Purpose Pro Podcast

In this episode of the PurposePro Podcast, Priya unpacks the viral cultural phenomenon known as Main Character Syndrome. From TikTok trends to the curated aesthetics of Instagram, we explore how Gen Z's love of storytelling and self-expression blurs the line between confidence and ego. Is it self-love or self-obsession? Empowerment or performance? We dive into how narrative thinking, aesthetic culture, and social media shape how teens view themselves—and how that affects our mental health, relationships, and sense of authenticity.

In this episode of the PurposePro Podcast, Priya sits down with Brooklyn, a fellow high school student, for a real and honest conversation about how social media is shaping Gen Z's identity, confidence, friendships, and self-image. From the highs of connection to the lows of comparison, we dig into the habits, pressures, and choices that come with living our lives online. Is social media changing who we are—or just how we present ourselves? What's healthy, what's harmful, and how do we find balance?

What We Cover:

• How much social media influences daily habits, moods, and decisions

• The impact of likes, comments, and online validation on self-esteem

• Ways social media fuels comparison, FOMO, and pressure to "keep up"

• Why taking breaks and setting boundaries matters for mental health

• The double-edged sword of connection: bringing people together, but sometimes driving them apart

• How social media is shaping what's "normal," "cool," and possible for Gen Z

• Tips for a healthier relationship with social media

Psychologists warn that social media can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression—especially among teens. But it's not all negative: digital communities and creative self-expression can also build confidence and belonging. The key is awareness and boundaries.

"The more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to report mental health issues, including anxiety and depression." — Mayo Clinic: Social media use and mental health

"Online life can both help and hurt self-esteem. What matters is how you use it." — American Psychological Association: Social Media and Teens

• How Social Media Affects Teen Mental Health – Child Mind Institute

• Social Media and Body Image Concerns – National Eating Disorders Association

• The Science Behind FOMO – Psychology Today

• Teen Social Media Use: What's the Impact? – Mayo Clinic

• Social Media and Teens: How to Keep Kids Safe Online – APA

Share your stories, struggles, or tips about social media using #PurposeProPodcast or tag @PurposeProPod on TikTok or Instagram. You might be featured in a future episode!

This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you're struggling with social media or your mental health, please talk to a trusted adult or mental health professional.

In this episode of the PurposePro Podcast, Priya tackles one of the hardest but most powerful lessons we all face: the value of failure. From missed opportunities and bad grades to moments of rejection and regret, we unpack how setbacks can actually fuel growth—if you let them. Why does failing feel so personal, especially for Gen Z? And how can we move from shame to self-compassion, turning losses into lessons? With insights from experts and real stories from Catalyst Collective's own Joe Elliott, we explore what it really means to "fail forward"—and why it might be the secret to becoming your strongest, truest self.

• The true meaning of "failing forward"—learning from failure instead of letting it define you

• Why perfectionism and social media make failure feel harder for Gen Z

• How schools and mentors can help create "safe spaces" for mistakes

• The science behind how failure builds grit, creativity, and self-awareness

• Tips for reframing failure, practicing self-compassion, and bouncing back stronger

• Psychologists and educators agree: failure isn't the end—it's the beginning of resilience, self-discovery, and real growth. According to Angela Duckworth, "perseverance in the face of failure matters more than talent." Sharing and normalizing our failures can help build a culture where progress is more important than perfection.

• "Failing forward means letting your mistakes push you to grow, not hold you back in shame." A core message explored in this episode.

• The Gift of Failure – Jessica Lahey, TEDx

• What is Grit? – Angela Duckworth, Character Lab

• The Surprising Benefits of Failing – Harvard Business Review

• How to Build Resilience – American Psychological Association

• Perfectionism, Social Media, and Youth Mental Health – Verywell Mind

How have you learned from failure? Share your story on Instagram or TikTok using #PurposeProPodcast, or tag @PurposeProPod to be featured in a future episode.

This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you're struggling with failure or self-worth, consider reaching out to a trusted mentor or mental health professional.

In this episode, Derin interviews an accomplished professor on the mental health challenges that teens are facing and the science behind it all.

In this episode, host Zaniya Prasla interview Lydia Wehmeyer on the positive impact gaming can have on mental health. Some of what gets discussed may surprise you!

Season 6 Host, Zaniya Prasla, interviews Hanna Steplewaska to talk about the challenges and rewards of mentoring at risk youth. If you have ever thought about mentoring but have had your hesitations, this episode is for you!

Mentorship within teenagers encompasses the whole idea of answering the question every individual has:

"What is my purpose" Why am I here? What for?

The constant question that is embedded in every teenager's life, struggling to grasp motivation or not.....struggles, experience, past hardships and support all play a vital role in not just answering this question but implementing it into life.

Finding the answer isn't as simple as it sounds. It is not as straightforward as it seems, many things are at play.

Conversations, trust, perspective, and commitment...All these are given by mentees as well as the mentors

In this episode, Founder of the Catalyst Collective, Joe Elliott, takes time to explain their innovative approach to mentoring called the Purpose Project. This mentoring experience, differentiating from all the others, takes on the hardship of helping teenagers answer life's toughest questions.

Joe and his team take in each and every teenager that seeks help, that seeks a guide, that seeks change.

For those who listen, all your questions will be answered...

"What steps could individuals take to start discovering their unique purpose and identity?"

"What is the need for teenagers and how is this addressed?"

To dive into these answers and learn more about Catalyst Collective and what they do, check out this episode.

If you would like to reach Zaniya, this seasons podcast host, please email [email protected].

Choir, singing alone or with a group can affect the lives of many.

Feeling shy, scared, even maybe terrified to step foot on that stage can happen to anyone, and it does.

The list of thoughts that go through a teenagers brain are endless.

Having choir, having this outlet, has tremendously helped many.

Collaborating with a group and being able to face those fears and build those strong social skills are just some of the benefits that come along with joining Choir, but how will choir help me to develop my future career? How does simply singing help?

All your questions will be answered today by Mrs.Emily Chandler. She is the Director of Choirs and Vandergrift High School in Leander ISD.

It is vital to be able to step into an uncomfortable setting in order to get out of your comfort zone to grow oneself.

Taking in the opportunity and singing, regardless if you do awesome on the first try is the first step.

One of many followed that all come together to overall enhance one's social skills and mindset.

Links:

https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/7230/

https://journals.library.mun.ca/index.php/singing/article/view/1022

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17533015.2022.2094432

Love, hate, breakups, a common end of an era in ones life.

Days, weeks, even months go on spent with that "special someone" and when that ends, feelings of sadness, sorrow, guilt, pain, anger and more all start to rise.

Was I not good enough? Will I ever move on? WILL I EVER FIND LOVE?!

Just some of the common questions that constantly go through an individual's head after a nasty breakup.

Some isolate themselves, dwell in their sorrows, others obsess over activities such as shopping, swiping credit cards left and right, individuals can pack their schedule, overworking themselves, ultimately providing a "distraction".

But these "distractions" only go so far.

Feelings will come and go, and no "distraction" can save you from that.

If I feel these feelings won't I be hurt?

How will I know if I have moved on from these feelings?

When will I know I'm ready to be in another relationship?

"Completely starting over?" Sounds hard, yes.

With today's episode about how to cope with a break up, you will learn how to overcome those feelings and how to go about them.

All your questions will be answered along with a few shared tips from Dr.Helen Hsu.

Dr.Helen Hsu is the past president of the Asian American Psychological Association, current president of the American Psychological Association Division 45 and has served on the APA c Committee on sexual orientation and Gender Expression, are just some of her outstanding accomplishments.

So join us today to explore all the different aspects that makeup a "breakup".

Do you know anyone who experiences high days then the next minute you turn around they are at the lowest point of their life? Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental condition that includes extreme mood swings.

The reason for this disorder is unknown. It may be genetics, environment, altered brain chemistry or maybe even a combination of all. What does the life of one diagnosed with bipolar disorder look like?

Mrs.Diana Mosley, a bipolar patient, who is now a successful business woman shares her story with her struggles and obstacles she faced.

Highlighted Quotes:

"What I was doing was abnormal, over the top, not normal"

"The extreme lows were suicidal thoughts, depression, and the lowest it could possibly go"

"It was always chasing something and never just being happy with what I had and not being happy with who I was"