Episodes

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 Re...

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 interview...

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 ...

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 m...

“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 motiv...

“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 he...

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 an...

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, ...

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 ...

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 autho...

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 ...

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 concentrate...

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, ...

“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 ...

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? ...

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 impor...

“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 r...

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 ...

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 i...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. A...

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...