The Teens Talk Podcast

What does it take to be an activist? How do you know if you've made a real difference? In this season finale, we're diving into the world of student activism. Join us for an inspiring conversation with a college student who found his voice and made it heard, even in the face of opposition. Then, get ready for Leila's season 3 farewell as she reflects on the season's journey and shares exclusive be...

First-generation or second-generation, are our stories truly that different? Is there a lot of common ground between immigrants and the children of immigrants? This episode explores these questions in a conversation about identity and belonging. Three students join Leila to unpack the complexities of their immigrant backgrounds. They delve into shared cultural experiences, the challenges of naviga...

What's the story behind the largest yet often most misunderstood segment of the LGBTQ+ community? How do we break down the barriers around attraction to multiple genders? The bisexual and pansexual community represents a significant portion of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, yet their experiences are too often silenced. Break the silence with us as we welcome Nicole Kristal, founder of the Still Bi campaign,...

What does it take to have a fulfilling career in the arts when you come from an underrepresented background? Find out in this special episode, where we delve into the stories of these four creatives who have made their mark as actors, comedians, journalists, writers, and directors. From navigating systemic barriers to embracing their unique perspectives, these trailblazers share their inspiring jo...

Imagine a classroom where differences are celebrated, not just tolerated. Can we create a school where every student, regardless of ability, learns and thrives together? Is our education system truly inclusive? Join us for a groundbreaking conversation with Erin Studer, executive director of the CHIME Institute's programs, which champion a revolutionary model of inclusive education. In this episod...

What really unites the AAPI community in the US? Is it shared culture, experiences, or something else entirely? In this episode, we challenge the AAPI label by diving deep into four diverse perspectives, including our host's. Spanning from New Jersey to Hawaii, with roots in various countries of origin, their experiences couldn't be more different. But will we uncover common threads that weave the...

How can people of faith from different backgrounds join forces to create meaningful change? In this episode of the Teens Talk Podcast, we look into the principles of collaboration and explore how faith communities can unite to address urgent issues like climate change. Host Leila speaks with Reverend Carol Devine, an ordained pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), who has extensive...

Ever wondered what goes through students' minds as they navigate the complex college application process and make their final decision? How do youth from different backgrounds weigh the different factors in making a decision? In this episode, host Leila speaks with a diverse group of high school seniors, fresh off their college commitment day, to share their unique journeys. From celebrating accep...

The Teens Talk Podcast returns for season 3, taking a whole new approach to its format and conversations. Host Leila is bringing together a diverse group of experts to learn more about creating a safe space for dialogue on important and sensitive topics, especially related to inclusion and justice. Featured guests include Dr. Rana Razzaque, Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion at Englewo...

In this episode, Teens Talk podcast host Lameese Makkawi is joined by Ellie Younger, a recent college graduate, where they discuss justice for disabled people. Many disabled people have built a community to protect each other from able-bodied people’s inability to make space for them. You will learn just how uneducated the collective is on what it takes to fight for disability justice. After break...

In this episode, Teens Talk podcast host Lameese Makkawi is joined by Katie Randall, the Chief Development and Communications Officer at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, to discuss what it’s like to be unhoused. They touch on the community efforts being taken to assist those most vulnerable. Dr. Randall paints a picture of the reality of being unhoused, as well as tangible ways to help the un...

In this episode, Teens Talk podcast host Lameese Makkawi is joined by Wafa Saeed, where they discuss what a diaspora is and how it operates. Their conversation touches on the complex differences when trying to build community on an international level compared to a local level. They cover many strategies used as a community when fighting for your rights. You will learn just how well you can utiliz...

In this episode, host Lameese Makkawi is joined by college student Rediet Moges to discuss how to recognize opposition in the people meant to serve you. It’s great to be passionate about wanting to create change; however, it’s wise you learn about all the different roadblocks you will most likely face during the process. Many of these roadblocks are from people in power. You will learn just how mu...

In this episode, host Lameese Makkawi is joined by college student Rohan Guddanti to discuss what actually goes into running and maintaining a community space. You will learn tips and skills used to maintain a safe space while still creating change. You will also leave remembering people are too nuanced to put in a box when building a group.

In this second episode of the Teens Talk Podcast, host Lameese speaks with college student Jimena Christerna about addressing mental health in the community. Mental health is too often stigmatized in communities working for social change. This episode is for those interested in understanding and exploring how trauma is passed down through generations, and why addressing mental health is necessary...

Have you ever had an interest in leading and building a community? Whether it's working locally as a student activist, or internationally advocating for a diaspora, these are the aspects we’ll be exploring in season 2 of the Teens Talk podcast. In this episode, host Lameese Makkawi is joined by Zaira Rodriguez, a student at the Washington University in St. Louis, where they will discuss what commu...

In this episode of the podcast Teens Talk, Board member Rhea talks with her classmate and activist Mariangela Acosta about her experience as a Deaf student in the education system, and how we can all do better to be inclusive of Deaf and disabled students. The Teens Talk Podcast is a project from the Student Virtual Board of Youth Celebrate Diversity, elevating youth voice on the critical issues f...

In this third episode of the podcast Teens Talk, the conversation continues between Board members Rediet and Etsub on the Black Lives Matter movement and how it affects teens today. The conversation is split between two episodes; this is part two of their conversation. Nikki Archuleta (she/her) is an activist, humanitarian, educator scholar, poet, podcaster, community organizer and revolutionary!...

In this second episode of the podcast Teens Talk, Board members Rediet and Etsub interview two leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement, one in Denver and the other in Albuquerque, about their work for racial justice. The conversation is split between two episodes; this is part one of their conversation. Nikki Archuleta (she/her) is an activist, humanitarian, educator scholar, poet, podcaster, c...

In this first episode of the new podcast Teens Talk, Board member Elizabeth M. interviews activist Marissa Molina about immigration reform and DACA. A native of Mexico, Marissa grew up in the Western Slope of Colorado in Glenwood Springs. She attended Fort Lewis College, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Political Science and Economics. As a 2014 Teach for America Corps Member,...