Recorded as a special collaboration between Teacher Reporting Labs and On Our Minds, this episode brings educators and student hosts together for an unexpected conversation sparked by a community thread about VW buses. What begins with nostalgic memories of iconic road trips quickly expands into a reflection on freedom, identity, risk, and connection— through stories ranging from childhood van rides in Puerto Rico to cross-country adventures and near-miss highway moments. As teachers and teens swap travel memories, the conversation becomes less about vehicles and more about the journeys that shape how we see the world, the people we become on the road, and the meaning we carry with us long after the trip ends.

Featured educators:

Gil Garcia taught video production and broadcast journalism for 10 years at various schools in Austin, Texas.

Trina Moore is a recently retired teacher who currently resides in Minneapolis, MN and never says no to a good road trip.

Robert Casas teaches Digital Media Production, Broadcast Journalism, and AP Computer Science Principles at Westview High School in San Diego, where he has taught media courses since 2012.

Road Trip Playlist: This conversation inspired us to create a community-powered road trip soundtrack featuring song picks from SRL educators and student journalists. Queue it up for your next adventure! SRL Summer Road Trip Mix

This episode was produced by Senior Community Engagement Manager Emily Hope Dobkin with editing and mixing by Justin Rhodes. Zach and Helena from On Our Minds hosted this episode featuring SRL educators Trina Moore, Robert Casas and Gil Garcia. Additional production support was provided by Becky Wandel, Wyatt Mayes, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and oversight by Marie Cusick and Executive Director Leah Clapman. Special thanks to WETA.