What happens when dating “preferences” cross the line into prejudice? In this episode of The People We Meet, we talk with Annika, a junior at Mountain View High School, sharing her experience as a teen of color and navigating the dating scene at school.

We dive into the messy, often uncomfortable truth about how race shapes teen attraction. We talk about the comments and assumptions that influence who gets seen as desirable and who doesn’t. We’re breaking down what “just a type” really means and why it matters.

Music: “forever love” by prod. NIGHT DRESS | “into the blue” by lowtyde/prodtyde

What does it really feel like to live with ADHD as a teenager? In this episode of The People We Meet, hosts Lara and Anoushka explore the complexities, misconceptions, and daily realities of ADHD.

We start with Kylie Quinn, a junior her personal experience navigating school, social life, and the constant whirlwind of thoughts that come with ADHD. Then, we sit down with Dylan Kersh, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and father of a child with ADHD, to unpack how ADHD affects focus, behavior, and emotional regulation — and how to approach it with understanding and compassion.

From messy rooms and chronic tardiness to hyperfocus and creative bursts, this episode highlights the challenges, triumphs, and strategies teens use to reclaim their focus and redefine success. Whether you have ADHD or just want to understand it better, this conversation sheds light on what it really means to think, learn, and live differently.

Music: “forever love” by prod. NIGHT DRESS | “into the blue” by lowtyde/prodtyde

As a teenager, it can feel like there’s never enough time — between school, sports, homework, and everything in between. But why do so many of us still end up procrastinating? In this episode, we talk with junior Aya, who balances AP classes and water polo, and licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Holly Seerly about what really drives time management struggles. From late-night study sessions to the guilt of taking breaks, we explore how perfectionism, burnout, and pressure shape how teens spend their time — and how they’re learning to slow down, set boundaries, and finally take control of their day.

Music:

forever love by prod. NIGHT DRESS

into the blue by lowtyde/prodtyde

High school can feel like everyone’s in love—except you. In this episode, we dive into the pressures of teen dating, the loneliness that comes with comparing yourself to others, and the question so many teens ask: Am I enough? You’ll hear from Audrey, a college freshman reflecting on her high school experiences, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Gwen Chiramonte, who shares practical advice on building self-worth and finding confidence—even when love feels complicated.

As a teenager, it can feel almost impossible to put your phone down. But why is that? Is something wrong — or just part of growing up today? In this episode, we sit down with junior Nishka, who, like most of us, grew up in a digital era where nearly every aspect of life connects back to a phone — from friendships and social media to shopping and schoolwork. We dive into the pull of notifications, the comfort of staying connected, and the stress that comes with it. Together, we explore not just the challenges of being constantly online, but also the small ways teens are finding balance and learning to unplug without feeling left out.

Music:

forever love by prod. NIGHT DRESS

into the blue by lowtyde/prodtyde

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like what you saw wasn’t enough? In this episode of The People We Meet, Lara and Anoushka dive into the messy reality of body image for adolescents today. Through conversations with teens and insight from a psychologist, we unpack how social media, beauty standards, and perfectionism shape the way we see ourselves. If you’ve ever felt alone in these struggles, we hope this episode feels like sitting down with friends who get it — and a reminder that your reflection is only part of who you are.