Express Yourself!

The Gift of Dreams "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ― Eleanor Roosevelt Dr. Christopher Sowton, a naturopath and author of Dreamworking, joins hosts Katie Choo and Joven Hundal as they discuss the relevance and meaning of dreams. Do dreams provide guidance? Why are dreams chaotic and bizarre? Do we receive messages from our dreams?Christopher leads the team through a dreamworking session to find the meaning of a dream. Chelsea Pelchat offers views from history on the interpretations of dreams and Katie Choo discusses how dreams can be a pathway to careers. A fascinating program about a subject that most of us don't understand while we are all dreaming. Check it out.

Teachers are some of the greatest people with whom we will ever cross paths. Hosts Zahra Hasanian and Brigitte Jia interview triple threat actor, producer, and coach, Natalie Mitchell about her evolution from working as a child actor in the movie Jack with Robin Williams to becoming an acting coach, producer, director, and founder of her own production company, Emergence Films. Her insights on teaching and the entertainment industry are grounded in values and empowerment. Report of Music Magic, Seo Young Kim discusses how music fits as a unique type of strategy for teaching because it's collaborative, offering the opportunity to express opinions and relate to the listener. First time reporter of Ode to Literature, Caitlin Sim shares a very point that not every book that teaches is a philosophical or a political book. Many fiction novels are more frequently read than "non-fiction" books. Several book are discussed including Mitch Albom's book, Tuesdays with Morrie. Teach On!

"Innovation is change that unlocks new value." --Jamie Notter Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal brainstorm what innovation means to them and how innovations have changed our world. For example, can young people imagine a world without a smartphone? What about running water, electricity, or GMO's? Chelsea Pelchat brings her interesting Past/Present segment starting with the advent of steam engines and railroads, which kick started the industrial revolution in the 18th century and brings innovations to today's world with driverless automobiles and artificial intelligence. Brigitte showcases the influence of art in innovation and Joven talks about educational innovation and the philosophy of common core and the importance of being focused on putting kids in the school environments where they will excel. Without innovation we'd still be living in caves without fire. Push the boundaries. Innovate.

Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal discuss Independence Days around the world, including what they enjoy on the 4th of July-BBQ's, fireworks, parades, family, and freedom. They interview Dr. Eric Maisel, author of Overcoming Your Difficult Family, 8 Skills for Thriving in Any Family Situation. Dr. Maisel shows how to stay sane when family isn't, providing practical strategies that can be implemented immediately. Overcoming Your Difficult Family is a "field guide" to common types of dysfunctional families, and a big helping of real life success stories that are dinner table tested and approved. You'll learn to maintain inner peace in the midst of family chaos and maybe even create a better life for your whole family. Chelsea Pelchat talks about the historical significance of the 4th of July and some shocking statistics revolving around the birth of this great nation.

America is in love with their animals who are most like family. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal bring the life of our pawed, feathered, and finned friends to radio. Brigitte currently volunteers in an animal shelter and busts myths about a variety of household pets. All around us, animals are acting as our therapists, trainers, mentors, and gurus- but only if we pay attention. Through their "misbehaviors", challenges, and unwavering love, animals are conscientiously guiding us to the next step in our personal journey. Animal Lessons, by Danielle MacKinnon, shows you how to understand and benefit from this incredible phenomenon. Our hosts engage in a lively and fun discussion on what it means to have animals as teachers. In the final segment, Joven describes the African Paradox revolving around megafauna and their disappearance from the Americas. If you are an animal advocate, you won't want to miss this episode where the animals rule!

Maria Wong and Brigitte Jia host an informative program about sexual assault awareness and prevention among teenagers. From discussing the novel, Accused: A Retaliation Novel #2 by Yasmin Shiraz that focuses on the rampancy and consequences of sexual assault among teenagers on college campuses in Segment 1 to talking in depth about Brigitte Jia's article, Roots of the Juvenile Court System in Segment 2, Maria and Brigitte elicit and raise awareness of what sexual assault is, why it occurs, and college administrations's support towards sexual assault victims. In Segment 3 and 4, Javier Lopez, a preventive educator from the Community Violence Solutions and facilitator for the Male Ally Program, talks to Maria and Brigitte about preventive measures, the importance of consent, and educative programs for sexual assault awareness and prevention. Remember, if you are a victim of sexual assault, know that you are not to blame. Call 911 immediately.

Katie Choo and Brigitte Jia discuss how the meaning of "the end of school "changes as one grows older as well as summer plans, volunteering, road trips, and what the next year will be. Inspirational guest author, Emily Esfagabu Smith encourages cultivating purpose throughout one's life by staying grounded and focused on strengths and talents. In a culture obsessed with happiness, her book, The Power of Meaning, points the way toward a richer, more satisfying life striking a profound chord in anyone seeking a life that matters. Joven Hundal debates whether a long summer break is the best course for parents, teachers, and students as research has shown that a full month of math prowess is lost. A rigorous year round school with one month interval breaks may be more productive for the student. Whatever you do this summer, get off the couch, turn off the gadgets, go outside, pick up a book, take a class, go to a seminar, relax and enjoy summer but do keep your mind on your education.

"If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?" T.S. Elliot One thing is certain in life- no matter who you are, where you are from, or how much money you make, you will face challenges. How you overcome them is another matter. Hosts Maria Wong and Brigitte Jia interview best selling author, Ellen Hopkins about her newest book, The You I've Never Known. Ellen shares a personal snippet of how the book was based on an event in her life. Writing two books a year, Ellen is a master storyteller, unafraid to shed light on issues that matter. Brigitte and Maria read The Gift of Challenges from Cynthia Brian's book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference to showcase the generational differences of challenges. In segment four, Katie Choo tackles the challenges of choosing a career-how do you find it, receive guidance, and defeat fear of failure. Don't shy away from challenges. Be motivated to be the star you are!

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." ---John F. Kennedy. • To focus on the meaning of Memorial Day, host Brigitte Jia analyzes the meaning of The War Prayer by Mark Twain and discusses the over glorification of war in history. • She interviews award-winning author of Tell Me Something Real by Calla Devlin, a compelling coming-of-age novel with a trio of sisters at its center. Calla shares her journey of writing and how her childhood on road trips from San Diego to Ensenada inspired her novel. She began writing short stories that have a beginning, middle, end, and a point of transformation and graduated to novels. Celebrate our troops, be patriotic, and enjoy a great Memorial Day.

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow." Shauna Niequist Rachel Glass returns to host with Brigitte Jia on the topic of growth. Personal growth and maturing go hand in hand at different life stages. Choices, decisions, situations, experiences, etc. provide important life lessons that we will remember. Author of Teach Me to Forget, Erica Chapman, writes dark, emotional novels with a burst of humor, and lighter contemporaries with smart-ass protagonists. Erica shares information about suicide prevention while talking about her life as a writer. Our purpose in discussing the topic of suicide in a segment on growth is to shine a light of awareness on the dangers and the struggles teens experience, mirroring the purpose of the novel in delving into these subjects. In Book Smart, Maria Wong reviews her favorite coming of age novel series, Jenny Han's, To All the Boys I Ever Loved, where horizons are expanded through experiences.