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On Our Minds is an Edward R. Murrow award-winning, student-led and student-produced podcast about the biggest mental health challenges young people face. In each episode, two teen reporters guide you through stories by high schoolers from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs about the teenage experience that connects, educates and inspires listeners of all ages.
Season 3
Passing the Mic to New Hosts Ashley and Tyler
Dec 6, 2022
Season two hosts Matt and Faiza introduce this season’s newest hosts, Ashley He and Tyler Pullum. Ashley is a 16 year-old junior at Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio. And Tyler is a 17 year-old senior at Shadow Creek High School in Pearland, Texas. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
How to choose a path after high school
Dec 21, 2022
A recent study found that only about half of high school graduates say they definitely plan on going to college. In this episode of On Our Minds, Ashley and Tyler hear from several teens on their post-high school plans — whether it’s college, trade school, a gap year, or going right into the work force. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Why teens today face drastically different risks than other generations
Jan 4, 2023
New York Times reporter Matt Richtel talks with Ashley and Tyler about why there’s a teen mental health crisis and the benefit of putting experiences into words (…which is what we do at On Our Minds!). Click here for this episode’s transcript.
How LeBron James handles stress
Jan 17, 2023
Students at I Promise School in Akron, Ohio interview one of the greatest basketball stars of all time: LeBron James! Watch a longer video of their conversation with LeBron James here.
How Jordan Chiles had to fill “the hugest shoes of all time” at the Olympics
Feb 1, 2023
Student reporter Mahi Jariwala speaks with Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles about how she stepped in for Simone Biles to win an Olympic medal for Team USA. Mahi, Ashley, and Tyler also talk about their own experience with sports and offer tips for physical and mental success. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
How teens find their voice through creativity and performance
Feb 15, 2023
The creative arts can be the universal language for teens who find it hard to communicate how they are feeling because of language barriers, cultural differences, social injustices, or anxiety. Hear how poetry, dance, film, and theater have provided an outlet for teens to process difficulties and help manage their mental health. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
How poetry lets you be so many things at once, with Chen Chen
Mar 1, 2023
On Our Minds host Ashley interviews one of her all-time favorite poets, Chen Chen. They talk about poetry, identity and sexuality and then Chen Chen reads us one of his favorite poems, called “Study Abroad, Hefei, China.” Click here for this episode’s transcript.
How to identify the signs of an unhealthy relationship with experts from One Love Foundation
Mar 15, 2023
Katie Hood and Collin McClelland from One Love Foundation teach Ashley and Tyler how to recognize unhealthy behaviors in a relationship. Katie and Collin also give tips on how to help a friend or loved one who might be in a harmful relationship. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Heart to hurt: How not to lose yourself in a relationship
Mar 29, 2023
The American Pediatric Association emphasizes that behaviors and knowledge learned from teen relationships impact mental health and set a foundation for building healthy relationships in adulthood. Hear how teens break the cycle of an unhealthy relationship, find their own identity, cope with break-ups, and handle friends or partners who trauma-dump through digital communications. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
What the LGBTQIA+ alphabet spells for teen relationships
Apr 12, 2023
While Florida first passed a law limiting LGBTQ+ student rights at school in March 2022, as many as 19 other states have considered a version of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Hear how an LGBTQ+ teen in Florida navigates the environment at school, what TV shows get right—or not—about teen LGBTQ+ relationships, and learn how some teens are not interested in romantic relationships at all. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Hank Green and U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo remind you to “be yourself”
Apr 26, 2023
At SXSW EDU, Tyler interviewed science content creator Hank Green, and student reporter Ingrid Smith interviewed former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. Both Green and Harjo talked about how to “be yourself.” Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Live from SXSW EDU Podcast Stage!
May 3, 2023
Ashley and Tyler record in person and in front of a live audience at the SXSW EDU podcast stage! They share stories about needing help, asking for help, and what good help looks like. Audience members share their powerful teenage experiences. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Tips for time management
May 10, 2023
In this episode, Tyler and Ashley hear from students and psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour about how teens can manage their time and improve their mental health. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
What you didn’t know about adoption or the foster care system
May 17, 2023
In this episode, Ashley, Tyler, and student reporters explore how family situations like foster care and interracial adoption can affect young people’s well-being and sense of identity. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
How nature helps you get outside of yourself
May 24, 2023
In this episode, Ashley, Tyler, and student reporters discuss their personal experiences with being in nature and its benefits. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Goodbye to Season Three
Jun 7, 2023
Ashley and Tyler are joined by student producers and SRL staff for a fun goodbye recording and celebration–reflections and news about what’s coming next season.