Express Yourself!

"Story, as it turns out, was crucial to our evolution -- more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story told us what to hang on to." - Lisa Cron He sued Donald Trump and won? So begins the conversation teen host, Julia, has with the best-selling author and winner of numerous Moth GrandSLAM Championships, Matthew Dicks as they discuss his newest book with strategies to grow business and brands, Stories Sell. Matt shares how being a storyteller and a math teacher to ten-year-olds catapulted him into becoming a sought-after consultant to major corporations. He offers many techniques, including his Homework for Life, that helps create stories that stick. Reporter Hasini believes it is important for teens to share stories to help with connection. Sharing stories gives teens a voice to express themselves authentically. Storytelling sparks conversations and challenges perspectives. Modern technology has completely changed storytelling. With social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, teens share experiences instantly. 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/

Grandparents are both our past and our future. In some ways, they are what has gone before, and in others, they are what we will become. —Fred Rogers Hosts Julia and Keerthi talk about the superpowers of grandparents. They possess the unique ability to turn every mundane event into an epic adventure. Each one is a treasure trove of adventure, mystery, and, quite often, questionable fashion choices from their youth. They've seen it all—wars, moon landings, and the evolution of the telephone from rotary to touch. Keerthi's grandparents are Indian and don't speak English, so they couldn't be on the show today. But Keerthi shares how much she loves hanging out with them on their coconut farm when she visits India. One set of her grandparents is from the same village where Kamala Harris' mom grew up! Julia introduces us to her two amazing and accomplished grandpas. Yukon joined Julia and Keerthi for a lively discussion about how he came to America from China and became a renowned economist, not seeing China again until he became the World Bank's country director for China with an office in Beijing. His stories and advice will have listeners craving more. Unfortunately, Julia's grandfather on her dad's side was unable to come on the program but she interviewed him about his life earlier. Jonathan Howe is a retired four-star United States Navy admiral, who worked at the White House with Henry Kissinger and President Nixon. He was the Special Representative for Somalia to United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. He met his future wife at age 13 and the rest is history. Both grandpas have Wikipedia pages. Yukon Huang: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon_Huang Jonathan Howe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Howe This show honors grandparents everywhere! Grandparents are the heart of our history, the soul of our future. Celebrate your grandparents. Happy Grandparents Day! 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/

"The cinema has no boundary; it is a ribbon of dream." - Orson Welles Are teens accurately represented in films and TV shows? Host Keerthi and reporter Hasini don't think so. They tackle this issue and agree that teens are often written by adults who have forgotten their teen years and played by older adults. There is a focus of focus on stereotypes (like the nerd, the jock, the mean girl), but not enough on the complexities and nuances that reel teens experience. Filmmakers forget that real teenagers are mostly just trying to figure out how to get a good grade while avoiding their parents' endless "life lesson" conversations. Teens are still depicted as either effortlessly cool or hopelessly awkward. It's like directors have a script that says, "Let's make the teen either an Instagram influencer who has their entire life figured out or someone who doesn't understand the concept of a phone charger." There's rarely an in-between. Hasini thinks that, Euphoria, has done a great job of reflecting the real world. The show addresses issues like mental health, addiction, gender identity, and trauma, and it doesn't shy away from showing the raw, messy realities that many teens face. The characters are complex, flawed, and very real, which makes them relatable. Keerthi notes that cinematic portrayals are like candy—deliciously sweet but not very nutritious. They offer an escape from reality and a chance to dream about lives more glamorous, dramatic, or adventurous than our own. In conclusion, let's celebrate the diversity of teenage experiences in cinema. Let's have characters who are awkward, unsure, and who occasionally wear the same clothes three days in a row. Every teenager deserves to see themselves represented in a way that's as real as their struggle to keep their room clean. 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/

"Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first." –Matthew Jacobson Our parents are like our first influencers. They were there before social media, showing us how to navigate life. Host Julia discusses how our parents shape our views on pretty much everything—money, relationships, education, and life. She shares personal stories of growing up and the advice she was given. She shares behaviors that children learn from parents, both positive and negative. Work ethics, social skills, and handling stress, are all connected to how you grew up. Kids who grow up in a nurturing environment tend to score higher on exams. Parents who shelter their kids from tough life lessons often end up with anxious adult children. In the second segment, Julia describes her dad's experience as a "Navy brat", moving constantly to different states and countries because his father was a four-star Navy Admiral working with Henry Kissinger. He was resilient and adaptable, traits that continue to inspire Julia. She illustrates the different parenting styles with authoritative, yet loving, being the most balanced. We owe a lot to our parents—not just for raising us, but for shaping the way we think, act, and see the world. So, next time they're giving us advice, maybe we'll listen a little closer… or at least pretend to. "To the world, you're just one person, but to your parents, you are the world." 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/

When we think about animals, we often imagine them as playful companions or majestic creatures in the wild. Host, Keerthi tells us that animals also play a crucial role in our health. Animals are far more than just pets or wildlife. They are our companions, our helpers, and our sources of comfort. Whether offering emotional support, assisting with daily tasks, or simply being a part of our lives, animals play a crucial role in our health and happiness. Appreciate the humor, the love, and the downright absurdity that pets and animals bring into our lives. Whether they're chasing their tails, making us laugh with their antics, or simply sitting quietly beside us, they remind us that life is a little bit better with a bit of furry—or scaly—company. Embrace the joy of animals – they're the heartbeat of our happiness. memories. 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 Stella Bella's Barnyard Adventures, true stories about animals in children's picture books with proceeds benefiting Be the Star You Are! charity @ https://www.starstyleradio.com/store

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.— Chinese Proverb Teens are often told to think about the future. This is a challenging and overwhelming task at that age. Host Hasini shares her personal dreams, goals, and struggles as she is evolving. She gives us permission to enjoy the process. She then interviews vivacious and unapologetically authentic influencer, Skylar Sorkin, who is the Founder of the podcast, Regardless, and an Account Executive at Influential. Skylar shares the backstory of Regardless and her mission to provide tools, information, and positive reinforcement for twenty-somethings. Skylar is a powerhouse on social media with a clear and inspirational mission. She advocates fiercely for women, is dedicated to personal growth, and gives gratitude to her parents who are also life coaches. This is an energizing, powerful hour of upbeat talk.Embrace your journey with confidence, knowing that every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dreams and makes you a better version of yourself. 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 Empowerment Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/

Want to know what teens think about the 2024 elections and the nominees? Join hosts Julia and Hannah as they both provide election history as well as their personal thoughts. They interview guest teen Viranshi Vira who discusses the inequities in healthcare, specifically the disparity with racial maternal mortality. She and her peers organized a school walkout to protest the overturn of Roe v. Wade and advocate for reproductive rights. Hasini enters the conversation and states that even though young teens can't vote yet, their interests must be taken into account. Policies on education, climate change, healthcare, and social justice directly affect their lives, both now and in the years to come. Knowledge about the political process now prepares teens to be responsible and informed voters when they reach voting age. It also empowers teens to participate in discussions, advocate for causes they care about, and support candidates who align with their values. Elections are the cornerstone of democratic governance, giving citizens the power to choose their leaders and influence the direction of their country. In 2024, the stakes are high. Do citizens want democracy or a dictatorship? Do Americans want a leader who has integrity and advocates for freedom or a convicted felon who seeks revenge and retribution? Whatever your age, your voice makes a difference. If you are old enough to vote, do your homework and choose the best candidate. The future of our world depends on it and every vote counts. 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/

"A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles." – Tim Cahill Returning just hours before the broadcast from a phenomenal choral tour of South Africa, jet-lagged and seasoned teen host, Julia, enthusiastically talks about the new friends she made on her journey and welcomes three other teen reporters to discuss the joys of international travel. Two reporters, Diya and Armine, are making their debut segments. Diya shares the suspense she experienced in the cenotes of Mexico, Mayan ruins, and the awe of visiting the Taj Mahal. Armine encourages eco-traveling with simple tips on how to explore the world while keeping the health of the planet in mind. Hasini, another new reporter, reflects on last summer's two-month internship at a hospital in Hyderabad in South India where she worked in a laboratory and enjoyed eating street food. She also waxed poetic about the history and magnificence of the Taj Mahal. Despite the challenges and exhaustion of flying, all the teens agree that traveling to a foreign land offers cultural awareness with distinctive perspectives. Making friends and bringing back memories tops the list of bonuses. Do your research, pack your bags, and get ready to fly. Remember wherever you travel, leave only footprints, and take only memories. Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio • https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ • https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/

"You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart."-John Ford Does your stomach turn into circles if you must give a speech? How do you react when you must debate someone? Our two teen hosts, Julia and Keerthi, are accomplished speakers and debaters and they have plenty of useful tips to keep you from "dying." Julia recently gave a Tedx talk that had her jittering in her boots. Keerthi is spearheading the Be the Star You Are!® debate collaboration with Eloquence. Both advise you to stay confident in your knowledge and the importance of your message. Authenticity resonates with audiences more than perfection. Julia heads to the airport to catch a flight for South Africa where she is performing with her choral group while Keerthi introduces our newest reporter, Hasini Ramala with her segment Teen talk!. Hasini feels right at home on the radio talking about storytelling and the importance for teens to share their real lives. She suggests that you enjoy the process of speaking about your stories and express yourself! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio • https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ • https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/

"Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it." – John Adams Our Express Yourself!® hosts are traveling, so producer, Cynthia Brian, is jumping behind the microphone to interview reporter, Kirpa about the meaning of freedom. Kirpa also offers what freedom means to her and how it relates to what is happening in the world today. Cynthia reads the Gift of Freedom chapter from her book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, reflecting on two months of a study program in the U.S.S.R. before 1991. Living behind the "Iron Curtain" was a wake-up call about the privilege of freedom. In segment three, Cynthia takes us into the garden to bring freedom and flowers together to help us plant a patriotic Independence Day design. Appreciate the complexities of the gift of freedom. America may not be perfect – no country is. America is a work-in-progress, a country constantly struggling to balance rights with responsibilities and to maintain a level of freedom and justice for all. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to be born in a land that allows us the ability to travel the world, witness the cultures and lifestyles of other nations, and then return to a country that welcomes our expression. Protect freedom as it is never free. Just living is never enough. Oscar Wilde may have said it best. He wrote, "With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?" Celebrate the 4th of July and our freedom! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio • https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ • https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ • Buy books at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store • Proceeds benefit Be the Star You Are!® 501c3