On Our Minds

With the increasing capabilities of AI, it can be extremely hard to tell what information is real or not these days. In this episode, students get insights and tips from experts and teen fact-checkers about how misinformation affects this election. Check out Samuel Larreal's Teen Vogue article here and click here for this episode's transcript. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Bri...

It's a special episode! Hear 1A host, Jenn White, interview On Our Minds students Grace Go (from WA) and Reesa Venterea (from MN) about what issues matter most to them as first-time voters, and their thoughts on misinformation.  1A is produced by WAMU and distributed by NPR.

Young people speak up about issues they care about…but are their voices heard? Students report on how the Israel-Hamas conflict is affecting young voters and activists, the story of Georgia students trying to voice opposition to a state education bill, and how schools often teach about political parties in a polarizing way. Click here for the episode's transcript.  This episode was produced by Lea...

The Electoral College determines the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. But why does the U.S. have this system? What's the history? Why is it so hard to change the Electoral College? And what could possibly improve it? This explainer episode gives you everything you need to know. Click here for this episode's transcript. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske, wit...

Members of Gen Z are running for office this November! Student reporters interview Averie Bishop (D-TX) and Wyatt Gable (R-NC) both running for a seat in their state legislature. Also hear from one of the country's youngest mayors, Jaylen Smith from Arkansas, about the impact he's had in his small town. Click here for this episode's transcript. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Br...

How much power does your vote have? What if you're a conservative and live in a blue state? Or a liberal and live in a red state? Or what if you're from a U.S. territory, like Puerto Rico, and don't have full voting rights? Students explore these questions and why, no matter what, you should still vote. Click here for this episode's transcript. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Br...

In the first episode of this special season, students explore: What does America mean? Is the American Dream achievable? How have teens' thoughts and feelings about the country changed since they were in elementary school? Hosts also interview PBS News Capitol Hill Correspondent Lisa Desjardins about her early involvement in politics. Click here for this episode's transcript. This episode was prod...

A special seven-episode season of On Our Minds , a teen life podcast from PBS News Student Reporting Labs focuses on the issues and impacts of the 2024 election for young people. 

Students explore the benefits of study abroad and the importance of paying attention to international news, like what's going on in the Middle East. Plus, Bree and James announce a special season of On Our Minds coming this fall! Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Alexia Nastasia and Miriam Reichenberg. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Briget Gans...

Diego Perez, better known as Yung Pueblo, is a number one New York Times best-selling writer, widely known for his poems on Instagram. He recently spoke with students at SXSW EDU about his writing and the healing power of mediation. Click here for this episode's transcript. The conversation with Diego Perez ("Yung Pueblo") was produced by Amelie Perez, Chloe Lewcock, Pierce Martin, and Autumn Rodg...

Since 2020, guns have been the number one cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. According to Dr. Robin Gurwith (expert on the impact of trauma and disaster on children), hearing stories about how teens have been affected by lockdowns and gun violence can help us honor victims and lead to action steps. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Lydia Tong, Nora,...

Bree and James pop in to tell you about a new teacher-focused podcast by Student Reporting Labs. Hosted by longtime SRL teachers Mike Conrad of Royal Oak High School and Michael Kaufman of the Frederick V Pankow Center in Michigan, Teacher Reporting Labs pairs two educators from different areas of the country in each episode for conversations about the challenges they face as teachers, their exper...

Sophia Kianni was the youngest member of the United Nations’s first Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. She talks with Bree and James about why she started an organization dedicated to translating climate information and resources and getting involved with Born This Way Foundation, which helps support youth mental health. Click here for this episode's transcript. This episode was produced by L...

Over the last three years or so, states have proposed more legislation that would restrict or change the way teachers talk about race, American history, gender, and sexuality. In this episode, students discuss critical race theory, anti-LGBTQ bills, and also legislation helping students' mental health. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Leeya Chaudhuri from Raleigh...

In the second part of Bree and James's conversation with the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy advises on how to create tech-free zones to limit time on social media. James also asks a few fun questions about Elmo and chocolate chip pancakes. Click here for this episode’s transcript. Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill out this form. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Pro...

The U.S. Surgeon General's advice to his teenage self (Part 1)  Teen mental health is one of the U.S. Surgeon General's top priorities. In part one of two, Bree and James talk with the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, about his mental health as a teenager and tips for combating loneliness and isolation. Click here for this episode’s transcript.  Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill...

On Our Minds' first podcast swap! We hope you enjoy this special episode from KUOW’s RadioActive. From video games and D&D to fandoms and cosplay, RadioActive shares the stories of people who create and consume media. This episode was produced by RadioActive's Indigo Mays, Dash Pinck, and Carter Ortiz. Production assistance by Antonio Nevarez. Transcript and KUOW website here.

American men are stuck in what's being called a "friendship recession." In this episode, students explore what's going on with young men and their mental health and how redefining masculinity could help. Click here for this episode's transcript. Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill out this form. Segments were produced by Nico from Santa Clara, California, and Riona from Clarksburg, M...

Clyde and Gracie Lawrence (the brother-sister duo of the Lawrence the Band) talk with James and Bree about their family and how making music is therapeutic. Click here for this episode's transcript. Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill out this form. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske and Associate Producer Jaylah Moore-Ross. Alayna Ly from KUOW's RadioAc...

You asked, we delivered--an episode all about music! Students share what songs they love right now, and how music makes them feel and connects them to their culture. Plus James gives an impromptu musical performance. Click here for this episode's transcript. Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill out this form. Segments were produced by SRL Digital Producer Rawan Elbaba and our winter a...

What does it mean to succeed at something? What even is "success"? Teens discuss what success means to them, how their definitions differ from their parents, and how the term (while subjective) matters. Click here for this episode's transcript. Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill out this form. Segments were produced by Kansas City students (with the support of the Kauffman Foundatio...

On Our Minds Season 4 Trailer

Season three hosts Ashley and Tyler introduce this season’s newest hosts, Bree Campbell and James Kim. Bree is a 17-year-old senior at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in New York City. James is a 17-year-old senior at Prosper High School in the Dallas metropolitan area. Click here for this episode’s transcript. Antonio Nevarez from KUOW's RadioActive edited and mixed this episode.

Ashley and Tyler are joined by student producers and SRL staff for a fun goodbye recording and celebration--reflections and news about what's coming next season. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske, Associate Producer Jaylah Moore-Ross, and StoryMaker Community Manager Emily Hope Dobkin, and edited by Jaylah Moore-Ross. Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stu...

In this episode, Ashley, Tyler, and student reporters discuss their personal experiences with being in nature and its benefits. Segments in this episode were produced by Raha and Caroline from Rockville, Maryland, Kim and Mariana from Brentwood, New York, and Siddharth Sudan from Stevenson Ranch, California. This episode was produced by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and edited by Associate Produ...