Express Yourself!

New York Times and USA Today best selling author of Reign, An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, Chanda Hahn joins hosts Asya Gonzalez and Katie Choo for a lively conversation about flexibility. Chanda discusses her writing process and how she has several books in her writing queue simultaneously. Asya talks about how challenging it can be to be flexible as a regimented college student. Always have a Plan B she recommends. Katie's Aim to Shoot segment focuses on how flexibility applies to one's workplace, majors, and careers. Whatever you do in life, you need to be flexible because curve balls thrown your way will be a reality.

Albert Einstein said, "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." Not that curiosity can make everyone 21st century Albert Einstein's, but curiosity is a must for a successful life. Asya Gonzalez interviews bubbly debut novelist, Katherin Arden, author of The Bear and the Nightingale as she relates her journey from being a student living in France and Russia and her escape to Hawaii where she decided to write her first book. The praise for her book is ubiquitous and she has two more in the works. Joven Hundal focuses his segment on millennial curiosity, or the lack thereof, in the fields of politics and the sciences. Katie Choo shows us how curiosity plays a role in every career and life choice. how curiosity can play a role in your career or professional future. Keep asking "why" and "why not?".

What is feminism? Does it refer to a diverse variety of beliefs, ideas, movements, and agendas for action? Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Zahra Hasanian share their views on gender equality, the roles of parents in our shaping our viewpoints, and the importance of being true to yourself. Past Present Reporter Chelsea Pelchat gives us a historical perspective as she talks about history and society's outlook on women through the ages, as well as their place in shaping our modern world. Best selling author and producer, Cynthia Brian, prefers to include both men and women in this narrative as we are all humans in training. Instead of employing labels, how about empowering one another to greatness regardless of gender, race, religion, politics, or other biases? Perhaps once we do that, we won't need 'isms!

Cupid is aiming his arrow your way and our Express Yourself!¡ teens have super ideas on how you can spend a stupendous Valentine's Day, with or without a significant other. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Asya Gonzalez along with Maria Wong offer fun and inexpensive tips to have a memorable day of love. Open your heart to send a sweet thank you to our men and women in the armed forces. Or bring Valentine's to shelters. Give the gift of books and homemade cookies, crafts, and caring other things. Tons of great creativity and love pour forth with this program along with links to websites to help you enjoy a special Valentine's Day. Make a tax-deductible donation in the name of someone you love. Visit www.BetheStarYouAre.org. And don't forget to love yourself first! "To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance. - Oscar Wilde

Equality brings the passion out in our teen reporters and hosts. Asya Gonzalez focuses on women's equality at home, in the workplace, and in society and doesn't like the term "women's lib" because it insinuates inequality. Brigitte wants to see more equality in entertainment with lead roles depicting people from all nations as well as in education. Zahra wants to see every individual treated with respect as she discusses equality versus equity, oppression versus privilege. Maria Wong concentrates on the book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson. highlighting the inequality in the Alabama justice system, and the need for equality -- which can be achieved through justice and mercy. Dictionary Reference defines Equality as "The state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability: promoting equality of opportunity in the workplace". We all have red blood. Everyone is equal. Equality equals freedom.

Do you surround yourself with people who are just like you or are you are person open to the multiplicity of the world? Accepting differences and acknowledging the fact that we are all human is a critical point to living happily in this world no mater our race, sexual orientation, religion, culture, political awareness, or any other thing. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Asya Gonzalez passionately lead discussions with Hope reporter, Zahra Hasanian and Book Smart reporter, Maria Wong. Is diversity race, skin color, opinions, or viewpoints? Diversity encapsulates how we all are different even beyond the surface level whether it's our different occupation, passions, or perspectives on life. Don't worry about being politically correct. Be open to a global world. How do you relate to diversity? "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" -Dr. Seuss

"The world is but a canvas to our imagination.." Henry David Thoreau What is art? Why do we utilize art to express ourselves? What are careers in art? What is creativity? Can art be healing? Is art stress-relieving? Hosts Brigitte Jia and Asya Gonzalez, both artists, dig into their favorite subject as they share personal experiences and talk with reporters Henna Hundal and Katie Choo. Art is a powerful outlet to release anxiety and promote relaxation that can have untold health benefits. Art is a potent tool for finding, shaping, and sharing an identity. Art is fueled by our creative intellectual juices and interpretations of life. Whether you do art for a career or for a hobby, art is good for the soul. Start doodling!

What is perception? Perception comes from the Latin word "perceptio" which means receiving, collecting, an action of taking possession with the mind or senses. Perception is an intuitive understanding of something, the understanding of an impression. Or is it, as a Google definition proclaims, a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression?" Is "perception" synonymous with "judgment" or "belief"? Does it have an unmistakable subjective, even illusory, quality? Join Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Henna Hundal as they dissect, debate, and discuss this mode of communication. In Health Rap, Alex Pawlakos examines how a person's perception of their own health and health risks has important implications for their actual health.

It's a New Year and already we are stressed. Our Express Yourself!™ STAR team has you covered with tips for helping you sit back, take a breath, and find out how you can be more relaxed and calm. Hosts are Brigitte Jia and Henna Hundal who lead the conversations with our very chill reporter, Katelyn Darrow who talks about ways to relax; Health Rap Reporter, Alex Pawlakos, with evidence based science on the importance of sleep and relaxation, and our Lion Roar Reporter, Katie Lyons with her important information for athletes. And then of course, Henna shares her "Pomodoro" method that deserves your full attention. Don't know what "Pomodoro" is? You'll need to tune in to our Relaxation Show to start your 2017 in the right direction! Take a deep breath, exhale, and chant, "I am relaxed!"

"Be yourself; everyone else is taken" Oscar Wilde It's challenging being a young person today. "Finding yourself" could become a national pastime. Maria Wong, Brigitte Jia, and Henna Hundal dive into what makes an individual unique, positive, and productive. Maria thoroughly enjoyed attending the Washington Journalism and Media Conference in Washington, D.C. as a national youth correspondent and encourages teens to step outside of their comfort zone to discover their dreams. Brigitte and Maria read the chapter, The Gift of You, by Cynthia Brian from the book Be the Star You Are!®, an inspiring push to embrace your originality and look at yourself as a gift. Henna encourages listeners to BE THE STAR YOU ARE, not the star that you could be, that you might be, but the star that you already are -- that light inside you that's unlike any other. We each have a unique collection of talents and attributes that we can offer the world. Henna continues "It's not selfish to be self-loving."