A Change is a Chance Ryan Lo

In this episode, I talked with Maggie Tokuda-Hall, author of many award-winning literary works, ranging from fantasy novels to picture books. She recently visited my school to talk about her books, how they related to social justice, and the true importance of books in a child's life. During our conversation, I got to hear her unique perspective on the writer's process, the duties of a minority writer, and the fight against book bans. Her insights made me laugh as much as they made me think deeply, and I learned so much. Tune in now to learn more.

It's not a surprise that more than 70% of Gen-Z are concerned about climate change but only 30% are actively engaged in climate activism. This episode dives into what one group of young climate activists in the Bay Area have created, how it has inspired many others to find their community and use their voices. Finn Does is a current co-chair of BAYCS and he talks about their work, inspiration and challenges, and what he views as a systemic issue at hand -- the tokenization of youth voices. From queer ecology, climate mental health, mushrooms to BIPOC climate organization, their monthly workshops and annual summit offer far beyond the typical Climate 101 discussions. BAYCS has a special event coming this Sunday, April 28th - Reclaim Our Future: Climate Solutions for People and Planet. Please visit BAYCS at www.baycs.org and support this student-run organization that has also helped me in my activism journey! 

In this episode, I talked with film-maker and activist Jon Osaki, who has dedicated his time to educating audiences on Asian-American history and identity. Mr Osaki has produced three documentary films, revealing the truths behind Japanese incarceration, shattering the Model Minority Myth, and activating Afro-Asian solidarity respectively. We talked about the history of Asian-American discrimination, what it means to belong, the cruciality of solidarity, reclaiming our own American identity, and so much more. Mr Osaki's words and advice are motivational and I feel even more fire within me to tell my story, and help share AANHPI contributions to American culture. Tune in now to learn more.

In this episode, I talked with an alumnus of Head-Royce School (my high school), Quinn Lewis, who recently graduated from Harvard, and wrote her thesis about corporate lobbying and why these companies have such a strong pull on our governments with regards to climate action. Everyone has heard the term corporate lobbying, but Quinn brought to light just how intertwined this term is with climate, and offered some solutions for the average person to combat this imbalance of power. From the paper industry in Sweden and fossil fuels in the US, to consumer behavior and the supply and demand sides of advocacy, the conversation was as inspiring as it was eye opening. It is amazing seeing our generation rise up as Quinn has.

Adriana Cosgriff is a former US Department of State Program Manager and Lecturer at the Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit of Climate, Equity, and Public Health, a program I attended this past summer. My interview with Adriana left me with hope and optimism as we discussed the numerous ways youth can tap into programs and grants to aid them in their cause. We discussed how the divisive legislative branch does not reflect the demeanor of program management, nor does it bring light to the power these programs have in activism. As youth activists, we protest, we march, we share and we educate, but it is also important to learn about various programs that could potentially become our allies, and help us move closer to our goal. Tune in now to learn more!

In this episode, I interviewed Deepa Sood, CEO of Citizen Grown, a company focused on democratizing cannabis industry. Cannabis has always been a rather controversial topic, but there are long-forgotten truths behind its stigmas and the actual positive effects it can have on people and communities. A long history of propaganda has buried this sprouting industry deep in negative association and unjust enforcement, but for us to reclaim its legitimacy and give back to those affected by past injustices, we have to push through the stigma and bring cannabis and its benefits to the forefront.



This is a topic that I know very little about, but Ms. Sood truly helped me understand just how closely cannabis and social injustices are intertwined. While we, the youth, absolutely should not be using the product, there's still so much we can do to make sure that the benefits of cannabis are reaped by communities in need, rather than big rich pharmaceuticals, looking for the next big money maker. Tune in now to learn more!