Episodes

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...

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 ...

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 bo...

Halloween is THE favourite holiday for many teens and our hosts Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia are among those who love October. Today they interview two fascinating authors around the theme of Halloween: the King of Witches, Devin Hunter, whose new book is The Witches Book of Power and Australian author and gamer, Brewin’ with his supernatural horror, The Dark Horde. Instead of being dark and frightening, Devin’s book empowers readers to ignite the fire within. He discusses the importance of be...

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Gandhi Hosts Brigitte Jia and Maria Wong along with reporters Asya Gonzalez, Katie Choo, and Joven Hundal talk about what volunteering means to them. They read the chapter, The Gift of Volunteerism, from Be the Star You Are!® for Teens. Volunteering with Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!™ has been an amazing experience that benefits others and benefits the volunteers. Asya shares information on how to help s...

Do you believe that you are one of kind? If not you need to discover the star that shines brightly within. Hosts Maria Wong and Zahra Hasanian read the chapter on Uniqueness from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens and have a lively discussion with Asya Gonzalez on the importance of being your best self. The discussion gets fascinating when author of more than 30 books, Nick Redfern joins the conversation with his newest book, Nessie, Exploring the Supernatural Origins of the L...

Latin student and host Zahra Hasanian says condemnant quod non intellegunt 'They condemn because they do not understand' . First time host Maria Wong understands the importance of communication and is excited to host this program. Jack Pawlakos starts off the show with HealthRap as when it comes to your health, understanding of your medical condition or illness, and your understanding of the treatment for that condition is paramount. The fun begins when actor, director, and anime voice talent Ch...

“Do not trust the horse, Trojans! Whatever that is, I fear the Greeks, even when bearing gifts.” Zahra Hasanian and Brigitte Jia head up this installment of Express Yourself!™ about trust. Thirteen year old Jack Pawlakos debuts filling in for his older brother Alex in Health Rap relating the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. Cryptozoologist and field investigator for the Centre for Fortean Zoology, Ken Gerhard, lights up the airwaves with his true tales of A Menagerie of Mysterious ...

“The difference between try and triumph is a little ‘umph’.” Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia host a triumphant show bringing us the tools to overcome adversity. The ladies discuss triumph over fears, negative experiences, stress, school, family and friend troubles. In Health Rap, Alex Pawlakos gives us the power to triumph over illness by building a strong immune system through exercise, healthy eating, and plenty of sleep. Our newest reporter is Chelsea Pelchat debuts her segment Past Present fo...

Horace wrote “carpe diem quam minimum credula postero” which translates to “seize the day, and believe as little as possible in tomorrow.” Today’s show is all about today-the choices we make, the people we impact, the technology we employ. Hosts Brigitte and Zahra interview a most inspirational guest, former NFL football great Mike McMoy. McCoy’s passion is empowering youth and helping them develop a larger vision for their lives. Mike delivers a faith-based message of hope and encouragement to ...

What a special broadcast this is! Who would have thought that in 1998 when Cynthia Brian was in the processing of founding Be the Star You Are!® charity, that this empowerment non-profit would be evolving and going strong in 2016? Be the Star You Are!® volunteers and radio personalities Alex Pawlakos, Asya Gonzalez, Brigitte Jia, Henna Hundal, and Joven Hundal talk about their involvement in BTSYA and how they have become better people because of the opportunities for personal growth offered by ...

'The greatest gift you can give someone is your time.' Brigitte started off the show with another segment of Art Attack, explaining the connection between time and art. It takes time to create a work of art, and that art plays a major role in any piece. Asya and Brigitte then talk about the importance of time management and how to achieve a little organization. New fads are popping up all the time, but staying true to yourself is timeless as Asya and Brigitte discuss the new trends that pop up t...

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” --Nelson Mandela Brigitte Jia starts off the show with styling up your school supplies. Sharpies, pretty paper, and lyrics are your best friends as you incorporate art into your daily life. Host Asya Gonzalez provides positive tips on how to prepare for back to school without procrastination plus tons of success strategies that will help school and college be really fun and rewarding. Maria Wong, Book Smart Reporter, ...

'The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but the most difficult to play.' Are you a talker? Do you know how to communicate effectively? Veteran reporter of Health Rap, Alex Pawlakos, joins hosts Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia about how important it is to communicate with your doctor. A doctor can correctly diagnose your symptoms, arrive at a conclusion and a course of treatment, but only if you TALK to him or her. In a world where actions speak louder than words, Artist Jenna Ro...

Hosts Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia welcome Health Rap Reporter, Alex Pawlakos and Book Smart Reporter, Maria Wong as well as special guest Dr. Kyra Mesich to talk about survival. Alex focuses on the health benefits of happiness, meditation, humor, support of friends, walking in nature, and prayer as part of survival strategies. After receiving her doctoral degree, Kyra Mesich, PsyD went on a quest to understand sensitivity from a truly holistic perspective leading her to study extensively in t...

Psychic and author, Sherrie Dillard, joins host Asya Gonzalez to talk about getting support through any confrontation, situation, life journeys. In her book Discover Your Authentic Self, Sherrie shows you how to live more fully and according to your passions. Health Rap reporter, Alex Pawlakos offers powerful statistics on the importance of a support person for any person with an illness. People who did not have strong social support were 50 percent more likely to die from illness than those who...

Have you always been interested in the entertainment industry? Did you know that acting happy will change your emotions to being more cheerful? Asya Gonzalez and Briggite Jia interview actor, producer, writer, and coach, Cynthia Brian, who offers strategies on avoiding scams and achieving success. Her book is The Business of Show Business, A Comprehensive Career Guide for Actors and Models. Eric Pawlakos provides an upbeat look at the relationship between acting and health in Health Rap. Science...

It’s summer, the busiest time of the year for traveling by air, sea, car, train, bike, and other modes of transportation. Health App Reporter Alex Pawlakos joins hosts Asya Gonzalez and Brigitte Jia for two segments to discuss the health hazards of travel with suggestions ion critical items to pack like your medical history and RX. Alex cautions us to use hand sanitizer as germs linger everywhere on airplanes and in hotel rooms, especially on tray tables, blankets, light switches and remote cont...

HealthRap’s Alex Pawlakos launches the program with a discussion of interesting and rewarding careers in sports medicine, nutrition, physical therapy, and more. Art Attack Reporter, Brigitte Jia delights in sharing the connection between sports and art. The beauty of the human body which has been the subject of artworks from the beginning of time, is exemplified in sports. Host Asya Gonzalez reads the chapter from Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, The Gift of Sports, and with co-host Brigitte, ta...