Express Yourself!

Crystals harness the energy of the Sun, the Moon, and the Oceans. Humans connect to this energy. As long as we have existed as a species, we have had an affinity with stones and crystals. The use of talismans and amulets date back to the beginnings of humankind, although we have no way of knowing how the earliest of these objects were viewed or used. Host Andrea Smith interviews Hollywood producer, director, and author of Crystal Power, 12 Essential Crystals for Health and Healing, Kac Young, who presents numerous ways that crystals can improve every aspect of wellness. Kac explores the power of integrating crystals with archetypes to heal emotional wounds, explains how to clean crystals, and provides the many benefits of integrating with crystals. In Silver Lining, Diya Hitalli, provides her personal experience in using crystals and talks about how to use the powerful vibrations to manifest the energy you desire. She shares the history and how to shop for your special crystal. In the final segment, Andrea reads segments from Kac's book, Crystal Power, to provide increased information about the amazing elements and powers of crystals.

Have you ever been so stressed that you have difficulty focusing on one task, and your heart and mind races? Have you caught yourself pacing back and forth? With school being virtual for many, unemployment being high, and our plans being altered monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily, anxiety and stress are affecting many people all over the world. It is at this time we look within ourselves and all around us and find our "calm place" or our "happy place", somewhere that we can either physically go to or a place we can take our mind and thoughts too. Arjin Claire, Nihal Gill, and Diya Hituvalli provide the history and benefits of meditation. Arjin reads the two chapters, the Gift of Asking and the Gift of Surrender from Cynthia Brian's award-winning book, Be the Star You Are! 99 gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. Set aside 10 to 20 minutes per day to calm your mind through meditation. Before embarking on important undertakings, sit quietly.

Today's topic is perhaps one of the most important topics and often the least talked about. Mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being. Host Maggie Campione converses with reporters Nihal Gill and Arjin Claire about their research with mental health. Spark the Interest reporter, Nihal, shares the statistic that one out six adolescents are affected by mental health conditions. If you have anxiety, depression, or phobias, although you may feel alone, you are not. The most important thing to do is speak up, talk to somebody, and get help. Arjin explores the role of artificial intelligence in his segment Innovation Nation. He talks about how in our modern, technology filled world, telehealth has become even easier and is popular with the younger population. In American Connection, Maggie declares that she is fascinated by the workings of the brain and the study of psychology. She shares her personal experience in going to therapy for anxiety issues. Get help if you struggle

Express Yourself!™ and host Andrea Smith welcome a new reporter, Diya Hituvalli with her segment, Silver Lining. Diya shares fun historical and trivia facts about Valentine's Day, a celebration that began with the Romans who, on February 14th, executed clergyman Valentine who was performing banned marriages for soldiers. Diya offers facts and fiction with humor and wit. Both teens offer tips about how to celebrate during the pandemic, whether with a partner, friend, or family. "Galantine" gatherings are a favorite for girls. Try baking, giving (and eating) chocolate, hanging out, painting, listening to music, or watching a movie or the sunset. Andrea encourages self-care on Valentine's by indulging in a face mask or bath bomb. Valentine's is also a terrific time to improve your relationship with family and friends during this time of quarantine. Cook your Mom and Dad dinner, go on a family hike, create a bonding day. Whatever you do on Valentine's Day, celebrate the love.

In this hour, teen host Andrea Smith brings to light a positive outlook on everything that is going on around COVID-19. Starting off with an update about COVID-19 and vaccines, Andrea explains what is important to know about the situation at hand right now. She then follows with a segment on mindfulness and self-love, two things that we all need right now. Finally, she wraps up the show with some of her favorites including ways to hang out safely with friends right now including social distanced picnics, parking lot get-togethers, and kayaking. She lets us in on the shows she loves to binge watch tonight, great books to read during this winter season, and so much more! If you've been sheltering-at-home, doing on-line school, and missing getting together with friends and family, Andrea spotlights how you make this time a very happy and exciting memory.

Do you know how to identify a life-threatening allergy to food or other substances? Hosts Arjin Claire and Andrea Smith take a deep dive into the real dangers of allergies. Arjin has had extreme food allergies to tree nuts, dairy, eggs, and peanuts since he was a child. He recalls an almost fatal encounter with a KIND bar as a teen and offers tips on how to recognize and avoid accidents that could be fatal by being honest and diligent. The duo take a break by offering a selection of Covid humor before Andrea discusses sinus allergies and what to do about them. An allergic reaction can happen at any time. It's best to be informed and know when to head to the emergency room. A very informative program that could save your life.

"Alone we can do so little, together, we can do so much" • Helen Keller Host Maggie Campione talks about diplomacy and believes that there has never been a better, or worse, time to love politics. In the midst of political divide in our country, a global pandemic, a new administration, and the capitol riots that happened two short weeks ago, there are so many problems in our country that tensions are high and people are equipped with sources to have debates with family, friends, or acquaintances alike. She and co-host Andrea Smith interview former senior attorney adviser with the Justice Department, Katharine Manning discussing diplomacy and empathy in the workplace. Her book, The Empathetic Workplace teaches readers the five steps to respond to trauma at work. Andrea rounds out the hour with her insight on peace, sovereignty, justice, and international affairs. This is a fascinating hour of critical importance offering truth and information in today's political climate.

At the beginning of each new year, many people make a commitment to health and wellness. Siri Phaneendra offers her personal tips to optimum health, including meditation. She interviews relational aggression expert, Cheryl Dellasega, author of Toxic Nursing, who has written many books about the issues facing women. Cheryl describes bullying behaviors, offers tools to diffuse conflict, and advises on how to make the workplace more tolerant, positive, and compliant. Toxic Nursing is a must-read for nurse managers, nurse preceptors, and new nurses. Cheryl also talks about Club and Camp Opheli where she works with girls to confront and overcome relational aggression. In the final segment, Siri reads a chapter from Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers on the Gift of Health by Cynthia Brian. Wishing everyone a healthy, safe, and happy 2021 from the STAR team at Express Yourself!

Bye, bye 2020 and thank you for being part of our Express Yourself! galaxy. Host Siri Phaneendra celebrates the beginning of 2021with reporter Nihal Gill who talks about his goals for 2021 plus an energetic and fun interview with pop star, dancer, and actress, Shevyn Roberts who presents a positive performance package. You'll hear her remix, Runnin Outta Time and be awed by her energy, exuberance, and experiences. Shevyn offers advice on getting into the entertainment industry and the challenges encountered. Her message for 2021 is not to rely on other people for your happiness. Find your happy place, be positive, and stay upbeat. She says, "Relax your mind, you'll be just fine!" Siri wraps up the hour by discussing the life lessons of 2020 and the transformations that transpired. Now is the time to follow your heart. Breathe in the positivity and exhale the negativity. Happy New Year! Celebrate 2021! Let's make it a wonderful year!

It's a wonderful time of the year! Despite the challenges of 2020, we have so much to be grateful for. Hosts Andrea Smith and Arjin Claire talk with reporter, Nihal Gill as he shares how, after their beloved dog was killed, they adopted a rescue puppy which brought them great joy. Dog trainer and author of 101 Rescue Puppies-One Family's Story of Fostering Dogs, Love, and Trust, Kathy Callahan, describes the sheer bliss of being a foster family for dogs and puppies. Kathy offers great advice on how to help pandemic puppies get used to being alone sometimes. Because of stay-at-home mandates, dogs are accustomed to having their human packs with then 24/7. This energetic dog-lover guides us through the delicious family puppy connection. The hosts wrap up this entertaining episode with Cynthia Brian's chapter, The Gift of Giving from the book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, which chronicles her family's Christmas rescue pups.