A Change is a Chance

Ryan Lo
  • 5.0 (10)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

It is my mission to seek the truths behind the systemic problems causing the gaps between the haves and have nots, bring to the forefront grassroots efforts and solutions we must rally around, expose the propaganda and misinformation that has held back progress towards a more just and equal world, and inspire other youth to take action, one episode at a time. Launched in December 2019. Instagram: @achangeisachance_podcast

  1. DEC 1

    Episode 47: Dispelling Disinformation and Building Power Among Youth

    In this episode, I was joined by influential youth organizer and current New Media Deputy for the Mayor of LA, Victor Shi, about the current state of youth activism in America and the ongoing fight for youth voices in politics. From discussing structural barriers against youth influence, to understanding widespread youth apathy and the dominant narrative of social media, Victor helped me see a broader path for youth power and the immense influence we can have over politics today. He is an inspiration for many youth activists like me who have taken his words and these lessons to make real changes with our resilience and votes. Tune in now to learn more!

    30 min

  2. OCT 27

    Episode 46: Inspiring Empathy and Persistence through the Language of Music

    In this episode, I interviewed the Director of the Children's Orchestra Society, Yeou-Cheng Ma. A violin prodigy herself, Yeou-Cheng explained how she teaches music through life lessons and values, rather than just practice. Through COS, a non-profit that teaches classical music to youth through life lessons and values, Yeou-Cheng builds students of character and passion, preparing them for a lifelong journey of self-expression and engagement. We discussed the impact from the lack of creativity and freedom today, and she explained how the Children's Orchestra Society works to combat that through music. I immensely enjoyed the anecdotes of kids who found their way through music and am in awe of the many paths the orchestra has opened up for kids in the last 6 decades. Tune in now to learn more!

    28 min

  3. SEP 17

    Episode 45: Uncovering the Human Within American Homelessness

    In this episode, I talked with Ms. Alastair Boone, executive director of the Oakland and Berkeley newspaper, Street Spirit, which focuses on telling stories by and about local people facing homelessness, while allowing all profits to go to those very people. I, personally, have never taken the necessary time to understand this crisis in our country, but Ms. Boone helped me to see the human within the issue, the fear-mongering lies of the media, and just how much it takes to be kind. I learned so much from our conversation and I believe I'll walk through the city of Oakland with a different lens now. Tune in now to learn more!

    36 min

  4. JUL 12

    Episode 44: Creating Hope and Action to Protect American Democracy

    In this episode, I spoke with Mr. Rob Shriver, the former leader of the Office of Personnel Management in the Obama and Biden administrations, and a current leader in the organization, Democracy Forward, a national legal non-profit that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, public education, and regulatory engagement. We discussed the current state of America, from how the Trump administration has terrorized the bureaucracy, to the impacts of the Big Beautiful Bill, and our crumbling democracy. But, in the midst of all of these alarming circumstances, we discussed the power of hope and channeling it through action, education, policy, and campaigning. Mr. Shriver and his work at Democracy Forward are proof that it is possible to fight back against oppression if you're only willing to take action. Tune in now to learn more!

    51 min

  5. MAY 2

    Episode 43: Uncovering Corporate Lies, Climate Justice, and Colonialism

    In this episode, I spoke with Ms. Anuradha Mittal, the founder and executive director of the non-profit, the Oakland Institute, a policy think tank known for its research on land rights, development justice, and anti-neocolonialism. From land grabs, to climate justice and corporate greed, we dove into major climate political issues and the lies and misconceptions surrounding each. We discussed how real climate solution-building requires the inclusion of marginalized groups, and how both the youth and the public are placated by manipulative language coming from the wealthiest and most powerful. Overall, our discussion went far beyond climate change itself, expanding to social hierarchy, corporate power, privilege, and more. Tune in now to learn more!

    32 min

  6. APR 5

    Episode 42: Exploring Education and Childcare Equity

    In this episode, I discussed with Mrs. Kym Johnson, co-founder of the NIA Endowed Scholarship, an organization that provides students with the opportunity to attend private school, and CEO of BANANAS Inc, a non-profit that works to provide affordable early education and child care for families in need. As the Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ravages government programs that support education and families with young children, we need groups like Mrs. Johnson's to fight back. In our conversation, we tackled belonging within schools, social justice in curriculum, economic disparities in education, and how we can fight for educational equity too. Tune in now to learn more!

    32 min

  7. MAR 19

    Episode 41: The Intricacies of Climate Policy and Carbon Removal

    In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Wil Burns, founder of American University's Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal, an organization that researches and advises on carbon removal technology through policy, society, education, and social justice. We discussed the future of climate change and what we must do as a planet to prevent our demise. Unfortunately, the world is nowhere near safety from climate disasters, but luckily, organizations like Dr. Burns' Institute are creating solutions that we all must play a part in. From the value of educational media to the power of climate political advocacy, our conversation tackled what must be done to fight the climate crisis and to resist the current administration. Tune in now to learn more!

    38 min

  8. 12/22/2024

    Episode 40: Breaking Down the Future of America

    In this episode, I talked with renowned civil rights lawyer, Jon Greenbaum, where we discussed the 2024 Election, what we can expect in the next 4 years, and the consequences of a second Trump presidency. Mr. Greenbaum explained to me the areas that would see the most impact, from immigration, to basic civil rights and the lack of checks and balance in our government. While the majority of our time focused on these potential short term perils, Mr. Greenbaum also reiterated the importance to have hope and keep fighting. Tune in now to learn more!

    36 min
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5
out of 5
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About

It is my mission to seek the truths behind the systemic problems causing the gaps between the haves and have nots, bring to the forefront grassroots efforts and solutions we must rally around, expose the propaganda and misinformation that has held back progress towards a more just and equal world, and inspire other youth to take action, one episode at a time. Launched in December 2019. Instagram: @achangeisachance_podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Lo
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Lo
  • Show Website
    A Change is a Chance