Teen G.E.N. Talks

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Vero, host of Modern Immigrant, a podcast show dedicated as a space to talk about immigration and to support each other. Vero was inspired by her father’s immigration story while growing up, eventually leading her to create Modern Immigrant after exploring life in the United States. Listen in as Vero shares about her experiences during Modern Immigrant as well as how the stories of others have influenced her.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Valerie Gomez, rising third-year Phd student in the education studies department at UCSD and founder of Latina Grad Guide. Valerie shares her story how her parents, Salvadoran immigrants, instilled the importance of education into her and her siblings, eventually guiding her to the path of Higher Education. Listen in to hear more on what led Valerie to help others in their academics and the founding of Latina Grad Guide to help other Latinas in professional education.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Vanessa Flores, illustrator, author, and soon-to-be graphic novelist. Vanessa shares what sparked her interest as both an illustrator and author. Listen in to hear more on her inspiration and journey that has made her a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators as well as the Orlando Giant Illustrator collective.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Sharifa Anozie, speaker, entrepreneur, and author. Sharifa discusses her call to storytelling which influenced her to travel to Los Angeles all the way from New York to pursue it. Listen in to hear more on Sharifa’s journey from CBS to entertainment news, adjustment to Los Angeles, passion as a youth mentor, and strides as an author influenced by her children.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Brian Gray, content creator, writer, and foodie! Brian shares how urbanbohemian came to be for both name and career, one that involves setting time aside to play video games much to his pleasant surprise. Listen in to hear more on what Brian has noticed as a content creator as it’s evolved over the years along with the role that it’s taken ranging from watching the gameplay and interactions during games, a space of comfort for people, or a platform to share perspectives.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Kendra Jessie, an indigenous hockey coach and content creator who uses the platform to educate indigenous culture and spread awareness on issues in indigenous communities along with sharing her love of dance. Kendra shares how her love for sports when she was younger influenced her pursuit of dance when she reconnected with her culture. Listen in to hear more of Kendra’s journey in coaching hockey, how reconnecting with her culture and helped ground her as a person, and being a content creator and using that space to spread awareness that led to her being a role model to others and being a brand ambassador.

Welcome to Season 4! In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Dora Herrera, President of Yuca’s Restaurants. Dora shares how Yuca’s Restaurants was founded and grew from there where it became involved with the community as the years passed. Listen in to hear more of Dora sharing her experiences running a family business before and during the pandemic, the influence her restaurant has had on people and the community, and tips on those interested in expanding their business.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Lilia. Lilia sits down and talks to the Teen G.E.N. Talks hosts about managing stress as a teen and ways that teens and anyone can manage stress.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview two special guests Rosa & Catherine from Latinx Lens! Rosa is a Chicana Rotten Tomatoes approved film critic, and co-founder & co-host of Latinx Lens. A podcast/website dedicated to highlighting Latinx representation and contribution in film & television they also review newly released films through their Latina lens. She’s a proud member of various critic associations including HCA (Hollywood Critics Association), LEJA (Latino Entertainment Journalists Association) and OAFFC (Online Association of Female Film Critics).    Catherine is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's degree in Radio-Television-Film. She works in the Austin film industry by day and is a Cherry Picks approved film and television critic by night. In 2020, she co-founded the Latinx Lens podcast to highlight the contributions of Latinos in film and television.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview Johnnie Jae! Johnnie Jae is an Otoe-Missouria and Choctaw rabble-rousing journalist, organizer, creator, and futurist. She is the founder of A Tribe Called Geek, an award-winning media platform for Indigenous Geek Culture and STEM, and #Indigenerds4Hope, a suicide prevention initiative designed to educate, encourage, and empower Native youth!