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Express Yourself!

Author: Cynthia Brian, Producer, The Express Yourself! STAR On-Air Teen Team,

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Express Yourself! is an entertaining adolescent fusion program where passion, productivity, and possibility populate the airwaves. Produced by Starstyle Productions, LLC as an international outreach program of Be the Star You Are! charity, the radio program, Express Yourself! is a show for, by, and about teens. Hosted by teens and teenage field reporters from around the country, Express Yourself! is THE destination for teens to be heard. Within the walls of the young adult community, listeners are uplifted and encouraged to be the stars of your own life. Through collaboration and conversation, a global campus of young people express their views. Topics include anything that kids talk about-books, music, making a difference, technology, school, art, humor, writing, tough talks, health, sports, films, family, friends, foes, fashion, and fun. Come play in STAR country and Express Yourself!, Sundays at 3 PM Pacific on VoiceAmerica Empowerment.
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A recent Gallup poll indicates that " approximately 85% of employees are unhappy in their jobs". STEM fields play a crucial role in addressing global challenges, including technological advancements, medical breakthroughs, environmental protection, sustainability, and even living in outer space! Host Saanvi Phaneendra and reporter Armine investigate the future of STEM and environmental jobs truly to give today's students ways to prepare for careers that may not even exist! Whether you're passionate about technology, biology, or even urban planning, there's a place for you in this economic movement focusing on harnessing STEM to generate a positive impact on the challenges facing humans globally. Besides fields like environmental AI, agriculture, and data science, what about becoming an Asteroid Miner or interplanetary architect? As you consider a role in shaping your future, remember that STEM careers will play an important role in the world's future. The sky is no longer the limit! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio •       https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ •       https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ •       https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen to all  Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Find out more about Express Yourself! at https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
  "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." – JFK   Host Keerthi travels back to the inauguration of George Washington to give a humorous, yet informative history of Presidential inaugurations in the United States. She even talks about the fashions, frills, and forgettable faux pax, including the lessons from the 2021 storming of the Capitol with the not-so-peaceful transfer of power.  The most important thing we all need to remember about the presidential inauguration: whether it's 1789 or 2025, whether it's George Washington or Donald Trump, the inauguration is a reminder that in this country, democracy is the star of the show. It's a moment of transition, a symbol of unity. Let's hope January 20, 2025 is a great day for America.   Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio •       https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ •       https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ •       https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen to all  Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Find out more about Express Yourself! at https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
There has always been a large debate on if social media is positive or negative because there are so many opinions about this topic. On one hand, your friends might be telling you to download these apps and post some pictures, and on the other hand your parents might be telling you to measure your time spent on social media. Host and Reporter, Diya, gives the low-down on the positive aspects of being on social media and also the truly negatives things that transpire. How much are you on social media? "Don't use social media to impress people; use it to impact people."- Dave Willis    Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio •       https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ •       https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ •       https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Find out more about Express Yourself! at https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio   Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220
it Means to be an American "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." – John F. Kennedy   Host Sharanya discusses how being a naturalized citizen has affected her and her family. Being an American to her means being honest about governmental failures instead of pretending they don't exist. It means refusing to confuse patriotism with blind loyalty. You can love a country and still demand that it do better. Sharanya has learned that Americanness doesn't stop at borders. The values she associates with being American — collaboration, innovation, problem-solving, and civic responsibility — are not exclusive to one country. Her nonprofit, Plotlyft, is grounded in a simple idea: knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for mobility, and access to it should not be determined by geography or privilege. America is a collective project. Let's continue to build it. ·       Follow us: ·       https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio ·       https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself ·       https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ ·       https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ ·       https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ ·         ·       Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ ·       Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ ·         ·       Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 ·       Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/ ·         ·         ·       Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 ·        Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
"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 anthems to more reflective, emotional moments, all rooted in real experiences, friendships, and dreams.    Rachel was born with KBG Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, and she also lives with autism, anxiety, and Pathological Demand Avoidance. While KBG can involve significant physical challenges for some people, including seizures, Rachel has been fortunate not to experience those complications. Her journey has instead involved navigating learning differences, attention and processing challenges, and anxiety, all of which influence how she creates and communicates.   Julia talks to Rachel about her process, challenges, and successes.   BIO Rachel Schaub Rachel Schaub is an emerging 17-year-old teen pop songwriter and artist living in the Detroit, Michigan area. Pop music has always been her favorite genre. She was inspired most by Triple Charm, a pop singing group composed of three sisters who perform, dance, and write their own songs. Other favorite musicians include Meghan Trainor and Taylor Swift.    Born with KBG Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, she was diagnosed with autism, anxiety, and Pathological Demand Avoidance in 2018 and KBG Syndrome as the underlying genetic condition in 2021. Despite these challenges, she has overcome so much and has found her true passion ... songwriting.   Rachel began writing pop songs in March 2025 and now has 14 songs and 3 EPs to her name. She uses AI to create the melodies for the lyrics she writes and is hoping to write her own melodies soon without AI. Her goal is to create an album and perform shows in the Detroit area featuring her songs. She is happiest when singing and dancing to her own pop songs. https://rachelschaub.com YouTube:  www.youtube.com/@rachelschaub1   Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
"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 called The Gift of Curiosity, penned by Sally Franz. Buy copies of the book https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org. Click on the STORE.     Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
"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!" Happy 2026…Sparkle and Shine!   Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/      
"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, or forced cheer. The show also features a special caroling segment from the LWHS Waves, LWHS Vocal Ensemble, and the San Francisco Girls' Chorus.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Express Yourself!™ and Be the Star You Are!® "Peace on Earth, goodwill to men!" — Lewis Carroll Bio: Julia Howe is a youth entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and co-host of Express Yourself Teen Radio from San Francisco, California. She is committed to introducing Chinese Opera to younger audiences, empowering teen girls in sports, and advocating for innovative education. Julia founded Jing Shao Nian, a youth Chinese Opera company, and Hitting The Wall, a non-profit dedicated to empowering teen female athletes. As the program director of Heart In Motion, she orchestrates the efforts of thousands of student volunteers at athletic events. Julia can be found singing with the San Francisco Girls Chorus Premier Ensemble or training for her next triathlon. And she has been accepted to Yale for next fall. https://www.jingshaonian.org/ Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
"If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him." Voltaire   Does asking whether God exists help teens think about bigger questions like what gives life meaning? What makes something right or wrong? Who or what do I look to when I'm trying to understand my purpose, my identity, my relationships, or the challenges? Host Hanna talks about the fact that even teens who don't believe in a higher power often care deeply about justice, fairness, compassion, dignity, and the desire to be part of something meaningful. Many of those values were born of religious traditions long before they were written into constitutions or taught in classrooms. Hanna interviews third-year Ph.D student in the Department of Philosophy, Joe Schmid, who provides an argument for and against God's existence. The cosmological argument for God's existence posits that everything in the universe has a cause. Arguments against God's existence center on the Problem of Evil, how an all-good, all-powerful God allows suffering. He then discusses Pascal's Wager. Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century philosopher and mathematician, argued that we should believe in God and act as if God exists because it is the best bet. The existence-of-God question is more than a question of belief. It's a doorway into understanding culture, history, psychology, community, creativity, and the human need for meaning.   Dive deeper into the existence of God and decide for yourself!   Bio: Joe Schmid Joe is a third year Ph.D. student in the Department of Philosophy with research interests in metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of mind. He earned a B.A. in philosophy from Purdue University in 2022 (Boiler Up!). Joe has published papers in Mind, Noûs, and The Journal of Philosophy, co-authored the SEP entry on Ontological Arguments, and co-authored a book published by Springer. He also runs the philosophy YouTube channel Majesty of Reason. When he's not doing philosophy, you'll find him either playing soccer or cuddling with his overwhelmingly cute dog (or both). Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed."— Maya Angelou A family-friendly Thanksgiving program with host Kirpa and her cousins Milan and Jatin as they celebrate gratitude, food, music, travel, and joy.  Thanksgiving is a time of connection, a time to apologize, and forgive. Kirpa advises that life doesn't need to be perfect to be beautiful — and that's the heartbeat of Thanksgiving. Have gratitude for the sunshine and the rain and even the rainbows that follow. Milan talks about being kind. Jatin shares his music appreciation. All three encourage being grateful for the little things. We wish you a very happy Thanksgiving and we are thankful for you. Be blessed. Bio: Jatin, Express Yourself! Teen Radio's newest reporter is a junior in high school with an amazing sense of humor. He loves music, and he has been playing drums for many years and is part of a rock band. He loves science and working out! He is looking forward to being a part of teen radio with his cousin, Kirpa, and brother Milan.  Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
"If we are to preserve culture, we must continue to create it." by Johan Huizinga Culture is not only about connecting the past to the present, but it is also a way we form our identity; it is a part of the puzzle in our lives. Host Julia and reporter Milan discuss the importance of studying culture and keeping one's heritage and culture alive. Milan talks about how culture forms our identity and shares how teens can illustrate the importance of traditions through events, social media, writing, and more. Julia shares information on the Chinese Opera Program she founded. Jing Shao Nian is a youth-led Chinese opera program that teaches students the foundations of Cantonese and Peking Opera through weekly rehearsals, vocal training, movement workshops, and cultural history lessons. Through the program, students gain confidence in using Mandarin or Cantonese, develop a stronger sense of identity, and build public speaking and performance skills. Julia then interviews a student leader of Jing Shao Nian, Samantha, who talks about how her relationship with Asian culture transformed after joining the group. She describes a typical performance and the effects it has had on the participants and the audiences. Embracing our cultures enhances our lives. Communities are connected through culture.   Visit the Jing Shao Nian website (with lots of photos): https://www.jingshaonian.org/ Read the newsletter on a Cultural Thanksgiving: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/p/a-cultural-thanksgiving?   Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
  " The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X    Although college applications can be stressful, there are small steps to take to make the process feel less overwhelming! Host Diya walks you through actions that will help you fill out successful applications to colleges that will be best suited to your life preferences. Stay organized and start early. Put all your extracurriculars, deadlines for essays, and application fees on spreadsheets and checklists. Research colleges that best fit your personality and interests. Do you want urban, suburban, or rural area? What about going to a small, medium, or large university? Diya advises taking small baby steps every day to make your life easier!    Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
Teens and Gun Control

Teens and Gun Control

2025-10-3116:21

  On August 5th, 2012, when Express Yourself!™ teen, was a toddler, he, his brother, and his mother stopped for three minutes at a gas station on their way to their Sikh temple. Those three minutes saved their lives as a gunman began a mass shooting. Today, host Kirpa and reporter Milan discuss gun control and what teens think about it. There are an estimated 400 million to 500 million civilian-owned firearms in the United States, with some estimates putting the number at around 1.5 firearms per person. This means there are more guns in the USA than people. Kirpa indicates that for many teens, gun violence isn't just something they see on the news. It's something that's shaped the way they grow up. Surveys show that nearly 70 percent of teens support stronger gun laws. Milan shares the mass shooting story and also provides the language of the 2nd Amendment. He believes that the crime rate and mass shootings would be reduced by limiting guns and increasing controls. Guns kill. Teens want restrictions to stay safe. This generation of teen is growing up in a storm, but they're learning to build umbrellas out of their courage. They're not waiting for permission to speak — they already are. Maybe it's time we start listening. Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
How Teens Have Grit

How Teens Have Grit

2025-10-1620:30

"I've learned you are never too small to make a difference." Greta Thunberg   With college deadlines looming and pressure mounting, this week's broadcast turns inward, toward the grit it takes to be a teenager in a world obsessed with perfection. Host Julia opens the show with a commentary on the myth of effortless success, breaking down how real grit isn't gold stars or motivational quotes, it's bombing a test and still showing up. She explores the emotional grit behind staying in friendships, choosing honesty over silence, and knowing when to quit without giving up on yourself. In the second segment, Julia zooms in on what it means to be the youngest in the room, at meetings, on boards, in spaces where adults run the show. She unpacks the labor of being taken seriously: the double standards, the polite dismissal, the subtle performances of "maturity." Julia offers tools for power, how to hold your voice, speak with clarity, and not let the silence erase your presence.     Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/
"I know nothing of man's rights, or woman's rights; human rights are all that I recognize." Sarah Moore Grimke   With global conflict rising, human rights violations demand attention, especially abuses against women and girls.  Host Julia begins the broadcast with an investigation of "The Myth of the Perfect Victim". She asks, "Why do we know Gabby Petito's name, but not Kaysera Stops Pretty Places, a 17-year-old Indigenous girl who went missing the same year? Who gets a multi-episode special, and who gets a paragraph at the bottom of a local news site?"  The "Missing White Woman Syndrome" describes how the media overwhelmingly covers cases of young, white, conventionally attractive women while overlooking missing Black, Latina, Indigenous, and trans girls. If equality means anything, it means that every girl, every person, every background, every zip code, deserves to be searched for, fought for, and remembered. Julia then interviews Valentina Casas-Sayek, who provides historical examples showing how nations either failed to act or courageously opposed injustices. Women face unique abuses that limit their societal participation, educational access, healthcare, and bodily autonomy, affecting global progress. She talks about the Stolen Babies of Spain in the Franco era and looks at how different societies handle violence against women. Understanding why some communities take action on women's rights while others stay silent gives us key insights for creating fairer societies and preventing future harm worldwide.  Women's rights are human rights.     Bio: Valentina Casas-Sayek is a high school senior from Dallas, Texas, who is passionate about history and human rights. She has conducted research, written articles, presented her work at national symposiums, and created a podcast, Untold History, focusing on hidden parts of history. Valentina is also involved in her school community as an Honor Council member and a member of the lacrosse and field hockey teams. In her spare time, Valentina enjoys spending time with her friends and family.   Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-Processed Foods

2025-10-0328:59

"Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are." – Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin Host Julia and reporter Hanna tackle the topic that we chew on every day: ultra-processed foods. Hanna asks if it is ethical to sell food that is unhealthy just to maximize profits at the expense of our long-term well-being. What is the price of health? Whose responsibility is it? What is the future of food? Julia talks about food dyes and artificial flavors that are engineered to cling to whatever is touched, causing you to crave more. Color = emotion. Studies show that red triggers excitement and appetite. Yellow suggests energy and fun. Food companies know these colors get your brain buzzing. Teens are wired to seek novelty and risk. Studies in neuroscience show that the teenage brain's reward system is hypersensitive, especially to intense flavors and sensations. What are you eating? They have hope, courage, and are making noise! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
"Climate change is the most severe problem that we are facing today, more serious even than the threat of terrorism." - Anonymous The answer is YES! Host Keerthi starts off the show with this message: "We are concerned. You know why? Because we live here! You can't just order a new planet from Amazon Prime." The concern is real. Studies show that over 70% of teens say climate change makes them anxious. Teens are creative, resourceful, and a little desperate—an excellent combination when it comes to change. Keerthi interviews the newest reporter, Hanna, who recognizes the injustice of the world teens are inheriting. Young people see that previous generations lived with fewer limits and more consumption, while ours will inherit the bill. And that sparks outrage, but also responsibility. Hanna shares how teens are turning worry into productivity with youth activism. They have hope, courage, and are making noise! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."— Mother Teresa In today's episode, host Julia with new reporter Hanna talk about what concerns teens the most…mental health, the climate crisis, waste, eco-anxiety, and more. Julia dives into "doomism", doom-scrolling, and advocates for her generation that has lived through "historic" tragedies: terrorism, endless wars, "orange alert" paranoia, the 2008 financial crash, the pandemic, cost-of-living crises, natural disasters, and the climate emergency. Studies show empathy levels plummeted after 2000, but this generation of youth is pushing for political accountability. She believes that cynicism doesn't have to mean paralysis. Julia introduces our new reporter on Express Yourself Teen radio, Hanna. Hanna's segment is called Political Philosophy, and in today's broadcast, she discusses upcycling, donating, and even selling secondhand. These aren't just eco-friendly actions, they're ways of living out our responsibility to others and to the future. Studies show that over 50% of young people say climate change makes them very worried, and almost half say it impacts their daily lives. Upcycling means taking something old or "useless" and transforming it into something new, valuable, or beautiful. Unlike recycling, it doesn't require breaking things down—it just reimagines them. The U.S. generates 292 million tons of trash every year. The fashion industry alone creates 92 million tons of textile waste. Making a single cotton t-shirt takes 700 gallons of water. Every time you upcycle—or even keep something in circulation instead of tossing it—you're saving resources and reducing harm. Hanna offers ways to make a difference. In the final segment, Julia and Hanna engage in a conversation about moral obligations to to future generations, questions about justice, fairness, and responsibility to others globally, ways to live sustainably, and ethical responses to big problems like climate change.   Teens care about everything! Have hope!     Bio: Hanna Yu is a high school senior from the Bay Area who is passionate about political philosophy. She has conducted research with university professors, written articles, and presented her work at national symposiums.  Hanna is also a dancer, debater, and sculptor, whose work brings together art and political thought. In her spare time, Hanna pursues her passion for sustainable fashion by leading closet swaps and secondhand clothing sales. Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/     Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220  Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
Galactic Getaway

Galactic Getaway

2025-09-0516:44

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Norman Vincent Peale   Host Saanvi Phaneendra take you on a journey into the world of rockets, space, and the story of her nonprofit, Galactic Getaway. Her Eagle Scout project turned into a mission: bringing museum-quality rocket exhibits into libraries and universities across the San Francisco Bay Area to inspire kids, teens, and adults about the future of space exploration. Over the next half hour, she shares the vision behind Galactic Getaway, the rockets she chose, how she researched and curated their specifications, where the exhibit has traveled, the impact it has made, and where she hopes to take it in the future. To learn more about the project or how to bring the exhibit to your community, visit galacticget.org.   Space exploration is unfolding, and it starts with the curiosity we inspire today. Saanvi's hope is that every child who sees these rockets will believe: 'That could be me someday.'   Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617   Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220
"Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." – Eleanor Brown   Host, Julia, is an athlete and a healthy teen. In today's program, she talks about how teenagers can stay healthy. She highlights student researchers who are part of the Hitting the Wall Curriculum project that she founded in 2023. Hitting the Wall is a movement dedicated to fostering positive change within the teen-girl endurance sports community, empowering healthier and happier athletes. The research program, in collaboration with SFUSD schools, UCSF researchers, professional athletes, and coaches, is committed to elevating underrepresented perspectives in women's athletics, advocating for the complexities of girlhood and sport, and amplifying the voices of women in the athletic community. Sports provide incredible benefits, including strength, stamina, teamwork, and mental toughness. Yet, the risks include severe injuries. Tune in to Express Yourself!™ for this informative special with Julia that will help you be a healthier and more active teen.   Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/   Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/   Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617   Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220
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