What you didn’t know about adoption or the foster care system

May 17, 2023 — All Episodes

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 — All Episodes

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 — All Episodes

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. Click here for this episode’s transcript.

Passing the Mic to New Hosts Bree and James

Dec 13, 2023 — All Episodes

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…

How do you define success?

Jan 10, 2024 — All Episodes

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.

How music boosts our mood

Jan 24, 2024 — All Episodes

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. Have a question or message for On Our Minds?…

Confidently insecure with Lawrence the Band

Feb 7, 2024 — All Episodes

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. Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill out this form. This episode was made in…

Masculinity is more than being macho

Feb 21, 2024 — All Episodes

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. Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill out this…

KUOW RadioActive: How imaginary worlds help us shape our real-world identities

Feb 28, 2024 — All Episodes

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

Mar 6, 2024 — All Episodes

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…

The U.S. Surgeon General: How to create tech-free zones

Mar 13, 2024 — All Episodes

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. Have…

How legislation affects teens

Mar 27, 2024 — All Episodes

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…

How to manage climate anxiety with activist Sophia Kianni

Apr 3, 2024 — All Episodes

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…

What can teens do about gun violence?

Apr 17, 2024 — All Episodes

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…

Poet Yung Pueblo on the power of meditation

May 1, 2024 — All Episodes

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.

Exploring students’ global perspectives

May 15, 2024 — All Episodes

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.

What does America mean to you?

Aug 21, 2024 — All Episodes

What does America mean? Is the American Dream achievable? How have teens' thoughts and feelings about the country changed since they were in elementary school?

Does my vote matter?

Sep 4, 2024 — All Episodes

How much power does your vote have? What if you're a conservative and live in a blue state? Or a liberal and live in a red state? Or what if you're from a U.S. territory, like Puerto Rico, and don't have full voting rights?

Meet some of America’s youngest politicians

Sep 18, 2024 — All Episodes

Members of Gen Z are running for office this November! Student reporters interview Averie Bishop (D-TX) and Wyatt Gable (R-NC) both running for a seat in their state legislature. Also hear from one of the country's youngest mayors, Jaylen Smith from Arkansas, about the impact he's had in his small town. 

Why do we have the Electoral College?

Oct 2, 2024 — All Episodes

The Electoral College determines the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. But why does the U.S. have this system? What's the history? Why is it so hard to change the Electoral College? And what could possibly improve it? This explainer episode gives you everything you need to know. 

Are young people being heard?

Oct 16, 2024 — All Episodes

Young people speak up about issues they care about…but are their voices heard?

Bonus: NPR’s 1A features On Our Minds students, Grace and Reesa!

Oct 23, 2024 — All Episodes

It’s a special episode! Hear 1A host, Jenn White, interview On Our Minds students, Grace Go (from WA) and Reesa Venterea (from MN) about what issues matter most to them as first-time voters and their thoughts on misinformation. 1A is produced by WAMU and distributed by NPR.

How is fake news affecting the election?

Oct 30, 2024 — All Episodes

With the increasing capabilities of AI, it can be extremely hard to tell what information is real or not these days. In this episode, students get insights and tips from experts and teen fact-checkers about how misinformation affects this election. Check out Samuel Larreal’s Teen Vogue article here and click here for this…

What do the 2024 election results mean?

Jan 15, 2025 — All Episodes

The 2024 election brought about sweeping changes. Donald Trump’s victory gave Republicans a majority in the U.S. Senate and maintained their control of the U.S. House of Representatives. How are young people feeling, and what might these results mean? Click here for this episode’s transcript.

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…

Driving through Colorado changed how I see my childhood

Apr 15, 2026 — All Episodes

This first episode takes us to Winter Park, Colorado. Student journalist Theo shares a personal story about growing up, drifting from childhood traditions, and what it feels like to rediscover memories you didn’t even realize you’d forgotten. Along the way, hosts Helena and Zack reflect on their own ideas about nostalgia.

Inside Minneapolis’ giant pencil festival

Apr 22, 2026 — All Episodes

Why does Minneapolis celebrate a giant pencil every year? In this episode of On Our Minds: Road Trip, hosts Zack and Helena head to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to explore one of the city’s most delightfully weird traditions: the Giant Pencil Festival on Lake of the Isles. From dancing pencil costumes to a dramatic annual “sharpening” ceremony, this story highlights how creativity, humor, and community spirit turn a fallen tree into a beloved public art celebration. Plus, the hosts share their own quirky stories, including some about Helena’s pet turkey, Juanita.

How drag queens are creating safe spaces in Missouri

Apr 29, 2026 — All Episodes

Student producer Maggie LeBeau takes us inside the local drag scene, introducing us to performers like Alexxa Pro and Artemis Gray. They’re creating spaces of belonging, especially for young queer people who don’t always have one.

How a small art shop built a community in the Midwest

May 6, 2026 — All Episodes

Take a road trip to Richmond, Indiana, in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena explore what “community” really means—from hometown sports teams and small-town festivals to unexpected spaces that bring people together. At the center of this story is Oblivion, a local art store turned creative…

The power of public art and Dunkin Donuts in New Jersey

May 13, 2026 — All Episodes

Take a road trip to New Jersey in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena discuss what in their surroundings sparks curiosity. Student producer, Abigail Kim in Leonia, New Jersey takes you to a scuplture garden at the heart of her town. While, Libby Peckman in Highland…

Finding warmth in the wicked cold Massachusetts weather

May 20, 2026 — All Episodes

Take a road trip to Massachusetts with hosts Zack and Helena in this episode of On Our Minds. It can be cold and confusing, but also surprisingly warm and welcoming. Shane from Attleboro takes us inside his apartment building, filled with colorful neighbors who’ll dig your car out of the…

Teenage beekeeper in New York buzzes about native species

May 27, 2026 — All Episodes

This week on the On Our Minds Roadtrip, hosts Zack and Helena take us to the city that never sleeps. Jess, the president of her university’s beekeeping club, walks us through what it means to be a young beekeeper in New York City. She shares that New York City’s diversity doesn't stop at just people and culture. The city is home to over 200 species of bees. 

How one San Juan street reflects Puerto Rico’s culture, community and change

Jun 3, 2026 — All Episodes

This On Our Minds episode heads to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where hosts Zack and Helena reflect on belonging, culture and the small details that make a place feel like home. The episode explores Calle Loíza, a vibrant street long shaped by generations of residents from around the globe, now facing an uncertain future as it becomes a tourist destination.

How food brings cultures together in El Paso

Jun 10, 2026 — All Episodes

In this episode of On Our Minds, we travel to El Paso, Texas, where student journalists Marium and Aruja explore life in one of America's most unique border communities.

Why getting around without a car in California can be surprisingly nice

Jun 17, 2026 — All Episodes

This episode explores what happens when we stop rushing to our destination and start paying attention to the journey.

What makes a place feel like home?

Jun 25, 2026 — All Episodes

In the final episode of this season, student producer Joslyn shares her journey of moving from place to place and always finding herself drawn back to Las Vegas.