In this episode, we introduce some of our youngest speakers at The Practice Space. As part of an introduction to podcasting class, students ages 8-10 created short teasers to introduce their ideas for original podcasts. From neighborhood stories to dreams of a fish, these students definitely show how creative their voices can be.

Youth Aloud

Bonus Episode: Young Podcasters

In this episode of Youth Aloud, you will be hearing from Ella Bramwell, a rising senior at El Cerrito High School and participant in our Expressive Leaders program. She looked into public school funding specifically in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. She examines how funding, and recent budget cuts will affect programs, students, and staff.

Bonus Episode: A Youth Leader's Voice on Public Education

In this episode of Youth Aloud, we talk about the importance of having a voice, even when it feels scary or uncertain. You’ll be hearing from TPS staff member Nancy Correa on sharing her experience in the foster system, students from Davis Joint Unified on what helps them build self-confidence and have a voice, and Mela Seyoum on why we need to speak up and share out today.

S3E3: Journeys of Self-Confidence

How do we cope when everything is suddenly different? In this episode, we explore how good communication can help us navigate differences, from trying to make sense of competing parts of ourselves to learning to listen to the experiences of others. You’ll hear stories from staff member Caitlin Healy about splitting her time between new motherhood and her identity as a community organizer, college student Lindsey Lam about working with people who speak a different language, and members of Kennedy High’s Debate Team about learning to articulate diverse opinions.

S3E2: Embracing Sudden Difference

In light of COVID-19, we are taking a step back to reflect on what we can still do while in quarantine to express our voice and tell our stories. In this episode of Youth Aloud, we focus on the self improvements and small steps that we can take, even today. You’ll be hearing from the Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy Debate Team, and AnnMarie Baines, Founder of The Practice Space.

S3E1: The Slow Scramble Towards Self-Improvement

Have you ever felt like it’s too early or too late to build your confidence with public speaking? At The Practice Space, there’s never a limit on when or who can develop these skills, which is why we offer programs and services to all ages. In this episode we hear from students about their experiences at our Young Speakers Camp for youth ages 7-11-years-old. Lindsey Lam interviews camp attendees about why they chose to come to the Young Speakers Camp, fears they had before they came, and hardships they’ve faced with public speaking. These youth are clear about one thing -- their voice matters and they are ready to share it.

Bonus Episode: Young Speakers Camp

As the world changes, so do our dreams for the future. In our final episode of the second season, the Youth Aloud podcast team voice their opinions about the “American Dream” in a candid group discussion. Beginning with their stories of growing up with immigrant parents, these high school students define what they see as the American Dream in the modern world and how they work to create opportunities to achieve their personal dreams for the future.

10: What is Our American Dream?

Students are no strangers to stress and burnout. It's hard to find the energy and willpower to do everything we should, especially when we aren't doing what we love and are stretched too thin. This episode features high school and college student interviews and stories about how they cope with stress and figure out how to keep going, even when feeling helpless. 

9: Student Stress

How do we fight against societal messages that make us feel like we aren't beautiful? In this episode, we interview teens and family members and tell our own stories about experiences with body image and how we accept who we are, despite cultural stereotypes. 

8: Battles with Self-Image

Why do young people want to speak up? In this episode, we hear from high school students about why they think their voice matters and what stands in the way of being heard. Members of our podcast team, Lindsey Lam, Sophie Ciurlik-Rittenbaum, and Hawi Abraham, share their own stories as well as how other teens wish to use their voice to express underrepresented views. 

7: Youth Voice Matters

This episode is about gender identity and people's struggles to understand and express gender. You'll hear from our field reporters Sophie Ciurlik-Rittenbaum and Robson Swift, who interview transgender teens about their experiences with gender expression and coming out, reflecting on how different people relate to gender. 

6: Let's Talk about Gender

In this episode, we’ll be answering the question “who are you?”. You’ll hear from our field reporters, Sophie and Hawi, who focus on their names as a source of their identity. They’ll also interview other San Francisco Bay Area teens who base their identity on their goals, their heritage, and their actions.

5: Who Are We?

Finding your voice is easier said than done. In this guest interview, former high school public speaker George Elsbury explains concrete tips and techniques for figuring out what to say and how to feel more confident performing in front of others.

4: How to Find Your Voice

Awkwardness. We all feel it at some point in our lives. Members of the podcast, Ava Remler and AnnMarie Baines, share some of their awkward moments. Lindsey Lam connects their stories with words from the experts and some awkwardness of her own.

3: When Feeling Awkward

Public speaking is scary, but somehow we make it through. Two high school students, Lindsey Lam and Ava Remler, describe what they did to overcome their fear of public speaking. AnnMarie Baines, Executive Director of The Practice Space, connects their stories to broader research on communication anxiety, reminding us that we aren’t alone.

2: How We Faced the Fear

In a world where it isn't safe to have vulnerable conversations, we need spaces to talk about the challenges and anxieties we face when communicating with others. Join AnnMarie from The Practice Space and a team of high school students as they discuss everyday stories, accessible research, and techniques for finding your voice and communicating effectively.

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Youth Aloud

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