Summer Youth Podcast Academy

The Passionate Professor

Professor Edward Miller has spent nearly three decades teaching film and media at the College of Staten Island, helping students launch their careers in New York’s film and television industry. A Brooklyn native, he studied literature and film at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and earned his doctorate from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts before finding a lasting home at the City University of New York. As he prepares to retire, Miller reflects on the rewards and challenges of teaching, from mentoring students who have gone on to careers in film, law and beyond to fostering open dialogue on politics and art in the classroom. He offers a candid look at teaching, creativity and community in the city that has shaped his life and work. Giana Nevarez Tevere is a senior at Bard High School Early College Queens. A strong and curious student, she brings dedication and depth to everything she does. She writes for the Bard Broadside, covering current events and amplifying student perspectives. Outside of school, she trains three times a week with the Paul Taylor Dance Company’s Taylor Teen Ensemble in Manhattan. She’s also a committed babysitter and tutor who loves working with children. The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s [/] immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

The Teacher Behind the Desk

The work of teaching goes far beyond the lesson plan. It is a daily act of care, patience and persistence. In this episode, English teacher Molly Sherman of Harvest Collegiate High School shares what it means to show up for students not just in the classroom but in life. The story explores the unseen side of education: the emotional weight teachers carry, the relationships that sustain them and the lessons that shape both student and teacher. Sherman reflects on her path from theater to teaching, the mentors who guided her and how the pandemic deepened her understanding of what students truly need. The episode is a reminder that teachers are more than educators. They are human — learning, growing and giving, often long after the final bell rings. Jazin Lopez Burgoa is a sophomore at Harvest Collegiate High School. She’s outgoing but a bit indecisive, with a quiet side that fades once you get to know her. When she’s not playing volleyball or soccer, she’s sketching, painting or experimenting with new outfit combos. Her sarcasm, leadership and love for chaotic card games like BS and Uno always stand out. Jazin is all about fashion, creativity and her favorite color, navy blue. The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s [/]immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

The Firefighter Who Never Gave Up

Most people run from danger. Braulio Roman runs toward it. In this episode, we visit FDNY Engine 318/Ladder 166 in Coney Island to meet Braulio, a firefighter whose path to public service began with a simple act of kindness. Years before joining the FDNY, a firefighter helped him unlock his car when he was a struggling 17-year-old father trying to get to work. That moment changed how he saw the world and what he wanted to give back. Braulio talks about the intense training that prepared him for emergencies, the calls that stay with him, and the brotherhood that keeps him grounded. He also reflects on how firefighting has shaped him into a better father, husband, and man. Maram is a sophomore at Harvest Collegiate High School in Manhattan. She enjoys reading in her free time and has a strong interest in psychology. She looks forward to starting a mental health awareness club at her school. When she’s not studying, she loves to bake — she finds it therapeutic. The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s [/]immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

The Urban Designer Who Shapes the City

Every building in New York City, from the tallest skyscraper to the smallest storefront, is shaped by zoning laws, the rules that determine what can be built, where, and how land is used. In this episode, Christian Chand interviews Talia Clarick, a zoning urban designer at the New York City Department of City Planning, about how those laws influence daily life. Clarick discusses her work on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative, which aims to expand housing options by allowing office-to-residential conversions and easing building limits. She also describes her role illustrating the city’s new Zoning Handbook and reflects on her path from architecture school to public service — seeing design not just as a way to create buildings, but as a way to build a more equitable city. Christian Chand is a freshman at Hunter College in Manhattan, where he plans to double major in computer science and theater. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games like Elden Ring, playing basketball, and spending time with friends. The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s [/]immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

The Indispensable Paraprofessional

What does a paraprofessional really do — and why are they so essential to the classroom? In this episode, Rayleen Laloi explores the role through the story of her mother, Colleen Chance, who works one-on-one with students at P.S. 770 in Brooklyn. From the postwar roots of the job to its impact today, Rayleen uncovers how paras have become a cornerstone of inclusive education in New York City. Through her mother’s experiences, she discovers the patience, care, and skill the work demands, from helping students communicate to celebrating their smallest victories. It’s a look at the people who make learning possible — and a reminder of how essential paras are to the classrooms that need them most. Rayleen Laloi is a junior at the Brooklyn Institute for Liberal Arts. She’s a regular at Algebra 2 homework help and the arts and crafts club. When she’s not scrolling through social media (for longer than she probably should), Rayleen loves listening to music, watching video essays, anime, and reading books. The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s [/] immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.