Podcasts about on our minds

Brooke's without Wi-Fi for 3 days and her kids are losing it, Jose TOTALLY NAILED his interaction with Chad Ochocinco, Alexis told a lie that immediately backfired on her, and Jeff's Mom wants to come sing songs on our show! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded as a special collaboration between Teacher Reporting Labs and On Our Minds, this episode brings educators and student hosts together for an unexpected conversation sparked by a community thread about VW buses. What begins with nostalgic memories of iconic road trips quickly expands into a reflection on freedom, identity, risk, and connection— through stories ranging from childhood van rides in Puerto Rico to cross-country adventures and near-miss highway moments. As teachers and teens swap travel memories, the conversation becomes less about vehicles and more about the journeys that shape how we see the world, the people we become on the road, and the meaning we carry with us long after the trip ends.Featured educators:Gil Garcia taught video production and broadcast journalism for 10 years at various schools in Austin, Texas.Trina Moore is a recently retired teacher who currently resides in Minneapolis, MN and never says no to a good road trip.Robert Casas teaches Digital Media Production, Broadcast Journalism, and AP Computer Science Principles at Westview High School in San Diego, where he has taught media courses since 2012.Road Trip Playlist: This conversation inspired us to create a community-powered road trip soundtrack featuring song picks from SRL educators and student journalists. Queue it up for your next adventure! SRL Summer Road Trip MixThis episode was produced by Senior Community Engagement Manager Emily Hope Dobkin with editing and mixing by Justin Rhodes. Zach and Helena from On Our Minds hosted this episode featuring SRL educators Trina Moore, Robert Casas and Gil Garcia. Additional production support was provided by Becky Wandel, Wyatt Mayes, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and oversight by Marie Cusick and Executive Director Leah Clapman. Special thanks to WETA. 

Recorded as a special collaboration between Teacher Reporting Labs and On Our Minds, this episode brings educators and student hosts together for an unexpected conversation sparked by a community thread about VW buses. What begins with nostalgic memori...

Brooke had to dig her way out of a sketchy camping situation, Jose got a back-handed tour of a penthouse apartment, Alexis' balcony belongs to the birds now, and Jeff couldn't get any whacking done this weekend and now he's mad about it. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We go underground into the tunnels Denver International Airport wants to transform into passenger walkways between the concourses. And Ryan Warner sits down with outgoing CEO Phil Washington, about the airport's growth and what the future may hold. Then, a commencement speech at Colorado College that resonates beyond the graduating class. Also, "On Our Minds" gives budding journalists a chance to share their stories, including memories of childhood road trips to Winter Park. And an entrepreneur taps his record collection to trade in Silicon Valley for the San Luis Valley. 

Brooke has BEEF with her DMD, Jose's apartment situation is crumbling, Alexis has some advice for her brother who's turning 16, and Jeffrey's computer problems are back and bigger than ever! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to live in a city where cultures, languages, and traditions meet every day?In this episode of On Our Minds, we travel to El Paso, Texas, where student journalists Marium and Aruja explore life in one of America's most unique border communities. Along the way, hosts Zack and Helena share the foods that connect them to their cultures—from tacos to pernil—and reflect on how food can bring people together across differences.Today's segment was produced by Marium Zahra and Aruja Misra.Wyatt Mayes produced, edited and mixed this episode.Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

Brooke's dad got the whole town on red alert, Jose unearthed a traumatic childhood memory, Alexis is preparing for the onslaught of "Dirty 30s" and Jeff tried to take "Bagel" golfing to mixed results! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can podcasting strengthen democracy? In this collaborative panel from The Democracy Group and PBS Student Reporting Labs, student podcasters and journalists discuss civic storytelling, democratic discourse, youth media, and why podcasting creates a powerful space for nuanced political conversation. Hear from student creators producing podcasts about democracy, political identity, art, community, Puerto Rican activism, youth journalism, and the everyday ways democracy shows up in our lives. The panel explores how podcasting lowers barriers to civic engagement, amplifies overlooked voices, and helps young people develop the confidence and skills to participate in public life. Check out the student podcasts: Student episodes from The Democracy Group will publish from May 18th-27th on our network feed. Current and past seasons of On Our Minds. Topics Covered 00:24 – Welcome & introduction to the Democracy Group / PBS Student Reporting Labs collaboration 01:29 – The Democracy Group Podcast Fellowship: mentoring student civic storytellers 02:46 – Meet the student fellows and their podcast projects: Valerie — democracy's origins and political history Savannah — democracy, art, and theater Dawn — politics, social interactions, and political identity 05:18 – PBS Student Reporting Labs' On Our Minds podcast and youth-produced community storytelling 06:45 – Student reporting projects on: Community art spaces in Indiana Public sculpture and identity in New Jersey Puerto Rico, neighborhood change, and displacement 09:32 – Why podcasting matters for democratic discourse today 10:19 – The unique power of audio storytelling and listening beyond appearances 11:37 – How journalism projects changed students' relationships with their communities 14:29 – Youth voices missing from mainstream storytelling 15:32 – Telling overlooked stories through podcasting 16:25 – Puerto Rico, gentrification, activism, and reporting stories from the inside 17:56 – Lessons learned from interviewing, audio storytelling, and creative journalism 19:20 – Democracy, art, rhetoric, and misinformation 20:07 – Theater as civic engagement and democratic participation 22:02 – Why people disengage from democracy — and how podcasting lowers the barrier to entry 24:38 – Puerto Rico, political identity, generational change, and democratic participation 27:24 – Why youth voices deserve deliberate space in civic media 28:43 – The stories student creators still want to tell Audience Q&A 30:14 – How to engage young people who aren't already interested in politics or democracy 31:27 – Creating environments where youth feel heard, safe, and welcome to speak 33:54 – How to inspire college students to engage with politics and civic issues 34:47 – Making political topics more relatable, digestible, and human 36:27 – Advice for students interested in podcasting and civic storytelling 37:22 – What surprised student creators during the production process 37:47 – Interviewing lessons: letting conversations evolve naturally 38:55 – Learning that people want to be listened to 39:56 – Measuring podcast success beyond analytics and downloads 41:08 – How producing podcasts changes the way students think about media 42:14 – Educational impact, career development, and long-term success in youth podcasting 43:42 – Why creating platforms for youth voices matters 45:36 – Podcasting as portfolio-building, networking, and personal development 46:36 – Closing reflections and where to find student episodes Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brooke's husband got SCAMMED again, Jose's new massage place has a unique house-style, Alexis got some "Turtle Time" and Jeffrey's parents came to town and left him more confused than when they arrived! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke thinks getting to the airport early is a scam, Jose's apartment building is under new mismanagement, Alexis got tricked into busking, and Jeffrey has BEEF with the Apple Store "Genuises." It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take a road trip to Massachusetts with hosts Zack and Helena in this episode of On Our Minds.It can be cold and confusing, but also surprisingly warm and welcoming.Shane from Attleboro takes us inside his apartment building, filled with colorful neighbors who'll dig your car out of the snow and give you some great advice along the way.Then, middle schoolers who hail from all over the world explain how they felt about ending up at a school together in western Massachusetts  — learning English, making friends, and finally finding “a place to chill.”Today's segments were produced by Shake Mukasa and Afia, Bronstead, Lovemica and Jeily from Emergence Academy with support from their teacher, Steven Marles.Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode.Graphics by Anurag Papolu.Special thanks to KUT., Jake Perlman, and WETA.Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.Featuring footage by Uganda Stock Footage Hub.Tune in next week when our road trip takes us to New York City!

Brooke's Mother's Day was invaded by NERDS, Jose played Fortnite with a foul-mouthed 10 year-old, Alexis made $100 by embarrassing herself in front of a stranger, and Jeff's perfectionism led to our favorite song of the year! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take a road trip to New Jersey in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena discuss what in their surroundings sparks curiosity. Student producer, Abigail Kim in  Leonia, New Jersey takes you to a scuplture garden at the heart of her town. While, Libby Peckman in Highland Park, New Jersey talks about the small ways she finds community and wonder in the mundane.Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

On this episode we're joined by Maggie LeBeau and Divya Thamman. Maggie is a student at the University of Missouri majoring in journalism and history. Divya is a student at Edina High School just outside Minneapolis.Together, they are part of the reporting team for PBS News Hour Student Reporting Labs producing and reporting for the On Our Minds podcast. This is our second year talking to students for this series. We previously spoke to the podcast hosts for a past season. This year we talk to the reporting team. We'll also be joined by their lead podcast producer, Becky Wandel.and the director of communications and partnerships for Student Reporting Labs, Christine Zirneklis.This season's theme for the series is an audio road trip exploring what's unique about teen life in every corner of the country through hyperlocal stories about cities, towns, and neighborhoods.Maggie and Divya talked about the stories they covered, with Maggie telling the story of the local drag community and Divya reporting on a quirky festival in Minneapolis that reminds people that there are positive stories coming from that city. They also shared their backgrounds and the valuable lessons they've learned in their journalism pursuitsYou can find all the episodes for the On Our Minds series here.https://studentreportinglabs.org/on-our-minds/Their joint salute: Dave Jorgenson (former Washington Post TikTok guy)We've also got our monthly report from Anita Pinto, advisor to The Gateway Times at Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology in New York City. She shares how her students are progressing as the school year nears an end.Subscribe to our newsletter hereYou can find all our episode guides for teachers and professors here,Please support your local public radio station: adoptastation.orgThank you for listening. You can e-mail me at journalismsalute@gmail.comVisit our website: thejournalismsalute.org Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)

Brooke's mom came into town like a helpful tornado, Jose has a NEW worry after a trip to the DMV, Alexis either had heat stroke or met a ghost, and Jeffrey met an Uber driver with an odd fascination! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take a road trip to Richmond, Indiana, in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena explore what “community” really means—from hometown sports teams and small-town festivals to unexpected spaces that bring people together.At the center of this story is Oblivion, a local art store turned creative haven, where strangers become collaborators, and a fading town finds new life through art, storytelling, and connection.Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA, as well as the Lake of the Isles Pencil Festival.Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

Brooke forgot a big shoot and got chirped for it, Jose had a birthday surprise, Alexis' family cat has a new family, and Jeff can't get his neighbors to remember him! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jose took his first international trip and it wasn't without controversy, Brooke went on a social media cleanse over break, Alexis' water broke, and Jeffrey finally got the recognition he thinks he deserves! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Our Minds is produced by teens with PBS News Student Reporting Labs. For our sixth season, hosts Zack from Southern California and Helena from North Carolina head out on a road trip across the U.S.This first episode takes us to Winter Park, Colorado. Student journalist Theo shares a personal story about growing up, drifting from childhood traditions, and what it feels like to rediscover memories you didn't even realize you'd forgotten. Along the way, hosts Helena and Zack reflect on their own ideas about nostalgia.Theo Bonavita produced the story in this episode. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode with assistance from Wyatt Mayes.Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz, with graphics by Anurag Papolu.Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA.Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

On Our Minds is a teen life podcast from PBS News Student Reporting Labs, produced by teens, for teens. Hosted by Zack from Southern California and Helena from North Carolina, this season takes you on an audio road trip across the United States.From Indiana to Minneapolis and beyond, hear real stories from young people about identity, growing up, mental health, creativity, and finding your place in the world. Every week, episodes will feature voices from across the country, sharing honest, personal moments that reflect what it's like to be a teen today.First episode out April 15, 2026

Brooke's spring break is on hold for a somber reason, Jose had a front row seat to a first kiss, Alexis' trip to Mexico was boozier than she imagined, and Jeff found a new hobby for his dog "Bagel!" It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke might not be cut out to be a Travel Softball Team Mom, a typo led Jose to think he was getting Phone Tapped, Alexis made a breakthrough with her track kids, and Jeffrey made some ill-advised purchases after a few drinks. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke finds herself in a SNACK WAR, Jose had a run-in with a HUGE fan that didn't go how he expected, Alexis has a new FOOL-PROOF pick-up line, and Jeffrey has a problem with his car's horn. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke doesn't want her bedroom to become a pet cemetery, Jose's "foodie" status is under fire, Alexis did some eavesdropping at dinner, and Jeffrey has been oozing machismo more than usual! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke's becoming a trend setter, Jose had an awkward run-in with a doppleganger, Alexis' "themed" dinner night wasn't without controversy, and Jeffrey received an INCREDIBLE gift from a complete stranger. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke's becoming a trend setter, Jose had an awkward run-in with a doppleganger, Alexis' "themed" dinner night wasn't without controversy, and Jeffrey received an INCREDIBLE gift from a complete stranger. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke's New Year's Resolution is off to a rocky start, Jose's parents have plans for his future, Alexis had one of the WORST flights ever, and Jeffrey thinks people at Disneyland should be more respectful of personal space! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We recapped how all of us spent Big Game Sunday! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke got a suggestion to really make our show blow up, Jose has a new idea for stadium bathrooms, Alexis speaking Spanish might have screwed up her relationship, and Jeffrey can't get over these AI Thumbnails. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke is going to be portrayed in a PLAY, Jose met an unwelcome new friend, Alexis is copying Brooke now, and Jeffrey is BACK to feuding with his postal carrier. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke's ski season is off to a rocky start, Jose had a unique interaction while out at dinner, nobody believes Alexis when she tells one story, and Jeffrey is having a hard time justifying dog swim lessons! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke was TRAPPED on a ski lift, Jose made a new friend, Alexis got ghosted by Granny, and Jeff is suspicious of a new trend he's been seeing. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke cleaned out her attic, Jose had a holiday meal to remember, Alexis tried to fit in at a business dinner, and Jeffrey hired some landscapers and got way more than he bargained for. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke has beef with Dads this X-Mas, Jose heard some hot goss that had his ears burning, Alexis had an awkward Italian night out, and Jeff is excited for some new kind of fun coming up on vacation. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke's family has become close with their renovation builders, Jose got a lightning-fast parking ticket, Alexis embarrassed herself at the end of the year banquet, and Jeff thinks SMALLER might be better for him. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke's in-laws had a HEALTHY Thanksgiving, Jose faced his toughest comedy challenge yet, Alexis has a new family tradition, and Jeff's parents almost ran his coworkers off the road. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke found a new parenting life hack, Jose went back for seconds at his massage parlor, Alexis has beef with Technical Director Ashton's "roasts" and Jeffrey is never raking leaves in his yard again! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke avoided a near-stuffy catastrophe, Jose might have gotten scammed before the holidays, Alexis' first "remote" event had some hiccups, and Jeffrey is dealing with garbage can drama AGAIN! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke is worried about our emergency preparedness, Jose spent a BAD amount of money on soup, Alexis' Friendsgiving had a few hiccups, and Jeffrey let being STARSTRUCK take over his whole night. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke is already having turkey trouble, Jose had an awkward encounter with a woman in his building, Alexis' brother is old enough to drive, and Jeffrey had a tough muscle memory moment. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke went clubbing and has some NOTES, Jose is on edge this time of year, Alexis thinks bar-hopping is more dangerous than ever, and Jeffrey swears that all your favorite classic board games have changed! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke can't stand her husband's new SEED habit, Jose has beef with locked side doors, Alexis learned she's NOT the ideal caretaker, and Jeffrey got shafted by a bakery on his birthday! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke is OUT on drinking water, Jose had an unwelcome visitor on his stream, Alexis is learning the magic of radio, and Jeff had an INCIDENT involving a hotel robe... It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke is officially CERTIFIED... Jose's joke put an international wedding invite in flux, Alexis got rejected by Popcorn, and Jeff is demanding MORE ADS! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke's wedding anniversary was hit with major delays, Jose keeps getting recognized out in public, Alexis joined her first fantasy football league, and Jeffrey is getting ROBERTO UPDATES. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke schmoozed the wrong client, Jose and his nephew bonded by the beach, Alexis STILL can't get any respect at cross country practice, and Jeffrey's poker face left a lot to be desired. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke's family is in a toilet war, Jose struggled to drop a hint, Alexis made her favorite drug store purchase EVER, and Jeffrey got SWIM-SHAMED on vacation! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke has some ground rules before she shares a hotel room with Alexis, Jose is excited for his first baby shower, Alexis found a new way to get free drinks, and Jeff was a hero and a villain over the weekend! It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke has become a K-Pop Stan, Jose's done with dating but dating isn't done with him, Alexis nearly got bounced by a DJ, and Jeffrey is starting to believe in reincarnation. It's time to go around the room and share What's On Our Minds!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.