The Humans of James River: Recent Episodes
The Humans of James River
In this episode, amazing juniors Lanie Grant and Lilly Ver Beek talk about their involvment in sports growing up, how they balance sports and school, and how sports in general have impacted their lives.
In this episode, Sarah and Katherine chat with Jalen Pritchett, a senior at James River who uses his passion for dancing and singing to overcome strife and express himself.
Welcome to our first mini episode! Mini episodes will be posted the weekend between every "main episode" posted. Each mini episode will be an interview of a 2023 capstone happening at James River, we will talk about what they are doing and why they are doing it. Our first mini episode is Brooke Long and Raigan Kelley's capstone which is "Heroes on the Diamond." In this episode we discuss their lives growing up with military and 1st responders in their families and how they wanted to give back to that community. We will also talk about their intention of creating a place for teens, first responders, and military to bond.
Welcome to the first episode of Season 5!! This episode is just an introduction from your hosts. Sarah and Katherine respond to questions asked on the instagram about who they are and why they took over this podcast. They also talk about their highschool experience and different interests of theirs.
In this episode Bowman Novey talks about his journey finding himself in high school and discovering his true self. He talks about a plethora of topics from how he manages his anxiety and panic attacks to his new endeavors in sewing. Bowman brought so much light and laughter to this episode and I hope you all enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording it.
In this episode, Libby Wilbur (JRHS Class of 2016) discusses her journey with life after high school, graduating college during the pandemic, and the moving community of theater and the arts post-COVID. She also discusses a bit about why mental health is so important for her.
TW: This episode may be triggering for someone who has struggled with mental health.
In this episode, Nykia Bryant details her journey finding herself and accepting who she truly is. She discusses her struggles with mental health along with her experience with difficult family dynamics.
TW: This episode may be triggering for those who have struggled with mental illnesses, a distant parent, and both internalized and outward homophobia.
If you or someone you love is struggling, click on the 'Resources' tab to get help
The new host, Rithika Bhagavatula, shares a bit about her life and what to expect from the upcoming season.
If you would like to contact us: Instagram - @humansofjrpod; Email - humansofjrhs@gmail.com
The final episode of Humans of James River Season 3 is here! I had the honor of talking to Mr. Nabors, the AP English Literature teacher for both Leadership and GPOP students at James River. The focus of this episode is how this past year has been in relation to the year prior (in which we were mostly virtual or hybrid), and how it has impacted teachers. Mr. Nabors speaks specifically to himself, but also in general about how the atmosphere has been behind the scenes. He also offers advice to rising freshman, graduating seniors, and everyone in between. I had a wonderful time talking to him, and I hope you all find his perspective to be both energizing and encouraging.
TW: This episode contains discuss of some mental health, though not in extreme detail, and references the pandemic
Thank you all so much for all of the support this year; it really has been a wild ride. I enjoyed every moment I had with Humans of James River, and I hope that it continues for years to come.
As always, the references page is available to anyone who may need it. Please take care of yourselves, and have a wonderful end of the school year!
Episode 6 is here, and I want to give a huge thank you to Shreya Muralidharan, a senior at JRHS, for her enthusiasm in coming on HOJR! In this episode, Shreya will be talking about her experience in middle school and high school, as well as what she hopes for in college. She will discuss what is has been like growing up in a predominantly white suburban area, as well as the difficulties that go along with being queer. I hope you all will be as inspired by her as I was, and continue to be.
TW: This episode contains discussion of mental health, some familial issues, and racist themes. LGBTQ+ is also addressed, with examples of internal homophobia
Make sure to utilize the contacts and information available in the Resources module if you or a loved one need it!
Thank you for listening!
Hey everyone! Episode 5 is here, and I want to give a HUGE thank you to Brooke Long for being willing to be a guest and share her story on Humans of James River! It was an honor. In this episode, Brooke will be talking about her experience as a child of divorce, and how the abrupt changes and difficulties she and her family faced afterwards effected her as a child, as well as to this day.
TW: talk of divorce, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, some violence, and struggles that pertain to mental health
Make sure to utilize the contacts and information available in the Resources module if you or a loved one need it!
Thank you for listening!
Episode 04 is finally here! I hope that it will be worth the wait. Katie Lowry, a JRHS Leadership Alumni, will be talking about her experience in high school and what came afterwards. She has some advice to share and some inspiration to spread, and I am so glad that HOJR could give her that opportunity. Mr. Doyle will pop in at the end as well! I hope you all enjoy.
NOTE: There are some auditory issues due to the fact that this was a virtual conversation, and so some feedback is present. There is also some background noise from Mrs. Lowry’s family, but that just gives listeners a better look into her life!
TW: Discussion of anxiety, grief, loss, religion, burnout, and mental illness
Take care of yourself! :)
In this episode, senior Leadership student Katie Acker will be talking about grief and how she learned to process her own, especially during quarantine. She will also discuss the importance of allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and what advice she can give from personal experience for anyone who is experiencing grief.
TW: this episode contains discussion of grief and illness
As always, the Resources page is accessible to anyone who is struggling!
In this episode, a Junior at James River High School named Laine Lewis will be sharing their story about growing up not truly being able to accept who they were, and their journey to self-discovery. Laine will also be discussing the stigmas around mental health and the LGBTQ+ community, and certain aspects of society that need to change in order to provide adequate support.
TW: This episode may be triggering for those who are uncomfortable with topics pertaining to bullying, poor mental health, unhealthy coping mechanisms and behaviors, death/grief, and homophobia (internalized as well as unsupportive family members and peers)
Please click on the ‘Resources’ module if you or a loved one are struggling!
Welcome to the first episode of Humans of James River Season 3! In this episode an anonymous female will be opening up about her abusive relationship with her biological father, and how she developed two eating disorders as a result.
TW: This episode may be triggering to anyone who is uncomfortable with topics including alcohol/ drug abuse, neglect, binge eating disorder, and bulimia
Please click on the ‘Resources’ module if you or a loved one are struggling!
*Some of the audio may sound a bit strange, but that’s because, in order to respect my participant’s request to remain anonymous, some parts where I am speaking had to also be edited
In this episode, podcast Season 2 host, Irelyn Rogan, says her final good byes to HOJR. She reflects on her time with the podcast, thanks the community, and dives into her future plans.
In this episode, you hear from the creator of the Humans of James River, Ava McHugh, and the advisor of HOJR, Mr. David Kern. Ava shares her experience as a first year at James Madison University, as well, we all discuss HOJR, our favorite memories, and our hopes for the future.
In this episode, you hear from a James River High School senior, Anya Strogonova. Anya shares about her struggles with both her eating disorder and body image. TW: This episode may be difficult for those who have dealt with eating disorders. If you or a loved one are in need of help, please click the “Resources” button on the HOJR website to seek help. To reach Anya: Email - anyadanielle03@gmail.com; Instagram - @anyaxdanielle
In this episode, you hear from James River High School junior and saxophone player in the Regiment, Nico Dow. He shares how he has been bullied in the past, how it affected him, and how he was able to grow from it.
In this episode, you hear from 2020 James River Leadership Alumni, Jonathan Dilego. He shares his coming out story, history on the LGBTQ+ community, and resources for those in need. To reach him: Email - jonathandile@gmail.com; Instagram - jonathan_dile Resources mentioned: Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Side by Side - https://www.sidebysideva.org/ Health Brigade - https://www.healthbrigade.org/ Triangle Theater - https://rtriangle.org/
In this episode, you hear from the HOJR host and her best friend, Lauren Schubert, fellow James River High School senior. They speak on their personal struggles with learning to love their bodies, eating disorders, the societal standards pushed on women, and the Generation Z “Body Positivity” Movement. Reach out!: humansofjrhs@gmail.com Instagram & Facebook: @humansofjrpod To reach Lauren: laurenschubert93@gmail.com
In this episode, you hear from the new assistant principal at James River High School, Ms. Leah Mullis. She shares with us her life story, her values, and goals concerning JR. To reach out: leahmullis@ccpsnet.net
Anonymous 18 year-old female senior at James River High School speaks on the instance where she was sexually assaulted on a family vacation. As well, she touches on therapy, the "Me Too Movement", and self love. TW: This episode may be triggering for listeners who have dealt with rape, sexual assault, and/or harassment. If you or a loved one are in need of help, please click the "Resources" button on the HOJR website to seek help.
In this episode, you hear from an anonymous 15 year-old female at James River High School. She speaks on her JR alum sister's passing as a result of drug overdose. Furthermore, she elaborates and speaks on her overall family and friend troubles, mental health, and how she has persevered through it all.
Anonymous James River Senior speaks on her struggles with mental health, suicide, her rough home life, and sexuality. TW: This episode may be triggering for listeners who have dealt with depression, anxiety, and/or suicide. If you or a loved one are in need of help, please click the "Resources" button on the HOJR website to seek help.
In this episode, you hear from JR's Girls Volleyball coach, Senior Convocation speaker, comedian, and motivational speaker, Coach Micah "Bam-Bamm" White. He shares with us his life story and what led him to James River HS.
In this episode, you hear from Mrs. Mosley, a Biology teacher at James River High School. She shares her experiences growing up as a mixed race child in Chesterfield County; as well, she gives us an inside look at what it is like to be one of the ten POC teachers at James River High School. To reach her: bronwyn_mosley@ccpsnet.net
In this episode, you hear from James River senior, Ava Cherry. Ava speaks on her sister's battle with cancer and the affect it had on both her and her family. Check out: RVA Purple Perspective Blog
Episode Seven features the coordinator of the Center for Leadership and International Relations at James River High School, Mrs. Hewlett. She speaks on her experience of being a black, female educator in Chesterfield County Public Schools. To reach her: ashley_hewlett@ccpsnet.net
In this episode, you hear from a James River High School senior, Dominic Genett. Dominic speaks on his struggles with depression and his transition into recovery. TW: This episode may be triggering for listeners who have dealt with depression and/or suicide. If you or a loved one are in need of help, please click the "Resources" button on the HOJR website to seek help.
Mr. Calfee, a teacher, coach, and club sponsor at James River High School, talks about his journey with running, finding confidence in being his unique self, and the JRHS Community. To reach him: christopher_calfee@ccpsnet.net
James River High School Biology teacher, Mr. Beck, speaks on the biracial relationship that he was in with a Jamaican woman. In addition, he touches on the broad subject of race relations. To reach him: christopher_beck@ccpsnet.net
In this episode, you hear from a 17-year old female speak on her transgender sister's coming out story.
In this episode, you hear from an 18 year-old male who speaks on his parents' divorce and his father's coming out story.
In this episode, you hear from the James River High School’s new principal, Dr. Amanda Voelker. Dr. Voelker tells the story of her life and where she comes from; as well, she speaks on some of her goals regarding JRHS. To contact her: amanda_voelker@ccpsnet.net
The new host, Irelyn Rogan, speaks on what to expect from this season of the podcast. As well, she shares a bit more about herself.If you would like to contact us: Instagram - @humansofjrpod; Email - humansofjrhs@gmail.com
A high school student details his difficult journey from El Salvador to the US. This episode begins with an English translation and is followed by the original Spanish version.
An 18 year-old talks about her troubles in middle school, her abusive father, her underage alcoholic sister, and how choosing her own family got her through it all.
A 17 year-old girl talks about enduring her father's emotional and sometimes physical abuse and then finding out he has brain cancer. She discusses what it means to forgive but not forget.
An 18 year-old girl talks about her battle with various types of eating disorders and exercise addiction over the course of eight years.
A 17 year-old girl talks about her intense struggles with anxiety and suicidal thoughts, learning how to prioritize her own mental health, as well as her never ending battle with mental illness.
A 17 year-old girl talks about her struggle with blaming herself for her family's issues and her fathers alcoholism as well as the unhealthy coping methods that stem from that.
A 15 year-old girl talks about her struggle with her parents divorce, her mental health issues from a young age, her struggle with eating disorders and self-harm, and her drug overdose/suicide attempts.
Jasmine Barron talks about her difficult experience with smoking marijuana, her mother's recent death, and the effects of everything on her mental health.
A 16 year-old discusses the struggle of growing up without their basic needs being met while questioning their identity.
A 16 year-old girl discusses her struggle with an eating disorder and an unobtainable definition of perfection.
Twins talk about going through watching each other struggle with mental health issues at the same time.