Meet our Guests beginning 9/20/2020
Every week, our Express Yourself!™ Star Teens bring you a stimulating,
mind-bending, original program based on a chapter from our
Click on Photo for description of episode
10-18-2020 The Art of Perseverance
Perseverance is tenacity, persistence, better-than-average drive, holding firmly to beliefs, and never giving up. Think of a time in your childhood when you were incredibly stubborn. Applying that same level of resolution to adult activities practically guarantees success. Host Andrea Smith reads Cynthia Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Perseverance from her book, Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. Newest reporter Nihal Gill, encourages teens to turn off the screen, get up, and get moving. Even though it may be tempting to be a couch potato, it is very important to set up some sort of exercise regimen and always persevere and push yourself to feel great and healthy. Andrea interviews Judith Peck, an accomplished artist, sculptor, professor, and author of several books. They discuss two of her books, Sculpture as Experience, an excellent guide to creating sculpture and her new novel, Naked Under the Lights: A fascinating look at the world as artists perceive it—including the painful self-doubt and driving need to express the inexpressible. The takeaway.: “Persistence prevails when all else fails.”
Bio: Nihall Gill: Reporter: Spark the Interest
Nihal Gill, a sophomore at Turlock High School loves to play golf and is on the THS varsity golf team. His love for music is expressed through the piano, which he has been playing for the last 6 years. He loves to help people; and he has taken his love for robotics and created a non-profit called “Project Spark” to reach out to young elementary students to teach them STEM/Robotics through hands-on kits, coding, and incorporates the four aspects of STEM into his once a month community classes. He has been presented with an award from the Mayor of City of Ceres for “Outstanding Community Service.” When he found out about “Express Yourself Teen Radio,” he fell in love with the idea to be able to reach out to other teens his age and educate them on the hot topics for teens. He would love to spark an interest in topics that are important for health and wellness for teens all over the world. www.theprojectspark.org
Bio: Judith Peck
Judith Peck's sculptures are in 80 collections, including the Yale U. Gallery; Ghetto Fighters Museum, Israel and institutions nationally. Her work has been exhibited at the Intl. Biennial of Art, Malta, Natl. Academy Galleries, NY, Baltimore Museum; Pennsylvania Academy; Detroit Institute; New Jersey State Museum and universities including Yale, Columbia, Adelphi, Montclair, and Rutgers with works displayed on Dag Hammerskjold Plaza & Fordham, Lincoln Center in NYC and numerous sculpture parks. Invited proposals include Rutgers Law Library NJ; New City Jail NY; Somerset Financial Center NJ; North Palm Beach Library FL; Teaneck Centennial; and Saddle River Millennium, NJ. Dr. Peck is Professor Emerita of Art at Ramapo College of NJ. She holds a doctoral degree from New York U. and two master’s degrees in sculpture and art education from Teachers College, Columbia U. Peck is author of Sculpture as Experience; Art Activities for Mind and Imagination; Artistic Crafts: Inventive Creations with Cast-Offs and Leap to the Sun: Learning through Dynamic Play. Her parenting book, Smart Starts in the Arts, and picture book, Runaway Piggy Bank, received the Moms Choice Award for excellence in Children’s products. She has written 4 novels, Naked under the Lights to be released this October. Dr. Peck received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, 2020. http://www.iapbooks.com.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126374/the-art-of-perseverance
Bio: Nihall Gill: Reporter: Spark the Interest
Nihal Gill, a sophomore at Turlock High School loves to play golf and is on the THS varsity golf team. His love for music is expressed through the piano, which he has been playing for the last 6 years. He loves to help people; and he has taken his love for robotics and created a non-profit called “Project Spark” to reach out to young elementary students to teach them STEM/Robotics through hands-on kits, coding, and incorporates the four aspects of STEM into his once a month community classes. He has been presented with an award from the Mayor of City of Ceres for “Outstanding Community Service.” When he found out about “Express Yourself Teen Radio,” he fell in love with the idea to be able to reach out to other teens his age and educate them on the hot topics for teens. He would love to spark an interest in topics that are important for health and wellness for teens all over the world. www.theprojectspark.org
Bio: Judith Peck
Judith Peck's sculptures are in 80 collections, including the Yale U. Gallery; Ghetto Fighters Museum, Israel and institutions nationally. Her work has been exhibited at the Intl. Biennial of Art, Malta, Natl. Academy Galleries, NY, Baltimore Museum; Pennsylvania Academy; Detroit Institute; New Jersey State Museum and universities including Yale, Columbia, Adelphi, Montclair, and Rutgers with works displayed on Dag Hammerskjold Plaza & Fordham, Lincoln Center in NYC and numerous sculpture parks. Invited proposals include Rutgers Law Library NJ; New City Jail NY; Somerset Financial Center NJ; North Palm Beach Library FL; Teaneck Centennial; and Saddle River Millennium, NJ. Dr. Peck is Professor Emerita of Art at Ramapo College of NJ. She holds a doctoral degree from New York U. and two master’s degrees in sculpture and art education from Teachers College, Columbia U. Peck is author of Sculpture as Experience; Art Activities for Mind and Imagination; Artistic Crafts: Inventive Creations with Cast-Offs and Leap to the Sun: Learning through Dynamic Play. Her parenting book, Smart Starts in the Arts, and picture book, Runaway Piggy Bank, received the Moms Choice Award for excellence in Children’s products. She has written 4 novels, Naked under the Lights to be released this October. Dr. Peck received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, 2020. http://www.iapbooks.com.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126374/the-art-of-perseverance
10-11-2020: Public Speaking, Politics, Elections
The political atmosphere couldn’t be more polarized or polluted. The first Presidential debate was painful to watch with Trump being a bully, ignoring the moderator’s instructions, and never answering any of the questions. Hosts Andrea Smith and Siri Phaneendra delve into the world of public speaking as they interview author of Mastering the Art of Public Speaking, Michael J. Gelb. Mastering the Art of Public Speaking is a simple, powerful, practical approach to improving one’s public speaking in sales, leadership, and life. Michael said that the principles that help people be influenced by your words can be used for evil or good. Speaking can be manipulative. There is a saying in Hollywood and Washington, D.C.: “Sincerity is the key to success. And once you can fake that you have it made.” The candidates could use Michael’s help in clarifying and shaping a positive message that citizens want to hear. Jack Pawlakos discusses the trends Generation Z is experiencing in the political world of 2020. As a generation, Gen Z are the most digitally connected, with about 60% getting their news through social media. Gen Z plus Millennial voters will make up 37% of eligible voters in 2020. Andrea talks about the documentary The Social Dilemma which explores the human impact of social networking. She immediately deleted all of her social media accounts. Fake news travels faster than the truth, and the tools of social media could hack elections.
BIO: Michael J. Gelb
Michael J. Gelb is the world's leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development. He is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning, and innovative leadership. Michael leads seminars for organizations such as DuPont, Merck, Microsoft, Nike, Raytheon, and YPO. He brings more than thirty years of experience as a professional speaker, seminar leader, and organizational consultant to his diverse, international clientele. Michael is the author of twelve books on accelerated learning, creativity, and innovation, including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci which has been translated into twenty-five languages and has appeared on the Washington Post, Amazon.com, and New York Times bestsellers lists. www.michaelgelb.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126244/public-speaking-politics-elections
BIO: Michael J. Gelb
Michael J. Gelb is the world's leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development. He is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning, and innovative leadership. Michael leads seminars for organizations such as DuPont, Merck, Microsoft, Nike, Raytheon, and YPO. He brings more than thirty years of experience as a professional speaker, seminar leader, and organizational consultant to his diverse, international clientele. Michael is the author of twelve books on accelerated learning, creativity, and innovation, including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci which has been translated into twenty-five languages and has appeared on the Washington Post, Amazon.com, and New York Times bestsellers lists. www.michaelgelb.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126244/public-speaking-politics-elections
10-4-2020: Theatre and Multimedia with Producer, Terrence Patterson
Who doesn’t LOVE theatre? Hosts Arjin Claire and Andrea Smith dive into the world of theatre, webseries, and multimedia with an energetic interview with President and CEO of Paragon Multimedia, Terrence Patterson, who has created an entertaining web series, Half Past Jump Time. Recounting the real Roaring 20’s, Harlem Renaissance—Terrence recalls vivid memories of stories and experiences that painted an unforgettable picture by his beloved grandmother. He shares the details on the behind-the-scenes workings of producing and pitching with energy and passion. Maggie Campione, theatre actor and the newest reporter on the Express Yourself! team does a brilliant job of sharing the importance for society that theatre provides as people work with others from different perspectives for a common goal in her segment, The American Connection. Finally, Arjin Claire takes us back to the 5th century to highlight what has changed and what has stayed the same in live productions. Storytelling has evolved with modern innovations such as the internet, TVs, and screens allowing us to experience the same theater in a new way.
Bio: Terrence Patterson
President & CEO at Paragon Multimedia LLC Terrence Patterson…
The experience and journey of the Harlem Renaissance is everlasting with "Half Past Jump Time" series that are offering viewers more than a glimpse into the past... mixed with a flair of sci-fi and musical sizzle. Terrence has been allowing audiences to share a glimpse into a time mixed with incredible imagination and talent with his web series that is based on his grandmother’s stories during the Harlem Renaissance. This dramatic web series is part urban, sci-fi adventure as well as a dance/ entertainment spectacle. Available on Facebook, Vimeo, Amazon Prime Direct and www.halfpastjumptime.com.
Bio: Maggie Campione
Maggie Campione is the newest reporter to join the “Express Yourself” radio show. She is a seventh-grade student and passionate about theater, reading, public speaking and most importantly, helping others. Her segment is called “The American Connection.” where she will present stories about community connections and staying united during difficult times. https://www.expressyourselfteenradio.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126087/theatre-and-multimedia-with-producer-terrence-patterson
Bio: Terrence Patterson
President & CEO at Paragon Multimedia LLC Terrence Patterson…
The experience and journey of the Harlem Renaissance is everlasting with "Half Past Jump Time" series that are offering viewers more than a glimpse into the past... mixed with a flair of sci-fi and musical sizzle. Terrence has been allowing audiences to share a glimpse into a time mixed with incredible imagination and talent with his web series that is based on his grandmother’s stories during the Harlem Renaissance. This dramatic web series is part urban, sci-fi adventure as well as a dance/ entertainment spectacle. Available on Facebook, Vimeo, Amazon Prime Direct and www.halfpastjumptime.com.
Bio: Maggie Campione
Maggie Campione is the newest reporter to join the “Express Yourself” radio show. She is a seventh-grade student and passionate about theater, reading, public speaking and most importantly, helping others. Her segment is called “The American Connection.” where she will present stories about community connections and staying united during difficult times. https://www.expressyourselfteenradio.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126087/theatre-and-multimedia-with-producer-terrence-patterson
9/27/20 Food, Cooking and a Celebrity Chef
Everyone loves to eat and how fun is it to have a show with a chef to the stars! Andrea Smith hosts and kicks off the program interviewing Trends without Ends reporter, Jack Pawlakos, about the food trends and influences for the year. Expect to devour crickets and also no waste wrappers. New Orleans celebrity chef Ryan Rondeno cooks up a feast of flavors while sharing his journey from culinary school to becoming a private chef for the rich and famous. His spices and menus are available for home delivery. Producer, Cynthia Brian, joins Andrea in the last segment to share the secret sugo from her family’s heirloom spaghetti. Cynthia encourages everyone to grow their own herbs and vegetables for the freshest, most delicious dishes. Are you hungry yet?
Bio: Ryan Rondeno
From a young age, Ryan was focused on one thing—sharpening his culinary repertoire. Training with some of the most legendary chefs, Ryan became a master at his trade with multicultural cuisine that speaks volumes among some of the most notable celebrities in the industry. From basic tips to insiders guide to being a celebrity private chef, Ryan's got it covered! Having cooked for Ashton Kutcher, Diddy, Ben Affleck, Will Smith, Common, Tyrese Gibson, Robert Smith, Xhibit, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Will McGinest, LA Philharmonic, and more, it’s no wonder why Chef Ryan Rondeno is taking the shaking up the restaurant industry with his line of cookbooks, spices and rubs, and bringing elegant dishes, bold flavor, and simple technique to the home front. He’s making his lavish recipes available to people across the U.S. as he offers some trade secrets, training through simple technique, tips and tricks, and revealing signature recipes for all ages. With a passion for French, Italian and Regional American Cuisine, his focus remains on local, sustainable cuisine with a strong emphasis on bold flavors—not to mention the love of New Orleans cuisine and fresh California flavors.
www.rondenoculinarydesigns.com
BIO
Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author of several books, TV/Radio personality/producer, lecturer, and enrichment coach specializing in acting, media, writing, speaking, and life success. Cynthia is the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 empowering women, families, and youth through increased literacy, improved positive media messages, and skills for living. Since 1998 she has produced and hosted the weekly upbeat, lifestyle international radio broadcast, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!®. Cynthia created and produces the young adult radio show, Express Yourself!™ for the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel. She writes for magazines, newspapers, and on-line sites. In her spare time, Cynthia can be found working in her garden or playing with her barnyard of adopted animals.www.CynthiaBrian.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself
9-20-2020 Resilience, Flying High, and Bridging Borders
If you’ve been feeling down and out, this episode of Express Yourself! will get you up and going! What is resilience? Teen hosts Siri Phaneendra and Andrea Smith interview Jack Pawlakos, Dr. Cecilia Aragon, and Henna Hundal to discover how we can face our fears, accept change, and fly free. In Trends without Ends, Jack talks about psychological resilience and how resilient people strive to find an opportunity to be positive, be connected, and concerned about others with a level of selflessness. The daughter of a Chilean father and a Filipina mother, Dr. Cecilia Rodriguez Aragon brings to life her exhilarating and inspiring journey from shy, fearful daughter of immigrants to champion pilot for the US Aerobatic Team in her memoir, Flying Free. Henna Hundal went into action to promote collaborative research between the leaders of various countries to evaluate their responses, successes, and failures by co-founding the Bridging Borders Project. Communicate, Collaborate, Innovate. Be Resilient and soar!
Bio: Dr. Cecilia Aragon
CECILIA ARAGON is an author, airshow pilot, and the first Latina full professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. She’s worked with Nobel Prize winners, taught astronauts to fly, and created musical simulations of the universe with rock stars. Her innovative research, and a stint at NASA designing software for Mars missions, led President Obama to call her “one of the top scientists and engineers in the country.” Her memoir, FLYING FREE: My Victory over Fear to Become the First Latina Pilot on the US Aerobatic Team, comes out from Blackstone Publishing on September 22, 2020. Described as "exhilarating, adventurous, and thoughtful," FLYING FREE lifts readers into the skies on a young woman's epic journey from fearful, bullied child to champion pilot. http://CeciliaAragonAuthor.com/flying-free/
Bio: Henna Hundal
Henna Hundal received her bachelor's degree in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology from Harvard College. She previously served as a researcher at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Harvard Center for AIDS Research. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, the Huffington Post, and the Harvard Political Review. Henna has been a volunteer with Be the Star You Are! since high school. She began as a reporter of Health with Henna on Express Yourself!™ and quickly moved into becoming a lead host. At Harvard she hosted her own radio broadcast. She is the co-founder of the Bridging Borders Project, a multinational collaboration to combat COVID-19, www.bridgingbordersproject.com.
Listen at voice America Radio Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/125824/resilience-flying-high-and-bridging-borders
Bio: Dr. Cecilia Aragon
CECILIA ARAGON is an author, airshow pilot, and the first Latina full professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. She’s worked with Nobel Prize winners, taught astronauts to fly, and created musical simulations of the universe with rock stars. Her innovative research, and a stint at NASA designing software for Mars missions, led President Obama to call her “one of the top scientists and engineers in the country.” Her memoir, FLYING FREE: My Victory over Fear to Become the First Latina Pilot on the US Aerobatic Team, comes out from Blackstone Publishing on September 22, 2020. Described as "exhilarating, adventurous, and thoughtful," FLYING FREE lifts readers into the skies on a young woman's epic journey from fearful, bullied child to champion pilot. http://CeciliaAragonAuthor.com/flying-free/
Bio: Henna Hundal
Henna Hundal received her bachelor's degree in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology from Harvard College. She previously served as a researcher at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Harvard Center for AIDS Research. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, the Huffington Post, and the Harvard Political Review. Henna has been a volunteer with Be the Star You Are! since high school. She began as a reporter of Health with Henna on Express Yourself!™ and quickly moved into becoming a lead host. At Harvard she hosted her own radio broadcast. She is the co-founder of the Bridging Borders Project, a multinational collaboration to combat COVID-19, www.bridgingbordersproject.com.
Listen at voice America Radio Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/125824/resilience-flying-high-and-bridging-borders