Welcome to "Walk and Talk with Kate!" For this week's episode, I wanted to keep it short and sweet with a quick introduction about myself. I also share my goals for 2023 and how I'm feeling about the year. Thank you so much for checking out my first episode! 

Blog: @acupofkatelyn

Self-made musician AJ Jaffari joins me in this episode to talk about his career as an artist. AJ reveals how he got his career started, how he keeps a positive mindset when he faces setbacks, and how friends and family are the best support system. He shares some advice for aspiring musicians and shows us that it's possible to do it all. Make sure to check out AJ's new single, "Wild Ones," and all of his music using the link below or by looking him up on your music streaming platform.

AJ's Spotify artist page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Q4aua4LjIiWttVw4w64R3?si=z8L4vdTgTh-byC6YboYRjw

Branham High School English teacher Mike Espinoza and I discuss what it means to be a teacher in the 2020s, especially when it comes to addressing inequality. In this episode, he gives a lesson about Critical Race Theory, a tool used to investigate works of literature, law, medicine, and much more by examining the impact race has on life. We also talk about creating an inclusive classroom environment online where all students have a voice. Teaching is constantly changing, and Mr. E is proud to grow and learn with his students.

Nurse Practitioner Camelot Thompson (who is also my aunt) clears up misconceptions about the coronavirus vaccine while calming my nerves about getting it. In this episode, you can expect to learn about the differences between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the side effects you might experience, and her reasoning for why people are hesitant to be vaccinated. We are witnessing history in the making with every person vaccinated. 

Let's look back at the first season of Curious With Katelyn together. I cannot wait for season two! Thank you so much for all of your support. 

Journalism Instagram: @katelynlowpenskyjournalism

Email: [email protected]

Caitlyn Schlaman shares what it's like to witness the California wildfires as a resident of Santa Cruz. We talk about her evacuation experience, the federal and state response, and how her family is recovering. The fires happened months ago, but the recovery process is still taking place. She lost her childhood treehouse, but she didn't lose her feelings of hope.

Cal Fire website: https://www.fire.ca.gov/

Basil Saleh, a Campbell Union High School District school board candidate, and I talk about his platform, racism in the community, and how mental health should be a priority. COVID-19 and inequality have may shaped his platform, but his life experiences have shaped who he is as a candidate. Visit his website https://www.basilsaleh.com/ for more information. Election Day is November 3.