Express Yourself!

“The more of me I be, The clearer I can see.” Rachel Archelaus Do you have clarity of purpose and direction? Host Brigitte Jia launches the program with the chapter on Clarity pennedby Bud Bilanich from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers by Cynthia Brian. Your definition of success is what’s right for you – not anyone else. Bud advises to take time and think about your clarity of purpose. How do you define success for yourself? Keep that purpose and definition of success in mind as you make life and career decisions. The book “Bye, Bye Black Skin” by Janae Washington touches on the challenges young black women and girls have encountered and have to overcome. It’s an uplifting story about a young Black girl who goes to a predominantly other race school and is teased because she looks different. Her mother shows her how to overcome bullying and love herself and the skin she’s in. We may look different, but we are the same inside. Clarity is beautiful!

Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal start the show with Zahra Hasanian’s Hope Heals segment to discuss her activism implementing diversity at her school through her EquiTeam program. Zahra works passionately to move the campus forward with a progressive empathetic vision. Author and blogger, Lee Wind joins the conversation with his soon-to-be published (October 2018) crowd funded book that was too controversial for traditional publishers, Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill. It’s the book Lee wanted to read when he was a teen. “To fix his life, a bullied and closeted 15-year old boy goes public with real historical evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another guy—triggering a backlash and media firestorm that might destroy everything he cares about.” A snippet of Maria Wong’s chapter, the Gift of Diversity is read explaining how she grew up Chinese Mexican. Diversity is essential. Different passions, interests, and beliefs are what will make the world a better place

“When ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another. No more walls.” Anais Nin Joven Hundal hosts a fascinating program that speaks to the elements of escape. He reads Malika Demings chapter from the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World where she writes about escaping from a turbulent childhood environment and her dreams of the future. J. Finn Wake joins Joven with her first novel, Cry of the Seals, which is all about communicating with our friends under the sea and how that would change our lives. Scientific research has recently been conducted on how dolphins speak to one another, and the idea of possibly communicating with these marine mammals is potentially transformative. In World Watch, Joven examines the plight of refugees as millions upon millions of people are displaced from their family homes. Be encouraged that escape is possible. Enjoy an escape under the sea.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” - Martin Luther King Jr “Any instance of inequality is worth writing about, sighing about, crying about, even laughing about,” writes Zahra Hasanian in the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers that host Joven Jundal reads and discusses in this important episode about equality. Joven interviews author Mary DeMocker about her book The Parent’s Guide to Climate Revolution, 100 ways to build a fossil-free future, raise empowered kids, and still get a good night’s sleep. Mary shares dozens of ideas and activities to be part of this necessary revolution to reduce impact on the earth. In Ode to Literature, Caitlin Sims talks about how people use books as a platform to convey a message about society, specifically exploring the social inequality in Harper E. Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

Family IS everything! Today’s episode of Express Yourself! with hosts Joven Hundal and Katie Choo brings the importance of family to the forefront. They first read the chapter by former EY host Asya Gonzalez from Cynthia Brian’s forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are!-Millennials to Boomers Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World then interview the energetic award winning author of several books, Dorothea Jensen. Her newest book is A BUSS FROM LAFAYETTE, and “buss” means a kiss from the historical figure Lafayette. Her first historical novel for kids, THE RIDDLE OF PENNCROFT FARM, is still being used in classrooms around the U.S. Dorothea regales listeners with fascinating stories of her life as a writer of fun family historical fiction. In the final segment Joven and Katiue read a heart wrenching story published by radio host Brigitte Jia about parents stratospheric expectations of their children and how children attempt to live up to them.

“There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid. “ L .Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Courage is not just physical bravery. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal launch this episode by reading the chapter, The Gift of Courage by Afsana Rahman from the forthcoming book, Be the Star you Are! Millennials to Boomers Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World by Cynthia Brian. Afsana writes about the courage of speaking up about any injustice. We cannot stay in silence. Author Rebecca Donovan guests to share her passion for writing for teens to give them a voice. Her newest stand-alone novel is What If. What if you had a second chance to meet someone again? What choice would you make? Rebecca Donovan advocates for young people to be able to express themselves with courage. There are different types of courage, ranging from physical strength and endurance to mental stamina and innovation. Be courageous!

“The vision is that people should have the ultimate in convenience. Being able to get the things they care about.” Bill Gates Millennials don’t remember a time without all of the tools of expediency. We are steeped in comfort and convenience while waiting anxiously for the next exciting invention that will enhance and augment expediency. Hosts Joven Hundal and Brigitte Jia read Cynthia’s Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Convenience form the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers and theyinterview dating and makeover expert Kim Seltzer to help people work on image, charisma, and flirting. Everyday is different as she works with clients to boost their self esteem. She does virtual makeovers helping men and women all over the world unveil their most attractive self. Whether it’s updating your image or transforming your dating life, her philosophy is simple… work from the inside-out to achieve your goals and boost your self-confidence.

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” ― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina It’s a time of rebirth. A renaissance of nature. Winter has waned and spring has sprung. Cherry blossoms, daffodils, and warmer weather are finally here. Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal begin th program with Robert Frost’s poem, “A Prayer for Spring”. Then read Cynthia’ Brian’s newspaper article, “Spring Forward” as they converse about what springs means for them. They also discuss political events of spring and a world view of what’s occurring. Katie Choo brings “Aim to Shoot” talking about college visits during spring break, standardized school testing, stresses that await, and most of all what it means to her¬¬––archery season. Whatever springs means to you, listen to the croaking frogs, inhale the fragrant air, and take pleasure in this time of year! Pick up a copy of Cynthia Brian’s newest book, Growing with the Goddess Gardener for a happy dose of spring tips at http;//www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

Do you live in a big city or a small town? Consider the constants in your life that are unique to your community. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Katie Choo read and discuss Joven Hundal’s chapter The Gift of Community from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! for Millennials and Boomers. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a nation to build that village, and a world to found that nation. Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of numerous books, graces the broadcast with boundless amounts of humor, hope, and optimism as he retells stories of people warding off death and living fully. When you need inspiration, buy any of his books that reflect his love for people and animals. In the final segment, Katie suggests that the careers we choose and the work we do in our fields and jobs have a huge impact on community development and success. “The greatness of a community is most accurately measure by the compassionate actions of its members.” Coretta Scott King

By any proper civilized standard (but what does that mean now?) we are objects of horror. But our nerves are completely steady. And we are still alive.” ― Pat Barker, The Ghost Road • Is post traumatic stress disorder really a disorder or is it an illness? Hosts Brigitte Jia and Katie Choo interview Rosemary Sword, co-author of The Time Cure” to find out what PTSD is and what can be done to overcome the challenges. Post-traumatic stress disorder affects as many as 25 million Americans. Whether the scars come from living through war combat, a natural disaster, a tragic accident, or childhood abuse, people with PTSD struggle daily; and often, traditional therapies don't work. The exciting new approach detailed in The Time Cure, rooted in Dr. Philip Zimbardo's Temporal Theory and developed by Dr. Richard and Rosemary Sword, helps PTSD sufferers stop living in the negatives of the past, look forward to a more positive future, and enjoy the present.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt When you shut your eyes and ponder the future of our globe, what does it look like? Hosts Joven Hundal and Katie Choo investigate technology and trends that seem like science fiction today but could be reality tomorrow. Author of Monople, Bailey Stone Barnard, explores this theme metaphorically in the novel through the hero's persistence in building his machine, a monopolopic inductor able to send matter through space and time. He also explores the idea of being unable to hold onto life’s perfect moments while immersed in them, and the artist’s constant battle to balance contentment with fulfillment. If nothing else, writing the novel has taught the author to pick his battles carefully, so as not to let life’s perfect moments disappear. Brigitte Jia shares art attack with a look at the future of art.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” —Thomas Merton • What is art? Do you think of paintings, sculptures, animation, or museums? What about music, dance, acting, cooking, voice, nature? Culinary arts and performing arts are definitely forms of art. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal notice the small things influence what we all consider as art. Brigitte also reads from her chapter, The Gift of Art, from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are!® for Boomers and Millennials. Joven finds that history and art are connected. Brigitte recounts her phenomenal and unique experiences playing violin with Davies Symphony, touring in the UK and Chicago, playing alongside Ariel Horowitz and Amos Yang, recording for Torchlight, playing at Carnegie Hall, and more exciting artistic adventures. Appreciate art for what it is: creativity, skill, and expression. Yes, Express Yourself!

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ― Lao Tzu If love is all we need, then learning how to develop satisfying and enriching relationships needs to be at the top of our list. Host Brigitte Jia, a brilliant artist and violinist who has just returned from performing a concert in Carnegie Hall, (yes, the way to Carnegie Hall is practice, practice, practice!) interviews Dating and Relationship Expert and Coach, Christine Bumgartner on the intricacies of finding the perfect mate.. Christine offers concrete ways for online dating and mating while being honest and truthful. Brigitte reads the Gift of Love excerpted from Cynthia Brian’s best selling book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference (www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store)and entertains with a segment of Art Attack focused on an exhibition from the Summer of Love. As Goethe said, “Love is the reward of love.”

Are you aware of your world, the people, and the opportunities around you? Debut host, Jack Pawlakos, and host Katie Choo tackle the topic of awareness from many different perspectives. They read the chapters, The Gift of Awareness, from two Be the Star You Are!® books, both with varied takes on what awareness is and how we can see more clearly. From Cynthia Brian’s chapter in the book, Be the Star You are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, (www.CynthiaBrian.com/books) they unveil the mysteries of the world around us and the enormity of the universe. From Tristan S.. Boardway’s chapter in the forthcoming Be the Star You Are!® for Boomers and Mlllennials, they look at awareness as being more in tune with telepathic energies in order to communicate. Katie uncovers unusual career opportunities in her Aim to Shoot segment and they also talk about social and political awareness, “The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” ― Nathaniel

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” ― Voltaire Through stories of their experiences, host Joven Hundal’s grandparents have instilled in him fundamental values. He is appreciative of all that his family has endured in order to make the lives of their children better. He reads his chapter The Gift of Appreciation from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are!® for Millennials. Energetic guest, Jennipher Walters, CEO and co-owner of Fit Bottomed World, was one of the first on-line companies to promote positive body image. Jennipher discusses her inspirations, struggles, and motivations with humor and simple tips for healthy living. Brigitte reads Cynthia Brian’s chapter on Appreciation from Be the Star You Are!® 99 gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. Both Brigitte and Joven consider themselves extremely lucky and privileged to be growing up in America with a strong support system. btsya.org

“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” Immanual Kant Humans and animals are one family. Katie Choo brings us a plethora of information about the numerous careers available and they are not all vet related. In World Watch, Joven Hundal focuses on domestic wild animals such as sea otters, seals, and sea lions, cougars, bison, crocodiles, alligators, eagles and megafauna. Hosts Katie and Brigitte interview animal advocate, Heather Brittany, who wrote the chapter, The Gift of Animals, for the Be the Star You Are! for Millennials series. Heather reminds us that animals don’t judge, they love unconditionally, teaching us to be responsible, patient, and caring. Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened. ― Anatole France

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” ― Denis Waitley Hosts Brigitte Jia and Katie Choo, both independent, creative, and confident teens, explore the importance of helping youth discover their own abilities and face their own struggles. Does independence suit some kids more than it does others? Do other cultures parent differently? Parents are a major influence in career development. The duo interview Dr. Donald Moses, co-author of the book, Raising Independent, Self-Confident Kids. Dr. Moses explains clearly the importance of allowing kids to fail as well as helping them develop skills that will assist them to be fully functional adults rather than resorting to self-destructive behaviors. He talks about drugs and salaries in a no nonsense manner. Every teen and every parent needs to tune in to this episode of Express Yourself! as challenges are always on the horizon and this conversation has lots of answers.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead Change comes only with the will of the people, and our actions as individuals contribute to the strength of a collective force that has the power to drive the world in a fresh new direction. Express Yourself! launches a new year with hosts and reporters Brigitte Jia, Joven Hundal, Henna Hundal, and Caitlin Sim conversing about what activism means to them and how they perceive it in their daily lives. Brigitte reads a chapter she wrote for the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! for Milliennials. Joven gives his perspective on what’s happening globally with World Watch, Henna recounts activities at Harvard with student activism, and Caitlin shares activism in literature. Activism is sticking up for anything that is unjust. Stand up for others. Show empathy. The voices of youth are strong and vibrant. Listen. Heed. Act.

For last year's words belong to last year's language / And next year's words await another voice.” ― T.S. Eliot Hello 2018! It’s a brand new year and we all get a fresh start. Hosts Joven Hundal and Brigitte Jia interview author Deborah Blake with her book, A Year and a Day of Everyday Witchcraft, 366 Ways to Witchify Your Life. “Witchify” may not be a “real” word but her daily tips are fun, productive, and will easily make your life more magical today and every day of the year. Joven’s segment WorldWatch offers pointers on making and keeping New Year’s resolutions and Brigitte’s Art Attack segment encourages listeners to bring art into their everyday lives. Get your life on track with a bit of magic and mystery. Tune in to Express Yourself! and start your journey.

“Moon and stars are giving light. With gifts of nature’s giving, we complete the cycle of living. Let us give from our mind, hands, and heart to the world.” Chitrabhanu Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, or nothing at all, December is a month of joyfulness. Host Brigite Jia doesn’t celebrate Christmas as her family honors the Chinese New Year. Past/Present Reporter Chelsea Pelchat admits that Christmas is her FAVORITE time of the year, and Hope Heals Reporter, Zahra Hasanian honors the lunar calendar so despite not celebrating December traditions, enjoys the light, love, happiness, good will, and yes, hope that prevails. Producer Cynthia Brian rings the bells of Christmas with fun ideas on how to decorate for any holiday with greenery or recycled items. It’s the day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day in merry ole’ England. Come party with us. Light up your celebration with hope and love! It's the season of giving. Give BIG. Donate to www.BetheStarYouAre.org