On Our Minds

In the final episode of this season, student producer Joslyn shares her journey of moving from place to place and always finding herself drawn back to Las Vegas. From snowy Michigan winters to the bright lights of the Strip, Joslyn reflects on identity, belonging, and the moment she realized where home truly was. Today’s segment was produced by Joslyn Rakes. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced thi...

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 ri...

In suburban California, getting around often means getting in a car. But for Keerthi in San Ramon and Padma in Fremont, walking, running, and riding the bus opened up a different view of their hometowns. Along trails, sidewalks, and bus routes, they discovered hidden neighborhoods, unexpected connections, and the small moments that make a community feel alive. This episode explores what happens wh...

What does it mean to live in a city where cultures, languages, and traditions meet every day? In this episode of On Our Minds, we travel to El Paso, Texas, where student journalists Marium and Aruja explore life in one of America's most unique border communities.  Along the way, hosts Zack and Helena share the foods that connect them to their cultures—from tacos to pernil—and reflect on how food c...

This On Our Minds episode heads to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where hosts Zack and Helena reflect on belonging, culture and the small details that make a place feel like home. The episode explores Calle Loíza, a vibrant street long shaped by generations of residents from around the globe, now facing an uncertain future as it becomes a tourist destination. Today’s segments were produced by Miranda Jati...

This week on the On Our Minds Roadtrip, hosts Zack and Helena take us to the city that never sleeps.  Jess, the president of her university’s beekeeping club, walks us through what it means to be a young beekeeper in New York City. She shares that New York City’s diversity doesn't stop at just people and culture. The city is home to over 200 species of bees.  Special thanks to K.U.T., Jake Perlman...

Take a road trip to Massachusetts with hosts Zack and Helena in this episode of On Our Minds. It can be cold and confusing, but also surprisingly warm and welcoming. Shane from Attleboro takes us inside his apartment building, filled with colorful neighbors who’ll dig your car out of the snow and give you some great advice along the way. Then, middle schoolers who hail from all over the world expl...

Take a road trip to New Jersey in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena discuss what in their surroundings sparks curiosity.  Student producer, Abigail Kim in Leonia, New Jersey takes you to a scuplture garden at the heart of her town. While, Libby Peckman in Highland Park, New Jersey talks about the small ways she finds community and wonder in the mundane. Special thanks to KUT, Jak...

Take a road trip to Richmond, Indiana, in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena explore what “community” really means—from hometown sports teams and small-town festivals to unexpected spaces that bring people together. At the center of this story is Oblivion, a local art store turned creative haven, where strangers become collaborators, and a fading town finds new life through art, s...

This episode of On Our Minds Road Trip takes us to Columbia, Missouri, where drag performers are building community, creating joy, and challenging stereotypes. Student producer Maggie LeBeau takes us inside the local drag scene, introducing us to performers like Alexxa Pro and Artemis Gray. They’re creating spaces of belonging, especially for young queer people who don’t always have one. Maggie Le...

Why does Minneapolis celebrate a giant pencil every year? In this episode of On Our Minds: Road Trip, hosts Zack and Helena head to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to explore one of the city’s most delightfully weird traditions: the Giant Pencil Festival on Lake of the Isles. From dancing pencil costumes to a dramatic annual “sharpening” ceremony, this story highlights how creativity, humor, and commun...

On Our Minds is produced by teens with PBS News Student Reporting Labs. For our sixth season, hosts Zack from Southern California and Helena from North Carolina head out on a road trip across the U.S. This first episode takes us to Winter Park, Colorado. Student journalist Theo shares a personal story about growing up, drifting from childhood traditions, and what it feels like to rediscover memori...

On Our Minds is a teen life podcast from PBS News Student Reporting Labs, produced by teens, for teens. Hosted by Zack from Southern California and Helena from North Carolina, this season takes you on an audio road trip across the United States. From Indiana to Minneapolis and beyond, hear real stories from young people about identity, growing up, mental health, creativity, and finding your place...

Have you ever felt doubt and insecurity about your abilities or accomplishments? It's a normal feeling but it can be hard! Who can help? A mentor in your community who believes in you and helps you find a sense of belonging. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Alia and Ginger from New York City. Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske produced this episode with editing...

You are more than your grades, your struggles, or your past, says Bryan Stevenson (author of Just Mercy and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative). Stevenson shares his journey defending the wrongly accused and why he's hopeful about the next generation. Click here for this episode's transcript. The conversation was produced by Kiran Bhatia from Brookline, MA. Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske...

How can you figure how what kind of person you want to be? Through books, says YA writer Nic Stone and viral-librarian Mychal Threets. Nic and Mychal share their wisdom about finding yourself and finding joy through reading. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Beatrix and Katherine from Austin, Texas. Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske produced this episode with ed...

What makes school fun? An inspiring teacher! Stories of gratitude for the people who devote their lives to helping students learn and grow: classroom teachers, librarians, and principals. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Jay from Southlake, Texas; Marium and Aruja from El Paso, Texas; and Connor and Jay from Clinton Township, Michigan.  Lead Podcast Producer Brig...

To wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, we present this special BONUS episode where we flipped the mic and gave space to educators who reflected on the small moments that make it all worth it—student shoutouts, surprise gifts, and memories that linger. This episode is an audio love letter to the people who keep showing up: one student, one story, one rubber duck at a time. Click here for this episod...

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen joins student reporter Khadeejah Khan for a thoughtful discussion on identity, memory, activism, and the role of art in "abolishing the conditions of voicelessness." In addition, Annalise shares a conversation with her father about growing up Chinese in Ecuador and how he embraces his multiple cultures. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segme...

Family bonds shape who we become and what dreams we have for our lives. Teens open up to their parents and siblings about what matters most: their passions, identity, and culture. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Ava from Black River Falls, WI; Priscilla from Danville, CA; and Denver from Orlando, FL; and Dylan from Boston, MA. Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske...

It’s a special episode! Hear 1A host, Jenn White, interview On Our Minds students, Ava (from WI), Jay (from TX), and Michelle (from VA) about who inspires them. 1A is produced by WAMU and distributed by NPR.

Therapist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford discusses her book Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community . Dr. Joy (host of the podcast, Therapy for Black Girls) talks with Bree Campbell (On Our Minds, Season 4 co-host) about sisterhoods, how to create a friend circle, and why boys and young men need supportive friend groups as well. Click here for this episode's transcript. This in...

How do your friends influence and inspire you? Our friends change us, for better or for worse. The best friendships inspire us to become better versions of ourselves. Staying in touch is key, which is why pen pals and phone calls are important. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Sakeenah and Tanya from Aurora, Illinois, and Michelle from McLean, Virginia. This epis...

Listen to the official trailer for the fifth season of On Our Minds from PBS News Student Reporting Labs.  This season will feature teenagers in conversation with people they admire and look up to — in their families, local communities, and the literary world.

The 2024 election brought about sweeping changes. Donald Trump's victory gave Republicans a majority in the U.S. Senate and maintained their control of the U.S. House of Representatives. How are young people feeling, and what might these results mean? Click here for this episode's transcript. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske, with help from Associate Producer Wyatt...