TruthLinesVoice®

Our voice is a big part of who we are and how others see us. These past three years, we used our voices to empower, inspire, inform, create connections, and share a new or different perspective. To help guide others, to be honest and fair. What we've learned is, no matter who we are or where we come from, our voices matter. This is our final episode, and the decision to move on didn't come easy. To our listeners, thanks for sticking with us.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/  

Democracies rely on expertise. The well-being of a large population relies on a division of labor, leading to distinct professions. The relationship between an expert and non-expert is dependent on the foundation of mutual respect and trust. Without this, society becomes a casualty, falling to mob rule. When we refuse to recognize our shortcomings, our functional citizenship collapses, and public discourse gets polluted by unearned respect for unfounded opinions.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

In the past year, we have seen an increase in anti-Asian hate crimes. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have been blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have experienced injustice through verbal/online harassment, physical assault, and vandalism. AAPI communities fear for their lives every day. In the U.S., we have a failed system that allows racism and domestic terrorism to continue. As we move forward, we must reflect on our history and take steps to counter hate crimes & harmful extremist ideologies. Each of us can do more.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Think about a place or situation where you've checked your phone or interacted with your phone — while walking, working, taking notes, waiting for someone or something, checking the time, while in the bathroom, on the couch, on the bed, force of habit, or even out of boredom. Today, we describe our own relationship with our phones. Finally, we dive into some of our favorite TV shows.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Why do some friendships last while others don't? In this episode, we look at how our relationships have been tested and changed over the past year.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

What are the best ways to stay social media literate? We share what we've learned about the realities and exhaustion of growing up in the age of the internet. Finally, in honor of Black History, we dive into the song, Lift Every Voice and Sing, about Black culture and communities' resilience through hardship, and the pursuit of equality for all. This episode also includes vocals by Melba Moore. Lyrics & Music: Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938); music by John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), 1899.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

All of us are exhausted. However, these past four years have taught us so much. After Inauguration Day last week, we are breathing a little easier now that President Joe R. Biden and Vice President Kamala D. Harris have both been sworn in at a time of great political, health, and economic crises. So, what now? We need to come together as the "United" States of America and restore our country's future.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Go behind the scenes with Team TruthLines. We answer a few questions (on challenges unique to our age group, remote-learning, hobbies, pet-peeves, and other things) to get to know us better. We also share our thoughts on the actions of an organized mob that stormed the Capitol incited by the U.S. President and the importance of accountability in leadership.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

On our last episode of 2020, we wanted to shed some light on the shared experiences and challenges we've all faced. 2020 has been insane—a year of a pandemic, schools & businesses forced to shut down, racial tensions, and the presidential election while waiting for a safe vaccine. In this episode, we reflect on this past year and share our "one-word" that sums up 2020. Our challenges will continue in 2021, but how do we carry on? TruthLinesVoice® returns on Monday, January 11, 2021.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

The tradition of writing letters to Santa Claus has been around for more than 150 years. They give us a glimpse of what life was like for American families between 1870-1920. Children were creative and charming when making their Christmas wishes known. In this episode, we read a few of these letters and discover how their requests, wishes, and perceptions of Santa Claus have changed over time.   Background Reading: The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore Dear Santa: Children’s Christmas Letters and Wish Lists, 1870 – 1920 by Chronicle Books   Music Excerpts: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Beegie Adair Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – Frank Sinatra Let it, Snow, Let it, Snow, Let it Snow – Beegie Adair The Christmas Waltz – Beegie Adair I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm – Beegie Adair The Little Drummer Boy – Beegie Adair The Christmas Song – Beegie Adair Mistletoe and Holly – Beegie Adair   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/  

America is deeply divided right now, not just in terms of politics but also in race issues, economy, and ideologies. It seems like 2020 has accentuated this division through Covid-19 and the recent presidential election. The line has become explicit, and more people are being forced to confront it head-on.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

What a week! The stress of the election was real. Like most people, we had our eyes and ears glued to the news leading up to this historic election. President-Elect Joe Biden will be the 46th president, but there's still division among the American people. America is broken. So, what's next? We need to embrace democracy with humility. We need to move forward and get on the path to healing.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Halloween, the spookiest time of year, is less than a week away. Everyone loves a good story. The most compelling legends of our time are scary & full of mystery. Oh, the horror! This year, most people will choose to stay at home rather than attend parties or hang out with friends. It's also the perfect time to revisit movies like Scream, Halloween, and The Exorcist. But what makes horror films so popular? Why do people enjoy getting scared? Scary movies fill us with fear and dread. They help us to bond & create memories on Halloween night.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

A democracy cannot function without reliable information. The goal of high-quality journalism is to establish the facts and share them as widely as possible. However, politicians would love a world without reporters, so they can decide what information "you" get from them. Media bias is embedded in our culture and society. We need to be more aware of these biases, to decide for ourselves when news stories are based on facts and truth rather than lies. Knowledge is power.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/  

Tracking apps like Life360, Glympse, and Find My Friends are digital monitoring tools that allow users to track the location of family, friends, or partners. There's a lot of debate about the pros and cons of using tracking apps. Though they claim to bring people together, these apps can make you feel like you're being spied on. Most parents believe our teens need protection. However, monitoring is not the same thing as keeping us safe and connected. It's all about trust and consent.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

50 Days & Counting. Regardless of what policies you agree with or who you're voting for, your vote holds power. The power of your vote requires participation. Voting has a purpose and signals the changes you wish to see happen. Your vote is your voice, being heard. We can't afford to be silent.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Young adults are forming their views on dating and love in their high school and college years. In previous generations, dating meant "going steady" or just talking on the phone for hours. Today, the internet has transformed the way we connect with others, and online dating apps are so common. There's Bumble, Tinder, Hinge, to name a few. Many are leaning toward finding the "perfect" match on these dating apps. While technology can make finding a match easier, dating can still be awkward. This week, we share our thoughts on the world of online dating.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

TikTok is an app used by millions of young people (Gen Z) all over the world. So what can we all learn from this app? Most use TikTok to create fun video clips, giving users a space to be themselves, allowing their messages to go viral while growing a fanbase. It’s convenient, and uploading content is more straightforward than on other apps. This week, we share why TikTok is so popular?   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

What is a thriving economy for if we don't value human life? The United States has reached a tipping point. Our economic system—corporate capitalism—isn't working. It's broken. It prioritizes money above all else and undervalues the many needs of our society. The truth is, we need to move away from the greed of capitalism, and instead, focus on an economy that serves humanity. This week, we share how "human-centered capitalism" will make our lives better.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Colorism (skin-tone biases), supported by racist ideas, is the concept that darker skin is less desirable than lighter skin —a product of colonial discrimination and prejudices. It takes on many forms: from skin-lightening products in the cosmetic industry to a preference for lighter skin in the entertainment/film industry to job security — all of which are harmful to society. In this episode, we focus on how colorism divides us and the stereotypes people of color have to deal with daily.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

COVID-19 is raging across the world. The use of face masks in public spaces has turned political. Since there are no treatments and a safe/effective vaccine is at least a year away (perhaps longer), we must resort to preventive measures like isolating, contract tracing, physical/social distancing, frequent hand washing, and of course, wearing a mask. In the US, each state decides which strategies to implement, adding to more confusion. This week, we share why wearing a mask is not up for debate. If wearing a mask means limiting the spread of a virus, then yeah, we should all just do it.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Americans are the most unhealthy group of people on earth. Nearly 40% of American adults and almost 20% of American children/teens are obese. Not to mention the number of chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, etc.) that plague our society. The truth, the American diet consists of unhealthy fats, chemical preservatives, and sugary junk: from fast-food to sodas to ice cream. Big Food pushes refined sugar, highly-processed meats, GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) ingredients, and hydrogenated oils to consumers. Food companies are in the business to make money, not prioritize health. This week, we shed some light on how a broken food system is the root cause of an unhealthy population.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

For many of us, self-care is something we don't prioritize. Though we know, it's essential to our well-being. We're motivated for a few days to a month, only to find ourselves submitting to old habits. It's not always easy. The truth is, self-care becomes a challenge if it's not aligned with your values. Too often, we ignore our own needs and eventually, burnout. This week, we explore the benefits of self-care and putting yourself first.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the way we live. Most of our summer plans—camping trips, vacations, weekend getaways, and group gatherings are no more. We're shifting into this new kind of normal, learning meaningful life lessons, forming healthy habits throughout this journey. It has been frustrating and quite the learning experience at the same time. But we have to see the silver lining in all of this. We can't go back to normal.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

With the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, each of us must do our part to support the black community by spreading awareness, educating ourselves and others. This week, we take a look at Martin Luther King Jr.'s "The Birth of a New Nation," Sermon delivered in 1957 in Montgomery, Alabama. The words of Martin Luther King Jr. are still relevant today. We encourage you to listen, too.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/  

Humans are obsessed with the future. We’re always thinking and worrying about it. Most of the world’s professions are still consumed by it. We like to think about the future with a vision of what it should be and what is palpable. We refer to the future as singular—The Future. However, there is no single future—only possible future scenarios. Curiosity drives us to seek answers to many unknowns. Instead, we should be thinking about making choices now that lead us to different futures.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Law enforcement across the United States of America has responded to a large number of protests with force and brutality⁠—weapons, tear gas, pepper spray, to name a few. However, many are not held accountable for their actions. How did one group obtain so much power over citizens? This week on TruthLinesVoice®, we're going to shed some light on how the U.S. Supreme Court has made it possible for law enforcement to violate two of our Bill Of Rights Amendments.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

Protests and demonstrations have ignited in major cities all across the United States since the recent death of George Floyd in the hands of law enforcement in Minneapolis. In the past week, we've learned that black people in this country have reached a tipping point—decades of inequality, a failed system that allows terrorism in communities to continue along with blatant disregard to human life and dignity—all on top of COVID-19, which has harmed those living on the margins. We must recognize these deep-seated wounds need healing. We need to rebuild this nation from the ground up. This week on TruthLinesVoice®, Bez A., a Black-American teen, shares his perspective on how the fight for equality and racial justice has been an ongoing struggle for far too long.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

The Netflix movie, The Half of It, is a teen coming of age, comedy-drama. Director and screenwriter, Alice Wu, tells a fresh, heartfelt story about a young, lesbian immigrant's journey to self-acceptance. Inspired by Wu's own life as a teen, the story takes place in a fictional small town in Washington State. But what makes this film so special and different? Unlike other films geared toward teens, Wu handles race, sexual orientation, and religion thoughtfully and gently, while being respectful to family expectations. The Half of It made a strong impression on us, so get out the popcorn.   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

We are celebrating two milestones today. First, this is our 100th episode, and second, our podcast kicked off two years ago with a mission for teens/young adults to have a voice and revolutionize the way they think. We've tackled a variety of topics that are important to us, shared meaningful experiences that have shaped our values, and gained insight through conversations with other teens. We've also changed and grown a lot while learning incredible lessons along the way. Finally, we're so grateful to our listeners, and we wouldn't be here without you. This week on TruthLinesVoice®, join us in the celebration. Cheers!   Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/  

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to make some quick adjustments. This week, we go through the emotional ups and downs of being uncomfortably stuck. Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

With the COVID-19 pandemic facing our world, we reflect on the reality around us. In this episode, we discuss how more can be done, even as most of us stay at home. We also explore the emotions and feelings that arise when riding a new wave of life. Find more episodes at https://truthlines.com/podcasts/ and visit https://truthlines.com/

We’ve all experienced time management issues. We’ve all had moments when we feel overwhelmed and unproductive. We say, "I have time. I can do it later." Learning how to stay focused can be a challenge during the stay-at-home order, especially when there are so many distractions around us—from social media, TV, school, and extracurricular activities to the relationships we have with family and friends. This week, we share some tips on how to stay focused even during a time of uncertainty. For more information on today's episode, visit https://truthlines.com/podcasts/

It's been a month since the stay at home order was first announced. Our normal lives are on pause. And during this quiet time and stillness, we've been allowed an opportunity to reflect on our lives. This week on TruthLinesVoice®, we share the music that keeps us going during this uncertain time. Music playlist: "Central Park West" by John Coltrane "everything i wanted" by Billie Eilish "X-X" by Hans Zimmer "Tadow" by Masego, FKJ "Love Come" by Sarah McLachlan "Still D.R.E." by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg "You Gon' Learn" by Eminem ft. Royce Da 5'9" & White Gold "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin "Somewhere in the Hills" by J Hills "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts    For more information on today's episode, visit: https://truthlines.com/podcasts/  

Teens often take prescription drugs to deal with anxiety, depression, get more sleep, improve energy, focus at school, or lose weight. Medications are generally safe and designed to help us when prescribed by a doctor. However, some teens continue to use prescription drugs even when they no longer need it. This week, we discuss both the positives and negatives of taking prescription drugs and share our perspective on this critical issue.

What is empathy? Empathy is modeled and learned through experiences. No one can claim to understand how someone is feeling without having gone through the same experience themselves. But how do we build empathy in young people? Why is this important? This week, we're taking a look at historical empathy. By teaching historical empathy, we can help young people connect with the past and to better understand people's emotional experiences and circumstances during a specific event or crisis.

The coronavirus pandemic is causing a lot of turmoil throughout the world. Here in the U.S., we are witnessing a severely broken education system and health care system. Recently, companies like Boeing and the airline industry, cruise lines, casinos (gamblers), hotels, and the oil/gas industry are asking for federal bailouts. It's clear the U.S. government prioritizes large corporations and Wall Street rather than people. Why not put money into our public education system so that young people can thrive? Why not humanity first? This week on TruthLinesVoice®, we respond to the crisis that's affecting us, too.

The political world is known for being a dishonest one. Everyone knows that politicians manipulate others to get votes, and dishonesty is often necessary in times of crisis to prevent extreme panic. But how did politics become so filled with lies, particularly in the United States? This week on TruthLinesVoice®, we take a look back at the history of corrupt politics in America and what’s happening in the present.

Remember your very first childhood friend? The two of you were in the same classroom, you played together at recess, and you admired each other’s lunch boxes. Your tastes in similar things brought you closer together—no drama to deal with, no expectations. Then something changed as you both got older. What just happened? This week on TruthLinesVoice®, we talk about how we can grow in our relationships and pursue our individuality at the same time even when life gets in the way.

Generation Z. Who are we? Born after 1997, we've grown up with devices, apps, and social media. We have access to a wealth of information. We are a diverse generation that enjoys a sense of community. We are driven. This week on TruthLinesVoice®, we reveal more.  

How many times have you compared yourself to others? We know a lot of teens who have, especially when it comes to school and outward appearances. We've all done it at one point in our lives (adults included). But how would your life be different if you stopped comparing yourself to others?

Has your mom or dad tried to talk you out of anything too adventurous? They say things like, “It’s too dangerous!” or “I’m worried!” “What if you get lost?” “It’s not safe!” Are you unafraid to try new things? Would you consider yourself an adventurer? Bravery is learned. It takes practice.

You've never met them, but you feel like you know them. You seek out more information about that person—reading articles, seeing pictures on the web, and watching videos or interviews on YouTube. You can't help but fall in love with your favorite celebrities. So, why do we care so deeply about these one-sided relationships? This week's TruthLinesVoice® episode is inspired by Kobe Bryant.

A new generation will be voting in the 2020 presidential election. On this day of the Iowa Caucuses, Liam Julian A., an 18-year-old high school senior, talks about what he learned about Andrew Yang and why he's the best candidate for president. Andrew Yang is the change we need to bring us together. He's a new way forward.  

The time has come to talk about fashion. Think Golden Globes, Oscars, Met Gala, The Grammys, and other red carpet moments. Whether high fashion, street or social media style, there’s no denying that trends continue to evolve year after year. This week on TruthLinesVoice®, we explore how fashion meshes with modern innovations and why shopping vintage is an excellent way of finding stylish pieces.

Life without the internet is hard to imagine for our generation because we grew up with it. We use it for everything in our lives—connecting with others, for classwork and homework assignments, and more access to information. So what would happen if the internet suddenly disappeared?

Habits are things we all do without thinking about it. A habit is good when it improves the quality of your life. When a habit turns bad, it can cause more stress. This week, we explore the influence habits have on our lifestyle.

TruthLinesVoice® is back! This is our first episode of 2020. Is Senioritis real? Senioritis strikes many high school seniors during their second semester. Seniors tend to feel the pressure is off, and graduation is almost here. Typically symptoms include a lack of motivation, low energy, repeated absences, and the general "I'm-done-with-high-school" attitude. Today, we discuss this phenomenon.

It’s the third week of December. Christmas music is playing on the radio, at concerts, at places of worship, the mall, cafes & bookstores. We’re all in the cheery, festive spirit. In this episode of TruthLinesVoice®, we're taking a journey through Christmas music over the centuries.

In our culture, we’re increasingly becoming aware of the importance of mental health. However, when it comes to mental illness, the topic is difficult to speak of at times. Mental illness in teens and young adults is often left out in conversations. There's not enough awareness around it. This week, we talk to two brilliant teens, Seika Brown, Founder of Archnova, a youth organization focusing on improving connections between young people and Archnova's Chief Operating Officer, Natalie Fortes, about mental health and the consequences of an adolescent brain in constant disconnection.

Students act in a different manner when there's a substitute teacher in the classroom. Have you ever wondered why this happens? Is it normal? Or maybe, it’s just what kids do? This week on TruthLinesVoice®, we share some stories about substitute teachers based on our experiences.