Youth Aloud

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

While we all have moments when we find it hard to listen to others, we may not know why. AnnMarie Baines, Executive Director of The Practice Space, offers research and analysis behind the listening challenge we face every day. Two high school students, Lindsey Lam and Ava Remler, share personal stories and discuss why we need better listeners in today's world.

Find resources mentioned in this episode at www.practice-space.org/why-listening-is-hard