The Playground

Ever watched the news and thought, what the heck are they talking about? Channel Z is a podcast started with the aim of making Indonesia's daily news easy to digest for the Gen Z audience. It's hosted by an Indonesian high schooler, Izzie, who is passionate about economics and political current events. All the news stories are explained with witty, humorous Gen Z analogies, while still communicating valuable information for the young generation to understand and integrate into their daily lives.
This episode of Channel Z highlights an issue regarding the state-owned gas station company, Pertamina, allegedly becoming a monopoly through government support. It tackles issues such as corruption, market failures and government intervention.

Ant is nine, and she's already published a book. In this episode she walks us through A Fantastical Anthology - the poems and short stories inside it, and the interactive games she built from them using Twine. She explains why she always starts with a character's personality before anything else, why counting syllables turned out to be the hardest part of the whole thing, and how a trip where she saw the Colosseum became a story called An Unlikely Friendship. In James's Great Chase, players pick a side: James the detective, or Billy the robber. Her advice to other young writers - use your own ideas, and don't be shy about your opinions.

In this episode of The Playground, Sanjana reflects on her personal journey of using music as a means of healing. She recalls being an anxious child who lost confidence after a knee injury in sixth grade left her feeling mentally stuck. Singing became her emotional outlet - a space where she could “let it all out.” Through weekly practice, the notes of her songs transformed fear into courage, giving her a sense of power, freedom, and self-connection. Although uncertainty remains part of her story, Sanjana openly acknowledges the profound impact of music: “Music has given me a lot.”

In this candid episode of The Playground, Natalie takes us behind the scenes of her first international Model United Nations experience at Harvard Model Congress Asia (HMCA). From battling burnout and self-doubt to finding her voice and winning a prestigious award, she shares what it means to step out of your comfort zone—and what you can learn when you do. Whether you're interested in global issues, debate, or simply challenging yourself, Natalie’s story will remind you that growth comes in unexpected ways—and that you’re more capable than you think.

In this episode of Ascend Now Playground, we meet Ruhi Amin, the teenage author behind From Me to You: Lessons on Self-Love, Life, and Connections. Published in 2023, Ruhi’s book quickly became an Amazon bestseller and sparked conversations in classrooms and communities alike. She opens up about the writing and publishing journey, the courage it took to be vulnerable, and the powerful responses she's received from readers around the world. Tune in to hear how Ruhi turned pain into purpose, and how her words continue to inspire young people to speak up, heal, and connect.

To buy the book: https://amzn.to/3IjC3m6

To contact Ruhi about speaking engagements: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruhi-amin-a90556208/

What if you could decode the journey behind every successful entrepreneur? In this special episode, we feature 15-year-old Surina, the creator and host of The Entrepreneur’s Equation podcast. Surina shares how observing her dad’s work meetings as a child sparked her curiosity and how that led her to interview founders, explore the true meaning of success, and build a platform that breaks down the human side of entrepreneurship. From self-doubt to strategy, and from school struggles to bold ideas, this conversation shows how passion and persistence can launch powerful projects, even before adulthood.

Link to her podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VkpiSvkbdioCrX11qJUD6?si=13be132676264224

In this inspiring episode of the Playground, we speak with Layla Will, the passionate teen founder of Give-A-Paw, a platform that lets animal lovers sponsor shelter dogs in Hong Kong. Layla shares how volunteering at a local shelter inspired her mission, and walks us through the journey of building a website, launching a social media presence, and overcoming real-world challenges like age restrictions and payment systems. From bake sales to future recipe books, Layla’s vision is clear: every small act of kindness can make a big impact. Tune in to hear how she’s turning compassion into action, one dog at a time.

Shreya’s journey to NYU Tisch was anything but conventional. From nearly pursuing medicine to realizing her true passion for acting, she shares how she made the leap into the world of theatre. In this episode, she breaks down the intense audition process, monologue preparation, and interview experience, offering valuable insider tips for aspiring drama students. If you’re considering a future in the arts, this episode is a must-listen!

We talk to Nitin, a PhD student at Boston College, about the value of a liberal arts education, research opportunities, and job prospects. He also shares insights on national service, PhD applications, and studying diverse subjects. Tune in for key takeaways on education and career growth!

From lost high schooler to Georgetown graduate: Navigate the college journey with Eugene. Discover the FINE approach to college applications, balancing academics with personal growth, and finding your place as an international student. Learn why your worth transcends admissions decisions and how to maintain perspective during life's transitions.