S3E2: Embracing Sudden Difference

What does it mean to embark on new adventures? In this episode, participants from our Middle School Speech camp creatively explore the many angles of this question within their very own podcast production teams! Stories shared include: post covid travel plans, fun facts about new places, interesting travel stories with tips, how digital art and video games can be their own adventures, discussing differences between journeys and quests, telling imaginative adventure stories, and even a few fictional commercials. 

Do you remember the first time you ever expressed yourself through public speaking or told a story about your life? In this episode, you will hear participants in our Young Speakers Camp do just that. For many of them, participating in this program was the first opportunity they get to practice the skills of communication and storytelling in a safe space that builds their confidence. Stories shared include: first steps taken, trying new things, being helpful, biggest fears, and learning from mistakes.

What comes to mind when you think of childhood memories and the stories we tell about them? In this episode, we explore the theme of childhood memories and what we can learn from sharing our stories. You’ll hear from the participants in our Storytelling and Podcasting club as they share their perspectives and reflections on art, siblings, scars, and storytelling. Stories shared include: why drawing is a fun hobby, what we can learn from sibling dynamics, and a memorable first trip to the emergency room. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.