Podcasts about Youth empowerment

Text Us Your Feedback! (Likes, Dislikes, Guest/Conversation Recommendations). Young men are drowning, and the algorithm is doing it on purpose. Within 17 seconds on YouTube, three-quarters of a young man's suggested content steers him straight into the manosphere. Meanwhile, the men who've actually done the inner work are sitting on the sidelines. Jordan Bowman isn't waiting for a viral moment to fix it. He's been in the field for over a decade building something that actually works.In this conversation, you'll learn:Why mentorship is your civic duty — and why it matters more than voting or paying taxesThe simple first step any man can take today to connect with a young person already in his lifeHow to show up as a mentor without giving unsolicited advice or projecting your own experience onto himWhy "presence over perfection" is the only qualification you actually need to get startedThe Frodo-to-Gandalf arc: how to transition from hero of your own story to guide for the next generationWhat Jordan's father did when he was 14 that changed the entire trajectory of his life — and how you can recreate it for the boys in yoursIf this conversation fires something up in you, don't sit on it. Find the most accessible way into mentorship and go give your gifts.Resources Mentioned:Journeyman Triangle — https://journeymantriangle.orgCoGenerate (intergenerational collaboration resources) — https://cogenerate.orgAmerican Institute for Boys and Men, Richard Reeves — https://aibm.orgBoys to Men Mentoring Network — https://boystomen.orgMovember Foundation — https://movember.comEquimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice — https://equimundo.orgMichael Mead, mythologist and author — https://mosaicvoices.orgManKind Project — https://mankindproject.orgNext Gen Men — https://nextgenmen.ca BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.#Sponsorship #AdSupport the show

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Sigrid's Spring Adventure: Capturing Courage and Nature Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-05-28-22-34-01-no Story Transcript:No: Vårsolen skinte over Sognsvann, et stille og vakkert sted i utkanten av Oslo.En: The spring sun shone over Sognsvann, a quiet and beautiful place on the outskirts of Oslo.No: Fugler sang blant trærne, og luften var fylt med lukten av vårblomster.En: Birds sang among the trees, and the air was filled with the scent of spring flowers.No: Elevene fra Sogn Skole var på ekskursjon, og stemningen var livlig.En: The students from Sogn Skole were on an excursion, and the atmosphere was lively.No: Sigrid, derimot, holdt seg litt for seg selv.En: Sigrid, however, kept a little to herself.No: Hun var en stille jente, men hun elsket naturen av hele sitt hjerte.En: She was a quiet girl, but she loved nature with all her heart.No: Sigrid drømte om å bli naturfotograf.En: Sigrid dreamed of becoming a nature photographer.No: Hun hadde hørt rykter om en sjelden fugl som hekket nær innsjøen.En: She had heard rumors about a rare bird nesting near the lake.No: Drømmen hennes var å få et bilde av denne fuglen.En: Her dream was to get a picture of this bird.No: Det var et mål hun hadde satt seg for dagen.En: It was a goal she had set for herself that day.No: Men det var ikke lett.En: But it wasn't easy.No: Læreren deres, fru Lin, hadde en streng tidsplan å følge.En: Their teacher, Mrs. Lin, had a strict schedule to follow.No: Uheldigvis ville Magnus, en av klassekameratene, stadig snakke med Sigrid.En: Unfortunately, Magnus, one of her classmates, constantly wanted to talk to Sigrid.No: Han var vennlig, men også distraherende.En: He was friendly but also distracting.No: Mens gruppen spaserte langs stien ved innsjøen, prøvde Sigrid å fokusere.En: As the group walked along the path by the lake, Sigrid tried to focus.No: Hun lette etter tegn på fuglen i tretoppene.En: She searched for signs of the bird in the treetops.No: Ved lunsjpause bestemte Sigrid seg for å ta sjansen.En: At lunchtime, Sigrid decided to take the chance.No: Hun smøg seg vekk fra gruppen og inn i en rolig lund der hun hadde sett andre fugler tidligere.En: She slipped away from the group and into a quiet grove where she had seen other birds before.No: Hjertet hennes banket fort.En: Her heart beat fast.No: Hva om hun ble oppdaget?En: What if she was discovered?No: Hva om hun gikk glipp av sjansen?En: What if she missed the chance?No: Så skjedde det.En: Then it happened.No: Hun så fuglen!En: She saw the bird!No: Den var enda mer strålende enn hun hadde forestilt seg.En: It was even more magnificent than she had imagined.No: Sigrid løftet kameraet sakte.En: Sigrid raised her camera slowly.No: Fingrene hennes ristet av spenning.En: Her fingers trembled with excitement.No: Akkurat da hun skulle trykke på knappen, ropte noen i det fjerne.En: Just as she was about to press the button, someone shouted in the distance.No: Klassen hennes lette etter henne.En: Her class was looking for her.No: Hun visste at hun måtte skynde seg, men hun trengte dette bildet.En: She knew she had to hurry, but she needed this picture.No: Med konsentrerte øyne og en stø hånd tok hun bildet hun hadde drømt om.En: With focused eyes and a steady hand, she took the picture she had dreamed of.No: Ett magisk øyeblikk ble fanget.En: One magical moment was captured.No: Sigrid løp tilbake til de andre.En: Sigrid ran back to the others.No: Hun var andpusten, men smilet hennes var strålende.En: She was out of breath, but her smile was radiant.No: Hun viste bildet til fru Lin.En: She showed the picture to Mrs. Lin.No: Læreren var imponert.En: The teacher was impressed.No: "Dette er fantastisk, Sigrid.En: "This is fantastic, Sigrid.No: Du har virkelig et øye for fotografering.En: You really have an eye for photography."No: "Sigrid kjente en varme inni seg.En: Sigrid felt a warmth inside her.No: Hun hadde klart det.En: She had done it.No: Selvtilliten hennes vokste.En: Her confidence grew.No: Hun innså at hennes lidenskap var verdifull.En: She realized that her passion was valuable.No: Resten av turen snakket hun mer.En: For the rest of the trip, she spoke more.No: Magnus var den første hun fortalte om fuglen.En: Magnus was the first one she told about the bird.No: Det var en vårdag hun aldri ville glemme.En: It was a spring day she would never forget.No: Sigrid hadde funnet sitt mot ved Sognsvann.En: Sigrid had found her courage at Sognsvann.No: Hun hadde vunnet sin egen indre kamp, og verden føltes litt større, litt bedre.En: She had won her own inner battle, and the world felt a little bigger, a little better. Vocabulary Words:outskirts: utkantenexcursion: ekskursjonatmosphere: stemningdreamed: drømterumors: rykternesting: hekkendeschedule: tidsplanstrict: strengdistracting: distraherendefocus: fokuseretreetops: tretoppenegrove: lundmagnificent: strålendetrembled: ristetdiscovered: oppdagetpressed: trykkecaptured: fangetimpressed: imponertconfidence: selvtillitvaluable: verdfullcourage: motinner: indreradiant: strålendelively: livligsteadily: støscent: luktenbutton: knappenbeat: banketshouted: roptechance: sjanse

 Join us for a fun episode with a new member of our PodFam, the exectutive director of Girls On The Run, New Hampshire, Jennifer Hubbell. We explore Jen's journey, a former college track star and the passionate leader behind Girls on the Run in New Hampshire. Discover how her personal experiences, dedication to empowering young girls, and the growth of this impactful program can motivate your own journey in sports and community service. Jen shares upcoming events like the fall and spring 5Ks, and the exciting gala (Sneaker Soiree) this fall. Discover how the organization empowers girls, fosters community involvement, and plans to expand its impact through partnerships, fundraising, and special initiatives.Show Note LinksGirls On The Run NHGOTR NH InstagramDonate to GOTRMy Race Tatts InstagramChapters00:00 Intro02:52 Guest Introduction: Jen Hubble and Girls on the Run06:43 The Ultra Team Experience12:48 Track and Field Background15:43 Transition to Girls on the Run18:36 The Impact of Coaching on Young Girls21:25 Girls on the Run History and Growth30:41 Expansion to New Hampshire36:33 The Upcoming Gala Event44:13 Call for Community Support47:45 Spring Season and 5K Event52:14 The Role of Race Management Companies01:03:14 Final 2 Questions Hot Take and Song01:11:15 OutroMy Race Tatt's - Check out My Race Tatts and support the pod when you buy your next set by using our My Race Tatt's Link.Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.comDon't Fear The Code Brown and Don't Forget To Stretch!

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Gábor's Future: Embracing New Beginnings Under the Cherry Tree Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-05-24-22-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A falu iskolája ünnepi díszben állt.En: The village school was adorned with festive decorations.Hu: Az ablakokat színes, kézzel készített dekorációk ékesítették.En: The windows were embellished with colorful, handmade decorations.Hu: A diákok izgalma szinte tapintható volt a levegőben.En: The excitement of the diákok was almost palpable in the air.Hu: Május végi napfény áradt be a termeken, miközben a szél virágok illatát hozta a közeli mezőkről.En: Late May sunshine flooded the rooms, while the wind carried the scent of flowers from the nearby fields.Hu: Gábor az egyik sarokban állt, szigorúan figyelve a zajló eseményeket.En: Gábor stood in one corner, strictly observing the ongoing events.Hu: Ő volt a legjobb tanuló, mindenki tudta ezt.En: He was the best student; everyone knew that.Hu: De a siker érzését elnyomta a jövőtől való félelem.En: But the sense of success was overshadowed by the fear of the future.Hu: Vajon melyik úton induljon el?En: Which path should he take?Hu: Zsófia, a mindig élettel teli és kalandvágyó Zsófia, Gábor legjobb barátja volt.En: Zsófia, the always lively and adventurous Zsófia, was Gábor's best friend.Hu: Odalépett hozzá, és lelkesen megszólította: „Gábor, ne aggódj annyit! Itt az ideje ünnepelni!”En: She approached him and enthusiastically said, "Gábor, don't worry so much! It's time to celebrate!"Hu: Az ünnepség zajlott tovább.En: The ceremony continued.Hu: A tanárok büszke szavakkal köszöntötték a búcsúzó diákokat.En: The teachers greeted the departing students with proud words.Hu: Az udvar zöld füvén a diákok nevetéssel és reményekkel telve ültek.En: On the green grass of the courtyard, the students sat, filled with laughter and hopes.Hu: Zsófia ekkor odahajolt Gáborhoz: „Van egy tervem.En: Zsófia then leaned over to Gábor: "I have a plan.Hu: Ma este rendezünk egy kis bulit!En: Tonight we'll have a little party!Hu: Csak mi, barátok.En: Just us, friends.Hu: Ez segít, hogy kikapcsolódj és élvezd ezt a napot.”En: This will help you relax and enjoy the day."Hu: Gábor mosolygott, bár gondolatai még mindig a jövő körött forogtak.En: Gábor smiled, though his thoughts still revolved around the future.Hu: Az egyetem vonzotta, közel volt, de a gondolat, hogy a megszokott utat válassza, nem lelkesítette.En: The thought of university attracted him; it was close, but the idea of choosing the usual path didn't excite him.Hu: Mindig is szeretett volna elmenni egy nyári szakmai gyakorlatra, belekóstolni valami újba, de nem volt biztos benne, hogy merjen lépni.En: He had always wanted to go for a summer internship, to try something new, but he wasn't sure if he dared to take the step.Hu: A nap végén Zsófia maga után húzta Gábort a virágzó cseresznyefa alá.En: At the end of the day, Zsófia pulled Gábor under the blossoming cherry tree.Hu: Itt, a rokonlelkű barát árnyékában, végre beszélni kezdett a félelmeiről.En: Here, in the shade of a kindred spirit, he finally began to speak about his fears.Hu: „Nem tudom, mit csináljak, Zsófia.En: "I don't know what to do, Zsófia.Hu: Félek, hogy rossz döntést hozok.”En: I'm afraid I'll make the wrong decision."Hu: Zsófia keze Gábor vállára simult.En: Zsófia's hand rested on Gábor's shoulder.Hu: „Gábor, nézd meg ezt a fát.En: "Gábor, look at this tree.Hu: Minden tavasszal újrakezdi.En: Every spring, it starts anew.Hu: A jövő sem más, mint egy új kezdet.En: The future is nothing but a new beginning.Hu: Használj ki minden lehetőséget.En: Take advantage of every opportunity.Hu: Hidd el, megéri kockáztatni.”En: Believe me, it's worth taking the risk."Hu: Gábor figyelt a csendes szavakra.En: Gábor listened to the quiet words.Hu: A cseresznyefa fölött madarak repkedtek, ahogy az esti szél lobogtatta leveleiket.En: Above the cherry tree, birds flew as the evening wind fluttered their leaves.Hu: Hirtelen mindent másképp látott.En: Suddenly he saw everything differently.Hu: Nem kellett félnie a jövőtől; inkább meg kellett ismerkednie vele.En: He didn't have to be afraid of the future; he should get acquainted with it instead.Hu: Az estén tartott ünnepségen Gábor végül lazított.En: During the evening celebration, Gábor finally relaxed.Hu: A barátok nevetése, a zeneszó és Zsófia bátorítása végre megtették hatásukat.En: The laughter of friends, the music, and Zsófia's encouragement finally took effect.Hu: Az este végén megerősödött benne a döntés: jelentkezni fog a szakmai gyakorlatra.En: By the end of the evening, he was resolute in his decision: he would apply for the internship.Hu: Az első lépés mindig a legnehezebb, de úgy döntött, a jövő lehetőségeit örömmel fogja üdvözölni.En: The first step is always the hardest, but he decided to welcome the possibilities of the future with joy. Vocabulary Words:adorned: díszbenembellished: ékesítettékpalpable: tapinthatófields: mezőkrőlobserve: figyelveongoing: zajlóovershadowed: elnyomtadeparting: búcsúzócourtyard: udvarleaned: odahajoltinternship: szakmai gyakorlatrablossoming: virágzóshade: árnyékábanafraid: félekresolute: megerősödöttopportunity: lehetőségetencouragement: bátorításacelebration: ünnepségenrelaxed: lazítottdecision: döntéstresolute: megerősödöttblossoming: virágzóacquainted: megismerkedniefestive: ünnepiventure: kalandvágyókindred spirit: rokonlelkűfluttered: lobogtattafuture: jövőtőlapproached: odalépettcelebrate: ünnepelni

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: From Orphanage Dreams to Spring Festival Miracles Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-05-21-22-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 春天的阳光洒在小镇上，鲜花盛开，空气中弥漫着街头小吃的香味。En: The spring sunshine poured over the small town, flowers blooming and the air filled with the aroma of street food.Zh: 在这个热闹的小镇上，有一个名为“快乐之家”的孤儿院。En: In this bustling town, there was an orphanage named Kuai Le Zhi Jia.Zh: 木制的旧招牌随着微风轻轻晃动，里面住着一群纯真的孩子和照顾他们的人。En: The wooden, old sign gently swayed in the breeze, inside lived a group of pure-hearted children and their caregivers.Zh: 明宇是一位年轻而有资源的年轻人，他在这个孤儿院长大。En: Ming Yu was a young and resourceful person who grew up in this orphanage.Zh: 他怀着一个梦想，希望能为孩子们创建更好的生活条件。En: He had a dream of creating better living conditions for the children.Zh: 他知道孩子们过几个月就要上学了，需要买很多用品。En: He knew the children would be going to school in a few months and needed many supplies.Zh: 孤儿院的资源越来越少，这让他有些着急。En: The orphanage's resources were dwindling, which made him a bit anxious.Zh: 丽华是孤儿院的看护。En: Li Hua was the caretaker of the orphanage.Zh: 她热心地管理着这里，但因为预算紧张，也感到担忧。En: She managed the place enthusiastically, but felt worried because of the tight budget.Zh: 她不愿轻易求助，生怕打扰了别人。En: She was reluctant to ask for help, afraid of troubling others.Zh: 然而，这次孩子们的需要让她不得不正视问题。En: However, the children's needs this time forced her to face the issue.Zh: 陈是孤儿院里的一个十几岁的少年，他总是充满活力，但有时候做事不够实际。En: Chen was a teenager in the orphanage, always full of energy, but sometimes impractical.Zh: 他看到明宇忙着筹备物资，便主动提出想帮忙出谋划策。En: He saw Ming Yu busy preparing supplies and volunteered to give advice and help.Zh: 事情不如想象中简单。En: Things were not as simple as they thought.Zh: 明宇和陈决定一起去市场，希望能找到一些打折或捐赠的机会。En: Ming Yu and Chen decided to go to the market together, hoping to find some discounts or donation opportunities.Zh: 丽华则留在孤儿院管理日常事务。En: Li Hua stayed at the orphanage to handle daily affairs.Zh: 市场的色彩缤纷，摊贩们热情地召唤着顾客。En: The market was colorful, and vendors enthusiastically called out to customers.Zh: 明宇和陈小心翼翼地把预算用在刀刃上，但到最后，钱还是不够了。En: Ming Yu and Chen were careful to use their budget wisely, but in the end, the money still wasn't enough.Zh: 此时，陈的眼睛忽然一亮，他发现一个摊位的老板正在打折卖一些生活用品。En: At this moment, Chen's eyes suddenly lit up when he noticed a stall owner selling some daily supplies at a discount.Zh: 老板非常友好，愿意在他们预算内提供更多的物品，但有一个条件，需要他们一起去社区活动中帮忙。En: The owner was very friendly, willing to provide more items within their budget, but there was a condition: they needed to help at a community event.Zh: 这是一个春季的庆典活动，社区的人们会聚集在一起。En: It was a spring festival where community members would gather together.Zh: 明宇考虑了一下，觉得这是一个机会。En: Ming Yu thought it was an opportunity.Zh: 他向老板道谢，并欣然同意。En: He thanked the owner and happily agreed.Zh: 他们在活动中忙碌了一整天，帮忙布置和服务。En: They worked busily all day at the event, helping with setup and service.Zh: 活动结束后，老板如约将物品打包给了他们。En: After the event ended, the owner packaged the items as promised and gave them to them.Zh: 回到孤儿院，丽华看到他们带回了超出预算的物资，非常惊讶，也十分感激。En: Back at the orphanage, Li Hua was very surprised and grateful to see that they brought back more supplies than their budget allowed.Zh: 这次经历让明宇意识到合作和接受帮助的重要性，而陈的主动表现也得到了认可。En: This experience made Ming Yu realize the importance of cooperation and accepting help, and Chen's proactive actions were also acknowledged.Zh: 在明媚的春光中，孤儿院的孩子们的笑声显得格外动人。En: In the bright spring sunshine, the laughter of the children at the orphanage seemed particularly charming.Zh: 故事的最后，明宇和陈在孤儿院的门口，看着这栋虽然朴素但温馨的建筑，心里充满了希望。En: At the end of the story, Ming Yu and Chen stood at the orphanage's entrance, looking at the simple yet cozy building, their hearts filled with hope.Zh: 生活总是充满挑战，但只要有爱和努力，就总能找到解决的办法。En: Life is always full of challenges, but as long as there is love and effort, solutions can always be found. Vocabulary Words:aroma: 香味bustling: 热闹orphanage: 孤儿院swayed: 晃动resourceful: 有资源dwindling: 越来越少anxious: 着急caretaker: 看护enthusiastically: 热心地reluctant: 不愿troubling: 打扰practical: 实际volunteered: 主动提出discounts: 打折vendors: 摊贩careful: 小心翼翼budget: 预算stall owner: 摊位的老板friendly: 友好condition: 条件opportunity: 机会setup: 布置service: 服务acknowledged: 认可proactive: 主动charming: 动人cozy: 温馨heart: 心hope: 希望challenges: 挑战

Fluent Fiction - French: Finding Inner Strength in the Library of Light Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-05-21-07-38-19-fr Story Transcript:Fr: La lumière douce du printemps illuminait la grande bibliothèque historique de Paris.En: The soft spring light illuminated the grand historical bibliothèque of Paris.Fr: Les rayons du soleil traversaient les fenêtres hautes, créant des motifs lumineux sur le sol en bois.En: The sun's rays passed through the high windows, creating luminous patterns on the wooden floor.Fr: L'air était parfumé d'une odeur de vieux papier.En: The air was scented with the smell of old paper.Fr: C'était ici, dans ce sanctuaire de connaissance, qu'Élodie, Luc et Pascal passaient leurs après-midis.En: It was here, in this sanctuary of knowledge, that Élodie, Luc, and Pascal spent their afternoons.Fr: Élodie, une étudiante studieuse, cherchait à exceller dans son examen de littérature.En: Élodie, a studious student, was striving to excel in her literature exam.Fr: Elle espérait obtenir une place convoitée dans un programme d'été prestigieux.En: She hoped to secure a coveted spot in a prestigious summer program.Fr: Mais l'anxiété la paralysait souvent.En: But anxiety often paralyzed her.Fr: Ses pensées s'embrouillaient, et elle avait du mal à se concentrer.En: Her thoughts became muddled, and she struggled to concentrate.Fr: Luc, son ami toujours serein, était à ses côtés.En: Luc, her always serene friend, was by her side.Fr: « Prends une pause, Élodie », suggéra-t-il en lui tendant un gâteau au chocolat rapporté d'une pâtisserie voisine.En: “Take a break, Élodie,” he suggested, offering her a chocolate cake brought from a nearby bakery.Fr: « Les pauses aident à clarifier l'esprit. »En: “Breaks help clear the mind.”Fr: Élodie sourit timidement, mais elle savait que Luc avait raison.En: Élodie smiled timidly, but she knew Luc was right.Fr: Loin d'être ennuyeux, il avait une approche détendue qui l'aidait à relativiser.En: Far from being dull, he had a relaxed approach that helped her put things in perspective.Fr: Cependant, Pascal, le camarade espiègle, rendait la tâche plus difficile avec ses plaisanteries.En: However, Pascal, the mischievous comrade, made the task more difficult with his jokes.Fr: Aujourd'hui, il était particulièrement taquin.En: Today, he was particularly teasing.Fr: « Hé, regardez ça ! » cria Pascal, en désignant un vieux livre de la bibliothèque, qu'il prétendait être hanté.En: “Hey, look at this!” shouted Pascal, pointing to an old book in the library, which he claimed was haunted.Fr: Les autres étudiants rirent, mais Élodie soupira, préoccupée par le manque de temps.En: The other students laughed, but Élodie sighed, worried about the lack of time.Fr: Pascal pouvait être agaçant, mais elle savait qu'il n'avait pas de mauvaises intentions.En: Pascal could be annoying, but she knew he didn't have bad intentions.Fr: Cela dit, sa concentration en souffrait.En: That said, her concentration suffered.Fr: Ce jour-là, pendant une session de groupe, le chaos semblait inévitable.En: That day, during a group session, chaos seemed inevitable.Fr: Mais Élodie décida qu'il était temps de changer sa manière de réagir.En: But Élodie decided it was time to change the way she reacted.Fr: Elle s'isola mentalement des distractions et prit une profonde inspiration.En: She mentally isolated herself from the distractions and took a deep breath.Fr: « Je suis capable », murmura-t-elle à elle-même, rappelant les paroles de Luc.En: “I can do this,” she murmured to herself, recalling Luc's words.Fr: Elle se concentra sur les textes, les analysa, et soudain, tout devint plus clair.En: She focused on the texts, analyzed them, and suddenly, everything became clearer.Fr: « J'ai compris ! » s'exclama-t-elle avec une satisfaction inédite.En: “I got it!” she exclaimed with unprecedented satisfaction.Fr: Ses amis se tournèrent vers elle, surpris et ravis.En: Her friends turned towards her, surprised and delighted.Fr: Les jours qui suivirent furent marqués par une confiance nouvelle.En: The days that followed were marked by a newfound confidence.Fr: Élodie géra son stress grâce à des techniques apprises de Luc : la respiration profonde et la méditation régulière.En: Élodie managed her stress with techniques learned from Luc: deep breathing and regular meditation.Fr: Elle ignora les facéties de Pascal en riant, trouvant sa propre paix intérieure au milieu des rires et des livres.En: She laughed off Pascal's antics, finding her own inner peace amidst the laughter and books.Fr: Finalement, le jour de l'examen arriva.En: Finally, the day of the exam arrived.Fr: Élodie entra dans la salle d'examen après un dernier coup d'œil rassurant à ses amis.En: Élodie entered the examination room after a last reassuring glance at her friends.Fr: Les questions étaient complexes, mais elle se sentait prête.En: The questions were complex, but she felt ready.Fr: Elle rédigea ses réponses avec assurance, chaque phrase reflétant son travail et sa passion.En: She wrote her answers with confidence, each sentence reflecting her work and passion.Fr: Quand elle quitta la salle, Élodie était silencieuse, mais un sourire léger flottait sur ses lèvres.En: When she left the room, Élodie was silent, but a light smile played on her lips.Fr: Elle savait qu'elle avait donné le meilleur d'elle-même.En: She knew she had given her best.Fr: Luc et Pascal l'attendaient à l'extérieur.En: Luc and Pascal were waiting for her outside.Fr: « Comment ça s'est passé ? » demanda Luc, les yeux pleins de sollicitude.En: “How did it go?” Luc asked, his eyes full of concern.Fr: Élodie inspira profondément et répondit, « Je suis fière de ce que j'ai fait. »En: Élodie took a deep breath and replied, “I am proud of what I did.”Fr: Et ainsi, Élodie comprit que vaincre ses peurs et croire en ses capacités était la véritable réussite.En: And so, Élodie understood that overcoming her fears and believing in her abilities was the true achievement.Fr: La bibliothèque historique devint non seulement un lieu d'apprentissage, mais aussi celui où elle découvrit sa propre force intérieure.En: The historical bibliothèque became not only a place of learning but also where she discovered her own inner strength. Vocabulary Words:the light: la lumièrethe pattern: le motifthe sanctuary: le sanctuairethe student: l'étudianteto excel: excellercoveted: convoitéeprestigious: prestigieuxthe anxiety: l'anxiétémuddled: embrouilléeto concentrate: se concentrerserene: sereinthe break: la pauseto tease: taquinerthe mischief: l'espiègleriehaunted: hantéinevitable: inévitableto murmur: murmurerto analyze: analysersatisfaction: satisfactionconfidence: la confiancethe technique: la techniqueto meditate: méditerantics: les facétiesinner peace: la paix intérieurethe examination room: la salle d'examencomplex: complexeto reflect: refléterto achieve: réussircapabilities: les capacitésachievement: la réussite

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: United Strengths: Orphans' Journey to Academic Triumph Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sr/episode/2026-05-21-07-38-20-sr Story Transcript:Sr: Пролеће је дошло у сиротиште „Сунце“.En: Spring arrived at the orphanage, "Sunce".Sr: Деца су трчала по дворишту, делила осмехе и измешане вриске.En: The children were running around the yard, sharing smiles and mixed screams.Sr: У овој живости, дванаестогодишњи Никола покушавао је да се фокусира.En: Amidst this liveliness, twelve-year-old Nikola was trying to concentrate.Sr: Његова циљана мисао била је само једна: стипендија за престижну школу.En: His singular goal was clear: a scholarship for a prestigious school.Sr: Али као што често бива, околности нису биле наклоњене.En: But as is often the case, the circumstances were not favorable.Sr: Никола је седео у углу трпезарије, окружен буком и хаосом.En: Nikola sat in the corner of the dining hall, surrounded by noise and chaos.Sr: Било му је тешко да учи у таквом окружењу, али није посустајао.En: It was difficult for him to study in such an environment, but he didn't give up.Sr: Његов најбољи пријатељ, Милан, седео је поред њега, гризући нокте, видљиво узнемирен због предстојећих испита.En: His best friend, Milan, sat next to him, biting his nails, visibly anxious about the upcoming exams.Sr: Милан је често имао нападе анксиозности и Никола је знао да мора помоћи пријатељу.En: Milan often had bouts of anxiety, and Nikola knew he had to help his friend.Sr: Јелена, њихова непоколебљива добротворка и васпитачица, пришла је Николином столу.En: Jelena, their unwavering benefactor and caretaker, approached Nikola's table.Sr: „Ако вам је потребан мир, можда бисте могли да користите поткровље,“ предложила је са осмехом.En: "If you need peace, perhaps you could use the attic," she suggested with a smile.Sr: „Тамо је увек тишина.En: "It's always quiet there."Sr: “Никола је кимао главом.En: Nikola nodded.Sr: Идеја му је била примамљива.En: The idea was enticing to him.Sr: Уз Јеленино одобрење, он је одвео Милана горе у поткровље.En: With Jelena's approval, he led Milan up to the attic.Sr: Место је било покривено прашином, али дисало је тихоћом.En: The place was covered in dust, but it breathed tranquility.Sr: Заједно су очистили мали простор и претворили га у свој уточиште за учење.En: Together, they cleaned the small space and turned it into their study haven.Sr: Док су дани пролазили, Никола је учио напорно у том углу, а када је Милан постајао превише напет, Никола је измислио начин групног учења.En: As the days passed, Nikola studied diligently in that corner, and when Milan became too tense, Nikola devised a group study method.Sr: Позвао је неколико других деце да им се придруже и створио оживљену, али конструктивну атмосферу.En: He invited a few other children to join them, creating a lively yet constructive atmosphere.Sr: Милан се полако смиривао, захваљујући подршци свог пријатеља и заједничком раду.En: Milan slowly calmed down, thanks to his friend's support and the group effort.Sr: Но, баш када су све карте биле на столу, један облачан дан донео је неочекиване проблеме.En: However, just when everything was in place, a cloudy day brought unexpected problems.Sr: Капи кише су пробиле кров и поткровље је почело да се пуни водом.En: Raindrops breached the roof, and the attic began to fill with water.Sr: Никола је страшно гледао своје написање и белешке које су натапале.En: Nikola watched in horror as his writings and notes soaked.Sr: Јелена је убрзо стигла са крпама и чинијама да сакупи воду.En: Jelena quickly arrived with cloths and bowls to collect the water.Sr: Даље од невоље, она је успела да спаси кључне белешке.En: Away from trouble, she managed to save the crucial notes.Sr: „Не брините, дечаци,“ рекла је смирено.En: "Don't worry, boys," she said calmly.Sr: „Ваш труд неће бити узалудан.En: "Your efforts won't be in vain."Sr: “Са Милановом подршком и Јелениним мирољубивим речима, Никола је унутрашње ојачао.En: With Milan's support and Jelena's reassuring words, Nikola strengthened internally.Sr: Уочи испита, заједно су прегледали преостале материјале, охрабрујући један другог.En: On the eve of the exams, they reviewed the remaining materials together, encouraging each other.Sr: Следећег јутра, уз сунчано небо које је било као дар наде, Никола је био спреман као никада пре.En: The next morning, with a sunny sky that was like a gift of hope, Nikola was as prepared as ever.Sr: Осећао је сигурност јер није стајао сам.En: He felt assured because he wasn't standing alone.Sr: Научио је, кроз изазове и подршку пријатеља, да успех не зависи само од индивидуалног напора, већ и од снаге коју налазимо у људима око нас.En: He learned, through challenges and the support of a friend, that success doesn't rely solely on individual effort, but also on the strength we find in the people around us.Sr: Док су ишли ка школи, Милан се осмехнуо Николину.En: As they headed to school, Milan smiled at Nikola.Sr: „Урадићемо ово заједно,“ рекао је.En: "We'll do this together," he said.Sr: И у том тренутку, све је било могуће.En: And in that moment, everything was possible. Vocabulary Words:orphanage: сиротиштеprestigious: престижнуcircumstances: околностиfavorable: наклоњенеchaos: хаосомanxious: узнемиренunwavering: непоколебљиваbenefactor: добротворкаproposal: предложилаenticing: примамљиваtranquility: тихоћомdiligently: напорноconstructive: конструктивнуanxiety: анксиозностиmethod: начинunexpected: неочекиванеbreached: пробилеcrucial: кључнеinvited: позваоhavens: уточиштеrelied: зависиroof: кровcloths: крпамаbouts: нападеnotes: белешкеreviewed: прегледалиencouraging: охрабрујућиassured: сигурностchallenging: изазовеstrengthened: ојачао

Egoli Youth Empowerment started with squash courts in Soweto and grew into a holistic youth development programme spanning sport, academic support, life skills, leadership, entrepreneurship and urban farming. Director Glenn Lazarus and Programme Director Sharon Sibanda tell BizNews how EYE is creating safe spaces, developing young talent, and helping vulnerable youth in Soweto and Johannesburg's inner city build confidence, resilience and opportunity.

MEEC Breaks Down Financial Literacy, Housing & Youth Empowerment Across America + MoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Melvin Jones, Group CEO of Proconics, about the company’s commitment to community development through mentorship programmes, youth empowerment initiatives and long-term support for learners with special educational needs. The discussion explores how corporates can play a meaningful role in shaping stronger communities by investing in education, inclusion and leadership beyond business and infrastructure projects. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Message us!In this episode of Whitley Penn Talks, WPCares series host Emily Landry speaks with Helena L. Banks, CEO of Our Friends Place, about empowering young women experiencing homelessness to build stable, independent futures. The conversation highlights how education, employment, and community support create lasting change. Helena shares the organization's mission, its residential and SOAR programs, and what empowerment looks like in daily practice.A powerful story brings the impact to life, showing how consistent support can help young women move toward true independence. The episode is both inspiring and grounded in real impact.Key TakeawaysHow Our Friends Place supports young women through education, work, and essential life skillsWhy small, daily decisions play an important role in long‑term stability A real story of resilience that shows what empowerment looks like in practiceHow youth homelessness often looks different than people expectWhy Listen?This episode is for anyone interested in nonprofit impact, community support, or youth empowerment. You will gain insight into how trauma‑informed, accountability‑based programs support lasting growth and why long-term empowerment matters more than quick solutions. Helena's stories offer a meaningful reminder of how care, consistency, and community investment can shape a young woman's future.Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Fluent Fiction - Italian: From Frozen Silence to a Voice of Change: Lorenzo's Arctic Quest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-04-29-07-38-19-it Story Transcript:It: Lorenzo guardava dal finestrino del piccolo aereo che li stava portando verso l'Artico.En: Lorenzo looked out the window of the small plane taking them to the Arctic.It: I raggi del sole, bassi sull'orizzonte, colpivano i ghiacci, creando riflessi di luce dorata.En: The sun's rays, low on the horizon, struck the ice, creating reflections of golden light.It: Giulia, seduta accanto a lui, sorrideva entusiasta.En: Giulia, sitting next to him, smiled enthusiastically.It: Era il loro primo viaggio in una tundra così remota e inospitale.En: It was their first trip to such a remote and inhospitable tundra.It: Marco, invece, controllava una lista lunga di materiali e attrezzature.En: Marco, on the other hand, was checking a long list of materials and equipment.It: Arrivati a destinazione, la temperatura fredda e pungente avvolse il gruppo.En: Upon arrival, the cold, biting air enveloped the group.It: Il cielo era limpido, ma l'aria era carica di una promessa di sfide.En: The sky was clear, but the air was filled with a promise of challenges.It: Le montagne di ghiaccio e i campi di neve sembravano infiniti, interrotti solo da qualche fiore selvatico che stava iniziando a sbocciare, segno che la primavera era all'orizzonte.En: The ice mountains and snowfields seemed endless, interrupted only by a few wildflowers beginning to bloom, a sign that spring was on the horizon.It: Il professore diede inizio alla loro missione, un progetto di studio sul cambiamento climatico.En: The professor commenced their mission, a research project on climate change.It: Lorenzo, con il suo quaderno e una penna, era pronto.En: Lorenzo, with his notebook and pen, was ready.It: Cercava l'opportunità giusta per raccogliere dati che potessero sorprenderli tutti.En: He was looking for the right opportunity to gather data that might surprise them all.It: Il problema era che il loro strumento principale, una sonda di misurazione, si rifiutava di funzionare.En: The problem was that their main tool, a measuring probe, refused to work.It: Lorenzo si avvicinò con esitazione ma decise di affrontare la situazione.En: Lorenzo approached with hesitation but decided to face the situation.It: "Forse possiamo risolverlo insieme," disse, cercando di attirare l'attenzione di Giulia e Marco.En: "Maybe we can solve it together," he said, trying to get the attention of Giulia and Marco.It: Loro lo ascoltarono.En: They listened to him.It: Giulia si avvicinò e guardò la sonda.En: Giulia moved closer and looked at the probe.It: Con ingegno, trovarono un cavo di riserva e Marco, con precisione, fece il collegamento necessario.En: With ingenuity, they found a spare cable, and Marco, with precision, made the necessary connection.It: Un suono di accensione riempì l'aria.En: A power-up sound filled the air.It: La sonda era in funzione.En: The probe was operational.It: Tutti esultarono.En: Everyone cheered.It: Lorenzo, colmo di una nuova fiducia, guidò il gruppo nella raccolta dei dati.En: Lorenzo, filled with new confidence, led the group in data collection.It: Nella desolazione dell'Artico, ogni lettura era un passo verso la comprensione.En: In the desolation of the Arctic, every reading was a step toward understanding.It: Il momento cruciale arrivò quando Lorenzo dovette spiegare i loro risultati al resto del gruppo e agli insegnanti.En: The crucial moment came when Lorenzo had to explain their findings to the rest of the group and the teachers.It: Il cuore gli batteva forte, ma pensò alla causa che amava e al sogno del concorso scientifico.En: His heart was pounding, but he thought of the cause he loved and the dream of the science competition.It: Prese fiato e iniziò.En: He took a breath and began.It: "Abbiamo raccolto dati importanti.En: "We have collected important data.It: Il cambiamento climatico è evidente," disse, con crescente sicurezza.En: Il cambiamento climatico è evidente (Climate change is evident)," he said, with growing confidence.It: Mentre parlava, vedeva il rispetto crescere negli occhi dei suoi compagni e del professore.En: As he spoke, he saw respect growing in the eyes of his companions and the professor.It: Il gelo sembrava sciogliersi un po' nel calore della sua voce.En: The cold seemed to melt a little in the warmth of his voice.It: Concluso il discorso, Lorenzo ricevette applausi.En: After he finished speaking, Lorenzo received applause.It: I dati furono inviati per l'analisi e per la partecipazione al concorso.En: The data were sent for analysis and entry into the competition.It: Lorenzo aveva vinto la sfida più grande: la paura di parlare apertamente per una causa cui teneva.En: Lorenzo had overcome the biggest challenge: the fear of speaking openly for a cause he cared about.It: Ora sapeva che, così come l'Artico si risveglia al sole primaverile, anche la sua voce poteva portare luce e cambiamento.En: Now he knew that just as the Arctic awakens to the spring sun, his voice could also bring light and change. Vocabulary Words:the horizon: l'orizzonteenthusiastically: entusiastathe tundra: la tundrainhospitable: inospitalethe equipment: le attrezzaturebiting: pungentethe promise: la promessathe snowfields: i campi di neveto bloom: sbocciarethe professor: il professorethe probe: la sondahesitation: esitazioneto solve: risolverethe ingenuity: l'ingegnothe spare cable: il cavo di riservaprecision: precisioneto cheer: esultaredesolation: desolazionethe crucial moment: il momento crucialeto pound: battereconfidence: sicurezzato gather data: raccogliere datithe findings: i risultatithe respect: il rispettoto melt: scioglierethe applause: gli applausianalysis: analisithe competition: il concorsoto overcome: vincerethe challenge: la sfida

In this episode, host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Tarik Kitson, Executive Director and co-founder of Active Plus NYC, to discuss how a chance volunteering opportunity in East Harlem evolved into a transformative nonprofit serving thousands of underserved youth across New York City. Active Plus provides free fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, and leadership programs to children and teens ages 5-18 who lack access to quality physical education and wellness resources. THE ORIGIN STORY Tarik, a former collegiate athlete with a background in health and fitness, started visiting a middle school in East Harlem on Saturday mornings to volunteer with students. What he discovered was shocking: children weren't getting recess, physical education classes had over 50 students, and there were no after-school sports programs. A consistent group of 30 kids showed up every Saturday morning hungry for structured activity and mentorship. When the school invited Tarik and his co-founder back the following fall, they launched after-school programs in football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Local news coverage of their work sparked interest from other schools and community organizations, and Active Plus was officially born in 2013. THE GAPS THEY'RE FILLING Active Plus addresses multiple critical needs in underserved communities. In New York City's massive public school system of over one million students, many neighborhoods lack adequate physical education, mentorship, and guidance on health and wellness. Additionally, school curricula often don't include nutrition education, leaving elementary-aged children who buy their own food at delis and corner stores without knowledge of healthy choices. The organization also recognized the need for mindfulness and emotional wellness programming years before the city mandated it in schools. COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMMING MODEL Active Plus operates a multilayered approach that goes far beyond athletics. Their programs include physical fitness activities like basketball, dance, yoga, running, boxing, and calisthenics; mindfulness and emotional wellness through meditation and stress management; nutrition education for kids and families; and leadership and life skills development. They deliver these services directly to students in schools, parks, housing developments, and community centers across all five boroughs, rather than requiring kids to come to a facility. This go-to-the-community model ensures accessibility for the most underserved youth. THE FAMILY FLAVORS PROGRAM Tarik's favorite initiative is Family Flavors, a nutrition and cooking program that engages families together. This program has proven remarkably effective at drawing parents to school events—something traditional parent-teacher conferences often fail to do. When families cook together and learn about nutrition, they take that knowledge home and can replicate it, creating lasting behavioral change across households. RECESS AS AN ENTRY POINT The most requested program by school principals is Active Plus's structured recess programming. In New York City schools with limited outdoor space and over 100 kids at recess, unstructured free play often leads to chaos and injury. By providing trained, structured activities during recess time, Active Plus solves a major operational problem for schools while getting kids moving and building healthy habits. SCALING WITHOUT LOSING QUALITY Tarik emphasizes that the organization's growth from serving 30 kids to nearly 3,000 annually came from deliberately building infrastructure. He highlights the critical mistake many nonprofit founders make: trying to do everything themselves. Active Plus grew when Tarik and his co-Founder focused on building a strong board of directors with specialized committees for programming, marketing, finance, and fundraising. They treat the nonprofit like a business, recognizing that nonprofits generate income through multiple streams—grants, donations, volunteers, and sponsorships. MENTORSHIP ACROSS GENERATIONS A unique strength of Active Plus is how they leverage older youth as mentors. High school students from the neighborhoods where programs operate serve as summer camp instructors, coaches, and role models for younger children. This creates natural peer mentorship, makes younger kids feel safer, and provides meaningful employment and internship opportunities for teens. Several alumni have gone on to successful careers—including one former youth coach who is now a lawyer but still volunteers with the organization. DISRUPTING CYCLES OF CRIME AND GANG INVOLVEMENT Active Plus strategically uses its programs to reclaim community spaces and provide alternatives to gang involvement. When a new basketball court was installed in a housing project but became a site of crime and drug use, Active Plus activated it with structured programming and recruited high school youth from the neighborhood to participate. This created a safe, supervised space for younger children. Their "Heal Our Youth" program combines restorative justice practices with mindfulness and physical activity specifically for high school students ages 15-18, addressing trauma and building resilience. THE PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE With a master's degree in public health from Columbia University, Tarik approaches youth wellness holistically. He advocates in Albany and works with government officials to highlight gaps in services and push for policy change. He's been surprised to discover that many elected officials aren't fully aware of conditions in their own districts, underscoring the importance of nonprofits doing advocacy work and holding government accountable. EXPANSION BEYOND NEW YORK Active Plus has recently expanded beyond New York City's five boroughs to Connecticut and Nevada. They partner with the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, providing sports science activations that blend basketball with STEM education. This national expansion demonstrates the scalability of their model and video-based curriculum. WHAT MAKES THEM GUTSY Tarik identifies Active Plus's gutsy nature as their refusal to accept the status quo and their vocal advocacy on behalf of underserved youth. Despite receiving a $1 million Department of Justice grant to research their programs, the grant was cancelled by those who question the organization's approach. Yet Tarik continues to speak up about systemic failures and champion evidence-based solutions. HOW TO GET INVOLVED Active Plus is actively seeking board members to fuel continued growth and expansion. The organization welcomes supporters from anywhere, not just New York City. To learn more or inquire about board opportunities: Social Media: Active Plus NYC Website: www.activeplus-nyc.org Email: TKitson@activeplus-nyc.org KEY TAKEAWAYS The power of organic grassroots organizing when you witness a real need. How proper infrastructure and delegation multiply nonprofit impact. Why mentorship and role modeling are irreplaceable in youth development. How holistic wellness programming addresses not just physical health but mental health, nutrition, and life skills. The critical importance of advocacy in creating systemic change. Why treating nonprofits as businesses—with committees, multiple revenue streams, and strategic planning—enables sustainable growth. Small & Gutsy Mission Small & Gutsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. The show elevates the visibility of small but mighty changemakers doing bold, passionate, and impactful work. Small & Gutsy has been ranked #8 on FeedSpot's Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts and #9 by Million Podcasts for Youth Empowerment episodes. Do you know a nonprofit doing incredible work? If you know of a nonprofit or social enterprise making a real impact, nominate them to be featured on Small & Gutsy. Contact Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff at laura@smallandgutsy.org. Check out other episodes of Small & Gutsy at SmallAndGutsy.org.    

Fluent Fiction - Hindi: Chasing Dreams: Aarav's Inspiring Race to Self-Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hi/episode/2026-04-23-07-38-19-hi Story Transcript:Hi: गर्मियों की गुनगुनी धूप में स्कूल के मैदान में एक अजब सा जोश था।En: In the warm sunshine of the summer, there was a strange kind of enthusiasm on the school field.Hi: चारों ओर रंगीन ध्वज लहरा रहे थे और छात्र बड़े उत्साह के साथ चिल्ला रहे थे।En: Colorful flags were fluttering all around, and the students were shouting with great excitement.Hi: यह स्कूल का खेल दिवस था, और पूरा वातावरण खुशियों और आशाओं से भरा हुआ था।En: It was the school's sports day, and the entire atmosphere was filled with happiness and hopes.Hi: आवाज़ों के बीच, आरव खड़ा था।En: Amidst the voices, Aarav stood there.Hi: उसका मन थोड़ा व्याकुल था।En: His mind was a little restless.Hi: वह जानता था कि उसे 100 मीटर की दौड़ में भाग लेना है।En: He knew he had to participate in the 100-meter race.Hi: उसका सबसे अच्छा दोस्त, नेहा, उसके साथ खड़ी थी।En: His best friend, Neha, was standing with him.Hi: नेहा ने आरव का हाथ पकड़कर कहा, "तुम ये कर सकते हो, आरव।En: Neha held Aarav's hand and said, "You can do this, Aarav.Hi: मुझ पर भरोसा रखो।En: Trust in me."Hi: "कुछ दूरी पर रोहन, जो खेलों में हमेशा से अव्वल रहता था, पहले से ही अपनी जगह पर तैयारी कर रहा था।En: A little distance away, Rohan, who was always excelling in sports, was already preparing in his place.Hi: आरव को रोहन की तरफ देखने पर अपना आत्मविश्वास थोड़ा डगमगाता महसूस हुआ।En: Looking at Rohan, Aarav felt his confidence waver a little.Hi: लेकिन उसने मन ही मन तय किया कि वह अपनी दौड़ पर ध्यान देगा और अपनी क्षमता के अनुसार दौड़ेगा।En: But he decided in his heart that he would focus on his race and run according to his ability.Hi: दौड़ शुरू होने का इशारा होते ही सब आगे बढ़ने लगे।En: As soon as the signal to start the race was given, everyone began to move forward.Hi: आरव थोड़ी देर के लिए पीछे रह गया।En: For a while, Aarav lagged behind.Hi: लेकिन उसने नेहा के प्रोत्साहन और अपनी मेहनत को याद किया और अचानक से उसके अंदर एक नया जोश आ गया।En: But he remembered Neha's encouragement and his hard work, and suddenly he felt a new burst of energy within him.Hi: उसने अपनी गति बढ़ाई और एक-एक करके उसने कई साथी धावकों को पीछे छोड़ दिया।En: He increased his pace and, one by one, overtook many fellow runners.Hi: दौड़ के अंतिम सेक्शन में, आरव ने देखा कि वह रोहन के क़रीब आता जा रहा है।En: In the final section of the race, Aarav noticed that he was getting close to Rohan.Hi: उसका दिल तेजी से धड़क रहा था, लेकिन उसने हार नहीं मानी।En: His heart was beating rapidly, but he did not give up.Hi: आखिर में आरव दूसरे स्थान पर पहुंचा।En: Finally, Aarav reached the second position.Hi: रोहन पहला आया, लेकिन आरव की खुशी का कोई ठिकाना नहीं था।En: Rohan came first, but Aarav's happiness knew no bounds.Hi: दूसरे स्थान पर आने के बावजूद, आरव ने पहली बार अपनी सच्ची क्षमता को महसूस किया।En: Despite coming second, Aarav felt his true potential for the first time.Hi: नेहा उसके पास दौड़कर आई और खुशी से चिल्लाई, "वाह, आरव!En: Neha ran up to him and shouted joyfully, "Wow, Aarav!Hi: तुमने कमाल कर दिया!En: You did an amazing job!"Hi: "आरव ने मुस्कराकर जवाब दिया, "धन्यवाद, नेहा।En: Aarav smiled and replied, "Thank you, Neha.Hi: मैंने खुद को साबित कर दिया।En: I have proven myself."Hi: " आज का दिन उसके लिए एक नई शुरुआत थी।En: Today was a new beginning for him.Hi: उसने सीखा कि पहली जगह पाना महत्वपूर्ण नहीं होता, बल्कि खुद पर भरोसा और अपनी मेहनत सबसे ज्यादा मायने रखती है।En: He learned that winning first place isn't important; rather, trusting oneself and hard work are what matter the most.Hi: खेल मैदान पर विजयी स्वर की गूँज थी, और उसमें आरव की अपनी छोटी सी जीत भी शामिल थी।En: There was a triumphant echo on the sports field, and included in that was Aarav's own small victory.Hi: इस दफ़ा आरव ने खुद को जीत लिया था।En: This time, Aarav had won over himself. Vocabulary Words:enthusiasm: जोशfluttering: लहरा रहे थेrestless: व्याकुलwaver: डगमगाताability: क्षमताsignal: इशाराlagged: पीछे रह गयाencouragement: प्रोत्साहनtriumphant: विजयीecho: गूँजpotential: क्षमताovertake: पीछे छोड़नाdistance: दूरीexcellence: अव्वलताrapidly: तेजी सेpreparing: तैयारी कर रहा थाbound: ठिकानाsection: सेक्शनburst: जोशproven: साबितatmosphere: वातावरणfocus: ध्यानvictory: जीतshouting: चिल्ला रहे थेtrusting: भरोसाhard work: मेहनतbeating: धड़क रहा थाparticipate: भाग लेनाnew beginning: नई शुरुआतfellow: साथी

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Masha Merkulova, founder of CLUB Z, a national organization dedicated to educating and empowering Jewish teens to become articulate, knowledgeable leaders and advocates for themselves, Israel, and the Jewish people. Masha shares her remarkable personal journey from discovering her Jewish identity at age 16 in the Soviet Union to founding an organization that now serves over 200 students across the San Francisco Bay area, Boston, the tri-state area, and beyond.   Who Is CLUB Z? CLUB Z is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a network of educated, articulate Jewish teen activists with a commitment to Zionism. CLUB Z's mission is to raise modern-day Zionists who are knowledgeable leaders, equipped to advocate for themselves, Israel, and the Jewish people while addressing issues of bigotry and antisemitism head-on. The organization operates two primary programs. Basic Training is an entry-level monthly session covering foundational knowledge: Jewish peoplehood, Jewish indigeneity, Jewish rights, and Jewish power. There are zero prerequisites—students simply need to show up once a month and learn. These sessions are separated by age group, with eighth and ninth graders together, and tenth through twelfth graders together, allowing for appropriate peer bonding and connection across different schools in the area. For students ready to go deeper, CLUB Z offers Sacred, a formalized two-year advanced program that combines rigorous academic study with practical leadership development. Participants meet every other week for three-hour sessions where they build on foundational knowledge while developing debate skills, presentation abilities, public speaking confidence, and personal writing proficiency. The curriculum covers Jewish history, Israel history, and professional development—skills that have largely disappeared from traditional schools but remain essential for navigating the world. Masha's Origin Story Masha Merkulova's journey to founding CLUB Z began in the Soviet Union, where Jewish identity wasn't something you could openly celebrate. Born to a Jewish mother and Russian father, Masha discovered she was Jewish at age 16 when a passport office bureaucrat casually informed her that despite her Russian nationality on every school roster, her mother's name—Riva, daughter of Levi—made her Jewish. The revelation was stunning but detached. She knew it as a nationality, nothing more, with no concept that Jewish people faced discrimination or persecution. When she encountered antisemitism, she simply gave it back. It ended there. Everyone moved on. What Masha inherited instead was her Soviet upbringing's deep commitment to justice and her mother's quiet, unwavering knowledge of who she was. When the Soviet Union began to crumble, she explored Christianity out of curiosity rather than conviction, but that exploration revealed how disconnected she was from any spiritual identity. It wasn't until Masha moved to America and her son began attending a Jewish day school that she started genuinely learning what it meant to be Jewish. Then came 2005. While living in California, Masha began watching YouTube videos of Israel's Gaza disengagement—something that would forever change her trajectory. She watched Jews in blue hats dragging out Jews in orange hats or regular clothes. Both were crying. And Masha recognized something that stopped her cold: "What I am watching is a pogrom." Her Soviet identity, trained to recognize injustice and respond, clicked into place. She dove into education—every event, every book, everything she could access about Israel and Jewish history. And once you learn the story of Israel and how miraculous it is, Masha explains, you can't look back. For her, Zionism wasn't a slogan or a political buzzword. It was a movement of justice, a response to centuries of exclusion and persecution, a restoration of balance. Something happened to the Jewish people 2,000 years ago, and they never gave up. They never agreed to disappear. And now, with the restoration of Israel, the justice had been restored. Why CLUB Z Exists Years of volunteering in the San Francisco Bay Area, funding pro-Israel events on college campuses, gave Masha a front-row seat to a troubling pattern. She kept encountering bright Jewish students—kids who had attended Jewish high schools, gone to Israel, been part of youth groups and summer camps, received extensive Jewish education. And yet they didn't know basic facts. They couldn't explain the difference between the Independence War and the Six-Day War. They didn't understand what Zionism actually was. They had no foundational history. At the same time, Masha was watching something worse: these same educated Jewish students were being turned into anti-Israel advocates. Their reasoning was heartbreaking in its simplicity: "I didn't know Palestinians were suffering. I didn't know there were all these people." They had been given no context, no counter-narrative, no inoculation against the compelling stories being told to them on campus. Masha realized the solution wasn't to react after the damage was done. Prevention was cheaper and more effective. Why weren't we telling young Jews what the other side was saying? Why weren't we preparing them with information, context, and historical understanding? Why weren't we teaching them about the Palestinian narrative itself so they could understand what others believed and why? She began looking around the Jewish community in San Francisco for an organization doing this work. Federation. JCC. Hebrew schools. Nobody was having these conversations. The status quo was simply accepting that Hebrew schools would hire whoever was willing to take the job for minimum pay—no standards, no accountability, no meaningful education. Masha decided she couldn't accept that anymore. From Three Boys to 200 Students It started with her son bringing three of his friends together. Three boys. Masha began teaching them using a curriculum called "Israel and Jewish Identity" that she'd come into possession of—a framework that literally connected Jewish identity, Jewish peoplehood, and Zionism as three interconnected pillars. This became the foundation of everything CLUB Z would build. Word of mouth spread. Kids wanted more. They asked to meet bi-weekly instead of monthly. Then more frequently. Masha worked with a local JCC that had a beautiful Teen Center with no programming, and they welcomed CLUB Z to use the space. What started as an informal gathering evolved into something more intentional and structured. Today, CLUB Z operates across multiple cities with approximately 200 students currently enrolled (numbers fluctuate—last year they served over 400). The organization has grown because it fills a void that no other institution is addressing: the need for comprehensive, honest Jewish education that equips teens not just with information, but with confidence, community, and the tools to stand tall in their identity. What Makes It Gutsy CLUB Z is gutsy because it goes against the grain of everything in the current Jewish institutional landscape. Its very existence is a reminder that what we have right now doesn't work. By design, the organization is pushing back against systems that have failed to prepare Jewish youth, against narratives that have been allowed to go unchallenged, against the idea that teens should shrink from their identity instead of claiming it with pride. But CLUB Z is also gutsy in how it trusts young people. The organization believes that teens can handle complexity, nuance, and difficult conversations. They can learn about Palestinian narratives while maintaining their own. They can understand historical grievances and moral arguments. They can debate respectfully without compromising their beliefs. They can recognize propaganda without becoming cynical. And they can do all of this while maintaining their humanity and sense of humor. Perhaps most gutsy of all is CLUB Z's commitment to showing up for students when it matters most. When a student calls with a problem at school, CLUB Z doesn't just offer advice—they strategize with parents, connect families to legal resources if needed, and stay involved through resolution. When alumni face antisemitism on college campuses, CLUB Z is there. When a resolution against Israel comes up for a student government vote, CLUB Z has trained students to be in those spaces ahead of time, ready to speak up. The organization has built a safety net, and students know it exists. Teaching in a World of Misinformation One of CLUB Z's most critical functions is teaching students to recognize and counter propaganda. In a world saturated with misinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmically-driven content, young people need media literacy skills that go far beyond any single issue. CLUB Z teaches students to ask: Who are the reliable sources? How do you fact-check? What makes something intellectually dishonest? For example, when a student encounters an AP exam question asking them to calculate how Israeli bombing has affected global warming in Gaza, they need more than outrage. They need to articulate exactly why that framing is intellectually dishonest, why it's propaganda, and what the actual facts are. They need to respond professionally and factually, not emotionally. The organization partners with CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis) and maintains connections to sources in Israel and international media. In sessions, educators help students evaluate what's real and what's not. Students can post questions in private groups and get immediate feedback from educators and peers. And every single session opens with "what's happening in the news," allowing older students to help younger ones develop critical thinking skills in real time. The Power of Intentional Community One of the biggest surprises Masha has encountered is how little it takes to help a young person rise up—but how essential it is that the support be intentional. CLUB Z isn't just "come learn, go do." It's a community that says: we have your back. If you call us, we will be there to catch you. This matters immensely during the vulnerable teenage years. When a student faces an incident at school, they often call CLUB Z educators before they call their parents. Educators then work with families to make a plan before escalating to the school or other authorities. For college-aged alumni, the support continues. Students know they can reach out to their regional educator when they need guidance, when they face antisemitism, or when they need to make a strategic move. Masha is clear about why this matters: if you know you're going to stick your neck out, you don't want to be left hanging by a thread. Young people need to know that taking a risk doesn't mean being abandoned. Building Trust Through Transparency CLUB Z has also discovered the power of keeping parents informed and engaged. After each session, parents receive a detailed email summarizing everything discussed, including links to all videos shown and a series of 3-5 discussion questions designed to spark conversation at home. This seemingly simple practice has profound effects. Parents aren't left wondering what their teens are learning. They can have informed conversations at the dinner table. They understand the context and nuance their teens are being taught. If a teen comes home with questions or concerns, parents are equipped to respond thoughtfully. And if parents need support, they know they can call an educator to discuss how to handle a situation together. Dr. Laura notes during the episode that this creates a beautiful feedback loop: teens can go home knowing their parents understand what they're learning. They don't have to fear that their parent will overreact or dismiss their concerns. And that open communication, that sense of being supported at home and in the organization, fundamentally changes how young people navigate their identity and advocacy. Looking Forward When asked what's at the top of her wish list for CLUB Z, Masha doesn't say funding (though like all nonprofits, they need resources). She says people. She needs educators who are articulate, educated, and willing to invest their souls into these teens. It's not a typical teaching job. It requires presence, commitment, and a genuine belief in the work. She also wants the broader Jewish community—the legacy organizations, the philanthropists, the adult leaders—to wield their power on behalf of the next generation. Instead of allowing others to define Jewish terms and Jewish identity, instead of remaining silent while narratives go unchallenged, Masha wants to see adults step up and protect the space for young Jews to claim their identity with pride. But perhaps the most poignant wish Masha articulates is simpler: she wants American Jews to understand that no matter how assimilated or hidden you are, eventually somebody will ask you questions about who you are. You might as well know the answers. You might as well be grounded in your identity, connected to your people, and equipped with the knowledge and confidence to stand tall. How to Connect Website: clubz.org Instagram: @zionismforteens Email:masha@clubz.org YouTube Channel: CLUB Z has extensive educational content available on their YouTube channel Partner Organizations: - CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis): camera.org Small & Gutsy Mission Small & Gutsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. The show elevates the visibility of small but mighty changemakers doing bold, passionate, and impactful work. Small & Gutsy has been ranked #8 on FeedSpot's Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts and #9 by Million Podcasts for Youth Empowerment episodes. Do you know a nonprofit doing incredible work? If you know of a nonprofit or social enterprise making real impact, nominate them to be featured on Small & Gutsy. Contact Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff at laura@smallandgutsy.org. Check out other episodes of Small & Gutsy at SmallAndGutsy.org.

Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff interviews Josh Thye, Executive Director of The Academy, about the transformational power of competitive drum and bugle corps for youth ages 15-21. The conversation explores the intense 11-hour daily rehearsals during the summer tour, the behind-the-scenes logistics, and powerful alumni stories that demonstrate how this experience shapes lives far beyond performance. What Is The Academy? The Academy is a world-class nonprofit organization offering a competitive drum and bugle corps with brass sections, drum line, front ensemble, and color guard. Most participants join in middle school, though color guard members often start in high school or later. The summer experience involves 11 hours of daily rehearsal plus travel across the country—from North Carolina to California. Every minute is accounted for as participants not only perform but also handle logistics, load trucks, prepare meals, and manage all behind-the-scenes operations. What Makes It Gutsy The organization is "all guts." Whether performing in a parking lot or an NFL stadium, the group demonstrates true grit. Participants endure physical exhaustion, work through breaking points, and learn that they're capable of far more than they imagined. Many don't make it through, and the organization compassionately counsels them, but those who finish carry the experience for life. The mentors are often alumni who returned to give back because people invested in them. How to Connect Website: Arizonaacademy.org Small & Gutsy Mission Small & Gutsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. The show elevates the visibility of small but mighty changemakers doing bold, passionate, and impactful work. Small & Gutsy has been ranked #8 on FeedSpot's Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts and #9 by Million Podcasts for Youth Empowerment episodes. Do you know a non-profit doing incredible work? If you know of a nonprofit or social enterprise making a real impact, nominate them to be featured on Small & Gutsy. Contact Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff at laura@smallandgutsy.org. Check out other episodes of Small & Gutsy at SmallAndGutsy.org.    

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms of Courage: Sora's Art Triumph at the Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-04-14-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 桜の花が満開の学校の庭は、色鮮やかで静かな空間でした。En: The schoolyard, with its cherry blossoms in full bloom, was a vibrant and serene space.Ja: 春の優しい風が時折花びらを舞い上げ、香りが辺り一面に漂っていました。En: The gentle spring breeze occasionally sent petals dancing into the air, and the fragrance wafted all around.Ja: この美しい場所で、学校文化祭の準備が着々と進められていました。En: In this beautiful place, preparations for the school cultural festival were steadily progressing.Ja: ソラは美術が得意で、内向的ですが創造力にあふれた生徒です。En: Sora was skilled in art, an introverted but creative student.Ja: 彼女は今年の文化祭で、自分の芸術的才能をみんなに見せたいと思っていました。En: She wanted to showcase her artistic talents to everyone at this year's cultural festival.Ja: しかし、彼女は自分の作品が受け入れられるかどうか不安でいっぱいでした。En: However, she was filled with anxiety about whether her work would be accepted.Ja: 「他のみんなはどう思うだろう？」と自問していました。En: She asked herself, "What will everyone else think?"Ja: ハルキはソラのクラスメートで、とてもカリスマ性があり人気者です。En: Haruki was Sora's classmate, a charismatic and popular student.Ja: 彼はいつもソラを励ましていました。En: He always encouraged Sora.Ja: 「ソラ、君の作品には君だけの特別な何かがあるよ。見せてごらん！」と彼は優しく言いました。En: "Your work has something special only you can offer. Let's see it!" he said gently.Ja: けれども、クラス代表のユキは準備のスケジュールで頭がいっぱいでした。En: However, the class representative, Yuki, was consumed with the preparation schedule.Ja: 彼女は「ソラの作品に割く時間はあまりないの。計画通りに進めないと大変よ」と心配していました。En: She worried, saying, "There's not much time to spare for Sora's work. We have to stick to the plan."Ja: それでもソラは挑戦することに決めました。En: Despite this, Sora decided to take on the challenge.Ja: 授業が終わった後、彼女は遅くまで残って作品作りに励みました。En: After classes ended, she stayed late to focus on creating her work.Ja: 同時に、彼女はユキの手伝いもして準備を進めました。En: At the same time, she also helped Yuki with the preparations.Ja: そして、文化祭の日がやって来ました。En: Then, the day of the cultural festival arrived.Ja: 桜の庭に飾られたソラのインスタレーションは、春のテーマにぴったりでした。En: Sora's installation, adorned in the cherry blossom garden, perfectly suited the spring theme.Ja: しかし、突如として降り始めた雨が彼女の作品を脅かしました。En: However, a sudden downpour threatened her work.Ja: あわてたソラのもとに駆け寄ったのはハルキとユキでした。En: Haruki and Yuki rushed to the distressed Sora's side.Ja: 「急げば間に合う！」とハルキが叫び、三人は協力して作品を室内へと運びました。En: "If we hurry, we'll make it!" Haruki shouted, and the three of them worked together to move the installation indoors.Ja: 室内に移されたインスタレーションは無事に展示され、観客たちはその美しさに感動しました。En: Once inside, Sora's installation was safely displayed, and the audience was moved by its beauty.Ja: 「すごいね、ソラ！」とみんなが言い、彼女はとても嬉しくなりました。En: "Amazing, Sora!" everyone said, and she felt very happy.Ja: この経験を通じて、ソラは自分に自信を持つことができました。En: Through this experience, Sora gained confidence in herself.Ja: また、仲間と共に働くことの大切さと、彼らを信頼することの重要性を学びました。En: She also learned the importance of working with her peers and the significance of trusting them.Ja: 彼女の心には、満開の桜のような新しい強さが芽生えていました。En: Within her heart, a new strength blossomed, like the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Vocabulary Words:bloom: 満開vibrant: 色鮮やかserene: 静かなgentle: 優しいbreeze: 風wafted: 漂ってart: 美術introverted: 内向的creative: 創造力にあふれたanxiety: 不安charismatic: カリスマ性encouraged: 励ましてrepresentative: 代表consumed: 頭がいっぱいpreparation: 準備challenge: 挑戦installation: インスタレーションadorned: 飾られたsudden: 突如としてdownpour: 雨distressed: あわてたindoors: 室内audience: 観客confidence: 自信significance: 重要性trusting: 信頼するblossomed: 芽生えてfragrance: 香りfocus: 励みthreatened: 脅かしました

Carlecia Bell, Executive Director of Phenomenal She shares the inspiring story of how Phenomenal She was born from a simple birthday club among friends and has grown into a transformative mentorship program serving young women of color ages 12–24 in the Federal Way and Des Moines areas of Washington state. Learn how Phenomenal She is, interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline through mentorship, life skills training, academic support, and mental health counseling. Key Topics Covered: **The Origin Story** - How Phenomenal She started as an informal "birthday club" among women celebrating each other - The inspiration from Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman" - Building the organization with multiple co-founders who remain engaged on the board **Program Structure & Offerings** - Age range: 12–24, with programming focused on middle and high school girls - Multiple entry points: clubs (art, dance, STEM, cosmetology, entrepreneurship) that don't require prior commitment - Core mentee programming includes: - "Being a Better Me" group sessions with a licensed therapist (addressing self-esteem, confidence, and generational trauma) - STEM engagement and academic assistance with tutoring - Life skills and development curriculum (vision boards, financial literacy, banking basics, sisterhood, health and wellness) - Summer STEAM program: 6-week intensive with coding, aviation, dance, art, culinary arts, and farm-to-table experiences; $1,000 stipend upon completion - Outdoor adventure club (monthly) in partnership with Game of Life Mentoring and YETI **Recruitment & Access** - Referrals from probation counselors (diversion programs), school resource officers, parents, and community events - Visible community presence through tabling at school lunches and dance team performances - Free programming with food and transportation provided for Federal Way mentees - No barriers to entry—girls can join clubs before committing to full mentorship **Mentor Matching & Mentee Journey** - Intentional matching process using surveys from youth and parents/guardians - Initial meeting with mentor, parent/guardian, and youth to establish boundaries - Long-term relationships: mentors stay engaged with girls through high school and often into adulthood - Alumni return as instructors, dance coaches, and leadership volunteers **Cultural Competence & Safe Space** - Deliberate curation of instructors who are culturally relevant and can relate to girls' lived experiences - Parents are not permitted in programming—creating a dedicated youth-only space - Response to the lack of representation in schools and the misunderstanding of young women of color - Emphasis on trust-building with both youth and families **Leadership Pipeline** - Alumni brought back as instructors and art coaches - Internship opportunities (paid when funding allows) - Volunteer opportunities at six community outreach events annually **Board & Organizational Strength** - Diverse board makeup: licensed therapist, attorney, accountant/bookkeeper, entrepreneurs - Every board member also runs their own business, modeling entrepreneurship for girls - Entrepreneurship club reflects this value **Expansion & Vision** - Dream project: a dedicated clubhouse similar to the Boys and Girls Club or YMCA - Desire to expand to other locations (co-founders from Louisiana, Philadelphia, and other states report demand from their home communities) - Digital campaign: "Fuel Her Fire, Fund Her Future" focused on investing in young women with passion and potential **Current Initiatives** - Partnership with King County's Best Starts for Kids grant - Expanding into Highline School District (Des Moines, Washington) - Three times per week engagement with young women in programming - Focus on interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline --- Notable Quotes: *"They're brilliant. And sometimes just the lack of resources holds them back. And so we're able to be that connecting piece."* —Carlecia Bell *"The ability to be ourselves unapologetically and then also letting our girls know to do the same in spaces that they occupy. So not being afraid to have a voice regardless of what people think."* —Carlecia Bell *"In order to be a mentor and an effective one, one must care. You must care."* —Maya Angelou (quoted by Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff) Resources & Links: **Phenomenal She** - Website: www.phenomenalshe.org - Instagram: @phenomenal_she_ - Facebook: @PHENOMENALSHEISALWAYS - Digital Campaign: "Fuel Her Fire, Fund Her Future" **Small & Gutsy Podcast** - Website: SmallandGutsy.org - Rankings: #8 on FeedSpot's Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts; #3 and #9 by Million Podcasts for Top 30 Volunteer Podcasts and Youth Empowerment episodes - Contact: laura@smallandgutsy.org About the Host & Guest: **Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff** is the founder and host of Small & Gutsy, a podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. She is passionate about elevating the visibility of small but mighty changemakers. **Carlecia Bell** is a native of Monroe, Louisiana, and a financial and relationship management expert with 13+ years of leadership experience at a Fortune 500 financial services company. She is inspired by her husband, Winston Bell, who has dedicated 25 years to community service. Carlecia co-founded Phenomenal She to address the lack of mentoring programs available to young women of color in the Federal Way area.    

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: Unlocking Potential: A Forbidden Museum Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sr/episode/2026-04-05-07-38-19-sr Story Transcript:Sr: Топло пролећно сунце сијало је на улицама Београда.En: The warm spring sun shone on the streets of Beograd.Sr: Група ученика из школе "Свети Сава" упутила се у Музеј науке.En: A group of students from the school "Sveti Sava" headed to the Museum of Science.Sr: Међу њима је био и Милош, радознао и одважан дечак, који је сањао да освоји локално научно такмичење.En: Among them was Milos, a curious and bold boy who dreamed of winning the local science competition.Sr: Поред њега је корачала Јелена, која је у себи носила огромно знање, али је због притиска вршњака крила своју памет.En: Walking beside him was Jelena, who carried immense knowledge within herself but hid her intelligence due to peer pressure.Sr: У музеју је владала живахна атмосфера.En: The museum had a lively atmosphere.Sr: Ученици су се смејали и радознало гледали све што их окружује.En: The students laughed and curiously looked at everything around them.Sr: Изложбе у музеју биле су интерактивне, пуне тајновитих сенки и еха узбуђених гласова.En: The exhibits in the museum were interactive, full of mysterious shadows and echoes of excited voices.Sr: Милош је, са својом страшћу за науком, водио Јелену до једне посебне изложбе.En: With his passion for science, Milos led Jelena to one special exhibit.Sr: "Хајде, морамо видети ту нову поставку", шапнуо је он Јелени.En: "Come on, we have to see that new exhibit," he whispered to Jelena.Sr: "Чуо сам да су је тек поставили, биће савршено за мој пројекат!En: "I heard they just set it up, it'll be perfect for my project!"Sr: "Јелена је оклевала.En: Jelena hesitated.Sr: "Али не смемо тамо," рекла је тихо, "пише да је приступ забрањен.En: "But we're not allowed there," she said quietly, "it says access is forbidden."Sr: "Милош је убедио, а она је, иако невољно, пристала.En: Milos convinced her, and she, though reluctantly, agreed.Sr: Док су се ушуњали у забрањено подручје, срце јој је брже куцало.En: As they snuck into the forbidden area, her heart beat faster.Sr: Унутра је све било мирно, са светлима која су мистично осветљавала просторије.En: Inside, everything was calm, with lights mysteriously illuminating the rooms.Sr: Одједном, Милош је загазио на нешто, и звучни аларм се огласио.En: Suddenly, Milos stepped on something, and a sound alarm went off.Sr: Срце им се стегло од страха.En: Their hearts tightened with fear.Sr: Јелена је знала да мора нешто учинити.En: Jelena knew she had to do something.Sr: "Пусти ме, знам шта да радим", рекла је одлучно.En: "Let me, I know what to do," she said decisively.Sr: Брзо је отишла до контролне табле.En: She quickly went to the control panel.Sr: Сетила се шта је учила о електроници и успела је да искључи аларм.En: She remembered what she had learned about electronics and managed to deactivate the alarm.Sr: Осећала се преплављено адреналином, али и поносом на своје знање.En: She felt overwhelmed with adrenaline but also proud of her knowledge.Sr: Таман кад су мислили да ће бити ухваћени, појавио се учитељ.En: Just when they thought they would be caught, a teacher appeared.Sr: Након што је чуо шта се догодило, погледао је Јелену с поштовањем.En: After hearing what had happened, he looked at Jelena with respect.Sr: "Време је да прихватиш ко си, Јелена.En: "It's time to accept who you are, Jelena.Sr: Време је да покажеш шта знаш", рекао је топло.En: It's time to show what you know," he said warmly.Sr: Милош је приликом повратка у групу пронашао инспирацију за свој научни пројекат.En: On the way back to the group, Milos found inspiration for his science project.Sr: Одлучио је да направи уређај за откривање скривених објеката, инспирисан тиме како је аларм био сакривен.En: He decided to create a device to detect hidden objects, inspired by how the alarm was hidden.Sr: Јелена се осећала слободније и почела је да цени своју интелигенцију, схватајући да је прихваћена онаква каква јесте.En: Jelena felt freer and started to appreciate her intelligence, realizing that she was accepted as she was.Sr: Док су се враћали у школу, ветар је благо миловао цвеће и све је мирисало на нови почетак.En: As they returned to the school, the wind gently caressed the flowers, and everything smelled like a new beginning.Sr: Јелена и Милош осетили су да се у њима догодио важан помак.En: Jelena and Milos felt that an important change had occurred within them.Sr: Пролеће их је позивало на нове авантуре, а они су били спремни, уверени у себе и једно у друго.En: Spring was calling them to new adventures, and they were ready, confident in themselves and in each other. Vocabulary Words:curious: радознаоbold: одважанimmense: огромноpeer pressure: притисак вршњакаlively: живахнаinteractive: интерактивнеexhibit: изложбаforbidden: забрањенreluctantly: невољноheartbeat: срце куцалоmysteriously: мистичноilluminating: осветљавалаalarm: алармcontrol panel: контролна таблаdeactivate: искључиadrenaline: адреналинdecisively: одлучноrespect: поштовањеinspiration: инспирацијаdetect: откривањеhidden: сакривенcaressed: миловаоsmelled: мирисалоnew beginning: нови почетакadventure: авантураconfident: уверениknowledge: знањеappreciate: цениaccept: прихватиimportant change: важан помак

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Igniting Democracy: A School Trip to the Heart of Voting Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-04-04-22-34-01-no Story Transcript:No: Solen skinte varmt gjennom de store vinduene i folkehallen, hvor stemmelokalets summing var som en energisk melodi.En: The sun shone warmly through the large windows of the community hall, where the hum of the polling station was like an energetic melody.No: Bordene var fulle av stemmesedler og brosjyrer, klare for de mange som strømmet inn for å bruke sin stemme i demokratiets navn.En: The tables were full of ballots and brochures, ready for the many who streamed in to cast their votes in the name of democracy.No: Midt i denne livlige settingen sto Sigrid, en engasjert lærer med en gruppe forventningsfulle elever.En: In the midst of this lively setting stood Sigrid, an enthusiastic teacher with a group of eager students.No: Blant dem var tolvåringen Kjell, alltid nysgjerrig, alltid med et glimt av undring i øynene.En: Among them was twelve-year-old Kjell, always curious, always with a spark of wonder in his eyes.No: Sigrid visste at dette var en gyllen mulighet til å lære elevene om viktigheten av å delta i demokratiet.En: Sigrid knew that this was a golden opportunity to teach the students about the importance of participating in democracy.No: Hun ønsket å tenne en gnist hos dem for civine verv og ansvar.En: She wished to ignite a spark in them for civic engagement and responsibility.No: Kjell, på sin side, var spent.En: Kjell, for his part, was excited.No: Han hadde bestemt seg for å spørre et spørsmål som skulle imponere både læreren og klassekameratene.En: He had decided to ask a question that would impress both the teacher and his classmates.No: Mens stemmelokalets virvar truet med å dra kjell og de andre elevene bort fra lærdom, slet Sigrid med å holde dem fokusert.En: While the bustling activity of the polling station threatened to draw Kjell and the other students away from learning, Sigrid struggled to keep them focused.No: Hun talte med en stemme fylt av både autoritet og omsorg: “La oss holde sammen.En: She spoke with a voice filled with both authority and care: “Let us stick together.No: Det vi ser her, er viktig.En: What we see here is important.No: Tenk på alle som har kjempet for retten til å stemme.En: Think of all those who have fought for the right to vote.No: Det er ikke noe vi skal ta for gitt.”En: It is not something we should take for granted.”No: Men noen av elevene slet likevel.En: But some of the students still struggled.No: Dunkelyder fra åpne og lukkede dører, summingen av stemmer, alt dette var som et hav av distraksjoner.En: The thumping sounds from opening and closing doors, the buzzing of voices, all of this was like a sea of distractions.No: Kjell følte også hvordan oppmerksomheten hans ble trukket i flere retninger.En: Kjell also felt how his attention was being pulled in several directions.No: Sigrid fikk en idé.En: Sigrid got an idea.No: “Vi skal ha en skikkelig avstemning!” smilte hun lurt.En: “We shall have a real election!” she smiled slyly.No: “Vi skal lage vår egen valg.En: “We will create our own election.No: Det vil gi dere en følelse av hvordan prosessen fungerer.”En: This will give you a sense of how the process works.”No: Elevene samlet seg rundt Sigrid, som delte ut papirer de skulle bruke som stemmesedler.En: The students gathered around Sigrid, who handed out papers they were to use as ballots.No: Det tok ikke lang tid før latter og små diskusjoner fylte luften.En: It didn't take long before laughter and small discussions filled the air.No: Kjell kjente en sitring av spenning.En: Kjell felt a tingle of excitement.No: Dette hadde vekket noe i ham.En: This had awakened something in him.No: Da valget deres nærmet seg slutten, så han sin sjanse.En: As their election drew to a close, he saw his chance.No: “Sigrid,” startet han, stemmen hans klar og tydelig, “hvorfor tror du noen velger å ikke stemme, selv når det er så viktig?”En: “Sigrid,” he started, his voice clear and loud, “why do you think some people choose not to vote, even when it's so important?”No: Spørsmålet hans fikk kaoset til stille litt.En: His question quieted the chaos a little.No: Sigrid smilte stolt til Kjell.En: Sigrid smiled proudly at Kjell.No: “Det er et utmerket spørsmål, Kjell.En: “That's an excellent question, Kjell.No: Noen ganger kan det være fordi folk føler at deres stemme ikke teller, eller kanskje de ikke har tillit til at deres valg vil gjøre en forskjell.En: Sometimes it can be because people feel that their vote doesn't count, or maybe they don't trust that their choice will make a difference.No: Det er derfor det er så viktig å snakke om dette, å gjøre folk klar over hvor mektig hver stemme egentlig er.”En: That's why it's so important to talk about this, to make people aware of how powerful each vote really is.”No: En heftig diskusjon startet blant elevene, og Sigrid ledet dem gjennom de mange aspektene av valgprosessen, fra betydningen av valgkampanjer til utfordringene ved lav valgdeltakelse.En: A heated discussion began among the students, and Sigrid guided them through the many aspects of the election process, from the significance of election campaigns to the challenges of low voter turnout.No: Når besøket deres ved stemmelokalet nærmet seg slutten, virket elevene mer engasjerte enn noen gang.En: As their visit to the polling station neared its end, the students seemed more engaged than ever.No: De hadde lært ting de aldri ville glemt.En: They had learned things they would never forget.No: Kjell kjente en nyvunnet tillit til å stille spørsmål og dele tankene sine, noe som varmet læreren hans om hjertet.En: Kjell felt a newfound confidence to ask questions and share his thoughts, something that warmed his teacher's heart.No: Sigrid følte at hun hadde gjennomført noe viktig.En: Sigrid felt that she had accomplished something important.No: På veien tilbake til skolen, mens solens stråler fortsatt omfavnet dem, visste hun at dagen hadde vært en suksess.En: On the way back to school, while the sun's rays still embraced them, she knew the day had been a success.No: Noen av hennes elever kunne en dag stå ved de samme bordene, klare til å bringe endring med sin egen stemme i hånden.En: Some of her students might one day stand at the same tables, ready to bring about change with their own vote in hand.No: Dette var begynnelsen på noe større.En: This was the beginning of something greater. Vocabulary Words:shone: skintehum: summingenergetic: energiskstreamed: strømmetlively: livligeenthusiastic: engasjerteager: forventningsfullespark: glimtwonder: undringignite: tennecivic: civineengagement: vervresponsibility: ansvarbustling: virvarauthority: autoritetstruggled: sletgranted: gittdistractions: distraksjonerslyly: lurtballots: stemmesedlertingle: sitringawakened: vekketchaos: kaostrust: tillitheated: heftigvoter turnout: valgdeltakelseengaged: engasjerteconfidence: tillitguided: ledetsignificance: betydningen

Fluent Fiction - French: Émilie Shines: Triumph in the School Election Showdown Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-04-04-22-34-01-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Les rayons du soleil de printemps traversaient les fenêtres de la salle de sport du lycée, éclairant les affiches colorées accrochées sur les murs.En: The rays of the spring sun were streaming through the windows of the high school gymnasium, illuminating the colorful posters hanging on the walls.Fr: Les élèves étaient rassemblés pour les élections du conseil des élèves, une tradition importante.En: The students were gathered for the student council elections, an important tradition.Fr: Les rires et les discussions remplissaient l'air, parfumé par des fleurs de printemps.En: Laughter and discussions filled the air, scented by the spring flowers.Fr: Émilie, une élève aimée de tous mais remplie de doutes, observait la scène.En: Émilie, a student loved by everyone but full of doubts, observed the scene.Fr: À ses côtés, Luc, son meilleur ami, et Chantal, sa camarade confiante sur la liste électorale.En: Beside her were Luc, her best friend, and Chantal, her confident classmate on the electoral list.Fr: Ensemble, ils formaient une équipe pour l'élection du président du conseil étudiant.En: Together, they formed a team for the election of the student council president.Fr: Émilie voulait prouver qu'elle pouvait être une bonne leader.En: Émilie wanted to prove that she could be a good leader.Fr: Mais elle avait peur de parler en public et était angoissée par la concurrence.En: But she was afraid of speaking in public and was anxious about the competition.Fr: Elle savait qu'un autre candidat, très populaire, avait de nombreuses chances de gagner.En: She knew another candidate, very popular, had a strong chance of winning.Fr: Luc, toujours à ses côtés pour la soutenir, lui dit : "Émilie, tu as travaillé dur.En: Luc, always by her side to support her, said, "Émilie, you have worked hard.Fr: Tu peux y arriver.En: You can do it."Fr: " Chantal ajouta : "Nous croyons en toi, utilise ta voix.En: Chantal added, "We believe in you, use your voice."Fr: "Le moment du discours arriva.En: The moment for the speech arrived.Fr: La salle se tut lentement, laissant place à la tension du moment.En: The room slowly quieted down, leaving space for the tension of the moment.Fr: Émilie devait décider.En: Émilie had to decide.Fr: Devait-elle laisser Chantal parler pour elle ?En: Should she let Chantal speak for her?Fr: Ou devait-elle affronter ses peurs ?En: Or should she face her fears?Fr: Avec un profond soupir, Émilie prit le micro de ses mains tremblantes.En: With a deep sigh, Émilie took the microphone from her trembling hands.Fr: Elle regarda la mer d'élèves devant elle.En: She looked at the sea of students before her.Fr: Une vague de courage monta en elle.En: A wave of courage rose in her.Fr: Elle commença à parler.En: She began to speak.Fr: "Chers amis," dit-elle d'une voix d'abord hésitante, qui se raffermit progressivement.En: "Dear friends," she said with a voice initially hesitant, which gradually firmed up.Fr: Elle partagea sa vision pour l'école, ses idées pour améliorer la vie des élèves.En: She shared her vision for the school, her ideas for improving student life.Fr: Elle parla avec passion et sincérité.En: She spoke with passion and sincerity.Fr: Sa crainte fondit peu à peu, remplacée par la détermination.En: Her fear slowly melted away, replaced by determination.Fr: L'assemblée écoutait en silence.En: The audience listened in silence.Fr: Quelques murmures d'approbation parcoururent la foule.En: A few murmurs of approval spread through the crowd.Fr: Quand elle termina, Émilie reçut un tonnerre d'applaudissements.En: When she finished, Émilie received thunderous applause.Fr: Luc et Chantal la rejoignirent sur scène.En: Luc and Chantal joined her on stage.Fr: Les votes furent comptés.En: The votes were counted.Fr: Le directeur annonça : "La présidente élue est.En: The principal announced, "The elected president is...Fr: Émilie !En: Émilie!"Fr: " Émilie, surprise et émue, embrassa Luc et Chantal.En: Surprised and moved, Émilie hugged Luc and Chantal.Fr: Ils l'entourèrent chaleureusement.En: They warmly surrounded her.Fr: Elle s'était prouvée qu'elle pouvait être leader.En: She had proven to herself that she could be a leader.Fr: Elle avait surmonté sa peur et gagné une nouvelle confiance.En: She had overcome her fear and gained new confidence.Fr: Le printemps avait apporté un nouveau départ pour elle et son école.En: Spring had brought a new beginning for her and her school.Fr: Les clochettes de Pâques résonnaient au loin, célébrant cette victoire et ce renouveau.En: The Easter bells rang in the distance, celebrating this victory and renewal.Fr: C'était un jour qu'Émilie n'oublierait jamais.En: It was a day that Émilie would never forget. Vocabulary Words:the rays: les rayonsthe gymnasium: la salle de sportto gather: se rassemblerthe council: le conseilthe tradition: la traditionlaughter: les riresto observe: observerthe best friend: le meilleur amiconfident: confiantthe electoral list: la liste électoraleto prove: prouverto speak: parleranxious: angoisséthe competition: la concurrenceto support: soutenirthe voice: la voixthe speech: le discoursto decide: déciderto face: affronterto tremble: tremblerthe sea: la mersincerity: la sincéritéthe assembly: l'assembléeapproval: l'approbationthe crowd: la foulethe thunderous applause: un tonnerre d'applaudissementsmoved: émuto hug: embrasserto overcome: surmonterconfidence: la confiance

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Daring to Stand Out: Finding Confidence Before the Dance Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-03-26-22-34-01-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De lentezon scheen fel door de ramen van het klaslokaal.En: The spring sun shone brightly through the classroom windows.Nl: De school bruist van de geroezemoes van leerlingen die enthousiast praten over het aankomende schoolbal.En: The school buzzed with the chatter of students eagerly talking about the upcoming school dance.Nl: In de gangen hingen posters met glinsterende sterren en feestelijke kleuren.En: Posters with shimmering stars and festive colors hung in the hallways.Nl: Iedereen leek het erover eens: dit jaar zou het bal spectaculair zijn.En: Everyone seemed to agree: this year's dance would be spectacular.Nl: Maarten zat stil in de kantine, verdiept in gedachten.En: Maarten sat quietly in the cafeteria, lost in thought.Nl: Hij wilde indruk maken op het bal, vooral op zijn geheime liefde.En: He wanted to make an impression at the dance, especially on his secret love.Nl: Maar hij was niet zeker van zijn outfit.En: But he was unsure about his outfit.Nl: Tegenover hem zat Saskia, zijn beste vriendin.En: Across from him sat Saskia, his best friend.Nl: Ze genoot al weken van het plannen van hun winkeltrip.En: She had been enjoying planning their shopping trip for weeks.Nl: Ze had een glimlach van oor tot oor.En: She had a grin from ear to ear.Nl: "Maarten, we moeten later naar het winkelcentrum.En: "Maarten, we need to go to the mall later.Nl: Je moet iets speciaals vinden!"En: You have to find something special!"Nl: Maarten trok een mondhoek omhoog in een nerveuze glimlach.En: Maarten raised a corner of his mouth in a nervous smile.Nl: "Ja, ik weet het, maar... wat als het niet goed genoeg is?"En: "Yeah, I know, but... what if it's not good enough?"Nl: Saskia klopte bemoedigend op zijn arm.En: Saskia patted his arm encouragingly.Nl: "Maak je geen zorgen.En: "Don't worry.Nl: We vinden wel iets dat perfect bij je past."En: We'll find something that fits you perfectly."Nl: Ze vertrokken na school naar het nabijgelegen winkelcentrum.En: They left for the nearby mall after school.Nl: Het was druk met studenten die allemaal op zoek waren naar de perfecte outfit voor de lente en het bal.En: It was bustling with students all searching for the perfect outfit for spring and the dance.Nl: Saskia leidde Maarten naar een trendy winkel.En: Saskia led Maarten to a trendy store.Nl: Overal waren mannequins in kleurrijke kleding.En: Mannequins in colorful clothing were everywhere.Nl: Saskia plukte meteen een paar opvallende hemden en jassen van de rekken.En: Saskia immediately picked a few eye-catching shirts and jackets from the racks.Nl: "Probeer deze eens!En: "Try these on!Nl: Ze zijn anders, maar misschien zijn ze precies wat je nodig hebt om op te vallen."En: They're different, but maybe they're just what you need to stand out."Nl: Maarten keek aarzelend naar de felle kleuren en patronen.En: Maarten looked hesitantly at the bright colors and patterns.Nl: "Denk je echt dat dit de juiste keuze is?"En: "Do you really think this is the right choice?"Nl: Op dat moment kwam Jeroen voorbij, omringd door vrienden.En: At that moment, Jeroen passed by, surrounded by friends.Nl: Hij stopte even en glimlachte naar Maarten.En: He paused and smiled at Maarten.Nl: "Hé Maarten, gaaf dat je meedoet aan de modeshow!En: "Hey Maarten, cool that you're joining the fashion show!Nl: Ik wed dat je er fantastisch uitziet, wat je ook kiest."En: I bet you'll look fantastic, whatever you choose."Nl: Maarten bloosde, maar voelde ook een sprankje vertrouwen in zich opkomen.En: Maarten blushed but also felt a spark of confidence arise within him.Nl: Met hernieuwde moed liep hij naar de paskamers.En: With renewed courage, he walked to the fitting rooms.Nl: Hij probeerde een ensemble dat volstrekt anders was dan wat hij normaal droeg; een opvallend jasje, een lichtblauw overhemd en een slim-fit broek.En: He tried on an ensemble that was completely different from what he normally wore; a striking jacket, a light blue shirt, and slim-fit pants.Nl: Toen hij naar buiten stapte, was Saskia's reactie direct en luid.En: When he stepped outside, Saskia's reaction was immediate and loud.Nl: "Wauw, Maarten!En: "Wow, Maarten!Nl: Dat staat je echt goed!"En: That looks really good on you!"Nl: Een paar andere voorbijgangers keken ook op en gaven hem complimentjes.En: A few other passersby also glanced and gave him compliments.Nl: Zelfs Jeroen, die verderop stond te praten, knikte goedkeurend.En: Even Jeroen, who was chatting further away, nodded approvingly.Nl: Dat ene moment van lof voelde als een golf van vertrouwen door Maarten.En: That one moment of praise felt like a wave of confidence through Maarten.Nl: Hij besloot dat deze kledingkeuze hem werkelijk vertegenwoordigde, zonder concessies.En: He decided that this clothing choice truly represented him, without compromise.Nl: "Ik denk… ik denk dat ik deze neem," zei hij tegen Saskia met een lach die opgelucht en vastberaden was.En: "I think… I think I'll take this," he said to Saskia with a smile that was relieved and determined.Nl: De dagen naar het bal toe, liep Maarten met rechte schouders en een nieuwe blik op zichzelf.En: In the days leading up to the dance, Maarten walked with straight shoulders and a new outlook on himself.Nl: Hij had geleerd dat het niet ging om wat anderen dachten, maar om hoe hij zichzelf presenteerde en voelde.En: He had learned that it wasn't about what others thought, but about how he presented and felt about himself.Nl: En zo, op de avond van het schoolbal, stapte Maarten de versierde gymzaal binnen, vol vertrouwen en met een oprechte glimlach.En: And so, on the evening of the school dance, Maarten stepped into the decorated gymnasium, full of confidence and with a genuine smile.Nl: Het was geen verschil in kleding, maar een verandering in zijn houding die opviel.En: It wasn't the change in clothing, but a change in his attitude that was noticeable.Nl: En dat maakte alle verschil in de wereld.En: And that made all the difference in the world. Vocabulary Words:buzzed: bruistchatter: geroezemoesfestive: feestelijkespectacular: spectaculairimpression: indrukunsure: niet zekermall: winkelcentrumbustling: druktrendy: trendymannequins: mannequinseye-catching: opvallendehesitantly: aarzelendpatterns: patronenspark: sprankjeconfidence: vertrouwenarise: opkomenfitting rooms: paskamersensemble: ensemblestriking: opvallendslim-fit: slim-fitcompliments: complimentjespraise: lofwave: golfcompromise: concessiesdetermined: vastberadenoutlook: blikgenuine: oprechteattitude: houdingnoticeable: opvaltdifference: verschil

Fluent Fiction - Hindi: Colorful Confidence: Ruhi's Holi Festival Triumph Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hi/episode/2026-03-26-07-38-20-hi Story Transcript:Hi: रंग-बिरंगे फूलों से सजी हुई हाई स्कूल की गलियाँ, छात्रों की चीखती-चिल्लाती आवाजों से गूंज रही थीं।En: The hallways of the high school decorated with colorful flowers were echoing with the shouting and screaming voices of the students.Hi: चारों तरफ होली की तैयारी का जोश और उमंग फैली हुई थी।En: There was an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm for Holi preparations all around.Hi: इसी बीच एक कोने में खड़ी थी रूही, उसकी आँखों में ढेर सारी योजनाएँ और उम्मीदें।En: Amidst this, standing in a corner was Ruhi, with a multitude of plans and hopes in her eyes.Hi: रूही अपने स्कूल के सांस्कृतिक दिवस पर सबसे अलग दिखना चाहती थी।En: Ruhi wanted to stand out from everyone else at her school's cultural day.Hi: उसके हाथ में स्कूल के सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम के लिए एक सूची थी, जिसमें उसके होली-थीम वाले प्रेजेंटेशन के लिए कपड़े और सजावट का सामान शामिल था।En: In her hand was a list for the school's cultural program that included clothes and decorations for her Holi-themed presentation.Hi: उसके साथ था उसका सबसे अच्छा दोस्त, करण, जो उसका समर्थन करता था लेकिन ध्यान में आने से थोड़ा डरता था।En: With her was her best friend, Karan, who supported her but was a bit scared of coming into the spotlight.Hi: रूही और करण ने तय किया कि वे बाजार जाकर सबसे अच्छे सामान की खरीदारी करेंगे।En: Ruhi and Karan decided that they would go to the market to shop for the best items.Hi: बाजार में मेला लगा हुआ था।En: The market was like a fair.Hi: चारों तरफ रंगीन पाउडर, सुंदर सिल्क साड़ियाँ और होली के रंगों से सजी गई ध्वजाएँ लटक रही थीं।En: All around were colorful powders, beautiful silk sarees, and flags decorated with Holi colors were hanging.Hi: एक स्टॉल पर खड़ी मिठाइयाँ और दूसरी ओर चर्चे चल रहे थे कि इस बार का होली समारोह सबसे शानदार होगा।En: On one stall, sweets were kept, and there were discussions on the other side about how this year's Holi festival would be the most spectacular.Hi: रूही का मन भटक रहा था।En: Ruhi's mind was wandering.Hi: वह चाहती थी कि उसके पास एक सुंदर ड्रेस हो और साथ ही रंगीन पाउडर भी जो उसके प्रेजेंटेशन को जीवंत बनाएंगे।En: She wanted to have a beautiful dress and also colorful powders that would make her presentation come to life.Hi: लेकिन उसे अपने बजट की भी चिंता थी।En: But she was also worried about her budget.Hi: करण ने सहानुभूतिपूर्वक उसे देखा और बोला, "रूही, हम दोनों अपने संसाधन साझा करें। मैं भी अपनी कुछ बचत खर्च कर सकता हूँ।"En: Karan looked at her sympathetically and said, "Ruhi, let's share our resources. I can also spend some of my savings."Hi: यह सुनकर रूही को लगा जैसे उसकी परेशानी थोड़ी कम हो गई हो।En: Hearing this, Ruhi felt as if her worries had slightly lessened.Hi: करण के विचार ने उसे नया रास्ता दिया।En: Karan's idea gave her a new direction.Hi: उसने और करण ने मिलकर योजना बनाई। वे दोनों ने रंग-बिरंगे कपड़े और होली के शानदार रंग खरीदे।En: Together they planned, and they bought colorful clothes and spectacular Holi colors.Hi: सांस्कृतिक दिवस का दिन आ गया।En: The day of the cultural event arrived.Hi: स्कूल के मंच पर हर तरफ रंगों की बौछार थी।En: The stage at the school was showered with colors everywhere.Hi: रूही ने अपनी रंगों से भरी प्रस्तुति दिखाई।En: Ruhi displayed her presentation filled with colors.Hi: उसने रंगों को संगीत के साथ मिलाकर एक नई कहानी बनाई।En: She created a new story by combining the colors with music.Hi: सभी दर्शक मंत्रमुग्ध हो गए।En: All the audience was spellbound.Hi: सबसे बड़ी बात यह थी कि मीरा भी मुस्कुरा रही थी और तारीफ कर रही थी।En: The greatest thing was that Meera was also smiling and praising.Hi: रूही को समझ में आ गया कि मिल-जुलकर काम करने में कितनी ताकत होती है।En: Ruhi realized how powerful it is to work together.Hi: उसने सीखा कि उसकी अपनी शैली और प्रतिभा में कितना आत्मविश्वास होना चाहिए।En: She learned how much confidence she should have in her own style and talent.Hi: अब वह जानती थी कि वह चमक सकती है, बस उसे खुद पर विश्वास रखना होगा।En: Now she knew that she could shine, she just needed to believe in herself.Hi: इस तरह, रंगों के इस त्योहार में रूही ने न केवल एक सफल प्रस्तुति दी, बल्कि खुद में एक नई प्रतिभा और आत्मविश्वास को भी खोज लिया।En: In this way, during this festival of colors, Ruhi not only gave a successful presentation but also discovered a new talent and confidence within herself. Vocabulary Words:echoing: गूंज रहीscreaming: चीखती-चिल्लातीenthusiasm: उमंगmultitude: ढेर सारीspotlight: ध्यान में आनेspectacular: शानदारwandering: भटक रहाsympathetically: सहानुभूतिपूर्वकbudget: बजटsavings: बचतresources: संसाधनshowered: बौछारpresentation: प्रस्तुतिspellbound: मंत्रमुग्धpraised: तारीफconfidence: आत्मविश्वासmarket: बाजारstall: स्टॉलfabulous: शानदारwandering: भटक रहाplan: योजनाcorner: कोनेcultural: सांस्कृतिकsupports: समर्थनfair: मेलाflag: ध्वजाएँaudience: दर्शकdiscussion: चर्चेtalent: प्रतिभाresources: संसाधन

Member of Parliament for the Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Elikplim Akurugu, has highlighted her achievements after completing her first year in office, focusing on initiatives in youth empowerment, education, and infrastructure

HealthCare UnTold is excited to release our new podcast episode today in collaboration with PODCASTHON.ORG — a global charity event mobilizing thousands of podcasts to support an incredible range of nonprofit organizations. For this year's event, we are proud to uplift and support Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA) in Watsonville CA by highlighting the inspiring work of Luz Sotelo. Luz Sotelo is a dedicated youth advocate serving as Youth Program Manager at Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance in Watsonville.CA. These are challenging times for our communities and for the organizations that stand beside us. You can make a meaningful difference by supporting groups like PVPSA.org through your generous donations. Together, we help ensure that youth and families continue receiving the vital support they deserve. Please donate to: PVPSA.org #PVPSA.org #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityWellness #PreventionMatters #PodcastForGood

In this episode, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Shilpa Alva, Founder of Surge for Water, to discuss how a childhood moment of witnessing inequality in Mumbai sparked a lifelong mission to bring clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions to underserved communities worldwide. Shilpa shares her journey from the corporate world to founding an organization that operates on a revolutionary model: women-led, community-owned development that breaks the cycle of poverty. Through candid conversation, she reveals how listening to communities—truly listening—transforms the effectiveness of international aid work. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED The Power of Childhood Witnessing How Shilpa's observations as a seven-year-old in Mumbai planted the seeds for her life's work The difference between recognizing privilege and understanding injustice From Corporate to Calling Shilpa's journey climbing the corporate ladder while feeling unfulfilled How she heard her inner voice calling her back to purpose Why she took six years to transition from corporate work to full-time nonprofit leadership The Education-Water Connection Why 120 of 150 students didn't show up to school in rural India How water scarcity directly impacts educational access The health consequences of unsafe water on children's ability to learn Learning From Mentorship in Haiti The transformative lessons from living with a local partner organization leader The cautionary tale of millions spent on beautiful houses with no infrastructure How "staying with locals, listening, and learning" became the foundation of Surge's model Surge for Water's Women-Led, Community-Owned Model What makes Surge different from traditional international aid organizations The three core values: Equity, Respect, and Stewardship Why community ownership isn't just ethical—it's essential for sustainability Water Plus: A Comprehensive Approach Water access goes beyond wells—it includes sanitation and hygiene How Surge teaches communities to make their own soap, creating women-run enterprises The critical role of menstrual health education in girls' empowerment and school attendance Geographic Strategy and Intentional Depth Why Surge reduced from 12 countries to 3 (Uganda, Haiti, Indonesia) Working in remote, rural areas where other NGOs don't operate Building partnerships with local government and community-based organizations Cultural Humility and Gender Dynamics Navigating patriarchal societies without imposing Western values How Shilpa meets women in kitchens and under mango trees—safe spaces for real conversation Respecting cultural context while amplifying women's voices The difference between cultural respect and tolerance for harm Partnership Over Colonialism Why Surge works through local partners, not directly with governments How trust-building with community leaders comes before government engagement The importance of pilots and data alongside relationship-building Recent Evolution and Future Vision The exciting new model of supporting smaller women-led organizations to scale How Surge is thinking about creating a "feeder system" of partners The expansion happening in Uganda this week ABOUT SURGE FOR WATER Surge for Water is a movement led by women and owned by communities. The organization delivers safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions through an investment in women-led, community-owned models that create lasting change and break the cycle of poverty. Currently operating in Uganda, Haiti, and Indonesia, Surge works in remote, rural communities—often described as "forgotten lands"—where other international NGOs don't operate. Their comprehensive Water Plus approach addresses not just water access but the interconnected challenges of sanitation, hygiene education, and menstrual health. Surge for Water is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in the United States with headquarters in Chicago and a branch in Dubai. ABOUT SHILPA ALVA Shilpa Alva is the Founder and Executive Director of Surge for Water. Her passion for global equity and community empowerment began at age seven during a visit to Mumbai, India. After earning her degree and working in the corporate sector, she felt called to dedicate her life to international development work. Shilpa's approach is rooted in cultural humility, genuine partnership, and a deep belief that communities hold the solutions to their own challenges. She has lived and worked extensively in Haiti, Uganda, and Indonesia, learning firsthand the importance of staying with locals, listening, and building trust-based partnerships. RESOURCES & LINKS Visit Surge for Water: www.surgeforwater.org Follow Surge for Water on Social Media: @SurgeForWater (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X) Connect with Shilpa Alva on LinkedIn: Search "Shilpa Alva" WHAT MAKES SURGE GUTSY? According to Shilpa, Surge is gutsy because: They dare to dream and follow through, refusing to take shortcuts that compromise their values and model They're willing to acknowledge when they're not doing things correctly and commit to fixing and improving They operate with a decolonizing lens, centering community wisdom and leadership They stay true to their mission even when it's harder, more stressful, and more expensive than easier alternatives SMALL & GUTSY MISSION Small & Gutsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. The show elevates the visibility of small but mighty changemakers doing bold, passionate, and impactful work. Small & Gutsy has been ranked #8 on FeedSpot's Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts and #9 by Million Podcasts for Youth Empowerment episodes. DO YOU KNOW A NONPROFIT DOING INCREDIBLE WORK? If you know of a nonprofit or social enterprise making real impact, nominate them to be featured on Small & Gutsy. Contact Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff at laura@smallandgutsy.org. Check out other episodes of Small & Gutsy at SmallAndGutsy.org.    

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Embracing Fear: A Young Artist's Journey to Self-Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-03-14-07-38-19-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole splendeva sul piccolo villaggio dell'Amalfi Coast.En: The sun was shining over the small village of the Amalfi Coast.It: La scuola era arroccata su una scogliera, con il mare Mediterraneo che scintillava sotto di essa.En: The school was perched on a cliff, with the Mediterranean Sea sparkling below it.It: Intorno, i fiori di primavera fiorivano, colorando le vecchie mura di pietra della scuola.En: Around it, spring flowers were blooming, coloring the old stone walls of the school.It: Giulia sedeva in un angolo della classe d'arte.En: Giulia sat in a corner of the art class.It: Il suo cavalletto era di fronte a lei, con un foglio bianco ancora vuoto.En: Her easel was in front of her, with a still blank sheet of paper.It: Guardava la finestra, per vedere il mare e cercare ispirazione.En: She looked out the window, hoping to see the sea and find inspiration.It: Luca, il suo migliore amico, si avvicinò.En: Luca, her best friend, approached.It: "Giulia, hai pensato al concorso d'arte?"En: "Giulia, have you thought about the art competition?"It: chiese Luca, entusiasta.En: asked Luca, enthusiastic.It: Era sempre meravigliato dal talento artistico di Giulia.En: He was always amazed by Giulia's artistic talent.It: Giulia sospirò.En: Giulia sighed.It: "Non lo so, Luca.En: "I don't know, Luca.It: Ho paura di fallire.En: I'm afraid of failing.It: Cosa penseranno gli altri se non è abbastanza bello?"En: What will others think if it's not beautiful enough?"It: "Le tue opere sono bellissime," insistette Luca.En: "Your works are beautiful," insisted Luca.It: "Dovresti mostrare il tuo talento al mondo."En: "You should show your talent to the world."It: La primavera portava un'energia nuova, e i preparativi per il concorso erano in pieno svolgimento.En: Spring brought a new energy, and preparations for the competition were in full swing.It: Gli studenti più bravi mettevano in mostra le loro opere, e l'aria era piena di aspettative.En: The most talented students displayed their works, and the air was full of expectations.It: Ma Giulia era paralizzata dal pensiero del giudizio degli altri.En: But Giulia was paralyzed by the thought of others' judgment.It: Durante le pause, Luca non smetteva di convincere Giulia.En: During breaks, Luca didn't stop convincing Giulia.It: "Pensa a quanta fiducia guadagneresti se partecipassi," diceva.En: "Think about how much confidence you would gain if you participated," he said.It: "Non è solo un dipinto.En: "It's not just a painting.It: È il tuo modo di esprimerti."En: It's your way of expressing yourself."It: Alla fine, Giulia trovò il coraggio.En: In the end, Giulia found the courage.It: Il giorno del concorso, ancora indecisa, guardò il suo lavoro con attenzione.En: On the day of the competition, still undecided, she looked at her work carefully.It: Era un dipinto del mare, semplice e autentico.En: It was a painting of the sea, simple and authentic.It: Rifletteva la bellezza della sua terra e la serenità del momento.En: It reflected the beauty of her land and the serenity of the moment.It: All'ultimo momento disponibile, Giulia prese il dipinto e lo consegnò ai giudici.En: At the last available moment, Giulia took the painting and handed it to the judges.It: Il cuore batteva forte, ma sentiva di aver fatto la cosa giusta.En: Her heart was beating fast, but she felt she had done the right thing.It: Pochi giorni dopo, il risultato fu annunciato.En: A few days later, the result was announced.It: Giulia era in un angolo, circondata dai suoi pensieri.En: Giulia was in a corner, surrounded by her thoughts.It: Luca corse verso di lei con un grande sorriso.En: Luca ran towards her with a big smile.It: "Hanno adorato il tuo dipinto, Giulia!En: "They loved your painting, Giulia!It: Hai vinto il primo premio!"En: You won first prize!"It: Giulia non poteva crederci.En: Giulia couldn't believe it.It: I giudici avevano elogiato la sua sensibilità e la sua capacità di trasmettere emozione.En: The judges had praised her sensitivity and her ability to convey emotion.It: Quel giorno, Giulia scopri che la paura di fallire era meno potente della gioia del successo.En: That day, Giulia discovered that the fear of failing was less powerful than the joy of success.It: La sua fiducia iniziò a crescere, e abbracciò il suo talento con nuova determinazione.En: Her confidence began to grow, and she embraced her talent with new determination.It: Con Luca al suo fianco, Giulia si sentiva pronta ad affrontare qualsiasi sfida.En: With Luca by her side, Giulia felt ready to face any challenge.It: La primavera portò non solo colori e profumi nuovi, ma anche un cambiamento dentro di lei.En: Spring brought not only new colors and scents but also a change within her.It: Da quel momento, Giulia era pronta a dipingere il suo futuro con coraggio.En: From that moment, Giulia was ready to paint her future with courage. Vocabulary Words:the sun: il solethe village: il villaggioto perch: arroccarethe cliff: la scoglierato sparkle: scintillareto bloom: fiorirethe wall: la murathe easel: il cavallettothe sheet: il fogliothe competition: il concorsoto sigh: sospirareto fail: fallirethe judgment: il giudizioto convince: convincereto express: esprimerethe courage: il coraggioto submit: consegnareto beat: batterethe judge: il giudicethe prize: il premioto praise: elogiarethe sensitivity: la sensibilitàto convey: trasmetterethe fear: la paurathe joy: la gioiathe confidence: la fiduciathe talent: il talentothe determination: la determinazionethe challenge: la sfidathe change: il cambiamento

Fluent Fiction - Korean: Unveiling Talent: Jiho's Creative Journey by the Sea Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ko/episode/2026-03-14-07-38-19-ko Story Transcript:Ko: 지중해의 작은 섬은 봄의 따뜻한 햇살로 가득했다.En: A small island in the Mediterranean Sea was filled with the warm sunshine of spring.Ko: 푸른 하늘 아래, 색색의 야생화가 펼쳐져 있었다.En: Under the blue sky, colorful wildflowers were spread out.Ko: 학교는 해양 생물학을 공부하기 위해 학생들을 이곳으로 데려왔다.En: The school had brought students here to study marine biology.Ko: 지호는 조용하고 성실한 학생이었다.En: Jiho was a quiet and diligent student.Ko: 그는 해양 생물의 생생한 모습을 그림으로 표현하기를 좋아했다.En: He liked to express the vivid appearance of marine life through his drawings.Ko: 하지만 다른 아이들 앞에서는 그림을 보여주지 않았다.En: However, he did not show his drawings in front of other kids.Ko: 소진은 반면 활동적이고 용감했다.En: Sojin, on the other hand, was active and brave.Ko: 그녀는 직접 무언가를 하며 배우는 것을 좋아했지만, 이론적인 공부는 다소 어려워했다.En: She liked to learn by doing things herself, but theoretical studies were somewhat challenging for her.Ko: 그날, 지호는 아이들과 함께 바다를 탐험하며 공부했지만, 그의 마음속에는 그림을 그리려는 열망이 커져만 갔다.En: That day, Jiho explored and studied the sea with the other children, but the desire to draw grew in his heart.Ko: 그는 조용한 곳에서 섬의 해양 생물을 그리고 싶었다.En: He wanted to draw the marine life of the island in a quiet place.Ko: 수업이 끝나고 쉬는 시간에 지호는 살짝 자리를 떴다.En: After class ended, during break time, Jiho quietly left.Ko: 그는 물가 근처의 작은 바위에 앉아 스케치북을 펼쳤다.En: He sat on a small rock near the water and opened his sketchbook.Ko: 소진은 지호가 어디로 갔는지 궁금해졌다.En: Sojin wondered where Jiho had gone.Ko: 그녀는 그를 찾아 나섰고, 물가에 앉아 그림을 그리는 지호를 발견했다.En: She went looking for him and found him sitting by the water drawing.Ko: 소진은 지호에게 다가가 그의 그림을 들여다보았다.En: Sojin approached Jiho and looked at his drawing.Ko: 여러 가지 색깔로 생생하게 표현된 해양 생물을 보고 소진은 깜짝 놀랐다.En: She was amazed at the vividly expressed marine creatures in various colors.Ko: "와, 정말 멋지다!En: "Wow, that's really amazing!"Ko: " 소진이 말했다.En: said Sojin.Ko: "이 끼를 꼭 다른 친구들에게도 보여줘.En: "You should definitely show this talent to other friends too."Ko: "지호는 부끄러웠지만, 소진의 따뜻한 말을 듣고 용기를 내기로 했다.En: Jiho was embarrassed, but after hearing Sojin's warm words, he decided to muster up the courage.Ko: 그는 자신의 그림을 발표하기로 마음먹었다.En: He decided to present his drawings.Ko: 발표 시간에 지호는 조심스레 스케치북을 펼쳤다.En: During presentation time, Jiho carefully opened his sketchbook.Ko: 동시에 가슴이 두근거렸다.En: At the same time, his heart pounded.Ko: 친구들은 그의 그림을 보고 감탄을 금치 못했다.En: His friends couldn't hide their admiration when they saw his drawings.Ko: 모두들 지호의 재능을 칭찬했고, 지호는 그제야 자신감을 얻었다.En: Everyone praised Jiho's talent, and only then did Jiho gain confidence.Ko: 여행의 마지막 날, 지호는 해변에 서서 푸른 바다를 바라보았다.En: On the last day of the trip, Jiho stood on the beach looking at the blue sea.Ko: 얼굴엔 밝은 미소가 가득했다.En: His face was full of a bright smile.Ko: 그는 이제 자신이 좋아하는 것을 다른 사람들과 공유하는 것이 두렵지 않았다.En: He was no longer afraid to share what he loved with others.Ko: 지호는 소중한 추억과 친구들의 응원을 마음에 새기고 섬을 떠났다.En: Jiho left the island, cherishing the precious memories and the support of his friends in his heart.Ko: 지중해의 따뜻한 봄날, 지호는 자신의 열정을 발견하고 더욱 성장할 수 있었다.En: On the warm spring day of the Mediterranean, Jiho was able to discover his passion and grow even more. Vocabulary Words:diligent: 성실한express: 표현하다vivid: 생생한appearance: 모습theoretical: 이론적인desire: 열망muster: 내다courage: 용기admiration: 감탄confidence: 자신감cherish: 마음에 새기다passion: 열정marine biology: 해양 생물학wildflowers: 야생화break time: 쉬는 시간sketchbook: 스케치북presentation: 발표pounded: 두근거렸다praised: 칭찬했다support: 응원discover: 발견하다grow: 성장하다cherishing: 마음에 새기고marine life: 해양 생물precious: 소중한spread out: 펼쳐져 있었다quietly: 조용히embarrassed: 부끄러웠다approached: 다가갔다brave: 용감한

Aubrey Masango speaks to Valencia Cock, Co-Founder of Mount Olive Outreach and manager of the Khaya Centre on the work and impact that she has had in the Lehae community in the south of Johannesburg. They touch on her motivations and how they sustain the work they do. Tags: 702, The Aubrey Masango Show, Aubrey Masango, SADGT, Valencia Kok, Mount Olive Outreach, Khaya Centre, Lehae, Youth Empowerment, Community, Upliftment, Education, Lenasia, HIV Support The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Art Unlocked: Bringing Colors to Life in a Budapest Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-03-05-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: Tavaszi szellő lengedezett a budapesti árvaház utcáin.En: A spring breeze was drifting through the streets of the budapesti orphanage.Hu: Az árvaház otthonos műhelyében Eszter épp festőórát tartott a gyerekeknek.En: In the cozy workshop of the orphanage, Eszter was just conducting a painting class for the children.Hu: Az árvaház nagy, magas ablakai nyitva voltak, hogy beengedjék a virágzó fák illatát és a város távoli zajait.En: The large, tall windows of the orphanage were open to let in the scent of the blooming trees and the distant sounds of the city.Hu: A helyiség tele volt festékkel, ecsetekkel, és színes papírokkal.En: The room was filled with paints, brushes, and colorful papers.Hu: De a gyerekek lassan, csendesen ücsörögtek a székeken, mint akik félnek megszólalni.En: But the children sat slowly and quietly on their chairs, as if they were afraid to speak.Hu: Eszter szeretett volna valami különlegeset adni nekik.En: Eszter wanted to give them something special.Hu: Lelkesen mutatta be az új technikákat, de a gyerekek csupán bátortalanul pillantgattak egymásra.En: She enthusiastically introduced new techniques, but the children only timidly glanced at each other.Hu: A teremben volt Bálint is, az önkéntes diák, aki segíteni szeretett volna Eszternek és a gyerekeknek.En: In the room was also Bálint, the volunteer student who wanted to help Eszter and the children.Hu: Látta a gyerekek arcán a zárkózottságot, és tudta, hogy tenni kell valamit.En: He saw the reticence on the children's faces and knew something needed to be done.Hu: Eszter egy pillanatra megállt, majd vidáman felszólalt: „Gyerekek, mi lenne, ha ma játékosabb módszerrel közelítenénk meg a festést?En: Eszter paused for a moment, then cheerfully spoke up: "Children, what if today we approached painting in a more playful way?"Hu: ” Elővett egy nagy papírívet, és kért mindenkit, hogy kezükkel vagy ujjukkal festékezzenek.En: She brought out a large sheet of paper and invited everyone to paint with their hands or fingers.Hu: Bálint is csatlakozott, és közben mesélni kezdett a saját gyermekkoráról.En: Bálint also joined in and began to tell stories of his own childhood.Hu: Elmesélte, hogyan építettek a barátaival titkos erődöket papírból és festékből.En: He recounted how he and his friends built secret forts out of paper and paint.Hu: Lassan, de biztosan a gyerekek kezdtek megoldódni.En: Slowly but surely, the children began to open up.Hu: Az egyik kisfiú, akit Daniellnek hívtak, merészen festett egy nagy képet.En: One little boy, named Daniell, boldly painted a large picture.Hu: Az egy élénk, színes házat ábrázolt, egy kék ég alatt.En: It depicted a vivid, colorful house under a blue sky.Hu: Mikor Eszter és Bálint megkérdezték a jelentését, Daniell csendesen megszólalt: „Ez az álomházam.En: When Eszter and Bálint asked about its meaning, Daniell quietly spoke up: "This is my dream house.Hu: Itt élnek az új barátaim.En: My new friends live here."Hu: ”Ez a pillanat áttörést hozott.En: This moment brought a breakthrough.Hu: Mindenki figyelmesen köré gyűlt, és beszélgetés kezdődött arról, ki mit szeretne az álmában.En: Everyone gathered around attentively, and a conversation began about what each would like in their dreams.Hu: Daniell története megmozgatta a csoportot, és hamarosan minden gyerek a saját álmait festette.En: Daniell's story moved the group, and soon every child was painting their own dreams.Hu: Az óra végére a gyerekek izgatottan mutogatták alkotásaikat.En: By the end of the class, the children were excitedly showing off their creations.Hu: Eszter boldog volt, látta a mosolyt a gyerekek arcán.En: Eszter was happy to see the smiles on the children's faces.Hu: Érezte, hogy sikerült inspirálnia őket, és ez új erőt adott neki.En: She felt she had succeeded in inspiring them, and this gave her new strength.Hu: Bálint ráébredt, milyen fontos a türelem és az empátia, ha kapcsolatot szeretnénk kialakítani.En: Bálint realized how important patience and empathy are when we want to build a connection.Hu: A tavaszi nap továbbra is beragyogta a műhelyt, de valami más is világított.En: The spring sun continued to illuminate the workshop, but something else was shining too.Hu: A gyermeki lélek tavaszi ébredése, amely új reményt és örömöt hozott.En: The spring awakening of the childlike spirit brought new hope and joy.Hu: Az óra végén Eszter és Bálint mosolyogva nézték, ahogy a gyerekek büszkén viszik új alkotásaikat az árvaház folyosóin.En: At the end of the class, Eszter and Bálint smiled as they watched the children proudly carry their new creations down the orphanage's hallways.Hu: A festékes kezek épp olyan fontos történeteket meséltek el, amelyek a szívek mélyéből fakadtak.En: The paint-covered hands told stories just as important, ones that arose from the depths of their hearts. Vocabulary Words:drifting: lengedezettorphanage: árvaházcozy: otthonosconducting: tartottscent: illatblooming: virágzóreticence: zárkózottságpaused: megálltenthusiastically: lelkesentimidly: bátortalanulglanced: pillantgattaktechniques: technikákatvolunteer: önkéntesbreakthrough: áttörésattentively: figyelmesendepicted: ábrázoltboldly: merészenchildhood: gyermekkorárólbuilt: építettekforts: erődöketempathy: empátiapatience: türelemconnection: kapcsolatotdistant: távolicreation: alkotásaikatilluminate: beragyogtaawakening: ébredésejoy: örömöthallways: folyosóinarose: fakadtak

The A24 film Marty Supreme brings the world of table tennis into the cultural spotlight, it also quietly parallels a powerful real-life story behind the sport. Appearing in two scenes in the film is Yasiris Ortiz, a professional table tennis champion and Bronx-based community leader whose journey from international competition to grassroots youth empowerment mirrors the film's central themes of discipline, belief, and dreaming beyond circumstance. Ortiz's appearance in Marty Supreme is not a performance in the traditional sense; she is not portraying a fictional character, but rather bringing authenticity to the screen as a real athlete whose life has been shaped by the sport. For Ortiz, table tennis has never been just a game; it has been a tool for transformation, one she now uses to create opportunity for young people across New York City. Born and raised in Bayaguana, Dominican Republic, Ortiz discovered table tennis at a young age and quickly fell in love with the sport after competing in her first tournament. That passion carried her beyond her hometown and onto the international stage, representing the Dominican Republic as a member of the national table tennis team at the cadet, junior, and senior levels. Through competition, she traveled the world and learned firsthand how sport can open doors far beyond what once seemed possible. In 2016, Ortiz moved to New York City with her family, facing the challenges of adapting to a new country, learning English, continuing her education, and rebuilding her athletic life from the ground up. Unsure whether she would be able to continue competing, she spent countless hours riding the subway across the city in search of table tennis clubs where she could practice and stay connected to the sport that had shaped her identity. What began as persistence soon became purpose. That purpose crystallized when Ortiz began teaching table tennis at an elementary school in the South Bronx. There, she witnessed something transformative: students arrived to class excited, engaged, and eager to learn. Through table tennis, they developed focus, confidence, discipline, and joy—qualities that carried into the classroom and beyond. As interest grew, neighboring schools began reaching out, and what started as a single program evolved into Spin & Learn, an education and wellness organization founded in 2020 that integrates table tennis with academics, physical fitness, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Since its launch, Spin & Learn has partnered with more than 45 public schools across New York City, serving thousands of K–12 students through in-school enrichment, after-school programming, wellness days, assemblies, and author visits connected to Ortiz's children's book, “Yasi the Champion.” The organization has become known for meeting students where they are, using movement and play to build lifelong skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. It delivers high-quality programming at scale through its strategic partnerships with leaders in the global table tennis industry, including Paddle Palace, the leading equipment supplier in North America, and Stiga Sports as Ortiz's official partner. Now, as Marty Supreme brings renewed visibility to the sport, Ortiz is marking a new chapter with the official launch of the Spin & Learn Foundation, a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to expand access to table tennis, wellness, and enrichment programs beyond the school setting and into the broader community. The Spin & Learn Foundation was created because families kept asking for a place where their children could continue training after leaving their school programs. Ortiz saw how quickly access could disappear once students moved on, even though the interest and talent were still there. The Foundation is about creating continuity, making sure young people and families have a place to grow, train, and belong. While Spin & Learn operates primarily within schools, the Foundation is focused on long-term, community-based impact. Its mission is to provide programs for economically disadvantaged individuals across diverse communities, ensuring access to enrichment opportunities through table tennis that promote physical and mental wellness, build personal resilience, and develop leadership skills for lifelong success. Through future partnerships with community centers and shared spaces, the Foundation aims to serve not only youth, but also families, adults, and seniors who may not otherwise have access to structured recreational and wellness programming. Ortiz sees a meaningful connection between the themes of Marty Supreme and the work she has spent years building, noting that she relates deeply to the film because she came to this country without a clear path, driven only by a dream. Everything she has built since then, including a table tennis program that has reached thousands of students, started with believing in that dream. As table tennis reaches new audiences through film and popular culture, Ortiz believes the moment carries responsibility as well as opportunity. She emphasizes that representation matters, but representation paired with access is what creates real change. Seeing the sport on screen is powerful, but what matters most is what happens off screen—in schools, in communities, and in spaces where young people need support and mentorship. With the launch of Spin & Learn Foundation, Ortiz is working to ensure that the attention surrounding Marty Supreme translates into something lasting: expanded opportunity, deeper community engagement, and a growing network of spaces where sport, education, and wellness intersect. From the big screen to the Bronx, Yasiris Ortiz's story continues to unfold, not as fiction, but as a living example of how belief, discipline, and access can change lives. To learn more, visit Spin & Learn online at https://spinandlearn.com/, call 718-690-1673, or email info@spinandlearn.com. Spin & Learn is an educational and wellness organization that combines table tennis, physical fitness training, academics, and social-emotional learning to create fun, active, and meaningful learning experiences for students, primarily serving K–12 students across New York City in partnership with public schools and community organizations. - Looking for that extra spark to level up your life? Say hello to Ash Brown—your go-to American powerhouse, motivational speaker, and the ultimate hype-woman for your personal and professional growth. Ash isn't just a voice in personal development; she's a trusted friend who brings real-talk wisdom and contagious energy to every conversation. Whether you're stuck in a rut or ready to scale your dreams, Ash is here to fuel your journey with a mix of heart and hustle.

What happens when artificial intelligence meets the world of justice and youth reform? In this thought-provoking episode, host Cole Williams welcomes renowned criminologist and data activist Renee Cummings for a deep dive into the intersection of technology, civil rights, and justice for young people.Together, they explore the power—and dangers—of data and algorithms in shaping identities, opportunities, and futures. From the history of predictive policing to the untapped potential of AI for rehabilitation and reentry, Renee Cummings breaks down complex issues like data justice, algorithmic bias, and the importance of imagination as a tool for change. The conversation covers everything from practical advice for parents and young people navigating social media to radical ideas for rethinking prisons and using tech for immersive, trauma-informed interventions.Whether you're a mentor, nonprofit leader, parent, or just curious about technology's growing impact on society, this episode is packed with must-know insights on ethical technology, civil liberties, and what real justice reform could look like for our most vulnerable communities.Tune in for powerful stories, practical takeaways, and a forward-thinking vision for justice in the AI age.

Acclaimed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jerome E. Fox—author of the best-selling workbook, "Addicted to White: The Oppressed in League with the Oppressor, A Shame-based Alliance"—returns to our classroom. Dr. Fox will reveal his antidote to the five core white values that many Black individuals struggle with, sparking a conversation you won't want to miss. Before Dr. Fox, renowned writer Simeon Booker Muhammad will deliver an intriguing UFO update, including insights on Barack Obama's reversal after his initial claim of seeing a UFO. To kick things off, The Hood Doctor, Kokayi Patterson, will preview a transformative summer program designed to empower our youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council in a critical discussion on teen dating violence, highlighting the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Featuring expert insights from violence prevention professional Elena Kelly, this episode tackles the cultural and societal influences that perpetuate dating violence, particularly in the Black community. Learn how awareness, intentionality, and support can break the cycle and foster healthier connections among teens. A must-listen for teens, parents, and caregivers committed to creating safer environments for youth.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Friendship Blossoms Amidst Beijing's Winter Chill Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-12-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 北京的冬天，寒冷中带着节日的气息。En: The winter in Beijing, carried the chill with a festive atmosphere.Zh: 天坛，古老而神秘，正处于新年的装饰中，红色灯笼点缀其间，增添了温暖的氛围。En: The Temple of Heaven, ancient and mysterious, was in the midst of new year decorations, with red lanterns scattered around, adding a warm ambiance.Zh: 明宇和丽华正随着他们的班级在天坛进行一次冬季的校外旅行。En: Mingyu and Lihua were accompanying their class on a winter field trip to the Temple of Heaven.Zh: 明宇走在队伍的前面，眼中闪烁着兴奋的光芒。En: Mingyu walked at the front of the group, eyes sparkling with excitement.Zh: 他热爱历史，尤其是建筑，更想在此展现自己的知识。En: He had a passion for history, especially architecture, and wanted to showcase his knowledge here.Zh: 然而，内心的紧张却让他有些犹豫。En: However, an inner nervousness caused him some hesitation.Zh: 他希望能赢得同伴们的信任，也想在老师面前证明自己。En: He hoped to earn his classmates' trust and also prove himself in front of the teacher.Zh: 丽华则跟在队伍的后面，她默默不语，观察着周围，心中隐约有些孤独。En: Lihua, on the other hand, followed at the back of the group, observing silently with a vague sense of loneliness in her heart.Zh: 她总是觉得自己跟不上大家的步伐，渴望交到一个朋友，在这个节日里不再被忽视。En: She always felt like she couldn't keep up with others and longed to make a friend so she wouldn't be overlooked during the festival.Zh: 当老师询问谁愿意带领大家参观时，明宇心跳加速，犹豫再三后，他举起了手。En: When the teacher asked who would like to lead the tour, Mingyu's heart raced.Zh: 但他没有想到，身边的丽华竟也鼓起勇气，表示愿意当他的助手。En: After much hesitation, he raised his hand.Zh: 明宇感激地看了她一眼，心中增添了一份勇气。En: But he didn't expect that Lihua would also muster the courage to express her willingness to be his assistant.Zh: 在天坛牌坊前，明宇开始讲述这个地方的历史和故事：“很久以前，每逢新年，皇帝会在这里祭天，为国家祈求风调雨顺。En: Mingyu gave her a grateful glance, feeling a surge of courage within.Zh: ”他讲述得生动而仔细，大家听得入迷。En: In front of the Temple of Heaven gate, Mingyu began narrating the history and stories of the place: “Long ago, every new year, the emperor would come here to worship heaven and pray for good weather for the country.” He narrated vividly and in detail, captivating the listeners.Zh: 丽华也第一次开口，补充了一些有趣的小故事，大家听得津津有味。En: Lihua also spoke for the first time, adding interesting anecdotes, which everyone enjoyed.Zh: 当明宇提到丽华的贡献时，大家都投来了赞赏的目光，这让丽华感到从未有过的自信。En: When Mingyu mentioned Lihua's contributions, everyone looked at her with admiration, giving her an unprecedented sense of confidence.Zh: 她感到自己不再是那个被忽视的人，而是此刻庆典的一部分。En: She felt she was no longer the overlooked person but was a part of the celebration at that moment.Zh: 活动结束时，学生们纷纷为明宇和丽华鼓掌，老师也对他们的表现大加赞赏。En: At the end of the activity, the students applauded Mingyu and Lihua, and the teacher also praised their performance.Zh: 明宇的心中充满自信，他明白合作的力量。En: Mingyu's heart was filled with confidence as he understood the power of collaboration.Zh: 而丽华找到了她的自信心，感受到被接纳和认可的温暖。En: Lihua found her self-confidence, feeling the warmth of acceptance and recognition.Zh: 天坛的冬天依旧寒冷，但在明宇和丽华的心里，却早已被温暖充盈着。En: The winter in the Temple of Heaven remained cold, but the hearts of Mingyu and Lihua were already filled with warmth.Zh: 彼此的鼓励，让他们在这个新年找到了珍贵的友情和自我。En: The encouragement they gave each other helped them find precious friendship and self-worth in this new year. Vocabulary Words:chill: 寒冷festive: 节日的ambiance: 氛围accompanying: 随着sparkling: 闪烁hesitation: 犹豫trust: 信任prove: 证明observing: 观察vague: 隐约muster: 鼓起courage: 勇气narrating: 讲述emperor: 皇帝worship: 祭pray: 祈求vividly: 生动anecdotes: 小故事admiration: 赞赏unprecedented: 从未有过confidence: 自信overlooked: 被忽视applauded: 鼓掌praise: 赞赏collaboration: 合作acceptance: 接纳recognition: 认可encouragement: 鼓励friendship: 友情self-worth: 自我

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Haruto and Ayumi's Bunkasai Breakthrough: A Winter Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-03-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の朝、静かな郊外の町には雪がしんしんと降り積もっていた。En: On a winter morning, snow was steadily piling up in the quiet suburban town.Ja: その町の中心には高校があり、そこでは文化祭の準備が進められていた。En: At the center of the town was a high school, where preparations for the bunkasai were underway.Ja: 文化部の部長であるハルトは、一つの疑問に悩んでいた。En: Haruto, the head of the Cultural Club, was troubled by one question.Ja: 「どうしたらこの文化祭をみんなのために成功させられるだろうか」。En: "How can we make this bunkasai a success for everyone?"Ja: ハルトの心には責任という重みがあった。En: In Haruto's heart was the weight of responsibility.Ja: クラスメートのアユミは静かで、でも心の中にはたくさんのアイデアを持っている少女だった。En: His classmate Ayumi was a quiet girl, but inside her, she had many ideas.Ja: アユミは何かを提案したい気持ちがあったが、彼女の声が本当に聞かれるかどうか不安だった。En: Ayumi wanted to propose something but was anxious about whether her voice would truly be heard.Ja: ある日、アユミは思い切って提案をした。En: One day, Ayumi boldly made a suggestion.Ja: 「セツブンをテーマにしたイベントをやってみようよ。En: "Let's have an event themed around Setsubun.Ja: みんなで豆まきをして、ステージでパフォーマンスをしよう」。En: We can do mamemaki together and have performances on stage."Ja: ハルトは少し驚いたが、すぐに笑顔になった。En: Haruto was a bit surprised but quickly smiled.Ja: 「それはいい考えだね。En: "That's a great idea.Ja: でも時間も資源も限られている。En: But time and resources are limited.Ja: どれだけできるか試してみよう」。En: Let's see how much we can do."Ja: 準備は大忙しだった。En: The preparations were hectic.Ja: 数日後、天気予報は冬の嵐を予見していた。En: A few days later, the weather forecast predicted a winter storm.Ja: ハルトとアユミ、そして他の生徒たちは、夜通しで準備をすることに決めた。En: Haruto, Ayumi, and the other students decided to prepare all night.Ja: 雪が窓を叩く音を聞きながら、彼らの決意はますます固くなっていった。En: As they listened to the sound of snow hitting the windows, their determination grew stronger.Ja: 嵐の翌朝、空は晴れて美しい青が広がっていた。En: The morning after the storm, the sky cleared up to reveal a beautiful blue.Ja: 文化祭の日がやってきた。En: The day of the bunkasai had arrived.Ja: ハルトは緊張しながらも、ステージの準備を確認した。En: Haruto, nervous yet determined, checked the stage preparations.Ja: そして、セツブンの豆まきが始まると、予想以上に多くの人が楽しんでいた。En: When the Setsubun mamemaki began, more people than expected were enjoying it.Ja: 笑顔と笑い声が校庭に響き渡った。En: Smiles and laughter echoed in the schoolyard.Ja: アユミの考えたパフォーマンスも、観客の心をつかんでいた。En: The performance Ayumi conceived also captivated the audience's hearts.Ja: そのとき、ハルトは思った。「みんなの力を合わせることがこんなにも大切なんだ」。En: At that moment, Haruto thought, "It's so important for everyone to come together."Ja: アユミも自信を持てた。En: Ayumi also gained confidence.Ja: 「私の意見も価値があるんだ」と思った。En: "My opinions have value," she thought.Ja: こうして、文化祭は無事に成功を収めた。En: In this way, the bunkasai ended successfully.Ja: ハルトは他の人々の意見をもっと大切にすることを学び、アユミは自身の創造力を信じることを学んだ。En: Haruto learned to value others' opinions more, and Ayumi learned to trust in her creativity.Ja: 彼らの友情と協力は、これからも続くだろう。En: Their friendship and cooperation will continue from now on.Ja: 静かな郊外のその町では、今日も笑顔が溢れている。En: In that quiet suburban town, smiles abound today as well.Ja: セツブンの豆まきから始まったこの冬の物語は、少し暖かい春へと続いていく。En: This winter story that began with the Setsubun mamemaki continues on to a slightly warmer spring. Vocabulary Words:steadily: しんしんとpiling up: 降り積もってsuburban: 郊外のpreparations: 準備underway: 進められていたresponsibility: 責任anxious: 不安boldly: 思い切ってsuggestion: 提案Mamemaki: 豆まきperformances: パフォーマンスresources: 資源hectic: 大忙しforecast: 予報predicted: 予見していたstorm: 嵐determination: 決意cleared up: 晴れてreveal: 広がっていたcaptivated: 心をつかんでいたimportance: 大切confidence: 自信creativity: 創造力cooperation: 協力value: 価値friendship: 友情continues: 続くechoed: 響き渡ったconception: 考えsuburban town: 静かな郊外の町

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Green Triumphs: A Tale of Traditions and Triumph in Tu BiShvat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-01-31-23-34-01-he Story Transcript:He: הכפר היה מלא בעצים ירוקים, והחורף רק הדגיש את יופיים המיוחד.En: The village was filled with green trees, and the winter only highlighted their special beauty.He: בית הספר היה מקושט בכתר הצמחים המיוחד לחג הט״ו בשבט.En: The school was decorated with a crown of plants unique for the Tu BiShvat holiday.He: הילדים בכפר אהבו את הזמן הזה בשנה, בעיקר משום שהביא איתו את תחרות בית הספר הידועה.En: The children in the village loved this time of year, mainly because it brought with it the school's well-known competition.He: יעל, תלמידה חרוצה ותלמידה שאפתנית מאוד, הכינה פרויקט מיוחד לתחרות השנה.En: Yael, a diligent and very ambitious student, prepared a special project for this year's competition.He: המטרה הייתה להציג את החשיבות של העצים בקהילה, ויעל בחרה להתמקד בשתילת עצים ושימור הסביבה.En: The goal was to present the importance of trees in the community, and Yael chose to focus on tree planting and environmental conservation.He: הכיתה הייתה מלאה בהתרגשות, עם מתחרים רבים שעמדו להציג את הפרויקטים שלהם.En: The classroom was full of excitement, with many contestants ready to present their projects.He: אבי ולוי היו גם הם בין המשתתפים, ופרויקטים שלהם נראו מרשימים מאוד.En: Avi and Levi were also among the participants, and their projects looked very impressive.He: יעל הרגישה קצת חשש.En: Yael felt a bit anxious.He: היא תהתה אם הפרויקט שלה מספיק ייחודי.En: She wondered if her project was unique enough.He: יום התחרות הגיע ובית הספר המלא צבעים וריחות נפלאים היה מוכן לאירוע הגדול.En: The day of the competition arrived, and the school, full of colors and wonderful scents, was ready for the big event.He: יעל, אחרי לילה ארוך של הכנה והתלבטות, החליטה לשלב בפרויקט שלה סיפור אישי על מסורת המשפחתית של נטיעת עצים בכל ט״ו בשבט.En: Yael, after a long night of preparation and contemplation, decided to incorporate a personal story about her family's tradition of planting trees every Tu BiShvat.He: היא עלתה לבמה בביטחון, והתחילה את הפרויקט שלה בנחישות.En: She took the stage with confidence and began her project with determination.He: היא סיפרה על המסורת של משפחתה ועל העצים שניטעו על ידי הוריה והוריה של סבתה.En: She told of her family's tradition and the trees planted by her parents and her grandmother's parents.He: הסיפור היה מרגש, והקהל הקשיב בקשב רב.En: The story was moving, and the audience listened intently.He: היא דיברה על החשיבות של העצים לא רק לקהילה אלא גם כזיכרון אישי ומשפחתי.En: She spoke about the importance of trees not only to the community but also as a personal and family memory.He: הקהל התרגש, ובעיניים נוצצות, המורים והתלמידים מחאו כפיים בסוף ההצגה שלה.En: The audience was touched, and with shining eyes, the teachers and students applauded at the end of her presentation.He: בסוף היום, הכריזו על יעל כמנצחת התחרות.En: At the end of the day, Yael was announced as the winner of the competition.He: היא לא זכתה רק בגלל איכות הפרויקט, אלא בזכות המגע האישי והרגשי שהביאה אליו.En: She won not just because of the quality of her project, but thanks to the personal and emotional touch she brought to it.He: יעל הבינה שהיא לא רק תרמה לסביבה, אלא גם גילתה את עצמה מחדש.En: Yael realized that she not only contributed to the environment but also discovered herself anew.He: הביטחון שלה גדל, והיא ידעה שמעכשיו תשלב את חוויותיה האישיות בכל מעשה טוב שתעשה.En: Her confidence grew, and she knew that from now on, she would incorporate her personal experiences into every good deed she does. Vocabulary Words:highlighted: הדגישdiligent: חרוצהambitious: שאפתניתenvironmental: הסביבהconservation: שימורcontestants: מתחריםparticipants: משתתפיםanxious: חששincorporate: לשלבdetermination: נחישותpersonal: אישיmoving: מרגשintently: בקשב רבmemory: זיכרוןapplauded: מחאו כפיםrealized: הבינהconfidence: ביטחוןexperiences: חוויותיהcrown: כתרunique: ייחודיcontributed: תרמהpresentation: הצגהaudience: קהלwondered: תהתהexcited: התרגשותcontemplation: התלבטותannounce: הכריזוwinner: מנצחתemotional: רגשיtradition: מסורתBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Winter's Harmony: Akira's Journey to Leadership and Unity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-30-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の寒い朝、丘の上に建つ日本の寄宿学校は、新たな活気に満ちていました。En: On a cold winter morning, the kishuku gakkou in Japan, perched on top of a hill, was brimming with new vitality.Ja: 雪がちらほら舞う中、生徒たちの楽しげな声が響き渡ります。En: Amidst the gently falling snow, the cheerful voices of students resounded.Ja: もうすぐ節分がやってきます。それは冬の終わりを告げる特別な日です。En: Soon, setsubun would arrive. It's a special day that marks the end of winter.Ja: そして、学校の恒例行事である文化祭もこの時期に行われます。En: Additionally, the school's traditional event, the cultural festival, is held during this time.Ja: 文化祭の責任者であるアキラは、学校の中庭に立って忙しく指揮を執っていました。En: Akira, the person in charge of the cultural festival, was in the school courtyard, busily directing activities.Ja: 彼は真面目で少し控えめな性格のため、自ら進んでリーダーシップを取ることは少なかったのですが、今回は一念発起で引き受けました。En: Due to his serious and somewhat reserved nature, Akira rarely took the initiative to assume leadership roles, but this time, he decided to take it on resolutely.Ja: 「アキラ、ちょっといい？」と、友人のユキが声をかけます。ユキは手に大きな箱を持ち、困った顔をしています。En: "Akira, do you have a moment?" asked his friend Yuki, who was holding a large box and looked troubled.Ja: 「飾り付けのテープが足りないみたい。」En: "It seems we're running short on decorating tape."Ja: 「分かった、確認するね。」アキラは素早くメモを打ちながら、次の行動を考えます。En: "Got it, I'll check," Akira replied, quickly jotting down notes as he considered his next move.Ja: しかし、すぐに別の問題が彼を待ち受けます。En: However, another problem soon awaited him.Ja: 準備チームの間で祭りのテーマについて激しい議論が始まったのです。En: A fierce debate erupted among the preparation team regarding the theme of the festival.Ja: 意見は分かれ、場がますます混乱していきます。En: Opinions were divided, and the situation was becoming increasingly chaotic.Ja: 限られたリソースで、どうやって全員を満足させるか、アキラは頭を抱えました。En: With limited resources, Akira was troubled over how to satisfy everyone.Ja: 「どうしたらいいんだろう。」と、アキラは心の中で呟きます。En: "What should I do?" he murmured to himself.Ja: リーダーの職責か、それとも皆の意見を大事にするか、彼は大きな決断を迫られていました。En: Faced with the responsibility of leadership or valuing everyone's opinions, he was forced to make a significant decision.Ja: リハーサルの日、すべてはますます混乱していくように見えました。En: On the day of the rehearsal, everything seemed to be getting more chaotic.Ja: テンションはピークに達し、異なるアイディアがぶつかり合います。En: Tensions peaked, and different ideas clashed.Ja: そこでアキラは深呼吸して、思い切ってチームへと歩み寄りました。En: At that moment, Akira took a deep breath and boldly approached the team.Ja: 「みんな、ごめんね。実は一人で全部を管理しようとしていたけど、それが間違っていた。ハルト、飾り付けをお願いできる？」アキラは心を開いて、自らの不安を打ち明けます。En: "Everyone, I'm sorry. I was trying to handle everything by myself, and that was a mistake. Haru, could you take charge of the decorations?" Akira opened up and confessed his anxiety.Ja: 「もちろん、任せて。」とハルトは笑顔で答え、問題解決に向けて動き始めました。En: "Of course, leave it to me," Haru replied with a smile and began working towards a solution.Ja: ユキも観客席の配置を手伝い、チーム全体の雰囲気が次第に和らいでいきました。En: Yuki also helped with rearranging the seating, and gradually the atmosphere throughout the team softened.Ja: 文化祭の当日、生徒たちは準備したブースやパフォーマンスを見て歓声を上げました。En: On the day of the cultural festival, students cheered as they enjoyed the prepared booths and performances.Ja: 雪がちらつく中、温かな雰囲気が漂い、参加者全員が笑顔でいっぱいです。En: Amid the flickering snowfall, a warm atmosphere prevailed, and all participants were filled with smiles.Ja: アキラは一歩後ろに下がり、その光景を静かに見つめました。En: Akira took a step back and quietly watched the scene.Ja: 彼は孤立していると感じていたが、仲間を信頼することで皆とつながることができたのです。En: Although he had felt isolated, he was able to connect with everyone by trusting his teammates.Ja: 夜が深まると、温かい豆の香りが漂い始めました。En: As night deepened, the warm aroma of beans began to fill the air.Ja: 節分の日を祝いながら、アキラは心の中で小さな誓いを立てました。En: While celebrating setsubun, Akira made a small vow in his heart.Ja: これからはもっと人に頼り、仲間と共に歩んでいこうと。En: From now on, he would rely more on others and walk together with his companions.Ja: 学校は変わらずそこにありましたが、アキラの心の中では大きな変化が起きていました。En: The school remained unchanged, but a significant transformation had occurred in Akira's heart.Ja: 彼は新たな一歩を踏み出し、未来の可能性を信じ始めたのです。En: He had taken a new step forward and began to believe in future possibilities.Ja: 文化祭の成功は、友情と協力の力を証明するものでした。En: The success of the cultural festival was a testament to the power of friendship and cooperation. Vocabulary Words:perched: 建つbrimming: 満ちているvitality: 活気resounded: 響き渡るmarks: 告げるcourtyard: 中庭reserved: 控えめinitiative: 自主性resolutely: 一念発起jotting: メモを打つdebate: 議論erupted: 始まったsituational: 状況的chaotic: 混乱Tensions: テンションpeaked: ピークに達したclashed: ぶつかり合うboldly: 思い切ってrearranging: 配置softened: 和らいだcheered: 歓声を上げたflickering: ちらつくatmosphere: 雰囲気isolated: 孤立companions: 仲間transformation: 変化testament: 証明cooperation: 協力fierce: 激しいassume: 引き受ける

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Amidst Frost and Fear: Elin's Courageous Call to Medicine Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2026-01-30-08-38-20-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Frosten bet i kinderna när Elin skyndade över skolgården.En: The frost bit her cheeks as Elin hurried across the schoolyard.Sv: Snön täckte marken utanför internatskolan i Dalarna och fick världen att se sagolik ut.En: The snow covered the ground outside the boarding school in Dalarna and made the world look magical.Sv: Inomhus var det annorlunda.En: Indoors, it was different.Sv: Osynligt, men hotfullt, spred sig en sjukdom bland eleverna.En: Invisible but threatening, a disease spread among the students.Sv: Elin var en av de som ännu höll sig frisk.En: Elin was one of those who still remained healthy.Sv: Hon höll en handfull anteckningar tätt tryckta mot bröstet.En: She held a handful of notes tightly pressed against her chest.Sv: Hon hade alltid älskat biologi och drömde om att bli läkare, men hon tvivlade ofta på sig själv.En: She had always loved biology and dreamed of becoming a doctor, but she often doubted herself.Sv: Nu, med så många sjuka kamrater, kände hon sig kallad att hjälpa.En: Now, with so many sick classmates, she felt called to help.Sv: "Elin, over here!"En: "Elin, over here!"Sv: Lars vinkade åt henne i korridoren.En: Lars waved at her in the hallway.Sv: Han skämtade nästan alltid, men nu var han allvarlig.En: He was almost always joking, but now he was serious.Sv: "Sofia says it's spreading fast."En: "Sofia says it's spreading fast."Sv: Sofia, den strikta men omtänksamma föreståndarinnan, såg oroad ut.En: Sofia, the strict but caring headmistress, looked worried.Sv: Hennes tid som sjuksköterska var ofta en hemlighet, men nu behövdes hennes gamla kunskaper mer än någonsin.En: Her time as a nurse was often a secret, but now her old skills were needed more than ever.Sv: "Vi måste hitta ett sätt att hjälpa eleverna," sa Sofia och såg på Elin med en blandning av oro och förtroende.En: "We must find a way to help the students," said Sofia, looking at Elin with a mix of concern and trust.Sv: "Har du några idéer?"En: "Do you have any ideas?"Sv: Elin drog ett djupt andetag.En: Elin took a deep breath.Sv: "Vi kan skapa ett provisoriskt sjuksal i konstklassrummet.En: "We can create a makeshift infirmary in the art classroom.Sv: Och jag kan ringa vårdcentralen för råd."En: And I can call the health center for advice."Sv: Sofia nickade, men Elin såg att hon var bekymrad.En: Sofia nodded, but Elin saw that she was worried.Sv: Skolans medicinska förråd var begränsat, och situationen blev värre för varje minut.En: The school's medical supplies were limited, and the situation worsened with each minute.Sv: När kvällen kom samlades många av eleverna i konstklassrummet.En: As evening came, many of the students gathered in the art classroom.Sv: Elin ringde sina föräldrar för vägledning och samlade alla resurser skolan hade.En: Elin called her parents for guidance and gathered all the resources the school had.Sv: Lars hjälpte till, trots att han själv kände en oroande värk i kroppen.En: Lars helped, even though he himself felt a worrying ache in his body.Sv: Timmarna kröp fram.En: The hours crept by.Sv: Plötsligt blev Lars sämre.En: Suddenly, Lars got worse.Sv: Han hade feber och började darra.En: He had a fever and began to shiver.Sv: Elin stod inför sitt största beslut.En: Elin faced her biggest decision.Sv: Skulle hon våga använda det lilla medicin som fanns kvar till en mer avancerad behandling?En: Should she dare to use the little medicine left for a more advanced treatment?Sv: Hon bestämde sig för att lita på sin magkänsla och sitt begränsade kunnande.En: She decided to trust her gut feeling and her limited knowledge.Sv: Men just när Elin skulle påbörja sin behandling hördes röster utanför.En: But just as Elin was about to start her treatment, voices were heard outside.Sv: Vårdcentralens team stod där, redo att ta över.En: The health center's team stood there, ready to take over.Sv: Med hjälp från kliniken blev utbrottet snabbt under kontroll.En: With help from the clinic, the outbreak was quickly brought under control.Sv: Elin andades ut, lättad men trött.En: Elin breathed a sigh of relief, tired but relieved.Sv: Sofia log mot henne och sa, "Du gjorde något fantastiskt, Elin.En: Sofia smiled at her and said, "You did something amazing, Elin.Sv: Mod och klokhet går i arv."En: Courage and wisdom run in the family."Sv: Elin kände en ny styrka inom sig.En: Elin felt a new strength within her.Sv: Kanske hade hon det som krävdes för att bli läkare, trots allt.En: Maybe she had what it took to become a doctor after all.Sv: Vindarna blåste fortfarande kalla ute, men inom henne brann nu en varm övertygelse - hon skulle göra sin dröm verklighet.En: The winds still blew cold outside, but inside her now burned a warm conviction—she would make her dream a reality. Vocabulary Words:frost: frostcheeks: kindernahurried: skyndadeboarding school: internatskolaninvisible: osynligtthreatening: hotfulltdisease: sjukdomhealthy: friskstrict: striktaheadmistress: föreståndarinnancaring: omtänksammainfirmary: sjuksalart classroom: konstklassrummetsupplies: förrådworsened: blev värreached: värkdecision: beslutfever: febershiver: darratreatment: behandlinggut feeling: magkänslalimited: begränsatknowledge: kunnandecontrol: kontrollsigh: andades utrelief: lättadcourage: modwisdom: klokhetconviction: övertygelse

Hosted by: Eddy Shigley and Charlie AlcockProduced by:Tyler Sanders (@tylerwsanders) and The Called Collective (@thecalledcollective) Edited by:Ian HinesFacilities Provided by:Indiana Wesleyan UniversityThe Called Collective seeks to equip the next generation of ministry leaders. We accomplish this by resourcing teens and pastors for the work of ministry. The Called Collective Social Network is designed for High School teens called to ministry in order for them to learn ministry skills, share in community with students across the world, and develop their call. Please check out the Called Collective.Podcasts:Fresh Text - A weekly podcast where two pastor-scholars come up with sermon ideas . Every Monday, 1 hr typically.Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://linktr.ee/freshtextpodcastModern Parables - A weekly podcast where four pastors create sermon illustrations from cultural topics. Every Tuesday, 30-1hr typically.Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://linktr.ee/modernparablesGood Days with Eddy Shigley and Charlie Alcock - A weekly podcast where they will share a Ministry Principle and how it has played out in their years of ministry. Every Wednesday, 20-25 minutes typically.Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://linktr.ee/GoodDayswithEddyandCharlieHe Calls Her Shepherd - A Women in Ministry Podcast - A weekly podcast where women called into ministry share their stories. Every Thursday, 30 minutes typically.Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://linktr.ee/thedefiningyesCoffee and Calling - A weekly podcast where a pastor, missionary, professor, or student shares their calling story. Every Friday, 30-35 minutes typically.Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcallingThe Called Collective is a ministry sponsored by The School of Theology & Ministry (STM) at Indiana Wesleyan University. The School of Theology & Ministry has been equipping pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders at the undergraduate level for over 100 years. We are relentless in our mission to advance the Kingdom by equipping women and men for a lifetime of transformation service.

On Saturday, January 31, KALW's Power the Future event will provide a free afternoon of inspiration, skill-building, and networking for Bay Area youth ages 14-22.

What if the very challenge you think is holding you back is actually the thing meant to launch you into your purpose?In this deeply inspirational and motivational podcast episode, Reginald D sits down with A'Santianna Austin is a 20-year-old award-winning author, speaker, poet, youth advocate and 2027 Grammy Nominated Spoken Word Artist — for a powerful, life-affirming motivational speech conversation on identity, resilience, faith, and purpose.  Less than one year after graduating college, A'Santianna published her debut book, "Melanated, Not Black," a poetic exploration of identity, culture, and self-definition.  "Melanated, Not Black," is now being used in public, private and alternative schools as well as juvenile detention centers. A'Santianna has also toured nationally and performed at HBCU's and college events.  A'Santianna leads Project 500 to empower 500 youth through literacy, mentorship and identity.Diagnosed with severe epilepsy at just eight years old, A'Santianna turned adversity into impact through storytelling, advocacy, and service. This inspirational motivational episode explores how challenges don't disqualify you—they refine you—and how faith, self-belief, and action can motivate you to rise beyond limitations and live with purpose.Many people—especially young adults—feel limited by their health, background, identity, or circumstances. This inspirational and motivational speech-driven episode speaks directly to listeners who feel unseen, unheard, or underestimated. Through.Press play now to experience this inspirational and motivational speech conversation and walk away empowered to turn your pain into purpose and your story into impact.A'Santianna's  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asantiannanijeanPurchase A'Santianna's book on Amazon:Amazon.com: MELANATED NOT BLACK: 9798262452439: AUSTIN, ASANTIANSend us a textSupport the showFor daily motivation and inspiration, subscribe and follow Real Talk With Reginald D on social media:Instagram: realtalkwithreginaldd TikTok: @realtalkregd Youtube: @realtalkwithreginald Facebook: realtalkwithreginaldd Twitter Real Talk With Reginald D (@realtalkRegD) / TwitterWebsite: Real Talk With Reginald D https://www.realtalkwithreginaldd.com Real Talk With Reginald D - Merchandise

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: From Snowflakes to Confidence: Elsa's Winter Transformation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2026-01-20-08-38-20-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Skolan myllrade av liv en kall vintermorgon.En: The school was bustling with life on a cold winter morning.Sv: Studenterna höll i sina böcker medan de rörde sig igenom korridorerna, alla klädda i tjocka jackor för att skydda sig mot kylan.En: The students held their books as they moved through the corridors, all dressed in thick jackets to protect themselves from the cold.Sv: Ute snöade det försiktigt, och sporadiska vindpustar skapade små snödrev i luften.En: Outside, it was gently snowing, and sporadic gusts of wind created small snow drifts in the air.Sv: Elsa stod vid sitt skåp och letade efter sina anteckningar.En: Elsa stood by her locker looking for her notes.Sv: Hon skulle hålla en presentation på stadens bibliotek.En: She was going to give a presentation at the city's library.Sv: Det var en del av ett skolprojekt, och hon skulle ha hjälp av sina vänner, Göran och Lena.En: It was part of a school project, and she would have the help of her friends, Göran and Lena.Sv: Elsa älskade historia och hade förberett sig i veckor, men hon var fortfarande nervös.En: Elsa loved history and had prepared for weeks, but she was still nervous.Sv: Hon sneglade mot Göran och Lena, som väntade tålmodigt bredvid henne.En: She glanced at Göran and Lena, who waited patiently beside her.Sv: "Är du redo?"En: "Are you ready?"Sv: frågade Lena, hennes kinder rosiga av kylan.En: asked Lena, her cheeks rosy from the cold.Sv: "Så redo jag kan bli", svarade Elsa med en ansträngd leende.En: "As ready as I can be," replied Elsa with a strained smile.Sv: Göran, alltid den optimistiska, log uppmuntrande.En: Göran, always the optimist, smiled encouragingly.Sv: "Vi kör igenom det en gång till på vägen till biblioteket.En: "We'll run through it once more on the way to the library.Sv: Det kommer gå galant."En: It's going to be great."Sv: Utanför skolan var snön djup.En: Outside the school, the snow was deep.Sv: Elsa beslöt att ta en annan, lite längre väg för att undvika de värsta snödrivorna.En: Elsa decided to take another, slightly longer route to avoid the worst of the snowdrifts.Sv: Med sina tjocka halsdukar uppdragna diskuterade de presentationens punkter medan de promenerade.En: With their thick scarves pulled up, they discussed the points of the presentation as they walked.Sv: "Kom ihåg att fokusera på varför du älskar ämnet", sa Göran.En: "Remember to focus on why you love the subject," said Göran.Sv: "Din passion är smittsam."En: "Your passion is infectious."Sv: Elsa nickade.En: Elsa nodded.Sv: Gatorna var tysta, den fallande snön dämpade alla ljud.En: The streets were quiet, the falling snow muffled all sounds.Sv: När de närmade sig biblioteket, som stod upplyst och välkomnande i vintermörkret, kände hon begynnande fjärilar i magen.En: As they approached the library, which stood lit and welcoming in the winter darkness, she felt the beginnings of butterflies in her stomach.Sv: Inne på biblioteket samlades deras klasskamrater och lärare i ett hörn.En: Inside the library, their classmates and teachers gathered in a corner.Sv: Elsa intog scenen.En: Elsa took the stage.Sv: Hon kände hur hon började darra när hon såg ansiktena som väntade på henne.En: She felt herself start to tremble as she saw the faces waiting for her.Sv: Orden fastnade i halsen hennes första sekunder.En: The words were stuck in her throat for the first few seconds.Sv: Men sedan kom hon ihåg Görans ord.En: But then she remembered Göran's words.Sv: Hon tog ett djupt andetag, fokuserade på sitt intresse för historia och började tala med klar och säker stämma.En: She took a deep breath, focused on her interest in history, and began to speak with a clear and confident voice.Sv: Hennes blick mötte Lenas och Görans, och hon fann styrka i deras uppmuntran.En: Her gaze met Lena's and Göran's, and she found strength in their encouragement.Sv: Ju mer hon pratade, desto mer föll nervositeten bort.En: The more she talked, the more her nervousness faded away.Sv: När Elsa avslutade sin presentation bröt ett varmt applåder ut.En: When Elsa finished her presentation, a warm applause broke out.Sv: Hennes lärare log stolt, och hennes vänner såg lättade ut.En: Her teacher smiled proudly, and her friends looked relieved.Sv: Hon hade övervunnit sina rädslor och, viktigast av allt, insåg hon att hennes kärlek till ämnet kunde övervinna hennes osäkerhet.En: She had overcome her fears, and most importantly, she realized that her love for the subject could conquer her insecurities.Sv: De tre vännerna samlade sina saker och såg ut genom de stora fönstren.En: The three friends gathered their things and looked out through the large windows.Sv: Snöflingorna dansade i luften, och Elsa kände sig lättad, nästan som om hon själv svävade på den snövita himlen.En: The snowflakes danced in the air, and Elsa felt relieved, almost as if she herself was floating in the snow-white sky.Sv: Den dagen förändrade något inom Elsa.En: That day, something changed inside Elsa.Sv: En nyvunnen självsäkerhet spirade, och hon visste att hon skulle kunna hantera framtida utmaningar med samma mod och passion.En: A newfound confidence blossomed, and she knew that she would be able to handle future challenges with the same courage and passion.Sv: Stockholm vintern kändes inte längre bara kall; den kändes som en ny början.En: Stockholm in the winter no longer felt just cold; it felt like a new beginning. Vocabulary Words:bustling: myllradecorridors: korridorernasporadic: sporadiskagusts: vindpustarsnowdrifts: snödrevlocker: skåppresentation: presentationnervous: nervösrosy: rosigastrained: ansträngdoptimist: optimistiskaencouragingly: uppmuntrandemuffled: dämpadebutterflies: fjärilarwelcoming: välkomnandetremble: darragaze: blickapplause: applåderrelieved: lättadeinsecurities: osäkerhetgathered: samladefloating: svävadesnowflakes: snöflingornaconfidence: självsäkerhetblossomed: spiradecourage: modpassion: passiondrifts: drivornaconquer: övervinnanewfound: nyvunnen

Send us a textThe Stories to Create Podcast, hosted by Cornell Bunting, is a powerful space where real stories lead to real transformation.Built on the belief that everyone has a story—and every story has the power to create change, this podcast amplifies the voices of youth, survivors, leaders, and everyday people who have faced adversity and chosen growth, healing, and purpose.Each episode dives into honest conversations about:Resilience and overcoming life's hardest momentsIdentity, purpose, and personal growthHealing from trauma and reclaiming your voiceMentorship, leadership, and creating a better futureMore than just storytelling, Stories to Create is a movement—connecting lived experiences to action through youth empowerment, mentorship, community programs, and hope-centered dialogue.Whether you're searching for inspiration, navigating your own healing journey, or looking to invest in the next generation, this podcast will remind you that your past does not define your future—and your story is still being written.New episodes every season Hosted by Cornell Bunting Where stories don't just get told—they create futures Support the showThank you for tuning in with EHAS CLUB - Stories to Create Podcast

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Guiding Democracy: A Brother's First Vote in Taiwan Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-17-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 台北的投票站，一片繁忙的景象。En: The voting station in Taipei was a scene of bustling activity.Zh: 冬天的寒风在外面轻轻吹拂，墙上挂着的公民骄傲横幅增加了一种庄重的气氛。En: The cold winter wind gently blew outside, and the citizen pride banners hanging on the walls added a solemn atmosphere.Zh: 美丽和双庆正走进这里。En: Meili and Shuangqing were walking in together.Zh: 美丽比双庆大几岁，她总是感觉有责任去指导这个刚满20岁的小弟弟。En: Meili was a few years older than Shuangqing, and she always felt responsible for guiding this younger brother who had just turned twenty.Zh: 今天是双庆第一次投票。En: Today was Shuangqing's first time voting.Zh: 他对台湾的总统大选感到兴奋，也有点紧张。En: He was excited and a bit nervous about Taiwan's presidential election.Zh: “美丽，万一我投错了怎么办？En: "What if I vote incorrectly, Meili?"Zh: ”双庆在进门前小声问。En: Shuangqing asked quietly before entering.Zh: 美丽微笑，拍拍他的肩膀。En: Meili smiled and patted his shoulder.Zh: “别担心，双庆。En: "Don't worry, Shuangqing.Zh: 我们一起看看候选人的信息。En: Let's review the candidates' information together.Zh: 你会发现这不难。En: You'll find it's not difficult."Zh: ”她领着他找到信息展示台，耐心地解释每一个候选人的主张和计划。En: She led him to the information display table and patiently explained each candidate's policies and plans.Zh: 双庆认真地听，逐渐放松下来。En: Shuangqing listened attentively, gradually relaxing.Zh: 投票站里充满了窸窸窣窣的谈话声和纸张的翻动声。En: The voting station was filled with the rustling sounds of conversations and the flipping of papers.Zh: 人们排着长队等着投票，美丽和双庆也在队伍中。En: People lined up long to vote, and Meili and Shuangqing were in line, too.Zh: 美丽继续鼓励双庆，“投票是我们的权利，你的选择很重要。En: Meili continued to encourage Shuangqing, "Voting is our right, and your choice matters."Zh: ”终于轮到双庆了。En: Finally, it was Shuangqing's turn.Zh: 他走到投票间，看着面前的选票，还是有些犹豫。En: He walked to the voting booth and looked at the ballot in front of him, still a bit hesitant.Zh: 美丽站在他旁边，用坚定的眼神看着他，给他无声的支持。En: Meili stood beside him, looking at him with a determined gaze, providing silent support.Zh: 双庆深吸一口气，心里默念美丽的话。En: Shuangqing took a deep breath, silently repeating Meili's words in his heart.Zh: 他微微一笑，坚定地做出选择。En: He smiled slightly and made his choice with confidence.Zh: 走出投票站，阳光洒在妙丽和双庆身上。En: As they walked out of the voting station, sunlight fell on Meili and Shuangqing.Zh: 双庆感觉内心充满了自豪，也有一种新的力量。En: Shuangqing felt a sense of pride and a newfound strength.Zh: 他感谢妙丽的帮助。En: He thanked Meili for her help.Zh: 美丽点头，“你做得很好，双庆。En: Meili nodded, "You did great, Shuangqing.Zh: 以后你会发现，每次投票都很重要。En: You'll find that every time you vote, it matters."Zh: ”双庆微笑着，心里明白了一件事：他的声音是有力量的，是值得被听到的。En: Shuangqing smiled, understanding one thing in his heart: his voice is powerful and deserves to be heard.Zh: 他知道，今天的经验是他未来民主参与的开始。En: He knew that today's experience was the beginning of his future participation in democracy. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 繁忙的atmosphere: 气氛solemn: 庄重的guiding: 指导responsible: 有责任的candidate: 候选人nervous: 紧张ballot: 选票hesitant: 犹豫attentively: 认真地review: 查看policies: 主张lining: 排着rustling: 窸窣flipping: 翻动determined: 坚定的gaze: 眼神support: 支持confident: 坚定地choice: 选择participation: 参与democracy: 民主pride: 骄傲experience: 经验voice: 声音powerful: 有力量的sunlight: 阳光newfound: 新的strength: 力量flip: 翻动

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Blossoming Leadership: Li Fen's Bold Run for Class President Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-08-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 北京的某个冬日清晨，学校的走廊里充满了迎接春节的节日气氛，灯笼高高挂起，色彩绚丽。En: On a winter morning in Beijing, the school's corridors were filled with a festive atmosphere welcoming the Spring Festival.Zh: 虽然窗户关得紧紧的，但北京刺骨的寒风还是尝试溜进来，伴随着这股寒意的是一股选举的紧张气息。En: Lanterns were hung high, colorful and bright.Zh: 李芬一个人坐在教室的一角，心里盘算着如何鼓起勇气站到大家面前。En: Although the windows were shut tight, the biting cold wind of Beijing still tried to sneak in, accompanied by the tense air of an election.Zh: 她决定参加班长竞选，她深知这次的对手是现任班长勇。En: Li Fen sat alone in a corner of the classroom, contemplating how to muster the courage to stand in front of everyone.Zh: 勇是个有魅力且受欢迎的学生，半点心思也没放在竞选上，因为他以为胜利唾手可得。En: She decided to run for class president, fully aware that her opponent would be the current class president, Yong.Zh: “李芬，你确定要做这个吗？En: Yong was a charismatic and popular student, who was hardly putting any effort into the election, thinking victory was easily within his grasp.Zh: ”她的好朋友保小声问道，脸上露出担忧的表情。En: "Li Fen, are you sure you want to do this?"Zh: “要做的。En: her good friend Bao asked softly, a worried expression on her face.Zh: 我想为大家做点事情，”李芬坚定地说。En: "I have to.Zh: 虽然她有点害羞，但李芬决心不让害怕阻挡自己前进的步伐。En: I want to do something for everyone," Li Fen said firmly.Zh: 保点点头，支持地说：“好，我帮你。En: Although a bit shy, Li Fen was determined not to let fear stop her from moving forward.Zh: ”两人开始策划竞选活动，保建议通过社交媒体扩大影响。En: Bao nodded, supportively saying, "Alright, I'll help you."Zh: 于是，李芬每天都会在校园的社交群组中分享她的想法，如何提升学生的精神面貌，以及关于学校环境的创新点子。En: The two began to plan the campaign, and Bao suggested expanding their influence through social media.Zh: 同时，勇显得有些漫不经心。En: Hence, Li Fen shared her thoughts daily in the school's social groups about how to enhance students' morale and innovative ideas about the school environment.Zh: 他相信自己不需要做太多努力就能再次当选。En: Meanwhile, Yong appeared somewhat indifferent.Zh: 不少同学仍对勇抱有厚望，李芬感受到了一股无形的压力。En: He believed he didn't need to put much effort to get re-elected.Zh: 终于，选举日到了，然而这天醒来，发现外面竟然开始下起了大雪。En: Many classmates still held high hopes for Yong, and Li Fen felt an invisible pressure.Zh: 一场突如其来的暴风雪让学校决定提早关闭，这也使得现场选举变得不可能。En: Finally, the election day arrived, but waking up that day, they discovered it had started to snow heavily outside.Zh: “我们应该推迟选举，”勇立刻建议道。En: A sudden snowstorm led the school to decide to close early, making an on-site election impossible.Zh: 但李芬不愿轻易放弃。En: "We should postpone the election," Yong immediately suggested.Zh: “我们可以在线上进行。En: But Li Fen didn't want to give up easily.Zh: ”她提出了这个不寻常的方案，这让大家都很吃惊。En: "We can do it online," she proposed this unconventional solution, surprising everyone.Zh: 学校的老师也对她的快速反应印象深刻，很快实施了这个方案。En: The teachers were also impressed with her quick response, quickly implementing the plan.Zh: 经过紧张的等待，在线选举的结果出来了，李芬以微弱优势获胜。En: After a tense wait, the results of the online election came out, and Li Fen won by a narrow margin.Zh: 同学们为她的坚持不懈和勇于创新而感到振奋。En: The students were thrilled with her persistence and willingness to innovate.Zh: 她用实际行动证明了自己的能力，从此她也变得更加自信。En: She proved her ability through her actions, and from then on, she became more confident.Zh: 李芬带着心中的梦想走向讲台，她知道新的旅程才刚刚开始。En: Li Fen walked toward the podium with the dream in her heart, knowing a new journey was just beginning.Zh: 但现在，她相信无论多么巨大的挑战，只要勇敢跨越，定会迎来变革的春天。En: But now, she believes that no matter how great the challenge, as long as she bravely crosses it, the spring of change will surely come. Vocabulary Words:corridors: 走廊festive: 节日lanterns: 灯笼biting: 刺骨sneak: 溜进contemplate: 盘算muster: 鼓起courage: 勇气charismatic: 有魅力opponent: 对手grasp: 唾手可得shy: 害羞influence: 影响indifferent: 漫不经心invisible: 无形margin: 微弱优势unconventional: 不寻常impressed: 印象深刻implementing: 实施narrow: 微弱innovation: 创新thrilled: 振奋persistence: 坚持不懈journey: 旅程challenge: 挑战bravely: 勇敢crosses: 跨越morale: 精神面貌election: 选举podium: 讲台

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: From Ski Jumps to True Connections: Sindre's Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-01-08-08-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Frisk snø dekket bakken i Holmenkollen, og den iskalde vinden sveipet over fjellene.En: Fresh snow covered the ground in Holmenkollen, and the icy wind swept over the mountains.No: Sindre stod i hoppantrekket sitt, nervøs men spent.En: Sindre stood in his ski jumping outfit, nervous but excited.No: Skihoppet reiste seg majestetisk mot den klare vinterhimmelen, og under dem lå et panorama av snødekte Oslo.En: The ski jump rose majestically against the clear winter sky, and below them lay a panorama of snow-covered Oslo.No: Sindre var kjent for sitt eventyrlystne vesen på skolen.En: Sindre was known for his adventurous spirit at school.No: Han hadde alltid sett opp til broren sin, som hadde fått flere priser i skisporten.En: He had always looked up to his brother, who had won several awards in skiing.No: Men nå ønsket Sindre å imponere Katrine, jenta han beundret.En: But now Sindre wanted to impress Katrine, the girl he admired.No: Hun stod ved siden av Emil, som så på skibakken med en kritisk mine.En: She stood next to Emil, who was looking at the ski slope with a critical expression.No: "Været ser litt utrygt ut," sa Emil, hans venn som alltid var forsiktig.En: "The weather looks a bit uncertain," said Emil, his friend who was always cautious.No: "Kanskje du burde vente.En: "Maybe you should wait."No: "Sindre ignorerte advarselen.En: Sindre ignored the warning.No: "Jeg vil gjøre det.En: "I want to do it.No: Det ser ut som en perfekt mulighet," svarte han, mens han prøvde å undertrykke frykten.En: It looks like a perfect opportunity," he replied, trying to suppress his fear.No: Katrine så bekymret ut, men Sindre kunne ikke la være å prøve å imponere henne.En: Katrine looked worried, but Sindre couldn't help but try to impress her.No: Han gikk mot kanten av skibakken.En: He walked towards the edge of the ski slope.No: Det var noe magisk med å stå der, over alt annet.En: There was something magical about standing there, above everything else.No: Men idet han sto klar til å hoppe, begynte vinden å blåse kraftigere.En: But as he stood ready to jump, the wind began to blow harder.No: Han kjente en bølge av usikkerhet, men det var for sent å ombestemme seg.En: He felt a wave of uncertainty, but it was too late to change his mind.No: Sindre skjøv fra.En: Sindre pushed off.No: Skiene gled jevnt nedover den bratte rampen.En: The skis glided smoothly down the steep ramp.No: Med et sus hoppet han ut i det åpne, svevende over bakken med vinden piskende rundt seg.En: With a whoosh, he jumped into the open, soaring over the ground with the wind whipping around him.No: I et øyeblikk følte han seg vektløs, men landingen kom raskt — og hardt.En: For a moment, he felt weightless, but the landing came quickly—and hard.No: Han traff bakken med et uventet dunk og mistet balansen.En: He hit the ground with an unexpected thud and lost his balance.No: Skiene fløy av, og han rullet ned bakken.En: The skis flew off, and he rolled down the slope.No: Sindre reiste seg skjelvende, uskadet, men ydmyket.En: Sindre got up shakily, uninjured but humbled.No: Katrine og Emil løp bort til ham.En: Katrine and Emil ran over to him.No: "Er du ok?En: "Are you okay?"No: " spurte Katrine og la en hånd på armen hans.En: asked Katrine, placing a hand on his arm.No: Sinden nikket, litt svimmel, men klar over nederlaget.En: Sindre nodded, a bit dizzy, but aware of his defeat.No: I stedet for å få den beundringen han håpet på, fant han noe mer verdifullt i Katrines øyne: ekte omsorg og empati.En: Instead of gaining the admiration he had hoped for, he found something more valuable in Katrine's eyes: genuine care and empathy.No: Kanskje, tenkte han, var det viktigere å være seg selv enn å prøve å være noen han ikke var.En: Perhaps, he thought, it was more important to be himself than to try to be someone he was not.No: Senere, da de satt sammen i kafeteriaen og delte varm kakao, følte Sindre at han hadde lært noe viktig.En: Later, as they sat together in the cafeteria and shared hot cocoa, Sindre felt he had learned something important.No: Ikke all respekt kommer fra bravado.En: Not all respect comes from bravado.No: Noen ganger kommer det fra å være sårbar og ekte.En: Sometimes it comes from being vulnerable and genuine.No: Hans forhold til Katrine hadde endret seg til noe dypere, noe mer meningsfylt.En: His relationship with Katrine had changed to something deeper, something more meaningful.No: Sindre visste nå at ekte forbindelser handler om forståelse og kjærlighet, ikke dumdristige hopp.En: Sindre now knew that real connections are about understanding and love, not reckless jumps.No: Han smilte forsiktig til henne, trygg på at han ikke trengte å bevise noe annet enn sitt sanne jeg.En: He smiled gently at her, confident that he didn't need to prove anything other than his true self. Vocabulary Words:adventurous: eventyrlystneadmire: beundrecautious: forsiktigpanorama: panoramamajestic: majestetiskcritical expression: kritisk mineuncertain: utrygtsuppress: undertrykkemagical: magiskuncertainty: usikkerhetglided: gledsoaring: svevendeweightless: vektløshumbled: ydmyketgenuine: ekteempathy: empatireckless: dumdristigebravado: bravadovulnerable: sårbarconnections: forbindelserunderstanding: forståelserespects: respektwave: bølgesteep: bratteunexpected: uventetthud: dunkuninjured: uskadetadmiration: beundringopportunity: mulighetgenuine care: ekte omsorg

In this deeply real episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with 19-year-old speaker and mentor Lawrence Harris, who has transformed profound personal pain into a mission of purpose. From being kicked out at 13 to battling CPTSD, Lawrence shares how he built resilience not as a buzzword, but as a way of surviving—and thriving. This conversation explores the unglamorous truth of healing, the discipline of self-love, and why encouragement—not expectation—is what youth really need today. About the Guest:Lawrence Harris is a youth mentor, digital entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. Despite his age, he brings lived wisdom shaped by adversity and fueled by an unbreakable will to rise. Kicked out of his home as a teenager and navigating mental health challenges, Lawrence rebuilt his life through small acts of self-discipline, empowering content, and by mentoring others. He now helps young people find their voice and purpose, offering tools through his books, courses, and social platforms. Key Takeaways: Resilience is about choosing to keep going, especially when quitting feels easier. Self-love starts with small habits like brushing your teeth or cleaning your space—discipline before affirmation. Healing is personal; Lawrence emphasizes surrounding yourself with affirming people and cutting off toxic influences. Today's youth don't need pressure to perform—they need validation to be. We must be careful not to glorify trauma but instead showcase the transformation and offer actionable guidance for others. Connect with Lawrence Harris:Website: www.lawrencecharris.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers/#Explore his books, courses, and digital tools under the “Shop” section of his site. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Tune to all our 15 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.podThreads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.podFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn – Avik Chakraborty #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

Christopher S Mahan is a transformational speaker, family coach, and result-driven mentor who has spent over a decade empowering parents, teens, and young adults to break cycles of dysfunction and build thriving, resilient families. As the creator of the “Empowerment to Employment” app, author of "Parental Leadership: Seven Principles to Lead Your Teen in the Digital Age," and host of the "Lead Your Teen" podcast, Christopher brings deep experience in leadership, parent-child dynamics, and personal development. His work has directly impacted thousands, providing tools and strategies to overcome adversity and find purpose. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Christopher joins Robert Plank to share his powerful journey—from recognizing alarming spikes in teen suicides in his Florida county to building a movement around parental leadership and family empowerment. Christopher reveals how his early struggles and career pivots fueled his mission, the challenges of getting essential messages into schools and communities, and the transformation that comes from facing fear, developing soft skills, and putting passion into action. Discussion topics include leadership versus parenting, breaking out of old patterns, the impact of technology on youth, resilience, personal responsibility, and how families can cultivate effort, passion, and purpose (EPP) for real-world results. Quotes: "Obstacles aren't in your way to stop you—they beg the question, how badly do you want it?" "If the home is broken, society is broken, because what the home puts out is a reflection of that home." "Preparation is part of leadership. You have to be ready for the hard work and not look for an easy out." Resources: Connect with  Christopher S Mahan on LinkedIn Get Christopher S. Mahan's book Parental Leadership: Seven Principles to Lead Your Teen in the Digital Age on Amazon Explore actionable strategies from Christopher S. Mahan.

Send us a textRecorded live at Cyber Bay 2025 in Tampa Bay, this conversation dives into how educators are preparing students for a rapidly changing tech world.