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2021-2022 Express Yourself! Guests
Every week, our Express Yourself!™ Star Teens bring you a stimulating, mind-bending, original program with guests from around the world and all walks of life!
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1-16-22
Plight of the Sherpas and Ruhani’s Earth Poetry
Everyone has read about the adventures and exploits of climbing the highest peak in the world above sea level, Mount Everest. Did you know that it takes approximately 40 days to summit Everest and that doesn’t count the time it takes to get to base camp? What most people don’t know is how the Sherpas, who do the most dangerous and heavy work are grossly underpaid and under appreciated. Ruhani gives the background of climbing Everest and then interviews Elisa Zoltick who in 2019 founded, All Sugared Up, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money for the Apa Sherpa Foundation. The Apa Sherpa foundation was founded by Apa Sherpa, the world record holder for the most Everest summits. Apa Sherpa recognizes the lack of educational opportunities for the youth in Nepal, and therefore dedicates his organization to raising money to support education for the Sherpa kids in Nepal. All Sugared Up has currently raised over 3000 dollars and has baked over 6000 cookies to support the Apa Sherpa Foundation. Elisa is extremely knowledgeable about the plight of the Sherpas and offers insight into the dangers they face and the inadequate compensation for the work they perform. Ruhani finishes the hour by reading her original poetry honoring Mother Earth.
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Bio: Elisa Zolick
Elisa Zoltick is a current senior at Winston Churchill High School in Maryland. She is passionate about social impact and enjoys engaging in marketing, non-profit work, and advocacy. She loves to tackle problems with creative ideas and find solutions to positively influence communities. She enjoys swimming, baking, and singing in her school choir. Much of her free time is spent volunteering at local shelters, and baking cookies for her own organization, All Sugared Up.
Website: https://allsugaredup.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsugared.up/
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/135355/plight-of-the-sherpas-and-ruhanis-earth-poetry
1-9-22
Setting Goals for the New Year with a Peaceful Heart and Warrior Spirit
Happy New Year from Everyone at Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio!
Have you written goals and resolutions to give you a roadmap for 2022? Hosts Maggie and Nihal provide their insights on how to set goals, be accountable, and accomplish them, step by step. Inspiration for a peaceful yet productive year is provided by world champion athlete, coach, professor, and guest bestselling author, Dan Millman with his newest book, Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit. Dan discusses his evolution from childhood dreamer to world-class athlete that catapults him, over a span of two decades, through mind-expanding experiences with four radically different mentors who prepare him for his calling as a down-to-earth spiritual teacher. For forty years, through books and seminars, Millman has shown how to live with a peaceful heart and a warrior’s spirit. The conversation between Maggie, Nihal, and Dan will give you the boost you need to jumpstart your dreams and live with a peaceful heart and warrior spirit.
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Bio: Dan Millman
Dan Millman teaches “the peaceful warrior’s way” in the United States and around the world. Author of eighteen books published in twenty-nine languages, Millman is a former world-champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor. His bestseller Way of the Peaceful Warrior was adapted into a feature film starring Nick Nolte. Millman and his wife, Joy, live in Brooklyn, NY. www.PeacefulWarrior.com
• Twitter: @pwdan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialpeacefulwarrior/
• Instagram: danmillmanpw
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/135237/setting-goals-for-2022-with-a-peaceful-heart-and-warrior-spirit
Have you written goals and resolutions to give you a roadmap for 2022? Hosts Maggie and Nihal provide their insights on how to set goals, be accountable, and accomplish them, step by step. Inspiration for a peaceful yet productive year is provided by world champion athlete, coach, professor, and guest bestselling author, Dan Millman with his newest book, Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit. Dan discusses his evolution from childhood dreamer to world-class athlete that catapults him, over a span of two decades, through mind-expanding experiences with four radically different mentors who prepare him for his calling as a down-to-earth spiritual teacher. For forty years, through books and seminars, Millman has shown how to live with a peaceful heart and a warrior’s spirit. The conversation between Maggie, Nihal, and Dan will give you the boost you need to jumpstart your dreams and live with a peaceful heart and warrior spirit.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
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Bio: Dan Millman
Dan Millman teaches “the peaceful warrior’s way” in the United States and around the world. Author of eighteen books published in twenty-nine languages, Millman is a former world-champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor. His bestseller Way of the Peaceful Warrior was adapted into a feature film starring Nick Nolte. Millman and his wife, Joy, live in Brooklyn, NY. www.PeacefulWarrior.com
• Twitter: @pwdan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialpeacefulwarrior/
• Instagram: danmillmanpw
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/135237/setting-goals-for-2022-with-a-peaceful-heart-and-warrior-spirit
12-24-21 Happy Holidays with the 600th Broadcast of Express Yourself!
Happy Holidays and 600 Radio Broadcasts from Express Yourself!
This special holiday program is the 600th broadcast of Express Yourself!® Teen Radio and host Ruhani ushers in the celebration with grace and truths. She starts off the segment recapping her year of 2021, both the tragedies and the triumphs. In segment two, she brings on producer of Express Yourself!® and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!®, Cynthia Brian, for a conversation about goals and resolutions. As a New York Times best selling author, Cynthia offers tips from one of her books, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens on how to set S.M.A.R.T goals. Although the times are challenging at the moment with the Omnicron variant of Covid 19, both ladies are optimistic about the future and encourage others to be positive as well. Most of all, they encourage getting vaccinated and boosted to give yourself, your loved ones, and your community a chance to be healthy. Double mask, avoid crowds, and consider paring down your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Perhaps dress up, play games, watch movies, or just be content to be alive for another year. Rounding out the hour, poet Ruhani shares a few poems she has written over the years that clearly showcase her growth as a very aware woman who is destined to be a leader. Congratulations to all of the present and former hosts and reporters on Express Yourself!. This show is a winner giving youth a voice and a platform.
Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, and healing holiday season and a promising New Year!
Bio: Cynthia Brian
Cynthia Brian, SAG/AFTRA, A.S.I.D., Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 literacy and positive media charity, New York Times bestselling co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, author of Be the Star You Are!®, 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS, Be the Star You Are!® Millennials to Boomers, Growing with The Goddess Gardener, The Business of Show Business, The Blessing of Love and Relationships, and Miracle Moments®, is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, personal growth consultant, actor, producer and host of radio and TV shows, columnist, designer, gardener, and lifestyle coach. (www.CynthiaBrian.com)
As an empowerment architect and life success coach, Ms. Brian is also dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams, recognize the possibilities, and utilize their potential by implementing their unique gifts. In 1999, Cynthia Brian founded and became Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity, a top-rated nonprofit with a mission to empower women, families, and youth through increased literacy and positive media messages. Proceeds from the sale of her books benefit this charity. (www.BetheStarYouAre.org)
Cynthia is the producer and host of the award-winning live weekly radio broadcast StarStyle® heard on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel. She also created and produces the young adult program, Express Yourself!™ where teens talk and the world listens. (www.BetheStarYouAreRadio.com)
Having been born and raised on a farm, her work is influenced and informed by her intense admiration and love for the natural world. As she travels the world connecting with cultures, her values are deeply rooted in her belief that we are all one. Together we have the ability and the responsibility to bless this planet with our talents and gifts.
When she is not writing, producing, performing, hosting, speaking, traveling, or coaching, you’ll find her in the garden with her adopted menagerie of barnyard animals.
To Contact Cynthia Brian and Starstyle® Productions, llc directly:
Starstyle® Productions, LLC
PO Box 422,
Moraga, Ca. 94556,
http://www.CynthiaBrian.com
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/135046/happy-holidays-and-600-radio-broadcasts-from-express-yourself
This special holiday program is the 600th broadcast of Express Yourself!® Teen Radio and host Ruhani ushers in the celebration with grace and truths. She starts off the segment recapping her year of 2021, both the tragedies and the triumphs. In segment two, she brings on producer of Express Yourself!® and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!®, Cynthia Brian, for a conversation about goals and resolutions. As a New York Times best selling author, Cynthia offers tips from one of her books, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens on how to set S.M.A.R.T goals. Although the times are challenging at the moment with the Omnicron variant of Covid 19, both ladies are optimistic about the future and encourage others to be positive as well. Most of all, they encourage getting vaccinated and boosted to give yourself, your loved ones, and your community a chance to be healthy. Double mask, avoid crowds, and consider paring down your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Perhaps dress up, play games, watch movies, or just be content to be alive for another year. Rounding out the hour, poet Ruhani shares a few poems she has written over the years that clearly showcase her growth as a very aware woman who is destined to be a leader. Congratulations to all of the present and former hosts and reporters on Express Yourself!. This show is a winner giving youth a voice and a platform.
Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, and healing holiday season and a promising New Year!
Bio: Cynthia Brian
Cynthia Brian, SAG/AFTRA, A.S.I.D., Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 literacy and positive media charity, New York Times bestselling co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, author of Be the Star You Are!®, 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS, Be the Star You Are!® Millennials to Boomers, Growing with The Goddess Gardener, The Business of Show Business, The Blessing of Love and Relationships, and Miracle Moments®, is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, personal growth consultant, actor, producer and host of radio and TV shows, columnist, designer, gardener, and lifestyle coach. (www.CynthiaBrian.com)
As an empowerment architect and life success coach, Ms. Brian is also dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams, recognize the possibilities, and utilize their potential by implementing their unique gifts. In 1999, Cynthia Brian founded and became Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity, a top-rated nonprofit with a mission to empower women, families, and youth through increased literacy and positive media messages. Proceeds from the sale of her books benefit this charity. (www.BetheStarYouAre.org)
Cynthia is the producer and host of the award-winning live weekly radio broadcast StarStyle® heard on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel. She also created and produces the young adult program, Express Yourself!™ where teens talk and the world listens. (www.BetheStarYouAreRadio.com)
Having been born and raised on a farm, her work is influenced and informed by her intense admiration and love for the natural world. As she travels the world connecting with cultures, her values are deeply rooted in her belief that we are all one. Together we have the ability and the responsibility to bless this planet with our talents and gifts.
When she is not writing, producing, performing, hosting, speaking, traveling, or coaching, you’ll find her in the garden with her adopted menagerie of barnyard animals.
To Contact Cynthia Brian and Starstyle® Productions, llc directly:
Starstyle® Productions, LLC
PO Box 422,
Moraga, Ca. 94556,
http://www.CynthiaBrian.com
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/135046/happy-holidays-and-600-radio-broadcasts-from-express-yourself
12-19-21 The Sleep Fix with ABC Anchor, Diane Macedo
• Do you feel tired all the time? Are you getting quality sleep? As a high school student with finals looming, host Ruhani empathizes. She interviews ABC News Anchor and former insomniac, Diane Macedo about her book, The Sleep Fix. Roughly thirty percent of the population is estimated to be living with insomnia, while many more unknowingly suffer from other sleep disorders. In The Sleep Fix, Macedo aims to change that with perspective-shifting research and easy-to-implement solutions based not just on science and experts, but also her own years-long struggle. As an early-morning reporter and overnight news anchor, Macedo learned the hard way how valuable sleep is, and how it affects everything from our heart to our brain to our immune system. Macedo—a busy, working mom—teaches us how to adjust and fit these solutions into our everyday lives. Ruhani then detours from fixing our sleep patterns to sharing her original poetry focusing on the challenges in America today.
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•
Bio: Diane Macedo
◦ Diane Macedo is currently an anchor and correspondent for ABC News, appearing on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, World News Now, and America This Morning, as well as breaking news reports. She’s also an anchor for ABC News Live, where she hosts ABC New Live Update, The Breakdown, and covers breaking news and special events. An alum of Boston College, she lives in New York City with her family. Learn more at thesleepfixbook.com and follow Diane on social media on Instagram (@dianermacedo), Twitter (@dianermacedo) and Facebook (Facebook.com/DianeRMacedo).
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134941/sleep
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•
Bio: Diane Macedo
◦ Diane Macedo is currently an anchor and correspondent for ABC News, appearing on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, World News Now, and America This Morning, as well as breaking news reports. She’s also an anchor for ABC News Live, where she hosts ABC New Live Update, The Breakdown, and covers breaking news and special events. An alum of Boston College, she lives in New York City with her family. Learn more at thesleepfixbook.com and follow Diane on social media on Instagram (@dianermacedo), Twitter (@dianermacedo) and Facebook (Facebook.com/DianeRMacedo).
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134941/sleep
12-12-21 The White House and Renewable Energy
How much do you know about the White House? Ruhani takes us behind the scenes to inform us about fascinating and historical details that most Americans are unaware of. Dr. Jill Biden’s Christmas décor this year is inspired by the small acts of kindness and experiences that lifted our spirits throughout the pandemic, rooms throughout the White House are decorated to reflect the Gifts from the Heart that unite us all. After a tour of the building, she talks about the Paris Agreement and COP 26 Climate Change Conference. Co-host, Nihal, continues the conversation with information about renewable energy. Renewable Energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources such as water, sunlight, wind, tides, waves, and geothermal energy. Renewable energy plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using renewable energy can help to reduce energy imports and reduce fossil fuel use, which is the largest source of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. Nihal gives examples on how teens and young adults can reduce their carbon footprint. In segment three, our Express Yourself! poet, Sharanya shares her original poem called “The Wind, The Water, The Earth”. She compares becoming a competent writer to renewable energy. Renewable energy uses what the Earth has already provided to harvest energy. To become a better writer, the first step is to read or listen to pre-existing literary works.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134826/the-white-house-and-renewable-energy
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134826/the-white-house-and-renewable-energy
12-5-21
Social Justice, Activism, and Pop Recording Artist, Valentina
Do you understand what it means to be an activist ? To promote social justice, one is aware of their community and their community's needs. An activist can be anyone who cares about a cause. Hosts Ruhani and Rose tackle these touchy topics. Ruhani reports on critical social justice and activism movements outside this country including the farmer’s movement in India, women’s right to drive in Saudi Arabia, Ni Una Menos in Argentina, fighting for democracy in Hong Kong, and several others. Rose shares details of her favorite activists in the healthy food movement, including chefs and farmers. They both interview budding pop/AC recording artist, Valentina, with her newest single, Lifted Me. The upbeat, positive song follows suit to reveal the eighteen-year-old as an accomplished stylist, songwriter and performer who is devoted to delivering music with heart and purpose, as introduced by her debut, There’s No Stopping Me Now. You’ll get to a sneak peek at these two empowering anthems. The three ladies believe in standing up for social justice. Enjoy the show!
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BIO: Valentina Cherico
Pittsburgh, PA native Valentina Natalena Cherico (Valentina) grew up in a musical family; her father and older sister assembled a group called “Casanova” and Valentina spent her youth watching and listening to her family members perform.With a natural flair for acting, Valentina pursued a career in musical theater early on. She attendedLincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School to hone her talents in acting, vocal performance and dance. She appeared in musicals at The Strand Theater, The Comtra Theater and as a member of the Pittsburgh CLO; and quickly became successful in various roles working beside Broadway actors. Inspired by the “power of music” and song, Valentina’s interest in music expanded beyond musical theater. Driven by her passion, she redirected her concentration to write and perform. She studied piano and joined the family band, renamed as “Casanova and The Divas;” the band plays at festivals, nightclubs and country clubs, and local corporate and community events. As part of her solo endeavor, Valentina is also a model and actress. Her musical journey has led her to
work with renowned music producers in Pittsburgh, Nashville and New York. She recorded her first original tune, “There’s No Stopping Me,” alongside Grammy nominated and multi-award winning music producer, Roy Hamilton, III. The empowering tune made its debut in August 2021. Inspired by her musical idols (Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson and Selena Quintanilla), Valentina infuses shades of Pop, R&B, Gospel and soul into her vocal performances and musical productions. With the objective to create music that “moves, heals and lifts” people, the young entertainer’s ability to connect with her audience through her music is a God given gift.
Website: valentinacherico.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/valentinacherico/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentinachericomusic
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/ValentinaCheri6
TikTok: @valentinacherico
Listen at the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134703/social-justice-activism-and-pop-recording-artist-valentina
Gratitude, Thanksgiving, and Mikayla Lane's Music
It is the season of giving and gratefulness. Because of COVID-19 and the restrictions on travel last year, this thanksgiving has more significance than others in the past have had. Maggie and Rose co-host while sharing their individual thoughts on gratitude and their Thanksgiving traditions. They interview sixteen-year-old country music sensation, Mikayla Lane in a conversation about her music, career, and holiday habits. Mikayla is outgoing and effervescent as she describes her triumphant journey as well as introduces her tow holiday classics. Listeners will be treated to O Holy Night” followed by “Amazing Grace. Find out about a few delicious, healthy recipes from Rose and the backstory to Maggie’s “thankful quilt”. Whatever you do this holiday season, be grateful for your health, family, and friends. We here at Express Yourself!, Be the Star You Are!®, and Voice America, give thanks for you as our listeners. Enjoy the music! And make a donation for the holidays to help others to Be the Star You Are! at www.BetheStarYouAre.org. It is the season of giving. Happy Thanksgiving.
Bio: Mikayla Lane
Inspired by traditional country music and the western lifestyle, sixteen-year-old Mikayla Lane is a vibrant, young trendsetter who infuses yesterday’s heritage into today’s contemporary sound. The gal from Tulsa is ambitious and driven--traits branded by her upbringing, lifestyle, personality, and passions. With heart, vision, and talent beyond her years, she knows what she wants and is determined to chase her dream. Mikayla has become a sought-after show opener at fairs and festivals, and a regular performer on some of the most renowned honky tonks and stages (Ole Red/Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa). Her single “Wild Like The Wind” serves as an introduction to her EP (featuring Mikayla Lane originals), titled MILES FROM NOWHERE. She celebrates the season with a dual rollout of two Christmas classics. “O Holy Night” followed by “Amazing Grace”. The holiday package keeps the momentum of her success with the September 2021 reveal of her sophomore EP, titled MILES FROM NOWHERE.
Co-produced by Lane (alongside John Conrad), the holiday tunes spotlight the young entertainer’s vocal prowess, and eloquent and flawless delivery of the most emotional and spiritual tunes. https://www.mikaylalanemusic.com
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134487/gratitude-thanksgiving-and-country-musics-mikayla-lane
Bio: Mikayla Lane
Inspired by traditional country music and the western lifestyle, sixteen-year-old Mikayla Lane is a vibrant, young trendsetter who infuses yesterday’s heritage into today’s contemporary sound. The gal from Tulsa is ambitious and driven--traits branded by her upbringing, lifestyle, personality, and passions. With heart, vision, and talent beyond her years, she knows what she wants and is determined to chase her dream. Mikayla has become a sought-after show opener at fairs and festivals, and a regular performer on some of the most renowned honky tonks and stages (Ole Red/Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa). Her single “Wild Like The Wind” serves as an introduction to her EP (featuring Mikayla Lane originals), titled MILES FROM NOWHERE. She celebrates the season with a dual rollout of two Christmas classics. “O Holy Night” followed by “Amazing Grace”. The holiday package keeps the momentum of her success with the September 2021 reveal of her sophomore EP, titled MILES FROM NOWHERE.
Co-produced by Lane (alongside John Conrad), the holiday tunes spotlight the young entertainer’s vocal prowess, and eloquent and flawless delivery of the most emotional and spiritual tunes. https://www.mikaylalanemusic.com
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134487/gratitude-thanksgiving-and-country-musics-mikayla-lane
The Importance of Vaccinations
Are you vaccinated? If not, why not? Sidney hosts a program focusing on inoculations and interviews author Marisa Reichardt about her newest novel, A Shot at Normal. A Shot at Normal focuses around 16-year-old Juniper Jade who — after contracting the measles — sues her anti-vax parents for the right to be vaccinated. Written pre-pandemic, the book is a powerful and timely story about justice, family, and taking your shot, even when it seems impossible. With his segment, Innovation Nation, Arjin provides an historical tour of inoculations, dating back hundreds of years to Buddhist monks who drank snake venom to confer immunity to snake bite, and variolation, or the smearing of a skin tear with cowpox to give immunity to smallpox, practiced in 17th century China, and more. In Sharanya’s segment, The Scribble, she reads her original poem, called “The Vaccination Cure”, the segues into plagiarism. Like how the vaccination protects people, writers have something that protects their writing called Copyrights. In the United States, the moment you write something of your own, it is protected. Although plagiarism is not illegal, it is a serious offense in the academic world. The amount does not matter, if you copied a few lines or the entire text. Many people sue plagiarizers. Since plagiarism is so dishonorable, any amount copied is considered a misdeed. Get vaccinated and don’t plagiarize.
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Marisa Reichardt bio:
Marisa Reichardt is the critically acclaimed author of the YA novels A Shot at Normal, Aftershocks, and Underwater. She has a Master of Professional Writing degree from the University of Southern California and dual degrees in English & American Literature and Creative Writing from UC San Diego. Before becoming a published author, Marisa worked in academic publications, tutored high school students in writing, and shucked oysters. These days, you can probably find her huddled over her laptop in a coffeehouse or swimming in the ocean. Marisa lives in Southern California with her husband, a public school teacher and her daughter, who just began her first year in college. www.marisareichardt.com / @youngadultish / IG - marisareichardtbooks
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134394/the-importance-of-vaccinations
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Marisa Reichardt bio:
Marisa Reichardt is the critically acclaimed author of the YA novels A Shot at Normal, Aftershocks, and Underwater. She has a Master of Professional Writing degree from the University of Southern California and dual degrees in English & American Literature and Creative Writing from UC San Diego. Before becoming a published author, Marisa worked in academic publications, tutored high school students in writing, and shucked oysters. These days, you can probably find her huddled over her laptop in a coffeehouse or swimming in the ocean. Marisa lives in Southern California with her husband, a public school teacher and her daughter, who just began her first year in college. www.marisareichardt.com / @youngadultish / IG - marisareichardtbooks
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134394/the-importance-of-vaccinations
10-31-21 Haunted Halloween
It’s a haunted and ghostly Halloween on Express Yourself! with host Ruhani, and reporters Rose, and Sharanya. Ruhani starts off the hour of horror by sharing spooky two-line stories with surprise endings. She then gives us the origins of the Halloween tradition going back o the celebration of Samhain. Rose talks about letting kids have their one day, Halloween, to eat a large amount of their favorite candy, then the next day nourishing their bodies with fresh and healthy produce. Rose also offers substitutes for trick or treating, although admits that every kid really wants candy, not toothbrushes. Sharanya’s Halloween costume is inspired by one of her favorite books, Hunger Games, and the main character of Katniss, a strong literary character. Sharanya admits she is not a fan of Cinderella and recites her original poem,
The Unhappy End to Cinderella. Ruhani and Sharanya have a lively discussion about other favorite characters from books and movies including Harry Potter, Marvel,and Beauty and the Beast.. What is your costume for Halloween? How scary are you? Happy Halloween and Trick or Treat!
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/134105/haunted-halloween
Biology and Genetics
Biology is the study of complicated things that have the appearance of having been designed with a purpose. Richard Dawkins
Why is biology important? How can we understand genetics? Nihal hosts a program based on biology and genetics. He interviews teen author from New Zealand, Lucy Xu who wrote a creative and captivating retelling of the basic concepts of genetics through illustration and fantasy, The Scent of Genetics. It simplifies the complicated and technical scientific concepts for the layman or a younger audience. The graphic novel follows personified cells, proteins, and genes on their usual adventures. The cell is transformed into a kingdom, the nucleus becomes a castle, and all characters are ruled over by King Arthur. Lucy talks about her research and journey to publication. Newest reporter, Sharanya Roy joins the show with her segment, Squibbles. She shares her poem, Mirror Genes, that weaves the theme of genetics into her segment focusing on writing and poetry. Although many personality traits can be inherited from parent to offspring, writing isn’t one of them. The last stanza from her poem is
In reality,
I am 50% my mom,
And 50% my dad,
And 100% me.
Her favorite poet is Sylvia Plath with her vivid imagery. Sharanya recalls a few lines from Tulips and compares it to what is happening wtth the pandemic.
“The tulips are too excitable, it is winter here.
Look how white everything is, how quiet, how snowed-in.”
Bio: Lucy Xu
Lucy is especially passionate about biology and specifically, genetics. In her free time, she likes to read fantasy novels, play tennis, sail, and drink tea. In her final year of high school in New Zealand, Lucy published The Secret of Genetics: a Comic which has taken two years of her hard work. Lucy was inspired to create a graphic novel/comic book about genetics to make biology more accessible and interesting to younger students. She aspires to battle cancer and Alzheimer's disease through genetic research. In hopes of facilitating unity in this field, Lucy also chairs international and UNICEF committees and actively participates in initiatives like pride.
Bio: Sharanya Roy
Sharanya Roy is a 7th grader in Gale Ranch Middle School. She loves to swim, play the piano, and make amusing jokes with her friends. Apart from planning her goofy schemes, Sharanya really enjoys writing. She finds that each sentence has a life of its own, and she loves the sound of the keyboard clacking, as well as the scrick of a pencil. In her radio show, Sharanya hopes to change how teens look at writing, as writing doesn’t JUST consist of essays for school, it is a lot more. In Sharanya’s segment, “The Scribble”, she wants to share new methods of writing, and how writing can be a part of every teen’s life.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133975/biology-and-genetics
Why is biology important? How can we understand genetics? Nihal hosts a program based on biology and genetics. He interviews teen author from New Zealand, Lucy Xu who wrote a creative and captivating retelling of the basic concepts of genetics through illustration and fantasy, The Scent of Genetics. It simplifies the complicated and technical scientific concepts for the layman or a younger audience. The graphic novel follows personified cells, proteins, and genes on their usual adventures. The cell is transformed into a kingdom, the nucleus becomes a castle, and all characters are ruled over by King Arthur. Lucy talks about her research and journey to publication. Newest reporter, Sharanya Roy joins the show with her segment, Squibbles. She shares her poem, Mirror Genes, that weaves the theme of genetics into her segment focusing on writing and poetry. Although many personality traits can be inherited from parent to offspring, writing isn’t one of them. The last stanza from her poem is
In reality,
I am 50% my mom,
And 50% my dad,
And 100% me.
Her favorite poet is Sylvia Plath with her vivid imagery. Sharanya recalls a few lines from Tulips and compares it to what is happening wtth the pandemic.
“The tulips are too excitable, it is winter here.
Look how white everything is, how quiet, how snowed-in.”
Bio: Lucy Xu
Lucy is especially passionate about biology and specifically, genetics. In her free time, she likes to read fantasy novels, play tennis, sail, and drink tea. In her final year of high school in New Zealand, Lucy published The Secret of Genetics: a Comic which has taken two years of her hard work. Lucy was inspired to create a graphic novel/comic book about genetics to make biology more accessible and interesting to younger students. She aspires to battle cancer and Alzheimer's disease through genetic research. In hopes of facilitating unity in this field, Lucy also chairs international and UNICEF committees and actively participates in initiatives like pride.
Bio: Sharanya Roy
Sharanya Roy is a 7th grader in Gale Ranch Middle School. She loves to swim, play the piano, and make amusing jokes with her friends. Apart from planning her goofy schemes, Sharanya really enjoys writing. She finds that each sentence has a life of its own, and she loves the sound of the keyboard clacking, as well as the scrick of a pencil. In her radio show, Sharanya hopes to change how teens look at writing, as writing doesn’t JUST consist of essays for school, it is a lot more. In Sharanya’s segment, “The Scribble”, she wants to share new methods of writing, and how writing can be a part of every teen’s life.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133975/biology-and-genetics
Misogyny, Sexual Harassment, and Conflict
What is misogyny and what determines sexual harassment? This is a serious topic that host Ruhani tackles along with reporter Rose. Both women are grateful that they are respected and taken seriously. Sexual misconduct is so ingrained in our society that many people, mainly women, feel unsafe in workplaces, doctor’s offices, and even places of worship. The media acts as a watchdog, exposing the government, individuals, and organizations who are abusing and taking advantage of the people's power.They interview Dr. Dravon James, author of Freedom is your Birthright. With tensions running high these days, many people are experiencing an influx of conflicts in previously low-maintenance relationships. This has become a deep source of frustration for many people, but with the right perspective, conflict can be an extremely valuable tool to grow yourself and your relationships. Listeners will learn valuable tools on how to handle sexual harassment. Respect one another. Make firm boundaries. Lean into conflicts.
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Bio: Dr. Dravon James
Dr. Dravon James is the founder of Everyday Peace, the host of Everyday Peace on Unity Radio, a Life Coach, and the author of Freedom is Your Birthright. As an inspirational speaker, Dravon’s goal is to educate, empower, and inspire others to build the life of their dreams no matter what shows up in their lives- good, bad, or otherwise.
Her journey began in poverty on the South Side of Chicago. Though she had always dreamt of a career on the stage, Dravon went on to earn a doctorate in pharmacy from Creighton University and has worked as a pharmacist all of her adult life. Along with her medical career and theatrical aspirations, Dravon has also always had a keen interest in personal development. After reading Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking in college, she went on to make a lifelong study of the power we all have to create the life we want.
Dravon is now the happy mother of two teenagers, a successful pharmacist, inspirational speaker, author, and actress whose career credits include a recurring role on HBO’s acclaimed “The Wire”, many stage plays, and independent films. She continues to inspire and teach what she knows to be the most effective tool for transforming, creating, and building a spectacular life—tapping into Everyday Peace. Her client list includes the University of the District of Columbia, New Hope World Ministries, Today’s Care Adult Daycare, Stadium Place, and Next Chapter online radio. http://www.drdravonjames.com/
Instagram- @everydaypeace
Facebook- @everydaypeacewithdrdravonjames
Twitter- @drdravonjames
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133879/misogyny-sexual-harassment-and-conflict
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Bio: Dr. Dravon James
Dr. Dravon James is the founder of Everyday Peace, the host of Everyday Peace on Unity Radio, a Life Coach, and the author of Freedom is Your Birthright. As an inspirational speaker, Dravon’s goal is to educate, empower, and inspire others to build the life of their dreams no matter what shows up in their lives- good, bad, or otherwise.
Her journey began in poverty on the South Side of Chicago. Though she had always dreamt of a career on the stage, Dravon went on to earn a doctorate in pharmacy from Creighton University and has worked as a pharmacist all of her adult life. Along with her medical career and theatrical aspirations, Dravon has also always had a keen interest in personal development. After reading Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking in college, she went on to make a lifelong study of the power we all have to create the life we want.
Dravon is now the happy mother of two teenagers, a successful pharmacist, inspirational speaker, author, and actress whose career credits include a recurring role on HBO’s acclaimed “The Wire”, many stage plays, and independent films. She continues to inspire and teach what she knows to be the most effective tool for transforming, creating, and building a spectacular life—tapping into Everyday Peace. Her client list includes the University of the District of Columbia, New Hope World Ministries, Today’s Care Adult Daycare, Stadium Place, and Next Chapter online radio. http://www.drdravonjames.com/
Instagram- @everydaypeace
Facebook- @everydaypeacewithdrdravonjames
Twitter- @drdravonjames
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133879/misogyny-sexual-harassment-and-conflict
Feminism
Since host, Ruhani, was born on International Women’s Day, her family have always joked that she is a natural-born feminist. During these troubling times, it is critical to uplift women and broadcast every woman’s voice, so no one is left behind. In the segment, American Connection, Maggie says that “as a feminist, i want to make sure that my feminism includes all people, which is where intersectionality comes to play.” She and Ruhani have an in-depth conversation about the empowered women who are changing the way we view feminism and the benefits of intersectionality to the community. Rose joins with her segment, Bite Share talking about the importance of urban food policy, nutrition, and food access in our world today and the lack of access, food literacy, and nutritional foods to women of color or in lower income neighborhoods. Rose believes that attending an all-girls school has heightened her leadership skills and confidence and is thrilled to be helping elevate at-risk girls ages 11 to 21 in Haiti through the LIDÈ programs. Ruhani elaborates with statistics. According to UNESCO, 132 million girls are out of school with no access to education. Women throughout the globe suffer at a much larger scale than men. From sex-selective abortions to female genital mutilation, there are many cultural practices that discriminate against women. Every girl must have a right to education, and no woman must forced to conceive a child. Empower girls and women. Be a feminist.
Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou
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Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133752/feminism
9-26-21 In Person Schooling, Artificial Intelligence, and Healthy Cooking
Students are back in school…in person. And it’s challenging and exhausting. Ruhani Chhabra hosts a program with back-in-school teens. In Teenship, she talks about the importance of mental health, getting enough sleep, and finding something that allows you to express yourself! Ruhani has found Express Yourself! Teen Radio as her megaphone! Our guest is a high school senior, Aprille J. Xi who has written a very fascinating book, A High Schooler’s Journal on Artificial Intelligence. In the book, Aprille discusses the background behind the importance of face-to-face communication and how emotions and ethics tie into Artificial Intelligence. Our newest reporter, Rose Sarner joins the conversation with her segment Bite Share, with a goal to educate listeners
about urban food policy, nutrition, and food access in our world today. Since the pandemic she has been cooking daily for her family, sourcing fresh ingredients from the Farmer’s Market, and creating unique and delicious dishes.
Bio: April J. Xi
Aprille J. Xi is the author of the book A High Schooler's Journal on Artificial Intelligence: Facial Emotional Recognition and Convolutional Neural Networks and is a current senior. Through learning about the topic from a professor at Apple Pi Inc. as well as independent research, Aprille wrote the book in order to help other high schoolers or younger students understand what she learned. She is also the founder of a local volunteer-based tutoring camp, STEM Camp for Children, and has been teaching kids literature and STEM since 7th grade. In her free time, she loves to draw and write short stories, and is incredibly interested in ways to educate different groups of people. Her favorite food in the entire world is her grandma’s cooking, made with the vegetables grown by her grandpa.
Bio: Rose Sarner
Rose Sarner is a Junior in high school at the Archer School for Girls who enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and hanging out with her friends. Her radio show sheds light on the pressing issues of urban food policy, nutrition, and the importance of food access in our world today. Rose is eager to share her knowledge, create an impact, and provide the tools and resources to enhance people's lives in the community. Her segment on Express Yourself!® Teen Radio is called “Bite Share” and she is anxious to provide tips on how everyone can have access to and eat healthy, nutritious meals.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133516/in-person-schooling-artificial-intelligence-and-healthy-cooking
about urban food policy, nutrition, and food access in our world today. Since the pandemic she has been cooking daily for her family, sourcing fresh ingredients from the Farmer’s Market, and creating unique and delicious dishes.
Bio: April J. Xi
Aprille J. Xi is the author of the book A High Schooler's Journal on Artificial Intelligence: Facial Emotional Recognition and Convolutional Neural Networks and is a current senior. Through learning about the topic from a professor at Apple Pi Inc. as well as independent research, Aprille wrote the book in order to help other high schoolers or younger students understand what she learned. She is also the founder of a local volunteer-based tutoring camp, STEM Camp for Children, and has been teaching kids literature and STEM since 7th grade. In her free time, she loves to draw and write short stories, and is incredibly interested in ways to educate different groups of people. Her favorite food in the entire world is her grandma’s cooking, made with the vegetables grown by her grandpa.
Bio: Rose Sarner
Rose Sarner is a Junior in high school at the Archer School for Girls who enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and hanging out with her friends. Her radio show sheds light on the pressing issues of urban food policy, nutrition, and the importance of food access in our world today. Rose is eager to share her knowledge, create an impact, and provide the tools and resources to enhance people's lives in the community. Her segment on Express Yourself!® Teen Radio is called “Bite Share” and she is anxious to provide tips on how everyone can have access to and eat healthy, nutritious meals.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133516/in-person-schooling-artificial-intelligence-and-healthy-cooking
9-19-21-Racism
Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible. Maya Angelou
Diya Hituvali and Ruhani Chhabra confront racism with all its ugly ramifications on Express Yourself!™. Ignorance contributes to racism. It’s critical to educate yourself and be open to learning and listening about other cultures, perspectives, and traditions. Pay attention to communities and surround yourself with diversity to understand others. Rebuild your network, adjust your attitude, and be inclusive. Be wary of stereotypes and empathetic to representation.
Racism is rampant in America and the USA is a melting pot of the world. We need to strive to understand one another and get along.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133410/racism
Diya Hituvali and Ruhani Chhabra confront racism with all its ugly ramifications on Express Yourself!™. Ignorance contributes to racism. It’s critical to educate yourself and be open to learning and listening about other cultures, perspectives, and traditions. Pay attention to communities and surround yourself with diversity to understand others. Rebuild your network, adjust your attitude, and be inclusive. Be wary of stereotypes and empathetic to representation.
Racism is rampant in America and the USA is a melting pot of the world. We need to strive to understand one another and get along.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133410/racism
9-5-21 Women's Safety
Have you ever felt frightened or intimidated when out walking alone? Have you ever wondered what you should do if approached by an attacker? Sadly, this is the society that we face where everyone, but mostly women, have to fear when going outside because of the horrible things that humans do to one another. Hosts Diya Hituvalli and Nihal Gill offer tips to keep you safe.
Diya has created a FREE app called KeepMeSafe. It is a voice recognition technology to help the user in times of need. The user can simply press “Activate KeepMeSafe” when they feel unsafe. The voice recognition software will listen to the user, and if the user says “Help”, it will play a loud alarm sound to scare away the attacker Also, when “KeepMeSafe” is activated, the app will start tracking the user’s location, and if the user says “Help”, it will send a readymade text message to 911 with the user’s location. In addition, as an official NGO, KeepMeSafe is a coalition of youth and women fighting to empower women everywhere by providing them with tools and technologies which can be used to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
Nihal continues the conversation with tips that women can use when they feel threatened. A few tips include practicing awareness, using your sixth sense, taking self-defense training, and always alerting a trusted friend or family member of your location.
Make sure to download KeepMeSafe for FREE on the iOS App Store, it is the one with the pink logo. Also follow KeepMeSafe on Instagram @keepmesafecorp ! If you are interested in becoming a KeepMeSafe volunteer, email diya.hituvalli@keepmesafecorp.org.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133179/womens-safety
Diya has created a FREE app called KeepMeSafe. It is a voice recognition technology to help the user in times of need. The user can simply press “Activate KeepMeSafe” when they feel unsafe. The voice recognition software will listen to the user, and if the user says “Help”, it will play a loud alarm sound to scare away the attacker Also, when “KeepMeSafe” is activated, the app will start tracking the user’s location, and if the user says “Help”, it will send a readymade text message to 911 with the user’s location. In addition, as an official NGO, KeepMeSafe is a coalition of youth and women fighting to empower women everywhere by providing them with tools and technologies which can be used to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
Nihal continues the conversation with tips that women can use when they feel threatened. A few tips include practicing awareness, using your sixth sense, taking self-defense training, and always alerting a trusted friend or family member of your location.
Make sure to download KeepMeSafe for FREE on the iOS App Store, it is the one with the pink logo. Also follow KeepMeSafe on Instagram @keepmesafecorp ! If you are interested in becoming a KeepMeSafe volunteer, email diya.hituvalli@keepmesafecorp.org.
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133179/womens-safety
8-29-21 Environmental Crisis
Earth is in peril. Severe droughts parch some areas while torrential rains flood others; gargantuan wildfires consume whole territories while freakish ice storms crash city grids. These and other environmental stresses are flaming human conflict and inflaming our health and the wellbeing of the animal kingdom. Hosts Ruhani Chhabra and Diya Hituvalli interview environmentalist author, Andrew Michael, about his e-book, Arising Soul Pals: Keep Your Eyes on the Rise, to illustrate the environmental and cultural challenges facing Earth and its inhabitants and to posit a solution to those challenges- raising consciousness. He talks about the assistance his organization, Partnership For Change is doing to support the evacuations in Afghanistan and help young girls in peril in Northern India. Ruhani reads poignant poem that reflect the crises that our planet is enduring and in Teenship, and sheds light on other young people who are making a difference to protect the environment. Finally, she emphasizes that doing the little things like picking up trash and growing your own vegetables will help heal our world. Educate yourself, pay attention to what’s happening, get involved be mindful.
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Bio: ANDREW P. MICHAEL
Andrew P. Michael is an environmentalist who has traveled the globe to implement evergreen, regenerative development projects and is an attorney who has specialized in advancing legislation to enhance sustainable personal, community, and global development. Michael is currently Co-Director of Partnerships For Change, a nonprofit implementing international projects to promote compassion, empower women, and abolish cruelty to people, animals, and the environment. Andrew’s book, Arising Soul Pals: Keep Your Eyes on the Rise, is based on global stories sourced from his visits to the Indian subcontinent, China, and Africa. Arising Soul Pals is meant to inspire action to halt the deterioration of nature and the environment by raising personal and global consciousness. www.partnershipsforchange.org
Facebook: @PartnershipsForChangePFC
Twitter: @PFCtweet1
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133056/environmental-crisis
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Bio: ANDREW P. MICHAEL
Andrew P. Michael is an environmentalist who has traveled the globe to implement evergreen, regenerative development projects and is an attorney who has specialized in advancing legislation to enhance sustainable personal, community, and global development. Michael is currently Co-Director of Partnerships For Change, a nonprofit implementing international projects to promote compassion, empower women, and abolish cruelty to people, animals, and the environment. Andrew’s book, Arising Soul Pals: Keep Your Eyes on the Rise, is based on global stories sourced from his visits to the Indian subcontinent, China, and Africa. Arising Soul Pals is meant to inspire action to halt the deterioration of nature and the environment by raising personal and global consciousness. www.partnershipsforchange.org
Facebook: @PartnershipsForChangePFC
Twitter: @PFCtweet1
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/133056/environmental-crisis
8-22-21
Ecology, Healing with Nature, and Environmental Racism
Sidney Suh and Diya Hituvalli host an informative program about ecology, healing with nature and environmental racism. In Innovation Nation, Arjin Claire talks about how healing with nature is the idea that the human body has an inherent ability to heal itself over time without using what we view today as true medicines or remedies. Ecology is a branch of biology that specifically deals with the relationships of organisms between one another and their physical surroundings. In Healing with Nature, Rochelle Calvert invites us to imagine nature as a container and support for healing. When we are with nature it allows us to feel more at ease, to feel relaxed, to feel a sense of safety, well-being, and connection. These experiences are antidotes to the support of healing trauma. Build your relationship ecosystem to be sustained and thrive. This may mean establishing boundaries by creating physical, emotional, or mental space around ourselves. Nature’s impulse is to thrive, to adapt to be resilient and heal. We are made of nature. Sidney tackles environmental racism in segment three as she explains the 1930s practice known as redlining. The federal government would create color-coded maps with red lines drawn around neighborhoods that were deemed to be risky for real estate investment. Predominantly black and immigrant communities were redlined, no matter the income level of the neighborhoods. Learn more about environmental racism by educating yourself to better understand its roots and how it impacts minority communities today. Stay informed about local environmental issues and hold your government representatives accountable. Heal Mother Earth!
Bio: Rochelle Calvert
Rochelle Calvert, author of HEALING WITH NATURE is the founder and clinical director of New Mindful Life, which offers mindfulness, nature-based, and somatic experiencing therapies. She teaches individual meditations with nature that assist in healing from trauma. She supports her clients and takes them into nature with the aid of Bertha Grace, a Sprinter van that serves as a mobile therapy office. Rochelle lives in San Diego, California, and enjoys spending her free time in nature, hiking, practicing yoga, exploring the land’s Indigenous heritage, and resting with trees. www.newmindfullife.com
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Space Exploration
Many children say that when they grow up they want to be an astronaut. Going into space as a regular citizen is not a distant fictional idea. Hosts Nihal and Diya talk with reporters Sidney and Ruhani about exploring space, the importance of STEM for women and minorities, NASA, the planets, galaxies, space tourism, and movies that have influenced their understanding of space. Space exploration teaches us about our role in the solar system, helps us form a bond with other nations, helps us learn about potential dangers that earth may encounter, such as asteroids, and most importantly addresses our curiosity about the universe in which we live.
Fasten your seat belts. We are going to the STARS.
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Fasten your seat belts. We are going to the STARS.
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8-8-21 Social Media and More
“Don’t use social media to impress people, use it to impact people”
-Unknown
If you want to know about working with social media for fun and for profit, our three teen social media gurus have the answers. In Teenship, Ruhani talks about using social media as a tool for social justice as well as for expressing one’s feelings. She has thousands of Tik Tok followers and has launched an Instagram for Express Yourself Teen Radio. https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ In Silver Lining, Diya gives us a step-by-step guide to being a micro-influencer with a smaller, yet more targeted
audience. Many Micro influencers only talk about one or two topics — their niche — which
allows them to organically grow on social media. Social influencers earn money and free goods when done properly. Diya is a micro influencer with fashion, and she developed a safety app, too, KeepMeSafe, available in App stores. In Breaking Boundaries, Sidney talks about how social media has changed the trajectory of scientific research. Through apps like Instagram and Twitter, scientists have developed the ability to extensively disseminate their findings. Scientific research has customarily been closed off to the public, however, with social media, research is available to a wider variety of people. She gets her news from social media and she is the co-founder of the teen online Humanities Plus Journal, an international platform for perspectives that transcend the divides between the Humanities and Stem. https://www.hplusjournal.com.
Social media is a dynamic and effective way to interact with the world to make a difference when used politely, positively, and kindly. Join the conversation and follow us on social media
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132701/social-media-and-more
-Unknown
If you want to know about working with social media for fun and for profit, our three teen social media gurus have the answers. In Teenship, Ruhani talks about using social media as a tool for social justice as well as for expressing one’s feelings. She has thousands of Tik Tok followers and has launched an Instagram for Express Yourself Teen Radio. https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ In Silver Lining, Diya gives us a step-by-step guide to being a micro-influencer with a smaller, yet more targeted
audience. Many Micro influencers only talk about one or two topics — their niche — which
allows them to organically grow on social media. Social influencers earn money and free goods when done properly. Diya is a micro influencer with fashion, and she developed a safety app, too, KeepMeSafe, available in App stores. In Breaking Boundaries, Sidney talks about how social media has changed the trajectory of scientific research. Through apps like Instagram and Twitter, scientists have developed the ability to extensively disseminate their findings. Scientific research has customarily been closed off to the public, however, with social media, research is available to a wider variety of people. She gets her news from social media and she is the co-founder of the teen online Humanities Plus Journal, an international platform for perspectives that transcend the divides between the Humanities and Stem. https://www.hplusjournal.com.
Social media is a dynamic and effective way to interact with the world to make a difference when used politely, positively, and kindly. Join the conversation and follow us on social media
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132701/social-media-and-more
8-1-21 Performing and Country Recording Artist, Mikayla Lane
Maggie and Diya host a program focused on performing and performances. In the segment, Teenship, Ruhani shares how leadership is about using your voice, talents, and performing in an artistic way. Singers, actors, and other celebrities use their creativity to shine light on important issues as well as philanthropic endeavors. In segment two, they interview 16-year-old Mikayla Lane who has been pursuing her dream since she was a child as a country singer. Mikayla’s Mom and Dad both rode rodeo so she wants to bring back authentic Western traditions to her music. She talks about her trajectory, the difficulties of being so bold at a young age, her inspirations and influences. There is no doubt that she not only admires but is living a traditional country music life. Two of her songs, Wild like the Wind and Come Home are featured during the hour. Sidney Suh wraps up the hour with her segment of Breaking Boundaries giving us a history lesson about the evolution of sound recording technology which began in 1857. There is some dispute about who is the originator. Tune in to make your decision.
Follow Express Yourself! on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
Bio: MIKAYLA LANE
Sixteen-year-old Mikayla Lane is ambitious and driven--traits branded by her upbringing, lifestyle, personality, and passions. With heart, vision and talent beyond her years, she knows what she wants and she is determined to chase her dream; her pursuit began early on.
Mikayla was just 13 when she earned a spot on the Ole Red (Blake Shelton) talent roster, which originated in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, OK and Mikayla’s home state. Mikayla has become a staple at the venue in Tishomingo and has been secured to appear as a support act at ticketed shows throughout 2021. The Ole Red sister locations also extended a welcome; Mikayla is a regular at the Nashville location and slated to perform in Gatlinburg and Orlando.
She has become a “fan-favorite” at many other venues, including Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa where she opened for Jon Wolfe. Mikayla is ballroom’s youngest supporting talent to date.
Mikayla has taken the spotlight at various fairs and festivals throughout her early career including Whitaker Bank Ballpark (Lexington, KY), the Corn Festival (Stanton, KY), the Woolly Worm Festival (Beattyville, KY), Tulsa International Mayfest (Tulsa, OK), Oklahoma State Fair and Chesapeake Arena, in Oklahoma City, OK among others.
The young singer/songwriter has written and co-produced a catalog of original tunes. As a tween, Mikayla recorded and released her debut EP, ROOFTOP NIGHTS, and has since released seven studio recordings. The songstress co-wrote and co-produced the single “Superman” (recorded in her bedroom and nearing 77,000 streams); the corresponding music video (filmed in Tulsa, OK) premiered on CMT.com (October 2020). Mikayla also co-wrote and co-produced her most recent single, “Drive” (released in January 2021); the track landed debut slots on three Spotify playlists, premiering in the Top 10 on the “New Music Nashville” Spotify playlist.
She is poised to introduce her sophomore EP, MILES FROM NOWHERE in September 2021.
For More Information Visit:
www.mikaylalanemusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/mikaylalanemusic
https://www.instagram.com/mikaylalanemusic
https://www.youtube.com/mikaylalanemusic
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132572/performing-and-country-recording-artist-mikayla-lane
Follow Express Yourself! on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
Bio: MIKAYLA LANE
Sixteen-year-old Mikayla Lane is ambitious and driven--traits branded by her upbringing, lifestyle, personality, and passions. With heart, vision and talent beyond her years, she knows what she wants and she is determined to chase her dream; her pursuit began early on.
Mikayla was just 13 when she earned a spot on the Ole Red (Blake Shelton) talent roster, which originated in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, OK and Mikayla’s home state. Mikayla has become a staple at the venue in Tishomingo and has been secured to appear as a support act at ticketed shows throughout 2021. The Ole Red sister locations also extended a welcome; Mikayla is a regular at the Nashville location and slated to perform in Gatlinburg and Orlando.
She has become a “fan-favorite” at many other venues, including Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa where she opened for Jon Wolfe. Mikayla is ballroom’s youngest supporting talent to date.
Mikayla has taken the spotlight at various fairs and festivals throughout her early career including Whitaker Bank Ballpark (Lexington, KY), the Corn Festival (Stanton, KY), the Woolly Worm Festival (Beattyville, KY), Tulsa International Mayfest (Tulsa, OK), Oklahoma State Fair and Chesapeake Arena, in Oklahoma City, OK among others.
The young singer/songwriter has written and co-produced a catalog of original tunes. As a tween, Mikayla recorded and released her debut EP, ROOFTOP NIGHTS, and has since released seven studio recordings. The songstress co-wrote and co-produced the single “Superman” (recorded in her bedroom and nearing 77,000 streams); the corresponding music video (filmed in Tulsa, OK) premiered on CMT.com (October 2020). Mikayla also co-wrote and co-produced her most recent single, “Drive” (released in January 2021); the track landed debut slots on three Spotify playlists, premiering in the Top 10 on the “New Music Nashville” Spotify playlist.
She is poised to introduce her sophomore EP, MILES FROM NOWHERE in September 2021.
For More Information Visit:
www.mikaylalanemusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/mikaylalanemusic
https://www.instagram.com/mikaylalanemusic
https://www.youtube.com/mikaylalanemusic
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132572/performing-and-country-recording-artist-mikayla-lane
7-25-21 Overcoming Learning Disabilities
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and only cease at death”
Albert Einstein
Host Andrea Smith and Express Yourself! welcome a new reporter today. Sidney Suh, who was originally a guest on our show. Sidney’s segment is called Breaking Boundaries. In today’s segment, she introduces us to women, past and present, who have been influential in spreading awareness about dyslexia. From the 1990s to 2021, women have continuously made advancements in public policy and scientific research when it comes to learning disabilities. While society still has a long way to go, it’s important to look back and celebrate how far we’ve come. In segment two, author Andrew M. Nehring talks about his struggles with dyslexia and how he wanted to write simple, fun easy-to-read books for all levels and make literature accessible to those with reading disabilities. His newest books is David Massey and the Quantum Flux. In her segment Teenship, Ruhani Chhabra chronicles prominent figures with learning disabilities including British novelist Agatha Christie, scientist Albert Einstein, America’s first President George Washington as well as actors, Olympians, and reporters. She also shares favorite films that showcase disabilities. We need to stop the stigma of learning disabilities. Having a disability will not limit your greatness. There are many ways to overcome them and thrive.
Check out our new Express Yourself! Teen Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
Bio: Sidney suh
Sidney Suh is currently a senior at Cate School. She is the Co-Founder and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the HUMANITIES+ Journal, which can be found at www.hplusjournal.com. Her passions include empowering minority communities and uplifting student voices. In her spare time, she loves to read and play the euphonium. She is a volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® and a reporter on Express Yourself! Radio with her segment Breaking Boundaries.
Bio: Andrew M. Nehring
Andrew M. Nehring is the author of David Massie as well as The Corrupted Light Chronicles. Growing up, he was always a very imaginative child who would tend to get lost in these worlds he created for himself. That passion for creativity never stopped. The concept of David Massie came to him after years of being an avid fan of science-fiction. This world that he created draws from both old and new sci-fi concepts. Andrew has recently graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in the beautiful city of Chicago. Now that he has graduated, he is focused on expanding the worlds of David Massie and also The Corrupted Light Chronicles. andrewmnehring.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132453/overcoming-learning-disabilities
Albert Einstein
Host Andrea Smith and Express Yourself! welcome a new reporter today. Sidney Suh, who was originally a guest on our show. Sidney’s segment is called Breaking Boundaries. In today’s segment, she introduces us to women, past and present, who have been influential in spreading awareness about dyslexia. From the 1990s to 2021, women have continuously made advancements in public policy and scientific research when it comes to learning disabilities. While society still has a long way to go, it’s important to look back and celebrate how far we’ve come. In segment two, author Andrew M. Nehring talks about his struggles with dyslexia and how he wanted to write simple, fun easy-to-read books for all levels and make literature accessible to those with reading disabilities. His newest books is David Massey and the Quantum Flux. In her segment Teenship, Ruhani Chhabra chronicles prominent figures with learning disabilities including British novelist Agatha Christie, scientist Albert Einstein, America’s first President George Washington as well as actors, Olympians, and reporters. She also shares favorite films that showcase disabilities. We need to stop the stigma of learning disabilities. Having a disability will not limit your greatness. There are many ways to overcome them and thrive.
Check out our new Express Yourself! Teen Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
Bio: Sidney suh
Sidney Suh is currently a senior at Cate School. She is the Co-Founder and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the HUMANITIES+ Journal, which can be found at www.hplusjournal.com. Her passions include empowering minority communities and uplifting student voices. In her spare time, she loves to read and play the euphonium. She is a volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® and a reporter on Express Yourself! Radio with her segment Breaking Boundaries.
Bio: Andrew M. Nehring
Andrew M. Nehring is the author of David Massie as well as The Corrupted Light Chronicles. Growing up, he was always a very imaginative child who would tend to get lost in these worlds he created for himself. That passion for creativity never stopped. The concept of David Massie came to him after years of being an avid fan of science-fiction. This world that he created draws from both old and new sci-fi concepts. Andrew has recently graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in the beautiful city of Chicago. Now that he has graduated, he is focused on expanding the worlds of David Massie and also The Corrupted Light Chronicles. andrewmnehring.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132453/overcoming-learning-disabilities
7-18-21 Being a Teen Entrepreneur
Dreams begin early for most everyone; but it takes passion, belief, and determination to turn a dream into a reality. Teen hosts Diya Hitvalli and Nihal Gill interview 14-year-old, Graciela, a visionary who possesses natural talent and a drive that is far beyond her years. Her upbeat mature, and insightful perspective and heart are qualities set her apart in her journey to achieve her goals. She talks about becoming a recording artist at a young age and the determination, passion, and hard work that being an entrepreneur entails. She just released her first single, Seize the Day, and credits her family for being her guiding light. Diya discusses the benefits of being a teen entrepreneur and outlines a road map for everyone to achieve their goals. She launched an app, KeepMeSafe. Nihal shares a favorite poem, Lessons of Entrepreneurship and provides ways for teens to start a business they’ll enjoy. Entrepreneurship is the ability to run and organize a business and make profit even if you face obstacles on the way. An entrepreneur is defined as a person who has a drive to establish a business that they can run and venture along with the risk. Be willing to work hard, avoid the naysayers, and follow your dream. Then Seize the Day! Carpe diem.
Bio: Graciela
The 14-year-old military daughter, Graciela, has spent her childhood dividing time between the family homes; spending the school year at the farm in Pittsburgh, PA, and summer break, vacations and holidays in Destin, Florida. Gracie has developed a genuine appreciation for both cultures and the varied lifestyles have shaped her “breath of fresh air” outlook.“I’m very fortunate to enjoy the best of both worlds—rural farm life and beach life” have not experienced.”
With siblings who struggle with disabilities, the aspiring young visionary hopes to become a role model for the disadvantaged.
“I want to be an inspiration to those who suffer; to let them know that I am here, and I am listening. I’d like to use my music as a platform to offer hope that better days are ahead, and to help change lives. Music is an expression; I want people to ‘hear’ what I have to say—especially on behalf of others.”
Gracie’s desire to use her voice to “move” the listener is uplifting. She is committed to study her craft—driven to become an entertainer both as a confident, compelling vocalist and proficient instrumentalist. At just six-years-old, she began to learn piano; today with a daily two-hour practice regimen, Gracie aspires to follow in the footsteps of her musical influences.
Graciela has performed at local festivals, charity events, church recitals and in talent shows. She worked alongside producer Bryan Cole to record her very first EP in late 2020.
A blossoming artist with a desire to portray emotion with verve, Graciela’s personal introspect is deeply contemplative and conversely complimented by her energetic and sassy personality. The combination makes for a musical expression all her own and a wide-open canvas to dream BIG and SEIZE THE DAY! https://www.gracielamusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/gracielamusicofficial
https://www.instagram.com/gracielamusicofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuYHRf6v70f8DT_0pG370aQ
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132316/being-a-teen-entrepreneur
7-11-21 Leadership
What qualities make a person a good leader? Hosts Andrea Smith and Maggie Campione investigate the traits that all empowering leaders possess. In Innovation Nation, Nihal Gill begins his segment with a favorite poem by Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken. The threesome discuss examples of leadership and the opportunities they have experienced in their own lives to be leaders. In segment three, Express Yourself!™ introduces our newest reporter, Ruhani Chhabra with her topic of Teenship, which encompasses teen leadership skills. Ruhani believes that this generation must stand up for what is right by using our voices. She discusses how teens can step up to lead in their schools and communities and how every person can make a difference. She also believes that social media connects us, amplifying our voices. It is critical to be mindful of spreading
misinformation, which is why it’s always important to double check sources before posting. Leaders utilize communication, commitment and confidence. They have a vision and share that with others to encourage and lead by example. A great leader makes it easy to do the right thing and difficult to do the wrong thing.
“Read, lead, succeed!” To be a leader, you must be a reader.” Cynthia Brian
Bio Ruhani Chhabra:
Ruhani is a rising junior from Northern California. Her passions include writing, reading, and listening to music, specifically classical and pop (two very contrasting genres). She’s a huge fan of Harry Styles and is going to his concert later this summer. When she’s not obsessing over him or pursuing her passions, she’s probably at her grandfather’s community garden, where she loves to help. When she’s older, she wants to travel around the world and teach literature before settling in the Italian countryside with a bunch of puppies.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132213/leadership
misinformation, which is why it’s always important to double check sources before posting. Leaders utilize communication, commitment and confidence. They have a vision and share that with others to encourage and lead by example. A great leader makes it easy to do the right thing and difficult to do the wrong thing.
“Read, lead, succeed!” To be a leader, you must be a reader.” Cynthia Brian
Bio Ruhani Chhabra:
Ruhani is a rising junior from Northern California. Her passions include writing, reading, and listening to music, specifically classical and pop (two very contrasting genres). She’s a huge fan of Harry Styles and is going to his concert later this summer. When she’s not obsessing over him or pursuing her passions, she’s probably at her grandfather’s community garden, where she loves to help. When she’s older, she wants to travel around the world and teach literature before settling in the Italian countryside with a bunch of puppies.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132213/leadership
7-4-21 4th of July Trivia and Write a Poem
It is a myth that America declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. The fact is that the official vote actually took place two days earlier, but the “Declaration” was published on July 4th in newspapers, where it gained recognition from the public. This is just one piece of American historical trivia that Diya Hituvalli brings to the airwaves for this 4th of July special focusing on Independence Day and poetry. She then interviews Meredith Heller, author of Write a Poem, Save Your Life. Meredith shares her teen struggles and how writing literally saved her life. She believes that poetry gives us a way to communicate with our deeper self. We can write things we wouldn’t dare or know how to say to anyone. In our writing, we find the words, images, and metaphors to name our feelings and suddenly what was overwhelming becomes clear and workable. Writing becomes a mirror, a companion, a place where we can be real with ourselves about how we feel, what hurts, and what we long for. Meredith has recently been awarded a grant to teach those who identify as female teens to write. If you are interested in joining her writing workshop, find information at her website www.MeredithHeller.com.
Poetry can be a lifeline. Write it! Celebrate Independence Day safely and joyfully, Happy 4th of July!
BIO: Meredith Heller, author of WRITE A POEM, SAVE YOUR LIFE, is a poet, singer-songwriter, and educator with degrees in writing and education. She studied in the graduate departments of Johns Hopkins University, Naropa University, and Goddard College. She is author of the poetry chapbook Songlines and River Spells . A California Poet in the Schools, she teaches workshops for grades 1 to 12 in public and private schools, in the creative writing department at Marin School of the Arts, in Juvenile Hall, and nationally on Zoom for kids and adults. But she was once a teen facing devastating life circumstances who happened upon poetry and found in it a way through pain, into inner strength, and toward self-expression and self-love. She has devoted her life to helping others find the same, and here shares ways that anyone — at any age and with any level of education or writing experience — can learn to use and play and heal with words. Her methods show that one’s unique, personal perspectives — on everything from childhood, disappointments, and fears to food, nature, and wildlife — can be keys to self-discovery. Writing becomes a personal refuge and a means of communication. Whether used on their own, with a partner, or in groups, Heller’s strategies allow readers to acknowledge and move through what hurts and limits them, discover their innate sense of wonder and curiosity, and revel in creativity, confidence, and purpose. www.MeredithHeller.com,
FB: https://www.facebook.com/meredith.heller.5
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132083/4th-of-july-trivia-and-write-a-poem
Poetry can be a lifeline. Write it! Celebrate Independence Day safely and joyfully, Happy 4th of July!
BIO: Meredith Heller, author of WRITE A POEM, SAVE YOUR LIFE, is a poet, singer-songwriter, and educator with degrees in writing and education. She studied in the graduate departments of Johns Hopkins University, Naropa University, and Goddard College. She is author of the poetry chapbook Songlines and River Spells . A California Poet in the Schools, she teaches workshops for grades 1 to 12 in public and private schools, in the creative writing department at Marin School of the Arts, in Juvenile Hall, and nationally on Zoom for kids and adults. But she was once a teen facing devastating life circumstances who happened upon poetry and found in it a way through pain, into inner strength, and toward self-expression and self-love. She has devoted her life to helping others find the same, and here shares ways that anyone — at any age and with any level of education or writing experience — can learn to use and play and heal with words. Her methods show that one’s unique, personal perspectives — on everything from childhood, disappointments, and fears to food, nature, and wildlife — can be keys to self-discovery. Writing becomes a personal refuge and a means of communication. Whether used on their own, with a partner, or in groups, Heller’s strategies allow readers to acknowledge and move through what hurts and limits them, discover their innate sense of wonder and curiosity, and revel in creativity, confidence, and purpose. www.MeredithHeller.com,
FB: https://www.facebook.com/meredith.heller.5
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132083/4th-of-july-trivia-and-write-a-poem
6-27-21 Poetry and Gratitude
Arjin Claire launches Innovation Nation showing how innovation has impacted poetry. He takes us back to 2100BC to what is widely considered the first poem ever written: The Epic of Gilgamesh. Following that we journey to ancient Greece in the 8th century BC to learn more about Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey. He then interviews a rising young poet in 5th grade, Thanvi Voruganti, who penned a book of poems, FROM THE INSIDE: The Inner Soul of a Young Poet. The book is about thoughts, feelings, and emotions we all experience, struggle with, and that have been brought to the forefront by the current pandemic. There are eight categories, nature, loss and pain, bravery, memories, story in a poem, comedy, happiness, and dilemma. Thanvi reads two poems, Little Star and her favorite poem, Shattered Tears. She talks about her inspirations, struggles, and goals for the future. Diya Hituvalli spends the final third of the hour sharing her favorite poems, both classic and modern, reads the Gift of Gratitude from two of Cynthia Brian’s books in the Be the Star You Are!® series, and ends the show with the stunning poem read by Amanda Gorman, the nation's first-ever youth poet laureate, during the inauguration of President Joe Biden on January 20, 2021. Poetry is the clear expression of mixed feelings. Express gratitude and appreciation for everything.
Bio: Thanvi Voruganti
- My name is Thanvi Voruganti, I live in Chandler, Arizona with my parents. Besides writing and poetry, my hobbies include reading, playing tennis, and traveling. Reading and writing though, will always be my number one. I recently found my passion for poetry, it was during the summer of 2020 to be specific. The forced summer staycation because of the pandemic was the most monotonous, dreary two months of my life. I was bored out of my wits. One day, near the end of June, I decided out of pure boredom, to write a verse or two of soothing poetry. Once I dug a little deeper into it, I realized that I took great relish in and admired poetry. I started writing about fantasy/fairytales, science fiction, deep thoughts, and more. By the end of summer, I found a new hobby and interest that became close to me. Her first book of poems is FROM THE INSIDE: The Inner Soul of a Young Poet. www.thanvivoruganti.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/131980/poetry-and-gratitude
9/20-12/27/2020 Express Yourself! Guests
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
12-25-20 Christmas and Puppies
It’s a wonderful time of the year! Despite the challenges of 2020, we have so much to be grateful for. Hosts Andrea Smith and Arjin Claire talk with reporter, Nihal Gill as he shares how, after their beloved dog was killed, they adopted a rescue puppy which brought them great joy. Dog trainer and author of 101 Rescue Puppies-One Family’s Story of Fostering Dogs, Love, and Trust, Kathy Callahan, describes the sheer bliss of being a foster family for dogs and puppies. Kathy offers great advice on how to help pandemic puppies get used to being alone sometimes. Because of stay-at-home mandates, dogs are accustomed to having their human packs with then 24/7. This energetic dog-lover guides us through the delicious family puppy connection. What a gift! The hosts wrap up this entertaining episode with Cynthia Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Giving from the book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, which chronicles how her family’s rescue puppy became the greatest Christmas gifts. (https://www.CynthiaBrian.com) Celebrate the holidays with giving, gratitude, and puppies! Make a tax-deductible donation to Be the Star You Are!® charity. (https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org) through through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
Bio: Kathy Callahan
Kathy Callahan is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) living in Alexandria, Virginia. She loves to coach people and their puppies into a great pack life. Her family continues to foster puppies amid their own furry pack. Over the past decade, Kathy Callahan’s family has taken in more than a hundred rescue puppies. The delightful photo-filled book, 101 Rescue Puppies-One Family’s Story of Fostering Dogs, Love, and Trust, features the wonderful stories that emerged as these foster pups were suddenly surrounded by a nurturing family complete with patient adult dogs and curious cats. With a gift for capturing the moment in both words and images, Callahan brings readers inside the poignant and ultimately uplifting work of fostering. This inspiring read is indeed about puppies, but it’s also about family and human connection. It’s about finding your own way — through that one special thing you can do to light a candle, instead of cursing the darkness.
www.PuppyPicks.com.
https://www.puppypicks.com/puppy-training-videos
Instagram: puppy.picks
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127198/gratitude-giving-holidays-and-puppies
Bio: Kathy Callahan
Kathy Callahan is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) living in Alexandria, Virginia. She loves to coach people and their puppies into a great pack life. Her family continues to foster puppies amid their own furry pack. Over the past decade, Kathy Callahan’s family has taken in more than a hundred rescue puppies. The delightful photo-filled book, 101 Rescue Puppies-One Family’s Story of Fostering Dogs, Love, and Trust, features the wonderful stories that emerged as these foster pups were suddenly surrounded by a nurturing family complete with patient adult dogs and curious cats. With a gift for capturing the moment in both words and images, Callahan brings readers inside the poignant and ultimately uplifting work of fostering. This inspiring read is indeed about puppies, but it’s also about family and human connection. It’s about finding your own way — through that one special thing you can do to light a candle, instead of cursing the darkness.
www.PuppyPicks.com.
https://www.puppypicks.com/puppy-training-videos
Instagram: puppy.picks
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127198/gratitude-giving-holidays-and-puppies
12-20-20 Home for the Holidays with Express Yourself!
Express Yourself!® teen radio host, Andrea Smith relives happy memories of Christmas’s past with traditions from her Argentinian and Scottish families. Christmas is her favorite time of the year and she shares her excitement with the world. The Gift of Magic from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are! 999 Gifts of Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, is read bringing the wonder and awe of this blessed season to life. Andrea is joined by reporter Jonathan Jackson in a lively conversation about the holiday, food, songs, family, customs, and gifts. As BTSYA’s kindness coordinator, Karen Kitchel says, “The gifts we tend to remember are those which are wrapped with love.” Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, and memorable Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Giving you the gift of love!
Wishing you a very Merry and Healthy Christmas from our Star Team.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127594/home-for-the-holidays-with-express-yourself-teen-radio
Wishing you a very Merry and Healthy Christmas from our Star Team.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127594/home-for-the-holidays-with-express-yourself-teen-radio
12-13-20 Self-Acceptance with Laura Stegman
Self-acceptance is recognizing who we are. Hosts Andrea Smith and Siri Phaneendra talk with reporter Jack Pawlakos about refocusing thoughts and energy on our uniqueness, special skills, talents, and abilities to develop personal self-acceptance. The hosts interview publicist and author, Laura Segal Stegman with her middle grade debut novel, Summer of L.U.C.K. about three kids finding their way to self-acceptance with the help of a ghost who haunts a magical carnival. Laura shares the perseverance it took to bring this novel to publication during 18 years of creation. She was inspired by a few of her favorite books from middle school. The novel helps young people find their voices. A final discussion about self-esteem and the role of social media ensues. Be who you are. There is only one you. Be the Star you were born to be!
“We accept the love we think we deserve.” Stephen Chbosky
BIO: LAURA SEGAL STEGMAN:
Laura Segal Stegman is a Los Angeles-based arts publicist and author whose middle grade debut novel, Summer of L.U.C.K., will be published in September 2020 by INtense Publications, followed by a sequel in 2021. Laura's non-fiction credits include collaboration on the travel book Only in New York, and her feature stories have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, Westways Magazine and Christian Science Monitor, among others. A long-time publicity consultant, she owns Laura Segal Stegman Public Relations, LLC, which has represented a wide-ranging client list of businesses, arts organizations and non-profit events over the years. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UC Irvine with a B.A. in Drama and lives with her husband in West L.A. and part-time in New York City. She loves reading, L.A. Dodgers baseball, classical music and theater. LauraStegman.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraStegman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_stegman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraSegalStegmanAuthor/
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127453/self-acceptance
“We accept the love we think we deserve.” Stephen Chbosky
BIO: LAURA SEGAL STEGMAN:
Laura Segal Stegman is a Los Angeles-based arts publicist and author whose middle grade debut novel, Summer of L.U.C.K., will be published in September 2020 by INtense Publications, followed by a sequel in 2021. Laura's non-fiction credits include collaboration on the travel book Only in New York, and her feature stories have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, Westways Magazine and Christian Science Monitor, among others. A long-time publicity consultant, she owns Laura Segal Stegman Public Relations, LLC, which has represented a wide-ranging client list of businesses, arts organizations and non-profit events over the years. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UC Irvine with a B.A. in Drama and lives with her husband in West L.A. and part-time in New York City. She loves reading, L.A. Dodgers baseball, classical music and theater. LauraStegman.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraStegman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_stegman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraSegalStegmanAuthor/
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127453/self-acceptance
12-6-20 Writing, Journaling, and Humanities+
Writing and journaling increases motivation and reduces stress. Host Andrea Smith and reporter Jack Pawlakos discuss the benefits of getting thoughts on the page. Andrea then interviews brother/sister founders of Humanities+, Ryan and Sidney Suh who have created an online journal that releases seasonal issues on a quarterly basis. The + symbol represents the foundational goal, which is to foster constructive discussions that transcend the traditional divides between the Humanities and STEM fields. Humanities+ serves as a destination for readers seeking integrity, quality, and global perspectives. The chapter, The Gift of Writing penned by author by Daniel M. Wong from Cynthia’ Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World ignites the reasoning that writing is an escape that heals the spirit and provides solace in the most unexpected ways.
Bio: Ryan and Sidney Suh
Ryan and Sidney Suh are the Founders and Editors-in-Chief of the Humanities+ Journal. Ryan is currently a senior at Cate School, where he is the Senior Columnist for the school newspaper, El Batidor, and a class representative for the student body government. He is also a published writer and enjoys playing squash in his free time. Sidney is currently a junior at Cate School. Outside of the classroom, she is the founder and leader of an international science fiction and historical fiction book club. In her spare time, she loves to play the euphonium and conduct interdisciplinary university-level research. To find more information, you can visit www.hplusjournal.com or find Humanities+ on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanities-plus-journal.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127324/writing-journaling-and-humanities
Bio: Ryan and Sidney Suh
Ryan and Sidney Suh are the Founders and Editors-in-Chief of the Humanities+ Journal. Ryan is currently a senior at Cate School, where he is the Senior Columnist for the school newspaper, El Batidor, and a class representative for the student body government. He is also a published writer and enjoys playing squash in his free time. Sidney is currently a junior at Cate School. Outside of the classroom, she is the founder and leader of an international science fiction and historical fiction book club. In her spare time, she loves to play the euphonium and conduct interdisciplinary university-level research. To find more information, you can visit www.hplusjournal.com or find Humanities+ on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanities-plus-journal.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127324/writing-journaling-and-humanities
11-22-20 Fashion, Acting, and Modeling with SuperModel, Eugenia Kuzmina
If you enjoy fashion, modeling, acting, and comedy, this is the episode you won’t want to miss. Maggie Campione provides historical info on how fashion started as protection and can inspire systemic change and connection. Hosts Siri Phaneendra and Andrea Smith discuss what fashion means to them and they interview Russian-American supermodel, actress, and comedian, Eugenia Kuzmina about her exciting life and career. Eugenia is energetic and engaging as she reminisces about world modeling tours, Paris Fashion Week, acting jobs, and her newest endeavor, stand-up comedy. Taking care of oneself, exercising, and eating correctly are critical elements to a life on the fast track. Eugenia offers career advice encouraging listeners to not listen to the naysayers and to express your inner dreams with authenticity and passion. To be successful, be grateful and be yourself. Wise words!
BIO: Eugenia Kuzmina
Eugenia Kuzmina is a Russian-American actress, comedian, and model. Her father was a renowned nuclear physicist, who was one of the first responders to the Chernobyl disaster. Her mother is a former scientist and a housewife. Eugenia grew up on food lines in Post Soviet time. She was training to be a professional ice skater when at 13 years old she was pulled out from a group of kids in her school to appear in a Russian version of SNL "Eralash." She was then cast to appear in Chuck Norris film, but couldn't leave the country due to visa issues. After appearing in commercials for Coca Cola, L'Oréal and Wrigleys in Moscow, for which she was paid more than her scientist's dad, she was noticed by a scout at Nathalie Models Europe. She signed a contract and moved to Paris at 15 to work with such brands as Cartier, Dior, Armani, Hermes, Loreal, Vogue among many others...
After Ford Models, then IMG resigned her contract and moved her to the US, she was noticed by Rodrigo Prieto (cinematographer "Wolf Of Wall Street," "Babel") to appear in his directorial debut opposite Elle Fanning "Likeness." The movie was screened at Tribeca Film Festival and received excellent reviews. John Turturro cast Eugenia to play opposite him in a film with Woody Allen "Fading Gigolo." Recently Eugenia worked opposite Bill Murray in "Rock The Kasbah", Milla Kunis and Christina Applegate in "Bad Moms ", Guy Ritchie's " The Gentlemen ". Eugenia's Tv credits include " Spy City ", "True Blood," "New Girl," "Castle," "The Comeback," "Lady Dynamite"," Tour De Pharmacy ", etc
Eugenia is very passionate about comedy and writes and performs Stand Up regularly at The Comedy Store and The Laugh Factory. Her other hobbies include motorcycles, doing her own stunts, languages (French, Portuguese) , and supporting environmental causes around the world.
Kuzmina resides in Los Angeles with her husband Bill Block (Miramax CEO) and three children. http://www.eugenia-kuzmina.com/bio/
• https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4294308/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
https://turkpr.net/eugenia-kuzmina/
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127075/fashion-acting-and-modeling-with-supermodel-eugenia-kuzmina
11-15-20 Education and Careers with Mark Herschberg
Andrea Smith and Siri Phaneendra offer an informative episode about education and careers. In Trends without Ends, reporter Jack Pawlakos provides essential tips for students who are doing online-learning. For remote learning, make sure to take control of what you are able: get up at the same time, schedule your day, get noise-cancelling headphone, turn off phones, create a personal study space, take a break, and get outside to embrace nature. Most online courses from professional companies use the latest in technology to make the learning process most efficient. Be patient with teachers. The hosts interview Mark A. Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You. Networking, negotiating, communicating, leading, career planning—all skills critical to your career success. But did anyone ever teach them to you? The Career Toolkit will help you master these skills and yield outsized returns for your career and your income. It’s a multivitamin for your career! Mark emphasizes practice, practice, practice. He also talks about why online voting will never be safe plus a discussion on streaming. Reporter Jay Jackson of Jays Sports World talks basketball and informs us how education leads to growth, knowledge, skill, perseverance, and success in all realms of life. Education teaches patience, wisdom, and intelligence. He discusses the Lakers, basketball, and how the pandemic has affected his education.
Bio: Mark Herschberg is the author of The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You. From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia. He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT’s “career success accelerator,” where he teaches annually. At MIT, he received a B.S. in physics, a B.S. in electrical engineering & computer science, and a M.Eng. in electrical engineering & computer science, focusing on cryptography. At Harvard Business School, Mark helped create a platform used to teach finance at prominent business schools.
• https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com
• https://twitter.com/CareerToolkitBk
• https://www.instagram.com/thecareertoolkit/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerToolkitBook
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershey/
Listen at the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126936/education-and-careers
Bio: Mark Herschberg is the author of The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You. From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia. He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT’s “career success accelerator,” where he teaches annually. At MIT, he received a B.S. in physics, a B.S. in electrical engineering & computer science, and a M.Eng. in electrical engineering & computer science, focusing on cryptography. At Harvard Business School, Mark helped create a platform used to teach finance at prominent business schools.
• https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com
• https://twitter.com/CareerToolkitBk
• https://www.instagram.com/thecareertoolkit/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerToolkitBook
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershey/
Listen at the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126936/education-and-careers
11-8-20 Individuality with Fred Misurella
“Be yourself, your only self, your greatest self! You already are a star!” Cynthia Brian
Research shows that people do not become high performers by imitating others but by being themselves. Host Andrea Smith interviews author Fred Misurella for his fourth book, A Pontiac in the Woods, about a teen girl who lives alone and discovers her plans for her future. In Trends without Ends, Jack Pawlakos focuses on individuality and what trends are in relationship to expressing who we are individuals and how digitization has changed the world. The Gift of Individuality from the book, Be the Star You Are! for Teens by Cynthia Brian is read by Andrea. High performance occurs when a person goes beyond their own expectations in ways that are unique to them, consistently and repeatedly. In other words, state your plan, then exceed it in every way. Proclaim your vision and your mission. You don’t have to live in the woods to express your individuality, but you do need to claim your unique talents and skills. Celebrate your individuality.
Bio: Fred Misurella
A Pontiac in the Woods is the fourth in Fred Misurella’s cycle of novels about the modern American family. Others are Only Sons, Arrangement in Black and White, and A Summer of Good-Byes. He has also written Lies to Live By: Stories, and Short Time, a novella about Vietnam. His literary journalism has appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, The New York Times Book Review, and other journals. His essays on Primo Levi appear in The Legacy of Primo Levi and Answering Auschwitz. He is the current book review editor for VIA (Voices in Italian Americana). A former Fulbright Scholar in France, he now lives with his wife and children in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Website: www.fredmisurella.com Facebook: www.faceboook.com/fred.misurella
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126812/individuality
10-25-20 Halloween-Salem's Witch, Tituba
Halloween is going to be very different during Covid-19. Host Arjin Claire talks with teen reporters Maggie Campione and Nihal Gill to find out what plans they have to celebrate in a safe, yet fun environment. They discuss costumes, candy, alternative ways to trick or treat, and offer historical background to the Halloween holidays. Author of Tituba, The Intentional Witch of Salem, Dave Tamanini, provides the backstory of the tragic 1692 Salem Witch Trials while adding a bit of magic and intrigue to his historical fantasy novel. Tituba, winner of the 2020 Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society Fiction book award is about power, race, and morality. The villagers see witches and demons everywhere. Their ministers say the Devil has sent them to steal souls. With Dave’s guidance, we revisit Salem’s witch hunts in a provocative new retelling, just in time for a devilish, scary Halloween.
Bio: Dave Tamanini
Dave Tamanini lives in Pennsylvania. His life experiences, combined with a desire to entertain, shape his writing. As a former civil rights investigator, and an attorney for 30 years, he learned a lot about human strength, frailty… and hypocrisy.
Social issues and the ways we deal with them fascinate Dave. In Tituba he weaves a historical/fantasy novel with real-life characters to focus on our common human nature, the abuse of power, and injustice. The real-life Tituba was a tragic figure. An enslaved African, Tituba and her owner, Rev. Parris, are the key voices. But others play a role, too, including the children of Salem village. Overall, Tituba is a provocative retelling of motivations during the 1692 witch hunt madness with an added touch of magic. www.DaveTamaniniAuthor.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/126523/halloween-and-tituba-the-intentional-witch-of-salem
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