“I know nothing of man’s rights, or woman’s rights; human rights are all that I recognize.” Sarah Moore Grimke With global conflict rising, human rights violations demand attention, especially abuses against women and girls. Host Julia begins the broadcast with an investigation of “The Myth of the Perfect Victim”. She asks, “Why do we know Gabby Petito’s name, but not Kaysera Stops Pretty Places, a 17-year-old Indigenous girl who went missing the same year? Who gets a multi-episode special, and who gets a paragraph at the bottom of a local news site?” The “Missing White Woman Syndrome” describes how the media overwhelmingly covers cases of young, white, conventionally attractive women while overlooking missing Black, Latina, Indigenous, and trans girls. If equality means anything, it means that every girl, every person, every background, every zip code, deserves to be searched for, fought for, and remembered. Julia then interviews Valentina Casas-Sayek, who provides historical examples showing how nations either failed to act or courageously opposed injustices. Women face unique abuses that limit their societal participation, educational access, healthcare, and bodily autonomy, affecting global progress. She talks about the Stolen Babies of Spain in the Franco era and looks at how different societies handle violence against women. Understanding why some communities take action on women’s rights while others stay silent gives us key insights for creating fairer societies and preventing future harm worldwide. Women’s rights are human rights. Bio: Valentina Casas-Sayek is a high school senior from Dallas, Texas, who is passionate about history and human rights. She has conducted research, written articles, presented her work at national symposiums, and created a podcast, Untold History, focusing on hidden parts of history. Valentina is also involved in her school community as an Honor Council member and a member of the lacrosse and field hockey teams. In her spare time, Valentina enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/ Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
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31:49
Ultra-Processed Foods
“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” – Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin Host Julia and reporter Hanna tackle the topic that we chew on every day: ultra-processed foods. Hanna asks if it is ethical to sell food that is unhealthy just to maximize profits at the expense of our long-term well-being. What is the price of health? Whose responsibility is it? What is the future of food? Julia talks about food dyes and artificial flavors that are engineered to cling to whatever is touched, causing you to crave more. Color = emotion. Studies show that red triggers excitement and appetite. Yellow suggests energy and fun. Food companies know these colors get your brain buzzing. Teens are wired to seek novelty and risk. Studies in neuroscience show that the teenage brain’s reward system is hypersensitive, especially to intense flavors and sensations. What are you eating? They have hope, courage, and are making noise! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/ Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
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28:59
Are Teens Affected by Climate Change?
"Climate change is the most severe problem that we are facing today, more serious even than the threat of terrorism." - Anonymous The answer is YES! Host Keerthi starts off the show with this message: “We are concerned. You know why? Because we live here! You can’t just order a new planet from Amazon Prime.” The concern is real. Studies show that over 70% of teens say climate change makes them anxious. Teens are creative, resourceful, and a little desperate—an excellent combination when it comes to change. Keerthi interviews the newest reporter, Hanna, who recognizes the injustice of the world teens are inheriting. Young people see that previous generations lived with fewer limits and more consumption, while ours will inherit the bill. And that sparks outrage, but also responsibility. Hanna shares how teens are turning worry into productivity with youth activism. They have hope, courage, and are making noise! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/ Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
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21:55
What Concerns Teen Most
“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”— Mother Teresa In today’s episode, host Julia with new reporter Hanna talk about what concerns teens the most…mental health, the climate crisis, waste, eco-anxiety, and more. Julia dives into “doomism”, doom-scrolling, and advocates for her generation that has lived through “historic” tragedies: terrorism, endless wars, “orange alert” paranoia, the 2008 financial crash, the pandemic, cost-of-living crises, natural disasters, and the climate emergency. Studies show empathy levels plummeted after 2000, but this generation of youth is pushing for political accountability. She believes that cynicism doesn’t have to mean paralysis. Julia introduces our new reporter on Express Yourself Teen radio, Hanna. Hanna’s segment is called Political Philosophy, and in today’s broadcast, she discusses upcycling, donating, and even selling secondhand. These aren’t just eco-friendly actions, they’re ways of living out our responsibility to others and to the future. Studies show that over 50% of young people say climate change makes them very worried, and almost half say it impacts their daily lives. Upcycling means taking something old or “useless” and transforming it into something new, valuable, or beautiful. Unlike recycling, it doesn’t require breaking things down—it just reimagines them. The U.S. generates 292 million tons of trash every year. The fashion industry alone creates 92 million tons of textile waste. Making a single cotton t-shirt takes 700 gallons of water. Every time you upcycle—or even keep something in circulation instead of tossing it—you’re saving resources and reducing harm. Hanna offers ways to make a difference. In the final segment, Julia and Hanna engage in a conversation about moral obligations to to future generations, questions about justice, fairness, and responsibility to others globally, ways to live sustainably, and ethical responses to big problems like climate change. Teens care about everything! Have hope! Bio: Hanna Yu is a high school senior from the Bay Area who is passionate about political philosophy. She has conducted research with university professors, written articles, and presented her work at national symposiums. Hanna is also a dancer, debater, and sculptor, whose work brings together art and political thought. In her spare time, Hanna pursues her passion for sustainable fashion by leading closet swaps and secondhand clothing sales. Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/ Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220 Or https://www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/express-yourself/
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36:08
Galactic Getaway
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Norman Vincent Peale Host Saanvi Phaneendra take you on a journey into the world of rockets, space, and the story of her nonprofit, Galactic Getaway. Her Eagle Scout project turned into a mission: bringing museum-quality rocket exhibits into libraries and universities across the San Francisco Bay Area to inspire kids, teens, and adults about the future of space exploration. Over the next half hour, she shares the vision behind Galactic Getaway, the rockets she chose, how she researched and curated their specifications, where the exhibit has traveled, the impact it has made, and where she hopes to take it in the future. To learn more about the project or how to bring the exhibit to your community, visit galacticget.org. Space exploration is unfolding, and it starts with the curiosity we inspire today. Saanvi’s hope is that every child who sees these rockets will believe: ‘That could be me someday.’ Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio https://www.starstyleradio.com/guests-express-yourself https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617 Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220
Express Yourself! is an entertaining adolescent fusion program where passion, productivity, and possibility populate the airwaves. Produced by Starstyle Productions, LLC as an international outreach program of Be the Star You Are! charity, the radio program, Express Yourself! is a show for, by, and about teens. Hosted by teens and teenage field reporters from around the country, Express Yourself! is THE destination for teens to be heard. Within the walls of the young adult community, listeners are uplifted and encouraged to be the stars of your own life. Through collaboration and conversation, a global campus of young people express their views. Topics include anything that kids talk about-books, music, making a difference, technology, school, art, humor, writing, tough talks, health, sports, films, family, friends, foes, fashion, and fun. Come play in STAR country and Express Yourself!, Sundays at 3 PM Pacific on VoiceAmerica Empowerment.
New Zealand