2021-2022 Programs-Express Yourself!

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2021-2022 Express Yourself! Programs & 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!

Click on Photo for description of episode

8-14-22 The Culture of Food

“Food is everything we are. It's an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. Its inseparable from those from the get-go” – Anthony Bourdain

Everyone loves to eat. But what is the cultural aspect of the foods we consume? Food culture is the practices, attitudes, and beliefs as well as the networks and institutions surrounding the production, distribution, and consumption of food. In this lively discussion about something every human on earth indulges in, host Rose invites Sharanya, guest Alix, and Nihal to the table. In her segment, The Scribble, Sharanya meshes two of her favorite things, writing and food, to create a cinquain poem about hot dogs. In the second segment, Rose and her long-time food sister, Alix, engage in a worldwide tour of great restaurants, the culture behind the food, and the importance of sitting down with family and friends to dish it up over delicious cuisine. Nihal shows us how the world is connected through the love of cooking and expressing culture through food, usually throughout generations. Are you hungry yet? Remember, you are what you eat. Bon Appetit!

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/138791/the-culture-of-food

8-7-22 School is BACK!

Can summer vacation be over already? Yes, for most students, classes begin this week. No more sleeping late and going to bed whenever. It’s time to hit the books and make sure you make the bell. Producer, Cynthia Brian introduces Nerd Extraordinaire reporter, Keerthi, as she gives a humorous, yet impactful insight into debating. Host Hannah catches up with Rose in her segment Bite Share, focusing on the importance of urban food policy, food in schools, and food access. Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, California will become the first state to implement statewide Universal Meals Programs in public schools. With the Scribble, Sharanya, looks forward to the writing assignments that going back to school will provide and shares ten words that will be part of her eighth grade lexicon. Get your backpacks ready, your pencils sharpened, and your laptops charged. School is back in session!
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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/138678/back-to-school

7-31-22 Journalism

Ruhani, Sharanya, and Keerthi showcase a program about different types of journalistic endeavors. What is journalism? According to Britannica, journalism is “the collection, preparation, and distribution of news and related commentary and feature materials through such print and electronic media as newspapers, magazines, books, blogs, webcasts, podcasts, social networking, and social media sites, and e-mail as well as through radio, motion pictures, and television.” Nerd Extraordinaire, Keerthi, provides a humorous, yet informative segment about debate and evidence. According to her, journalism is the life, the soul, the epitome, the substance, the essence, of a debater. In the Scribble, Sharanya, admits she likes being a detective to find the bias in journalism. She shares a short piece she wrote about the history of Roe versus Wade as an exhibit in bias. Ruhani has experience with journalistic writing for her school paper and one of her narratives was published by the New York Times. She tells us how to spot inaccurate information or “fake news”. Ruhani reads the review she wrote for Adele’s Album 30 as an example of writing with context and authenticity.

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/138583/journalism

7-24-22 LGBTQIA+

“There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s a lot wrong with the world you live in.” –Chris Colfer

According to the CDCR, “LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive term that includes people of all genders and sexualities, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and allies. While each letter in LGBTQIA+ stands for a specific group of people, the term encompasses the entire spectrum of gender fluidity and sexual identities.” This group makes up millions of diverse individuals who makes up a significant portion of the population. Hosts Hannah and Ruhani provide in-depth information about the LGBTQIA+ community, about the rights that many states are attempting to limit, and about the importance of protecting those rights for the benefit of all. They give tips on how to support LGBTQIA and over insight to historical and famous figures of this community, many of whom had to stay in the closet to avoid persecution. Sharanya talks about the banning of books and encourages everyone to read books that focus on inclusivity. She reads her original poem in support of the trans community titled, She not He.
At Express Yourself!™ and Be the Star You Are!® we support and embrace people of all genders, races, religions, and beliefs. Respect one another. If you are old enough to vote, vote for people who care about our privacy and personal well-being. We cannot have government officials dictating whom we can love. Be vigilant. Be inclusive.

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/138495/lgbtqia
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7-17-22 The Metaverse

What is the metaverse? There are two types of metaverses. The one with a capital M is the Metaverse being created by Facebook, aka Meta. The metaverse without a capital “m” is a general term used to define a virtual reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users. Hannah and Sharanya host this program detailing the metaverse and have a discussion that covers numerous aspects of virtual reality and their opinions of how it will be utilized by teens. Sharanya shares how to write a dystopian novel and shares an original poem about dystopia. Nihal talks about how the metaverse may help teens be more socialized. He also shares the negatives of these connections. Kevin merges A.I. with the metaverse and indicates the importance of A.I. One of these roles will most likely be automatic language translation, a very necessary portion of international communication. Another way A.I. will become a massive part of the metaverse is through assisting those with disabilities so they can live without them, at least in the metaverse. .A.I. will be the god of the metaverse. It creates humanity through its digital avatars, gifts them communication via translating and sending out what they say, ensures that fairness is upheld through smart contracts, and records all that happens in ledgers and files. Hopefully, our A.I. god is a merciful one.
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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/138387/the-metaverse
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Betsy Chasse with Cinematographer Justin Knodel.jpeg

7-10-22 Energy Healing

The definition of energy healing is holistic practice that activates the body's subtle energy systems to remove blocks. By breaking through these energetic blocks, the body's inherent ability to heal itself is stimulated. . In India, the spiritual traditions of Energy Healing have existed for over 5000 years and been passed down from generation to generation. Sharanya, Ruhani, and Hannah provide information on the pseudoscience of energy healer and offer ways to incorporate energy healing into our everyday experiences. Best known as the Co-Writer, Director, and Producer of the hit film What The Bleep Do We Know?!!, Betsy Chasse, Producer/Director of Energy: The Ultimate Healer, a five-part docuseries on Bliss Up Now network, and Award-Winning Filmmaker, Best-Selling Author, Change-Maker, and Mom joins Ruhani and Sharanya for a discussion about energy, healing, filmmaking, and being a Mom to teens. Hannah also shares how Eastern traditions spread to the West, leading to a mixture of both medical and energy healing practices being used for patients and people suffering from symptoms. The main techniques include Reiki, light, acupuncture, reflexology, Thai massage, tapping, and sound. Heal thyself with energy.
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Bio: Betsy Chasse, Award-Winning Filmmaker, Best-Selling Author, Change-Maker, and Mom: Best known as the Co-Writer, Director, and Producer of the hit film What The Bleep Do We Know?! Chasse is the Producer/Director of Bliss Up Now’s Energy The Ultimate Healer, a 5 part docuseries exploring energy healing. She has also produced the award-winning Song of The New Earth, Pregnant In America, Radical Dating and The Empty Womb. She has authored multiple books, including Killing Buddha, The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class, Tipping Sacred Cows, and What The Bleep Do We Know?!, Discovering The Endless Possibilities to Altering Your Everyday Reality. She is currently in production on The Galileo Project and Killing Buddha - The Series. www.Betsychasse.net | Media Reel Social media handles:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/MissBetsyChasse
Instagram - https://instagram.com/betsychasse
Twitter- https://twitter.com/betsychasse
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWuZW52y2GgtwTOAv2smz3g
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-chasse-41408149/

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/138260/energy-healing
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7-3-22 Independence Day and Liberty-Loving Lafayette

Our Nerd Extraordinaire, Keerthi, provides an impromptu history class at peak summer break time, (just in case you are having too much fun)on the lead-up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence from the perspective of a debater. Her comical history lesson is fast, furious, and fabulous. Host, Ruhani, interviews author, Dorothea Jensen with her newest book, Liberty-Loving Lafayette: How America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman Helped Win Our Independence. Inspired by Hamilton, the Musical, this short, playful, rhyming history for teens can be read or performed in 20 minutes! This unique history includes a glossary, extensive endnotes, and classic pictures to supply further information about the historical figures and events mentioned in the poem. Dorothea adores Lafayette and reads several passages from the book. In the final segment, Ruhani, expresses her sadness and outrage about the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe versus Wade, a disastrous, regressive decision that will negatively affect millions of women and families. She provides information on where and how women can still legally get an abortion and believes that laws will be different and better when her generation (teens) finally get into office. Make sure to vote for pro-choice candidates and evict any politician who wants to restrict or revert the rights of any citizen. This is America. We are supposed to be the land of the free. Support democracy. Celebrate independence by making your voice heard.
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Bio: Dorothea Jensen
Dorothea Jensen has taught middle and high school English, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South America, and performed as an actress-singer in many stage productions. She has authored five rhyming 21st century Christmas stories about high tech elves, and two award-winning historical novels about the American Revolution for young readers, THE RIDDLE OF PENNCROFT FARM, and A BUSS FROM LAFAYETTE. Inspired by the musical, HAMILTON, Dorothea recently created a short, playful, rhyming narrative about Lafayette, LIBERTY-LOVING LAFAYETTE. She is helping to plan the upcoming bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of the US, and to mark that journey via The Lafayette Trail, Inc. Dorothea and her husband live in a small town in New Hampshire. They have three grown children and six grandsons.
Website: dorotheajensen.com
Blogs: dorotheajensen.blogspot.com 
izzyelfblog.blogspot.com
Bublish: bublish.com/author/view/5755
FB: facebook.com/dorothea.jensen.12
Pinterest: pinterest.com/dgjensen116/
Tiktok tiktok.com/@dorotheajensen1
Twitter: twitter.com/dgjensen116
Vimeo: vimeo.com/dorotheagjensen
YouTube: Youtube.com/channel/UCr_hM0p4QVzPjVcTON40OpA

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/138160/independence-day-and-liberty-loving-lafayette

6-26-22 Allergies in Humans and Pets

“If it comes from a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don’t!” Michael Pollan

An allergy is when your immune system reacts to an allergen. The type of reaction that occurs can vary from mild to severe. Some of the most common allergies are nuts, pollen, and pets. Reporters on Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio, Nihal and Kirpa Gill, provide information on allergies for both humans and pets. Allergies result from an overreaction of the immune system. The immune system has one very important job where it protects the body from viruses and other illnesses. Some common symptoms of allergies inhumans include allergies from dust, pollen, pet dander, certain foods, such as eggs and nuts, bee venom, medications, and latex. In pets, allergies include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and insect venom. You can tell if a pet has an allergy because the animal reacts the same way as humans with hives, itching, swelling, redness, etc.
To identify the cause of an allergic reaction in humans, it is helpful to keep a food diary and work with a doctor. Anyone with a food allergy needs to take care to avoid the trigger food. If a severe reaction is likely, it is recommended carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. For pets, make an appointment with a veterinarian for care and treatment. Allergies cannot be cured, but the synonyms and reactions you have can be maintained. Be diligent!

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/138069/allergies-in-humans-and-pets
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6-19-22 Modern Music

According to Express Yourself! host, Ruhani’s Spotify statistics, her most-listened to artists are Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and Mitski. All amazing singers. But anyone who knows her knows that her favorite artist will forever be the first one on the list, the one and only Harry Styles. Ruhani shares her concert experience and the reasons he is her number one choice. A.I. And Us reporter, Kevin, explains artificial intelligence’s role in modern music. He talks about singing and using Autotune as well as the different apps that make a sound better. Will A.I. singers and musicians become the norm? What music are you listening to? What concerts have you attended? Tune in to Express Yourself! for a delightful romp through modern music described through the teen lens.

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·      Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
·      https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/137969/modern-music

6-12-22 Summer Plans

“I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket” - Kellie Elmore

School is out for the summer and it’s time to have fun, create memories, and discover new adventures. Sharanya co-hosts for the first time with Ruhani to discuss what’s on the agenda for the next three months. Since Ruhani is a rising senior, she intends to visit potential colleges and get a jumpstart on college apps while catching up reading the many books on her list. Sharanya plans to eat ice cream in the morning, write more poetry, and go on a road trip with her family. Going to the beach, getting some sun and R & R are also part of their plans. They interview Express Yourself’s newest reporter, Keerthi, who with her bubbling personality and humorous streak, is going to use summer time to become a better debater. Whatever you do this summer, have fun, relax, regroup, make a difference, and explore the world around you.
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Bio: Keerthi Eraniyan, a budding philosopher who embodies the quintessence of everything and anything. She is a 7th grader from San Ramon, California, whose pastimes include debate, math, writing, and singing. Her ruminations involve the gradual extinction of humans, and she can be seen engulfed in an existential crisis. She relishes debate, the fickle thing that blitzes her fingers and propels her through life at the speed of light. In her segment, Nerd Extraordinaire, Keerthi strives to promulgate and publicize the extravagance of forensic debate and fiction writing and exhibit the world beyond plug and chug speech. She desires to introduce the debate world to listeners in a fascinating, magnificent, new way that manifests the air of debate, thick with spontaneous comebacks and the pure thrill of it.

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/137873/summer-plans

6-5-22 Connecting the Brain and the Dinner Plate

“Good nutrition creates health in all areas of our existence. All parts are interconnected.” - T. Collin Cambell

Rose hosts a program about her favorite topic, food and nutrition. In her segment Bite share she discusses the importance of urban food policy, food access, and nutritional education. This show focuses on clean eating, organic food, and eating to optimize your body's functions. Nihal talks about how eating healthy is the best way to keep your body clean and ready for daily liviing. Eating organic and healthy fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish, lean meats, and grains help you become more active and focused, especially when taking a test. He also gives information about the importance of vitamins and how eating well nourishes mental health. Sharanya joins the conversation by offering how to construct recipes that are healthy and delicious. She then reads an original poem she wrote, “Textures” about the beautiful food that Mother Nature provides. We are what we eat. Eat clean, eat smart, and eat for your brain.
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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/137752/connecting-brain-and-the-dinner-plate

5-29-22 Identity Theft and Fraud

“Fraud is the daughter of greed” -John Grant

Over 49 million people were victims of identity theft in 2020. This resulted in $13 billion in damages from “traditional” identity theft, i.e., people losing their info through data breaches and similar attacks. One of the strangest statistics is that the majority of the losses ($43 billion) stemmed from direct-interaction scams, such as phishing emails. Bad actors are getting bolder and are willing to target people directly. Hosts Ruhani and Hannah provide critical information on how to recognize scams and avoid them. A person becomes a victim of fraud every 14 seconds with those on social media targeted the most frequently. Find out how to protect yourself, freeze your financial records, and keep yourself safe. Tune in to Express Yourself! for this important broadcast that will safeguard your future.

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·      Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/137641/identity-theft-and-fraud

5-22-22 Education

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela
Why is education critical to success? The Express Yourself!™ teens have a lively discussion on various aspects of learning. In segment one, host Ruhani and reporter Maggie chat about ways to make a classroom more accessible for neurodivergent students. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. In segment two, A.I. reporter, Kevin, provides an in-depth look at how artificial contributes to education. Through the use of A.I., teachers are able to calculate the proficiency of a certain student in specific areas and thereby personalize their learning experience. For Scribble reporter, Sharanya, education instigates morals, discipline, and confidence. Education to many is assurance of their abilities of succeeding, and education helps everybody become the best version of themself. She reads her original poem, The Walls of Words. Never stop learning. Education will change the world.

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/137523/education
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5-15-22 Immigration

Other than indigenous people, everyone in the US has immigrant blood. Yet immigration policy has been a heated political issue for decades. Hosts rose and Ruhani investigate the various aspects of immigration. Rose discusses how immigrants have limited access to healthy produce and how immigration has influenced the production of healthy foods. Ruhani shares the history of immigration in the United States. Immigrants come to the United States in the hope of finding a better life for themselves and their families, however, upon arrival, they lack essential services, healthcare, and resources. In California, immigrants make up more than 80 percent of the state's agricultural workforce. Other states like Washington State (72.6%), Florida (65.4%), and Oregon (60.7%), also have higher than average shares of immigrants in their agricultural workforce. The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 abolished an earlier quota system based on national origin and established a new immigration policy based on reuniting immigrant families and attracting skilled labor to the United States. In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which took over many immigration service and enforcement functions formerly performed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Immigrants contribute to life in America and we need to embrace, support, and appreciate the positive impact immigrants bring to our country.
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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/137405/immigration

5-8-22 Enriching Urban Communities through Composting

Host Rose Sarner is back with her segment bite share where she discusses urban food policy, the importance of food access, and nutrition in general. Enriching local communities is critical. Strengthening social connectedness develops one's sense of belonging in their community, positively impacting health and well-being. Enriching Communities establishes Social Innovation by creating moments of connection outside of individuals daily lives and the busyness of society. Rose encourages composting to divert waste from landfills which will minimize the release of methane gases while improving soil. She provides in depth details on how to create a compost pile or use a community compost bin. Food scraps make the soil richer with increased nutrients. Nitrogen, carbon, air, and water are components of composting. Green plant material contains nitrogen. Brown materials (carbon) include leaves and paper. The best location for a compost bin is in the shade. If you are interested in learning to compost and save our planet, Rose has the inside scoop you’ll want to know.
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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/137294/enriching-urban-communities-through-composting

5-1-22 Public Health

What is public health? Public health is the science of and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized effort and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals. Public health protects and improves neighborhoods and communities by preventing epidemics and spreading illnesses and diseases. Public health encourages healthy lifestyles for children and families, protecting against dangers in homes, work, communities, and the environment. Host Rose Sarner talks about our rights to health care, food security, and shares simple recipes with fresh produce obtainable at Farmers Markets. Reporters Kirpa Gill and Hannah Sahota add to the conversation with an in depth look at health for animals and how the pandemic has affected citizens around the world. We have a right to be healthy. Advocate for your health and wellness.

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/137150/public-health

4-17-22 Earth Day

The Earth. Our habitat. A place we cherish.
The world honors Mother Earth on Friday, April 22, 2022 and we are celebrating by participating in the Earth Gratitude e-Festival. Be the Star You Are!® Founder/Executive Director, Cynthia Brian, and two Be the Star You Are!® volunteers and Express Yourself! Teen Radio reporters, Ruhani and Sharanya have featured videos and poetry. The Earth Gratitude Project showcases sustainability tips from the most respected experts and visionaries on the planet. Ruhani hosts this program focused on supporting our planet and reads her poetry submission to the festival called Shall Grandma Tell You. She interviews co-founder of the Earth Gratitude Project, Natalie Pace, who discusses her worldwide ventures to meet people around the planet who are living differently to save our Earth. Her newest book, The Power of 8 Billion: It’s Up to Us, chronicles ways that we can all do our part. Natalie challenges everyone to reduce their carton footprint by 30% this year. Sharanya joins the conversation sharing her vision for honoring the Earth. She also reads her poem, A Token of Gratitude, that is featured in the Earth Gratitude e-Festival as well as a selection of her favorite poems focusing on nature. Ruhani and Sharanya converse about how teens can be proactive to nurture and restore. Celebrate with all of us on April 22-23, 2022 at the Earth Gratitude e-Festival at www.EarthGratitude.org. Register now for free gifts. Be grateful for our beautiful Mother Earth. Protect her for future generations.

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Bio: Natalie Pace
Natalie Pace is the co-creator of the Earth Gratitude project and the author of the Amazon bestsellers Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is, The ABCs of Money and The Gratitude Game. Her new book, The Power of 8 Billion: It’s Up to Us will be free on the festival day at www.earthgratitude.org . https://www.nataliepace.com

Bio: Ruhani Chhabra
Ruhani Chhabra is a junior from Northern California. She enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music. She has loved writing for as long as she can remember. She published her first novel, The Karris Family, when she was only ten years old. She has won many prestigious awards for her work, including The New York Times Personal Narrative Contest (she was one of 8 winners out of 11,000 global submissions), numerous Gold Keys from the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Foundation, and has read her winning essay to a delegation of over 1,400 people. She plans to major in journalism, which is why Be the Star You Are!® charity is a perfect opportunity for her to expand her public speaking and writing skills. Through being a reporter and host on Express Yourself! Teen Radio, she has honed her communication talents, a skill she uses when teaching. Her focus is on teen leadership and her radio segment is titled, Teenship. Ruhani is currently teaching an online writing workshop for ages 9-14 through Be the Star You Are!® charity. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/writing-with-the-stars-virtual-workshop. Her video for Earth Gratitude is Shall Grandma Tell You.

Bio: Sharanya Roy
Sharanya Roy is a 7th grader in Gale Ranch Middle School. Besides academics, Sharanya loves swimming. She spends her leisure time by playing piano, volunteering and making amusing jokes with her friends. In 2021, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Apart from planning her goofy schemes, Sharanya also enjoys writing and to her, each sentence has a life of its own. She loves the sound of the keyboard clacking, as well as the scrick of a pencil. For her, writing can be found in every nook and cranny of the world. In her Express Yourself™ teen radio segment, “The Scribble” Sharanya strives to change how teens look at writing, as writing isn’t just essays, but a vast ocean of new techniques and ideas. She wants to unwrap more methods of writing with other teens, and help writing to be an enjoyable experience for all. Her Earth Gratitude Video is Token of Gratitude. http://www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com

Listen at the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/136919/earth-day

4-10-22 Teen Mobility and Driving

Are teenagers driving? What is their perspective about getting their driver’s license. Ruhani hosts this show about mobility for young people. In the first segment, Kevin Choo brings us a fascinating segment of A.I. and IS discussing how A.I. is a part of why Gen Z won’t get driver’s licenses and how they plan to get around instead. The current, most prominent generation, also called Gen Z, was born when the Internet and technology like iPhones and A.I. were very widespread. Many teens are quite unconfident and unable to trust themselves to get it right. Being put into a position of power and control, like the driver of a car, and being given the duty of making sure nothing goes wrong is the most terrifying thing for them. Enter self-driving cars and their six levels! A.I. is an amazing supplementary tool for many means of transport. In segment two, Ruhani provides startling statistics about young drivers such as
1. Teenagers are responsible for 500,000 car crashes in the US annually.
(KBB)
2. In 2019, 52% of fatal motor vehicle crashes that included teens occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.(CDC)
3. More than 40% of fatal crashes involving teens occurred between 9 pm and 6 am in 2019. (CDC)
4. For 16-19-year-olds, the fatal crash risk per mile driven is three times higher than drivers aged 20+. (CDC)
5. In 2019, almost a quarter of drivers 15–20 who lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents had been drinking. (CDC)
When it comes to teens and their phone addiction, teen driver accidents surveys find that over 55% of them can’t seem to shake it while driving and admit to talking on the phone while being behind the wheel. The minimum amount of attention a driver needs to text is five seconds, which is the same as driving past a whole football field with your eyes off the road.

In the final segment, Ruhani, reads her original poetry. One is about driving past old sights and feeling nostalgia. A second poem was written on her recent 17th birthday, reflecting her dramatic side. The third poem is called The Fallen Tree about existence. She also wrote a special poem for her best friend to express gratitude for their friendship. Her final perfect poem is titled Yellow. Tune in to Express Yourself!™ to listen to this beautiful and informative program!

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/136795/mobility-and-teen-driving

4-3-22 Avoiding Food Waste, Feeding the Planet with Love, Peace, and Vegetables

“If we change the criteria for purchasing all foods in public schools, and buy directly from the farmers and ranchers that are caring for the land regeneratively, we will address climate change and teach the next generation the values of nourishment, stewardship, and community.”- Alice Waters

Rose and Ruhani host a program about limiting your food waste while learning how to use nutritious foods in new ways. Maggie reiterates the statistic according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the average American generated about 219 pounds (99 kg) of food waste and gives us her simple strategies to eliminate waste from a teen’s perspective. The hosts interview Marcela Tobal Benson who has published one of the most beautiful books we’ve ever seen. Love, Peace and Vegetables is the result of Marcela’s journey to realization, beginning as a child in Buenos Aires, Argentina. With a mashup of Syrian and Israeli Jewish parentage, and the South American cosmopolitan upbringing of Buenos Aires, she was the embodiment of cross-cultural influences, embracing ritual, family, and culture of all. The book is filled with arresting art, poetry, spiritual inspiration, pristine eating food prep instruction, gorgeous photography of luscious dishes, and hundreds of yummy recipes that will entice the pallet. It is a guidebook for self-love and a manual for adding more love and peace into the world. Marcela unselfishly shares her secrets to optimum health and happiness through fresh, organic meals. In the final segment, Rose discusses how she learned about growing her own food and eating healthily through the Alice Waters Edible Schoolyard program offered at her school. Maintaining a school garden results in nutrition lessons that become a consistent, built-in part of students’ educational experience. When children spend days, weeks, and months growing their own food and maintaining a proper garden, they eat more healthily and feel empowered. Find peace and love with vegetables and healthy food. Treat your body with wellness. Bring your heart and soul into the kitchen.
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Bios: Marcela Tobal Benson, M.A.
Marcela Tobal Benson, M.A. is a Spiritual Nutrition Counselor based in Miami Beach, Florida.

As one of the world’s leading teachers in the conscious eating movement, Marcela has been instrumental in carrying the knowledge to an international audience, inspiring nutrition revolutions across the globe. Marcela studied under Gabriel Cousens, M.D., M.D (H), D.D at Cousens School of Holistic Wellness, where she graduated with mastery in Spiritual Nutrition, specializing in spiritual fasting and healing diabetes naturally.

Marcela holds an M.A. in Vegan and Live Food Nutrition from the University of Integrated Science California. She has a background in Ayurvedic science, Amazonian herbalism, crystal, zero-point energy healing, Chinese tonic herbalism, bio-resonance, biofeedback, and frequencies for harmonization and holistic wellness. Marcela holds a certificate of Ordination from the Essene Order of Light of the School of Melchizadek. She is certified as a Quantum Reflex Analysis Practitioner and completed a “Heal the Healers” intensive with Premier Research Labs. Professor David Wagner, the creator, and founder of Tachyon Technologies, personally mentored Marcela as a therapist. In addition, she is qualified as a trainer and teaches workshops in pain management, emotional release, and pain body release to aspiring practitioners.

Marcela was the Coordinator and Principal Teacher of Tree of Life Miami and South America and is the only graduate teacher in the region. Her healing recipes have appeared in a number of bestselling health and wellness books, both in Spanish and English — including the second edition of There Is A Cure For Diabetes by Gabriel Cousens, M.D., M.D(H)., D.D., and Nutricion Inteligente by Sacha Barrios, which sold 26,000 copies in six months.

Marcela is the author of Love, Peace & Vegetables: Recipes for Conscious Living. This Magnus opus holds more than 18 years of research in the field of body, mind, spirit and vegan nutrition. She brings this knowledge together as an exquisitely designed book that includes lifestyle advice, inspiration, affirmations, tips, menus, over 150 Live-Food, Vegan recipes, original art, and color pictures. Marcela teaches us how to structure water and our kitchen for holistic health and the power behind these upgrades. The book is an inspiration that will guide the reader to create delicious, healthy, and balanced meals that can heal us and change our lives for the better. Her book is a celebration of compassion, love, and peace.

Marcela is a passionate poet, mystic, and alchemist in the kitchen. She is the mother of two amazing grownups and a spiritual mother to many of her students. With more than 22 years in professional practice, students praise her passion, devotion, and encyclopedic knowledge, as well as her willingness to teach from her own life experiences. https://marcela.love/book/

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/136681/no-food-waste-feeding-the-planet-with-love-peaceand-vegetables

3-27-22 Internet Culture and Child Sex Trafficking

“Child slavery is a crime against humanity. Humanity itself is at stake here.” —Kailash Satyarthi
The internet is a powerful tool and an integral part of modern society. Living in a fast-paced digital world, individuals can contact others worldwide at the simple click of a button. Applications like social media and Google have created many benefits, such as staying up to date with important events and global news, increased interaction with other individuals, and increased accessibility to educational material. As of 2019, 59.5% of the worldwide population used some form of internet. That is 4.66 billion people, all interconnected through one single platform!

However, with this increased communication and exposure to potential strangers and outsiders, internet safety is a top priority that should be taken seriously when searching and using the Internet and technology. The internet can be a dangerous place, prone to predators ready to pounce on innocent children and teens. Ruhani and Hannah highlight the isolation and loneliness that the pandemic has caused in young people and the exploitation that has resulted.
• 10 is the average age of child being groomed online
• 8 days is a how quickly a predator can groom and
recruit a child into sending nudes or leaving home to
meet a stranger
• 98 is the percent increase in child online exploitation between 2020 and 2021
• 21.7 million reports of child sexual exploitation made to the CyberTipline in 2020 included 65.4 million images, videos, and other files.
They each provide a powerful segment of advice from teens for teens to keep them safe and also converse with one another about personal experiences. Staying safe online is critical when surfing the Internet. Some methods are:
• Keeping all information secure and private
• Setting strong passwords and safeguards for all social medias and applications used
• Double check and verify information and links sent to you, as it could possible be a scam
• Be extremely careful when talking to strangers online
• Using secure wifis and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to avoid getting hacked or having your IP address leaked
They advise to never give out home or school addresses or send sexually explicit photos via the internet, even to a boyfriend or girlfriend as those could be used in a nefarious way. “Grooming” refers to when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with someone so they can manipulate, exploit and/or abuse them. They discuss catfishing, when someone claims to look like a specific person, but they may be using someone else’s profile.

Now more than ever children are at risk for online child exploitation and it canhappen at home. Any child can be targeted and is susceptible.

How to Get out/How to Get Help
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, these organizations can help:
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
Shared Hope International: 866-457-5433
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 800-843-5678
Rescue America: 713-322-8000

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/136570/internet-culture-and-child-sex-trafficking

3-20-22 Be a Volunteer

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Do you volunteer to help others? If not, why not? The paradigm of life is the more you help others, the more you help yourself. Hosts Rose and Ruhani share their experiences with being a volunteer. Rose talks about being a counselor at Camp Harmony where she was able to build relationships and have an impact on dozens of homeless and less fortunate children using her leadership skills. Ruhani believes that working with children is specifically fulfilling. Ruhani is currently volunteering teaching a Writing with the Stars FREE online writing workshop. (https://www.bethestaryouare.org/writing-with-the-stars-virtual-workshop) She also tutored for a program that taught children in India English. They discuss the importance of volunteering for nonprofits where you believe in the mission. Ruhani and Rose provide information on various opportunities and suggest people do a Google search to align passions with volunteer work including conservation, farm work, climate change, art, or working with the elderly. Kevin Choo, the newest reporter for Be The Star You Are!® launches his segment, “A.I. and Us,” to discuss the ramifications A.I. has and will have on different parts of our life. Art`ificial Intelligence is a complex field and Kevin knows his stuff. Stay tuned for more.

If you are looking to volunteer with Be the Star You, please visit our websites at https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org, http://www.BTSYA.org, and www.StarStyleRadio.com
We have numerous virtual opportunities that will help you grow as a leader.

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Bio: Kevin Choo
Kevin Choo is a sophomore at Amador Valley High School. His favorite subjects are Math, Computer Science, and Biology. In addition, he enjoys playing badminton and reading books. He speaks Korean, English, and French. He was taught the first two from birth since he is of Korean descent but was born in the U.S.A., while the last is from an elective class he is taking. He has lived in Pleasanton, California his entire life but has traveled to several places for summer vacations, with his personal favorite being Switzerland. He is relatively introverted and turtle-like, so unless he is contacted or prodded first, he tends to be holed up in the shell he calls his room. His favorite type of day is when it’s raining, and he is free for the entire day. That way, he can stay cozy in his room, reading a good book or watching Youtube while listening to the pattering of the rain. He is also fairly absent-minded or air-headed most of the time, but very efficient when he puts his mind to something.| His segment on Express Yourself is A.I. and Us, about the ramifications of artificial intelligence.

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/136439/be-a-volunteer
•

3-13-22 College Admissions with Dr. Don Martin

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela.
As spring begins, colleges send letters of rejection or acceptance to teenagers across the world. Hosts Sidney and Ruhani discuss the process in-depth on today’s show. They are joined by Dr. Don Martin, a successful college admissions coach with 28 years of experience. As he was a dean at many well-known schools across the nation and is currently a renowned counselor, Dr. Martin provides valuable information for any upcoming undergrad or grad school applicant. The three of them touch on relevant topics, such as the search for a college that is able to benefit you completely and the recent cut of UC Berkeley’s admitted class size — you don’t want to miss out! Sidney and Ruhani also talk to Diya during her segment Silver Lining. Diya, a senior in high school who has recently finished her college applications, provides first-hand advice on the process. It’s important to work on your end goal during each school year, but don’t stress too much, you got this! Sidney and Ruhani conclude the show by giving their own takes on the application and admissions process. Remember, education is key, and it’s extremely interesting (and useful) to see what these individuals have to say about college!

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Bio: Dr. Don Martin
Dr. Don Martin has had a very unlikely path to success, both personally and professionally, including many amazing experience of incredible timing: *Spent 28 years in graduate enrollment and student services; evaluated over 125,000 applications during that time. *Was Dean of Admissions/Financial Aid and Dean of Students at Columbia University (Teachers College), The University of Chicago (Booth School of Business), Northwestern University (Medill School of Journalism), and Wheaton College (IL). *Has earned master’s degree (1983) and Ph.D. (1995) *Wrote and published Road Map for Graduate Study: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students in 2008 (2nd edition in 2018) *Wrote and published an International Student supplement for Road Map in 2009. *Former columnist, US News & World Report Magazine. *Coaches undergraduate and graduate school applicants. *Has made undergraduate/graduate school presentations on college/university campuses in North America, Europe and Asia. www.GradSchoolRoadMap.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/136358/college-admissions-with-dr-don-martin

3-6-22 Social Entrepreneurship and Female Leadership

Would you like to be an entrepreneur or a leader? Host Diya Hituvalli brings her segment of Silver Lining talking about an social entrepreneurship initiative she developed called KeepMeSafe, a voice recognition technology to help the user in times of need. She discusses why and how she developed the KeepMeSafe app which is downloadable for FREE on the iOS App Store. (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/keepmesafe/id1510283747)
Diya interviews author, Betsy Cerulo, with her book SKAKE IT OFF LEADERSHIP, that will empower any leader with the skills, wisdom, and strength to successfully create or grow a business, while insuring balance and personal fulfillment. As an LGBTQ business leader, she learned how to shake-off the slights, disappointments, and roadblocks in building a successful business—not just the issues related to discrimination, but with all of the gumption, wisdom and courage it takes to create a thriving enterprise, with quality, happy, engaged staff and curation of clients that are an asset to the business. In the final segment, Diya reads a piece penned by Rose Sarner, discussing influential women leaders who have paved the way and are paving the way for myself and other women, including Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Amelia Earhart. In the world it is really important that young girls see themselves in positions of power and succeeding in life so they gave feel empowered to do so themselves!

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Bio: Betsy Cerulo
In 1990, Betsy Cerulo founded AdNet/AccountNet, Inc., a Baltimore based company with a powerful mission of being “Advocates for Workplace Excellence & Equality”. AdNet is a Professional Staffing & Executive Search firm focused on providing exemplary Human Capital Management services to government and corporate clients throughout the United States. AdNet places subject matter experts with Accounting/Finance, Human Resources and Legal expertise. Since 2011, AdNet excels at identifying and managing teams of individuals who provide Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Services, as well as Reasonable Accommodation assistants who handle administrative tasks for government and corporate employees who are blind or deaf. The company is 8a, LGBTE and WBE certified.

Betsy is the Co-Founder and Past President of the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce, which successfully launched in 2017 and was awarded Rising Star Chamber in 2018 by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. In 2021, Betsy and eight community leaders founded the Maryland LGBT Foundation, which is a 501c3/non-profit entity, working in partnership with the Maryland LGBT Chamber. Betsy serves as the Board President. The Foundation generates resources and works to activate, educate and mobilize the LGBTQ+ community to access opportunity and wealth generation.

She also serves on the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce certification committee, which verifies that eligible businesses are majority owned by LGBT individuals. This certified LGBT Business Enterprise designation allows businesses to better compete for corporate contracts. Betsy is a member of the Women’s President’s Organization, which is a global peer advisory group for female CEO’s.

Betsy is a passionate activist pushing for equity and equal rights for women and all diverse groups.

Betsy is the author of Shake It Off Leadership-Achieving Success Through the Eyes of our Labels and a children’s book, Miss Crabapple and Her Magical Violin, which tells a story of how the quietest child in a group can light up dreams when we ask questions. She is also a contributing author of two compilations Women Living Consciously and Keys to Conscious Business Growth.
Website:

• www.betsycerulo.com
• www.adnetp3.com
•

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcerulo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsycerulo/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsy_cerulo/

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/136208/social-entrepreneurship-and-female-leadership

2-27-22 Talking About Nonprofits!

Nonprofit organizations operate with the primary objective of benefiting society. Nonprofit organizations play a growing role in the social and economic well-being of the United States. They provide services, goods, and resources to meet community needs. Host Nihal Gill provides an overview of the important work that nonprofit organizations provide to the public. As a teen, Nihal started a non-profit to provide teens around the world the tools to learn STEM skills and further spark their interest in STEM fields. He then interviews Cynthia Brian, founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity to discover why she began the charity and discuss the challenges and triumphs. Nihal expressed his gratitude to Be the Star You Are!® for helping him to find his voice, confidence, and talents while sharing his opinions as a reporter and host of Express Yourself!™. The newest reporter of Pet Prescriptions, Kirpa Gill, is the younger sister of Nihal and makes her debut to talk about nonprofits that provide for and support animals. Their conversation revolves around help, volunteering, and making a difference. Get involved with a nonprofit that feeds your soul. Volunteer and donate. Nonprofits deserve our time, energy, and money.

“To be a leader, you must be a reader. Read, lead, succeed. Communicate, collaborate, innovate!” Cynthia Brian, Founder, Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3

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Bio: Kirpa Gill
Kirpa Gill, a sixth grader at Julien Elementary School in the GATE program, loves to spend her free time with her German Shepherd, Simba. Kirpa is very compassionate about animals and her future career goal is to become a veterinarian, and provide free services to rescue animals. Her love for music is expressed through the piano, which she has been playing for the last 3 years. Kirpa has been a member of the Girl Scouts and was promoted to a Cadette last year. She has presented great leadership and academic skills and was rewarded Rotary Student of the Month for her school. She is also a two-time gold-medal winner for the county spelling bee. After observing her brother host for “Express Yourself Teen Radio” Kirpa is ecstatic about becoming a reporter on “Express “and being able to reach out and make a difference. Her segment is called Pet Prescription.

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.

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. (www.CynthiaBrian.com

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/136098/talking-about-nonprofit-organizations

2-20-22 Astrology and Numerology

Hosts Rose and Ruhani interview astrologer/numerologist Jesse Kalsi, author of All About Numbers. No doubt you’ve heard about numerology, the study of the influence of numbers on your life and destiny. But chances are you’ve never heard about ASTRONUMEROLOGY! That is because it’s the discovery of Jesse Kalsi, a world-renowned counselor sought out by Hollywood and Bollywood stars, Silicon Valley billionaires, real estate moguls, entertainment companies and people just like you. Rose talks about how zodiac signs not only offer fun facts about your personality traits and love matches, but zodiac signs also reveal information about your skin's needs. She emphasizes the power of natural whole foods and the large impact they have because food is medicine. The use of fresh foods to create healthy beauty regimes have thrived since ancient times. For example, Cleopatra took milk baths. Ruhani announces her upcoming FREE writing workshop for kids ages 9-14, Writing with the STARS. Information: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/writing-with-the-stars-virtual-workshop Email: thestarsworkshop@gmail.com to Register for FREE. Ruhani, provides an in-depth explanation about the 12 zodiac signs including the dates and the characteristics of people born under each sign. If you wonder astrological signs of celebrities, Ruhani offers a names and dates for each month. Learn more about astrology and numerology not only for fun but for your success.
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•
Bio: Jesse Kalsi
Jesse is a world-renowned AstroNumerologist. He specializes in residential and business numerology and provides valuable insight on the power of numbers and how they affect our lives. In his books, The Power of Home Numbers and All About Numbers, he combines his Eastern upbringing with his Western experience to bring awareness and understanding of this phenomenon. Over the past twenty years, Jesse has consulted thousands of people and affected their lives positively. His clients include prominent business people and extremely successful communication and entertainment companies. Jesse has appeared on many radio and television shows in the U.S. and his unique perspective on Numerology has amazed his audience.
A successful real estate broker by trade, Jesse is also a Certified Federal Aviation Administration Flight Instructor and holds a commercial pilot’s license. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in India and holds an LLM in International Legal Studies from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.
Jesse graduated from the National Defense Academy of India and pursued advanced studies at the Indian Military Academy. He served as a Captain in the 1st Battalion, 3rd Gurkha Rifles, formerly called “The Queen’s Own.” Intending to devote his life to military affairs, Jesse left the army when he was informed of his true life purpose while posted at the Jammu-Kashmir frontier. He originally came to the U.S. to learn to fly, but eventually returned here to make his home in California.
• Jesse Kalsi lives in California with his family. www.jessekalsi.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jesse-Kalsi-Author/101995069855749
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessekalsi
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-kalsi-99886b2a
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jkalsi201
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjessekals
•
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/135958/astrology-and-numerology

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

award winning books, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, Simple Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning, and Leading and Be the Star You Are Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World .

"I had so much fun speaking with Siri and Andrea. They are fantastic hosts! Please convey my thanks to them and to your engineer Josh for a superb program. You are ALL amazing.!" Dr. Cecilia Aragon, Author, Flying Free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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