GenZ FrenZ: Recent Episodes
GenZ FrenZ Creators
In a time of isolation, we are trying to build connections in our community and beyond. The GenZ FrenZ podcast’s mission is to help ensure that no voice -– regardless of age, religion, race, sexual orientation, gender expression, socioeconomic class, life experience, abilities, or other factors -– gets lost in the the “frenzy” of today’s informationally super charged world.
In this episode, following my talk with Alexandra, I talk to a history buff to continue the conversation on the Russia-Ukraine War. We discuss the confusing nature of border and how the the past may be the best starting point to understand the current state of affairs. Disclosure: this episode was recorded on March 4, 2022 and includes discussion on geopolitical affairs.
Chicago Tribune Article Link for Resources to Help: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-ukraine-how-to-help-20220301-odqs7d5wfzanhbvb3ntc4xibua-story.html
In this episode, I talk to Alexandra who works in the immigration law office about the Russia-Ukraine War. As someone from Ukraine, her connection to this crisis is deep and offers a window into the lives of innocent citizens under threat. We discuss the meaning of the TPS and the controversies surrounding support aid organizations and initiatives. Disclosure: this episode contains topics on war.
Chicago Tribune Article Link: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-ukraine-how-to-help-20220301-odqs7d5wfzanhbvb3ntc4xibua-story.html
In this episode, we discuss the power of books with 2 English teachers to put that magical feeling into words. What do people who have made their careers out of spreading the full appreciation of literature to the next generation feel about it? Can they pick favorites? Listen to find out.
It’s time to say goodbye to 2021, and hello to 2022! But wait, not yet! Let’s reflect upon this difficult year a bit. In this episode we’ll have a compilation of clips from our listeners of some of their highs and lows! Thank you for another amazing year with our podcast! See you next year!
In episode 2 of our “Who’d a Thunk It?”series, meditation and mindfulness are the topics of discussion. We look at the history of these practices, the science behind what they’re doing to our brains, and the possible pros and cons of the meditation-app fad. Link to information about iA Writer: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/12/20/can-distraction-free-devices-change-the-way-we-write Research Links: https://mindworks.org/blog/how-meditation-changes-the-brain/ , https://www.wired.com/story/the-unbearable-irony-of-meditation-apps/ , https://time.com/4246928/meditation-history-buddhism/ , https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-mindfulness/
Happy Thanksgiving! To celebrate this holiday of gratitude, we decided to gather together to talk about the turkey. In our new program, Who'd of Thunk It!, one member will do some preliminary research about a topic, myth, or misconception to share with the other two. For our first episode, we discussed topics including the turkey as the national bird, the gorgeous ocellated turkey, and the sleep-inducing turkey meat. If you have any suggestions for future topics, please send an email to genzfrenzycreators@gmail.com.
Research Links:
"Did Benjamin Franklin propose the turkey as the national symbol?" - HISTORY
"American Myths: Benjamin Franklin’s Turkey and the Presidential Seal" - Smithsonian Magazine
"Turkey" - Encyclœpedia Britannica
"What’s the Purpose of a Turkey’s Wattle?" - Mental Floss
"OCELLATED TURKEY" - American Bird Conservancy
"Food Coma? Here's Why You Get Sleepy After You Eat" - Discovery
Additional:
Kovarsky's Rendition of a Turkey National Seal
Happy Halloween! In the spirit of this spooky holiday, it is tradition to dress up in costumes before scavenging for candies. However, what makes a costume thrilling or inappropriate? There are many guidelines out there to follow, but what do teenagers feel about these limitations when it comes to celebrate Halloween? In this episode, we ask a couple high schoolers on their opinions on the matter for a small sampling. If you are curious to explore a story on the same topic, you can read about the concerns raised by Yale Students here.
As the melting-pot of culture, America was once the land of "dreams" that attracted immigrants world wide. In this episode, we explore the perspective of someone who did just that. After moving from China to America 30 years ago, our guest explains her reasons behind her decision and observations after experiencing America from the outside and inside. Was it all it was promised to be?
Source for Tiananmen Massacre : Link
In this episode, you will hear from María Dubrowski about how she went from being a student studying psychology and neuroscience to environmental conservation and science communication. She shares how her journey from Costa Rica to Lake Michigan has taught her important lessons about the environmental movement and inspired her to do more. Listen to hear how she answers some prevailing questions on possible solutions to climate change and how normal people like you and me can be part of those answers.
This episode is a compilation of interviews with three members of HEROS (Healing Everyday Racism in Our Schools). They describe the founding of the organization by members of the Baha’i Faith who got together after hearing of issues of overt racism at the school. Today, the organization is working on many ambitious goals to address the complex issue of racism in the North Shore. Links: HEROS website: https://heros.community — HEROS Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HEROS-Healing-Everyday-Racism-in-Our-Schools-101173638339108/ —TiBA website: https://www.togetherisbetteralliance.org — RAIN website: https://www.rain.community/about
In honor of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics coming to a close, this episode with Xixi, a Tokyo resident who immigrated from China, explores an insider's take on the games. Torn between continuing or postponing the event, Japan and the world faced hard decisions thanks to the global pandemic; however, despite all the concerns, the Olympics were still held this year, but at what cost, both literally and metaphorically. This entire recording was done originally in mandarin, so please understand that it is merely a rough translation of our conversation.
In this rerun of a discussion hosted by the National Organization of Women (NOW), Judith, Sophia, Amy, and Selma discuss their unique experiences in the midst of COVID-19 with a focus on the mental health struggles in this tumultuous time. You can find the full discussion without any cuts to hear their entire stories and additional discussions on the NOW Youtube channel here. For more information on NOW, a grassroots activist group nationwide, you can find details about the organization and join their email subscription for more events like this panel at their website: https://now.org/about/
In this episode, Nikki Householder takes us step by step through her journey on the "yes train" to successfully beginning a small art class and tutoring business in the midst of COVID-19's mayhem. You can find her student's artwork on display and some on sale in Wilmette's Central Station Coffee and Tea until late July. For information on her art, follow her Instagram account, @nikhouseart, and for more details and information on her tutoring program, contact her directly through nlhouseholder@icloud.com.
To celebrate the Pfizer vaccine getting approval for ages 12 and up, I interviewed a couple of my schoolmates to see how they reacted to the vaccine and what they hope they can do with their new immunity! Disclaimer: No person in the episode is an expert in any medical or pathological field. For more information from professionals please read and refer to this website.
In the mid-90's, a group of students at the University of Virginia decided to take a vow of silence for the entire day of classes before breaking silence at the end in a protest. This national event has now spread across the country, allowing students, who ask for permission ahead of time, to stay silent in school. Raising awareness to the often diminished LGBTQ+ community, it calls attention to the constant need to improve ourselves and surroundings to be more welcoming to everyone's differences. In this episode, I interviewed 2 allies who participated to discuss how the "Day of Silence" went for them personally.
Resource: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/day-of-silence/
Today, I talk to another fellow Asian American about his thoughts on recent events that target the Asian community and personal stories on growing up as Asian American. In discussing being a part of the "model minority," we'll breakdown the truth behind the academic pressure, tiger parenting, and more.
Research: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/17/us/shooting-atlanta-acworth
Support Stop Asian Hate: https://www.stopasianhate.info/
This story follows Polly and Luisa, two Juniors from New Trier, on their path from different corners of the world to Wilmette where they founded a local hub of the national youth environmental movement, Sunrise. We dig into both the rewarding and frustrating aspects of environmental and social justice organizing as a teenager. The founders also share some insightful tips about how anyone can get involved in activism.
Today we will have an interview with Dr. Yi Cai, a pediatric nephrologist that works in a children hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan and usually works with and treats children with kidney problem. We will be talking to him about vaccine for children and teenagers and what it would be like to get a vaccine. We will also be talking about the coronavirus pandemic in general as well.
In this episode, we delve into the complex education gap in our country, specifically in CPS. With Mr. Woolums, who has experience all over academics, we discuss what differentiates a private, charter, and public school and why they form an hierarchical system. Poverty is a well-known evil, but are you as knowledgeable about the driving force that perpetuates the problem? To answer these questions, I guess you'll just have to listen.
Resources:
https://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/publications/education
https://www.epi.org/publication/education-inequalities-at-the-school-starting-gate/
Today we talk to Ben, a teacher turned game editor, about his experience in making a complete 360 in his career. Shout out to all the gamers out there.For those considering a future in the gaming industry, this episode breaks down the behind-the-scenes: is it all fun and games? Disclaimer, our guest does not live in the states so there may be some technical differences that do not translate across.
In a Career Day and Valentine’s Day special, we hear from two people who are making careers out of the love of their life: art! Mainly, we spoke with Eleanor McQueeny who is a senior at RISD studying open-media film and animation (check out her website below!). She talks about her decision to attend art school and how the pandemic has impacted her own work and that of her peers. Briefly, Ed Ingle, who was interviewed in the “Career Day: Is It All Fun in Video Games?” Episode, returns to give his advice to people pursuing art as a career. Link to Eleanor’s Website: https://eleanormcqueeny.cargo.site/film-animation-video
America gained the nickname "culture melting-pot" years ago, but now our country has matured and gained its own "mainstream" culture. In today's episode, Emi and I discuss how second-generation teenagers feel about preserving our parent's culture against the majority. From dedicating hours weekly for years to learn the language to continuing unique holiday traditions, what makes all this effort worth it?
In this episode, we talked with our school psychologist Hannah Kreps about student mental health. We dove deep into current student issues we have and talked about ways to cope with our stressful world and school environment. We've also talked about ways you can seek help if needed.
Today we are talking with a couple, Ed and Megan Ingle, who have both worked for a long time in the video game industry. Megan works in Human Resources at a company that designs video games for doctors. Ed has done character art for many different studios, including Sony. While they are both clearly passionate about the industry, they also admit that working in the rocky world of entertainment, particularly video games, has its challenges.
To start off our new series, "Career Day," we talk to a recent Harvard Graduate about his experiences in college, including his international internships and first job. It can be stressful when faced with weighty decisions such as which college to attend or career path to take. In the end though, are these choices as set in stone as the picture academia paints for us?
For any professions you'd like to hear more about, please contact us through our Instagram (@genzfrenzpodcasts)
It’s time to say goodbye to 2020, and hello to 2021! But wait, not yet! Let’s reflect upon this difficult year a bit. In this episode we’ll have a compilation of clips from our listeners of what they are grateful for this year! Thank you for an amazing starting year for our podcast! See you next year!
In this episode, we discuss how COVID-19 has impacted music making in school programs. Mr. Temple, a high-school band conductor, provides some advice on how to continue making music during quarantine for musicians of all levels and how non-musicians can support professionals as performances are no longer a viable source of income. Finally, listen to the end for some recommendations the GenZFrenZ community has compiled and a special festive surprise!
Research for this episode: https://www.nme.com/news/music/music-streaming-numbers-in-the-us-are-down-during-coronavirus-pandemic-2634037
Students, check. Administrator, check. I wonder who we forgot to ask about school reopenings... Of course, teachers! To get the inside scoop of a high school teacher's perspective of this year as we approach the end of first semester, listen to this episode with Mrs. Kelsh, a dedicated teacher and caring advisor. "You are never sending information one way, it's like a dialogue."
In this week's episode, we will be speaking with Anna, a medical school student at Northwestern University about her experiences in medical school, especially during this pandemic.
In today’s episode, we interviewed Mr. Rubin, an English teacher and film buff, about the new Netflix documentary “The Social Dilemma.” We talk about the prevalent issues surrounding social media, especially as they relate to generation Z, and discuss the structure of the film itself. Research links: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02673843.2019.1590851 — https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-54901083
In this episode, we delve into the drama of media by answering three critical questions. Sure, we are constantly bombarded with information in this "supercharged" world, but how did we get from morning newspapers to religious Instagram checks? Just how is our generation, alien to a society without the internet, dealing with social media? Finally, is there a method to the madness when facing an overload of possibly trustworthy or unreliable sources?
Please support our special guest producer, @happy_kibbles!
Resources:
https://www.nhcc.edu/student-resources/library/doinglibraryresearch/basic-steps-in-the-research-process
https://library.piercecollege.edu/c.php?g=598055&p=4140227
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/conducting_research/conducting_primary_research/index.html
https://medium.com/@andrewblotky/10-ways-to-consume-news-in-2020-4998d654747c
https://www.digitalnewsreport.org/survey/2019/how-younger-generations-consume-news-differently/
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-inquiry/the-urgent-quest-for-slower-better-news
https://www.digitalnewsreport.org/survey/2019/what-do-people-think-about-the-news-media/
https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/page.cfm?pageid=794&guideid=37
https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/culture-magazines/1950s-tv-and-radio
As the holiday season approaches and the country plunges into another COVID-19 surge, one can get overwhelmed by the current events. So, let's take a quick trip back 500 years to the Dark Ages. Talking to World History teacher Mr. Pinos, in this episode, we explore the uncanny similarities between the medieval Black Plague and the 21st century Coronavirus. If history repeats itself, our conversation here may contain lessons surprisingly relevant to us now. From reshaping the social to economic structure, we explore the profound impacts of a deadly outbreak on society.
To celebrate this holiday season with a charitable spirit and delicious pie visit @newtrierhabitat for more info on the "pie-tastic" fundraiser.
Research for the episode: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20201019/Scientists-find-striking-acceleration-in-medieval-plague-transmission-over-300-years.aspx
We spoke to Isabelle and Anna about their experience voting for the first time and why voting matters to them. Our conversation is about what matters to them in this election. At the end of each of their interviews, they both gave their own tips to first-time voters in the future. The source for the information I used, in the beginning, is here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-new-gen-z-voters-could-shape-the-election
We spoke to Karen Glennemeier of Wilmette’s League of Women Voters to learn more about the Electoral College. Our conversation what it is, how it effects our elections, and why it might be a good idea to abolish it. Finally, we ended by answering the question, “why should you vote?”
In this episode, two politically active teenagers share their experiences working on presidential campaigns. From phone-banking to managing entire social media accounts, they are great role models to all those Generation Z teenagers still too young to vote but dying to make an impact in our society.
This is the link Maya, a guest in the episode, kindly provided to help you get connected to a organization: https://www.instagram.com/lwv.wilmette/?igshid=11i2jr0nzvdha
Here is the link to the resources used for statistics: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/05/29/gen-z-millennials-and-gen-x-outvoted-older-generations-in-2018-midterms/https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/04/11/public-trust-in-government-1958-2019/
In this episode, we will talk with two students: Iris, a college exchange student from China that goes to Case Western Reserve University, and Kentaro, a highschool sophomore from Japan that goes to The American School in Japan. We want some insight on how schools are reopening on a global scale. This episode continues to talk about techniques and technologies used and implemented based on the Covid-19 situation in their own country.
In part II of our “School Reopening” series, we seek the perspective of the administration. Getting 4,000 students back in school while following social distancing guidelines is a crazy challenge, and in this episode New Trier’s Winnetka Campus Principal, Mrs. Dubravec, talks about the planning, technology, and setbacks that went into the process. We also touch on how New Trier plans to foster discussions about racial equity in a semi-remote environment.
In this episode we talk to two students: Fiona from Glenbrook North Highschool and Grant from Northridge Preparatory School. These two schools are at different stages on their path to reopening, and we wanted to get insight into the challenges of the process from a student point-of-view. The episode also describes techniques and technologies being used NPS, a “torch-bearer” for schools across the country trying to reopen. Here’s the link to HS4CD, the organization mentioned by Fiona in the episode: https://hs4cd.typeform.com/to/bEOAmE
In today’s episode we asked Nortwestern University microbiologist Dr. Karla Satchell some of our community’s most pressing questions about the COVID-19 virus. The episode covers a wide range of topic, from the science behind vaccines to what places to avoid as reopenings begin to when we can again be close to our friends. We hope you will listen and share this episode to spread science-based truth in the midst of all the misinformation in the world. More information about Karla Satchell’s research can be found here: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/faculty-profiles/az/profile.html?xid=10285
The summer of 2020 is unlike anything we have ever experienced due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. In this episode, we dive into the mental health toll faced by teens disconnected from their peers, the complicated nature of screen-only relationships, and the significance of social media.