Express Yourself!

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ― T. S. Eliot Much of the world was mapped between the 1440-1600’s because of the three “G’s”- God, gold, and glory. Past/Present reporter, Chelsea Pelchat, shares a history lesson on how nations across the world became an interconnected web of commerce and communication. New Reporter of Trends without Ends, Jack Pawlakos, reports on how recent innovations in technology with virtual reality allow us to explore the entire world without ever leaving our living room. Lifelong explorer and photographer, Greg DeBree, tells stories from his life of traveling, hunting, fishing, diving, climbing, and firefighting from Indiana to the Sonoran desert, from the Sea of Cortez to the California Sierras, from Hawaii to Antarctica. What's on your adventure bucket list?

The Gift of Dreams “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt Dr. Christopher Sowton, a naturopath and author of Dreamworking, joins hosts Katie Choo and Joven Hundal as they discuss the relevance and meaning of dreams. Do dreams provide guidance? Why are dreams chaotic and bizarre? Do we receive messages from our dreams?Christopher leads the team through a dreamworking session to find the meaning of a dream. Chelsea Pelchat offers views from history on the interpretations of dreams and Katie Choo discusses how dreams can be a pathway to careers. A fascinating program about a subject that most of us don’t understand while we are all dreaming. Check it out.

Teachers are some of the greatest people with whom we will ever cross paths. Hosts Zahra Hasanian and Brigitte Jia interview triple threat actor, producer, and coach, Natalie Mitchell about her evolution from working as a child actor in the movie Jack with Robin Williams to becoming an acting coach, producer, director, and founder of her own production company, Emergence Films. Her insights on teaching and the entertainment industry are grounded in values and empowerment. Report of Music Magic, Seo Young Kim discusses how music fits as a unique type of strategy for teaching because it’s collaborative, offering the opportunity to express opinions and relate to the listener. First time reporter of Ode to Literature, Caitlin Sim shares a very point that not every book that teaches is a philosophical or a political book. Many fiction novels are more frequently read than “non-fiction” books. Several book are discussed including Mitch Albom’s book, Tuesdays with Morrie. Teach On!

“Innovation is change that unlocks new value.” --Jamie Notter Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal brainstorm what innovation means to them and how innovations have changed our world. For example, can young people imagine a world without a smartphone? What about running water, electricity, or GMO’s? Chelsea Pelchat brings her interesting Past/Present segment starting with the advent of steam engines and railroads, which kick started the industrial revolution in the 18th century and brings innovations to today’s world with driverless automobiles and artificial intelligence. Brigitte showcases the influence of art in innovation and Joven talks about educational innovation and the philosophy of common core and the importance of being focused on putting kids in the school environments where they will excel. Without innovation we’d still be living in caves without fire. Push the boundaries. Innovate.

Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal discuss Independence Days around the world, including what they enjoy on the 4th of July-BBQ’s, fireworks, parades, family, and freedom. They interview Dr. Eric Maisel, author of Overcoming Your Difficult Family, 8 Skills for Thriving in Any Family Situation. Dr. Maisel shows how to stay sane when family isn’t, providing practical strategies that can be implemented immediately. Overcoming Your Difficult Family is a “field guide” to common types of dysfunctional families, and a big helping of real life success stories that are dinner table tested and approved. You’ll learn to maintain inner peace in the midst of family chaos and maybe even create a better life for your whole family. Chelsea Pelchat talks about the historical significance of the 4th of July and some shocking statistics revolving around the birth of this great nation.

America is in love with their animals who are most like family. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal bring the life of our pawed, feathered, and finned friends to radio. Brigitte currently volunteers in an animal shelter and busts myths about a variety of household pets. All around us, animals are acting as our therapists, trainers, mentors, and gurus- but only if we pay attention. Through their “misbehaviors”, challenges, and unwavering love, animals are conscientiously guiding us to the next step in our personal journey. Animal Lessons, by Danielle MacKinnon, shows you how to understand and benefit from this incredible phenomenon. Our hosts engage in a lively and fun discussion on what it means to have animals as teachers. In the final segment, Joven describes the African Paradox revolving around megafauna and their disappearance from the Americas. If you are an animal advocate, you won’t want to miss this episode where the animals rule!

Maria Wong and Brigitte Jia host an informative program about sexual assault awareness and prevention among teenagers. From discussing the novel, Accused: A Retaliation Novel #2 by Yasmin Shiraz that focuses on the rampancy and consequences of sexual assault among teenagers on college campuses in Segment 1 to talking in depth about Brigitte Jia's article, Roots of the Juvenile Court System in Segment 2, Maria and Brigitte elicit and raise awareness of what sexual assault is, why it occurs, and college administrations's support towards sexual assault victims. In Segment 3 and 4, Javier Lopez, a preventive educator from the Community Violence Solutions and facilitator for the Male Ally Program, talks to Maria and Brigitte about preventive measures, the importance of consent, and educative programs for sexual assault awareness and prevention. Remember, if you are a victim of sexual assault, know that you are not to blame. Call 911 immediately.

Katie Choo and Brigitte Jia discuss how the meaning of “the end of school “changes as one grows older as well as summer plans, volunteering, road trips, and what the next year will be. Inspirational guest author, Emily Esfagabu Smith encourages cultivating purpose throughout one’s life by staying grounded and focused on strengths and talents. In a culture obsessed with happiness, her book, The Power of Meaning, points the way toward a richer, more satisfying life striking a profound chord in anyone seeking a life that matters. Joven Hundal debates whether a long summer break is the best course for parents, teachers, and students as research has shown that a full month of math prowess is lost. A rigorous year round school with one month interval breaks may be more productive for the student. Whatever you do this summer, get off the couch, turn off the gadgets, go outside, pick up a book, take a class, go to a seminar, relax and enjoy summer but do keep your mind on your education.

“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” T.S. Elliot One thing is certain in life- no matter who you are, where you are from, or how much money you make, you will face challenges. How you overcome them is another matter. Hosts Maria Wong and Brigitte Jia interview best selling author, Ellen Hopkins about her newest book, The You I’ve Never Known. Ellen shares a personal snippet of how the book was based on an event in her life. Writing two books a year, Ellen is a master storyteller, unafraid to shed light on issues that matter. Brigitte and Maria read The Gift of Challenges from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference to showcase the generational differences of challenges. In segment four, Katie Choo tackles the challenges of choosing a career-how do you find it, receive guidance, and defeat fear of failure. Don't shy away from challenges. Be motivated to be the star you are!

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” ---John F. Kennedy. • To focus on the meaning of Memorial Day, host Brigitte Jia analyzes the meaning of The War Prayer by Mark Twain and discusses the over glorification of war in history. • She interviews award-winning author of Tell Me Something Real by Calla Devlin, a compelling coming-of-age novel with a trio of sisters at its center. Calla shares her journey of writing and how her childhood on road trips from San Diego to Ensenada inspired her novel. She began writing short stories that have a beginning, middle, end, and a point of transformation and graduated to novels. Celebrate our troops, be patriotic, and enjoy a great Memorial Day.

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” Shauna Niequist Rachel Glass returns to host with Brigitte Jia on the topic of growth. Personal growth and maturing go hand in hand at different life stages. Choices, decisions, situations, experiences, etc. provide important life lessons that we will remember. Author of Teach Me to Forget, Erica Chapman, writes dark, emotional novels with a burst of humor, and lighter contemporaries with smart-ass protagonists. Erica shares information about suicide prevention while talking about her life as a writer. Our purpose in discussing the topic of suicide in a segment on growth is to shine a light of awareness on the dangers and the struggles teens experience, mirroring the purpose of the novel in delving into these subjects. In Book Smart, Maria Wong reviews her favorite coming of age novel series, Jenny Han’s, To All the Boys I Ever Loved, where horizons are expanded through experiences.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. “Martin Luther King Jr Hosts Maria Wong and Brigitte Jia interview award winning author, Kathleen Rooney about her book Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk based on the true-life story of one of the most talented and successful ad women for R.H. Macy’s in the 1930s, Margaret Fishback. It took an immense amount of faith in herself and in humanity to be the plucky, outspoken and curious woman she was as she walked her way through New York. Maria and Brigitte also read Dani Wong’s touching and emotional chapter, The Gift of Faith, from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens. It is critical to have faith in oneself. When we stay positive, everything works out in time. Faith takes courage and determination to make the impossible possible. In life, faith helps us overcome the biggest obstacles. The sun is going to shine tomorrow.

“Of all of the gifts that life has to offer, a loving mother is the greatest of them all” Anonymous • Asya Gonzalez and Maria Wong host a program dedicated to the amazing women who give birth or raise children around the world, sacrificing of themselves to offer their children a better life. Special guest is author of We Were the Lucky Ones, Georgia Hunter, tracked her grandfather, his parents, and his siblings - a family of Polish Jews - as they scatter at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive - and to reunite. In 2000, a family reunion opened her eyes to the astounding war stories of her grandfather and his family. Brigitte Jia traces the importance of the Mother/Child relationship through art. In nature, the bond between mother and child is one of the strongest possible. Your mother brought you out into the world, and she defines it throughout your early years. A mother helps to shape the individual as a person. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s of the World!

“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” Thomas Aquinas Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Maria Wong read the chapters on friendship from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens and Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference recounting her life-long friendship with an Irish penpal. (Buy books at www.StarStyleRadio.com/store) A discussion on the importance of friendship and how to be a friend ensues. In segment two and three, author of Young Knight’s of the Round Table, King’s Ransom, Cheryl Carpinello discusses her book and the themes of friendship and loyalty. The book focuses on three friends, three quests, and three mysterious predictions. Kids love Arthurian tales and her books show the importance of having a friend. (http://www.cherylcarpinello.com) To find friends, hosts advise being open, interested in others, empathetic. Share a smile “Earn a friend by being a friend” Cynthia Brian

What is morality and do countries value morals? Hosts Maria Wong and Joven Hundal explore the meaning of morality in our world as they look at history. They discuss the Nazi regime of Hitler and his complete disregard and persecution of the “degenerate races” that characterized his immoral rule devoid of values and humanity. Special guest author, Colonel Charles Causey, continues the theme with his work of nonfiction, The Lion and the Lamb: The True Story of A Powerful Nazi Leader and A Dutch Resistance Worker, focusing on the stories of Albert Speer and Corrie ten Boom in Nazi Germany. Their contrast of characters clearly indicates what morality is and is not. Joven wraps up the show with a fascinating look into GMO’s, biotechnology, and asteroid mining while asking the question “How do we regulate the moral issues revolving around technology and the exploration of space?” “Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all morality.”Mahatma Gandhi

What are values? The dictionary states that values are the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. Or a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life. Host Maria Wong tackles the subject of values with personal perspectives as a teen who deciding on the next step towards college choices. Your values are things that you prioritize and think are important in defining your life and work. Maria interviews Robin Roe with her novel, A List of Cages, who has written a raw, emotional, powerful novel with a strong message of kindness. Robin discusses her writing process, how she writes, her love for her former students, and her upcoming novel. Maria provides a Book Smart segment about her all time favorite book, Kira Kira by Cynthia Kadohata, a book that shaped many of her personal values and helps readers reflect on how experiences, family, culture, and location shape one’s value system.

Spring has sprung and a time to celebrate the re-birth of nature is upon us. Host Asya Gonzalez reads producer, Cynthia Brian’s article aptly titled Flower Fever that sets the tone for this program celebrating spring, empathy, and Easter. (http://www.cynthiabrian.com/gardening-articles) Author of There is No good Card for This, Kelsey Crowe adds to the conversation discussing her illustrated guide to effective compassion that takes you, step by step by step, past the paralysis of thinking about someone in a difficult time to actually doing something (or nothing) with good judgment instead of fear. Her empathy menu offers support with confidence, no matter the situation. In the final segment, Asya talks about her family traditions for spring including fun activities for an Easter or spring break filled with joy, adventure, and playfulness.

Asya Gonzalez and Maria Wong host a lively discussion about our relationship with emotions. Technology has falsely convinced us that we are developing communication through apps, smartphones, and social media, when in fact to really express an emotion, face to face contact is necessary. Yoga instructor and competitive gymnastics coach, Catie Jarvis, joins the discussion with her first novel, The Peacock Room. The Peacock Room tells the coming of age story of Jonis and Lizzy: a young man with a mysterious medical condition that causes one leg to grow far too long, and the frustrated musical savant who falls in love with him. The novel inspires emotional responses. In our Book smart segment, Maria reviews The God of Small Things, a book that perfectly captures the Gift of Emotion because throughout the novel, the characters display a wide array of emotions ranging from jealousy, sadness, fear, and joy. Emotions make us human. Get emotional

“Thinking; the talking of the soul with itself.” ― Plato Odyssey of the Mind is an international, creative problem-solving competition. It has also been an intellectual quest that has challenged the creativity and sharpened the wit of host Maria Wong. Maria and co-host Asya Gonzalez discuss how young people’s participation in Odyssey of the Mind inspire creative solutions in school, at work, and at home. Collaborating promotes creative thinking. If you're looking for a do over in life, let motivational speaker and author, Shawn Anderson, coach you to go the extra mile with his book, Amicus, A Better Life: An Inspiring Story About Starting Over. Twenty-one powerful lessons reveal the secrets to starting your new life of purpose, passion, success, and vibrancy. Whatever you truly want, you can have. In Music Magic, Seo Young digs deeper into how certain lyrics can make one think. Music is a loyal best friend. The music is always there for you as you can make music yourself.

“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ― Toni Morrison That’s why the hosts and reporters of Express Yourself!™ are writing a new book, Be the Star You Are!® for Millennials scheduled for release later this year! In the meantime, the team are busy interviewing, reporting, and gathering life skills. This week hosts Asya Gonzalez and Katie Choo interview seventeen year old award winning actress and screenwriter, Mandalynn Carlson about her meteoric career, her screenplays, and what she’s learned working in show business. Katie Lyons joins the conversation to share her love of writing indicating that she’s been crafting stories since before she could write. The young ladies greatly admire writer JK Rowlings who rose from homelessness to being the most famous writer in the world. The message is to believe in your dreams, work hard, never give up, and write on!