On Our Minds with Matt and Faiza: Recent Episodes
Student Reporting Labs
On Our Minds is a 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, highlighting themes like social isolation, anxiety, depression, and the impact of racism. And, they talk to experts about practical tips for dealing with real-life situations. On Our Minds is a wellspring of authentic stories about the teenage experience, which will connect, educate, and inspire listeners of all ages.
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.
This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske, Associate Producer Jaylah Moore-Ross, and StoryMaker Community Manager Emily Hope Dobkin, and edited by Jaylah Moore-Ross.
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In this episode of On Our Minds, Matt and Faiza tackle topics like racism and bigotry and how each can have a negative impact on teen mental health. On Our Minds season one host Zion Williams also makes an appearance to interview writer and comedian Baratunde Thurston about his new show "America Outdoors" on PBS.
Student producers include Sophia, Ryan, Keyon, and Blake from F.V. Pankow Center in Clinton Township, Michigan, and Zion Williams, also from F.V. Pankow Center. Guests include Mabelen Bonafacio and Baratunde Thurston.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producer Kevin Truong with support from Briget Ganske.
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Student Reporting Labs production assistant Jaylah Moore-Ross speaks with singer-songwriter Madison Beer about her album "Life Support," recovery, and overcoming the stigma of mental health.
This episode was produced by SRL production assistant Jaylah Moore-Ross with help from Briget Ganske.
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In this episode of On Our Minds, Matt and Faiza explore specific diagnoses like ADHD, OCD, and Schizoaffective Disorder. They also speak to a doctor about what it's like to get formally diagnosed with a mental health condition.
Featuring a story produced and edited by Lily from Midland Trail High School and Fayette Institute of Technology in Fayette County, West Virginia. Guests include Kristen Stone from the Schizophrenia Spectrum Project and Dr. Scott Hadland from Massachusetts General Hospital.
This episode was produced and edited by SRL Associate Youth Media Producer Becky Wandel with help from Briget Ganske and Jaylah Moore-Ross.
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Student reporter Emma Hagood talks to George Johnson, author of the memoir All Boys Aren't Blue, about growing up Black and queer. Johnson talks about the controversy surrounding his book, and why book bans are detrimental to marginalized communities.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producer Chris Schwalm with help from Briget Ganske.
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In this episode, LGBTQ+ teens talk about the unique cultural challenges they face as children of first-generation immigrants of color, and On Our Minds Season One host Noah Konevitch joins Matt to discuss their experiences as LGBTQ+ teens in high school.
Student producers include Nandita from Georgia. Other student voices include Ellie and Claire from Georgia; Eloise from Haldane High School in Cold Spring, New York; Phin from Howard Public School in Tampa, Florida; and Noah from Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producer Chris Schwalm with help from Briget Ganske.
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Hosts Matt and Faiza hear from Alice of Austin, Texas who shares her story of eating disorder recovery and talks to British social media influencer Ro Mitchell about sharing her recovery journey online. Matt and Faiza also talk to psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour on how eating and food can affect the well being of teens.
The story in this episode is from Alice in Austin, Texas.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Digital Producer, Rawan Elbaba, with help from Briget Ganske.
In this episode, Matt and Faiza discuss pressure and competition. You'll hear stories and conversations from students about their experiences with pressure, competition, and failure -- including a conversation with the 2021 National Spelling Bee winner, Zaila Avant-garde. Plus, you'll get tips and advice on combating these issues.
Student voices include Jeremiah from Rouse High School in Leander, Texas, Deesha from Etowah High School in Woodstock, Georgia, and Lauren from Sickles High School in Tampa, Florida. This episode was produced by SRL production assistant Jaylah Moore-Ross with help from Briget Ganske.
Hosts Matt and Faiza speak with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns about his PBS film “Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness.” Ken Burns also opens up about his own life, losing his mother to cancer, and how filmmaking and storytelling has the power to keep the past alive.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producer Briget Ganske with help from Jaylah Moore-Ross.
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In this episode, Matt and Faiza explore how to process the death of a friend or family member, that it's OK to be sad, and that art and storytelling can help us grieve and remember those who are gone.
Student producers include Tyler from Dominion High School in Sterling, Virginia, and Sierra and Shyla from Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering in Beaverton, Oregon.
This episode was produced by SRL Youth Media Producer Briget Ganske, edited by Chris Schwalm, and production assistance from Jaylah Moore-Ross.
Note: This episode was produced before the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Our hearts and prayers go out to the community and our whole country.
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Student reporter Jacob Tacdol speaks with Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels from Run-DMC, the popular hip-hop group from the 80s and 90s. McDaniels shares his own story of depression and suicidal thoughts, learning about his adoption, and then finding "the most powerful thing" -- therapy.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producers Mohammad Pasha and Briget Ganske.
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In this episode, Matt and Faiza talk about the realities and struggles of middle school, with voices from current middle school students. You'll also hear from celebrities on what middle school was like for them, what they would tell their younger selves about what they wish they would have known, and advice to students today.
Student voices include Tre'Sean, Navaeh, Candace, Kabya, Vikiyah, Daryus, Chris’Ciara from I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, and Meera from UCLA. Other voices include actor Rudy Pankow from Outer Banks and musician Darryl McDaniels from RUN-DMC. This episode was produced by SRL production assistant Jaylah Moore-Ross with help from Briget Ganske.
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Special Mental Health Correspondent Deesha Panchal interviews Dr. Hina Talib, a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, writer, and teen media creative based in New York City. Dr. Talib gives young people advice on having a healthier relationship with news media consumption. She also advises that while media can "make us feel anxious," it can also teach us new things, so finding balance is critical for young people.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producers Mohammad Pasha and Briget Ganske.
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Matt and Faiza explore stories of teen social life, from the dangers of comparing yourself to others, to what it's like seeing your generation depicted on TV shows like Euphoria.
Student voices include Temperance and Ethan from Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Delaware, Zion from the F.V. Pankow Center in Clinton Township, Michigan, Tatiana from John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, Maryland and her friends Arieli and Dream. This episode was produced by SRL Associate Youth Media Producer Becky Wandel with help from Briget Ganske and production assistance from Mercedes Ezeji.
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Special Mental Health Correspondent Deesha Panchal interviews Dr. Daniel Siegel, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Siegel explains that teens are not "raging" with hormones, as many people think. Instead, what's really going on? The teenage brain is being remodeled.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producer Briget Ganske, with help from production assistant, Jaylah Moore Ross.
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Speaking up can be hard. Matt and Faiza talk to guests about what mental health is and how to open up about our emotions and experiences. Check out Well Being's Mental Health Language Guidefor more resources.
Student voices include Vincent from Holbrook Middle-High School in Holbrook, MA; Damya from Lincoln Charter High School, in Lincolnton, NC; Ashley from Haldane High School in Cold Spring, NY; Neena from Dominion High School in Sterling, VA; and Deesha from Etowah High School in Woodstock, GA.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producer Briget Ganske, with help from production assistant, Jaylah Moore Ross.
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On Our Minds — a podcast made by teens, for teens, all about teens — and mental health is back for another season! Season 2 is hosted by high school students Matt Suescun and Faiza Ashar, and features personal stories from students all around the country and conversations with experts and influencers about mental health issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief, identity and more.
Schools featured:
- Dominion High School, Sterling, VA
- Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering, Beaverton, OR
- Chestatee High School, Gainesville, GA
- Eastern Technical High School, Baltimore, MD
- Bergen County Academies, Wyckoff, NJ
- Christopher Columbus High School, Miami, FL
- Etowah High School, Woodstock, GA
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Season one hosts Noah and Zion recap presenting at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas and then welcome Matt and Faiza, hosts for season two. Season two of On Our Minds drops in May 2022 — stay tuned!
This episode was produced by Zion Williams and Noah Konevitch and edited by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media producer Briget Ganske with production assistance from Jaylah Moore-Ross.
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In a special bonus episode of "On Our Minds," hosts Noah and Zion talk to psychologist, author and well-known meditation teacher Tara Brach. Brach also leads them and listeners through a guided meditation to help recognize, center and acknowledge emotions.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producer Briget Ganske.
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In this season's final full episode of "On Our Minds," Noah and Zion talk about the positives and negatives of social media, and share stories from teens grappling with the effects of information overload on their mental health. Special guest Jeffrey Donald, who coordinates mindfulness practices for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, explains the benefits of activities such as yoga and meditation to find balance in our hyperconnected worlds.
Stories in this episode were produced by Caroline from McCallum High School in Austin, Texas, with help from Connect Educator David Winters; Isabel from Independence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina with help from Connected Educator Marie Worsley-Matthews; Steven from Pflugerville High School in Pflugerville, Texas with help from Connected Educator David Robb.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media Producer Briget Ganske with assistance from Mercedes Ezeji and editing by Victor Fernandez. Terry’s interview was produced by Grace Vitaglione, a Student Reporting Labs intern; John Barnes and Curtis Roach's interviews were produced by SRL Digital Producer Rawan Elbaba and Associate Youth Media Producer Becky Wandel.
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Depression can be connected to many situations including chronic physical conditions, seasonal change, and the mental health of those around us. In this episode, Noah and Zion share stories from young people dealing with chronic conditions such as POTS and depression, and give tips on how to combat feelings of isolation. Throughout the episode, Noah talks with clinical therapist Cheryl Aguliar about ways to address depression and get help.
We talk about suicide in this episode. If you or anyone you know is in distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Stories in this episode were produced by Sonal Prakash from Dominion High School in Sterling, Virginia with help from Connected Educator Mitch Schwartz; Danielle Traylor from Brentwood High School in Brentwood, New York with the help from Connected Educator Sequoyah Wharton; Annette from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, Utah with help from Connected Educator Chris Sloan.
This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth media producers Briget Ganske and Eli Kintisch with assistance from Mercedes Ezeji. Shelby’s interview was produced by Grace Vitaglione, a Student Reporting Labs intern.
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The phrase "we are all in this together," was used at the beginning of the pandemic to help unite people. In this episode, Noah and Zion share personal stories from young people who explore whether that phrase feels true or not, and discuss how they have been impacted by social and racial inequities. Later in the episode, Zion talks with clinical psychologist Dr. Ryan DeLapp about the connection between inequality and mental health.
Stories in this episode were produced by Onivid from Youth Beat in Oakland, California with helped from Connected Educators Sagresse Graham and Jake Schoenker; Shanae and Morgan at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan with help from Connected Educator Anita Crouch. This episode was produced by Student Reporting Labs Youth media producer Marie Cusick and Bridget Ganske with assistance from Mercedes Ezeji. Daijah’s interview was produced by Grace Vitaglione, Student Reporting Labs intern.
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School was a source of anxiety for many students during the pandemic. Noah and Zion discuss the highs and lows of virtual learning and share a wide range of stories from students across the country about how changes in learning impacted their mental health. This episode includes a conversation with mental health counselor Edith Porter about the youth mental health crisis and tips on how to cope with stress inside and outside of school.
Stories were produced by Asare from Gwinnett County Public Schools in Duluth, Georgia with help from connected educator Sheri Long; Kennedi from Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland with help from connected educator Patrice Lawrence; Jackson and Emily from the FV Pankow Center in Clinton Township Michigan with support from connected educator Michael Kaufman; Amina from Early College and Career Center in Elizabethtown, Kentucky with help from connected educator Mary Dunn; Kaitlyn and Jake from Loudon Valley High School in Purcellville, Virginia with help from connected educator Shari Adwers; and Cora and Abigail from Black River Falls High School in Black River Falls, Wisconsin with help from Connected Educator Julie Tiedens.
This episode was produced and edited by Student Reporting Labs Associate Youth Media Producer Becky Wandel and Youth Media Producer Briget Ganske with production assistance from Mercedes Ezeji.
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On Our Minds hosts Noah and Zion explore the stigma around mental health and share personal stories about social anxiety and combating panic attacks from teens in Michigan and Texas. This episode includes actress Asia Jackson describing how she copes with anxiety and depression and features tips from adolescent health physician Dr. Hina Talib on how to stay proactive when it comes to your mental health.
Stories in this episode were produced by Nicholas from F.V. Pankow Center in Clinton Township, Michigan, with support from Connected Educator Michael Kaufman; Ariana from McCallum High School in Austin, Texas, with support from Connected Educator David Winters; Trevor from Omaha North High Magnet School in Nebraska, with support from Natalie Runyon; Matt from Abington High School in Massachusetts, with support from Patricia Pflaumer; Lis from Haldane High School in New York, with support from Connected Educator Jackie McGrath; Brandon from Canyon High School in California, with support from Connected Educator Ryanne Meschkat; Brytni from Caesar Rodney in Delaware, with support from Connected Educator Elise Knable; Maddy from an interview with Sonal Prakash from Dominion High School, with support from Connected Educator Mitch Schwartz; and Jaylah Moore-Ross, Student Reporting Labs production assistant.
This episode was produced and edited by Student Reporting Labs Youth Media producer Briget Ganske with production assistance from Mercedes Ezeji.
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On Our Minds — a podcast made by teens, for teens, all about teens — and mental health. Hosted by high school students Noah Konevitch and Zion Williams, On Our Minds features personal stories from students all around the country and conversations with experts about mental health issues like anxiety, depression, isolation and more.