Express Yourself!

What is sexuality? Most people will immediately assume we are talking about engaging in a sexual act, however, sexuality is not just about sex. From birth until death, every person is a sexual being. Host Asya Gonzalez interviews Christian author, Heather Letto, about her Ascension series first book, Impervious. The residents of Impervious survived the War of Annihilation. And though the city is chockfull of pleasures to tantalize and entertain, a beast lurks in its corners. This Beast—a mysterious and terminal illness—has killed off most of Generations One, Two and Three. And as Gen-Four prepares to take the stage a provocative, yet questionable, new method to avoid an untimely death becomes a cultural rage. Sexuality is dealt with subtly and innocently in her novel. The Gift of Sexuality by Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany is read by Asya from the best seller, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens and Asya also reads the review of Impervious.

Life is full of wonderful surprises! Hosts Brigitte Jia and Asya Gonzalez meet Japanese anime voice actor, Vic Mignogna as he discusses his serendipitous route to becoming an anime star after years of stage acting. Vic is also theexecutive producer of the award winning web series "Star Trek Continues", where he is not only directing, but fulfilling a childhood dream of playing the iconic role of Captain Kirk. Health Rap reporter, Alex Pawlakos, shares serendipity in the medical field when a scientist is trying to discover a new medical treatment, then, unexpectedly, discovers something else that he wasn't seeking that cures another disease. In Art Attack, Brigitte and Asya, both lovers of art talk about the inspiration that chance provides to artists. Serendipity happens when you least expect. Be aware of all the possibilities. Chance happens.

Deepen your spiritual connection to the earth and rejoin the community of nature when Asya and Zahra interview artist and author Lupa for her newest book, Nature Spirituality from the Ground Up. As she explores nature, Lupa risked all to keep grounded. The Gift of Risk penned by Libby Gill from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS, offers real life exercises to stretch and grow daily. Art Attack Reporter, Brigitte Jia brings another fascinating monologue on the risks that artists take to reveal their inner spirit with their works. Why did Andy Warhol paint tomato soup cans? "It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that they are difficult."-Seneca

You are responsible for your behavior, actions, and results. After reading The Gift of Responsibility from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, hosts Asya and Zahra interview Diane Bush and Kiran Kaur about Safe Jobs for Youth Month. Diane Bush directs the Young Worker Project at the Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP) at the University of California, Berkeley and Kiran is one of LOHP's Teens Lead @ Work peer educators. The Labor Occupational Heath Program and California Partnership for Young Worker Health and Safety have projects dedicated to young workers with the goal of helping prevent California's young workers from being injured or killed on the job. They work to train teens about their rights and responsibilities on the job and raise community awareness about child labor law protections and workplace health and safety issues. Be empowered, be responsible, know your rights.

Resilience is the key to a healthy life. Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Zahra Hasanian talk with Health App reporter, Alex Pawlakos who provides studies and tips on how to be more resilient. From a health standpoint, the better you handle the pressures and stresses of life, the better off you will be physically, mentally, and emotionally. To be resilient means to bounce back quickly. Our hosts interview Mary O'Connor, an actor who lost her ability to walk after a devastating injury in 2014. With her optimistic and determined struggle to regain her ability to walk, she is on a mission to encourage the entertainment industry to cast disabled actors in projects. Mary recently studied with James Franco and was part of an independent film she and her classmates created with Mr. Franco. Asya and Zahra read a humorous story from Cynthia Brian's book, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS that illustrates the importance of recovering from mishaps and turning negatives into positives to move forward.

"You're too tall, you're too short, you're too pretty, you're too ugly, you're too young, you're too old, your hair is too blonde, your hair isn't blonde enough, your eyes are too blue, your eyes need to be brown, you have too much experience, you're not experienced enough." No matter who you are, you will face rejection in life so it's time to embrace it and move forward. Asya Gonzalex hosts the program beginning with chapter, The Gift of Rejection" by Cynthia Brian from the book Be the Star You Are!® for Teens followed by a lively conversation with The New Yorker copy editor, Mary Norris. Norris expertly guides readers through the most common and confusing grammatical issues in her book, Between You and Me, Confessions of a Comma Queen. She reveals her rejections throughout her career and why it's important to keep on keeping on. An informative and fun interaction with two women who love words and repel rejection.

"Reality is merely an illusion; albeit a very persistent one." ~Albert Einstein Two fantastic guests are interviewed by host Asya Gonzalez in today's program focusing on reality. Both guests have become accidental celebrities. Alice Abruzzini, AKA Nonie, and now referred to as Vanna 2, made TV history by being the first person other than Vanna White to share the stage with Pat Sajak as he ends Wheel of Fortune. At 87 years young, being "Vanna" on a reality game show was living her dream. Venezuelan born Michelle Poler began a school project of 100 Days without Fear that has become a life changing experience .. In efforts to become a braver person, Michelle completed a project where she faced one fear a day for 100 days. She recorded herself on each challenge and posted them daily to YouTube. What she didn't expect was get 4.5 followers! Asya wraps up the show by discussing her charity, She is Worth It, and the efforts to stop the reality of sex trafficking in the United States.

"To be a leader, your must be a reader. Read, lead, succeed!" This is the motto of Be the Star You Are!® charity. Hosts Asya and Zahra talk with Book Smart reporter in NYC, Maria Wong about her love of reading and some of her favorite books for young adults. Multi-award winning author Geoffrey Saign joins the conversation with his book series, Whipeye Chronicles, thrillers about love, nature, wildlife, intuition, and trusting yourself. Aim to Shoot Reporter, Katie Choo discusses occupations that would involve reading or being part of publishing. A book is like a garden in your pocket. Pick up a book and find the wonder.

Do you believe in possibilities? Host Asya Gonzalez interviews the inspirational founder and member of the largest wheelchair dance group in the nation, recently seen on the Sundance TV show Push Girls" Chelsie Hill. At the age 17 Chelsie was tragically injured in a car accident leaving her T-10 Paraplegic. With the help of her dad, she launched a foundation, Walk and Roll, to educate others about the possibilities for a full life after an accident. Book Smart reporter, Maria Wong delves deeply into the young adult novel, You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis that focuses not only on the endless opportunities available in life but also on family life, secrets, and the glamour of NYC. Asya shares the story by T.J. Hoisington, The Gift of Possibiiity, from the book Be the Star You Are!® for Teens which encourages everyone that "YES, you CAN!"

Guest author of "How to Heal Yourself When No One Else Can", Amy Scher, offers numerous tips on how to be calm, stress-free, and focused as well as healing yourself through positivity. Amy's energy and enthusiasm sparked the admiration of hosts Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia who chimed in with their personal experiences in how being positive boosted happiness. Health Rap Reporter, Alex Pawlakos offered scientific studies and examples indicating that positivity increases heart health, reduces pain, decreases crisis recovery time, and adds to general wellness. Asya read Ivan Burnell's chapter, The Gift of Positivity, from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens encouraging everyone to say YES to life. Lower your blood pressure, heal your self, and be positive!