The People We Meet

Lara Leon and Anoushka Dugar

Being a teenager can feel like a mix of everything — pressure to succeed, figuring out relationships, navigating mental health, and even just trying to get enough sleep. On The People We Meet, Lara and Anoushka explore what it’s really like to grow up today. From conversations about confidence and the ordinary moments, to stories about mental health, every episode brings in real perspectives from students, friends, and professionals. Whether you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, curious, or just alone in your experiences, you’ll find something hat feels real, relatable, and worth thinking a listen.

Episodes

  1. Mar 10

    Yes, even your thrifted outfit Is complicated

    What happens when your favorite brands are built on exploitation — and you already know it? In this episode of The People We Meet, we talk with Alisha Rumani, a junior at Pinewood, sharing her perspective as a teen navigating the overwhelming world of fast fashion. We dive into the messy, often uncomfortable truth about how micro-trends, social media, and billion-dollar brands are shaping the way teens shop. We talk about the stores in every mall, the hauls all over your feed, and the environmental cost behind the clothes on your back. We're breaking down what "sustainable fashion" really means — and whether teens can actually make a difference. Music: "forever love" by prod. NIGHT DRESS | "into the blue" by lowtyde/prodtyde

    1h 2m

  2. 11/22/2025

    More than a type: Racial prejudice in teen dating

    What happens when dating “preferences” cross the line into prejudice? In this episode of The People We Meet, we talk with Annika, a junior at Mountain View High School, sharing her experience as a teen of color and navigating the dating scene at school. We dive into the messy, often uncomfortable truth about how race shapes teen attraction. We talk about the comments and assumptions that influence who gets seen as desirable and who doesn’t. We’re breaking down what “just a type” really means and why it matters. Music: “forever love” by prod. NIGHT DRESS | “into the blue” by lowtyde/prodtyde

    32 min

  3. 11/10/2025

    Wired Differently: The ADHD Conversation

    What does it really feel like to live with ADHD as a teenager? In this episode of The People We Meet, hosts Lara and Anoushka explore the complexities, misconceptions, and daily realities of ADHD. We start with Kylie Quinn, a junior her personal experience navigating school, social life, and the constant whirlwind of thoughts that come with ADHD. Then, we sit down with Dylan Kersh, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and father of a child with ADHD, to unpack how ADHD affects focus, behavior, and emotional regulation — and how to approach it with understanding and compassion. From messy rooms and chronic tardiness to hyperfocus and creative bursts, this episode highlights the challenges, triumphs, and strategies teens use to reclaim their focus and redefine success. Whether you have ADHD or just want to understand it better, this conversation sheds light on what it really means to think, learn, and live differently. Music: “forever love” by prod. NIGHT DRESS | “into the blue” by lowtyde/prodtyde

    1h 19m

  4. 10/11/2025

    When I’ll do it later… (but later never comes): Teen Procrastination

    As a teenager, it can feel like there’s never enough time — between school, sports, homework, and everything in between. But why do so many of us still end up procrastinating? In this episode, we talk with junior Aya, who balances AP classes and water polo, and licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Holly Seerly about what really drives time management struggles. From late-night study sessions to the guilt of taking breaks, we explore how perfectionism, burnout, and pressure shape how teens spend their time — and how they’re learning to slow down, set boundaries, and finally take control of their day. Music: forever love by prod. NIGHT DRESS into the blue by lowtyde/prodtyde

    1h 13m

  5. 09/21/2025

    Dating in High School: Everyone’s in Love… Except Me

    High school can feel like everyone’s in love—except you. In this episode, we dive into the pressures of teen dating, the loneliness that comes with comparing yourself to others, and the question so many teens ask: Am I enough? You’ll hear from Audrey, a college freshman reflecting on her high school experiences, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Gwen Chiramonte, who shares practical advice on building self-worth and finding confidence—even when love feels complicated.

    59 min

  6. 09/06/2025

    Can You Survive Without Your Phone? Teens Tell All

    As a teenager, it can feel almost impossible to put your phone down. But why is that? Is something wrong — or just part of growing up today? In this episode, we sit down with junior Nishka, who, like most of us, grew up in a digital era where nearly every aspect of life connects back to a phone — from friendships and social media to shopping and schoolwork. We dive into the pull of notifications, the comfort of staying connected, and the stress that comes with it. Together, we explore not just the challenges of being constantly online, but also the small ways teens are finding balance and learning to unplug without feeling left out. Music: forever love by prod. NIGHT DRESS into the blue by lowtyde/prodtyde

    45 min

  7. 08/23/2025

    When the Mirror Isn’t Enough

    Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like what you saw wasn’t enough? In this episode of The People We Meet, Lara and Anoushka dive into the messy reality of body image for adolescents today. Through conversations with teens and insight from a psychologist, we unpack how social media, beauty standards, and perfectionism shape the way we see ourselves. If you’ve ever felt alone in these struggles, we hope this episode feels like sitting down with friends who get it — and a reminder that your reflection is only part of who you are.

    10 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Being a teenager can feel like a mix of everything — pressure to succeed, figuring out relationships, navigating mental health, and even just trying to get enough sleep. On The People We Meet, Lara and Anoushka explore what it’s really like to grow up today. From conversations about confidence and the ordinary moments, to stories about mental health, every episode brings in real perspectives from students, friends, and professionals. Whether you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, curious, or just alone in your experiences, you’ll find something hat feels real, relatable, and worth thinking a listen.

Information

  • Creator
    Lara Leon and Anoushka Dugar
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lara Leon and Anoushka Dugar
  • Show Website
    The People We Meet