top of page
Positive, Uplifting, Life-Changing Talk Radio
Be the Star You Are! ® Radio
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!
Follow us on Instagram
Click on Photo for description of episode

12-10-23 Teens and the War in Ukraine
“But it is youth that must fight and die. And it is youth who must inherit the tribulation, the sorrow and the triumphs that are the aftermath of war.” - Herbert Hoover
On February 24th, 2022, the world changed drastically for the approximately 44 million people who were living in Ukraine. Vladamir Putin invaded their country, and the war grinds on. War is disastrous for every individual but how has it affected teens? Our talented reporters, Julia and Rory, weigh in on what life is like for youth in Ukraine.
Rory talks about high school students who get three days of training before being dispatched to the front lines. He also provides information on what teens in the United States, as well as teens all over the world can do to provide comfort and support to our fellow teens who are living in Ukraine. Julia expresses the role social media has played in both positive and negative ways. Russia has utilized manipulated videos, fake accounts, and forged documents are part of the arsenal used to shape global perceptions in their effort to “strangle support for Ukraine.”
Social media giants like Facebook and Microsoft have taken a stand against disinformation. Microsoft's June 2022 report revealed over 300 Russian-sponsored websites promoting conspiracy theories within two weeks of the invasion.
As the conflict unfolds, remember that your voice matters. It's not just about hashtags and flags; it's about genuine connection and informed action. Support Ukraine, support its teenagers.
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147839/teens-and-the-war-in-ukraine
On February 24th, 2022, the world changed drastically for the approximately 44 million people who were living in Ukraine. Vladamir Putin invaded their country, and the war grinds on. War is disastrous for every individual but how has it affected teens? Our talented reporters, Julia and Rory, weigh in on what life is like for youth in Ukraine.
Rory talks about high school students who get three days of training before being dispatched to the front lines. He also provides information on what teens in the United States, as well as teens all over the world can do to provide comfort and support to our fellow teens who are living in Ukraine. Julia expresses the role social media has played in both positive and negative ways. Russia has utilized manipulated videos, fake accounts, and forged documents are part of the arsenal used to shape global perceptions in their effort to “strangle support for Ukraine.”
Social media giants like Facebook and Microsoft have taken a stand against disinformation. Microsoft's June 2022 report revealed over 300 Russian-sponsored websites promoting conspiracy theories within two weeks of the invasion.
As the conflict unfolds, remember that your voice matters. It's not just about hashtags and flags; it's about genuine connection and informed action. Support Ukraine, support its teenagers.
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147839/teens-and-the-war-in-ukraine

12-3-23 Empower Charities
“There is no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others.” - George H.W. Bush
Keerthi brings humor to her Nerd Extraordinaire segment by discussing a topic dear to her heart: public speaking and its magical ability to turn even the most boring charity event into a blockbuster extravaganza. She elaborates on the power of persuasion. According to Keerthi, public speaking isn't just about talking; it's about hypnotizing your audience into believing that your cause is the most important thing since Wi-Fi. You want them to reach into their pockets and donate, not because they feel obligated, but because they can't resist the sheer force of your charisma. To her more about how to help charities, tune into Express Yourself! teen radio and while you are at it, dig into your pocket and make a donation to Be the Star You Are!® charity to help keep teens talking on the air. https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org
Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
You can choose to make the donation using many different payment methods which may have fees via by Givebutter at https://givebutter.com/be-the-star-you-are-charity.
Send checks to Be the Star You Are!®, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556
Whatever you do, donate to your favorite charity this holiday season.
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147775/empower-charities

Managing Screen Time
“Not all screen time is bad, but it matters how much time we’re spending and what we’re gaining from the time.” - Ariene Pellicane
Charvi and Keerthi host a fascinating program on how to manage screen time. Charvi states that in an era where our lives unfold increasingly on screens, the concept of "screentime" has become a ubiquitous and often debated facet of modern existence. As we navigate this digital age, understanding screentime is not just a matter of tracking minutes spent on devices; it's about unraveling the intricate tapestry of human behavior, societal norms, and the impact of technology on our well-being. Keerthi concludes that managing screen time is an epic adventure, a quest to reclaim lost minutes and conquer the digital dragons that threaten our productivity. Armed with the App-etizer, the Notification Hydra slayer, and the Unplug Amulet, you shall emerge victorious in this battle for time. Reporter Rory joins the conversation with his segment, The Breakdown to discuss how its challenging to manage social media when a student is forced to be on screen daily for schoolwork. Social media has affected young adults in many ways, and while it does offer more connectivity, it can lead to many mental and physical issues, such as problems with sleep as well as engaging in less physical activity, and harm the development of the brain indirectly or directly if teens use technology too much in place of real-life experience. He advocates asking parents for help in limiting the usage. For example, eliminate devices during mealtimes and sleep. Reporter of A.I. and Us, Kevin talks about how A.I. can help manage screen time and warns about the dangers of looking at a screen for too long as the blue light can damage eyes. A.I. can warn when screen time has gotten excessive on its own. A.I. can monitor health. A.I. can leverage gamification principles to make the process of managing screen time engaging and rewarding. If a particular approach to screen management proves ineffective for an individual, A.I. candynamically adjust its interventions. This adaptability ensures that solutions are not one-size-fits-all but are personalized to meet the unique needs and preferences of each user. A.I. becomes your own personal virtual doctor, making sure that you get whatever works for you.
However you do it, make sure to limit your screen usage for improved health and socialization.
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147671/managing-screen-time
Charvi and Keerthi host a fascinating program on how to manage screen time. Charvi states that in an era where our lives unfold increasingly on screens, the concept of "screentime" has become a ubiquitous and often debated facet of modern existence. As we navigate this digital age, understanding screentime is not just a matter of tracking minutes spent on devices; it's about unraveling the intricate tapestry of human behavior, societal norms, and the impact of technology on our well-being. Keerthi concludes that managing screen time is an epic adventure, a quest to reclaim lost minutes and conquer the digital dragons that threaten our productivity. Armed with the App-etizer, the Notification Hydra slayer, and the Unplug Amulet, you shall emerge victorious in this battle for time. Reporter Rory joins the conversation with his segment, The Breakdown to discuss how its challenging to manage social media when a student is forced to be on screen daily for schoolwork. Social media has affected young adults in many ways, and while it does offer more connectivity, it can lead to many mental and physical issues, such as problems with sleep as well as engaging in less physical activity, and harm the development of the brain indirectly or directly if teens use technology too much in place of real-life experience. He advocates asking parents for help in limiting the usage. For example, eliminate devices during mealtimes and sleep. Reporter of A.I. and Us, Kevin talks about how A.I. can help manage screen time and warns about the dangers of looking at a screen for too long as the blue light can damage eyes. A.I. can warn when screen time has gotten excessive on its own. A.I. can monitor health. A.I. can leverage gamification principles to make the process of managing screen time engaging and rewarding. If a particular approach to screen management proves ineffective for an individual, A.I. candynamically adjust its interventions. This adaptability ensures that solutions are not one-size-fits-all but are personalized to meet the unique needs and preferences of each user. A.I. becomes your own personal virtual doctor, making sure that you get whatever works for you.
However you do it, make sure to limit your screen usage for improved health and socialization.
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147671/managing-screen-time

11-5-23 Tacking Teen and Children's Mental Health
Children’s mental health is an evolving crisis that has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosts Julia and Keerthi dive into the mental crisis while interviewing teens. Kirpa talks about the factors that contribute to decreased mental stability including neglect, abuse, bullying, or trauma. In Connecticut, House Bill No. 5001 of 2022 is a crucial step in abating the issue. Teen guest, Nilan Kathir, has researched the bill, its provisions, public testimonies, amendments, and has spoken with state lawmakers and experts in the field. These efforts collectively reveal the politics involved in the bill’s passing, barriers of implementation, and effects of the bill in children’s mental healthcare. He shares his findings on Express Yourself! The Breakdown reporter, Rory, advocates for schools as the best place to teach children about mental health, self-awareness, and coping skills. He believes If we can help schools teach children and their families how to manage their emotions in a healthy way from a very young age, we can create safer communities that can help everyone feel their very best. Being there for a child means taking care of oneself first, demonstrating and modeling good self-care and mental health awareness. Positive reinforcement is important in building stronger capabilities to overcome challenges.
“A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality and support.” Kate Middleton
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Bio: Nilan Kathir
Nilan Kathir is a junior at Choate Rosemary Hall where he is a member of his school’s JFK Signature Program in Government and Public Service. His interest in public policy began in 2022 during the summer abroad program where he first-handedly witnessed the inequalities affecting indigenous communities in Guatemala. Inspired by this international experience, Nilan interned with a State Representative in CT, where he helped with the election campaign and received feedback from constituents. In the long run, he aspires to pursue a career in public policy. In addition, Nilan enjoys participating in Model UN, mock trial, organizing events for the South Asian Association, writing for his school newspaper, playing soccer and rowing varsity crew.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147386/tackling-teen-mental-health
“A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality and support.” Kate Middleton
Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Bio: Nilan Kathir
Nilan Kathir is a junior at Choate Rosemary Hall where he is a member of his school’s JFK Signature Program in Government and Public Service. His interest in public policy began in 2022 during the summer abroad program where he first-handedly witnessed the inequalities affecting indigenous communities in Guatemala. Inspired by this international experience, Nilan interned with a State Representative in CT, where he helped with the election campaign and received feedback from constituents. In the long run, he aspires to pursue a career in public policy. In addition, Nilan enjoys participating in Model UN, mock trial, organizing events for the South Asian Association, writing for his school newspaper, playing soccer and rowing varsity crew.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147386/tackling-teen-mental-health

10-20-23 Quantum Computing
"The history of the universe is, in effect, a huge and ongoing quantum computation. The universe is a quantum computer.” - Seth Lloyd
Quantum computing is a budding field that has been receiving a lot of attention recently due its immense potential for solving complex, previously unsolvable problems at high speeds. At the quantum level, objects act differently: quantum objects can teleport, entangle, or occupy different spaces at the same time. Host Keerthi starts the program discussing qubits. These qubits can exist in multiple states at the same time, thanks to a phenomenon called superposition. She then interviews teen Adelina Chau, an active researcher in quantum machine learning for drug discovery with several published works, Adelina is excited to discuss what the field is all about, where its potential and applications lie, and what her work has been about. By sharing her experience in learning and researching quantum computing, she hopes to inspire other teenagers to explore this fascinating, growing field. In our final segment, Rory, who challenges us to consider the moral and ethical implications of technology, as well as the effects of technology upon our national security in the United States.
One of the biggest concerns is that quantum computing can render all of our current cybersecurity and encryption useless. Quantum computing will be able to crack encryption on everything from banking transactions and confidential emails to things like blockchain. If you wonder if the risks outweigh the benefits, tune in for our discussion.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Bio: Adelina Chau
Adelina is a high school senior from San Jose, California with a deep passion for quantum computing and machine learning. As an active researcher in both fields, she has most notably conducted research in quantum machine learning for drug discovery and computational microscopy and has accumulated her work in 4 conference proceedings and 2 papers. Outside of research, she serves as the President of her school’s Computer Science Club and Chinese Culture Club, Vice President of Business Club, and Head of Business of the FRC Team 1351. Having organized gender-focused hackathons Horizon and Spark, she is deeply committed to promoting gender diversity in engineering. Ultimately, with anything she does, she is always striving to make the world a better place. adelinachau.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147281/quantum-computing

10-15-23 Exoplanets and Astronomy
Host Keerthi invites interstellar explorers and cosmic philosophers, to embark on a journey to the stars, a voyage that's equal parts scientific discovery and philosophical wonderment in today’s program. Keerthi discusses the mind-boggling realm of exoplanets and how they inspire the deepest of philosophical questions. She then interviews teen Nairi Davidian, who has been researching exoplanets and joins the show to explain her exciting findings.
Exoplanets have been found in a variety of creative ways, with each method being more effective in finding a certain type of planet. In terms of habitability, there are many factors that can influence a planet’s potential to host life. There are four general requirements for life to thrive. Firstly, there must be a solvent, such as water. The “habitable zone” is defined as the span of distance from a planet to its particular star that allows liquid water to exist. For life to thrive, living conditions must be relatively stable. There must also be energy available for an organism to use. In addition to these requirements, there must be a presence of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur, which compose most of the known biological molecules.
"Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” - Socrates
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
BIO: Nairi Davidian
Growing up next to the bustling city of Boston, Nairi didn’t have much of a chance to observe the night sky with her naked eye – due to light pollution, that is. However, whenever she went on a family vacation to Cape Cod or Maine, she was hypnotized by what lurked above. Her interest in the cosmos continued to grow by watching shows such as How the Universe Works, which introduced her to the most fascinating phenomena such as black holes and dark matter. Despite always having a passion for astronomy, she didn’t have much particular interest in exoplanets, which are planets outside our solar system. Upon realizing the possibilities that these ubiquitous worlds hold in terms of potential habitability and extraterrestrial life, she knew she had to investigate the topic further. Instagram:spillthe_exo_tea
`
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147070/exoplanets-and-astronomy
Exoplanets have been found in a variety of creative ways, with each method being more effective in finding a certain type of planet. In terms of habitability, there are many factors that can influence a planet’s potential to host life. There are four general requirements for life to thrive. Firstly, there must be a solvent, such as water. The “habitable zone” is defined as the span of distance from a planet to its particular star that allows liquid water to exist. For life to thrive, living conditions must be relatively stable. There must also be energy available for an organism to use. In addition to these requirements, there must be a presence of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur, which compose most of the known biological molecules.
"Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” - Socrates
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
BIO: Nairi Davidian
Growing up next to the bustling city of Boston, Nairi didn’t have much of a chance to observe the night sky with her naked eye – due to light pollution, that is. However, whenever she went on a family vacation to Cape Cod or Maine, she was hypnotized by what lurked above. Her interest in the cosmos continued to grow by watching shows such as How the Universe Works, which introduced her to the most fascinating phenomena such as black holes and dark matter. Despite always having a passion for astronomy, she didn’t have much particular interest in exoplanets, which are planets outside our solar system. Upon realizing the possibilities that these ubiquitous worlds hold in terms of potential habitability and extraterrestrial life, she knew she had to investigate the topic further. Instagram:spillthe_exo_tea
`
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/147070/exoplanets-and-astronomy

10-8-23 Branding through Social Media
"We’re living at a time when attention is the new currency.” - Pete Cashmore, Founder of mashable.com
Host Julia presents her Passion in Action to showcase how telling unique stories are the way to brand through social media. Having people associate you with a certain aesthetic, even certain words is worth any research or production effort. You can cut through the fluff on the internet, and connect with your customers, not just about what you’re selling, but the emotion and feeling going with it. Social media humanizes your brand. Stories are our lifeblood, and social media is our stage. Embrace the power of storytelling to connect, engage, and inspire. Kevin joins with his segment “A.I. and Us,” where he discusses how A.I. influences branding through social media. A.I. can help with branding on social media by performing data analysis of consumer habits, behavior, and preferences. Businesses can use these to fine-tune their advertising plans or products to make them more presentable and attractive to the general populace. Julia and Kevin have a conversation about ethics and integrity with A.I. as a tool. A.I.-powered fraud detection systems are instrumental in safeguarding a brand's reputation. Chatbots can also be a major point of assistance in advertising. They provide instant responses, tirelessly handle inquiries, and offer a seamless conversational experience. In the realm of branding through social media, chatbots serve as an invaluable tool for enhancing customer engagement. The synergy of these A.I. applications contribute to a positive brand image, fostering trust and loyalty in the digital age.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146980/branding-through-social-media
Host Julia presents her Passion in Action to showcase how telling unique stories are the way to brand through social media. Having people associate you with a certain aesthetic, even certain words is worth any research or production effort. You can cut through the fluff on the internet, and connect with your customers, not just about what you’re selling, but the emotion and feeling going with it. Social media humanizes your brand. Stories are our lifeblood, and social media is our stage. Embrace the power of storytelling to connect, engage, and inspire. Kevin joins with his segment “A.I. and Us,” where he discusses how A.I. influences branding through social media. A.I. can help with branding on social media by performing data analysis of consumer habits, behavior, and preferences. Businesses can use these to fine-tune their advertising plans or products to make them more presentable and attractive to the general populace. Julia and Kevin have a conversation about ethics and integrity with A.I. as a tool. A.I.-powered fraud detection systems are instrumental in safeguarding a brand's reputation. Chatbots can also be a major point of assistance in advertising. They provide instant responses, tirelessly handle inquiries, and offer a seamless conversational experience. In the realm of branding through social media, chatbots serve as an invaluable tool for enhancing customer engagement. The synergy of these A.I. applications contribute to a positive brand image, fostering trust and loyalty in the digital age.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146980/branding-through-social-media

10-1-23 Educational Inequities and School Funding
"Until we get equality in education, we won’t have equality in society.” - Sonia Sotomayor
Host Keerthi tackles educational inequalities and the rollercoaster of school funding in today’s program. She compares finding a balanced approach to cutting three cakes to ensure educational resources are allocated fairly, taking into consideration the unique circumstances and needs of each school district In the mission to tackle educational inequities. Doing this is not a one-size fits all. Keerthi interviews teen research, Ethan Zhang, who believes we must prioritize addressing disparities in school funding. Underprivileged communities often lack the necessary resources to provide quality education to their students. As a result, many students are denied the chance to participate in enriching extracurricular activities, receive individualized attention, and fully develop their academic and interpersonal skills. We must create a level playing field, guaranteeing each student an equal opportunity to unlock their complete academic potential and pave the way for a brighter future. Express Yourself!™ is excited to introduce a new reporter, Rory Cox, with his segment, The Breakdown, where he’ll talk about important issues affecting young people in the world. In today’s show, Rory discusses CTE in contact sports. CTE, which stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a type of dementia that comes from receiving hits to the head continuously over the course of your life. Because the cause of CTE comes from being hit repeatedly in the head, people who play contact sports such as football, boxing, Lacrosse, soccer, hockey, and wrestling, will have a higher risk of developing CTE in their brains. He proposes that the American Academy of Pediatrics creates a standard that during an annual visit Pediatricians ask their patients and their parents if they are engaging in contact sports. If the answer is yes, a certain protocol regarding the discussion of the risks and preventive measures for CTE should be put in place in conjunction with schools. Everyone deserves an adequate education and school policies that keep everyone safe, regardless of their zip code.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Bio: Ethan Zhang
Ethan Zhang, a high school senior, confronts educational inequities by addressing school funding disparities. His mission is to ensure equal opportunities for every student, empowering them to reach their full potential. Ethan advocates for better resources, qualified teachers, and preserving extracurricular activities. Through engaging in collaborative efforts, conducting public outreach, and offering free math tutoring, he strives to create a fair and inclusive learning environment. Ethan strives to inspire others to join his cause and together, leave an indelible mark on the community, transforming education for a brighter future.
Bio: Rory Cox
Rory is a sophomore in high school who enjoys playing basketball and has a deep love for all types of music. Rory’s other interests include science, reading, video games, sports medicine, and cooking shows, along with watching any sort of show involving superpowers. He has grown to have a passion for reporting over the past few years and he is not opposed to discussing any topic that comes to mind. Rory is grateful to have the opportunity to reach out to all of you listeners and is looking forward to making an impact on the airways. His segment is called The Breakdown.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146891/educational-inequities-and-school-funding
Host Keerthi tackles educational inequalities and the rollercoaster of school funding in today’s program. She compares finding a balanced approach to cutting three cakes to ensure educational resources are allocated fairly, taking into consideration the unique circumstances and needs of each school district In the mission to tackle educational inequities. Doing this is not a one-size fits all. Keerthi interviews teen research, Ethan Zhang, who believes we must prioritize addressing disparities in school funding. Underprivileged communities often lack the necessary resources to provide quality education to their students. As a result, many students are denied the chance to participate in enriching extracurricular activities, receive individualized attention, and fully develop their academic and interpersonal skills. We must create a level playing field, guaranteeing each student an equal opportunity to unlock their complete academic potential and pave the way for a brighter future. Express Yourself!™ is excited to introduce a new reporter, Rory Cox, with his segment, The Breakdown, where he’ll talk about important issues affecting young people in the world. In today’s show, Rory discusses CTE in contact sports. CTE, which stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a type of dementia that comes from receiving hits to the head continuously over the course of your life. Because the cause of CTE comes from being hit repeatedly in the head, people who play contact sports such as football, boxing, Lacrosse, soccer, hockey, and wrestling, will have a higher risk of developing CTE in their brains. He proposes that the American Academy of Pediatrics creates a standard that during an annual visit Pediatricians ask their patients and their parents if they are engaging in contact sports. If the answer is yes, a certain protocol regarding the discussion of the risks and preventive measures for CTE should be put in place in conjunction with schools. Everyone deserves an adequate education and school policies that keep everyone safe, regardless of their zip code.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Bio: Ethan Zhang
Ethan Zhang, a high school senior, confronts educational inequities by addressing school funding disparities. His mission is to ensure equal opportunities for every student, empowering them to reach their full potential. Ethan advocates for better resources, qualified teachers, and preserving extracurricular activities. Through engaging in collaborative efforts, conducting public outreach, and offering free math tutoring, he strives to create a fair and inclusive learning environment. Ethan strives to inspire others to join his cause and together, leave an indelible mark on the community, transforming education for a brighter future.
Bio: Rory Cox
Rory is a sophomore in high school who enjoys playing basketball and has a deep love for all types of music. Rory’s other interests include science, reading, video games, sports medicine, and cooking shows, along with watching any sort of show involving superpowers. He has grown to have a passion for reporting over the past few years and he is not opposed to discussing any topic that comes to mind. Rory is grateful to have the opportunity to reach out to all of you listeners and is looking forward to making an impact on the airways. His segment is called The Breakdown.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146891/educational-inequities-and-school-funding

9-24-23 Lessons from Dogs
"I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.” - Doris Day
Hosts Keerthi and Julia bark and howl about their love for our canine companions! Dogs, those lovable furballs of joy and chaos, teach us about life, love, and laughter. They interview Hersch Wilson with his newest book, Dog Lessons, Learning the Important Stuff from our Best Friends. Hersch shares his research and personal connection to the dogs he’s lived with, loved, and learned from. He talks about the importance of adopting dogs from shelters, how humans are guardians, not owners, how breeds are not indicators of behaviors, and the importance of grieving when a dog dies. Dogs are critical members of our family with lessons for living a full and joyful life. Keerthi zooms in on how dogs remind us that life is all about embracing the little things, finding joy in the simplest of pleasures. Julia shows us that dogs are more than just furry companions; they're entrepreneurial inspirations, business motivators, and sources of tail-wagging enthusiasm. In the complex maze of business strategies and endless meetings, dogs are the masters of embracing simplicity and practicing mindfulness. They remind us to take a pause, enjoy the journey, and sometimes, just roll with it. She suggests that dog lovers with a nurturing streak, can offer services such as pet-sitting, dog walking, and pet grooming combining a love for animals with a lucrative venture. Dogs are canine coaches, our teachers, our therapists, and our best friends. Rescue a dog and learn to love life with all its chaos.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Bio: Hersch Wilson is an organizational consultant, pilot, former professional dancer, and volunteer firefighter. He writes a monthly column on dogs for the Santa Fe New Mexican, has published articles and done presentations on PTSD and firefighters, and is the author of Play to Win and Firefighter Zen. His wife Laurie owns and runs an award-winning, popular boutique pet store. They have two daughters and currently two dogs: a Great Pyrenees named Toby and a Chihuahua-terrier mix named Maisie. They live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. More information at HerschWilson.com.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146775/lessons-from-dogs

9-17-23 Pop Culture
"Pop culture is a reflection of social change, not a cause of social change." - John Podhoretz
Host Keerthi spearheads this hour about pop culture. What is it and how does it affect teens? Milan starts out with the history of pop culture and how it influences politics, technology, entertainment, fashion, games, and more. Kirpa discusses how pop culture spreads through commercial media, such as radio, television, movies, the music industry, publishers and corporate run websites and social media. Keerthi introduces our newest reporter, Charvi, with her segment Beauty on Trial. Charvi believes that each individual must be the star they were born to be. She dives into legal regulations on photoshopping and digital alterations, false advertising, deceptive marketing practices, impact of beauty standards on mental health, body dysmorphia and its connection to beauty standards, societal pressures and so much more. This is a pop culture power hour.
Tune in and enjoy!
BIO: Charvi
Charvi, a sophomore student from Livermore, possesses a strong passion for dance, advocacy through leadership, and speech. Her active involvement in student council, where she held the position of freshman vice president and upcoming sophomore president showcases her passion for being a leader and a voice for the grade. Demonstrating dedication to important causes, she competes in speech events and serves as a mentor and officer, engaging in meaningful discussions for the past two years. With over a decade of experience in classical dance, particularly Kathak, Charvi has honed her skills as a graceful performer. Her intellectual curiosity extends beyond her artistic pursuits, as she finds genuine interest in exploring the intricate connections between human behavior and the legal system through the study of law and psychology. Charvi remains dedicated to expanding her knowledge and pursuing diverse academic interests, always striving to grow as both a dancer and a student advocate. Her segment is called Beauty on Trial.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146687/pop-culture
Host Keerthi spearheads this hour about pop culture. What is it and how does it affect teens? Milan starts out with the history of pop culture and how it influences politics, technology, entertainment, fashion, games, and more. Kirpa discusses how pop culture spreads through commercial media, such as radio, television, movies, the music industry, publishers and corporate run websites and social media. Keerthi introduces our newest reporter, Charvi, with her segment Beauty on Trial. Charvi believes that each individual must be the star they were born to be. She dives into legal regulations on photoshopping and digital alterations, false advertising, deceptive marketing practices, impact of beauty standards on mental health, body dysmorphia and its connection to beauty standards, societal pressures and so much more. This is a pop culture power hour.
Tune in and enjoy!
BIO: Charvi
Charvi, a sophomore student from Livermore, possesses a strong passion for dance, advocacy through leadership, and speech. Her active involvement in student council, where she held the position of freshman vice president and upcoming sophomore president showcases her passion for being a leader and a voice for the grade. Demonstrating dedication to important causes, she competes in speech events and serves as a mentor and officer, engaging in meaningful discussions for the past two years. With over a decade of experience in classical dance, particularly Kathak, Charvi has honed her skills as a graceful performer. Her intellectual curiosity extends beyond her artistic pursuits, as she finds genuine interest in exploring the intricate connections between human behavior and the legal system through the study of law and psychology. Charvi remains dedicated to expanding her knowledge and pursuing diverse academic interests, always striving to grow as both a dancer and a student advocate. Her segment is called Beauty on Trial.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146687/pop-culture

9-10- 23 Cancel Cuture
“The cancel culture is born of the inability of an opinion to withstand the scrutiny of thoughtful debate." - Craig D. Lounsbrough
Does anyone understand what cancel culture means? Hosts Julia and Keerthi dive in to help us understand. Julia starts it off by talking about how technology is both perpetuating cancel culture and the solution to the issue. Social media is the ultimate gossip party where everyone's invited. That's where cancel culture got its full powers. Cancel culture thrives when we're surrounded by opinions that match ours, yet there's an entire world out there with different points of view. Keerthi weighs in on how cancel culture has the potential to inadvertently promote the very ideas it seeks to suppress. When you try to silence someone or something, it often draws even more attention to them. Cancel culture often neglects the possibility of redemption and personal growth. People can change, learn from their mistakes, and become better individuals. But in the court of cancel culture, once you're labeled, you're marked for life. The dark side of cancel culture with the false accusations and mob mentality can ruin innocent lives. It's a virtual version of the Salem Witch trials, where rumors and accusations c lead to real-world consequences without any concrete evidence. rumors and accusations can lead to real-world consequences without any concrete evidence. The line between justice and vigilantism becomes dangerously blurred. The hosts converse with their personal opinions about the shallowness of cancel and cringe culture. Cringe is like a crime…making fun of someone for being awkward or weird or alien. It’s a label for being different. Let’s not burn down bridges, let’s build them. Acknowledge that we live in a diverse world with different opinions. Let's CANCEL cancel culture together to embrace the complexity of human nature and strive for a more balanced and inclusive society!
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146603/cancel-culture
Does anyone understand what cancel culture means? Hosts Julia and Keerthi dive in to help us understand. Julia starts it off by talking about how technology is both perpetuating cancel culture and the solution to the issue. Social media is the ultimate gossip party where everyone's invited. That's where cancel culture got its full powers. Cancel culture thrives when we're surrounded by opinions that match ours, yet there's an entire world out there with different points of view. Keerthi weighs in on how cancel culture has the potential to inadvertently promote the very ideas it seeks to suppress. When you try to silence someone or something, it often draws even more attention to them. Cancel culture often neglects the possibility of redemption and personal growth. People can change, learn from their mistakes, and become better individuals. But in the court of cancel culture, once you're labeled, you're marked for life. The dark side of cancel culture with the false accusations and mob mentality can ruin innocent lives. It's a virtual version of the Salem Witch trials, where rumors and accusations c lead to real-world consequences without any concrete evidence. rumors and accusations can lead to real-world consequences without any concrete evidence. The line between justice and vigilantism becomes dangerously blurred. The hosts converse with their personal opinions about the shallowness of cancel and cringe culture. Cringe is like a crime…making fun of someone for being awkward or weird or alien. It’s a label for being different. Let’s not burn down bridges, let’s build them. Acknowledge that we live in a diverse world with different opinions. Let's CANCEL cancel culture together to embrace the complexity of human nature and strive for a more balanced and inclusive society!
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146603/cancel-culture

8-27-23 Life Lessons with Julia
Express Yourself!™ will catapult you to the stars as host Julia provides us with fabulous life lessons, both from her life and those from renowned individuals. Julia kicks off the show with 9 hilarious tips for surviving the school day. She gives her favorite back-to-school tips, from bathrooms to biology class. In segment two, Julia dives into the world of scientific research, explaining the concepts of "grit" and "growth mindset." She reminds us that life lessons like perseverance and determination are powered by new, groundbreaking research. In the last segment, Julia gives us the life lessons of famous innovators, like what Steve Jobs did when he got fired from his own company or how Leonardo Da Vinci prototyped scuba gear 300 years before it was invented. For rocking, rolling, rollicking great time, tune in to Express Yourself!™ with host Julia!
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
• https://twitter.com/BetheStarYouAre
Bio: Julia
A volunteer with Be the Star You Are 50 c3 charity and exhilarating host of the teen radio broadcast, Express Yourself™, Julia Howe is a sophomore from San Francisco, with a passion for entrepreneurship and understanding how ordinary people can build extraordinary things.
She actively participates in the Whatever It Takes Teen program, where she holds conversations with successful startup owners and learns from their experiences. Julia also
finds joy in music, singing in the 5-time GRAMMY award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus, and conducting research on the beneficial effects of music for language learning. You can find her training for her latest 10k and exploring nature in her spare time.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146428/life-lessons-with-julia
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
• https://twitter.com/BetheStarYouAre
Bio: Julia
A volunteer with Be the Star You Are 50 c3 charity and exhilarating host of the teen radio broadcast, Express Yourself™, Julia Howe is a sophomore from San Francisco, with a passion for entrepreneurship and understanding how ordinary people can build extraordinary things.
She actively participates in the Whatever It Takes Teen program, where she holds conversations with successful startup owners and learns from their experiences. Julia also
finds joy in music, singing in the 5-time GRAMMY award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus, and conducting research on the beneficial effects of music for language learning. You can find her training for her latest 10k and exploring nature in her spare time.
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146428/life-lessons-with-julia

8-20-23 What Teens Want!
If you want to know what teens want, tune in to Express Yourself!™ with hosts Julia and Keerthi as they navigate adolescent behavior, high school, and media portrayals. Julia kicks off the show with her Passion in Action segment giving tips on how teens make social initiatives happen. From brainstorming to building a team, Julia offers concrete suggestions on generating ideas. In segment two, Keerthi states that teens want a bit of everything- the freedom to spread their wings, the canvas to paint their identity, the digital playground to showcase their uniqueness, an emotional safety net to cushion their fall, plus she encourages parents to be their guideposts. In our final segment Julia and Keerthi talk about the skewed portrayal of teens in movies and TV and how they would like to witness realistic characters. They agree that every teen is different with an individual personality, unique interests, and goals in life. Teens are complicated, smart, fascinating individuals who will determine the fate of the world! Stay tuned!
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
• https://twitter.com/BetheStarYouAre
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146325/what-teens-want

8-13-23 How to Talkto Yourself with Positivity
As host Ruhani starts her first year at Cal Berkeley, she asks:“ Why is it important to have a refreshed, positive mindset?” A positive outlook can contribute to better mental and emotional health. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common challenges faced by many teenagers. Ruhani penned an original pen to express herself.
When Vasavi Kumar talks about “saying it out loud,” she means it literally. After years of trying journaling, because she’d heard it was a great way to learn about herself, Kumar found that it wasn’t working for her. What did was talking to herself, aloud and with the compassion of a best friend. She talks to Ruhani about her newest book. Kevin shares how A.I. can help with having a positive mindset. A.I. can assist in cultivating healthy habits. It can track your daily routines, sleep patterns, and physical activities. If it detects irregularities or potential sources of stress, it can provide personalized recommendations for improving your lifestyle.
Bio: Vasavi Kumar
Vasavi Kumar is a life coach and licensed therapist with a myriad of in-person, print, televised, and social media experience. A first-generation Indian American growing up on Long Island and diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19, she learned to become extremely self-aware and take action to create the life she wanted for herself. She lives in Austin, Texas.www.VasaviKumar.com
Instagram: @mynameisvasavi
https://www.facebook.com/mynameisvasavi
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146221/how-to-talk-to-yourself-with-positivity
When Vasavi Kumar talks about “saying it out loud,” she means it literally. After years of trying journaling, because she’d heard it was a great way to learn about herself, Kumar found that it wasn’t working for her. What did was talking to herself, aloud and with the compassion of a best friend. She talks to Ruhani about her newest book. Kevin shares how A.I. can help with having a positive mindset. A.I. can assist in cultivating healthy habits. It can track your daily routines, sleep patterns, and physical activities. If it detects irregularities or potential sources of stress, it can provide personalized recommendations for improving your lifestyle.
Bio: Vasavi Kumar
Vasavi Kumar is a life coach and licensed therapist with a myriad of in-person, print, televised, and social media experience. A first-generation Indian American growing up on Long Island and diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19, she learned to become extremely self-aware and take action to create the life she wanted for herself. She lives in Austin, Texas.www.VasaviKumar.com
Instagram: @mynameisvasavi
https://www.facebook.com/mynameisvasavi
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146221/how-to-talk-to-yourself-with-positivity

8-6-23 Cities and the Interstate System
"The future of cities lies in their ability to harness the power of technology to solve complex urban issues and create sustainable, livable communities.” - Michael Bloomberg
Join Keerthi as she takes us on an adventure through cities and technology! She introduces the show with a fascinating segment of Nerd Extraordinaire! She talks about how debate can build a community and bring people together. You trace the steps you would take if you were to make your opponent’s conclusions, and find the holes in those steps that you emphasize to the judge. So, whether you notice it or not, all debaters consider - even if it’s just for a moment - the possibility that they are wrong. This forms a seemingly alien form of empathy. In segment two, our guest, Vikram Anantha, shares his research about cities and highways. In the 1950s, President Eisenhower enacted a bill to construct the Interstate system to connect the United States. While it worked on a nation-wide scale, its main mistake was constructing it within the city, as it had disastrous effects. His paper describes how urban areas became polluted, divided, and desolate, and many of these effects had racist intentions. In recent years, many cities have begun to right these wrongs, with help from the Biden Administration, by deconstructing the highways and reclaiming their land. Keerthi and Vikram discuss the negative and positive effects the Interstate System had on cities. Keerthi ends the show with her third segment! She discusses how we can effectively use technology to improve quality of life.
Bios: Vikram is a student at Lexington High School, in Massachusetts, Class of 2024. He enjoys coding, and has a hobby of taking photos and making movies - especially of people. Because he is his school's Yearbook Photo's editor, he gets to capture photos of people in their best moments: having fun, enjoying with their friends, and more. In addition, he loves cities and urban areas. He uses his experience with photography to capture cities in their golden hour, and uses his knowledge of coding to make cities "smarter": integrating technology to cities to make the environment safer, greener, and helpful to its people. When Vikram is not coding or taking photos, he is playing tennis or enjoying time with his friends. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBXDDNtiyXw
Instagram: https://instagram.com/photos.by.vik
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@photosByVik
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
• https://twitter.com/cynthiabrian
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146120/cities-and-the-interstate-system

7-30-23 The Effects of Social Media on Teens
Join our nerd extraordinaire, Keerthi, as she hosts this fascinating show about social media and teens! In this digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with people, ideas, and cultures across the globe. It is crucial now, more than ever, to approach social media with mindfulness, consciously shaping our online experience to promote personal growth, empathy, and genuine connections. Social media seems to do as much good as it does harm. So, how can we prevent the disadvantages of social media? Are we doomed? Worry no more, because Keerthi, with her digital thinking cap on, is here to save the day! Join Keerthi, fellow netizens, as she goes on a journey of mindfulness. Remember, the power lies within us to create a mindful online world—one that reflects the best of humanity and fosters genuine connections. May your feeds be filled with unicorns, kittens, and all things delightfully mindful! Happy scrolling!
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
• https://twitter.com/CynthiaBrian
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146038/the-effects-of-social-media-on-teens
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
• https://twitter.com/CynthiaBrian
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146038/the-effects-of-social-media-on-teens

7-23-23 Disabilities and Assistive Devices
Hosts Keerthi and Julia spotlight disabilities and assistive devices in this very informational hour of Express Yourself!. In Julia’s segment, Passion In Action, she shares innovative assistive devices to help you learn and also discusses how you can create your own, through the power of passion, innovation and entrepreneurship.
In segment two, Julia and Keerthi interview Robert Chong from Shanghai about his research into low vision and 11 current state-of-the-art assistive devices for individuals with low vision. Robert compares all assistive devices and illustrates areas where devices could be improved on in future iterations to enhance user experience. He shares his critical findings that all assistive devices attempted to aid individuals either through enhancing their abilities to complete specific tasks, or daily tasks in general. Factors like high costs hinder accessibility. Lastly, apart from device functionalities, social implications such as social acceptance also affect user experience.
In the third segment, our Nerd Extraordinaire, Keerthi discusses disabilities and diseases that require assistive devices and explains how assistive devices change the lives of people with disabilities and redefine normalcy. With the right assistive device, anything becomes achievable, and assistive devices aren't just objects: they're signs of unity and resilience.
You have the power to shape the future and make a difference in people's lives! So, dream big, think boldly, and let your creativity guide you on this exciting journey. Be an innovator, ignite change, and together, we can transform the world for the better!
Bio: Robert Chong
- Robert Chong is a 17-year-old rising Senior at Shanghai American School in Shanghai, China. His interests lie in VEX robotics, competitive public speaking, and history. Specifically, he’s interested in how engineering and design could be used to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. In the summer of 2022, along with mentor Elizabeth Bianchini, Robert wrote a review paper on the different assistive devices for low vision individuals. His paper has been published in the Curieux Academic Journal. This summer, Robert is currently interning at Fourier Intelligence, a Chinese company specialized in the field of rehabilitative robotics. During his free time, Robert loves playing tennis, basketball, and soccer with his friends, and also taking a walk outside in his neighborhood. Check out his research at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bvYSyDGPu8uguuYQTIXHEw4rUOUP0eQY/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113588218252133379812&rtpof=true&sd=true
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
• https://twitter.com/cynthiabrian
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145928/disabilities-and-assistive-devices

7-9-23 Heritage Languages
What is a heritage language and how can we save them from extinction? Host Keerthi tells us that the first language in the world is considered to be Sumerian and the most spoken languages in the world are: English(over 1.4 billion speakers), Mandarin (1.1 billion + speakers), Hindi (602+ million speakers), Spanish (548+ million speakers), and French (280 million speakers).
Keerthi then interviews teen Cooper Lender with his Heritage Language Story Project supporting heritage language speakers in recognizing the value of maintaining their home language. The project website (https://www.heritagelanguagestory.org/) provides resources for heritage language speakers and encourages them to share the story of their language experiences. Maintaining a heritage language can be difficult and many heritage languages are declining. The project’s goal is to have the stories shared on the website normalize the difficulty of maintaining a home language. support other heritage language speakers in finding ways to maintain their home language and highlight the important value of heritage languages. Kevin Choo provides a fascinating segment of A.I. and Us, where he shares two main ways A.I. can assist with overcoming language barriers; by either directly translating or assisting with language education. A.I.-based translators can learn from what people who are using the app are inputting themselves and can adapt to any specific language patterns or nuances that are often used but aren’t listed in any source documents. They aren’t useful for conversations. By combining translators with augmented reality, an automatic sight-translator can translate whatever you see. A.I. is a tool created to brighten the future of mankind, and it will be useful to maintaining and learning heritage languages.
Bio: Cooper Lender
Cooper Lender, a high school senior, is bilingual and passionate about language acquisition and maintenance. He speaks English, Spanish, and is learning Japanese. He loves learning about different languages and feels that learning a language is key to really understanding other cultures and histories. Cooper participated in the Reischauer Scholars program at Stanford University, where he learned more about Japanese culture and US-Japan relations. He started the Heritage Language Story Project (https://www.heritagelanguagestory.org/) that encourages heritage speakers to share their story about their experiences with their home language. He hopes to support heritage language speakers in seeing the value in maintaining their home languages.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
• https://twitter.com/cynthiabrian
• https://substack.com/@cynthiabrian
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145752/heritage-languages

4th of July: Independence Day Celebration
"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America - Bill Clinton
On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress, comprised of representatives from the thirteen American colonies, adopted the Declaration of Independence. This historic document, primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, outlined the colonies' grievances against the British Crown and proclaimed their intention to establish a sovereign nation based on principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance. Host Sharanya shares a riveting original poem and discusses American patriot authors, Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Maya Angelou. She then introduces the newest member of the Express Yourself! radio team, Julia Howe with her segment, Passion in Action. Julia is energy personified as she shows how teens can change the world, through passion, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She inspires listeners to take the initiative to start a teen business. In the third segment, Julia and Sharanya share information about themselves as well as their traditions for the 4th of July. Food, fireworks, friends, family, and fun! Have a safe and happy 4th of July! Celebrate America!
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
Bio: Julia Howe
Julia Howe is the newest reporter to join Express Yourself!¡ with her segment, Passion in Action. Julia is a rising sophomore from San Francisco, with a passion for entrepreneurship and understanding how ordinary people can build extraordinary things. She actively participates in the Whatever It Takes Teen program, where she holds conversations with successful startup owners and learns from their experiences. Julia also finds joy in music, singing in the 5-time GRAMMY award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus, and conducting research on the beneficial effects of music for language learning. You can find her training for her latest 10k and exploring nature in her spare time.
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145664/4th-of-july-independence-day-celebrations

6-25-23 Gun Violence in America
The violence involving deadly weapons such as firearms has become a more significant issue by the day in our world, and we continuously live in a world of fear that it can happen to us at any time. Hosts Sharanya and Hannah along with reporter, Nihal, discuss the severe problem of gun violence in America. In 2020, firearm-related deaths reached 45,222, an average of 124 per day. The number of mass shootings has risen exponentially since 2013, more than 303 since the beginning of 2023. Unregulated ghost guns and military style assault weapons are on the rise. Gun control is a pressing issue that demands attention in our society. In light of increasing gun violence incidents, it is crucial to explore ways to enforce stricter gun control measures. Sharanya penned a poem to end gun violence. The final two stanzas:
“Let this poem resound, a call to unite,
To end the senseless violence, to make things right.
For in our shared humanity, we find the key,
To heal the wounds of gun violence, and set hearts free.
May this verse be a plea, a beacon of hope,
That gun violence diminishes, like a darkened slope.
With compassion as our weapon, let us unite,
And in our unity, we'll conquer the night.”
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145588/gun-violence-in-america

6-18-23 Father's Day
Radio host Sharanya, honors her dad and all great fathers in this Father’s Day special. She reads an original poem, offers book suggestions, and tells inspirational stories of dads and their kids. Reporters Kirpa and Milan join the conversation to talk about the history of Father’s Day, movies reflecting daddy themes, memories of special times with their dads, and how they celebrate their dads and grandfathers on this special weekend.
Here's to all the wonderful dads who love and care for the children. Happy Father’s Day
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145479/fathers-day
•
Here's to all the wonderful dads who love and care for the children. Happy Father’s Day
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145479/fathers-day
•

6-11-23 The Drug Epidemic in Ameria
"Addiction begins with the hope that something ‘out there’ can instantly fill up the emptiness inside.” -Jean Kilbourne
Keerthi and Sharanya discuss the drug epidemic in America and how it affects teens. Keerthi provides an historical perspective to the plethora of drugs over the years including opioids, fentanyl, and heroin. Sharanya offers ways to help solve the drug epidemic by creating more positive campaigns. Successful campaigns touch the hearts of teens and trigger that sense of righteousness. She also reads her original poem about self-medication. In segment three, they have a conversation about drug abuse through prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. People will take drugs to make them feel better, but addiction makes people worse. Social media adds to the toxicity. Drugs may seem like an easy solution to your problems, but they just create new problems.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145368/the-drug-epidemic-in-america
Keerthi and Sharanya discuss the drug epidemic in America and how it affects teens. Keerthi provides an historical perspective to the plethora of drugs over the years including opioids, fentanyl, and heroin. Sharanya offers ways to help solve the drug epidemic by creating more positive campaigns. Successful campaigns touch the hearts of teens and trigger that sense of righteousness. She also reads her original poem about self-medication. In segment three, they have a conversation about drug abuse through prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. People will take drugs to make them feel better, but addiction makes people worse. Social media adds to the toxicity. Drugs may seem like an easy solution to your problems, but they just create new problems.
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145368/the-drug-epidemic-in-america

6-4-23 Teen Suicide and Prevention
"When you feel like giving up, just remember the reason why you held on for so long.” -Hayley Williams
Ruhani hosts a very important hour that focuses on teen suicide and suicide prevention. She interviews Elliot H Kallen, President of A Brighter Day, a 501 c3 that offers resources for teens to stop suicide. Ruhani emphasizes that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. She also shares poems and warning signs of possible suicide. If you're feeling lonely and experiencing suicidal thoughts, please consider the following steps:
1. Reach out to someone you trust.
2. Seek professional help.
3. Contact a helpline such as 741741
4. Create a safety plan:
5. Avoid isolation.
6. Reach out to online communities.
7. Take care of your physical health.
8. Remove or secure potential means of self-harm.
Elliot discusses the various free programs that A Brighter Day offers. His 19-year-old son, Jake, took his life when he was depressed. Elliot is devoting his life to creating a brighter day for other teens. He is frank about the necessity to get positive programming to youth to alleviate the stress and depression young people feel today. Social media has caused an injustice for youth. A Brighter Day unites stress and depression resources with teens and their parents with the goal of stopping teen suicide.
Life Can Be Hard as You Transition Into Adulthood.
It’s okay to feel confused and lost.
It’s okay to feel like you don’t have the emotional resources to deal with life’s challenges.
It’s okay to be less than perfect.
No matter how hard it is, or how hard it gets, you’ll always be able to make it through.
If you are struggling: 24/7 TEXTLINE 741741
For resources, visit www.ABrighterDay.info
BIO: Elliot H. Kallen
Elliot H. Kallen is a leader who brings over 30 years of passion and robust entrepreneurial business ownership experience to his elite Financial Planning & Advising practice. He has built international organizations, been a CEO of two other companies before forming Prosperity Financial Group, Inc. and is a frequent keynote speaker to charities, podcasts and radio shows on motivation, leadership, charitable work, marketing, and various financial subjects.
Elliot is also President of A Brighter Day Charity, the 501c(3) he began following the suicide of his youngest son, Jake, in 2015. This charity unites stress and depression resources with teens and their parents with the goal of stopping teen suicide. The resources of A Brighter Day have touched thousands of families and is having a major impact on the lives of our teens and parents.
Elliot holds a BA degree in both Accounting and Economics from Rutgers University in New Jersey and has served on various Boards, as an active member and/or President, including The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Diablo Valley, the American Cancer Society of Contra Costa County & Congregation B’nai Shalom, where he has been actively involved in raising millions of dollars for these organizations. As President of Prosperity Financial Group, a top-tier Financial Advisory Firm, and Partner in Prosperity Wealth Management, he has led his organizations to be actively involved with many charities as this has been a lifelong theme.
www.abrighterday.info
https://www.facebook.com/uniteforabrighterday
https://www.instagram.com/abrighterdaycharity/
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145259/teen-suicide-and-prevention

5-28-23 Bullying and No Barnyard Bullies
Bullies are not born, they are made. Producer of Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio, Cynthia Brian, hosts this program about bullying. Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Education released the first federal definition of bullying. The definition includes three core elements:
• unwanted aggressive behavior
• observed or perceived power imbalance
• repetition or high likelihood of repetition of bullying behaviors.
Teen reporter, Kirpa, shares her insights on what bullying is and does, including cyber-bullying. If you see it happening, attempt to stop it. Bystanders, or those who see bullying, can make a huge difference when they intervene on behalf of someone being bullied.
Studies also have shown that adults can help prevent bullying by talking to children about bullying, encouraging them to do what they love, modeling kindness and respect, and seeking help.
Cynthia Brian reads from her new children’s book series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, and tells the backstory in her first book, No Barnyard Bullies, based on a true event about a re-homed pampered pig who bullies the other animals until she is stopped by a tiny bunny who defends a three-legged goat from her attacks. Everyone is equal in Stella Bella's barnyard where bullies are not tolerated, and inclusivity is the paramount number one rule. Through the book, children are encouraged to love themselves exactly the way they are while living in peace and harmony with a barnyard of many colors and beliefs. Be kind.
No bullies welcome.
Proceeds from the sale of the books benefit the 501 c3 charity, Be the Star You Are!® empowering women, families, and youth through increased literacy and positive media messages. www.BetheStarYouAre.org,
Purchase the book at https://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145163/bullying-and-no-barnyard-bullies
• unwanted aggressive behavior
• observed or perceived power imbalance
• repetition or high likelihood of repetition of bullying behaviors.
Teen reporter, Kirpa, shares her insights on what bullying is and does, including cyber-bullying. If you see it happening, attempt to stop it. Bystanders, or those who see bullying, can make a huge difference when they intervene on behalf of someone being bullied.
Studies also have shown that adults can help prevent bullying by talking to children about bullying, encouraging them to do what they love, modeling kindness and respect, and seeking help.
Cynthia Brian reads from her new children’s book series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures, and tells the backstory in her first book, No Barnyard Bullies, based on a true event about a re-homed pampered pig who bullies the other animals until she is stopped by a tiny bunny who defends a three-legged goat from her attacks. Everyone is equal in Stella Bella's barnyard where bullies are not tolerated, and inclusivity is the paramount number one rule. Through the book, children are encouraged to love themselves exactly the way they are while living in peace and harmony with a barnyard of many colors and beliefs. Be kind.
No bullies welcome.
Proceeds from the sale of the books benefit the 501 c3 charity, Be the Star You Are!® empowering women, families, and youth through increased literacy and positive media messages. www.BetheStarYouAre.org,
Purchase the book at https://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145163/bullying-and-no-barnyard-bullies

5-21-23 Philosophy and Logic
"The only thing I know is that I know nothing.” -Socrates
British Keerthi and Keerthi host this hour of thoughts on philosophy and logic. British Keerthi takes us on a wild ride through logic and argumentation viewed through the lens of debate. The fundamentals of debate lie in logic. She instructs listeners to use propositional logic superpowers to have the best argumentation in debates! Nerd extraordinaire Keerthi introduces philosophy theory and the study of philosophy. The word philosophy translates to “love of wisdom.” Philosophy is the study of the world we live in, the fundamentals of ourselves, and the questions we ask. She gives an overview of the history of philosophy and stresses that the more we know, the more we know we don’t know. Kevin, our A.I. Specialist joins the discussion sharing how A. I. can and does affect our everyday lives. A.I. is extremely integrated into society and is expanding its influence at a rapid rate. What would transpire if A.I. became sentient? A.I. is one of the most innovative inventions of mankind in the modern age, alongside the exploitation of nuclear power. However, just like nuclear power, A.I. can be dangerous and have far-reaching ramifications. Buckle your seat belts!
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145066/philosophy-and-logic
British Keerthi and Keerthi host this hour of thoughts on philosophy and logic. British Keerthi takes us on a wild ride through logic and argumentation viewed through the lens of debate. The fundamentals of debate lie in logic. She instructs listeners to use propositional logic superpowers to have the best argumentation in debates! Nerd extraordinaire Keerthi introduces philosophy theory and the study of philosophy. The word philosophy translates to “love of wisdom.” Philosophy is the study of the world we live in, the fundamentals of ourselves, and the questions we ask. She gives an overview of the history of philosophy and stresses that the more we know, the more we know we don’t know. Kevin, our A.I. Specialist joins the discussion sharing how A. I. can and does affect our everyday lives. A.I. is extremely integrated into society and is expanding its influence at a rapid rate. What would transpire if A.I. became sentient? A.I. is one of the most innovative inventions of mankind in the modern age, alongside the exploitation of nuclear power. However, just like nuclear power, A.I. can be dangerous and have far-reaching ramifications. Buckle your seat belts!
• Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
• https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/
• https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/
NFTs: https://www.StarStyleCommunity.com
• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:
• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/145066/philosophy-and-logic
9/20-12/27/2020 Express Yourself! Guests
Every week, our Express Yourself!™ Star Teens bring you a stimulating,
mind-bending, original program based on a chapter from our
Click on Photo for description of episode
bottom of page