LAUREN: a bona fide narrative

In this week's episode, I include the exclusive segment "My Thoughts On" where I give you my thoughts on 'fandoms.' 'Fandoms' are quite the peculiar subject and I delve into the harmful effects of the online 'political fandom' scene. Book recommendation is also included!

In Part 4 of "The Quaran-Teen Diaries," I'm joined by my friend Sarah who provides insightful commentary and radical empathy to our current moment. Link to NYT article "Talking With Your Teen About Anti-Racism? Be Ready to Listen": https://nyti.ms/31zlgnSOn a more serious note, linked down below are resources you can use to educate yourself and help support the Black Lives Matter movement:• https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/• NPR's CodeSwitch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608• NYT's 1619 Project: https://nyti.ms/37JLWkZ

In Part 3 of "The Quaran-Teen Diaries," I welcome my wonderful friend Pranav whom you may or may not remember from some previous episodes. Link to NYT article "Talking With Your Teen About Anti-Racism? Be Ready to Listen": https://nyti.ms/31zlgnSDuring the episode, we reference a lot of things...down below is where you can check them out for yourself:• Paul Krugman's article "The Cult of Selfishness is Killing America": https://nyti.ms/302ecPo• Netflix series Indian Matchmaking: https://www.netflix.com/title/80244565On a more serious note, linked down below are resources you can use to educate yourself and help support the Black Lives Matter movement:• https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/• NPR's CodeSwitch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608• NYT's 1619 Project: https://nyti.ms/37JLWkZ

In Part 2 of "The Quaran-Teen Diaries," I welcome my friend Shubhra who is a witty, smart and fun guest. Link to NYT article "Talking With Your Teen About Anti-Racism? Be Ready to Listen": https://nyti.ms/31zlgnSDuring the episode, we reference a lot of things...down below is where you can check them out for yourself:• NYT article “My Body Is A Confederate Monument” by Caroline Randall Williams can be found here: https://nyti.ms/383rugG• Jacob Collier, the man whose Tiny Desk Concert we fangirl about for a solid five minutes, can be found here: https://www.npr.org/artists/675597489/jacob-collierOn a more serious note, linked down below are resources you can use to educate yourself and help support the Black Lives Matter movement:• https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/• NPR's CodeSwitch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608• NYT's 1619 Project: https://nyti.ms/37JLWkZ*I incorrectly cite the ratification date of the U.S. Constitution—it's Sep. 17, 1787 NOT Sep. 17, 1789.

In Part 1 of "The Quaran-Teen Diaries," I welcome my friend Kareena whom you may or may not remember from "Under the Influence" published a while back. Link to NYT article "Talking With Your Teen About Anti-Racism? Be Ready to Listen": https://nyti.ms/31zlgnSOn a more serious note, linked down below are resources you can use to educate yourself and help support the Black Lives Matter movement:• https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/• NPR's CodeSwitch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608• NYT's 1619 Project: https://nyti.ms/37JLWkZ

Listen to the trailer of my new series: "The Quaran-Teen Diaries!" I explain what it's going to be about and whether people will be joining me *virtually* for episodes.Link to the NYT article "Talking With Your Teen About Anti-Racism? Be Ready to Listen": https://nyti.ms/31zlgnS

For this week's episode, I invited my good friend Kareena to join me. Kareena and I discuss the teenage vaping epidemic and the culture surrounding drugs, alcohol, etc. We discuss this topic with severity and sincerity because of the maturity and sensitivity of this topic.

In this week's episode, I include the exclusive segment, "My Thoughts On," where I give you my thoughts on 'sharenting.' I explain what 'sharenting' is and the implications it can have on both parents and teens/children.

In this week's episode, I discuss a recent comment I read online regarding journalism. The comment read: "Good journalism informs people why they’re wrong and what they can do to start thinking correctly." I tell you what I think good journalism is and the powerful ability it has over humans. Link to "Humans of New York" Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/humansofny/?hl=en

Apologies for the late episode, time really seems to go by fast during the summer! Anyway, in this week's episode, I discuss my new Op-Pod series and what it will be about. I also include the exclusive segment, "Underrated," where I tell you about a podcast I find underrated. Link to Azka's Mystery Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azkas-mystery-podcst/id1458927649?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

In this week's episode, I include the exclusive segment, "My Thoughts On," where I give you my thoughts on teen news. If you're wondering what teen news is, well, it consists of publications targeting teens, such as Teen Vogue or Seventeen magazine; however, because of pervasive usage of social media among teens, other publications have begun targeting teens with their own content marketed as teen news. Toward the end of the episode, I also ask my listeners for some possible topics they would like to see discussed in upcoming Op-Pod episodes! To tell me your Op-Pod topic ideas, email me at: laurenabonafidenarrative@gmailcom OR through the contact page of my website: abonafidenarrative.com.

I review the memoir Small Fry by Lisa Brennan Jobs in this week's episode! In her memoir, Brennan-Jobs' writes about her parental relationship with her late father, Steve Jobs. I explain why Brennan-Jobs' high school experience in Silicon Valley is incredibly relatable. I also discuss an episode from NPR's Planet Money which I found really informative.

In this week's episode, I discuss my frustration with the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" This question is seemingly simple, but actually quite convoluted. The question lacks nuance and does not accomplish what asking a question is supposed to do. Listen to this episode to learn more!

Is it harder or easier to make and keep friends as an adult? That's the question I discuss in this week's episode of the podcast. In the beginning of the episode, I provide a disclaimer as to why I'm choosing to spend more time planning an episode where I discuss my partisan identity. I also explain why an NPR survey served as one of my inspiration for this week's topic.Link to NPR Life Kit survey: https://www.npr.org/2019/06/11/731221860/how-do-you-make-friends-as-an-adult-tell-us-your-story Link to Bustle Op-Ed, "Why Making New Friends As An Adult Is So Hard — And What To Do About It": https://www.bustle.com/p/why-making-new-friends-as-adult-is-so-hard-what-to-do-about-it-13110605

In this week's episode, I'm talking about FOMO (a nomenclature to describe "fear of missing out") and its impact on teens like myself. I provide personal anecdotes that detail my experience with FOMO, including political FOMO. I also include the exclusive segment, "Now That's Refreshing," where I discuss the refreshing sense of camaraderie Reddit forums can have.

In this week's episode, I'm talking about the time I spent in NYC this past week. I explain why I love the multitudes NYC contains and how its 'individualism'/cultural diversity is symbolic of America. I discuss the places I visited and the significance of each one. To conclude the episode, I reflect on my difficult experience at the 9/11 Memorial Museum and why I think the museum must be visited by everyone.

I invited a guest to join me in this week's episode! My friend, Raka, talks about her opinions on the American education system. We debate the importance of accolades, discuss our futures, and question where our curiosity comes from. Listen to this episode to learn more about the American education system through the perspective of two teens living in Silicon Valley, California.

I include my first-ever cookbook review in this week's episode! I review Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family by Priya Krishna. I attended Priya's cookbook talk a few weeks ago, and I discuss what I learned from her about Indian-American cuisine. Representation in the culinary industry is important, and I'm glad Priya's recipes are being showcased by various platforms. Listen to the episode to hear about my obsession for French cookware and my middle school love for maggi noodles. Link to buy Priya's cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/Indian-ish-Recipes-Antics-Modern-American-ebook/dp/B07FKB1HH8

I'm testing out my idea of an "Op-Pod" which I describe as something similar to an Op-Ed, but in podcast form. Until I am able to interview more teens and expand my podcast, my "Op-Pod's" will discuss my experiences; I hope to interview more teens in the months to come! I discuss the feelings of incompetence that arise in the summer and wanting to pursue things that would deem me a competent person under subjective standards of measurement. I also talk about the Grapes of Wrath and how I've learned to appreciate Steinbeck.Link to NYT Op-Ed "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration": https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/05/opinion/trump-white-house-anonymous-resistance.html

Apologies for the late episode! I explain why I uploaded this episode late in the beginning of this week's episode and I also include the exclusive segment "Overrated." I talk about why Twitter is overrated, or, really, why the microblogging website's reliance on user impulsivity is overrated (and dangerous). At the end of the episode, I provide a podcast/book review!

In this week's episode, I'm talking about teenage podcasts (or, really, the lack thereof) and why I'm frustrated with them. The podcast episodes I have found pertaining to teens perpetuate the narrative of teens being lazy, entitled, and dramatic; these episodes are often hosted by "parenting experts" who characterize teens as disturbed individuals. My podcast is where I talk about what it's truly like being a teenager in today's world, and if you have any suggestions regarding what you would like me to talk about, feel free to email me at laurenabonafidenarrative@gmail.com OR through the contact page on my website abonafidenarrative.com.Link to the first website with "teen" podcast suggestions: https://www.parentmap.com/article/best-podcasts-tweens-teens Link to the second website with "teen" podcast suggestions: https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1134797/best-podcasts-teenagers/

In this week's episode, I discuss impending reality of AP exams which I am NOT looking forward to (but who would be!?). I also discuss what excessive documentation is and how it can ruin friendships.

There's one question in particular that, as a teen, I hate being asked by parents. Perhaps other teens can resonate with me, but I feel as if this question is asked all the time. On this week's episode, I include the exclusive segment, "A Frequent Fallacy," where I address why the question "how was your day" often receives the answer "it was fine." I make the analogy between the question "what is your book about" and "how was your day" to reveal the superficialness of the question.

In this week's episode, I'm joined by my friend Pranav (again). Being the wonderful guest he is, this episode is filled with intense discussion and thoughtful questions about modern-day teenage relationships; often times, it can be difficult for teens to define what a healthy relationship looks like. We talk about the current dating environment for teenagers, the tainted "self-love" mantra, dated courtship traditions, hookup culture, and much more.I would like to clarify that both Pranav and I do not agree with arranged marriages. We both believe that they can lead to an oppressive situation for one party in the marriage; furthermore, the intentions behind arranged marriages parallel the pitfalls of relationships in Western culture where external prejudice (sexual, racial, religious, etc.) prevent two people from marriage. Simply put, love is love.

I include the exclusive segment "My Thoughts On" in this week's episode; I discuss my thoughts on teenage melodramas on TV and why I dislike the stereotypes they portray about teens. I also include the exclusive segment "Frequent Fallacy" where I talk about a common question I get asked and why I find it incredibly hypocritical.Tell me what you think about teenage melodramas on TV by emailing me at: laurenabonafidenarrative@gmail.com

I'm talking about how parents perpetuate a political paradox in this week's episode; I explain what the political paradox is and provide a multifaceted solution to suppress the paradox. I also include the exclusive segment, "Now That's Refreshing," where I discuss a 'Picture Prompt' the New York Times recently published (I've included the link to it in the episode notes) about my generation, Gen Z. Finally, I tell you about the new book I've recently started reading and why I'm excited to read it again every 10 years.Link to the New York Times Picture Prompt "Gen Z: In Their Own Words": https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/us/generation-z.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article#1

To start the episode off, I include the exclusive segment, "Ask Lauren the Teenager," where I answer the question "What does the popularized trope and sub-reddit 'NotLikeOtherGirls' mean?" Later, I talk about how to deal with (academic) rejection and why it is a natural conflict every human being must encounter. At the end of the episode, I include the exclusive segment, "Overrated." I talked about how overrated the color millennial pink is; it's time for GenZ to have a definitive color! Here is a little additional context to the term "sub-reddit." The term is defined as "a forum dedicated to a specific topic on the website Reddit." If you went to r/NotLikeOtherGirls, you would typically find users mimicking the trope and using exaggerated examples of girls who say they "are not like other girls." You may be familiar with my mentioning of Reddit because it is also home to the infamous SAT forums I despise very much.

This episode is the second (and final) part of the exclusive segment, "My Thoughts On" the college admissions scandal. On this episode, I'm joined by my friend Pranav; Pranav and I attend school together (we're both high school juniors). He tells us his thoughts on the scandal and reflects on how his experiences from growing up in India can relate to aspects of the scandal. Pranav provides a new teenage perspective on the topic which allows you (and me!) to gain greater knowledge on the college admissions scandal.

In this week's episode(s), I'm including the exclusive segment "My Thoughts On." This week will be a little bit different from the normal uploading schedule because I will be uploading at least one other episode which will include some of my peers' thoughts on the scandal. This first episode will include my thoughts on the recent college admissions scandal. I also talk about why I believe it's important for teenagers to habitually discuss real-world issues and situations with adults.

In this week's episode, I include the exclusive segment, "My Stressed Survival" where I talk about what course selection week is and why I'm so stressed about it. I proceed to talk about how the fear of failure is one of the main causes of stress for teens and why I think failing habitually is a bad habit. I also talk about YouTube and how the website has very much grown up alongside my generation.

I’m talking about "fake news" in this week’s episode and why I hate (yes, I know hate is a strong word) the term. The exclusive segment "My Stressed Survival" is included as well; I happen to be very stressed about the SAT and I describe how peer pressure/expectations can impact one's experience with the test. I also ask for book recommendations because I've finally finished reading my supplementary novel. You can email me your book recommendations by emailing me at laurenabonafidenarrative@gmail.com OR emailing me using the contact page on my website: abonafidenarrative.com.

In this week's episode, I'm talking about what I did over mid-year break (college tours). I talk about what I learned from visiting colleges and what I think about the statement, "You'll find yourself in college." Additionally, I talk about how the book I've been reading for my literature class has been going and why I think the author's writing style represents the protagonist's broken life. Towards the end of the episode, I recommend a podcast and talk about a future episode I plan on doing related to politics.

Here's a short and sweet insight into the world of a teenage Valentine's Day. I also talk about how "promposals" work and explain why my generation will still be in contact with our classmates from middle school or high school because of Instagram.

In this week's (late) episode, I include the exclusive segment "Overrated." I talk about why I think the "perfect Instagram picture" narrative is overrated and unhealthy. After, I discuss why adults don't seem to understand the principle and purpose of memes. I also recommend creating a "fire escape shelf" in your bedroom and provide an explanation as to what the term means.Inkster, Becky, and Shirley Cramer. “#StatusofMind.” RSPH, Royal Society of Public Health, 19 May 2017, www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/status-of-mind.html.

I include the exclusive segment, "My Stressed Survival" on this week's episode; I talk about why student loans that result from a college education stresses me out. During the episode, I discuss the ubiquity of arbitrary teenage Instagram politics. Continuing on the topic of Instagram, I talk about an account I recently discovered and therapeutic videos I enjoy. A podcast suggestion is also provided towards the end of the episode!Link to the Pew Research Center study "Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018": http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/

In this week's episode, I'm including the exclusive segment "Ask Lauren the Teenager," where I answer these three questions: •What is teenage culture?•Who creates teenage culture?•Who changes teenage culture?The segment "Underrated" is also discussed during this episode; I talk about how underrated an online series about pizza is. Later on, I talk about what books I have been reading for my literature class and why I think reading different books than we would normally read is a good thing.Link to watch The Pizza Show on MUNCHIES: https://video.vice.com/en_us/show/pizza-show

This week's episode features the exclusive segment "My Thoughts On" cynicism. Listen to hear about teenage colloquialisms, an Instagram account I adore, and a common application essay about Costco!Stavrova, O., & Ehlebracht, D. (2017). Education as an Antidote to Cynicism. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 9(1), 59–69. http://doi.org/10.1177/1948550617699255Link to Costco Common App Essay: https://www.businessinsider.com/high-school-senior-who-got-into-5-ivy-league-schools-shares-her-admissions-essay-2016-4Link to @textsfrommyexistentialist book: http://notacult.media/books/texts/TL;DR means "too long; didn't read"

Just like the javascript, I am saying hello to the world, and in this case, I'm saying it through my first-ever podcast episode! In this episode, I will discuss summer programs, the relationship between teenagers and technology, what I started reading, and a family Christmas gift influenced by YouTube! Listen to get a glimpse into my life and explore some of the issues that face teenagers like me.

Hello, World! Welcome to the podcast, LAUREN: a bona fide narrative. My name is Lauren and I have a podcast. Oh, and I also happen to be a teenager growing up in the 21st century in Silicon Valley, California. During my podcast, I will explore teenagers' lives in today's world as a way to help others understand the minds' of the next generation of thinkers. Listen to this intro to learn more about my podcast!Here’s the link to my website: abonafidenarrative.comIf you want to email me to contribute to the exclusive segments of LAUREN: a bona fide narrative, here’s my email: laurenabonafidenarrative@gmail.com