Express Yourself!

Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Do you speak another language? Is communicating important to you? Host Brigitte Jia leads a lively conversation with reporters Zahra Hasanian, Joven Hundal, and Katie Choo around the topic of the cultural connections of languages. Learning a second language is actually linked to various health benefits. For example, a study a few years back covered by National Geographic concluded that learning and speaking a second language can stave off Alzheimer's’ and dementia for four more years. Language gives people hope, whether for propaganda or poetry. Technology offers another hurdle as our communications are not face to face. Employers are looking for people who can not only speak English well, but also have a somewhat diverse knowledge of languages. Whether it’s sign, music, art, or dance, we are surrounded by language. How you communicate will determine how high you bounce in life.

New York Times and USA Today best selling author of Reign, An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, Chanda Hahn joins hosts Asya Gonzalez and Katie Choo for a lively conversation about flexibility. Chanda discusses her writing process and how she has several books in her writing queue simultaneously. Asya talks about how challenging it can be to be flexible as a regimented college student. Always have a Plan B she recommends. Katie’s Aim to Shoot segment focuses on how flexibility applies to one’s workplace, majors, and careers. Whatever you do in life, you need to be flexible because curve balls thrown your way will be a reality.

Albert Einstein said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Not that curiosity can make everyone 21st century Albert Einstein’s, but curiosity is a must for a successful life. Asya Gonzalez interviews bubbly debut novelist, Katherin Arden, author of The Bear and the Nightingale as she relates her journey from being a student living in France and Russia and her escape to Hawaii where she decided to write her first book. The praise for her book is ubiquitous and she has two more in the works. Joven Hundal focuses his segment on millennial curiosity, or the lack thereof, in the fields of politics and the sciences. Katie Choo shows us how curiosity plays a role in every career and life choice. how curiosity can play a role in your career or professional future. Keep asking “why” and “why not?”.

What is feminism? Does it refer to a diverse variety of beliefs, ideas, movements, and agendas for action? Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Zahra Hasanian share their views on gender equality, the roles of parents in our shaping our viewpoints, and the importance of being true to yourself. Past Present Reporter Chelsea Pelchat gives us a historical perspective as she talks about history and society’s outlook on women through the ages, as well as their place in shaping our modern world. Best selling author and producer, Cynthia Brian, prefers to include both men and women in this narrative as we are all humans in training. Instead of employing labels, how about empowering one another to greatness regardless of gender, race, religion, politics, or other biases? Perhaps once we do that, we won’t need ‘isms!

Cupid is aiming his arrow your way and our Express Yourself!¡ teens have super ideas on how you can spend a stupendous Valentine’s Day, with or without a significant other. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Asya Gonzalez along with Maria Wong offer fun and inexpensive tips to have a memorable day of love. Open your heart to send a sweet thank you to our men and women in the armed forces. Or bring Valentine’s to shelters. Give the gift of books and homemade cookies, crafts, and caring other things. Tons of great creativity and love pour forth with this program along with links to websites to help you enjoy a special Valentine’s Day. Make a tax-deductible donation in the name of someone you love. Visit www.BetheStarYouAre.org. And don’t forget to love yourself first! “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance. - Oscar Wilde

Equality brings the passion out in our teen reporters and hosts. Asya Gonzalez focuses on women’s equality at home, in the workplace, and in society and doesn’t like the term “women’s lib” because it insinuates inequality. Brigitte wants to see more equality in entertainment with lead roles depicting people from all nations as well as in education. Zahra wants to see every individual treated with respect as she discusses equality versus equity, oppression versus privilege. Maria Wong concentrates on the book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson. highlighting the inequality in the Alabama justice system, and the need for equality -- which can be achieved through justice and mercy. Dictionary Reference defines Equality as “The state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability: promoting equality of opportunity in the workplace”. We all have red blood. Everyone is equal. Equality equals freedom.

Do you surround yourself with people who are just like you or are you are person open to the multiplicity of the world? Accepting differences and acknowledging the fact that we are all human is a critical point to living happily in this world no mater our race, sexual orientation, religion, culture, political awareness, or any other thing. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Asya Gonzalez passionately lead discussions with Hope reporter, Zahra Hasanian and Book Smart reporter, Maria Wong. Is diversity race, skin color, opinions, or viewpoints? Diversity encapsulates how we all are different even beyond the surface level whether it’s our different occupation, passions, or perspectives on life. Don’t worry about being politically correct. Be open to a global world. How do you relate to diversity? “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” -Dr. Seuss

“The world is but a canvas to our imagination..” Henry David Thoreau What is art? Why do we utilize art to express ourselves? What are careers in art? What is creativity? Can art be healing? Is art stress-relieving? Hosts Brigitte Jia and Asya Gonzalez, both artists, dig into their favorite subject as they share personal experiences and talk with reporters Henna Hundal and Katie Choo. Art is a powerful outlet to release anxiety and promote relaxation that can have untold health benefits. Art is a potent tool for finding, shaping, and sharing an identity. Art is fueled by our creative intellectual juices and interpretations of life. Whether you do art for a career or for a hobby, art is good for the soul. Start doodling!

What is perception? Perception comes from the Latin word “perceptio” which means receiving, collecting, an action of taking possession with the mind or senses. Perception is an intuitive understanding of something, the understanding of an impression. Or is it, as a Google definition proclaims, a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression?” Is “perception” synonymous with “judgment” or “belief”? Does it have an unmistakable subjective, even illusory, quality? Join Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Henna Hundal as they dissect, debate, and discuss this mode of communication. In Health Rap, Alex Pawlakos examines how a person’s perception of their own health and health risks has important implications for their actual health.

It’s a New Year and already we are stressed. Our Express Yourself!™ STAR team has you covered with tips for helping you sit back, take a breath, and find out how you can be more relaxed and calm. Hosts are Brigitte Jia and Henna Hundal who lead the conversations with our very chill reporter, Katelyn Darrow who talks about ways to relax; Health Rap Reporter, Alex Pawlakos, with evidence based science on the importance of sleep and relaxation, and our Lion Roar Reporter, Katie Lyons with her important information for athletes. And then of course, Henna shares her “Pomodoro” method that deserves your full attention. Don’t know what “Pomodoro” is? You’ll need to tune in to our Relaxation Show to start your 2017 in the right direction! Take a deep breath, exhale, and chant, “I am relaxed!”

“Be yourself; everyone else is taken” Oscar Wilde It’s challenging being a young person today. “Finding yourself” could become a national pastime. Maria Wong, Brigitte Jia, and Henna Hundal dive into what makes an individual unique, positive, and productive. Maria thoroughly enjoyed attending the Washington Journalism and Media Conference in Washington, D.C. as a national youth correspondent and encourages teens to step outside of their comfort zone to discover their dreams. Brigitte and Maria read the chapter, The Gift of You, by Cynthia Brian from the book Be the Star You Are!®, an inspiring push to embrace your originality and look at yourself as a gift. Henna encourages listeners to BE THE STAR YOU ARE, not the star that you could be, that you might be, but the star that you already are -- that light inside you that’s unlike any other. We each have a unique collection of talents and attributes that we can offer the world. Henna continues “It’s not selfish to be self-loving.”

Grab your bag of popcorn, find a seat, and enjoy an hour of movie magic with the Express Yourself!™ teens. Maria Wong and Brigitte Jia host this lively discussion with reporters Katie Lyons, Seo Young Kim, Katie Choo, Joven and Henna Hundal. Katie Lyons focuses on movies revolving around sports where we root for the underdog. Seo Young relates how music is really the driver for most movies, while Katie Choo gives us an inside look at careers in the film industry. Joven and Hunna Hundal indicate that movies have the ability to unify people towards a common, benevolent goal by drawing people’s attention to a pertinent issue. We all love films, so enjoy the movie mania!

Traditions allow us to go back to family memories and reminisce about the good ol’ days. Asya and Brigitte read a chapter from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be The Star You Are for Teens: Simple gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning and Leading. Asya discribes the unique traditions she’s celebrated with her family. While traditions fade, memories do not. Katie Choo gave us another Aim To Shoot segment talking about the differences of traditional and non-traditional careers and how they are both important. What will a traditional careers could look like in the future? Brigitte Jia provided an insightful segment of Art Attack expressing art as the embodiment of traditions and showing how art is produced from traditions themselves. “You are the reason for the season! Celebrate and honor your traditions.” Cynthia Brian

What do you think of when you hear the word “ingenuity”? For reporter, Joven Hundal, stars of the tech, gaming, motion pictures, and animation industry shine brightly. For Asya Gonzalez, she thinks about young teens who have become mega business successes. Brigitte Jia immediately conjures up images of the great artists of the world. The chapter, The Gift of Ingenuity, from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens sparks a lively conversation about ways to be inventive and creative. A good way to learn ingenuity is to imagine how life might be without certain things. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to think of more than one way to get something done.

Life is better when it’s simple. Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia read Jacqueline Tao’s chapter from Be the Star You Are!® for Teens then interview Jacqueline about her views today on simplicity. Reporter Katelyn Darrow encourages a more minimalist lifestyle. Listen for tips to help you enjoy more balance. Take a moment and drop all the materials from your hands. Temporarily abandon your computer, smart phone, TV, iPod, etc. Go to an open space outside, and observe all the simple privileges and joys that are available to you: the fresh air, good weather, nice view, quietness/excitement, food to eat, and a place to call home. Relish nature. Take note of these things and learn to appreciate the simple things. Life is simply super when we eliminate the complexities and enjoy the simple gifts. “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” Hans Hoffman

Did you know that music heals body, mind, and spirit? Health Rap reporter Alex Pawlakos talks with hosts Zahra and Brigitte about studies that show that music is more effective than drugs. Reporter Courtney Cheng’s chapter, The Gift of Music, from Be the Star You Are!® for Teens. Seo Young Kim, our newest reporter on Express Yourself!™ begins a segment called Music Magic. Seo Young believes that music tells stories, relives memories, creates special moments in our lives. Did you know that it is known that by 4000 BCE the Egyptians had created harps and flutes, and by 3500 BC lyres and double-reeded clarinets were made? Asya Gonzalez is obsessed with music. The hosts and Asya have a lively conversation about their favorite artists and genres. Aim to Shoot Reporter Katie Choo provides a wide variety of careers available to everyone, ranging from singers and music producers to radio DJs and music directors. Turn on the music, grab your earbuds, sing, dance, and rock out. Music is life!

On this 242nd original radio program, the teen hosts and reporters of Express Yourself!™ celebrate FIVE years of weekly broadcasting on the Voice America Kids Network. Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Maria Wong share the stage with Katelyn Darrow who has been a host and reporter for four of the five years. Henna Hundal chimes in with her appreciation for the opportunities gained and World Watch reporter, Joven Hundal, speaks of the past year’s accomplishments of outstanding teens all around the world. All of the young adults express their sincerest gratitude to the Voice America Kids Network, Be the Star You Are!, Cynthia Brian, their radio colleagues, and the listeners around the world for the incredible growth experiences that being part of this stellar team have endowed upon them as individuals. Congratulations to the inspiring, engaged, and entertaining STARS of Express Yourself!™ on five years of excellence. Speak up, Speak out, and Be Heard at Express Yourself! ™ Teen Radio

Is gratitude a part of your daily life? Former Express Yourself!™ host and reporter, Katelyn Darrow returns to the program to challenge listeners to create a gratitude journal and offer thanks for the little things in life every day. Health Rap reporter Alex Pawlakos takes the opportunity to share tips for a safe Thanksgiving, including how to safely cook a turkey. Did you know that Thanksgiving is the most dangerous holiday of the year because of home fires? Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia interview Christian author Lee Ann Mancini about her multiple award winning series of children’s books, the Adventures of the Sea Kids. It’s an hour of gratefulness in preparation for the big day of appreciation-Thanksgiving.

Hosts Brigitte Jia and Zahra Hassanian as well as reporter Joven Hundal offer a full hour of youthful insights on today’s national election and how peace can be attained in the world. Joven provides an historical perspective on the political mudslinging of campaigns. Polls of millennials indicate disillusion with this “R-rated election.” An avid student of Latin, Zahra digs into the ancient wisdom of peace, providing correlations between the past and present. Artist Brigitte paints a picture of peace through the visuals of art, cartoons, and the Impressionist movement. It’s a lively, peaceful discussion with very bright and informed teens who care deeply about who is in power and how peace can be attained.

The Be the Star You Are!® teens are gifted writers as well as radio reporters. Hosts Zahra Hasanain and Brigitte Jia share their personal poems and essays as well as talk with reporters Maria Wong and Katie Choo about writing. As avid readers and writers, they the chapter on writing from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS by Cynthia Brian. With the enormous talent of our Express Yourself!™ Star Team, these reporters may soon be contributing to the next Be the Star You Are!® empowerment book bound for publication. Maria talks about the various ways to express oneself through writing via journaling, exhanging letters with penpals in foreign countries, or penning poems and songs. Katie discusses avenues to careers in writing which can begin with writing for the school newspaper, yearbook, designing a website, or blog then lead to jobs in the field. If you love to write, write on! It is a gift to all.