Power Your Story

This is a Pass the Mic discussion. We asked our fans on social media "How can you have an exciting life?" We read our audience's answers and then shared our opinions about whether we agree or disagree and why.

This episode was produced by Genaro, D'Angelo, Armani, Jonas, Joel, Edward, Emon, David, Brandon, and Elvis.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

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Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

"You don't have to pass to anyone except yourself." Our student producer Joel shares this message with anyone who is questioning or struggling with their own gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. Joel shares a personal story of coming out to his parents and with Program Advisor, Andrea Klunder, explores the right words to describe his own identity.

If you haven't already, go back one episode after this one and listen to our interview with Chuck Bernsohn for more definitions, suggestions, encouragement, and resources.

*One note: this conversation was originally recorded in 2020. Language, expression, relationships, and identity have likely shifted, expanded and grown since then. We thought this story was still important to tell and the message may be one you or someone you love may need to hear.

This episode was produced by Joel.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Gender identity, gender expression, preferred pronouns... language, options, safety -- a lot has changed over the past few years. How do you define your own identity? How do you support a friend who is struggling? What resources are availalble? Let's talk about all of it with Accessibilty Consultant Chuck Bernsohn.

Resources mentioned:

Chuck Bernsohn

The Trevor Project

Gender Spectrum

A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns

This episode was produced by Joel, D'Vonte, Genaro, D'Angelo, Alejandro and Jonas.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Right before the pandemic interrupted production our season about "Your Future", we had the chance to interview disability advocate Ryan McGraw about the services and supports offerered at Access Living in Chicago.

Access Living provides advocacy, independent living skills, transition support, peer support, information and referrals for people with disabilities.

As Access Living's Health/Home and Community Based Services Community Organizer, Ryan facilitates two groups: Taskforce for Attendant Services, and Independent Voices. He moved to Chicago from Michigan in 2008 and received his master's degree in disability and development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Since then, he's held several positions in the disability advocacy field. Ryan is passionate about home- and community-based services because everyone should have the right to live in the community with the services they need. Ryan also teaches accessible yoga, and loves to run, bike, and travel in his free time.

You can learn more about Access Living at accessliving.org and connect with Ryan there or on LinkedIn.

This episode was produced by D'Vonte, Jonas, Joel, Genaro, and Emon.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Elvis leads our student producers in a round table discussion about their childhood experiences growing up with a disability, how bullying has affected them, and learning to move past obstacles.

This episode was produced by Elvis, Genaro, Essence, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, and Alejandro.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Our student producers in Podcast Tech wanted to wish you Merry Christmas! On this Open Mic Wednesday episode... what started as a discussion about holiday gifts, food, and movies turned into a Christmas song singalong... even if we couldn't remember all of the words.

This episode was produced by Daniel, Uriel, Emilio, Jonas, Carlos, Leslie, Essence, Anabel, Itzel, Christian, Jaime, Jose, Joel, Toni, and Kevyn.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Our student producers in Podcast Tech wanted to wish you Happy Thanksgiving! On this Open Mic Wednesday episode... Food, family, and Thanksgiving day advice.

This episode was produced by Uriel, Emilio, Jonas, Daniel, Carlos, Leslie, Essence, Anabel, Itzel, Christian, Jose, Joel, and Kevyn.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

COVID-19 hit the world pretty hard. In some ways, we hit rock bottom. In 2020, we recorded a round table discussion online (since we couldn't meet in person) with some of our Power Your Story student producers.

We talked about masks, being stuck at home, online school, losing people, being bored, stress, and even some positive things coming from the experience.

In 2022, we listened back to that discussion for a fresh perspective and recorded an updated intro.

We hope listening back helps YOU process some of your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences from the pandemic. Hopefully things are getting better.

This episode features Aliyah, Brandon, Brooklynn, Elvis, Genaro, Jules (Clara), Keyanna, and Alejandro. The new intro is by Adrian, Brooklynn, and Jayvon.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

When mask mandates were lifted at Chicago Public High Schools this spring, we had some thoughts... like was it too soon and will we ever feel totally comfortable not wearing masks in public?

Open Mic Thursdays are off the cuff commentary about whatever topic is on our minds on a particular week.

These are our thoughts and opinions in the moment and can go basically anywhere.

This episode features Ada, Adrian, Brooklynn, Emerie, Jayvon, Joel, Maya, and Natalie.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

How can you tell if someone has a crush on you?

How can you make yourself more attractive?

What is consent and why is it important?

How do you know if someone is catfishing you?

We ask the tough and fun questions about dating and relationships with Maggie Arthur, Director of Education at Resilience, a nonprofit organization in Chicago dedicated to the healing and empowerment of sexual assault survivors.

This episode was produced by Justus, David, Amari, Elvis, Karen, Genaro, Emon, and Edward.

About Maggie:

Maggie first joined the Resilience Education and Training team as in intern in 2016. She was then hired onto the team in 2018 and promoted to Director of Education and Training in 2021. In addition to facilitating sexual violence prevention education for Resilience, from 2018-2021 Maggie was also the Campaign Coordinator for the Our Music My Body campaign, addressing gender-based violence in the music community.

Prior to joining Resilience, Maggie spent nearly a decade volunteering in support of survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence. She holds a BFA in photography and a BA in journalism from Indiana University as well as a Master of Social Work from UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work. Maggie is both a 40-hour certified Domestic Violence Survivor Advocate and a 60-hour certified Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate.

Maggie idolizes Dolly Parton, reads voraciously, listens to heavy metal, relishes in bringing people together, adheres to the principles of disability justice and believes a future without violence is possible.

Season 8 theme is "Your Future"

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 8 is produced by Amari, Armani, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Emon, Elvis, Genaro, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Karen, and Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.