Student Reporting Labs

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Channel • 2 Shows

Personal Journals

Personal Journals

Updated Weekly
How To

How To

Updated Weekly

4D AGO

How a small art shop built a community in the Midwest

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

4d ago

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8 min
2022-06-01

Season 2: Why are we constantly comparing ourselves to others?

In this episode, Matt and Faiza discuss pressure and competition. You'll hear stories and conversations from students about their experiences with pressure, competition, and failure -- including a conversation with the 2021 National Spelling Bee winner, Zaila Avant-garde. Plus, you'll get tips and advice on combating these issues. Student voices include Jeremiah from Rouse High School in Leander, Texas, Deesha from Etowah High School in Woodstock, Georgia, and Lauren from Sickles High School in Tampa, Florida. This episode was produced by SRL production assistant Jaylah Moore-Ross with help from Briget Ganske.

2022-06-01

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23 min
APR 29

How drag queens are creating safe spaces in Missouri

This episode of On Our Minds Road Trip takes us to Columbia, Missouri, where drag performers are building community, creating joy, and challenging stereotypes. Student producer Maggie LeBeau takes us inside the local drag scene, introducing us to performers like Alexxa Pro and Artemis Gray. They’re creating spaces of belonging, especially for young queer people who don’t always have one. Maggie LeBeau produced the story in this episode. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced this episode with editing and mixing by Wyatt Mayes. Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

Apr 29

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8 min
2024-03-13

The U.S. Surgeon General on creating tech-free zones (Part 2)

In the second part of Bree and James's conversation with the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy advises on how to create tech-free zones to limit time on social media. James also asks a few fun questions about Elmo and chocolate chip pancakes. Click here for this episode’s transcript. Have a question or message for On Our Minds? Fill out this form. This episode was produced by Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske with help from Associate Producer Jaylah Moore-Ross. Frankie St. Pierre Nelson from KUOW's RadioActive edited and mixed this episode.

2024-03-13

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15 min
APR 22

Inside Minneapolis’ giant pencil festival

Why does Minneapolis celebrate a giant pencil every year? In this episode of On Our Minds: Road Trip, hosts Zack and Helena head to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to explore one of the city’s most delightfully weird traditions: the Giant Pencil Festival on Lake of the Isles. From dancing pencil costumes to a dramatic annual “sharpening” ceremony, this story highlights how creativity, humor, and community spirit turn a fallen tree into a beloved public art celebration. Plus, the hosts share their own quirky stories, including some about Helena’s pet turkey, Juanita. Divya Thamman produced the story in this episode. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited, and mixed this episode. Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Wyatt Mayes, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba, and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA, as well as the Lake of the Isles Pencil Festival. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

Apr 22

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8 min
2025-05-28

Author Bryan Stevenson on grace, grit, and growing up

You are more than your grades, your struggles, or your past, says Bryan Stevenson (author of Just Mercy and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative). Stevenson shares his journey defending the wrongly accused and why he's hopeful about the next generation. Click here for this episode's transcript. The conversation was produced by Kiran Bhatia from Brookline, MA. Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske produced this episode with editing and mixing by Genesis Magpayo and help from Wyatt Mayes. Ryan Janes is the camera and audio operator.

2025-05-28

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16 min
APR 15

Driving through Colorado changed how I see my childhood

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

Apr 15

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8 min
2025-06-04

How to overcome imposter syndrome and find a sense of belonging

Have you ever felt doubt and insecurity about your abilities or accomplishments? It's a normal feeling but it can be hard! Who can help? A mentor in your community who believes in you and helps you find a sense of belonging. Click here for this episode's transcript. Segments were produced by Alia and Ginger from New York City. Lead Podcast Producer Briget Ganske produced this episode with editing and mixing by Wyatt Mayes and help from Genesis Magpayo. Ryan Janes is the camera and audio operator.

2025-06-04

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18 min
2025-05-09 · BONUS

Teacher Appreciation: More Than A Week

To wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, we present this special BONUS episode where we flipped the mic and gave space to educators who reflected on the small moments that make it all worth it—student shoutouts, surprise gifts, and memories that linger. This episode is an audio love letter to the people who keep showing up: one student, one story, one rubber duck at a time. Click here for this episode’s transcript. Featured educators: AJ Chambers, Columbia, South Carolina Evan Andre, Meadville, Pennsylvania Jared Agard, Beaverton, Oregon Jennifer Wax, McKeesport, Pennsylvania Jen Chaffman, Huntersville, North Carolina Julie Tiedens, Black River Falls, Wisconsin Heather Putnam, Goodyear, Arizona Michael Kaufman, Clinton Township, Michigan Mindy Pavone, Clinton, New York Student voices: Anastasiia – Leander, Texas Alexis – Clinton Township, Michigan Brianna – Clinton Township, Michigan Ani – Royal Oak, Michigan Beatrix – Austin, Texas Roury – San Diego, California Zion – Clinton Township, Michigan Have a story about teaching you'd like to share? Record a voice memo and upload it here. SRL Senior Manager of Community Engagement Manager Emily Hope Dobkin and Youth Media Producer Justin Rhodes produced this episode with support from Senior Youth Programming Director Victor Fernandez and Youth Media Producer Becky Wandel. Wyatt Mayes edited and mixed this episode.

2025-05-09 · Bonus

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9 min
SEASON 6 TRAILER

On Our Minds: Road Trip Official Trailer

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

S6 Trailer

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1 min

Student Reporting Labs (SRL) is a national youth journalism program and public media initiative that trains teenagers across the country to produce stories that highlight the achievements, challenges, and reality of today’s youth.

Website

Student Reporting Labs

Top Shows

How a small art shop built a community in the Midwest

Season 2: Why are we constantly comparing ourselves to others?

How drag queens are creating safe spaces in Missouri

The U.S. Surgeon General on creating tech-free zones (Part 2)

Inside Minneapolis’ giant pencil festival

Author Bryan Stevenson on grace, grit, and growing up

Driving through Colorado changed how I see my childhood

How to overcome imposter syndrome and find a sense of belonging

Teacher Appreciation: More Than A Week

On Our Minds: Road Trip Official Trailer

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Student Reporting Labs

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