Radio Uprising

This dynamic duo talk about the recent election season, how it effects us and what might happen. You'll want to tune in to see this!

From video games to crystalized objects, there are many different art forms that are underrated. The RU crew share those and more in this new episode!

Today, the RU team talks about the communities and how they play a role in the lives in many people. What communities are they a part of? Tune in to find out!

The Youth of The Art Effect discuss whether or not things will be different for everyone in the country from now on. Now that quarantining is coming to an end, and some changes are happening due to the BLM movement, the students discuss if the way people think about pandemics and race relations will be permanent or temporary, and what good can come from these events.

The youth of The Art Effect discuss the current climate of Protest, Police Brutality, and why Black Lives Matter. Through each question, the guest hosts express their opinion and viewpoint on this difficult time.

In this week's edition of Radio Uprising, youth DJs Nazir and Lamar ponder the meaning of "change" in these unprecedented times. Among the topics discussed are how the quarantine has altered people's impressions of seasons changing, how climate change has become more noticeable with everyone staying at home, how the quarantine has made spring and summer feel like wintertime (we're all still hunkering down), how the concept of summer vacation and summer jobs is changing, how the paradigm of public education hasn't changed much since its inception (unlike other fields such as medicine or manufacturing), and what everyone will be changing as a result of the growing they've done over the course of the pandemic. Lamar also discusses his new "code" of principles for staying productive and creative during this crisis. Finally, everyone discussed the possibility of humanity growing more and more cyborg-like and change their bodies to contain machine or robotic parts... and how they feel about it! 

In today's episode of Radio Uprising, youth DJs Matthew, Nazir, Lamar, and Tariq discuss with host David Wong how everything has become more extreme during this quarantine. First, everyone discusses how they have been "extra" or how aspects of themselves have become exaggerated during quarantine. Next, everyone discussed the pressure to be productive during quarantine, and how we're extra hard on ourselves when we're not productive. Also discussed are how hard it is to get to sleep these days, and how hard it is to concentrate on homework these days. Finally, the youth discuss extreme behaviors they have noticed in other people--like privileged people protesting the quarantine--and how they maintain their sanity in a world so full of extremes.

How is culture changing, or how has it changed since the COVID-19 epidemic set in? In this week's Radio Uprising, youth DJs Gypsy, Nazir, Lamar, and Matthew discuss the ways in which the Cornoavirus is revealing people's true colors, as well as debate reasons why people are protesting quarantine and the long-term effects this pandemic will have on the younger generation. They touch on topics such as food, fashion, and what they are doing to stave off boredom and stress.

In the first remotely-produced episode of Radio Uprising, host David Wong talks with youth DJs Gypsy and Nazir about what it's like to be a teenager during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics discussed include what it's like to attend school virtually, what they miss most about their regular school year, what they're learning about their family being at home with them all day...and what kind of lasting emotional impact this might be having on young people today.

Building out of games we play, the youth producers get into discussing lies we tell with Mary Ellen this week. DJs Viv-and-let-Viv, Matt, Jada, and YungFxy define lies as things that aren't true and then shift their definition as they talk about the fact that books and movies are fiction, but aren't always lies. The conversation goes from encountering lies in person to digital deceit. We discuss the lies that are meant to be helpful/harmless and manipulative historical lies that have had lasting repercussions.

After what seemed for some like an interminable wait, we reach the topic, as requested, of Cringe on this weeks radio podcast. Our youth producers talk about what cringe means to them and what makes them cringe. From Schadenfreude to videos of us as kids that our parents insist on publishing online, we tow the line between cringe and embarrassment and the youth radio producers weigh in on if there is really is a difference between the two.

Featuring Viv-and-let-Viv, Jada, YungFxy, and Gypsy, this episode is all about the games people play. Mary Ellen gets the youth producers views and opinions on everything from Monopoly to Love Triangles. Tune in to find out who the most competitive youth producers are when it comes to board games and what kind of games social media is being used to play.

The show features the opinions and views of Gypsy, Matt, and Viv-and-Let-Viv and a familiar friend debuting his chosen DJ Name: (DJ) YungFxy, spelling TBD, as they talk with Mary Ellen about the concept of celebrity. The show kicks off with a discussion of the highest tier of celebrities and names thrown into the ring included Beyonce, Nicholas Cage, and Morrissey... The question "What makes a celebrity?" takes the conversation to who parents and grandparents think are celebrities vs. today's celebrities that the youth recognize (or don't). With so much to say, we didn't even make it to a break this week. Check out this episode to find out who the youth producers think should be celebrities, and what if they were going to be famous they would want to be famous for!

In anticipation of the upcoming 5th Annual Reel Expressions International Teen Film Festival on Friday, our Youth Producers talk about their experiences going to the movies. They tackle why it seems like people are going to movie theaters less often these days and whether the rating system works. Things get heated when it comes to what the code of conduct is for moviegoing. We all can agree that you need to silence your cell phones, but is texting unacceptable? What do you do when someone near you is interrupting your moviegoing experience? Featuring Mary Ellen, DJ Viv-and-let-Viv, DJ Sahomegirl, DJ Sassy Cassy, and newcomers Nathalia and Nazir.

In a world full of trolls, echo chambers, and angry comments sections, what does it mean to "protest" something? Youth DJs Vivianna and Matthew take a long, hard look at protests in their personal lives as well as in American history and contemporary politics. Learn all about what happens when Pokemon players rally together to make certain cards worthless, how to start and circulate a petition in your school so your principal really hears you, and how the Boston Tea Party would go down if it happened in Trump's America. Plus youth produced musical pieces and a podcast from our friends at YouthRadio.org! 

On this episode of Radio Uprising, the Youth Producers talk about the nature of lies and liars. What does it mean to lie? Have you ever lied? Are there every any circumstances in which it is ok to lie? Should we always be held accountable? Bringing it to the bigger picture, they also discuss the controversial nature of lies in the news media as well as public office. 

The youth producers talk about all different kinds of help in this week's episode! First they ask each other, "what is help?" and wonder about who really needs to be helped in the first place. They discuss the difference between long-term help and short-term help, and even help that might seem like hurt at first! For example, even though having to do homework may seem like a short term hurt, it helps you learn and grow in the long run. The conversation moves on to being able to accept help from others--having the courage to know you are in trouble--and the negative consequences of refusing to be helped when you really need it. The team talks about their own experiences helping siblings, classmates, parents, and teachers, and then takes a short break to listen to a youth-produced podcast about consent. After the break, everyone takes a moment to appreciate how much Spark Media Project has helped them, and to talk about how excited they are for the upcoming film festival!!!

In this super fun episode, the youth media producers talk about what they did over the summer! Their answers range from visiting a chocolate factory, to canoeing, being a science camp counselor, to catching Pokemon! They tried new things (like Sauerbraten), did some of their old favorite things (writing music), and all in all had a fun, summery time! The second half of the show starts with a conversation about Harry Potter, and then moves on to the 2016 election. The Radio Uprising team talks about Hilary Clinton--whether or not they trust her, whether or not they'd vote for her, and what it would be like to have a woman president. There is some disagreement and lively, civil debate! In the end, they're all still friends and can't wait to get back on air next week!

After a short chat about--of all things--time travel, the youth producers launch into a lively discussion about the controversial 2016 Rio Olympics! The conversation starts with a few questions: what purpose do the olympics serve? What motivates the athletes? Nationalism? Glory? Vanity? Then the Radio Uprising team listens to a podcast about all the health, construction, and safety concerns this year's games have endured. They discuss the different roles mainstream vs. social media play in covering these challenges, and wonder whether the national spotlight will help Rio resolve some of these issues. Finally, the youth producers switch gears and talk about some of the blatantly sexist/racist comments that members of the media have made during the games. The Uprising panel is outraged--and resolve to help change these kinds of outdated attitudes!  

Inspired by a sexist comment about teen girls and shopping, the youth producers try to deconstruct what we mean when we talk about...THE MALL! Everyone shares their first reaction to the phrase itself, and then digs deeper, examining the idea that women are mall-obsessed. The team--all of whom are female and decidedly mall-indifferent--debunk that stereotype pretty quickly, and move on to the topic of consumerism. They discuss the social rules and statuses associated with shopping at the mall and being able to buy expensive, "fashionable" clothing. Where do the "cool kids" shop? Is the mall still a "cool" place to hang out? The serious discussion is punctuated with Pokemon jokes, callers from Buffalo, and more!  

On this episode of Radio Uprising the youth producers talk about preparing for the new school year! They discuss the positive changes they hope to make, and the worries they have about new teachers, new people, new schedules, and in some cases, entirely new schools! Then the focus shifts to study techniques, and wondering whether beginning school is harder for men or women, older students or younger. What factors create stress for the new year? What pressures are put on students by social media? By fellow students? After asking these questions, the Uprising crew takes a break to play a podcast about the impact mental illness can have on academic performance, and return to close the show by saying "goodbye" to longtime board operator, DJ Hawkeye.    

During this special pledge week show, the youth producers start by talking about the value of independent radio! After the intro, the youth producers discuss whether or not they conform to "social norms" and the meaning of the phrase itself. The conversation then moves onto the pressures put on different people by different social norms, and how changeable those norms really are. Whereas someone may conform perfectly to norms in one place, they might completely non-conform in a different setting or time period. For example, it might have been "cool" to wear sketchers or light-up shoes 15 years ago, but those same shoes might be seen as tacky today. Weird, right?! Or, depending on the setting, having a thick Jamaican accent might be totally inside or outside the norm. After agreeing that strict social norms can be dangerous and lead to bullying, the youth producers commit to breaking and outing tired, oppressive societal standards!

Spark Youth Producers perform the iconic radio play "War of the Worlds" on this episode of Radio Uprising. Later we discuss the evolution of news and media broadcasting, focusing on the impact news programming has on public perception. Finally we discuss the possibility of recreating a scenario of mass hysteria, akin to the hysteria experienced by the radio listeners hearing Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" for the first time, using today's new media, including television, social media, and photoshop. 

On this episode of Radio Uprising we discuss the nuances of power and control. Where does power come from? Can we be controlled by others? We talk about the difference between inner power and public power; we discuss how authority stems directly from one's own understanding that they have the power to be an authority. Later on we talk about the power relations between parents and children, between bullies and the bullied, and between governments and the people. 

On this episode of Radio Uprising we discuss the words "Yes" and "No" and how their meanings are dependent on the context and tone in which they are used. Later on we talk about how these words are crucial for navigating personal boundaries and questions of consent.

 This episode of Radio Uprising focuses on the ever-fun subject of music videos. Listeners get insight into current music trends, as youth producers share their favorite artists and videos of the moment. They consider what makes a good music video, what makes a bad video, and moments when videos become problematic. Youth also unpack how the presence of the Internet and viral sensations have changed how we share and enjoy music videos. The discussion ends with everyone’s thoughts on all time best and worst videos.

Taking a queue from last week’s discussion of mental health, this weeks episode of Radio Uprising explores the differences between “crazy” and “normal”. Youth consider our usages of “crazy” and “normal” verses their literal meanings, revealing just how multi-dimensional these terms have become. The labels of crazy and normal are discussed from personal and theoretical perspectives through sharing of “times you’ve been called crazy” and discussion of famous quotes. The producers consider what makes a person crazy or normal, whether or not either of those are desirable descriptors, and if anyone can be entirely one or the other.    

In this episode of Radio Uprising, our bright youth producers discuss our ideas, associations, and misconceptions surrounding mental health. They kick-off the episode by discussing what the term “mental health” brings to mind, and then move into more abstract topics including “Why do we separate mental and physical health?” and “How would you want your emotions to manifest physically?”. Youth producers debunk misconceptions surrounding mental health with facts and anecdotes from personal experience, touching upon how the media perpetuates these myths. Finally, a discussion of ways to support people dealing with mental health issues ends this episode of Radio Uprising on a hopeful note.

Sex and Sexiness is the second installment of Radio Uprising’s investigation of sex. In this episode, youth producers consider questions such as, “Did you learn the definition of sex or sexy first?” and “Can sexiness come from within or do others determine whether or not an individual is sexy?” Youth grapple with these questions by identifying what characteristics society considers sexy, examining how the media has altered their perceptions of sex and sexiness, and sharing how they have or haven’t felt pressure to conform to ideals of sexiness in their personal lives. Through their discussion, our producers reveal how the construct of sexiness is removed from the act of sex and what the implications are of that removal for young people and Americans in general.  

  In the third installment of the Radio Uprising discussion of rebellion, youth producers focus on global rebellions. They begin by considering both real contemporary examples of political rebellions and generalized fictional ones to explore how they might react in situations such as living under an oppressive regime. The dialogue then moves to more personal, small-scale rebellions and in what ways they were successful or unsuccessful. Finally, youth producers discuss the role of violence in rebellion and the possibility and effectiveness of non-violent rebellion. The Radio Uprising rebellion series concludes with a contemplative look at rebellion’s place in our world and how it touches our everyday lives.

In this episode of Radio Uprising, youth producers discuss their thoughts and feelings surrounding rebellion. While teens may be a notoriously rebellious group, youth producers prove to have keen insight into the many facets of rebellion in this episode.  Using examples from their personal life, history, and popular culture, youth grapple with questions such as ‘How do you define rebellion?’, ‘Is rebellion ever positive?’, and ‘What does it feel like to be rebelled against?’. By sharing their own stories of rebelling against parents and siblings and recalling famous political conflicts such as the American Revolution along with fictional ones such as the light verses dark struggle of Star Wars, youth reveal the common threads that run through small and large scale clashes with authority. 

Does age REALLY matter when it comes to friendships? Can age and maturity differ? Are the age limits society imposes on us really meaningful or useful? This week, Youth Producers answer these questions as they discuss age and aging. First, we talk about what age means to us, as well as having older and younger friends in elementary school, middle school, or high school. Then, we talk about what physical and emotional characteristics we believe define maturity. After that, we determine the difference between maturity and immaturity. Next, we question the age limits that society uses for a majority of things, such as movies, military enlisting, and positions of authority. Then, we talk about whether one's hourly wage should increase as they get older. And finally, we all discuss our own views on getting older. All this, plus our opinions on different  types of humor and videos on the Internet, on this week's episode of Radio Uprising!

Student loans: two of the most ominous words a soon-to-be college student can hear. In this week's podcast, Youth Producers will discuss what student debt means to them, and how they can relate it to their own experiences. First, we discuss what the word "debt" means to us. Next, we express our feelings on borrowing and lending, whether it's sharing video games with our siblings, buying our friends lunch, or remembering to return a certain book. Then, we listen to a speech by Suze Orman about student debt, as well as Brian McBride discuss how he was able to save money and pay back loans over two years. Finally, we respond to eleven facts about student debt in the United States. Join us as we try and tackle this daunting topic (but have fun doing so) on this week's episode of Radio Uprising!

The students investigate that insidious, anxiety-inducing antagonist, intimidation. Students debate various topics surrounding intimidation including: Politics, Bullying, Intimidation and Society. The students also share their own experiences dealing with intimidation, and debate the question: should schools recite the Pledge of Allegiance in different languages?

Society has always had large-scale problems, but how do we make sense of them on a local level? On this edition of Radio Uprising, youth producers Jake, Jeremy, Vivianna, and Garrett discuss epidemics from a variety of viewpoints. First, we discuss media representation of epidemics and how repeat visual images paint a certain picture in our minds, leading us to believe epidemics aren't a problem anymore (oh, but they still are). We also discuss people making jokes about epidemics when the situation is often dire and serious. Next, we turn to social epidemics, and ask the question of why some social issues are considered "epidemics" (such as teen pregnancy) and others are not (such as poverty) -- and most importantly, who gets to decide what counts as an epidemic an what does not (and who benefits from making that decision!).   All that, plus we welcome new Radio Uprising producer Garrett and enjoy a round of "bacteria, virus, or parasite?", every epidemiologist's favorite ice-breaker! 

In today's edition of Radio Uprising, youth producers Jake, Vivianna, Rachael, Jeremy and Khadija discuss immigration from multiple points of view. First, we all discuss our own ancestry and how our families came to be here in America. Next, we talk about the ways in which we feel most "American," and the answer may surprise you! Finally, we take a citizenship test, in which we may don't do as well as we thought we would -- which begs us to ask the question, "what does it really mean to be a citizen of the United States, and who gets to decide?" All this, plus another surprise appearance by Jake the Pizza Guy!

We are all unique individuals, and differences exist between us, which is a beautiful thing. But society is also structured in ways that categorize us according to our differences, which can have really harmful effects. Join Radio Uprising this week as youth producers Jake, Vivianna, Rachael and Jeremy take on the topic of society's organization into categories based on human difference such as age, race, gender, and more. We talk about the status quo and being "normal." as well as our own interpretations of the term "social separation." We talk about historical instances where social separation was enforced by law, such as Reconstruction and Jim Crow, and later apartheid and the Holocaust. Next, the youth talk about their identities using Allan G. Johnson's "Wheel of Diversity," and discuss the ways in which our differences are used to divide us -- and what we can do to break down the barriers and make more meaningful connections with people from whom we've been separated somehow. The youth also share times when they used their differences to defy people's expectations and proved to the world that they're more than people assumed. All this, plus the most inspiring and transformative listener call ever, and--gasp!--Yankees saying Y'ALL!

This week’s radio crew takes a headfirst dive into the art of comical relief! Have you laughed today? Was it a commercial on tv? Do you make yourself laugh?  Because let’s be honest, secretly we are all hilarious and 100% deserve our own late night television talk show.     In this week’s episode the crew explores concepts such as Schadenfreude, where empathy and comical relief meet, and take a turn into the world of politic cartoons and interpretation.    The Youth Producers ask the important questions.  For example, Valentine-o-Grams: Comical or heartfelt? When can jokes go too far?  Can you go too far laughing at yourself?  What are the consequences?  And so many more.    All glory to the hypnotoad! 

Today, on Radio Uprising, youth producers Jake, Vivianna, Rachael, and Jeremy talk about INTERNET CULTURE! First, we discuss our favorite websites and what sorts of online communities we belong to, as well as elaborate on how being part of those communities helpes us to be better people. We talk about how we behave online as opposed to real life as well as the unspoken rules we were never told but somehow still know how to follow. We then debate the creepiness of facebook, the pros and cons of spending too much time on the internet, and whether it's ever ok to give out personal information. All this, and a guide to teenage internet slang straight from the teens themselves!

In this edition of Radio Uprising, we talk about health and what it means to be happy. Well, it's as they say, Radio Uprising is the best medicine! We talk about the differences between early birds and night owls, and the stereotype that it's healthier to be one or the other (what's up with the hate towards night owls? After all, without them, who will keep the slurpee cups stocked?). We also discuss the differences between physical health and mental health, and whether it's really all about achieving balances. We also talk bad experiences with medicines and doctors, as well as give our listeners some health advice! And finally we talk about how media representation influences our thinking in all of these things. So what are you waiting for? Come and download the lastest edition of RADIO UPRISING!!!

On today's edition of Radio Uprising, hear Remy, Rachael, and Vivianna discuss language and why it matters. First, we teach each other how to say Hello and Goodbye in Italian, Japanese, German, Spanish, and Greek. We also talk about the relationship between language, media, and communication, including Remy telling us about a new instantaneous Google translator. We also take on questions like: are texting abbreviations like "omg" and "lol" their own language? What happens when we're speaking the same language but aren't really communicating? Can we "speak" to each other without using words? Finally, we take an American dialect quiz and find out what "caterwampus" and "the wolf is giving birth" really mean. All that, plus ROFLCOPTERs, on this episode of Radio Uprising!

On this edition of Radio Uprising, youth producers Jake, Jeremy, Rachael, and Vivianna discuss religion from a variety of angles. First, they tackle the difference between religion and spirituality. Next, they consider their own religious upbringings, and how growing up has changed the way they've thought about religion over the years. Finally, the youth put their knowledge of world religions to the test, and question how media representation influences--and often limits--the way people regard religion and religious "others." Plus, find out why being called "weird" is actually a compliment!! Happy listening, fellow weirdos!

This week on Radio Uprising the team of youth prodcers talk about food, the traditions we have with food, and how we relate to food around the holidays. Can food really bring people together, and separate others? What does food mean to modern day civiization? Should our food be regulated and the government decide what we should and shouldn't eat? How adventurous are you with food? All this, and more, discussed right here on this edition of Radio Uprsiging. Mmm mmm Good!

Movies have the unique ability to inspire and unite generations of people. We are instantly transported into a different world the minute the lights dim and our popcorns are half full.  Are bad movies always guilty pleasures? Are the books always better than the movies?  What messages are being portrayed through cultural phenomena such as "Frozen", "Harry Potter", and "The Hunger Games"? How do the themes portrayed in these movies affect us as a society? And what, exactly, can we learn about life from the movie Groundhog Day? Today, we explore these concepts and more in another riveting edition of Radio Uprising! Movie lovers of the world, unite!  

It's the first Radio Uprising of 2015!  New Year's is traditionally a time for resolutions. Our Youth Producers talk about their New Year's traditions, New Year's resolutions in general, how and why people make big changes in their lives, and what does it mean to be an "ideal" person. Also there's sleep deprivation and eggnog. Lots and lots of eggnog. 

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