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.
For mental health resources, visit studentreportinglabs.org/mentalhealthresources
Season three hosts Ashley and Tyler introduce this season’s newest hosts, Bree Campbell and James Kim. Bree is a 17-year-old senior at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in New York City. James is a 17-year-old senior at Prosper High School in the Dallas metropolitan area. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
What does it mean to succeed at something? What even is “success”? Teens discuss what success means to them, how their definitions differ from their parents, and how the term (while subjective) matters. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
You asked, we delivered–an episode all about music! Students share what songs they love right now, and how music makes them feel and connects them to their culture. Plus James gives an impromptu musical performance. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
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Clyde and Gracie Lawrence (the brother-sister duo of the Lawrence the Band) talk with James and Bree about their family and how making music is therapeutic. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
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This episode was made in collaboration with the podcast This Teenage Life.
American men are stuck in what’s being called a “friendship recession.” In this episode, students explore what’s going on with young men and their mental health and how redefining masculinity could help. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
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On Our Minds’ first podcast swap! We hope you enjoy this special episode from KUOW’s RadioActive.
From video games and D&D to fandoms and cosplay, RadioActive shares the stories of people who create and consume media. Transcript and KUOW website here.
The U.S. Surgeon General’s advice to his teenage self (Part 1)
Teen mental health is one of the U.S. Surgeon General’s top priorities. In part one of two, Bree and James talk with the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, about his mental health as a teenager and tips for combating loneliness and isolation. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
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In the second part of Bree and James’s conversation with the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy advises on how to create tech-free zones to limit time on social media. James also asks a few fun questions about Elmo and chocolate chip pancakes. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
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Over the last three years or so, states have proposed more legislation that would restrict or change the way teachers talk about race, American history, gender, and sexuality. In this episode, students discuss critical race theory, anti-LGBTQ bills, and also legislation helping students’ mental health. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Sophia Kianni was the youngest member of the United Nations’s first Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. She talks with Bree and James about why she started an organization dedicated to translating climate information and resources and getting involved with Born This Way Foundation, which helps support youth mental health. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Since 2020, guns have been the number one cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. According to Dr. Robin Gurwith (expert on the impact of trauma and disaster on children), hearing stories about how teens have been affected by lockdowns and gun violence can help us honor victims and lead to action steps. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Diego Perez, better known as Yung Pueblo, is a number one New York Times best-selling writer, widely known for his poems on Instagram. He recently spoke with students at SXSW EDU about his writing and the healing power of mediation. Click here for this episode’s transcript.
Students explore the benefits of study abroad and the importance of paying attention to international news, like what’s going on in the Middle East. Plus, Bree and James announce a special season of On Our Minds coming this fall! Click here for this episode’s transcript.