A Change is a Chance

Episode 48: Redefining Excellence and Equity in Education

In this episode, I talked with director of Harvard's Making Caring Common, Dr. Richard Weissbourd. Focused on developing empathy and a sense of justice in children, while reframing how adults perceive student success, Dr. Weissbourd explained both how quality educational institutions are often privileges and that with such academic pressures, students often feel overstressed. In his work to improve the educational experience for students in multiple ways, Dr. Weissbourd demonstrated Making Caring Common's range of programs, from focusing college admission culture on quality over quantity, to ensuring all students have adult role models in their lives. As a graduating senior myself, our conversation enlightened me on the role education is meant to play in our lives versus how it often pans out. Tune in now to learn more!

Episode 47: Dispelling Disinformation and Building Power Among Youth

In this episode, I was joined by influential youth organizer and current New Media Deputy for the Mayor of LA, Victor Shi, about the current state of youth activism in America and the ongoing fight for youth voices in politics. From discussing structural barriers against youth influence, to understanding widespread youth apathy and the dominant narrative of social media, Victor helped me see a broader path for youth power and the immense influence we can have over politics today. He is an inspiration for many youth activists like me who have taken his words and these lessons to make real changes with our resilience and votes. Tune in now to learn more!

Episode 46: Inspiring Empathy and Persistence through the Language of Music

In this episode, I interviewed the Director of the Children's Orchestra Society, Yeou-Cheng Ma. A violin prodigy herself, Yeou-Cheng explained how she teaches music through life lessons and values, rather than just practice. Through COS, a non-profit that teaches classical music to youth through life lessons and values, Yeou-Cheng builds students of character and passion, preparing them for a lifelong journey of self-expression and engagement. We discussed the impact from the lack of creativity and freedom today, and she explained how the Children's Orchestra Society works to combat that through music. I immensely enjoyed the anecdotes of kids who found their way through music and am in awe of the many paths the orchestra has opened up for kids in the last 6 decades. Tune in now to learn more!

Episode 45: Uncovering the Human Within American Homelessness

In this episode, I talked with Ms. Alastair Boone, executive director of the Oakland and Berkeley newspaper, Street Spirit, which focuses on telling stories by and about local people facing homelessness, while allowing all profits to go to those very people. I, personally, have never taken the necessary time to understand this crisis in our country, but Ms. Boone helped me to see the human within the issue, the fear-mongering lies of the media, and just how much it takes to be kind. I learned so much from our conversation and I believe I'll walk through the city of Oakland with a different lens now. Tune in now to learn more!

Episode 44: Creating Hope and Action to Protect American Democracy

In this episode, I spoke with Mr. Rob Shriver, the former leader of the Office of Personnel Management in the Obama and Biden administrations, and a current leader in the organization, Democracy Forward, a national legal non-profit that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, public education, and regulatory engagement. We discussed the current state of America, from how the Trump administration has terrorized the bureaucracy, to the impacts of the Big Beautiful Bill, and our crumbling democracy. But, in the midst of all of these alarming circumstances, we discussed the power of hope and channeling it through action, education, policy, and campaigning. Mr. Shriver and his work at Democracy Forward are proof that it is possible to fight back against oppression if you're only willing to take action. Tune in now to learn more!