The Buzz: The Berkeley High Jacket Podcast

Beloved video production teacher and CAS instructor Philip Halpern is retiring after 33 years. We sat down with Mr. Halpern and gave him space to reflect on his time at Berkeley High.This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and edited by Manushi Shah. The interview was conducted by Dylan Dasgupta.

For this week's episode, we looked into how different AAPI cultures are represented in Berkeley High's curriculum. We sat down with teachers and a current BHS student.This episode was produced and narrated by Zazie Duchene. Interviews were conducted by Elsa Dietz and Julia Brimmer. Manushi Shah edited this episode. 

In this week's episode, as we near the end of the school year, we sat down with a freshman and senior. We asked them to reflect on their experiences so far, and how they compare to popular media depictions of high school. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and edited by Manushi Shah. Interviews were conducted by Dylan Dasgupta and Miriam Reichenberg. 

In today's increasingly digitized world, third places, or public spaces that provide a sense of belonging, are becoming fewer and far between. Here at The Buzz, we decided to speak with Berkeley High students who gather in public places and participate in shared activities that enable them to connect with others. We spoke to teens who go square dancing, play pick-up basketball, and frequent the rock climbing gym.

Though Berkeley High has many women teaching in STEM areas, and many of those classes have a variety of students, representation is still lacking in certain STEM fields, especially ones like computer science and physics. To further explore this issue, we talked to a Berkeley High student and a teacher who both elaborated on their experiences in male dominated fields.This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene with help from Elsa Dietz and Julia Brimmer.

Noticing the constant turnover of stores in Downtown Berkeley, we investigated the issues that affect our downtown, and what is being done about them. We also looked into a cafe that just opened, where Peet's used to be-- Penelope's, and what the public's reaction has been like.This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene and reported by Elsa Dietz and Julia Brimmer.

Black Economics is a unique course, founded alongside the AFAM studies department. Teacher Mr. Pritchard shared how the class empowers students to make important financial decisions, and to examine the ways in which the economy affects Black communities.This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and edited by Manushi Shah. Taylor Reynaud and Dylan Dasgupta reported.

Berkeley High is home to a handful of religious clubs, and for this week's episode, we wanted to understand the role religious communities play in student's lives. This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene and edited by Manushi Shah. Interviews were conducted by Julia Brimmer and Elsa Dietz.

For this week's episode, we're diving into the BHS dance production show. We interviewed the Dance Production teacher, Linda Carr and junior Rose Levon about their experiences this semester. This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene and edited by Manushi Shah. Julia Brimmer and Dylan Gasgupta reported.

We sat down with Peruvian-American musician and Berkeley High alum, Anaís Azul, and spoke about their creative process and the release of their new album, Simp'ashani: Canciones Trenzadas. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and edited by Manushi Shah. Taylor Reynaud and Elsa Dietz reported. Listen to Anaís Azul's album wherever you get your music.

From Alice Water's founding the Edible Schoolyard, to students working in gardens with their peers, Berkeley offers many opportunities to be involved with farm-to-table experiences. For this episode of The Buzz, we look into these initiatives and opportunities and how they work to keep students involved in the community. This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene and edited by Manushi Shah. Dylan Dasgupta and Julia Brimmer reported.

Now that 16-17 year-olds can vote in school board elections following a decision from the Alameda County Registrar of Voters, some Berkeley High students have taken it upon themselves to get involved in the local election and encourage their peers to do the same. This week, we spoke to students interning for school board candidate Jen Corn and the founder of Berkeley High's Civic Leaders Club. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg, and was edited by Manushi Shah. Taylor Reynaud and Elsa Dietz conducted interviews.

Puente, a California program, helps students in educationally underrepresented communities apply to college. We spoke to members of Puente at Berkeley High to learn more about the program. This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene, and edited by Manushi Shah. Interviews and research conducted by Dylan Dashgupta and Julia Brimmer.

Engineering tends to be a male-dominated field, but female-identifying students in Berkeley's Girls Garage program have the opportunity to try their hand at design and carpentry. We spoke to several students to learn more about this unique program. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene, and edited by Manushi Shah. Taylor Reynaud, Elsa Dietz, and Julia Brimmer conducted interviews. Stay tuned for our next episode!

In this episode, we introduce you to Berkeley High alumni who have made a lasting difference in the Bay Area– education reformer Jean Wing, activist Bobby Seale, and poet Chinaka Hodge. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene, and research was conducted by Julia Brimmer, Taylor Reynaud, and Elsa Dietz.

For our first episode for the 24-25 school year, we sat down with the founder and leader of the Boys Who Cook club, who gave us a fresh perspective on what, and how, to pack for lunch. Preparing a satisfying meal can be more than just a routine-- it's an opportunity to bring a bit of creativity and joy to your day. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene. Keep an eye out for our upcoming episodes!

As we wrap up this school year, we thought we'd highlight one of the many programs at Berkeley High that makes this place so special-- James Dopman's Law and Social Justice classes. The program is important in helping students explore their interests and passions and shaping their critical thinking skills. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg, and edited with help from Zazie Duchene and Taylor Reynaud.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) month was first recognized by Barack Obama in 2009, and since then it has been celebrated by Berkeley High. For today's episode, we talked to members of Berkeley High's AAPI community about how the school's unique programs have helped strengthened their cultural identity. This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene and edited by Julia Brimmer. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

On this episode of The Buzz, we'll guide you through the history, present, and future of Our Monologues, a student production vital to Berkeley High culture and community. Learn more @ourmonologuesbhs or check out ourmonologues.com This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene. It was narrated by Julia Brimmer, and edited with help from Taylor Raynaud. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

For April Fools, it's been highly requested by our listeners that we do an ASMR episode… so we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful ASMR sounds we've recorded around campus --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

Hey Jackets! Meghan Malone, Commissioner of Elections, brings you a trailer for a podcast series introducing the 2024-2025 ASB president and vice president candidates. Voting starts on March 25th! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

For Women's History Month, we asked members of the Berkeley High community to share advice and words of wisdom from women they're influenced by. The episode was produced by Zazie Duchene, narrated by Taylor Reynaud, and edited by Julia Brimmer. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

After Super Tuesday, just a few days ago, the ‘I voted' stickers are starting to make their appearances in the Berkeley High hallways. For this week's episode, we interviewed seniors about their thoughts on voting. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Buzz! This episode was produced and narrated by Zazie Duchene and edited by Julia Brimmer. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

Now that the hype around Valentine's Day has come and gone, we thought it might be fun to take a look at what relationships, situationships and dating look like at Berkeley High, and what it takes to be in a healthy romantic partnership. This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Interviews were conducted by Miriam Reichenberg, Taylor Reynaud, and Paolo Rivera.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

For Black History Month, we took an in-depth look at the African American Studies program at Berkeley High, the unique program that's home to classes like African Diaspora dance. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

Maybe you're someone who goes to the gym on New Year's day, and New Year's day only. Or you could be someone who's been keeping up with gym goals for the last three years. For this episode of The Buzz, we talked to members of the Berkeley High community about their New Year's resolutions.  Stick around in 2024. This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene. Interviews were conducted by Julia Brimmer and Taylor Reynaud. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

The Holiday Meal is a Berkeley High tradition, returning for the first year after the pandemic. Unhoused and low income people across the city were invited to share in a filling meal and enjoy festive activities. For this episode of The Buzz, we sent our team out to report on the Holiday Meal, and interview volunteers and guests.  This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene. Interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene, Taylor Renaud, and Julia Brimmer. This episode was narrated by Paolo Rivera.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

In speaking with Chris Kindness Award founder Alan Ross, and students and teachers at Berkeley High, we explore how our community can come together to spread positivity through small, daily acts of kindness Learn more about the Chris Kindness Award by checking out the website. Interviews were conducted by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene, and the episode was edited by Julia Brimmer. Taylor Renaud narrated. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

Here on the Buzz, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, we talked to the AMPS food pantry coordinator about the role the pantry plays in sustaining Berkeley residents.  "There's a lot of people here that need USDA food, so it's really cool helping them out. They really need it. Even if you don't need it, you can get some, so pull up here after school every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month." -- AMPS student Emmanual, who goes by Champy.This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene, and edited by Julia Brimmer. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

On this week's episode, we explore what jobs and money management look like for students at Berkeley High. We got insight from personal finance teacher Crystal Rigley, and conducted several interviews with students around campus. This episode was produced and edited by Zazie Duchene and additional interviews were conducted by Julia Brimmer and Taylor Reynaud. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

This year, as spirit week rolls around again, culminating in yet another Rally Day, we're bringing you an episode exploring how school spirit has changed over the years. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene, and edited by Julia Brimmer. Interviews were conducted by Emmett Price and Taylor Renauld. We used audio from last year's Buzz episode called The Sounds and Sights of Red and Gold Day.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

From September 15 to October 15, Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated across the country. Here on The Buzz, we're sharing interviews with two Latina student artists on how creativity shapes the ways they see themselves and their communities. We spoke with Anita Julca and Lol-be Ceasar-Santos. "During Hispanic Heritage Month it's so important to amplify voices of Latinx artists. Of course, you know I'm 17, so I'm still figuring out who I am as an artist and as a Latina woman in our world." --- Anita Julca This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene and Miriam Reichenberg. Interviews and additional reporting were conducted by Miriam Reichenberg, Taylor Renault, and Julia Brimmer.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

Welcome to this year's first episode of The Buzz! For the 2023-24 school year, we'll be featuring in-depth discussions and interviews about topics that matter to our community. The school year is well underway. We're sitting next to new people in class, joining clubs, and meeting up with old friends. But making friends in high school isn't as simple as it was in elementary school, when asking someone to join you on the swings was all you had to do. It's more challenging now. For this episode, we asked Berkeley High students to share their experiences. We also talked to Eva Cantor, a Bay Area therapist who works with teens, about how we can build more genuine connections and make good friends in high school This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene. Interviews and additional reporting were conducted by Zazie Duchene, Emmett Price, Julia Brimmer, and Paolo Rivera. We included a clip from the song We're Going to Be Friends by The White Stripes. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

As the school year comes to a close, The Buzz asked seniors to share their high school memories, from the everyday and mundane to the big and memorable. What will they miss? What will they take with them as they move forward? Thanks for listening to the last Buzz episode of the 2022-2023 school year! We'll be back next year with more episodes and content. This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg with help from Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene, Mariarosa Cerritos, and Bodhi Seidler.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

Students commute to school in all different ways. For today's episode, we spoke with students about how getting to school can sometimes be frustrating or relaxing, eventful or mundane. Whatever the case, the destination is always the same– the crowded, diverse, spirited halls of Berkeley High. This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture has had a huge impact American society. From K-Pop bands to everyday streetwear trends, there are parts of AAPI culture everywhere. In this episode, The Buzz interviewed students about the impacts it has on their own lives, through food, entertainment, fashion, and music.  This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos and Zazie Duchene. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

How is education viewed in different countries and how does that impact students? The Buzz spoke to several international students about their experience with their respective school systems and the differences between them and Berkeley High. This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos, Willow Priforce. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

For this episode, The Buzz spoke with students, teachers, and administrators about inspiring women in their lives, and about Women's History Month. This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos,  Willow Priforce, and Zazie Duchene. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bhsjacket/message

What keeps students centered outside of school? The Buzz spoke with two Berkeley High students about their interests in beekeeping and open-water swimming, respectively, touching on fulfillment and mental health. This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg, with help from Zazie Duchene. For more coverage of the Berkeley High community, visit https://berkeleyhighjacket.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

In this episode, the Buzz spoke with students and teachers about their perspectives on Black History month, what gaps students have in their knowledge about the month, and what improvements can be made to better acknowledge its significance. This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Mariarosa Cerritos and Willow Priforce conducted interviews. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

When students walk into a classroom and see a substitute teacher in their teacher's place, they may feel relief and excitement, or disappointment. In this short episode of The Buzz, we talk with students and substitute teachers to get a better understanding of what classrooms are like when the teacher is out. Thanks for listening to The Buzz. This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Additional interviews were conducted by Sydney Taylor with help from Zazie Duchene. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

This episode profiles two Berkeley High School student musicians, Vivien Silas and Dexter Griffin. The episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene and Bodhi Siedler. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

The various relationships with others that we have throughout our lives can have a massive effect on us and our mental health. To better understand these impacts, the Buzz spoke to students, staff, and experts on the way these relationships play out during the holiday season. This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos, Willow Priforce, and Sydney Taylor. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

Red and Gold Day, or Rally Day, is a tradition at Berkeley High. In this short episode of The Buzz, we speak with a safety officer, an administrator, and many students, as we capture the sounds and sights of the spirited day. This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Additional interviews were also conducted by Zazie Duchene. You can find more episodes and coverage of the Berkeley High community at our website, berkeleyhighjacket.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

This past year we've experienced loss of life in the Berkeley High community, and with loss comes immense pain, grief, and mixed emotions. To understand how our community comes together after dealing with loss, the Buzz spoke to teachers and students about the diverse classroom approaches taken in the wake of tragedy. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Jacket podcast. This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos, Willow Priforce, and Sydney Taylor. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. If you have any specific episode ideas that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. You can find more episodes and coverage of the Berkeley High community at our website, berkeleyhighjacket.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

As Halloween approaches, the Buzz asked Berkeley High students and faculty to share their memories and thoughts, from costumes to candy trading, and everything in between. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg. The script was written by Zazie Duchene, and interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene, Sydney Taylor, and Bodhi Siedler. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. Audio clips from Bobby Pickett's song, “Monster Mash” were included throughout. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

From Spanish immersion experience to cultural celebrations, the Buzz spoke to Latinx students at BHS about what connection to their culture looks like for them, and what role it plays in their mental well-being. This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos, Willow Priforce, and Bodhi Siedler. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. Audio clips from Rosalia's song, “Despecha” were included throughout. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

At Berkeley High, many students choose to listen to music during passing periods, at lunch, and even in class. Music is fun to listen to, but it can also help to regulate our moods, remind us of happy memories, distract us from negative emotions, and connect with others. On this week's episode of the Buzz, as we continue to explore the theme of mental well-being, producers Miriam Reichenberg and Sofia Rodriguez talked to students about what music means to them, and how it helps them process their emotions. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Sofia Rodriguez. It was also edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. Audio clips from Shuggie Otis's song “Strawberry Letter 23” were included throughout. If you have any specific episode ideas that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. You can find more episodes and coverage of the Berkeley High community at our website, berkeleyhighjacket.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

During the 40-minute lunch period at Berkeley High, the 3,000-plus student body can be found eating practically everywhere, both on and off campus. Jacket Podcast producers Miriam Reichenberg and Sofia Rodriguez spoke to students about lunch culture, setting out to understand more about the social dynamics and challenges that play out during lunch. This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Sofia Rodriguez, and was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. You can find more episodes and coverage of the Berkeley High community at our website, berkeleyhighjacket.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

As Berkeley High welcomes students back onto campus for the 2022-2023 school year, many are feeling overwhelmed by starting school. The best way to manage all of this? Take care of yourself and recognize your needs so that you can be at your best. Jacket Podcast producers Miriam Reichenberg and Sofia Rodriguez spoke to students about what they do to practice self-care. This episode is the first in a series exploring students' mental health. It was executive produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Sofia Rodriguez, and was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. You can find more episodes and coverage of the Berkeley High community at our website, berkeleyhighjacket.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message

Interviews with the staff that produce the Jacket every week. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bhsjacket/message