Express Yourself!

"We choose to go to the Moon not because it is easy, but because it is hard." — President John F. Kennedy, 1962 Apollo planted a seed. Artemis is the tree. For the first time in over 50 years, humans are flying to the Moon. Not in a textbook. Not in a movie. Right now. NASA's Artemis program was officially established in 2017, named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology. Host Saanvi Phaneedra breaks down the Artemis mission into three segments in this broadcast of Space Spotlight. In segment one, she shares the legacy that got us here, in segment two, you'll hear about the launch itself, and in segment three, find out about the incredible rocket that makes it all possible. She also talks about her nonprofit, Galactic Getaway and her 1:144 scale museum-quality model of the Space Launch System rocket on display at Stanford University's Aeronautics and Astronautics department. www.GalacticGet.org Tune in for the blast off! 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/

In this episode of Express Yourself!, host Hannah Sahota leads her segment "Empowerment and Equality" with a powerful and accessible conversation on cancer awareness, breaking down what cancer is, how it develops, and why early detection and prevention are critical. The segment explores key warning signs, screening methods, and lifestyle factors, while also highlighting the role of vaccines and environmental exposures in cancer risk, especially how systemic inequalities disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Beyond science, Hannah emphasizes the importance of empathy, debunking common myths, and having open, supportive conversations with those affected by cancer. The episode ultimately encourages listeners to take charge of their health, stay informed, and approach cancer with both awareness and compassion. 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/

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 explore will define the future, particularly in space exploration, where humans will continue to lead alongside advanced technologies. Saanvi's nonprofit, Galactic Getaway, brings museum-quality rocket exhibits into libraries to make space exploration accessible and inspiring for young learners. She underscores how much of the universe remains unknown, from billions of undiscovered planets to the mysteries of dark matter, and encourages listeners to see themselves as future explorers. Ultimately, the episode reminds the audience that while AI may reshape the workforce, it can never replace human imagination, the true "rocket fuel" for the future. 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 greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." — William James What is stress, why do we experience it, and what can we do to relieve anxiety? Host Hannah Sahota and reporter Kirpa Gill tackle this complicated subject that affects everyone. There are three types of stress: acute, episodic, and chronic. The youth discuss techniques to overcome stress, including deep breathing and talking with a trusted person. Reducing and acknowledging stress isn't just about coping; it is rooted in creating fairer systems and lessening inequality that can give everyone an equal chance to thrive and have a healthier future. Tune in to this episode of Express Yourself! to discover ways that you can manage your stress and feel increased relaxation. Stress is a silent killer. 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/

"You can only understand people if you feel them in yourself." — John Steinbeck According to the Stanford Medical Health Center, by including teens as full participants in self-care, they're more likely to choose healthy behaviors during their lives. Hannah Sahota hosts this important program focusing on empathy and self-care with reporters Diya and Jatin. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is described as "The ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider." Self-care is not fulfilled by buying things for pleasure, but rather by utilizing tools that genuinely improve one's mental, physical, and spiritual health to avoid further consequences. The textbook definition of empathy (pulled from the Merriam-Webster version) is, "the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another". Learn more about self-care and empathy from our Express Yourself!® teens. Tune in! 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/

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.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/

"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 mental health. It's about hope. When you fight for something bigger than yourself, you grow. Cancer patients often say the thing that helps most isn't just medicine — it's community. It's feeling seen. It's knowing someone cares. You can be that someone. Keerthi shares a powerful recipe for cancer advocacy! 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/

"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 others. He suggests that being confident in one's abilities without comparison is usually the best recourse. As accomplished as Julia is, she reports that Comparison has always been her toxic hobby. There will always be someone, somewhere who is better, taller, wiser, smarter, faster, etc. She reminds us to ask the real question. What story do we tell ourselves after the comparison? Because comparison is information. She reframes comparison to admiration and asks herself, "Who do I want to become?" Be proud of who you are because there is only one you! "What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." Emerson 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/

· "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 equitable through her creation of PlotLyft, working with younger and underprivileged students. She learned that leadership grounded in kindness can change how people see themselves. Wanting to help others means listening, being patient, and creating spaces where growth feels possible. Be inclusive and be kind. · 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/

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 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/

On August 5, 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 2 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/

“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/