The People We Meet

Yes, even your thrifted outfit Is complicated

What happens when your favorite brands are built on exploitation — and you already know it? In this episode of The People We Meet, we talk with Alisha Rumani, a junior at Pinewood, sharing her perspective as a teen navigating the overwhelming world of fast fashion. We dive into the messy, often uncomfortable truth about how micro-trends, social media, and billion-dollar brands are shaping the way teens shop. We talk about the stores in every mall, the hauls all over your feed, and the environmental cost behind the clothes on your back. We're breaking down what "sustainable fashion" really means — and whether teens can actually make a difference. Music: "forever love" by prod. NIGHT DRESS | "into the blue" by lowtyde/prodtyde

More than a type: Racial prejudice in teen dating

What happens when dating “preferences” cross the line into prejudice? In this episode of The People We Meet, we talk with Annika, a junior at Mountain View High School, sharing her experience as a teen of color and navigating the dating scene at school. We dive into the messy, often uncomfortable truth about how race shapes teen attraction. We talk about the comments and assumptions that influence who gets seen as desirable and who doesn’t. We’re breaking down what “just a type” really means and why it matters. Music: “forever love” by prod. NIGHT DRESS | “into the blue” by lowtyde/prodtyde

Wired Differently: The ADHD Conversation

What does it really feel like to live with ADHD as a teenager? In this episode of The People We Meet, hosts Lara and Anoushka explore the complexities, misconceptions, and daily realities of ADHD. We start with Kylie Quinn, a junior her personal experience navigating school, social life, and the constant whirlwind of thoughts that come with ADHD. Then, we sit down with Dylan Kersh, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and father of a child with ADHD, to unpack how ADHD affects focus, behavior, and emotional regulation — and how to approach it with understanding and compassion. From messy rooms and chronic tardiness to hyperfocus and creative bursts, this episode highlights the challenges, triumphs, and strategies teens use to reclaim their focus and redefine success. Whether you have ADHD or just want to understand it better, this conversation sheds light on what it really means to think, learn, and live differently. Music: “forever love” by prod. NIGHT DRESS | “into the blue” by lowtyde/prodtyde

When I’ll do it later… (but later never comes): Teen Procrastination

As a teenager, it can feel like there’s never enough time — between school, sports, homework, and everything in between. But why do so many of us still end up procrastinating? In this episode, we talk with junior Aya, who balances AP classes and water polo, and licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Holly Seerly about what really drives time management struggles. From late-night study sessions to the guilt of taking breaks, we explore how perfectionism, burnout, and pressure shape how teens spend their time — and how they’re learning to slow down, set boundaries, and finally take control of their day. Music: forever love by prod. NIGHT DRESS into the blue by lowtyde/prodtyde

Dating in High School: Everyone’s in Love… Except Me

High school can feel like everyone’s in love—except you. In this episode, we dive into the pressures of teen dating, the loneliness that comes with comparing yourself to others, and the question so many teens ask: Am I enough? You’ll hear from Audrey, a college freshman reflecting on her high school experiences, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Gwen Chiramonte, who shares practical advice on building self-worth and finding confidence—even when love feels complicated.