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https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/issues-facing-teens/ “Ignore those who tell you which way to go without first understanding where you are.” - James Pierce Teens are facing numerous challenges, and in this episode of Express Yourself!™ host Diya and reporter Allison are talking about the issues surrounding academics, friendships, family, social media, A.I., and more! In Allison’s segment, The New Classroom, she shares that the U.S. is home to upwards

https://sites.libsyn.com/560220/financial-literacy-1 "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." – Benjamin Franklin Were you taught about finances when you were a teen? The majority of schools don’t teach financial literacy, which is a critical skill for life success. Host Julia Howe interviews teen, Sahishnu (Sai) Manivannan, who discusses how financial literacy, combined with early educational intervention and opportunity access, is the key individuals need t

https://sites.libsyn.com/560220/what-will-the-future-look-like "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." — Malcolm X Radio host Saanvi Phaneendra welcomes Express Yourself’s newest reporter, Allison Lu as they discuss what the future will look like. Saanvi talks about AI data centers in space in her segment Space Spotlight, while Allison discusses equality in educational systems in her segment, The New Classroom. Saanvi talks about the earliest chapter of what

What is the difference between arguing and negotiating? Host Keerthi, (our Be the Star You Are!® queen of debate) interviews Ryan Chang about how teens can learn to negotiate to better approach problems and collaborate for the best results. Negotiation is a commonly misunderstood idea. Most believe it is a method to win. But in reality, it is a mutually beneficial compromise made to resolve a conflict. When people change their mindset, negotiation becomes a vital asset in eve

In this episode of Express Yourself!, host Hannah Sahota reflects on a Fourth of July trip to San Francisco that sparked a deeper conversation about the future of artificial intelligence. After witnessing the city's streets overwhelmed with traffic, she explores how autonomous vehicles are transforming transportation and what that means for society. From safety and public health to privacy, employment, and the future of public transit, Hannah examines the opportunities and ch

The 250th Anniversary of America “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”. President John F. Kennedy The 4th of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in America. This year, the USA celebrates 250 years of this American experiment in democracy. Join host Hannah and reporters Jatin and Milan as they share historical and personal perspectives on this semiquincentennial event. Can democracy survive? Teens weigh

“There's a danger in the internet and social media. The notion that information is enough, that more and more information is enough, that you don't have to think, you just have to get more information - gets very dangerous.” Edward de Bono Imagine receiving a video message from a celebrity, politician, or even a family member. They look real. They sound real. They seem completely authentic. But what if it never happened. That’s the reality of deepfakes. Join host Kirpa and

Women’s Reproductive Rights in the United States https://sites.libsyn.com/560220/the-womens-reproductive-rights-in-the-united-states “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” - Michelle Obama In this episode of Empowerment and Equality, host Hannah Sahota examines the state of women's reproductive rights in America and the social forces shaping the national debate. Through historical context, policy analysis, and thoughtful commentary, the program explores

https://sites.libsyn.com/560220/the-importance-of-free-speech “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter” George Washington. Imagine if every time you wanted to say something, a tiny government elf popped up on your shoulder and said, “Hmm… approved… denied… or maybe rephrase that in a way that makes me emotionally comfortable.” Host, Keerthi, talks about the importance of free speech. With her naturally comedic f

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” · Robert Swan Why is conservation critical? Host Diya asks us to imagine life without clean water or wildlife. Conservation is one of our strongest defenses against climate change. Forests, oceans, and wetlands absorb enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, helping regulate Earth’s temperature. The food we eat depends on healthy soil, clean water, pollinators like bees, and stable weather pa

“Become an active citizen through your wardrobe.” Livia Firth Today we're not talking about a bill, a ballot measure, or a party platform. We're talking about your closet. The fashion industry generates 92 million tons of textile waste annually. Host Julia Howe and reporter Hanna Yu tackle the tragedy of fast fashion and its environmental impact. Hanna focuses on the philosophy of this conspicuous consumption. Whose fault is it? Julia talks about TikTok Shop. What makes TikT

In this episode, “When AI Takes Over Earth, Humanity Reaches for the Stars,” Saanvi Phaneendra explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and space exploration, and what it means for the future. As AI continues to transform industries such as coding, banking, and creative fields, she raises an important question: what role will humans play in an increasingly automated world? She emphasizes that uniquely human qualities like imagination, curiosity, and the drive to e

Mental health is a part of being human. We are not only our eyes, ears, voice, and body parts, but we are also our emotions. These emotions affect how we feel, react, and portray ourselves to the world. Kirpa hosts a program with reporters Milan and Jatin, with an open discussion defining mental health and how we define it to ourselves and to others. Educate yourself, create safe places, and choose kindness and empathy. No one should struggle alone. Follow us: https://www.s

“Cancer is just a chapter in our lives and not the whole story.” — Allie Moreno Host Keerthi begins the show with a bold and true statement: “ Teenagers are some of the most powerful people on the planet.” She believes that teens need to be involved in cancer advocacy. Cancer isn’t just a medical issue. It’s a human issue. It’s about funding research.It ’s about supporting families.It ’s about making sure treatments are accessible.It ’s about early detection.It ’s about menta

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt Are you confident in your abilities? Do you compare yourselves to others? Host Julia dives into the importance of confidence and reframes how to think about comparison. She interviews reporter Jatin, who shares how comparison negatively affects confidence. He talks about the effects of social media and AI. Reporter Milan then speaks with Julia about how our personal growth can be impacted when we compare ourselves with

· "Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness." – Maya Angelou What is kindness? How can we lead with kindness? Host Sharanya along with reporters Milan and Jatin offer their insights into how kindness improves happiness, positive emotions, and social connections while reducing anxiety. Being kind to others manifests kindness for ourselves. Sharanya finishes the episode with notes on her passion of making data science equitab

“I think every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine.” - Neil Armstrong Some people use their heartbeats to make noise. Others use them to make meaning. In today’s broadcast, host Julia interviews someone who does exactly that through music. Rachel Schaub is an emerging 17-year-old pop songwriter and artist from the Detroit area whose music is playful, expressive, and deeply personal. Her songs move easily from bright, bouncy pop ant

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Albert Einstein Brothers, Jatin and Milan, reporters on Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio, talk about how being curious leads to success in all things. Jatin discusses how curiosity helped some people become famous for their inventions. Milan reads a poem and encourages teens to explore and be curious. Producer, Cynthia Brian, hosts the program and reads the chapter from her book, Be the Star You Are! for Teens calle

“Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.”~ Mahatma Gandhi It’s a brand-new year, and Express Yourself!™ teen reporters, Milan and Jatin, share their suggestions for creating goals and resolutions. Producer, Cynthia Brian hosts, providing a few insights into planning for success. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” https://sites.libsyn.com/560220/goals-for-the-new-year Happy 2026…Sparkle and Shine! LISTEN LIVE:...

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." – Norman Vincent Peale. In this holiday episode, Host Julia explores what the season really feels like for teenagers: balancing stress, shifting family dynamics, and the pressure to enjoy a “magical” time of year, while learning how to make the holidays meaningful on our own terms. Julia reflects on practical, honest ways teens can enjoy the season without clichés, perfection