Express Yourself!

What do zombies, hiphop, and sleep have in common? Hosts Asya and Brigitte were thrilled to welcome star of The Blind Side and The Walking Dead, IronE Singleton to Express Yourself!™ to share his inspirational rising, his message for teens, and a sneak preview of his new album, Hip Hopcrisy, a sixteen-track musical compilation infused with messages of hope, humor, and crafted life reflections. Health Heals reporter joins hosts Asya and Brigitte to discuss the importance of sleep from evidence and science based sources and Book Smart Reporter, Maria Wong, goes into depth on the role of sleep in the novel, The Awakening by Kate Chopin. Written in 1889, this novel has been regarded as one of the first feminist works of all time as it focuses on a housewife’s self liberation from a controlling marriage and societal constraints. The reason why we sleep is still unknown; however, scientific research has established that sleep is essential to a healthy life, and that inadequate sleep can cause.

What is sexuality? Most people will immediately assume we are talking about engaging in a sexual act, however, sexuality is not just about sex. From birth until death, every person is a sexual being. Host Asya Gonzalez interviews Christian author, Heather Letto, about her Ascension series first book, Impervious. The residents of Impervious survived the War of Annihilation. And though the city is chockfull of pleasures to tantalize and entertain, a beast lurks in its corners. This Beast—a mysterious and terminal illness—has killed off most of Generations One, Two and Three. And as Gen-Four prepares to take the stage a provocative, yet questionable, new method to avoid an untimely death becomes a cultural rage. Sexuality is dealt with subtly and innocently in her novel. The Gift of Sexuality by Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany is read by Asya from the best seller, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens and Asya also reads the review of Impervious.

Life is full of wonderful surprises! Hosts Brigitte Jia and Asya Gonzalez meet Japanese anime voice actor, Vic Mignogna as he discusses his serendipitous route to becoming an anime star after years of stage acting. Vic is also theexecutive producer of the award winning web series “Star Trek Continues”, where he is not only directing, but fulfilling a childhood dream of playing the iconic role of Captain Kirk. Health Rap reporter, Alex Pawlakos, shares serendipity in the medical field when a scientist is trying to discover a new medical treatment, then, unexpectedly, discovers something else that he wasn’t seeking that cures another disease. In Art Attack, Brigitte and Asya, both lovers of art talk about the inspiration that chance provides to artists. Serendipity happens when you least expect. Be aware of all the possibilities. Chance happens.

Deepen your spiritual connection to the earth and rejoin the community of nature when Asya and Zahra interview artist and author Lupa for her newest book, Nature Spirituality from the Ground Up. As she explores nature, Lupa risked all to keep grounded. The Gift of Risk penned by Libby Gill from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS, offers real life exercises to stretch and grow daily. Art Attack Reporter, Brigitte Jia brings another fascinating monologue on the risks that artists take to reveal their inner spirit with their works. Why did Andy Warhol paint tomato soup cans? “It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that they are difficult.”-Seneca

You are responsible for your behavior, actions, and results. After reading The Gift of Responsibility from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, hosts Asya and Zahra interview Diane Bush and Kiran Kaur about Safe Jobs for Youth Month. Diane Bush directs the Young Worker Project at the Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP) at the University of California, Berkeley and Kiran is one of LOHP’s Teens Lead @ Work peer educators. The Labor Occupational Heath Program and California Partnership for Young Worker Health and Safety have projects dedicated to young workers with the goal of helping prevent California’s young workers from being injured or killed on the job. They work to train teens about their rights and responsibilities on the job and raise community awareness about child labor law protections and workplace health and safety issues. Be empowered, be responsible, know your rights.

Resilience is the key to a healthy life. Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Zahra Hasanian talk with Health App reporter, Alex Pawlakos who provides studies and tips on how to be more resilient. From a health standpoint, the better you handle the pressures and stresses of life, the better off you will be physically, mentally, and emotionally. To be resilient means to bounce back quickly. Our hosts interview Mary O’Connor, an actor who lost her ability to walk after a devastating injury in 2014. With her optimistic and determined struggle to regain her ability to walk, she is on a mission to encourage the entertainment industry to cast disabled actors in projects. Mary recently studied with James Franco and was part of an independent film she and her classmates created with Mr. Franco. Asya and Zahra read a humorous story from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS that illustrates the importance of recovering from mishaps and turning negatives into positives to move forward.

“You’re too tall, you’re too short, you’re too pretty, you’re too ugly, you’re too young, you’re too old, your hair is too blonde, your hair isn’t blonde enough, your eyes are too blue, your eyes need to be brown, you have too much experience, you’re not experienced enough.” No matter who you are, you will face rejection in life so it’s time to embrace it and move forward. Asya Gonzalex hosts the program beginning with chapter, The Gift of Rejection” by Cynthia Brian from the book Be the Star You Are!® for Teens followed by a lively conversation with The New Yorker copy editor, Mary Norris. Norris expertly guides readers through the most common and confusing grammatical issues in her book, Between You and Me, Confessions of a Comma Queen. She reveals her rejections throughout her career and why it’s important to keep on keeping on. An informative and fun interaction with two women who love words and repel rejection.

“Reality is merely an illusion; albeit a very persistent one.” ~Albert Einstein Two fantastic guests are interviewed by host Asya Gonzalez in today’s program focusing on reality. Both guests have become accidental celebrities. Alice Abruzzini, AKA Nonie, and now referred to as Vanna 2, made TV history by being the first person other than Vanna White to share the stage with Pat Sajak as he ends Wheel of Fortune. At 87 years young, being “Vanna” on a reality game show was living her dream. Venezuelan born Michelle Poler began a school project of 100 Days without Fear that has become a life changing experience .. In efforts to become a braver person, Michelle completed a project where she faced one fear a day for 100 days. She recorded herself on each challenge and posted them daily to YouTube. What she didn’t expect was get 4.5 followers! Asya wraps up the show by discussing her charity, She is Worth It, and the efforts to stop the reality of sex trafficking in the United States.

”To be a leader, your must be a reader. Read, lead, succeed!” This is the motto of Be the Star You Are!® charity. Hosts Asya and Zahra talk with Book Smart reporter in NYC, Maria Wong about her love of reading and some of her favorite books for young adults. Multi-award winning author Geoffrey Saign joins the conversation with his book series, Whipeye Chronicles, thrillers about love, nature, wildlife, intuition, and trusting yourself. Aim to Shoot Reporter, Katie Choo discusses occupations that would involve reading or being part of publishing. A book is like a garden in your pocket. Pick up a book and find the wonder.

Do you believe in possibilities? Host Asya Gonzalez interviews the inspirational founder and member of the largest wheelchair dance group in the nation, recently seen on the Sundance TV show Push Girls” Chelsie Hill. At the age 17 Chelsie was tragically injured in a car accident leaving her T-10 Paraplegic. With the help of her dad, she launched a foundation, Walk and Roll, to educate others about the possibilities for a full life after an accident. Book Smart reporter, Maria Wong delves deeply into the young adult novel, You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis that focuses not only on the endless opportunities available in life but also on family life, secrets, and the glamour of NYC. Asya shares the story by T.J. Hoisington, The Gift of Possibiiity, from the book Be the Star You Are!® for Teens which encourages everyone that “YES, you CAN!”

Guest author of “How to Heal Yourself When No One Else Can”, Amy Scher, offers numerous tips on how to be calm, stress-free, and focused as well as healing yourself through positivity. Amy’s energy and enthusiasm sparked the admiration of hosts Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia who chimed in with their personal experiences in how being positive boosted happiness. Health Rap Reporter, Alex Pawlakos offered scientific studies and examples indicating that positivity increases heart health, reduces pain, decreases crisis recovery time, and adds to general wellness. Asya read Ivan Burnell’s chapter, The Gift of Positivity, from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens encouraging everyone to say YES to life. Lower your blood pressure, heal your self, and be positive!

‘Tis a lesson you should heed. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.' Edward Hickson Two hosts who are currently attending Harvard join together for an exhilarating program celebrating the importance of perseverance. Henna Hundal and Ryan Sim are not only hosts and reporters on Express Yourself!, but, they have taken their experiences from Express Yourself!™ to launch a new talk show on Harvard radio and, in addition, Henna spins as a DJ for a program of blues. They read a chapter by Cynthia Brian from Be the Star You Are!™ for TEENS which illustrates the importance of never quitting. Today’s guest, exuberant Kamil McFadden, a Disney star on “K.C. Undercover”, inspires listener with his dedication to perseverance despite the odds, his belief that it is critical to be kind to everyone, and his gratitude for his mom, family, friends, TV colleagues, and everyone who has been a ladder in his life. “Paralyze resistance with persistence.” -Woody Hayes Never GIVE UP on your dreams!

We live in a disposable society and almost everyone collects too much junk. Rather than wearing things out, we either throw them away or jam them in a closet creating more clutter. Being unorganized creates a life of chaos. Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Jennifer Lee tackle the bedlam. Cynthia Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Organization, is read and discussed from the award winning book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens followed by energetic and enlightening conversations with Health Matters producer and host, Heather Brittany. Heather shares multiple tips on how we can all organize our lives and environments with small simple steps to clear the clutter and be more productive. The show ends with a soulful rendition of Rihanna’s “Stay” sung by our Express Yourself!™ teen host chanteuse, Jennifer Lee. Grab the broom and dustpan. Clear out your locker. Create space and a place for everything. Shine up your life by eliminating clutter. There is meaning in cleaning.

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill Optimism doesn't mean life will be perfect, just that we can imagine positive outcomes. Given a choice, we all have the power to write our own personal happy ending. Dr. Bud Bilanich, the Common Sense Guy, leadership consultant, career success coach, motivational speaker, bestselling author, and influential blogger, joins hosts Asya Gonzalez and Jennifer Lee in an uplifting romp through the power of hopefulness. The program ends with Jennifer singing “Put Your Records On”. Be an optimist and take advantage of the opportunities to accomplish that which you thought you could not.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow’s a mystery, and today is a gift. That’s why we call it “the present”! Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Caiseen Kelly focus on the now with an uplifting interview with author of A Short Path to Change, Jennifer Mannion, who found her passion when she healed herself from a chronic disease. The hosts also read the chapter, “The Gift of Now” by Davis Lunsford from Be the Star You Are!® for Teens emphasizing the importance of living in the present. Finally, our career reporter, Katie Choo, takes her Aim to Shoot segment to one of the top ten jobs of today, software analysis. Your preparation today leads to your success tomorrow. Be now.

Leaders are not born, they are made. It’s hard work and diligence that grows a leader. Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Zahra Hasanian conduct a vivacious and impactful conversation on the meaning of leadership. They read the chapter by Sujin Park on Leadership from Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, then spend two segments sharing their personal stories on how they are developing their leadership skills. The hosts talk about the importance of failure to learning to succeed. The issues about the Presidential election are discussed with the focus on the importance of electing a responsible leader. Reporter of Lion Roars, Katie Lyons, talks about leadership by offering quotes by the famous sports coach, Vince Lombardi. The leaders of the 50th SuperBowl with the Denver Broncos is also featured.Teamwork is essential to leadership and great leaders instill a sense of camaraderie. Leaders must motivate, know what they want, and make it happen.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace”-Jimi Hendrix Express Yourself!™ shares the love with hosts Brigitte Jia and Zahra Hasanaian as they interview two authors who know a lot about amour. First up is Jennie Lee, healing yoga therapist and author of True Yoga, an inspirational guide through the Yoga Sutras outlining how to create enduring happiness, overcome life's challenges, and experience the Universal Love that is available through meditation. Numerologist Michelle Arbau, author of The Energy of Words, shows us how the numbers are never wrong as she offers predictions for 2016. Whatever your question, love is always the answer.

Nature photographer, Carol Freeman, joins Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia for a fascinating program on the passion of learning. Carol reveals how she never set out to be a photographer and how she learned to love the craft as she is happiest when she is outdoors, investigating prairies, wetlands, nature preserves, examining endangered species, and discovering new ways to make a difference. Her Walk in Beauty series educate, enlighten, and inspires people to connect with and learn to appreciate nature. the Asya shares the differences in learning applications that happen from high school to college. In Art Attack, Brigitte discusses the value that illustrators bring to visual learners. Immerse yourself in learning for life. and you’ll live your dreams.

Opportunities for laughter are everywhere, in everything, everyday. Laughing is a healing drug with no side effects. And it's free! Hosts Zahra Hasanian and Brigitte Jia bring laughter to the show with a reading from the chapter The Gift of Laughter by Jill Byington from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens. Zahra conveys her Hope Heals segment with a conversation on how genuine laughter can help hopelessness. Numerous medical studies indicate that the deep breaths we take and the chemicals our body releases when we laugh hasten healing and reinforce the body's immunity. In Art Attack, Brigitte shows how Manga artists use a variety of different techniques to make people laugh through their drawings. Asya Gonzalez joins the discussion with her view that spreading laughter is the same thing as spreading kindness, you are giving someone an experience that gives them joy. Make time to laugh every day. Humor is food for the soul. . You don't stop laughing because you grow old.

With the return of our host, Henna Hundal, who is currently going to Harvard, Express Yourself!™ boasts three fabulous hosts for this important show on tolerance, Asya Gonzalez, Zahra Hasanian, and Henna Hundal. Henna provides an update on her Harvard experiences and the new radio network she’ll be working with at the university as the ladies chat. The hosts also discuss their personal viewpoints of what tolerance and intolerance mean to them. Prolific author of YA novels, Paullina Simons brings her fascinating insights about tolerance and how she writes her characters. Paullina grew up in Russia where she never saw a person of another race or color. When she came to America, she went to a school that was 80% Latin and African American. She advocates defining what tolerance is to you and surround yourself with people who feel positive and have beliefs that are similar. Be open-minded. Be respectful. We may disprove of what someone says, but everyone has the right to say it.