2021 Guests-Express Yourself! | starstyleradio

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2021 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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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

9-5-21 Women's Safety

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

8-29-21 Environmental Crisis

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

8-22-21
Ecology, Healing with Nature, and Environmental Racism

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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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132926/ecology-healing-with-nature-and-environmental-racism

Space Exploration

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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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132814/space-exploration

8-8-21 Social Media and More

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

8-1-21 Performing and Country Recording Artist, Mikayla Lane

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.

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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

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.
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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

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
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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/132316/being-a-teen-entrepreneur

7-11-21 Leadership

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

7-4-21 4th of July Trivia and Write a Poem

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

6-27-21 Poetry and Gratitude

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

6-20-21 Father's Day Special: Teens Honor Dads

6-20-21 Father's Day Special: Teens Honor Dads

It’s a Father’s Day special on Express Yourself! as Diya Hituvalli and Nihal Gill celebrate their dads. They talk about all the special qualities that their dads bring to the family and share personal stories of experiences and funny situations. Both teens enjoy playing golf with their dads. You’ll learn a little bit of the history of the holiday and get tips on how to pamper your pop.
Happy Father’s Day from Be the Star You Are!® and all the of the Express Yourself! Radio team.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/131858/teens-honor-their-dads

6-13-21 Science Fiction and Movies

6-13-21 Science Fiction and Movies

Did you watch a ton of movies during this past year? Diya Hituvalli and her family spent free tine during the pandemic enjoy a variety of films. Her favorites are rom-com and horror, but in this episode of Express Yourself!™ she details her favorite movie recommendations across all genres. In the second segment, Diya interviews science fiction author of the Exodus starship adventure series and Exodus Universe novels., Robert Stadnik. In his newest book, “Infinite Retribution” humanity is ready to extend its hand out into space after nearly a century of oppression. But what was to be a routine survey mission for the starship INFINITY turns ominous as humanity’s greatest enemy, thought extinct, is found hidden on a remote planet. Robert talks about how his travels and the people he encounters provide fodder for his novels. His dreams are the impetus for the fantasy and fiction that is created. Because he has developed so many characters and locations, he keeps copious notes of each person’s traits, experiences, travels, and more as he never knows who will pop up to be the main actor of his next installment. The interview is a very fun peak inside the mind of a prolific science fiction writer. Hopefully one of his books will be made into a streaming series soon,

Escape into fiction and fantasy through books and movies.

Bio: Robert Stadnik is a science fiction writer, author of the Exodus starship adventure series and Exodus Universe novels. Originally from Southern California, Robert has lived in Phoenix, Arizona for over twenty years. He travels extensively for work here in the U.S. and internationally, meeting people from all walks of life. In “Infinite Retribution” (Phoenix Books,), the latest addition to Robert Stadnik’s widely-read Exodus Universe novels, humanity is ready to extend its hand out into space after nearly a century of oppression had prevented them from doing so. Now part of a newly formed alien alliance, the military commemorates this new age by building their first generation of starships to explore the unknown and fortify the solar system. But what was to be a routine survey mission for the starship INFINITY turns ominous as humanity’s greatest enemy, thought extinct, is found hidden on a remote planet. Will the crew try to make peace with the last of the Screen or will their desire for revenge overtake them?
www.robertstadnik.com
https://twitter.com/rstadnik1?lang=en

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/131732/science-fiction-and-movies

6-6-21 Life After Trauma-Getting Through It!

6-6-21 Life After Trauma-Getting Through It!

Diya Hituvali hosts a program that focuses on hardships that people experience throughout life. In her first segment, Diya dives into domestic violence…what it is and how to get help. She then interviews Dr. Alexandra Chauran to find out ways to be positive and move forward after experiencing devastation. Hardship dictated the topic for Chauran’s latest book, Getting Through It: Reclaim & Rebuild Your Life Through Adversity, Change or Trauma., as in 2015 she was diagnosed with aggressive, Stage IIIC triple positive breast cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, her husband left near the end of her treatment, throwing her life into the turmoil of divorce. Having found her pain and her medicine, Chauran seeks to share fresh education from the school of hard knocks. In the final segment, Diya looks at the ways our lives have been impacted by the pandemic.
Though no individual’s situation is the same, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a shared human experience of remarkable uncertainty, isolation, and hardship. Despite all the tragedies we have endured, we can get through it. Trauma will be a part of life but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

Bio: Dr. Alexandra Chauran is a multi-published author who has written 26 books. She holds a doctoral degree from Valdosta State University and a Master in Teaching from Seattle University. She loves carefully building learning plans for people to understand esoteric subjects. From fortune telling to surviving adversity and confronting death, Charuran’s books stretch across human experience to touch different audiences.
In her spiritual life, Chauran leads a coven and trains seekers to the craft of Wicca. Since 1999, she has worked as a fortune teller, serving thousands around the globe at parties and celebrations as well as one on one and with apprentices. Having studied Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Washington, Chauran has worked as an interfaith chaplain at Harborview Hospital and the University of Washington Medical Center.
Hardship dictated the topic for Chauran’s latest book, as in 2015 she was diagnosed with aggressive, Stage IIIC triple positive breast cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, her husband left near the end of her treatment, throwing her life into the turmoil of divorce. Having found her pain and her medicine, Chauran seeks to share fresh education from the school of hard knocks in the book, Getting Through It: Reclaim & Rebuild Your Life Through Adversity, Change or Trauma. The most important book she’s ever written, Chauran hopes this work will nurture the resilience in millions of trauma sufferers worldwide.
Book page https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738764207
Author page: https://www.llewellyn.com/author.php?author_id=5178

http://twitch.tv/QueenOfDiamonds

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/131590/life-after-trauma-getting-through-it

5-30-21 Happiness

5-30-21 Happiness

Nihal Gill and Diya Hituvalli cohost an hour of Indian happiness. They interview the dynamic new author Payal Doshi for her Middle Grade read, Rea and the Blood of the Nectar, the story of 12-year-old Rea Chettri from Darjeeling, India, who goes off on a secret and thrilling quest as she portals into the magical realm of Astranthia to find her missing twin brother Rohan. Payal’s first draft of her book showcased Caucasian characters, locations, and elements. When her writing teacher asked why she hadn’t created Indian protagonists, she realized that South Asian characters are often portrayed in a stereotypical manner or under-represented completely. She pivoted to writing from the culture she knows and loves. The result is the first book in a captivating series for pre-teens. The interview is lively, upbeat, and full of joy. The Gift of Happiness from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 gifts for Living, Loving Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference ends the hour of happiness.
Help each other to be happy.
Never mind if help be small.
Giving a little is far better
Than giving none at all.

BIO: Payal Doshi has a Masters in Creative Writing (Fiction) from The New School, New York. Having lived in India, the UK, and the US, she noticed a lack of Indian protagonists in global children’s fiction and one day wrote the opening paragraph to what would become her first children’s novel. When she isn’t writing or spending time with her family, you can find her nose deep in a book with a cup of coffee or daydreaming of fantasy realms to send her characters off into. She loves the smell of old, yellowed books. Rea and the Blood of the Nectar is the first book in The Chronicles of Astranthia series. She currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For more information, visit her website, www.payaldoshiauthor.com, or follow her on Instagram @payaldoshiauthor and on Twitter @payaldwrites.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/131482/happiness

5-23-21 Science and Fiction

5-23-21 Science and Fiction

Nihal Gill and Diya Hituvalli cohost a program about the intersection of science and fiction. They interview the delightful storyteller, physician, and author, Dr. Susan McCormick about her newest book, The Antidote. With her unique perspective as a doctor, mother and writer, McCormick combines her knowledge of medicine and her storytelling skills to craft a one-of-a-kind adventure about disease, darkness, and deception. She intersperses Easter eggs about scientific facts throughout her fictional writings for young readers. Nihal talks about how we use science daily and how science benefits humanity. Diya focuses on good and evil while discussing the difference between a psychopath and a sensitive person.
Science and fiction live on the same planet offering us superpowers. Trust the science. Enjoy the fiction.

Bio: Susan McCormick is a writer and doctor who lives in Seattle. She graduated from Smith College and George Washington University School of Medicine and served as a doctor for nine years in the U.S. Army before moving to the Pacific Northwest and civilian practice. In addition to “The Antidote,” she writes a cozy murder mystery series, “The Fog Ladies.” She also wrote “Granny Can’t Remember Me,” a lighthearted picture book about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She is married with two boys, neither of whom have any special powers. She loves giant dogs and has had St. Bernards, an English Mastiff, Earl, and two Newfoundlands, Edward and Albert. None of them had any special powers, either, except the ability to shake drool onto the ceiling. Visit her at https://susanmccormickbooks.com.
-- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanmccormickauthor/
-- Twitter: https://twitter.com/smccormickbooks
-- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanmccormickbooks/

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/131381/science-and-fiction

5-16-21 Perseverance, Persistence, and Women’s Judo

5-16-21 Perseverance, Persistence, and Women’s Judo

“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”

Are you inspired by entrepreneurs and changemakers in today’s world who come from humble beginnings and through hard work, persistence, and sacrifice reach their dreams? Host Diya Hituvalli admires individuals who persevere against all odds and shares stories of a few remarkable people. Our guest is Jean Kanokogi,PHD who published her mother’s memoir post-humously about Rusty Kanaokogi, the Mother of Women’s Judo. The book, Get Up & Fight,follows the fifty-year uphill battle that Rusty waged on behalf of women’s rights on and off the mat, a journey that ultimately led her to the Olympics. Jean discusses her childhood and what it was like growing up and how her mon taught her to fight for what’s right. Jean emphasizes the importance of tenacity, dedication, diligence, and sacrifice to achieve any level of expertise. In the final segment, Diya reads The Gift of Persistence from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens. The overall message is to never quit and to know that
whatever you want in life you can have if you are willing to work long and hard to achieve it.

“Persistence prevails when all else fails. Never ever give up on your dreams!”

Bio: Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D

Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D. is a Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Government with extensive experience in conducting criminal investigations. With a career spanning 23 years in law enforcement, Jean has been the lead investigator on several high-profile cases, including the attacks on 9/11 and many that focus on protecting public health.

Jean is a 5th degree black belt in judo and a highly respected sensei. She was on the U.S. national judo team, now known as USA Judo, and won several medals in international tournaments. Most notably, Jean was one of the original signers of the American Civil Liberty Union suit to fight for women’s rights in the sport of judo.

Jean is the co-author of her mother’s story, Get Up & Fight: the Memoir of Rusty Kanokogi, The Mother of Women’s Judo. She has authored numerous mental health and law enforcement related articles in various professional publications and publishes a column in the Eighteen Eleven, the professional Journal of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), with a readership of over 36,000. One of her treasured experiences includes consulting on the television program “Law and Order, Special Victim’s Unit.” https://www.rustykanokogi.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/131251/perseverance-persistence-and-womens-judo

Oceans and Magic Connections

Oceans and Magic Connections

• Since childhood host, Andrea Smith, was drawn to the ocean. It’s mystical presence, its infinite size, its deep blue waters dazzling underneath the sun enchanted her. Oceans inhabit 72% of our Earth. The sea provides over half of the world's oxygen and absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere. It is home to over 230,000 species and scientists predict that there are up to two million species that we haven’t discovered as 80% of the oceans remain unexplored.
• Yet our oceans are in deep trouble.
• In segment two, she interviews attorney turned psychic Michelle Welch about her book, The Magic of Connection, which teaches how to embrace spiritual connection to live a more empowered life. In lively discussions, Michelle teaches us how empathic abilities can help you heal your inner wounds while staying connected to your community. She shares information of her time as an attorney and instructions for using crystals, meditations, and affirmations. In the final segment, we’ll find multiple ways to enjoy our oceans and feel connected to Mother Earth. Protect our oceans and connect to our soul.
•
•
• BIO: Michelle Welch
• Michelle Welch is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Management , Baylor Law School with a Juris Doctorate, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Philosophy. She is Owner and Founder of SoulTopia Academy, Owner of SoulTopia Holistic Boutique, and host of SoulWhat Podcast. Her own life transformation from successful attorney to passionately assisting others on their life path gives her unique perspective and insight. She utilizes her entrepreneurial skills, extensive community service work, and years of experience in mentoring and teaching law school to help others reach their full potential. As a psychic medium, medical intuitive and energy worker, Michelle specializes in helping people gain clarity, discover their soul's purpose, overcome trauma, and claim self-empowerment. She is an Ordained Minister, Reiki Master/Teacher and a Crystal Healer Master/Teacher. Her book “The Magic of Connection: Stop Cutting Cords and Transform Negative Energy to Live an Empowered Life” was released January 2021 by Llewelyn Worldwide Publishing. As a "reformed attorney", she decided to pursue her soul purpose and is passionate about her calling to assist others in gaining clarity and self-empowerment. In intuitive and healing sessions, Michelle receives clear messages for you and has a direct, yet compassionate, form of delivery. As an empath and “clair-blend” she utilizes “modality-matching” to determine the best tools suited to meet her client’s desires or needs. She is also available for Intuitive Sessions and Healing Sessions at SoulTopia. As seen on CBS News, Inside Edition, Coast to Coast, The Jenny McCarthy Show, Ask the Oracles, JustBernard, T Love’s Blog Talk Radio, The Morning After, and Good Morning Texas.
• SoulWhat airs live on Tuesdays at Facebook, iTunes, YouTube, iHeart Radio, Spotify & Google Podcast.
• Youtube: Michelle SoulTopia https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6fnBTTD2lSGWoP8KCViCOA
• Facebook SoulWhat
• https://www.facebook.com/soulwhatsoultopia
•
• Private Group: Intuitive Insights
• https://www.facebook.com/soulwhatsoultopia
•
• Social Media
• Soultopia: @soultopiaholisticboutique
• SoulWhat Podcast: @soulwhatsoultopia
• @MichelleSoulTopia
• @soultopiaholisticboutique
• michellewelch5012 (IG)
• * Tag publisher @LlewellynBooks LlewellynBooks
• @eileenduhnecommuncations
•
• Website:
• www.Michellewelch.com
• www.mysoultopia.com
• www.soultopia.guru
•
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/131117/oceans-and-magic-connections

5-2-21 Travel and Yoga Nidra

5-2-21 Travel and Yoga Nidra

Hosts Maggie Campione and Diya Hituvalli travel the world, sharing where they’ve been and where they want to go as soon as pandemic restrictions are lifted. The hosts interview Julie Lusk about her book, Yoga Nidra Meditations which offers deeply restorative rest and relaxation that feautres fourteen of the best Yoga Nidra experts in the world. Providing amazing insights on yogic sleep and how to build your own practice, Yoga Nidra Meditations helps you foster spiritual development, improve stress management, and enhance wellness. Yoga Nidra is an empowering meditation done lying down rather than sitting, and it gives you the calm and focus to work through a variety of physical, mental, and emotional issues. One of the techniques of Yoga Nidra is visualization which , with guided imagery, helps us travel mentally. The body can’t tell the difference! Decrease stress, become more balanced, and travel through yoga nidra! Where do you want to travel when restrictions are lifted?

BIO: Julie Lusk
Julie Lusk is a Hatha Yoga Nidra Ambassador. Four decades of experience in yoga, relaxation training, guided imagery, and meditation inform her work. She gives the gifts of these practices to others through her writings, teachings, classes, trainings, and by personal example. She is known for bringing the best out in others through her depth of knowledge, natural lightheartedness, and caring nature. Professionally, she has worked in health care management, higher education, counseling, and community organizing. Thousands have benefited from her volunteer work. Her company, Wholesome Resources, believes that stress management, wellness strategies, and mind-body techniques are indispensable to be competitive and successful in today’s world and essential for professional and personal growth. Training, presenting, consulting and resource materials are all available. Julie is the author of six books including Yoga Nidra Meditations: 24 Scripts for True Relaxation; Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief, Yoga Meditations, two volumes of 30 Scripts for Relaxation, Imagery and Inner Healing, and Desktop Yoga®. Her recordings include Yoga Nidra Essentials, Wholesome Relaxation, Power of Presence, and many others. https://JulieLusk.com and www.WholesomeResources.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/130979/travel-and-yoga-nidra

4-25-21 Meditations for the Soul and KeepMeSafe APP

4-25-21 Meditations for the Soul and KeepMeSafe APP

Host Diya Hituvalli interviews Neale Lundgren, PhD about his fascinating life and new book, Meditations for the Soul. The book guides you on a journey through accessible meditations to help you experience the deep joy and fulfillment that comes when we live in the immediate now. Included are 30 awakening exercises designed to help you activate your soul’s senses, become more present to your life and learn to bring soulfulness to your relationships. During the interview, Dr. Lundgren helps you reconnect to your soul and strengthen your personal sense of purpose in life through breathing techniques, visualizations, and more. Diya expands on the benefits of meditation, a practice that originated in India and has expanded throughout the globe. Meditations connects us with nature and helps us to be healthier. Diya then shares her journey of developing the app, KeepMeSafe. The app, available for FREE in the iOS app store, incorporates voice-recognition with location tracking to offer assistance to women, children, or anyone who feels they are in danger. She is still working out the bugs and invites everyone to download KeepMeSafe and report any bugs. The app has already won several awards.

Bio: Neale Lundgren, PhD, is a therapist, a former Benedictine monk, a poet, and a musician. He received his doctoral degree from Emory University in psychological, philosophical, and religious thought and has taught at St. John’s University, Emory University, and Pacifica Graduate Institute. As a teacher, he uses the conversation of presence, reflective reading, meditation, and transformational energy work to help put students in touch with the sacred. Neale lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit him online at www.nealelundgren.com.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/130853/meditations-for-the-soul-and-keepmesafe-app

4-11-21 Technology, A.I., Data Mining

4-11-21 Technology, A.I., Data Mining

Diya Hituvalli and Siri Phaneedra host a fascinating program dedicated to technology and emerging technologies. Diya especially is fascinated by artificial intelligence with its unlimited possibilities to detect disease, eliminate world hunger, and make life easier through automation. She unveils the free app she developed, KeepMeSafe, a women's safety tool that utilizes voice recognition and location tracking to prevent sexual assault available in the iOS app store. The hosts interview author Michael C. Bland with his sci-fi title “The Price of Safety” which examines the dangers of data mining and the dark side of surveillance. An eerie depiction of the not-too-far future, the novel reveals humanity’s dependence on both technology and family, and asks the question, where do our allegiances truly lie? Siri shares her experience managing and facilitating an entrepreneurship course at UC Berkeley for student entrepreneurs, where she orchestrates fireside chats, panels, and keynote presentations with startup founders. She identifies emerging technologies, from blockchain to 5G, in several industries and pinpoints the forces driving their awareness and adoption.

Bio: Michael C. Bland is a founding member of BookPod: an invitation-only, online group of award-winning writers, filmmakers, journalists, and bestselling authors. One of Michael’s short stories, “Elizabeth,” won Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest 2015 Popular Fiction Awards contest. Three short stories he edited have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Another was adapted into an award-winning film. Michael also had three superhero-themed poems published in The Daily Palette. He currently lives in Denver with his family. His novel, The Price of Safety, is the first in a planned trilogy, and has been recognized as a finalist in both the National Indie Excellence Awards and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. For more information about Michael’s life and work, visit www.mcbland.com.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/129628/technology-ai-data-mining

4-4-21 The Outdoors, Easter, and Mindful Growing

4-4-21 The Outdoors, Easter, and Mindful Growing

Happy Easter and Passover! Andrea Smith hosts a special spring show that focuses on the outdoors and gardening. She reads Cynthia Brian’s Easter Parade article (https://blog.voiceamerica.com/2021/03/30/easter-parade/) that provides information on how to keep wildlife out of your garden. She then interviews Joann Calabrese with her book,
Growing Mindful, a handbook on garden and green world mindfulness practices. It contains an abundance of activities rooted in sensing the wonder and magic of nature. Growing Mindful will help you deepen your spirituality and nurture a unique practice. (mindfulnessgardengames.com ) Andrea winds up the hour providing the health benefits of spending time in the natural world. Spending time walking among or simply looking at trees lowers blood pressure and reduces the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. She shares her own meditative experiences as a surfer, swimmer, ocean lover, and forest bather. Be mindful, Get into Garden, Happy Easter and enjoy the outdoors!

Bio Joann Calabrese
Joann Calabrese is the author of Growing Mindful – Explorations in the Garden to Deepen Your Awareness. She is a lifelong organic gardener and herbalist, as well as a skilled wellness, mindfulness, and recovery educator. Her experience includes meditation, ritual, work, qigong, and tai chi. Her passion is sharing how these intersecting practices can lead to more connectedness and healing the world through workshops and coaching. She co-creates an urban backyard sanctuary in Denver, Colorado where she lives with her dogs Luna and Millie. mindfulnessgardengames.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/129486/the-outdoors-easter-and-mindful-growing

3-28-21 Body image

3-28-21 Body image

“You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself, and see what happens” Louise Hay

What does body image mean? Body image refers to a person’s perceptions, beliefs, and attitude of their own body. Your body image is what you think and how you feel when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind. This includes how you feel about your appearance; what you think about your body itself, such as your height and weight; and how you feel within your own skin. Host Diya Hituvalli and Nihal Gill have a conversation about what body image means to them as individuals. They share experiences, triumphs, and struggles. Am I too fat? Is my nose to big? Do I have big muscles? Have you ever noticed at times that you have asked yourselves these questions? Many people have concerns about their body image. They also read from Cynthia Brian’s book, The Business of Show Business, a chapter called The Gift of Rejection which reflects on the life of an actor being told she is never right for the job. Diya and Nihal offer tips on how you can change your self-criticism into positive body affirmations. Be good to yourself. Compliment others. Know you are enough. Say thank you to your body for supporting you. You are beautiful just the way you are.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/129355/body-image

3-21-21 Mindful Beauty with Dr. Debbie Palmer

3-21-21 Mindful Beauty with Dr. Debbie Palmer

“Beauty is not in the face, beauty is a light in the heart” Kahlil Gibran

What do you consider beautiful? Dermatologist and author, Dr. Debbie Palmer, talks with hosts Andrea Smith and Maggie Campione about her book Mindful Beauty, the all-natural antioxidant skincare collection that she created, Replere, and about combining her work as a medical doctor and osteopath to discover root causes of skin ailments. She gives a glimpse of her day as a busy mom and physician and encourages short spurts of exercise, stress relief, and forest bathing to eliminate stress and maintain balance. The hosts read the chapter, The Gift of Beauty, from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Laughing, Loving, and Learning to Make a Difference that points to the fact that beauty evolves from the inside out. In the final segment, Andrea and Maggie compare tips on make-up and skin care that as teens they are attracted to and enjoy experimenting with. When our souls, hearts, and minds are beautiful, that beauty will be expressed on the exterior where others can sense it. Authentic beauty, then, is our inner radiance shining outward. And when we have inner beauty, it opens our hearts to see more clearly, allowing us to observe the beauty all around us. Beauty is everywhere—in people and nature, in art, architecture, music, food, ideas, and in the world in general.

BIO: DEBBIE PALMER, BBA, DO, FAOCD, FAAD

Dr. Debbie Palmer is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 19 years of experience. She is the Medical Director and Co-Founder of Dermatology Associates of New York, in Harrison. She specializes in medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and laser surgery and has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
Dr Palmer believes that health and beauty are linked and a that a balance in life is key to looking younger and having harmony with your body, mind, and soul.
Widely respected for her expertise, Dr. Palmer has had her work published in leading medical journals and has lectured nationally and internationally about the benefits of healthy eating, anti-aging, and antioxidants and how they can improve the health and appearance of your skin.

Dr. Palmer is one of only several hundred dermatologists in the country also trained in osteopathic medicine—a holistic philosophy and approach that relates each part of the body to the entire system. “You cannot and should not treat a problem the skin is experiencing without looking at the condition of the entire body,” explains Dr. Palmer.
Dr. Palmer graduated from the University of Michigan and earned her medical degree summa cum laude from Kansas City University. Dr. Palmer completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute and completed her residency in dermatology at St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, New York.

She is a Fellow and active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, and the American Osteopathic Association.

Dr. Palmer is author of three books including her latest release, Mindful Beauty. She is founder of Replere, a clinically proven, antioxidant skincare collection that helps to slow down aging and restore the skin’s natural radiance. Replere products are made from carefully selected natural ingredients and are paraben, fragrance, and dye free.

Website: http://www.drdebbiepalmer.com/
Facebook: @drdebbiepalmer
Twitter: @replere
Instagram: @drdebbiepalmer

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/129248/mindful-beauty-with-dr-debbie-palmer

3-14-21 Passion and Storytelling

3-14-21 Passion and Storytelling

What is your passion, and how can you access it? Your passion is unique to you. Andrea Smith and Diya Hituvalli host a program focused on finding our passion and storytelling. They launch the show with a reading of the Gift of Passion from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. They then interview Business Growth Strategist, Parul Agrawal, who discusses her teen years growing up in India, her arranged marriage, and how she found her passion to help people tell their stories by writing and publishing their books. Her Ted X talk, How to Engineer Your Passion, explains her journey and her process. Diya wraps up the broadcast with a reading of reading The Lion and the Mouse from Aesop’s Fables and a discussion about the power of storytelling. Don’t apologize for your God-given gifts. You are one of a kind, and your skills must be shared. Use your gifts in a life of passion.

BIO: Parul Agrawal
Parul Agrawal is a Business Growth Strategist, an Engineer by education and an Entrepreneur by passion. She is an International Bestselling Author, TEDx Speaker and Contributor for Publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur and Good Men Project. Parul Agrawal holds two master degrees in Engineering from Arizona State University (ASU); worked as a Research Scientist at ASU and Engineer for Intel Corporation. As an Engineer, she could have pursued a corporate job and enjoyed a stable pay-check. However, her entrepreneurial spirit called her to venture onto the risky path of online business. Watch her Tedx Talk, How to Engineer Your Passion, https://bit.ly/2PUM8uF She is founder of ParulAgrawal.com, a cutting-edge business consulting and international publishing platform, a company built to empower authentic leadership on the planet. In the last 3 years her company has helped over 400 change makers, entrepreneurs and leaders build their business platform, write, publish and market their books. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorparul
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorparul
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorparul

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/129124/passion-and-storytelling

3-7-2021 Crystals

3-7-2021 Crystals

Crystals harness the energy of the Sun, the Moon, and the Oceans. Humans connect to this energy. As long as we have existed as a species, we have had an affinity with stones and crystals. The use of talismans and amulets date back to the beginnings of humankind, although we have no way of knowing how the earliest of these objects were viewed or used. Host Andrea Smith interviews Hollywood producer, director, and author of Crystal Power, 12 Essential Crystals for Health and Healing, Kac Young, who presents numerous ways that crystals can improve every aspect of wellness. Kac explores the power of integrating crystals with archetypes to heal emotional wounds, explains how to clean crystals, and provides the many benefits of integrating with crystals. In Silver Lining, Diya Hitalli, provides her personal experience in using crystals and talks about how to use the powerful vibrations to manifest the energy you desire. She shares the history and how to shop for your special crystal. In the final segment, Andrea reads segments from Kac’s book, Crystal Power, to provide increased information about the amazing elements and powers of crystals.

BIO: Kac Young
Kac Young has been a producer, writer and director in the Hollywood television industry for over 25 years. Kac has also earned a PhD in Natural Health and a Doctorate in Naturopathy. She completed 36 courses in nutrition from Baylor University. Clients come to her for advice on health, nutrition, and spiritual well-being. Using her third Doctorate degree in Clinical Hypnotherapy, she helps people manage weight control, smoking cessation, behavior modification, stress reduction, past-life regression, and phobia management. She teaches workshops and classes in Metaphysics including, Crystal Healing, Essential Oils, Bach Flowers, Pendulum energy, Moon Energies, Feng Shui, and practical classes in healthy eating and finding the perfect partner. She is the author of 24 books about crystals, relationships, faeries, Feng shui, healthy eating, Bach flowers, essential oils, personal growth and physical healing.
Her entertainment credits include General Hospital, The Showtime Comedy Club Network, Politically Incorrect, Circus of The Stars, The People's Choice Awards, The Golden Globe Awards, The Genesis Awards, and several dozen talk, dramatic, variety and entertainment specials with Hollywood's biggest stars. Most recently she was Vice President of Television Production and Development for Universal Studios Hollywood and has also served on the boards of The Director's Guild of America and Women in Film. She is active on behalf of animal rights and fostering and preserving women's rights.
www.kacyoung.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/128993/crystals

2-28-21 Meditation and Surrender

2-28-21 Meditation and Surrender

Have you ever been so stressed that you have difficulty focusing on one task, and your heart and mind races? Have you caught yourself pacing back and forth? With school being virtual for many, unemployment being high, and our plans being altered monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily, anxiety and stress are affecting many people all over the world. It is at this time we look within ourselves and all around us and find our “calm place” or our “happy place”, somewhere that we can either physically go to or a place we can take our mind and thoughts too. Arjin Claire, Nihal Gill, and Diya Hituvalli provide the history and benefits of meditation. Arjin reads the two chapters, the Gift of Asking and the Gift of Surrender from Cynthia Brian’s award-winning book, Be the Star You Are! 99 gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. Set aside 10 to 20 minutes per day to calm your mind through meditation.

“Before embarking on important undertakings, sit quietly,
calm your senses & thoughts, and meditate deeply.
You will then be guided by the great creative power of Spirit. After that you should utilize all necessary material means to achieve your goal. “
~Paramahansa Yogananda

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself

2-21-21 Mental Health

2-21-21 Mental Health

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close.

Today’s topic is perhaps one of the most important topics and often the least talked about. Mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being. Host Maggie Campione converses with reporters Nihal Gill and Arjin Claire about their research with mental health. Spark the Interest reporter, Nihal, shares the statistic that one out six adolescents are affected by mental health conditions. If you have anxiety, depression, or phobias, although you may feel alone, you are not. The most important thing to do is speak up, talk to somebody, and get help. Arjin explores the role of artificial intelligence in his segment Innovation Nation. He talks about how in our modern, technology filled world, telehealth has become even easier and is popular with the younger population. In American Connection, Maggie declares that she is fascinated by the workings of the brain and the study of psychology. She shares her personal experience in going to therapy for anxiety issues. She relates that it was so healing and healthy that she wants to become a therapist so that she can help others too. She advises others to understand that your problems and struggles are completely valid. It doesn’t matter how seemingly “big” or “small” your problems seem because things that seem insignificant to one person can be huge to another. Mental health isn’t a competition. Stay connected and get help if you suspect a mental health issue.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/128728/mental-health

2-14-21 Valentine's Day and Relationship Building

2-14-21 Valentine's Day and Relationship Building

Express Yourself!™ and host Andrea Smith welcome a new reporter, Diya Hituvalli with her segment, Silver Lining. Diya shares fun historical and trivia facts about the celebration of Valentine’s Day, a celebration that began with the Romans who, on February 14th, executed clergyman Valentine who was performing banned marriages for soldiers. Diya offers facts and fiction with humor and wit. Both teens offer tips about how to celebrate during the pandemic, whether with a partner, friend, or family. “Galantine” gatherings are a favorite for girls. Try baking, giving (and eating) chocolate, hanging out, painting, listening to music, or watching a movie or the sunset. Andrea encourages self-care on Valentine’s by indulging in a face mask or bath bomb. Valentine’s is also a terrific time to improve your relationship with family and friends during this time of quarantine. Cook your Mom and Dad dinner, go on a family hike, create a bonding day. Whatever you do on Valentine’s Day, celebrate the love. Build your relationships with love. Make sure to practice social distancing and wear your face mask.

BIO: Diya Hituvalli
Diya Hituvalli is a junior in high school from the San Francisco Bay Area. She is passionate about technology, speech, literacy, women-empowerment, and business. Her eclectic interests include mindfulness, exploring other cultures, and fashion. She is a volunteer with Be the Star You are!® and a reporter on Express Yourself! with a segment called Silver Lining. www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/128618/valentines-day-and-relationship-building

2-7-21 How to Survive Happily during the Pandemic

2-7-21 How to Survive Happily during the Pandemic

In this hour, teen host Andrea Smith brings to light a positive outlook on everything that is going on around COVID-19. Starting off with an update about COVID-19 and vaccines, Andrea explains what is important to know about the situation at hand right now. She then follows with a segment on mindfulness and self-love, two things that we all need right now. Finally, she wraps up the show with some of her favorites including ways to hang out safely with friends right now including social distanced picnics, parking lot get-togethers, and kayaking. She lets us in on the shows she loves to binge watch tonight, great books to read during this winter season, and so much more! If you’ve been sheltering-at-home, doing on-line school, and missing getting together with friends and family, Andrea spotlights how you make this time a very happy and exciting memory.

Bio: Andrea Smith
Andrea Smith is a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High school and will be attending Georgetown University in the fall of 2021. She loves the outdoors and is always up for a new adventure. She is extremely passionate about global politics through her devotion to Model United Nations. Andrea finds beauty in the simple things in life, is an avid swimmer, and also loves to share ways on how to live a happy and healthy lifestyle! She is a reporter for In the Spotlight and host on Express Yourself Teen Radio and looks forward to a career as a media personality.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/128497/how-to-survive-happily-during-the-pandemic

1-31-21- Allergies and Humor

1-31-21- Allergies and Humor

Do you know how to identify a life-threatening allergy to food or other substances? Hosts Arjin Claire and Andrea Smith take a deep dive into the real dangers of allergies. Arjin has had extreme food allergies to tree nuts, dairy, eggs, and peanuts since he was a child. He recalls an almost fatal encounter with a KIND bar as a teen and offers tips on how to recognize and avoid accidents that could be fatal by being honest and diligent. The duo take a break by offering a selection of Covid humor before Andrea discusses sinus allergies and what to do about them. An allergic reaction can happen at any time. It’s best to be informed and know when to head to the emergency room. A very informative program that could save your life.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/128329/allergies-and-humor

1-24-21 Diplomacy and Empathy

1-24-21 Diplomacy and Empathy

“Alone we can do so little, together, we can do so much”
• Helen Keller
Host Maggie Campione talks about diplomacy and believes that there has never been a better, or worse, time to love politics. In the midst of political divide in our country, a global pandemic, a new administration, and the capitol riots that happened two short weeks ago, there are so many problems in our country that tensions are high and people are equipped with sources to have debates with family, friends, or acquaintances alike. She and co-host Andrea Smith interview former senior attorney adviser with the Justice Department, Katharine Manning discussing diplomacy and empathy in the workplace. Her book, The Empathetic Workplace teaches readers the five steps to respond to trauma at work. Andrea rounds out the hour with her insight on peace, sovereignty, justice, and international affairs. This is a fascinating hour of critical importance offering truth and information in today’s political climate.

Bio: Katharine Manning has over 25 years’ experience training and consulting on trauma and victimization. As a senior attorney adviser with the Justice Department, for 15 years she counseled on victim rights in high-profile cases like the Boston Marathon bombing and the case against Olympic Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. Now president of Blackbird, Manning helps organizations prepare for and respond to the challenges they face involving employees and members of the public in trauma. She has trained thousands on compliance with their responsibilities to victims, and she teaches a course on victim rights at American University. Prior to her government service, Manning was an attorney in private practice representing Fortune 500 companies in class actions, insurance, and media cases. http://www.katharinemanning.com/
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-manning/, https://twitter.com/kl_manning, https://www.instagram.com/empatheticworkplace/

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/128204/diplomacy-and-empathy

1-10-21 Wellness and Toxic Nursing with Cheryl Dellasega

1-10-21 Wellness and Toxic Nursing with Cheryl Dellasega

At the beginning of each new year, many people make a commitment to health and wellness. Siri Phaneendra offers her personal tips to optimum health, including meditation. She interviews relational aggression expert, Cheryl Dellasega, author of Toxic Nursing, who has written many books about the issues facing women. Cheryl describes bullying behaviors, offers tools to diffuse conflict, and advises on how to make the workplace more tolerant, positive, and compliant. Toxic Nursing is a must-read for nurse managers, nurse preceptors, and new nurses. Cheryl also talks about Club and Camp Opheli where she works with girls to confront and overcome relational aggression. In the final segment, Siri reads a chapter from Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers on the Gift of Health by Cynthia Brian. Wishing everyone a healthy, safe, and happy 2021 from the STAR team at Express Yourself!

Bio: • Cheryl Dellasega
Cheryl Dellasega, NP, PhD, is a relational aggression expert, and the author of six books on issues affecting women: When Nurses Hurt Nurses, Forced to be Family, Mean Girls Grown Up, The Starving Family, Girl Wars, and Surviving Ophelia. Dr. Dellasega’s writing and teaching offer essential insights into the different conflicts that arise in female-to-female relationships.

As the founder of Club and Camp Ophelia™ she has helped thousands of girls confront and overcome relational aggression. Her expertise in the world of girls has led to frequent requests for her training workshops for teachers, therapists, and other adults who work with young women. In addition, she speaks to adult women who confront relational aggression at home, in the workplace, and/or within the community.

As a Professor of Humanities in the College of Medicine and Professor of Women’s Studies at The Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Dellasega is actively involved in medical education (teaching, research, and leadership). She also conducts research on psychosocial issues, and leads community outreach efforts. She is an international expert on family relationships and completed a visiting professorship in Sweden. https://www.cheryldellasega.com/books/nonfiction.html

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127955/wellness-and-toxic-nursing-with-cheryl-dellasega

1-3-21 New Year Celebration with Shevyn Roberts

1-3-21 New Year Celebration with Shevyn Roberts

Bye, bye 2020 and thank you for being part of our Express Yourself! galaxy. Host Siri Phaneendra celebrates the beginning of 2021with reporter Nihal Gill who talks about his goals for 2021 plus an energetic and fun interview with pop star, dancer, and actress, Shevyn Roberts who presents a positive performance package. You’ll hear her remix, Runnin Outta Time and be awed by her energy, exuberance, and experiences. Shevyn offers advice on getting into the entertainment industry and the challenges encountered. Her message for 2021 is not to rely on other people for your happiness. Find your happy place, be positive, and stay upbeat. She says, “Relax your mind, you’ll be just fine!” Siri wraps up the hour by discussing the life lessons of 2020 and the transformations that transpired. Now is the time to follow your heart. Breathe in the positivity and exhale the negativity. Happy New Year! Celebrate 2021! Let’s make it a wonderful year!

Bio: Shevyn Roberts
Shevyn Roberts is an award-winning recording artist and has won titles such as Best Pop Song at the Hollywood Music In Media Awards as well as Best Young Pop Artist. She’s known for having opened concerts for artist such as Justin Bieber. Shevyn is also a Six Time National Solo Champion dancer. She’s also an actress having worked on TV shows such as the “Goldbergs” and “The Mindy Project” and she was featured as a Rock Star in the movie “Dead Ant” starring Tom Arnold. She recently shot a music video and has five remixes she plans to launch onto the dance Billboard charts as soon as they open up. In the meantime her social media influence has been growing. For the latest on Shevyn follow her on Instagram @shevynroberts & on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shevyn.roberts
&
https://www.facebook.com/Shevynrobertsmusic/
& YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/therealshevyn
& Twitter https://twitter.com/shevynr?lang=en

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/127794/new-years-celebration-with-pop-singer-shevyn-roberts

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

Be the star You Are! for Teens, Simple Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning, and Leading

Click on Photo for description of episode

12-25-20 Christmas and Puppies

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!

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

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+

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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