The Playground

In this candid episode of  The Playground , Natalie takes us behind the scenes of her first international Model United Nations experience at Harvard Model Congress Asia (HMCA). From battling burnout and self-doubt to finding her voice and winning a prestigious award, she shares what it means to step out of your comfort zone—and what you can learn when you do. Whether you're interested in globa...

In this episode of Ascend Now Playground, we meet Ruhi Amin, the teenage author behind From Me to You: Lessons on Self-Love, Life, and Connections. Published in 2023, Ruhi’s book quickly became an Amazon bestseller and sparked conversations in classrooms and communities alike. She opens up about the writing and publishing journey, the courage it took to be vulnerable, and the powerful responses sh...

What if you could decode the journey behind every successful entrepreneur? In this special episode, we feature 15-year-old Surina, the creator and host of The Entrepreneur’s Equation podcast. Surina shares how observing her dad’s work meetings as a child sparked her curiosity and how that led her to interview founders, explore the true meaning of success, and build a platform that breaks down the...

In this inspiring episode of the Playground, we speak with Layla Will, the passionate teen founder of Give-A-Paw, a platform that lets animal lovers sponsor shelter dogs in Hong Kong. Layla shares how volunteering at a local shelter inspired her mission, and walks us through the journey of building a website, launching a social media presence, and overcoming real-world challenges like age restrict...

Shreya’s journey to NYU Tisch was anything but conventional. From nearly pursuing medicine to realizing her true passion for acting, she shares how she made the leap into the world of theatre. In this episode, she breaks down the intense audition process, monologue preparation, and interview experience, offering valuable insider tips for aspiring drama students. If you’re considering a future in t...

We talk to Nitin, a PhD student at Boston College, about the value of a liberal arts education, research opportunities, and job prospects. He also shares insights on national service, PhD applications, and studying diverse subjects. Tune in for key takeaways on education and career growth!

From lost high schooler to Georgetown graduate: Navigate the college journey with Eugene. Discover the FINE approach to college applications, balancing academics with personal growth, and finding your place as an international student. Learn why your worth transcends admissions decisions and how to maintain perspective during life's transitions.

Explore the untapped potential of lesser-known universities. Uncover unique academic programs, tight-knit communities, and personalized learning experiences often overlooked in the college search. Learn how these hidden gems can offer exceptional value, foster individual growth, and provide pathways to success beyond the Ivy League spotlight.

Transformative power of student projects, importance of extracurriculars for college admissions, value of developing diverse skills, impact of self-initiated activities on personal growth, soft skills in the workforce, nurturing student passions and creativity.

Step into the intellectual labyrinth of UChicago as we uncover the true essence of this renowned institution, exploring vibrant academia, unexpected adventures, and lasting memories with a UChicago graduate.

Delve into the heart of business education at Babson College through a student's eyes, and discover what makes it a top choice for aspiring business leaders.

Dive into the experiences, challenges, and successes of a UPenn alum, exploring the strategies and mindset that helped them succeed in their admission to the Ivy League.

In this episode, 14-year-old Abhimanyu shares his passion for art and explores why art education is crucial in today’s world. He discusses how creativity and critical thinking develop through artistic practice, the challenges young artists face, and the importance of finding your own unique artistic path. Whether you're a student, aspiring artist, or simply curious about the value of art, this...

Welcome to the next episode of All Things Bright! This episode's guest is Farooq Abbasi—an entrepreneur who helps budding start-ups grow. In this interview, Alif and Ayat explore what inspired their guest to start his own business, what motivates him to keep going, and what challenges he overcame on his entrepreneurial journey. What's more, jointly with Farooq Abbasi, your hosts dive into...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Diya Shaw, a 17-year-old changemaker and the visionary behind StemConnect, an online platform dedicated to empowering women in STEM. Diya shares her journey in creating this dynamic resource hub, which connects women to scholarships, internships, grants, and groundbreaking research opportunities. From fostering a supportive community to staying...

How did "Barbie" become a billion-dollar hit? Join me as I uncover the financial strategies, marketing genius, and production magic behind the movie. Learn about the surprising decisions that turned this film into a global phenomenon. This episode gives you an insider look at what made "Barbie" a box-office sensation.

In this heartwarming episode of The Playground, we sit down with 16-year-old Muhammad Dadabai, the inspiring founder of Charity Connect BH , a website dedicated to raising awareness for charities in Bahrain. Muhammad shares his journey, the challenges of balancing school with his passion project, and the touching stories that kept him motivated. From organizing events for orphans to writing a rese...

In this episode, we sit down with Isha Kaur, a determined and adaptable young woman who shares her journey of navigating the complexities of college applications and shifting project goals. Isha opens up about the challenges of making decisions in a world full of options, the valuable lessons learned from unfinished projects, and the triumph of believing in herself despite external doubts. Tune in...

In this episode of Advantage Point, we delve into Omega’s remarkable ascent from a humble Swiss watchmaker to a global icon in Olympic advertising. Explore how Omega’s creative campaigns and strategic partnerships have enhanced their reputation as a premier luxury watch brand.

The concept of 'sooteliers' emerged during a study break when I was looking for a platform to showcase my concealed artworks. Seeing friends curious about my creations, I created 'sooteliers'—a mix of "atelier," representing an artist's studio, and my nickname "misoo" (or soo) - which I came up with for a video game account and that my friends started eventually calling me by. Now, sooteliers is a...

Ever wondered how our relationships shape who we are? How social media changes the way we connect? Teen philosopher/blogger Connor explores how we connect, social media's impact, the importance of vulnerability and finding good in the world. This thought-provoking interview is a must-listen!

In this episode, we explore the world of astrophysics with Smriti, the mind behind the "ConnectEd" blog. Smriti shares what sparked her interest in astrophysics, her fascination with mind-bending concepts like time dilation and dark matter, the impact of recent discoveries, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring young astrophysicists. Join us as we discover the exciting world of astro...

This is the first episode of ‘The Teenage Spectrum’, a podcast by Ayza Afridi. In this episode, Ayza introduces her podcast and talks about how to deal with stress. She discusses the physical effects of stress, a concept known as ‘Eustress VS Distress’, and the importance of balance.

In this episode, Eva talks about the story of her first-ever backpacking adventure at a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) course in the Pacific Northwest. She shared the highs and lows of her journey, from the nerve-wracking application process to the awkwardness when meeting her fellow coursemates. Experience the thrill of their first experiences in the forest, the guidance of their instr...

Join us as we chat with Daniel Levy, a 17-year-old football player from Belgium and sneaker entrepreneur. Daniel shares how he turned his passion for exclusive sneakers into a thriving business during the pandemic. Discover his sourcing secrets, the challenges he faces, and his tips for aspiring young entrepreneurs. Don't miss this inspiring story!