The Lunch Table: A Podcast by The Root of Our Youth

Welcome back! Today, Phi, Sid, Molly, Olivia, and Siena kick off our new series called "Learning With the Lunch Table"! They identify many commonly used (and commonly misunderstood) LGBTQ+ terms, and explain their function/history. Are you confused about pronouns or labels? Do you want to be a better ally, but don't know where to start learning? Have you been looking for BIPOC perspective and inclusion in the discourse? Are you unsure of which words describe you best and make you feel the most comfortable? This one's for you:)

Phi, Tara, Riley, and Diya talk media representation of marginalized identities. From AAPI, Indigenous, LGBTQ, and neurodivergent perspectives, they draw the line between accurate representation and stereotyping. Whether it be Glee (yikes) to the ATLA live-action movie (yikes), to Sia's new movie (YIKES) the four friends discuss the blatantly harmful content of mainstream media, and make their recommendations on what should be done.

After our hiatus, we're back at The Lunch Table for Season Two! Sid, Diya, Zana, Phia, Malavika, Marlo, and Tara are here to talk about where we've been and where we're headed, here at The Root of Our Youth. They discuss the impact of 2020 on their individual lives, and how their outlooks on life have shifted with the times.

At today's lunch table, we're unpacking the election. Diya, Sidney, Phia, and Molly recap the race, give their take on 2020 voting behavior, and discuss what's next for our divided nation. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads

In today's episode, Diya and Kai discuss the glaring lack of teachers of color, as well as the deliberate avoidance of the racial dialogue that they have observed from white teachers. Joined by Fernell Miller, a black educator and the founder/CEO of The Root of Us, the trio explains the impact that teachers of color have on their students, the importance of representation, and why students of color deserve more from the American education system. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads

Marlo, Adit, and Alessandro unpack a highly questionable conversation that transpired within their friend group. Zana and Elsie join them in a dialogue concerning the dynamics of racial conversations involving white people. Together, they examine inclusivity vs. color blindness, white fragility/white centering, and what we stand to gain or lose from talking to our white friends about race. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads

In honor of World Mental Health Day, the lunch table dedicates this episode to the topic of mental health and wellbeing in school. Join Pauline, Phi, Caroline, Molly, and Shreya in a dialogue concerning the misconceptions that teachers have in regards to mental illness, the resources available (or unavailable) to students in need, and the duality of romanticization and stigmatization that is tied to the subject of mental health. Trigger warning: this episode deals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads

Today's lunch table presents Jane, Sidney, Marlo, Adit, and Zoe in a conversation regarding the ways in which the modern education system is still very much segregated. The discussion flows between topics such as the demographics of AP/IB/advanced courses and the racial gatekeeping at play, the socioeconomic and ethical dilemmas that SAT/ACT testing presents, the false meritocracy narrative of America, and the impact of educational segregation on sense of self. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads

This week, The Lunch Table features Linnea and Alexia—two brilliant young women whose lives have been impacted by special needs and special education. Listen in as Sidney interviews them and digs deep into what it means to have special needs (including common misconceptions), what support special ed students need from their teachers and peers, and what hopes they have for future students who could benefit from specialized instruction and outreach. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads

At today's Lunch Table, we connect with Josh, Sidney, and Mr. G in a dynamic discussion on the damaging patterns of Student Resource Officers (AKA SROs/Campus Police), the relationship between police and black/brown communities, and how schools can shift their focus from punishment to outreach and guidance. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads

In this episode, Zana, Stefanie, Ally, Rishitha, Ruby, Savannah, and Tara discuss the eurocentrism/false narratives of history class, the importance of representation, and the benefits of a diverse cultural education. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads

Our first episode! Jane, Zana, Zoe, Sidney, and Marlo talk The Root of Our Youth's origin story, racial stereotypes, cultural identity, and hopes for The Lunch Table. Music: Little Dream by Dj Quads