BDE: Big Dorm Energy

I speak with Ryan Armour who is a sophomore studying Retailing and Consumer Behavior at the University of Wisconsin. Over quarantine, Ryan started a clothing company called Hopeless Visionary; his brand emulates California street style as they sell a combination of hoodies, graphic tees, sweat shorts, and sweatpants... however, there is a twist. Upon creating a clothing company Ryan felt it was imperative his brand had an overarching message. Despite how cliche it might sound, Hopeless Visionary's mission is to inspire individuals to follow their vision and pursue their passion. During the time of the pandemic, many were feeling lost and hopeless. As a result, Ryan wanted to create a product that restored people's faith and gave them the fire to believe. Ryan explained how he decided to name his brand, the technicalities that go into creating clothing, how Wisconsin has given him the resources to thrive, and his hopes and dreams for the future. His message is empowering, his clothes r awesome, and this episode is just a reminder to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Let’s be real. Oftentimes being a teenager you think that you know EVERYTHING, especially when it comes to the Coronavirus. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Felt it was important to talk to an expert in order to better understand the science behind the virus, how it spreads so rapidly, and to learn about the vaccine. I interviewed Kirstin Chickering who is a Public Health worker at UCLA. Kirstin did her undergrad at Duke University studying International Relations and French; after she graduated she got a job working in Public Health that blended her love of traveling with speaking multiple languages. This led to a 30-year career in public health. Kirstin and I engage in an honest and compelling conversation about COVID-19. I learned so much from speaking with her and will guarantee you will too. Also a HUGE thank you to all of the public health workers for your job during this pandemic we really appreciate your work!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I want to start 2021 off on the right foot - starting dialogues about being happy with yourself and being who you want to be. This episode is especially fitting with that theme. I interview Leah Olvera who is a transgender woman. She is a sophomore studying film at the University of California Santa Cruz. She comes on BDE today to share her story about when she decided to transition, coming out to her friends and family, and the struggle of not having a parent accept her new identity. This episode is very enlightening and I was so honored Leah came on to share her story.

I speak with brothers Adam and Josh Buchwald, two survivors of the Parkland shooting back in 2018, who recently founded a global organization called 'Promise To Humanity.' They created a digital pledge for people to sign promising to wear a mask, social distance, and try to stay safe during this global pandemic. Adam is a sophomore at the University of Florida and he and I discussed frequent COVID scares and what it is like to attend college amidst a pandemic. I asked the boys about the shooting back in 2018 and how their lives were affected by it. We spoke about conversations they had with Dr. Fauci, the WHO, Matthew McConaughey about how the growth of their non-partisan organization. Adam and Josh are perfect examples of teenagers taking action and using their voices to fight for changes that they believe in. When speaking to the boys, McConaughey said it best, "I support Josh and Adam Buchwald's Promise to Humanity pledge because the safer we are today, the more we can party tomorrow."

I speak with UCLA alum, Kay Ovcharenko, Izzy Roshko, and Graziella Cannarsa about the tutoring company they started called Ignite. Founded in the summer of 2019, Ignite Tutoring LA was created with the importance of mentorship in mind. The company is unique because it preaches friendship/mentorship coupled with learning. During this pandemic, parents have frantically been searching to get their children tutored out of fear that they will fall behind. As a result, Ignite Tutoring has grown exponentially in recent months reaching new heights. This episode is an inspiring story of how three best friends started a company with the purpose of educating the youth by incorporating friendship into learning. I encourage you to check out their website if you need an amazing tutor, or to learn more about the company!

https://www.ignitetutoringla.com/about

I speak with recent UCLA graduate Patrick Wilson. Patrick is from Denver, Colorado and he comes on my show to discuss graduating college during a pandemic. He opens up about feeling lonely and lost after his senior year and how this scary feeling paralleled his freshman year experience. The graduate answers the "what's next" question about his future plans. He and I discuss the potential COVID-19 vaccine, the pivotal role Camp Kesem played in our college experiences, and play a fun game of Two Truths and a Lie. This is a feel-good episode with lots of warm and fuzzies. You get to be the fly on the wall of an honest and raw conversation. ENJOY!

I speak with UCLA juniors, Presley Campbell and Alden Kramer about their eco-friendly clothing line: Campbell and Kramer. The power duo started out as freshman year roommates where they thrifted pieces to make them high-end. Over quarantine, the company blew up and they are most well known for their iconic tie-dye sweat sets. I get a behind the scenes scoop of their motivation to start their company, how they balance school and work, obstacles they have had to overcome, and their hopes and dreams for Campbell and Kramer. Two boss queens who share a passion for sustainable fashion. TUNE IN!

Living in my sorority house I have noticed that body image/ body dysmorphia is an issue that a prominent issue that isn’t widely discussed. I hear daily remarks about people’s weight, finding the “healthier” option, and girls picking apart the way they look. I felt it was important to discuss this head-on with other girls living in the house. On today's episode, I speak with UCLA sophomores Maddy Malin and Ellen Amico about their personal struggles with eating disorders and body image. We discuss trigger warnings for people who struggle with food, diet culture, how social media affects the way we see ourselves, calorie counting, and frustrating conversations that occur in our house surrounding this topic. We need to change this narrative and erase the stigma of body issues from society. The first step to achieving this is talking about it.

If you or anybody is struggling with body image, body dysmorphia, an eating disorder, etc. check out @yourbodyyourimage which is a website that educates people about body image and gives people the platform to share their stories. They inspire self-love which is very important especially during this time. Additionally, if you are struggling I encourage you to seek help from a professional because they will know how to help you establish a new relationship with food and your body.

Kristen Schlee is from Stockton, CA, and studied math at UCLA, and got her master's degree from UC Berkeley. Kristen, or as I call her, Ms. Schlee, was my math teacher in both middle school and high school. Not only was she my teacher, but she was my club advisor, my mentor, and now my friend. She comes on BDE to discuss why she decided to become a teacher, meeting her husband at UCLA (and spills the tea about their love story), and about her college experience. We. bond over our love for podcasts and how COVID has deprived us of social interaction. GO LISTEN!

I speak with Gillian Gurney, a senior studying Political Science at Emory. Gillian talks about her experience being a student-athlete at the elite private school Harvard Westlake. Gillian opens up about her miserable freshman year of college at BU and how/why she decided to transfer to Emory. My goal was to shed light on the process of transferring colleges and finding your own niche wherever that may be.