Season 5 Trailer

Feb 25, 2025 — Season 5

Listen to the official trailer for the fifth season of On Our Minds from PBS News Student Reporting Labs. This season will feature teenagers in conversation with people they admire and look up to — in their families, local communities, and the literary world.

How friends shape who we are

Apr 16, 2025 — All Episodes

How do your friends influence and inspire you? Our friends change us, for better or for worse. The best friendships inspire us to become better versions of ourselves. Staying in touch is key, which is why pen pals and phone calls are important.

Real Talk on Friend Groups with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford of Therapy for Black Girls

Apr 23, 2025 — All Episodes

Therapist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford discusses her book Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community. Dr. Joy (host of the podcast, Therapy for Black Girls) talks with Bree Campbell (On Our Minds, Season 4 co-host) about sisterhoods, how to create a friend circle, and why boys and young men need supportive friend groups as well.

Bonus: NPR’s 1A features On Our Minds students: Ava, Jay, and Michelle

Apr 28, 2025 — All Episodes

It’s a special episode! Hear 1A host, Jenn White, interview On Our Minds students, Ava (from WI), Jay (from TX), and Michelle (from VA) about who inspires them. 1A is produced by WAMU and distributed by NPR.

Why family matters in shaping teens’ passions and identity

Apr 30, 2025 — All Episodes

Family bonds shape who we become and what dreams we have for our lives. Teens open up to their parents and siblings about what matters most: their passions, identity, and culture.

Voices across cultures: Viet Thanh Nguyen and the teen search for belonging

May 7, 2025 — All Episodes

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen joins student reporter Khadeejah Khan for a thoughtful discussion on identity, memory, activism, and the role of art in “abolishing the conditions of voicelessness.” In addition, Annalise shares a conversation with her father about growing up Chinese in Ecuador and how he embraces his…

How these teachers use humor and stories to connect with their students

May 14, 2025 — All Episodes

What makes school fun? An inspiring teacher! Stories of gratitude for the people who devote their lives to helping students learn and grow: classroom teachers, librarians, and principals.

Finding yourself through books with Nic Stone and Mychal Threets

May 21, 2025 — All Episodes

How can you figure how what kind of person you want to be? Through books, says YA writer Nic Stone and viral-librarian Mychal Threets. Nic and Mychal share their wisdom about finding yourself and finding joy through reading.

Author Bryan Stevenson on grace, grit, and growing up

May 28, 2025 — All Episodes

You are more than your grades, your struggles, or your past, says Bryan Stevenson (author of Just Mercy and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative). Stevenson shares his journey defending the wrongly accused and why he’s hopeful about the next generation. Click here for this episode’s transcript. The conversation was…

How to overcome imposter syndrome and find a sense of belonging

Jun 4, 2025 — All Episodes

Have you ever felt doubt and insecurity about your abilities or accomplishments? It’s a normal feeling but it can be hard! Who can help? A mentor in your community who believes in you and helps you find a sense of belonging. Click here for this episode’s transcript.   Segments were…