Peachy Keen

[TRIGGER WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS DISCUSSION OF RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT]

Well, the title is self-explanatory. Jessica Zhang, one of my closest friends, joins me to talk about all things high school boys and the things we've encountered throughout the years. Much of this is about the imbalance and misogyny embedded in the system, along with dating and "the bar" for a boyfriend.

Lately with all the school talk and college thoughts lingering around, I'm sure the juniors and all students feel a little pressure. Plus the never-ending questions about what we'll do for the future and new responsibilities, it could turn into something grave and we somehow get knocked off our paths we were so once easily walking. My siblings play a huge roll in where I ended up; they all pushed me to figure myself out (and fast) but also distinguish myself apart from them, even if it was due to little things like having the same teachers in high school. we finds their way back around, it all just depends on which way we go. My experience was different from everyone else prior and to you, so don't feel discouraged!

2nd guest of the podcast! Saakshi Sovani, my beloved violin stand partner and absolute queen overall, joins me to discuss what it's like to delve in many aspects of the arts. We both outline the ups and downs of different auditions and having to be competitive, orchestra, singing, and embracing our own styles and traits unique to ourselves. This podcast took quite a few turns and was definitely one of my favorites to listen to while editing, so hopefully you find our conversation as funny and interesting as I did.

Taking a break from social media is definitely one of the harder tasks for teens nowadays, especially since we're practically doing everything on our electronics. I decided to go on a break from Snapchat and Instagram, my two most used social media platforms, as a sort of detox from our fast-paced culture. It's really not easy - straying from talking and distracting myself during the summer is really difficult when I just want to be connected. This podcast outlines why I did it, the pros and cons of social media, and what are the things I've learned from breaks and my history with mainstream culture.

I turned 16 last week! Kind of crazy. Also, sorry for not posting last week, it's been a crazy few days :( Having said this, I wanted to do a little update about my life and just talk about random stuff if I'm being totally honest. This podcast is mainly just testing a new format and style of podcasting, so feedback would be greatly appreciated! All the things I talked about are based around questions and things I get questioned on and I never really got around to addressing. Besides this, I just felt like it fits since I've been absent for a little while and haven't necessarily talked about myself or how life has been going in quarantine as a whole. Hopefully talking about stuff 'n things don't get super boring, and the highs and lows format kind of works!

So I left most of this unedited and raw, mainly because it was my thoughts and it was unscripted. Hopefully this personal view  on college and being more prepared for transitioning.

Beauty standards is a huge topic for teens, and since we addressed a little in last week's podcast, why not address it in full? It's really difficult talking about appearance, especially since it really is a touchy topic when addressing the things we have been insecure about for so long. I wanted to include three different ways beauty standards and wanting to be the "pretty girl" affected me in my life. In all honestly, I was uneasy recording this - not because I was scared, but because of how I know these things have come across in several people's lives and the reaction to the topics I talk about. Either way, I'm going and hopefully it'll be a good and somewhat of an educational experience. Maybe. Okay, go listen to the podcast please.

I have a guest this week! First guest!! Even better, it's my best friend Mackenzie Smith. In this episode we discuss a range of things, but mainly we spoke about Mackenzie's experience with depression and anxiety, as well as how this played a role in her middle/high school life. WARNING ALL MY LISTENERS: Please, if this topic is sensitive for you, makes you uncomfortable, or triggers any past feelings, please click away or skip to our "funnier" moments in the podcast. I want you to enjoy this episode as much as Mack and I enjoyed recording it. If you don't want to listen to sensitive topics, I tried to organize the title in a sequential order, so they more or less come up in that order (but it still bounces around with mental health, so beware!). 

We live in a day and age where we can do so much by then push of a button. Public speaking is seen as talking in person in front of big crowds, but it's so much more than that - it's using your voice and being active. I use podcasting as my form of public speaking to get my message across, and I also tell stories which makes it a little more fun. Fifth grade me would be too scared to do this, but I somehow made it here... maybe you can too.