Summer Youth Podcast Academy

I was born in Ecuador, but moved to the US at an early age. Because of this I’m completely oblivious to Ecuador's changes over the years, many of which were not the best. In this episode, i sit down with my great aunt to discuss some of Ecuador's political struggles and how they impact our family. William is a senior at Bronx Leadership Academy II in Mott Haven. He helps tutor students in after sc...

When my cousin Manar came to visit me in NYC for vacation, I noticed that she had changed since the last time we saw each other. The events leading to her life-changing decision were questionable and frightening. Nora is a senior at the Institute for Collaborative Education in Manhattan. She is constantly engaged in sports, music, writing, and weight lifting. She is also an active member in Model...

As a teen in NYC and a member of Generation Z, it isn’t clear to me why my generation partook in the Kai Cenat giveaway in Union Square. In this episode, my friend Danny and I go on a journey to uncover the motives and desires of a young teen in a moment of chaos. Christian is a senior at the High School of University Neighborhood High School (UNHS) in Manhattan. He is an active member of the UNHS...

In this episode, I sit down with my dad and explore his experiences being a Gas Station worker. I try to understand my dad’s job, what it means to him and how it impacts our relationship. Tanvir is a senior at Academy of American Studies. Although she doesn't love the overpopulation of New York, she appreciates the cultural diversity. She believes rich cultures grow richer knowledge. Tanvir is an...

I have noticed a lack of cultural representation in my Caribbean household, so I decided to interview my grandfather, Mack H. Brown, to uncover the reasons behind this absence. In this episode, I learn about the changes my grandfather experienced when immigrating to the States, ponder whether or not his cultural sacrifices were necessary and what they mean for me as a Caribbean-American moving for...

I am the fourth child of a Guinean American household, and Mary is the eldest. In this episode I uncover all the hardships Mary endured so that her siblings wouldn’t have to. Listen to what the first twelve years of Mary's life in Guinea was like, before coming to America changed everything. Decide for yourself whether or not Mary is a “trial and error child.” Fatou is a junior at Uncommon Collegi...

In this episode, I chat with my cousin Emily about our experiences living with disabilities in an ableist society. Emily shares her story and thoughts on how advocacy and empowerment can lead to a more inclusive world. Ava Stryker-Robbins is a senior at the Beacon School in New York City. She served as the head of design at her school’s literary magazine and is an active participant in her school’...

As the child of immigrants, I have often wondered what was in it for my parents when they decided to start a family in the U.S. In this episode, I talk to my father about the true meaning of a “better life” by comparing his experiences and struggles as a taxi driver in the U.S. to life back in Egypt. Marcellino is a junior at Francis Lewis High School in Queens. He is a part of numerous clubs at h...

I, like many immigrant children, have struggled with expectations my whole life, and in this episode I get to the root of where it comes from. I go on a journey with my father and older sister to discover where these expectations come from and how to deal with them. Fanta Kaba is a senior at Beacon High School in Manhattan. She is passionate about advocacy and creating safe spaces for marginalized...

As the daughter of an immigrant, I have always wondered what my father’s experience was like immigrating from Kenya to America. How did it shape him as a person? What perspectives are unique to his experience? In this episode, I sit down with him to uncover his family’s reasons for immigrating, his outlook on the whole process, and how he chooses to walk through the world because of it. Mahdia is...

As an artist myself, I have been influenced by the works of music and art since I was born. My grandmother, Monica Chestnut, similarly admired performing and using music as a means of joy, even though she didn’t end up pursuing it professionally. Within this episode, I ask my grandmother to take me on a journey through her childhood recollections, old tapes, demos and personal stories – hoping to...

Let's take a trip to The Butterfly Project: an immigrant artist's public art installation that traces back to her roots in Medellín, Colombia. Vienna Du is a rising senior at Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island. She founded her school's newspaper, and plays on her school's Varsity tennis team. Vienna loves to paint, crochet, and travel. She is always open to trying new things and meeting...

What do we, as humans, owe to each other? What do each of us humans deserve? Laila examines these big questions through the vacuum of her local socialist haven: The Park Slope Food Co-Op.

Although Citi Bikes have become commonplace in our city, they had a rocky road to get there. Listen to here the story of my building and their road to acceptance. Zana Halili is a rising senior at Baruch College Campus High School. She is a very active member of her school community, acting as the president of her schools film club, drama club and cookies for kids cancer club, as well as working a...

At a time when tension is high between the homeless population and NYC officials. One outreach worker explains her part in securing shelter for these unhoused individuals. David Cruz is an upcoming senior at Achievement First University Prep. He is Vice President of the Financial club and helps give back to the neighborhood through community service at his local church Saint Johns. When he isn’t t...

Blake Riley has grown up a part of Harlem’s rich culture his whole life. Yet as Harlem gentrifies, their collection of stories is all that’s left to connect to previous generations. Blake sits down with his next door neighbor James, a lifelong Harlemite, in search of the history of their neighborhood games, family tension through New York's 70s and the comparison of James' past to Blake's present....

Teenage girls Ishya and her sister Fatiha are certainly not new to catcalling. But what goes through a girl's mind when some random guy on the street refuses to give up? Ishya Washington is a rising senior at Baruch College Campus High School in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. She is an active member of her school’s track club, ASL club, Black & Latino Student Union, and debate team! When Ishy...

School should be a safe haven for children that not only fosters the development of education but growth too. It's close to impossible to maintain this standard when having to battle the media's negative input. Kids of color are allowed to make mistakes, we shouldn't have to fear being judged by the public because of it. That's the lesson the kids of Urban assembly school for Law and Justice and m...

This episode is an exploration of the most historic and oldest tavern in New York City, Neirs Tavern. Queens, Woodhaven a tight knit community is home to Neirs for over 190 years and throughout this episode you’ll get to hear the story of how this historic jewel was saved from closing — one of its defining moment that demonstrates the power in community. Marvin Lezama is from Queens, NY a recent A...

Mia has been exposed to many mysteries, but this one was the kicker. Join Mia on her ancestry discovery, where she is told the story of the man that everyone once called “Melvin Jackson.” Mia Jackson is a rising senior at the High School of Fashion Industries. She is the founder of the podcast, “What’s on the Rack” and became the president of her school club, “Fashion with A Purpose”. She is very...

In this episode, Jayden speaks with Octavio—an electrician from Curacao—who takes us on his journey from suffering uncompensated injuries as a non-union worker, to leading a movement to unionize his workplace. Jayden Williams is a rising 12th grader at Bard High School Early College Manhattan. He is always looking to make new friends, is the leader of his school's Badminton Club, and loves playing...

A fire destroyed Wesley and his brother Rob’s home when they were younger. In this episode, the two recount the event and reflect on the experience. Wesley Almanzar is a student at Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice. He is a helper, fun person to be around, and a geek at heart (ranging in topics from movies, superheroes, etc). Whenever he’s free he likes to make music and if the weather...

Koudjedji and her mom love Koudjedji’s little sister, Maryam. But taking care of a child with severe autism poses many challenges. Koudjedji Coulibaly is a student at Lehman College in the Bronx. She is a part of Teens Take Charge. She loves to watch anime, cook and write poetry from time to time.

After discovering that his grandfather was a “freedom swimmer”—one of thousands who fled from mainland China to Hong Kong in the mid 20th Century—Edward decided to uncover the full story. Edward Mui is a student at The Brooklyn Latin School. He is very involved with his schools’ clubs such as the ASA (Asian Student Alliance), Student Senate, Key Club, Safe Talk, and Volleyball Team. In his free ti...

Mental health should never be disregarded. It took a pandemic, a botched virtual showcase, and a single brave voice for Danielle’s dance class to realize this. Danielle Sanois is a student at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, NY. At a Performing Arts High School, she attends as a dance major where she studies dance in addition to her academic studies. She is an active member in her schoo...