanksgiving is a time of connection, a time to apologize, and forgive. Kirpa advises that life doesn't need to be perfect to be beautiful — and that's the heartbeat of
How Teens Preserve Their Culture
"If we are to preserve culture, we must continue to create it." by Johan Huizinga Culture is not only about connecting the past to the present, but it is also a way we form our identity; it is a part of the puzzle in our lives. Host Julia and reporter Milan discuss the importance of studying culture and keeping one's heritage and culture alive. Milan talks about how culture forms our identity and
Preparing for College Applications
" The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X Although college applications can be stressful, there are small steps to take to make the process feel less overwhelming! Host Diya walks you through actions that will help you fill out successful applications to colleges that will be best suited to your life preferences. Stay organized and start early. Put all your extracur
Teens and Gun Control
On August 5th, 2012, when Express Yourself!™ teen, was a toddler, he, his brother, and his mother stopped for three minutes at a gas station on their way to their Sikh temple. Those three minutes saved their lives as a gunman began a mass shooting. Today, host Kirpa and reporter Milan discuss gun control and what teens think about it. There are an estimated 400 million to 500 million civilian-ow
How Teens Have Grit
"I've learned you are never too small to make a difference." Greta Thunberg With college deadlines looming and pressure mounting, this week's broadcast turns inward, toward the grit it takes to be a teenager in a world obsessed with perfection. Host Julia opens the show with a commentary on the myth of effortless success, breaking down how real grit isn't gold stars or motivational quotes, it's
Human Rights for Women and Girls
"I know nothing of man's rights, or woman's rights; human rights are all that I recognize." Sarah Moore Grimke With global conflict rising, human rights violations demand attention, especially abuses against women and girls. Host Julia begins the broadcast with an investigation of "The Myth of the Perfect Victim". She asks, "Why do we know Gabby Petito's name, but not Kaysera Stops Pretty Place
Ultra-Processed Foods
"Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are." – Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin Host Julia and reporter Hanna tackle the topic that we chew on every day: ultra-processed foods. Hanna asks if it is ethical to sell food that is unhealthy just to maximize profits at the expense of our long-term well-being. What is the price of health? Whose responsibility is it? What is the future of food?
Are Teens Affected by Climate Change?
"Climate change is the most severe problem that we are facing today, more serious even than the threat of terrorism." - Anonymous The answer is YES! Host Keerthi starts off the show with this message: "We are concerned. You know why? Because we live here! You can't just order a new planet from Amazon Prime." The concern is real. Studies show that over 70% of teens say climate change makes them anx
What Concerns Teen Most
"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."— Mother Teresa In today's episode, host Julia with new reporter Hanna talk about what concerns teens the most…mental health, the climate crisis, waste, eco-anxiety, and more. Julia dives into "doomism", doom-scrolling, and advocates for her generation that has lived through "historic" tragedies: terrorism, endless wars, "orange alert" paran
Galactic Getaway
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Norman Vincent Peale Host Saanvi Phaneendra take you on a journey into the world of rockets, space, and the story of her nonprofit, Galactic Getaway. Her Eagle Scout project turned into a mission: bringing museum-quality rocket exhibits into libraries and universities across the San Francisco Bay Area to inspire kids, teens, an
How Teens Can Stay Healthy
"Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." – Eleanor Brown Host, Julia, is an athlete and a healthy teen. In today's program, she talks about how teenagers can stay healthy. She highlights student researchers who are part of the Hitting the Wall Curriculum project that she founded in 2023. Hitting the Wall is a movement dedicated to fostering positive change within the te
Is Democracy Dying?
"Democracies may die at the hands not of generals but of elected leaders—presidents or prime ministers who subvert the very process that brought them to power. " - Steven Levitsky Host Keerthi brings substance and humor to a very serious topic: democracy. Democracy is a mess. It's a beautiful, chaotic, meme-worthy mess. Democracy has made mistakes. Big ones. But she's evolving. Citizens should b
Helping to Educate Schools in Other Countries
"To every child – I dream of a world where you can laugh, dance, sing, learn, live in peace, and be happy" - Malala Yousafzai Host Sharanya Roy doesn't believe brilliance is limited by borders. She recently returned from Africa where she witnessed children eager to learn and study, with a profound quest for knowledge. Learning is freedom. It's power. And it deserves to be shared. To bring comput
Staying Fit for Summer
"The body achieves what the mind conceives!" Napoleon Hill Julia and Kirpa host a program about how to stay fit during the summer and beyond. Reporter Milan talks about ways to exercise, participating in sports, enjoying healthy foods, and having fun. Kirpa shares that summer is a great time to switch up your fitness routine and take advantage of the outdoors. To stay motivated, she encourages
Sun Protection
Ah, summer. The season of beach days, barbecues, road trips, and popsicles that melt faster than you can eat them. But while you're out there living your best summer life, the sun is doing its thing too, shining bright and sending down those sneaky UV rays. Host Kirpa and reporter Milan discuss ways to have fun in the sun while protecting your skin and body.Your eyes, skin, and immune system can a
Traveling
"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us." — Anonymous Travel is more than just moving from one place to another—it's a doorway to discovery, growth, and wonder. Every journey, no matter how short or far-flung, carries the potential to shift perspectives, awaken the soul, and spark adventure in the most unexpected ways. Reporter Kirpa Gill hosts her very first episode of Expres
The Big Hop and Aeronautics
"In 1919, when the world was grounded by war and pandemic, a few brave souls looked up—and dared to fly into history." – inspired by The Big Hop by David Rooney In 1919, in Newfoundland, four teams of aviators raced to be the first to fly, non-stop, across the Atlantic. Only one team, after a death-defying flight, made it to Ireland. Host Saanvi Phaneendra interviews author, David Rooney, about hi
Our Earth, Our Responsibility
" The environment is no one's property to destroy; it's everyone's responsibility to protect." - Mohith Agadi · In most cultures around the globe, the planet Earth is portrayed as a powerful female god, a nurturer, and a creator. These powerful symbolisms and beliefs remind us that the natural world provides humans with the necessities, tools, and well-being for survival. Diya hosts a prog
Summer!
Summer "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." ― F. Scott Fitzgerald Keerthi and Julia offer a fun-filled sunshine show about summer. Keerthi starts off with a hysterical riff on how she is now a senior citizen at the old age of 16 with
From First Job to Career and Big Data
In segment two, host Saanvi is honored to interview Steven Zhou, PhD, with his book, From First Job to Career, which blends real-life first-job stories with expert insights from vocational psychology. This engaging guide helps readers navigate the complex, non-linear world of modern work, offering inspiration, research, and practical tools to build a meaningful career path. Steven was the first ra
Creating a Five-Year Plan
On today's Express Yourself!™, teen host Julia provides a guide to making a five-year plan that doesn't require spreadsheets, stress, or having your entire life figured out. Whether you're dreaming big or just trying to survive high school, this two-part speech helps break down the future into something real, doable, and actually kind of exciting. Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expre
The Truth about Teen Driving
Host Julia is on the road to talk about something that's both super exciting and slightly terrifying: teen driving. She talks about peer pressure and the importance of having rules for safety. Julia also advocates for being fully awake when behind the wheel as teens are perpetually sleep deprived. Follow Julia's advice, and you can keep your car insurance rates lower while you, your family, and
The Positive and Negatives of Social Media
There has always been a large debate on if social media is positive or negative because there are so many opinions about this topic. On one hand, your friends might be telling you to download these apps and post some pictures, and on the other hand your parents might be telling you to measure your time spent on social media. Host and Reporter, Diya, gives the low-down on the positive aspects of be
How Leadership in Youth Impacts Your Future Professional Life
"The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow."— Nelson Mandela Youth leader and radio host, Keerthi, discusses her leadership jobs from kindergarten to high school. What she's learned is that leadership teaches time management. She's learned to be calm under pressure, how to communicate effectively, how to delegate, and of course, to fake it until you make it. Youth leadership shapes your f
Movies and Media for Teens and Tweens
Effervescent teen host, Julia Howe, orchestrates a lively radio broadcast focused on movies and interviews two radio reporters from KIDS FIRST. Julia says that teen movies shape the way teens think about growing up, relationships, and offer a sense of identity. The movies she highlights have been a mirror to high school lives and, at times, an escape from them. From Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast C
Earth Gratitude and Healing the Planet
Hosts Saanvi Phaneendra and Keerthi Eranivan weigh in on how teens can save the planet while being grateful for our glorious planet earth. Saanvi starts off the discussion with her Space Spotlight segment. While today's conversation is rooted in healing our planet, we can't ignore the skies above us-because what happens in space impacts Earth more than we realize. She shares that over 100 million
Spring Break
"Wherever you go, no matter the weather, bring your own sunshine" – Anthony D'Angelo Woohoo! It's Spring Break! For young people and families, this is a favorite time of year to travel. Sharanya hosts a program full of fantastic ideas about where to go in the United States and what to do. From hidden gems to nature refuges to fun in the sun, Sharanya shares an experience for every taste. Shara
The Importance of Teen Volunteerism
"Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else's help." – Heather French Henry Not all volunteer experiences are created equal. Julia hosts a program about teen volunteerism. Reporter, Armine, joins the conversation in segment two. Julia discusses mandatory volunteerism, whereby many schools require many hours of community service to g
Learning Critical Life skills and Developing Them
"Skill is the unified force of experience, intellect and passion in their operation." - John Ruskin What is a life skill and how do you develop one? Host Diya with reporters Kirpa and Milan tackle these critical questions for teens. A life skill will help you throughout life whether it is something very important, or something simple. It can be learning how to cook, manage money, or how to be a go
Self-Care and Healthy Relationships
Self-care is the art of nurturing your mind, body, and soul to achieve inner harmony. Host Diya talks about one of the most important actions that play into everyday life: the practice of self-care and building healthy relationships. Some ways to create healthy relationships include having open communication, respect, and most importantly trust. Having meaningful communication opens our minds so
Is A.I. Friend or Foe
"AI is not a threat, but a tool—one that amplifies human ingenuity and expands the boundaries of what's possible." — Satya Nadella Host Saanvi Phaneendra tackles one of the most debated and mind-blowing topics in the world of technology; Artificial Intelligence. Reporter Milan provides the benefits of A.I. and also the negatives. Deep fakes are a problem and hacking is increased with artifici
Do Teens Have Agency and Choice
"You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you."— Brian Tracy Host Julia Howe starts by discussing teen health and doctor appointments. She offers these tips: Prioritize mental health by finding a support system and knowing when to ask for help. Build habits that future-you will be grateful for, like staying active, eating well, and actually
What's Love Got other than Do with It?
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." —Mother Teresa Julia Howe hosts a program focusing on love. We are celebrating Valentines day. It's that time of the year, outside it's freezing cold, yet we're talking about red hot LOVE! In segment 1, Julia talks about situationships, what they mean for teenagers, and why they are impossible. In segment two,
Plans for 2025
Teen hosts were under the weather for today's broadcast, so producer, Cynthia Brian, interviewed reporter Milan about plans for 2025. It's been 25 years since the millennial celebration, many years before our young volunteers were born. A quarter of a century is a long time! Milan talked about resolutions that most people make and offered a few of his own. Cynthia is working a new book, her 12th
Discoveries of the Unknown
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." – Marcel Proust Imagine this: a powerful ancient civilization, built on advanced technology and opulence, suddenly disappearing beneath the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, leaving behind only mysterious legends and unanswered questions. Hosts Saanvi Phaneendra and Julia Howard dive deeply into the histori
Sustainability in the Universe
"The Earth is the cradle of humanity, but mankind cannot stay in the cradle forever." · Host and reporter of Space Spotlight, Saanvi Phaneendra, embarks on a journey beyond our planet to explore sustainability in the universe. Whether it's surviving on Mars, creating self-sufficient space stations, or even living on an exoplanet, sustainability is a critical element. Space missions teach
The History of the U.S. Presidential Inaugurations
"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." – JFK Host Keerthi travels back to the inauguration of George Washington to give a humorous, yet informative history of Presidential inaugurations in the United States. She even talks about the fashions, frills, and forgettable faux pax, including the lessons from the 2021 storming of the Capitol with the not-so
STEM JOBS OF THE FUTURE
A recent Gallup poll indicates that " approximately 85% of employees are unhappy in their jobs". STEM fields play a crucial role in addressing global challenges, including technological advancements, medical breakthroughs, environmental protection, sustainability, and even living in outer space! Host Saanvi Phaneendra and reporter Armine investigate the future of STEM and environmental jobs truly
Grammy Winning Holiday Hootenanny
The best way to spread cheer is singing loud for all to hear. — Elf (attributed to Buddy the Elf, written by David Berenbaum) Express Yourself! teen radio host, Julia Howe, is part of a Grammy-winning choral group who have recently been nominated for Best American Roots Song and Best American Folk Album for the 67th Grammy Awards as we were featured on folk artist Aoife O' Donovan's recent album A
Holiday Travel around the World
"The joy of brightening others' lives becomes for us the magic of the holidays" WC Jones Have you ever spent the holidays in a different part of the world from your home? Sharanya and Diya share fun places where they have traveled for Christmas and where they plan to go this year. Diya also talks about other holidays that she wants to celebrate and funny traditions. Sharanya talks about books that
Teen Stress during the Holidays
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." –Hamilton Wright Mabie Ah, the holidays. For some, it's the most magical time of the year—twinkling lights, cozy nights, and the smell of cookies baking in the oven. But if you're a teenager? Let's be real—the holidays can be a bit...complicated. Join host, Julia and guest Steffi as they discuss the joy and angst teens
Are Teens Happy with the Outcome of the Election?
"The poll that matters is the one that happens on election day." – Heather Wilson Teen radio host Keerthi discusses the results of the 2024 election and reports on how teens are reacting to the results. She first provides a humorous rendition of the history of America's election system and the grand experiment of democracy. For all its flaws, America's election system is a beautiful, chaotic mess.
Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, and Gratitude
"Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." – Lionel Hampton Julia hosts a special Thanksgiving program focused on gratitude and thankfulness. Julia tells the true history of the first Thanksgiving, which is a bit different from what we were taught. This is a "Truth-giving". instead of celebrating the myth, we celebrate the truth. Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude—and J
Space Debris
Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known. -Carl Sagan As humanity ventures deeper into space, a big challenge has become the effects of space debris. Saanvi Phaneendra discusses what space debris is and why it is so dangerous. What is space debris? Simply put, it's any man-made object in orbit that no longer serves a purpose. This includes everything from old satellit
How Teens Influence Elections
"Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today." – Barack Obama Julia and Keerthi host this election episode to discuss how teens influence election outcomes. Julia focuses on the new media company Jubilee, which is shaking up political discourse online and inspiring a new level of engagement among young people. Through debates on hot-button issues, like ab
Artificial Intelligence in the Universe
"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination" - Daniel Bell Saanvi Phaneendra, host for today's AI presentation , is the founder of Galactic Getaway, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring curiosity and passion for space exploration. Galactic Getaway brings hands-on learning experiences and new-generation interactive rocket model displays to communities, helping youth engage w
The Parade and Pear Festival Party!
Hosts Julia, Keerthi, and Sharanya, along with volunteers Ella and Sean star in this special edition of Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio as they reminisce about the extraordinary celebration in which they participated on September 28, 2024: the Parade and Pear Festival hailing the 50th anniversary of the Town of Moraga and the 25th anniversary of Be the Star You Are!® charity. It was a day beyond eve
Teen Challenges
Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. – Joshua J. Marine Host, Saanvi Phaneendra with reporters Diya and Hasini tackle a topic that every teen can relate to: challenges. Challenges come in all shapes and sizes, from small daily struggles to monumental obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. But here's the thing about challenges: they're no
The Positive Effects of Music
"Where words fail, music speaks." - Hans Christian Andersen Music has a unique power to tap into our emotions in a way that almost nothing else can. Hasini hosts a program focusing on the positive impact music has on our lives. Music transports us and changes our emotions. Hasini is a singer and also plays a traditional Indian instrument, the veena. She finds playing music meditative. Studies have
Parade, Party, Pear and Wine Festival
Parade, Party, Pear and Wine Festival Keerthi hosts this program with Be the Star You Are!® to discuss the parade, Pear and Wine Festival on September 28. Sean, our videographer joins Keerthi to talk about why he became the photographer and videographer for BTSYA. He is excited to create more media at the parade and festival. Ella is chairing the parade entry and the 25th-anniversary party to be h
Storytelling
"Story, as it turns out, was crucial to our evolution -- more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story told us what to hang on to." - Lisa Cron He sued Donald Trump and won? So begins the conversation teen host, Julia, has with the best-selling author and winner of numerous Moth GrandSLAM Championships, Matthew Dicks as they discuss his newest book with strategies to grow b
Fun with our Grandparents!
Grandparents are both our past and our future. In some ways, they are what has gone before, and in others, they are what we will become. —Fred Rogers Hosts Julia and Keerthi talk about the superpowers of grandparents. They possess the unique ability to turn every mundane event into an epic adventure. Each one is a treasure trove of adventure, mystery, and, quite often, questionable fashion choices
Teen Representation in Cinema
"The cinema has no boundary; it is a ribbon of dream." - Orson Welles Are teens accurately represented in films and TV shows? Host Keerthi and reporter Hasini don't think so. They tackle this issue and agree that teens are often written by adults who have forgotten their teen years and played by older adults. There is a focus of focus on stereotypes (like the nerd, the jock, the mean girl), but no
How Parents Shape Our Views
"Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first." –Matthew Jacobson Our parents are like our first influencers. They were there before social media, showing us how to navigate life. Host Julia discusses how our parents shape our views on pretty much everything—money, relationships, education, and life. She shares personal stories of growing up and the advice she wa
Animals and Mental Health
When we think about animals, we often imagine them as playful companions or majestic creatures in the wild. Host, Keerthi tells us that animals also play a crucial role in our health. Animals are far more than just pets or wildlife. They are our companions, our helpers, and our sources of comfort. Whether offering emotional support, assisting with daily tasks, or simply being a part of our lives,
Evolving into Your Future Self…Regardless
Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.— Chinese Proverb Teens are often told to think about the future. This is a challenging and overwhelming task at that age. Host Hasini shares her personal dreams, goals, and struggles as she is evolving. She gives us permission to enjoy the process. She then interviews vivacious and unapologetically authentic influencer, Skylar Sork
