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To call high school senior Jackie Rao, “multicultural” is a gross understatement. Growing up with an Indian father and Russian mother, raised around Judaism and Hinduism, Jackie and her sister were learning a lot about the world. She shares what her life is like right now, here at the end of her senior year of high school- spring break, college stress, prom, and getting close to folks just as it’s all wrapping up. But Jackie also shares how she got here, a story that includes losing her mom through a turn of surprising and tragic events. 

You will cry, you will be inspired, you will be left to consider how loss shapes people, and why, sometimes, those that have experienced tragedy become the people we most want to be around. 

We laugh, we shed tears, we have a painful and meaningful conversation.

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios, Charlotte NC

http://evrybdystudios.com

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

Ed and Kellie sit down with high school sophomore, Jack Totten. He shares about his current hobbies and interests, including his gaming, comics, and music Youtube channels (all linked below). Jack talks about the complications his mother faced while carrying him, and also shares what the doctors originally said about his chances to walk and run. Lastly, (spoiler alert) we find out how he proved them all wrong.

Small and difficult first steps all the way to being named the “Athlete of Week” in a local newspaper article celebrating his cross country PR. Jack’s story is inspiring and worth hearing and sharing.  

Charlotte Observer Article

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article312108585.html

Jack’s Gaming and Comics Channels

https://youtube.com/@blitzprimal125?si=hl2T-qjLQ7_cHxKE

https://youtube.com/@blitz-tendo3dsgamer212?si=KmaD8atG4XpqRZXf

https://youtube.com/@theblitzedcomicgeek6950?si=Gx1AEPaZXMw7Baqa

https://youtube.com/@blitzstudiosmusic?si=rJ4WItQW36mJwFF-

Jack’s Music

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blitzprime/1762111757

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1e8HA189pWV6mtwUCc46jG?si=SqRBLy7vRPCKX8v01ys9ZA

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Ffk6SICReLigHppQ0Velj?si=uLcNbjEISGucTYeN6HjbNA&pi=sqsowWWbTxiG7

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios, Charlotte NC

http://evrybdystudios.com

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

Ed and Kellie talk about New Year’s resolutions, when travel locations don’t meet expectations, and the constant struggle between what we want now versus what we want most. A fascinating discussion around the things we choose in life but are dissatisfied with once we have them. It's not often we slow down and compare our short term desires and goals with the things that are constant and most deeply important to us as individuals. Hell, do most people even know what those things are? Ed and Kellie explore their own journeys, and then walk the listener through the key questions that they walk their high school senior audiences through. 

A great listen for anyone… but definitely for anyone looking for a new job, new friendships, a new city to live in, a new direction, ANYTHING to help them deal with a growing discontent with the way things are. And who knows,… maybe it will even help some listeners understand their past a little better as well.

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios, Charlotte NC

http://evrybdystudios.com

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

Ed and Kellie get to hear the story behind Dr. Samantha Martinez, a young, successful, Charlotte-based psychologist. 

You will hear how Dr. Sam grew up in a small NJ town as the oldest daughter of 2 coaches, how her mom was diagnosed with cancer when she was 9, and that despite her begging not to go, how her parents sent her and her siblings to Camp Kesem, a place that changed her life. Such a fun and helpful interview that addresses parenting with curiosity, grief, and that the best version of us includes high performance AND the ability to feel.

Dr. Martinez’s Website:

https://drsamanthamartinez.com/

Camp Kesem:

https://www.kesem.org/

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

**Trigger warning: This episode talks explicitly about suicidal ideation and depression. If you are in crisis please call or text 988.

Ed and Kellie sit down with their long-time friend and FOR Students’ Videographer and Graphic Designer, Chris Lee. They talk playing music, becoming a full-time creative, and the stresses of working for non-profits with small teams. Very quickly, however, Chris opens up and is incredibly vulnerable around his marriage, boundaries, deteriorating mental health, separation, despair, and plans for suicide. It’s a tough and beautiful discussion around feeling lost and, with the help of friends, figuring out how to survive. You will be glad you listened.

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

Ed and Kellie interview Jaxon Brown, 22 yr old, Charlotte-native who has been, self-admittedly, trying to figure out what to do with his life since he graduated high school. Jaxon reminisces about his teen years, youth group, his relationship with mentors, and the difficulty he has had with education and direction. He beautifully describes his ever-evolving health and sobriety, and his changing perspective on his parents and their desires for him as he grew up. Truly an amazing look inside the heart and mind of a wonderful human on a journey to find purpose.

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

Ed and Kellie interview Anish, a Charlotte student that will be studying politics, philosophy, and economics at the University of Oxford starting fall of 2025. Recorded during the weeks right before he left for school, the 3 get into his family, friends, hobbies, and what it feels like to prepare to attend one of the oldest and most revered universities on the planet. What becomes very clear very quickly is that Anish is a unique human being in possession of a giant intellect and endless drive. It also becomes clear that his heart is to help people and make the world a better place. You’ll love this listen.

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

Ed and Kellie have a conversation around the 24 hour, global news frenzy, and the feelings of anxiety and helplessness that seem to inevitably follow. Why are we addicted to bad news? What is the body’s response to endless, traumatic events without clear solutions?

Ed and Kellie talk about some evidence-based ways to deal with it all.

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- Used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

We jump into Walker’s story of growing up playing lacrosse, being the youngest of 3 brothers, and a surprise diagnosis after a father-son trip. The fears, family interactions, surgeries that followed, the changes to many of life’s rhythms, and the feelings around watching peers do all the things he used to do. Walker’s humor, optimism, and life-giving personality are contagious. You’ll be glad you listened.

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- Used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us!

Ed and Kellie sit down with Northwestern sophomore, Ryan Samii. He talks about growing up in a family where everyone had unique gifts and interests and how his parents worked hard to create space, time, and value for each of their kids equally. Diving deep into his high school experience being a “lifer” at his Charlotte-area private school, Ryan talks about being part of the lead team of Students FOR Students, starring in multiple theatre productions, juggling friends and work load, and figuring out what was next for his journey. As a staff, we are privileged to have Ryan back for the summer working with us as an intern, and couldn’t miss the opportunity to share his story. 

Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- Used with permission

Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios