Power Your Story

Open Mic: The Night Before Halloween (Scary Movies!)

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:48:00 -0600

What's YOUR favorite scary movie?

This episode was produced by Malik, Jason, Charme, Melah, Amina, James, Rose, Diego, Yesenia, Brandon, Anaiya, Brian, LeLe, Lania, Julissa, David, Oliva, Cha'Raye, Anthony, and Joy.

Edited by Olivia.

Enjoy the show!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcast media.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us.

Beyond the Filter: Beauty Standards and Social Media with Maya, Lily, Samantha & Malik

Tue, 06 May 2025 23:21:00 -0600

Have you ever felt pressure to look or act a certain way because of beauty standards on social media? We're discussing the pressures of beauty standards online and offline.

We talk about the unrealistic expetations highlighted on social media and how they can affect mental health, especially for young girls and teens.

From diet culture to damaging trends, both men and women are affected by the things we see in our feeds. Our advice: embrace your authentic self, focus on health over appearance, have fun with self-care, and stay from harmful beauty trends

This episode features Maya, Lily, Samantha, and Malik. Editing by Youssef. Cover art design by Simone.

Enjoy the show!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Will money ever buy you happiness?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:28:00 -0600

Open Mic episodes are where we pick a topic and share whatever's on our mind that day about it. Money is always a hot topic and this round table does not disappoint! What do YOU think? Will money ever buy you happiness?

This episode features Adrian, Aden, Jessica, Moriah, Maya, Ciara, Briana & Ms. Klunder.

Enjoy the show!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

What To Do When You Are Feeling Sad with School Social Worker, Shelby Grace

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:46:00 -0600

Is it okay to watch sad movies? How do you get through world tragedies? What if you don't have supportive family members? We talked with Ms. Shelby Grace, a school social worker, about these questions and more. She even taught us a cool breathing technique to use when we feel stressed!

This episode was produced by ChuYing, Christian, Aliz, José, Toni, Carlos, Uriel, and Jonas.

Enjoy the show!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Celebrating Black Women in Journalism & Making "Mandela in Chicago" with Dr. Ava Thompson Greenwell

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0600

We got to speak with Dr. Ava Thompson Greenwell back in 2021 about her documentary Mandela in Chicago, which we also got to screen in our podcasting program.

The film tells the story of Nelson Mandela's historic visit to Chicago in 1993, three years after he was released from prison and one year before he became South Africa's first Black president.

But Dr. Ava Thompson is not just a filmmaker. She's an Author, Podcast Host, Certified Coach, Speaker, and Award Winning Journalism Professor! Her book, Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News, is about the toll racism and gender bias have taken on their professional and personal lives how they have overcome challenges while demanding that their voices and lived experiences be more fairly represented in news coverage.

You can watch Mandela in Chicago here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkPL8up7r5w

Here new documentary is Hearing Silences: 50 years of Black Women Faculty at Northwestern. It is being screened at the McCormick Foundation Center in Evanston, IL February 25, 2025. Details here: https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/624479

Congratulations, Dr. Greenwell!

This episode features Angel, Adrian, Dolores, Jonathan, Leo, Frederick & David.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Wildfires in California

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0600

Shockingly, we are revisiting an open mic episode that was recorded all the way back in 2021, when we were trying to process devastation brought about by California wildfires. Here we are again in 2025 with more devastation.

For more information, we also like this episode from Imperfect Paradise: LAist Newsroom Answers Your Questions About the Fires.

Our hearts go out to everyone who has been and is being hit by this tragedy.

This episode features Adrian, Brandon, Brooklynn, Maya, Natalie & Jayvon.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Teaching Sports & Life Skills with Ms. Jones

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:13:00 -0600

Our student producers from Ray Graham interview one of their favorite teachers (they have a lot of them), Ms. Jones about her experiences playing, coaching, and teaching sports. They also touch on life skills, community-based instruction, and even... math.

This episode was produced by Emilio, Gabby, Anabel, Semaje, Devonte and also features Uriel, Rafael, Diego, Daniel, and Patty.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Summer Break, The Good & The Bad

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:01:00 -0600

Coming out of summer break, fall is in full swing! What were your summer highlights and what, if anything, is the shadow side? What's so great about Roblox. Plus, WAS there a song of the summer?

Our student producers weigh in on this open mic episode from summer 2024.

This episode features Kayley, Diego, Rafael, José, Angel, Gabby, Daniel, Niimah, Ke'Nya, Jamyra, Alex, Edgar, Youssef, Devonte, Uriel, Jackie, and Rhianna.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: The Mandela Effect

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 01:36:00 -0600

What if it turns out something you clearly remembered never happened that way... but tons of people also remembered it the same way you did? Were you all just confused? Or did we slip into an alternate timeline?

KitKat, The Monopoly Man, JFK... maybe it's all a conspiracy!

Open Mic is where we pick a topic and then any of our producers can hop on the mic to say what comes to their mind.

This episode features Adrian, Leo, Brian, Jayvon, Jaylin, Miko, AJ, Hysan, and Elijah.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Identity: Revealing at the Right Time by Leo

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:20:00 -0600

Leo tells his coming out and offers advice for others who are struggling with revealing aspects of their identity. He also shares ideas for the friends, family and community who want to support them.

This episode was produced, written and hosted by Leo.

Graphic design by Mel.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Trying To Fit In with Alex

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:49:00 -0600

Alex shares her experiences trying to fit in and find her friend group in high school.

This episode was produced, written and hosted by Alex.

Graphic design by Cha'Raye.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

BONUS: Ask us a question about the high school experience!

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 21:45:00 -0600

What have you always wanted to ask a teenager about their high school experience? We are taking questions! Could be about classes, challenges, social media, pop culture, bullying, future dreams, our podcasting program, or anything you're curious about. Keep the questions clean and classy! You can send them through our contact page https://poweryourstory.libsyn.com/site/contact or DM us on Instagram @poweryourstorypodcast. Our program director will forward the best ones to answer on a future episode of Power Your Story.

Podcasting and Tapping with Pam Covarrubias from Café con Pam

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Pam Covarrubias is a podcaster (like us). On her show, Café con Pam, she hosts interviews over cafécito about mental health, liberation, and entrepreneurship.

AND she teaches people how to use Emotional Freedom Technique, or "tapping", to help with anxiety, stress, and fear. She showed us how to do it and you can follow along and try it too.

Don't forget to check out Pam's website and listen to Café con Pam.

Follow @cafeconpampodcast on Instagram.

This episode was produced by Uriel, Angel, Dylan and Rafael and features student producers from our Podcast Tech program.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Teaching Special Education Wasn't the Plan with Mr. Amusa & Uriel

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 02:13:00 -0600

Not every high school teacher goes to college with that as their career goal. Hear the story of how Mr. Amusa, one of Uriel's favorite teachers, came to love his work. Plus, he shares with Uriel the best and worst parts.

This was recorded at school between classes.

This episode was produced and recorded by Uriel.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Love: A round table with Devonte, Daniel, Jackie, Aliz

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 02:30:00 -0600

A short round table looking at love from different angles.

This episode was features Daniel, Devonte, Aliz, and Jackie.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Keep Dancing & Have a Good Time with Ramón Muñoz

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:36:00 -0600

Dancer and Fitness Instructor Ramón Muñoz returns with more insight into how to teach an excellent dance fitness class, how to choose the right music, and hope for the future.

We also got to take a mini-Zumba class with him before our interview. Everyone was smiling!

This episode features Jayson, Dorian, Antar, Lailah, Keynia, Elijah, David, Zion, Nkili, Steven, Kenneth, and Darius.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Taylor Swift, Global Shift with Maya, Adrian, Corey, Leo

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:43:00 -0600

Taylor Swift's career has been nothing short of a global phenomenon. Between her 2023 Eras Tour and Super Bowl appearances, her fan base just keeps growing!

Whether you're a Swiftie or not, join us for this conversation about why we think she's so popular, and whether $20,000 is TOO much to pay to see her in concert.

This episode was produced and co-hosted by Maya, Adrian, Corey, and Leo.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Future Dreams: Career Planning with Adrian

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 15:03:00 -0600

What happens after high school? Will you go to college? Get a job?

How do you take care of your responsibilites and follow your dreams?

Adrian has some ideas in this solo episode.

This episode was produced and hosted by Adrian, with support from Maya.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Sing For Creative Expression with Davin Youngs

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 14:27:00 -0600

Are you nervous to sing in public? Or do you love to use your voice? Does singing make you feel good?

Davin Youngs is a singer and voice coach who creates immersive sound experiences called The RESET to help people relax and feel more connected.

We got to do some improvisational singing with Davin before our interview.

Check out his music on Spotify, Apple Music... whereever you stream audio. You can also listen to his awesome podcast Free Your Voice, Free Your Life, and find upcoming events like Chicago Circle Singing on his website.

This episode features Elijah, Zion, Dorian, N'kili, and Steven.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Move Your Body (so it doesn't rust!) Zumba and Dance Fitness with Ramón Muñoz

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:59:00 -0600

Ramón Muñoz is one of Chicago's favorite Zumba instructors. He joined our class online for a mini session and after we worked up a sweat, we got to interview him about exercise, dance, social media and more!

Check out his classes and merch at https://www.ramonmunozdf.com/about and learn some moves on Instagram @rmdancefitness.

This episode features Jackie, Uriel, Emilio, Frederick, Jonas, and Leslie.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Mapping the Motion of Music with Aden

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:48:00 -0600

What kind of music do you like? How do you design the best playlist? What's your earliest memory of music?

WARNING: Aden cannot be held responsible for the smile this episode will put on your face.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Diving into the NFL World with Anneth, Dalilah, Simone

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 22:20:00 -0600

Why do YOU love watching NFL?

Anneth, Dalilah, and Simone are talking about why we enjoy football, who is our favorite team, what we think about refs and more.

Note: We recorded this in Fall 2023 BEFORE the 2024 Super Bowl, so find out whether our predictions were right!

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year (plus a holiday warning) From Our Producers!

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Our student producers in the Podcast Tech program at Ray Graham Training Center wanted to share their holiday wishes and a cup of good cheer!

But beware... Santa's watching you.

Thank you for another amazing season of Power Your Story!

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Christmas Traditions, Food, Music & Controversy

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 04:28:00 -0600

What's your favorite Christmas tradition? Song? How do you feel about pumpkin spice? Gingerbread? Candy canes? And... is one of our producers a Grinch? You be the judge!

This episode features student producers from our fall 2023 session of the Gallery 37 program at After School Matters.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat: Bonus Edition

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:12:31 -0600

What do you like to do for Halloween? Favorite costume? Best candy?

Our newest student producers share their Halloween opinions in this bonus episode.

This episode was produced by Dorian, Jayson, Damaria, Mya, Shigaki, Steven, Lailah, Kenneth, and Antar.

Special appearance by our Program Director Ms. Klunder.

Additional music support from Elijah, Ethan, Keynia, Samuel, and Darius.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Happy Halloween Part 2

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:40:00 -0600

Too old for trick-or-treating? Killer clowns? Horror movies based on real life? Our student producers are talking all things Halloween!

WARNING: This episode contains urban legends and scary happenings.

This episode features Aden, Adrian, Anneth, Johnny, Leo, Maya, and Zach.

Music design by Jayson, Mya, Shigaki, Kenneth, Anta, Steven, Lailah, Damarea, Dorian, Keynia, Elijah, Samuel, and Ethan.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Hall of Horrors: Horror Movies with Corey, Edgar, Adrian, Leo, Christian

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Classic horror, funny horror, psychological horror... what horror moview would YOU be in if you could?

This episode was produced by Corey, Edgar, Adrian, Leo and Christian. Our guest panelists are Maya, Aden, and Donovan.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Happy Halloween! Part 1

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 04:10:00 -0600

What are our student producers excited about for Halloween? Listen to the episode to find out.

WARNING: This episode contains spooky sound design and lots of laughs!

This episode features Emilio, Daniel, José, Angel, Rafael, Uriel, Dylan, Devonte, Patricia, Anabel, and Kayley.

Sound design (music and effects) by Daniel, Emilio, José, Anabel, Devonte, Darius, Keynia, Elijah, Samuel, and Ethan.

Enjoy!

Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Our Worst & Weirdest Fears

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 23:07:00 -0600

Kicking off Halloween season!

What's your biggest fear? Weirdest fear? Enjoy this open mic discussion with our student producers!

This episode features Maya, AJ, Aden, Silver, Alex, Donovan, Adrian, Jaime, Jayvon, Edgar, Corey, and Leo. Edited by Tess.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Superman: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down? with Elijah

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0600

The debate for the ages: Marvel vs DC. Plus Elijah's raw opinions on a fan favorite: Superman!

This episode was produced and hosted by Elijah.

Graphic design team: Miko, Leslie Sanchez, AJ, and Alejandro.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Does Money Give You Happiness? with Ada & Natalie

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 17:45:00 -0600

One day after school you stumble upon a Nintendo Switch listing. You really really really want to buy it but you look at your bank account and see that you don't have enough money. You think to yourself, "If I had enough money to buy the Switch, it would make me really happy."

For the next couple of days, you keep thinking about how happy having a Switch would make you. Somehow you manage to get enough money to purchase the Switch.

A few days later the Switch arrives at your house. You unbox it and start playing with it. A couple hours later, you find yourself getting bored with it and you feel nothing anymore.

You think to yourself, "Does money really make me happy?"

This episode was produced & hosted by Ada & Natalie.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Global Melodies with Adrian, Dewayne, Jayvon & Silver

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 12:46:00 -0600

Our resident music tastemakers talk popular music and international artists. Plus, what is more important in a good song -- the lyrics or the beat?

This episode features Adrian, Dewayne, Jayvon & Silver, with additional production support from Edgar. Graphic design team: Miko, Leslie Sanchez, AJ, and Alejandro.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Motorsports, Racing & Podcasting with Mike Joachim, Pit Lane Parley

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 23:18:00 -0600

Mike Joachim is one of the hosts of Pit Lane Parley, from interviews to analysis, everything you want about Indycar and Formula 1. Unbiased analysis, live shows at tracks and more, PLP is the best place for motorsports coverage.

Mike's goal is to bring great IndyCar content to not only hardcore fans, but to bring new fans to the series!

This episode features D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Genaro, Aldo, and Essence. Custom cover art by Stanley. This interview was originally recorded in 2022.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Street Racing & Car Culture with José

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 02:08:00 -0600

José leads an Open Mic conversation with our student producers about a topic he is most passionate about: street racing and car culture.

This episode features José, Frederick, Emilio, Jonas, Cameron, and Jayden. Edited by Tess. Custom cover art by Miracle.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Humor & Podcasting with podcaster, writer, comedian, actor Lisa Orkin, Project Woo Woo

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Lisa Orkin is a podcast producer, writer, comedian, actor, etc living and workin in Los Angeles, CA. She visited our program to help us develop our first ever comedy fiction episode: How To Save The Earth From Drowning. (Listen to the episode right before this one!)

We got to interview her about her work; her comedy podcast Project Woo Woo, where she interviews actors playing famous people (living or not); and why it's important to find humor in life. We also suggested future guests for her podcast if she decides to bring it back to the studio.

This episode features Emilio, Jayden, Daniel, Essence, Jonas, Uriel, and Brandy. Custom cover art by Bri.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

How To Save The Earth From Drowning, An Original Fictional Comedy

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:37:00 -0600

EPISODE 100!!!! We're celebrating by trying something new. This is our first ever original fiction episode on Power Your Story.

Our producers collaborated on this story about climate change, heroism, and adventure through improvisation based on a comedy writing workshop with writer, media producer, podcaster, and comedian Lisa Orkin.

The year is 2025. The news is that a massive climate change event is imminent that will submerge the entire earth under water. Will Bye the Cool Science Dude has hired adventurer Captain Jonas to go on an underwater adventure to find the Lost Kingdom of Jalen-A-Lions. Legend has it that they hold a secret treasure that will save us all. Science students Kevin and Ashley show up to help with their secret skill. Our four heroes will face great danger as they try to save the earth from drowning.

This episode was produced and performed by:

Anabel - Storyteller

Uriel - Will Bye the Cool Science Dude

Jonas - Captain Jonas

Emilio - Kevin

ChuYing - Ashley

Daniel - Giant Octopus & Serious Jorgé

Cover art design by Bri.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Identity: How To Know Who You Are with Joel

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:25:00 -0600

Joel shares some thoughts about how he has developed his identity and his core ideologies and beliefs. He encourages listeners to stay strong in a time when certain identities are marginalized by discriminatory legislation being passed in parts of the United States.

This episode was produced and edited by Joel in 2022.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

What Wisdom Comes With Age featuring Alex, Ciara, Dalilah, Jessica, Silver, Jayvon

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0600

What are the lessons you've learned that have helped you become who you? How do you deal with haters? How does your perspective change as you grow more into yourself?

This episode features Alex, Ciara, Dalilah, Jessica, and Silver, produced by Jayvon. Custom cover art by Bri.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

My Life With Autism featuring Johnny

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 00:10:00 -0600

How do you become more confident in who you are? Johnny shares stories of how he was diagnosed with autism, what his early experiences were like in school, and how he is doing as he begins his senior year of high school.

Custom cover art by Miracle. Social media by Sam.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: How was your summer vacation?

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Hear what some of our students were up to over their summer break.

This episode features Emilio, Essence, Uriel, Anabel, José, Daniel, Carlos, Christian, and Jonas. Custom cover art by Stanley and Edgar.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Relationship Rants on Reddit with Miko

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Miko's breaking down some sticky storeis from Reddit about people's relationships with their families, significant others, and friends. For each scenario, Miko provides clever commentary, answering the popular question of the platform: Am I the ***hole?

(Of course since this is a CLEAN podcast, we've done a little editing.)

Oh and "OP" means "Original Poster."

Tune in for some high drama, good laughs, eye rolls, and solid advice.

This episode was produced and hosted by Miko. Graphic design team: Miko, Leslie Sanchez, AJ, and Alejandro.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Karenmageddon

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 23:10:00 -0600

By now, we all know what a "Karen" is. Enjoy this round table discussion about the phenomenon that is the Karen, made popular by the #worldstar videos on social media. At times, funny or entertaining... but more often embarrassing, infuriating, and even dangerous... we feel the Karenmageddon must be stopped!

This episode features Brian, Jaylin, Elijah, Leo, Adrian, Miko, and Elvis. Additional production support from Stanley. Editing by Ade. Graphic design by Stanley and Edgar.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Let's Get Well Together with Frankie, Alex, and Lajoie

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0600

How can you grow from uncomfortable experiences in a healthy way? How does perception play into relationships and day-to-day interactions?

Frankie, Alex, and Lajoie share their personal stories about the drama that's happened with friends and strangers and how they healed from it. Maybe it'll help you with a difficult experience in your own life.

This episode was produced by Frankie, Alex, and Lajoie and edited by Tess. Graphic design by Miracle.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

NBA Offseason Opinions 2023 with Jordan

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 20:52:00 -0600

Jordan shares his opinions and commentary on the 2023 NBA Offseason and what makes a player a superstar.

This episode was produced and hosted by Jordan with custom graphic design by Miracle.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

ASMR: Help you to fall asleep with Leo, Edgar, Maya, Elvis

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 21:03:00 -0600

Our producers explore ASMR sounds as a technique that some people find helps them relax and fall asleep. What do you think?

This episode features Leo, Edgar, Maya, Elvix.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Sleep Deprivation & Insomnia: Struggles, Stories, Solutions with Leonardo & Dewayne

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 15:55:00 -0600

Imagine wanting to go to sleep.

But as soon as you get in bed, as soon as you get comfortable, you're laying there for like five minutes and it's like, you're not sleepy at all.

Have you ever experienced the effects of sleep deprivation and insomnia?

Leonardo and Dewayne are sharing personal stories, as well as some of the causes and possible solutions for anyone struggling to go to sleep.

This episode was created by Leonardo and Dewayne with production and editing support from Isis and Miko.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Heavy Metal and Mental Health with Artist Justin Bowling

Tue, 30 May 2023 05:07:00 -0600

We are sharing a different spin on mental health with Heavy Metal fan, musician and artist Justin Bowling. This interview was hosted by Carlos, Essence, Leslie, D'Angelo, and ChuYing, produced by Aldo, edited by Brian.

If you are struggling with mental health, anxiety, or depression, please know that you are not alone. Reach out to someone at your school, your medical provider, or someone you trust to help you find support.

Check out Justin's art at: https://www.vestebancomics.com

Facebook

Instagram

METAL MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS FROM JUSTIN:

Shape of Despair

Austere

Woods of Desolation

Morke

Tvær

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call 988 immediately.

Also check out: No Shame on U

For mental health concerns, feeling depressed or anxious please seek out resources in your area. Talk to someone you trust.

Chicago Resources:

City of Chicago Teen Support

NAMI Chicago Youth

Thresholds

Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness

National Resources:

NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health

DBSA Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Talking About George Floyd, Protests, Media, and Black Lives Matter - Part 2

Thu, 25 May 2023 21:00:00 -0600

This is part 2 of round table conversations recorded by our student producers in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by police on May 25, 2020. If you haven't already, we encourage you to go back to part 1 and listen to that one first, then come back to this one.

Also be kind to yourself and to our students who vulnerably and openly shared what were pretty fresh, raw emotions as the aftermath of this incident was unfolding.

It is important to remember the context — this was recoding in 2020 during the COVID pandemic lockdown. A divisive president was in the White House, that the majority of our students (but not all) felt anguish over. The Black Lives Matter Movement had gained visibility, and was convtroversial in certain circles. Riots were breaking out across the country, including in Chicago, and doing major damage to property and there were also peaceful demonstrations of anger, outrage, and support for the citizens, families, and communities most impacted by racial violence. We were hearing cries of "defund the police" without totally being clear what that meant.

You will hear opinions and statements you agree with AND ones you will disagree with.

We definitely encourage you to seek out and support commemorative events and grassroots organizations in your local community and take care of yourself during this time.

Thank you for listening.

This episode was produced by students in our 2020 Podcasting Season.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Talking About George Floyd, Black Lives Matter, and Police Violence - Part 1

Thu, 25 May 2023 00:29:00 -0600

May 25th commemorates a terrible and sad anniversary for the United States and that is the murder of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a practice of remembrance, we are releasing two round table conversations our student producers recorded in the wake of the tragedy the year it happened, 2020.

It is important to remember the context — this was during the COVID pandemic lockdown. A divisive president was in the White House, that the majority of our students (but not all) felt anguish over. The Black Lives Matter Movement had gained visibility, and was convtroversial in certain circles. Riots were breaking out across the country, including in Chicago, and doing major damage to property and there were also peaceful demonstrations of anger, outrage, and support for the citizens, families, and communities most impacted by racial violence. We were all on edge.

You will hear opinions and statements you agree with AND ones you will disagree with.

These conversations captured the raw emotions, ideas, and thoughts of our students in the midst of this chaotic time. We were meeting for our program for the first time online instead of in a classroom together and our producers' sibliings and families were living life in the background while we were recording (yes you will hear some of them).

We hope that you will listen with compassion and without judgment. And we hope that rather than breaking open old wounds, listening will help you to acknowledge, process, and continue to do the work of healing the discomfort and pain that likely you still feel over this period of time.

And also to remember that these issues have not yet been solved. There is still work to do.

We definitely encourage you to seek out and support commemorative events and grassroots organizations in your local community and take care of yourself during this time.

Thank you for listening.

This episode was produced by students in our 2020 Podcasting Season.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

The Journey to Self Empowerment: Mindfulness, Law of Attraction with Hysan and May

Wed, 24 May 2023 01:45:00 -0600

Hysan and May explore how we can empower ourselves to have a richer and more fulfilling life through mindfulness practices and the Law of Attraction.

Hysan mentions the book:

Who Will Cry When You Die? by Robin Sharma

Order it from Bookshop.org to support independent bookstores and Power Your Story.

This episode was produced by Hysan and May and edited by May.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Advocating for Mental Health and Peer Support with Ashley Scott

Tue, 23 May 2023 01:17:00 -0600

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we know it's an important topic for teens around the world. Elvis, Emerie, Alejandro, and Jules interviewed Ashley Scott, a Chicago-based peer support specialist, mental health advocate, artist, fashion design student, and Lego fan. We talked about her career path, what it takes to work in mental health and how her own self-care practices.

Ashley tells personal stories about anxiety, depression, and recovery. We touch on suicide and suicidal ideation. We know these topics can be difficult to talk or think about, but we also believe it's important to have the conversation.

Take care of yourself and we hope you listen all the way through. This is a joyful and compassionate conversation that we hope encourages and inspires you.

RESOURCES:

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call 988 immediately.

Also check out: No Shame on U

For mental health concerns, feeling depressed or anxious please seek out resources in your area. Talk to someone you trust.

Chicago Resources:

City of Chicago Teen Support

NAMI Chicago Youth

Thresholds

Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness

For more info about advocacy, Ashley recommends:

NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health

DBSA Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

This episode features Jules, Elvis, Emerie, and Alejandro.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Aliyah's Reflections on Graduating from Ray Graham and the Podcast Program

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:28:00 -0600

Aliyah has been one of our star producers since the beginning of Power Your Story. When she graduated, she recorded this farewell episode in her final season with Power Your Story and her last year attending Ray Graham, a high school in Chicago for diverse learners and students with disabilities.

Aliyah works with Infiniteach, an incredible company that develops inclusive technology and apps for the autistic community. She continues to use the interview skills she learned and practiced on Power Your Story for their blog.

Check out Infiniteach's Blog!

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Expand Your Experiences: Music & Travel with Percussionist Ernie Adams

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:08:00 -0600

What kind of music do you listen to?

Can music take you around the world?

We talked with Ernie Adams, an incredible Chicago-based percussionist who says he's been blessed to work in 48 countries all over the world with legendary, Grammy Award winning artists from the jazz world, the pop world, fusion world, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music worlds and beyond.

He's played on stages, done recording sessions, worked on music for the hit Chicago TV show "Empire," and so much more.

We talked about influences, balancing time between work and family and the importance of following your passion and making things happen!

Ernie's website

This episode was produced by Aliyah, Jonas, D'Angelo, Genaro, and Elvis.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

The Joy of Dance and Instagram with Flow XS featuring Anaid

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:26:00 -0600

What do you love most about Instagram? What kept you feeling happy during the pandemic?

This episode was recorded during the height of popularity for a Canadian dance duo Flow XS. Watching their high energy choreography videos was a bright spot for our producer Anaid.

Here's the full transcript of our interview so you can follow along.

Flow XS Website

Instagram

YouTube choreo video Anaid mentions

This episode was produced by Anaid.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

Anaid: Welcome to Power Your Story. I'm Anaid. Today we are talking about Flow XS. Flow XS is a dance group. It's just Kevin and Michael. They are just brothers from Toronto, Canada.

I first found out about them because they were in a Disney movie, Zombies 1 and 2, and I see the background dancers and they're so amazing. I look them up on Instagram first. There was somebody from that movie who posted a picture and I just commented on that picture and then Flow XS liked my comment.

Ms K: Anaid, I think you spend a lot of time on Instagram. Do you love being on Instagram?

Anaid: Yeah.

Ms K: Tell us what you like about it.

Anaid: I like the filters. I like, I dunno, there's something about Instagram that I like. When I'm commenting on posts, I feel happy. I watch Flow XS on YouTube. They dance mostly to hip hop music.

Ms K: Why do you think they're special? What do you think it is about when they dance that makes them different than other dancers?

Anaid: I think they have a different flow and unique, and that's what I like about them. One day I will love to see them perform in person.

Ms K: So for you, you have a disability that would make it pretty difficult for you to move your body in the same way that they move their bodies. Probably even I could not move my body in the same way that they move their bodies. Because like you said, it's really unique and they've probably put in a lot of hard work.

Anaid: Yeah, I wish I could dance like that.

Ms K: Is there any physical activity that you have done, that you really enjoy?

Anaid: Standing up. When I can stand up, I feel strong.

I have a brain tumor. It makes it difficult to walk. And when I see other people dance, I wanna do that.

Sometimes I DM people I follow, but I don't hear back. It doesn't really matter. I have made friends on Instagram who like bands.

When I first got my Instagram account, I was 18 or 17 years old. I waited for a lot of years. I think it's because my disability doesn't, like, respond really quick.

Ms K: And how did it feel when you first started using Instagram?

Anaid: I was happy.

Ms K: Right away, you loved it?

Anaid: Yeah.

Ms K: I'm wondering cuz you've seen some movies and some performances and Flow XS – when I looked at their website, they've been in a ton of different things. Do you have, like, a favorite video or a favorite performance you've seen of theirs?

Anaid: There's this YouTube video.

Ms K: Mm-hmm.

Anaid: It was like a class and they were teaching us how to dance to "Somebody To Love" by Justin Bieber and Usher.

Ms K: So it's a class and they're teaching you how to dance to "Somebody To Love"?

Anaid: Yeah. I like how they're teaching us step by step. I go over the steps in my mind. It made me feel happy.

I think listeners should check out Flow XS because they are the best dancers. I think it will make you feel good and happy.

My name is Anaid. Go check out Flow XS and thank you for listening.

Expressing a Different Point of View with Genaro

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:18:00 -0600

This episode was recorded in 2020, a year that was stressful for most of us, with a lot of debates about politics, racism, police violence, and health and safety. We were dealing with what some were calling protests and others were calling riots throughout the country and certainly in Chicago in the wake of the murder of George Floyd — with everything being emotionally amplified by the effects of being in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We were meeting for our program online for the first time (we used to meet in person). Generally we don't get too deep into politics on this show and in this season. But as we were talking about what was happening in society that was so present for all of us, there was a strong common point of view that most of our student producers agreed with.

One of our producers, however, felt frustrated that every time we had a round table conversation, his opinion seemed to be the odd one out. Being in the minority opinion in any group can be hard and he felt that every time he tried to share or explain his point of view, he was getting shut down. So he approached me to ask if he could have a chance to share some of those thoughts on the show.

I took it as an opportunity to try to both help him articulate exactly what he was thinking and feeling, and also for me to try to understand his point of view a little better, since I, like most of our producers, didn't fully understand where he was coming from all the time.

It's now of course, a few years later, and circumstances, experiences, and opinions may have evolved, but I thought it was important to present views that are representative of the experiences of all of our producers during that time.

This episode isn't about taking sides — it's about hearing another person's experience of what was one of the worst time periods in our lived history.

I invite you to take a listen, think critically about your own values and beliefs, and see what you can relate to in my conversation with Genaro.

~Ms. Klunder, Program Director

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Social Media: How to Get More of the Good, Less of the Bad

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 02:19:00 -0600

What are your favorite social media platforms? No matter where you like to spend time online, you've probably had both good and bad experiences.

In this round table discussion, we share tips on how to have better experiences, deal with bullying, avoid scams and more.

This episode was produced by Genaro, Joel, Aliyah, D'Vonte, with additional stories by D'Angelo, Keyanna, Jonas, Alejandro.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Telling Stories & Making Art with Ivan Vazquez

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:11:00 -0600

During the pandemic lockdown, we had a chance to talk online with Mexican American indigenous visual artist and designer Ivan Vazquez.

Using art as a weapon Ivan's work portrays resilience by embracing and trusting community to help and guide him on his childhood journey growing up in Chicago. His work has allowed him to grieve the loss of best friends (Luis Trueba , Lino Diaz, Juan Zapata, and Daniel Aragon)and positively deal with trauma. His goal is to share his way of healing to others struggling.

Ivan's has been featured in sponsored shows/charity and community events ranging from the Jordan Brand, Don Julio Tequila, Mountain Dew, Red Bull Music Academy, The NBA, Pepsi co. ,season 4 and 5 of "The Chi" on showtime, Howard brown health, broadway youth center and Toyota. Using art as a weapon Ivan Vazquez's work continues to evolve and grow finding better ways to serve the community. Come take a look into the past, present, and most importantly the future with visuals from Ivan Vazquez's budding collection "Aztec boys n the hood ".

Ivan's website: https://www.ivanvazquezart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechicagolago/

ARTIST STATEMENT

"I lost a few brothers due to the senseless violence Chicago is known for. I stored it away for over 15 years until I came across a 8th grade photo of them and had a epiphany . My art became the way I finally grieved and at the same time heal" its my way to pay tribute to them. My mission is to empower/educate youth with positive and relate-able alternative lifestyles.The representation of Chicago and hip hop culture in my work reflects the need for positive outlets , unity, love and positivity.

My paintings are a reflection of how it feels and looks growing up in Chicago. The beauty and brutality the city is known for. My art embodies the four seasons and the need for balance in a city where if you don't stay grounded you get swept away. My subjects are often very young and don the masks of Aztec/Zulu and indigenous warriors and gods. The characters represent modern day warriors and ancestors we call on for strength and to summon spiritual powers.The visuals are meant to empower, unify, inspire and educate . There is a darkness in my work as well as a sense of serenity, promise, and light. My goal is to preserve and contribute to the culture and represent the mis and underrepresented."

This episode features Joel, Al, Ryan, Jonas, D'Angelo, and Aliyah.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic: Decolonizing Classrooms

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:28:00 -0600

Open Mic episodes are where producers can share their ideas about a topic we've voted on earlier in the week. This time, Jules brings up the question of whether and how we can make changes to how subjects are taught in our school classrooms to be more inclusive and relevant to our life experiences.

This episode was produced by Jules, Alejandro, Brandon, Natalie, Jacob, Brian, Ada, and Maya.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Being a Community Warrior: Mentoring, Leadership, and Indigenous Roots with Rudy Sosa

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 18:38:00 -0600

Alejandro invited his mentor, Rudy Sosa, to the podcast to share his experiences as a leader in the Little Village community in Chicago. Rudy talks about leading vigils for neighborhoods grieving gun violence, mentoring youth through Youth Guidance's Becoming A Man® program (BAM®), lessons from Black Lives Matter, and connecting with the wisdom and traditions of your indigenous roots.

This episode was produced by Alejandro, Keyanna, Jules, Essence, and D'Angelo.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

How To Have An Exciting Life

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:34:00 -0600

This is a Pass the Mic discussion. We asked our fans on social media "How can you have an exciting life?" We read our audience's answers and then shared our opinions about whether we agree or disagree and why.

This episode was produced by Genaro, D'Angelo, Armani, Jonas, Joel, Edward, Emon, David, Brandon, and Elvis.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Coming out on New Year's Day with Joel

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 09:15:00 -0600

"You don't have to pass to anyone except yourself." Our student producer Joel shares this message with anyone who is questioning or struggling with their own gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. Joel shares a personal story of coming out to his parents and with Program Advisor, Andrea Klunder, explores the right words to describe his own identity.

If you haven't already, go back one episode after this one and listen to our interview with Chuck Bernsohn for more definitions, suggestions, encouragement, and resources.

*One note: this conversation was originally recorded in 2020. Language, expression, relationships, and identity have likely shifted, expanded and grown since then. We thought this story was still important to tell and the message may be one you or someone you love may need to hear.

This episode was produced by Joel.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Making the world more inviting and affirming for people of all genders featuring Chuck Bernsohn with Joel, D'Vonte, Genaro, D'Angelo, Alejandro, Jonas

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Gender identity, gender expression, preferred pronouns... language, options, safety -- a lot has changed over the past few years. How do you define your own identity? How do you support a friend who is struggling? What resources are availalble? Let's talk about all of it with Accessibilty Consultant Chuck Bernsohn.

Resources mentioned:

Chuck Bernsohn

The Trevor Project

Gender Spectrum

A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns

This episode was produced by Joel, D'Vonte, Genaro, D'Angelo, Alejandro and Jonas.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Self-advocacy and living in the community with a disability featuring Ryan McGraw from Access Living

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Right before the pandemic interrupted production our season about "Your Future", we had the chance to interview disability advocate Ryan McGraw about the services and supports offerered at Access Living in Chicago.

Access Living provides advocacy, independent living skills, transition support, peer support, information and referrals for people with disabilities.

As Access Living's Health/Home and Community Based Services Community Organizer, Ryan facilitates two groups: Taskforce for Attendant Services, and Independent Voices. He moved to Chicago from Michigan in 2008 and received his master's degree in disability and development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Since then, he's held several positions in the disability advocacy field. Ryan is passionate about home- and community-based services because everyone should have the right to live in the community with the services they need. Ryan also teaches accessible yoga, and loves to run, bike, and travel in his free time.

You can learn more about Access Living at accessliving.org and connect with Ryan there or on LinkedIn.

This episode was produced by D'Vonte, Jonas, Joel, Genaro, and Emon.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Round Table: Growing up with disabilities and bullying

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 08:23:00 -0600

Elvis leads our student producers in a round table discussion about their childhood experiences growing up with a disability, how bullying has affected them, and learning to move past obstacles.

This episode was produced by Elvis, Genaro, Essence, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, and Alejandro.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

BONUS: Merry Christmas 2022

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 18:20:00 -0600

Our student producers in Podcast Tech wanted to wish you Merry Christmas! On this Open Mic Wednesday episode... what started as a discussion about holiday gifts, food, and movies turned into a Christmas song singalong... even if we couldn't remember all of the words.

This episode was produced by Daniel, Uriel, Emilio, Jonas, Carlos, Leslie, Essence, Anabel, Itzel, Christian, Jaime, Jose, Joel, Toni, and Kevyn.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

BONUS: Happy Thanksgiving 2022!

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 22:40:00 -0600

Our student producers in Podcast Tech wanted to wish you Happy Thanksgiving! On this Open Mic Wednesday episode... Food, family, and Thanksgiving day advice.

This episode was produced by Uriel, Emilio, Jonas, Daniel, Carlos, Leslie, Essence, Anabel, Itzel, Christian, Jose, Joel, and Kevyn.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

COVID-19: Reflections from 2020

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 18:30:06 -0600

COVID-19 hit the world pretty hard. In some ways, we hit rock bottom. In 2020, we recorded a round table discussion online (since we couldn't meet in person) with some of our Power Your Story student producers.

We talked about masks, being stuck at home, online school, losing people, being bored, stress, and even some positive things coming from the experience.

In 2022, we listened back to that discussion for a fresh perspective and recorded an updated intro.

We hope listening back helps YOU process some of your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences from the pandemic. Hopefully things are getting better.

This episode features Aliyah, Brandon, Brooklynn, Elvis, Genaro, Jules (Clara), Keyanna, and Alejandro. The new intro is by Adrian, Brooklynn, and Jayvon.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic Thursday: Mask Mandates Lifted at School

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 16:11:09 -0600

When mask mandates were lifted at Chicago Public High Schools this spring, we had some thoughts... like was it too soon and will we ever feel totally comfortable not wearing masks in public?

Open Mic Thursdays are off the cuff commentary about whatever topic is on our minds on a particular week.

These are our thoughts and opinions in the moment and can go basically anywhere.

This episode features Ada, Adrian, Brooklynn, Emerie, Jayvon, Joel, Maya, and Natalie.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Dating, Consent, and Healthy Relationships with Maggie Arthur

Mon, 02 May 2022 15:33:00 -0600

How can you tell if someone has a crush on you?

How can you make yourself more attractive?

What is consent and why is it important?

How do you know if someone is catfishing you?

We ask the tough and fun questions about dating and relationships with Maggie Arthur, Director of Education at Resilience, a nonprofit organization in Chicago dedicated to the healing and empowerment of sexual assault survivors.

This episode was produced by Justus, David, Amari, Elvis, Karen, Genaro, Emon, and Edward.

About Maggie:

Maggie first joined the Resilience Education and Training team as in intern in 2016. She was then hired onto the team in 2018 and promoted to Director of Education and Training in 2021. In addition to facilitating sexual violence prevention education for Resilience, from 2018-2021 Maggie was also the Campaign Coordinator for the Our Music My Body campaign, addressing gender-based violence in the music community.

Prior to joining Resilience, Maggie spent nearly a decade volunteering in support of survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence. She holds a BFA in photography and a BA in journalism from Indiana University as well as a Master of Social Work from UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work. Maggie is both a 40-hour certified Domestic Violence Survivor Advocate and a 60-hour certified Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate.

Maggie idolizes Dolly Parton, reads voraciously, listens to heavy metal, relishes in bringing people together, adheres to the principles of disability justice and believes a future without violence is possible.

Season 8 theme is "Your Future"

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 8 is produced by Amari, Armani, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Emon, Elvis, Genaro, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Karen, and Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Round Table: The Russia vs Ukraine War

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:40:56 -0600

In this round table discussion, we break down what is happening between Russia and Ukraine, what we think about it, how we can help, and what we would need to live in a world without war.

This episode features Adrian, Jules, Jayvon, Beck, Juan, and Jacob.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Open Mic Thursday: The Slap at the 2022 Oscars

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 15:31:42 -0600

Open Mic Thursdays are off the cuff commentary about whatever topic is on our minds on a particular week.

These are our thoughts and opinions in the moment and can go basically anywhere.

In this episode, we are talking about what it seems like the entire internet has been talking about -- Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

This was recorded with two separate groups of student producers.

This episode features Aldo, Brandon, Brooklynn, Carlos, Dewayne, D'Vonte, Elvis, Emilio Essence, Genaro, Jayvon, Joel, and Toni.

Enjoy!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

BONUS: Electronic Music & Other Hobbies with Genaro, David & Edward

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 20:30:33 -0600

Recorded outside at school, this is an unscripted interview that David & Edward have with Genaro, the creator of our theme music.

They talk about why he loves making electronic music and whether he would study music in college.

Season 7 theme is "Hobbies & Life Hacks."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 7 is produced by Aliyah, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Essence, Genaro, Jesus, Johnathan, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Sebz World of Sports on podcasting with Edward, D'Angelo, Genaro, Jonas

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 20:30:05 -0600

Edward, D'Angelo, Genaro and Jonas talk with Seb from Sebz World of Sports, a show he originally created when he was in 4th grade.

They talk about sports, podcasting, and getting into the middle school of your choice.

The interview was originally recorded at the end of 2019 and we get an update from Seb!

Check out Sebz World of Sports in your favorite podcast app or at http://www.sebzworldofsports.com.

Season 7 theme is "Hobbies & Life Hacks."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 7 is produced by Aliyah, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Essence, Genaro, Jesus, Johnathan, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Dungeons & Dragons: the Classic RPG featuring Andrew Saenz

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 04:00:43 -0600

Chicago-based actor, podcaster and RPG fan Andrew Saenz joins us for a lesson about how to play the classic Dungeons and Dragons.

Our student producers even get to start their own adventure.

Variant Rules Podcast

Wizards of the Coast - DND

Andrew Saenz on IMDB

Season 7 theme is "Hobbies & Life Hacks."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 7 is produced by Aliyah, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Essence, Genaro, Jesus, Johnathan, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Graham Crackers Comics featuring Earl Geier with Joel and D'Vonte

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:04:00 -0600

Joel and D'Vonte are talking with Earl Geier, manager at Graham Crackers Comics, the biggest comic book store in downtown Chicago. According to his bio, Earl thinks Spider-man has been a clone since Steve Ditko left the title, and everything after 1968 is "new books". He's been reading books for almost as long as any of us, and has forgotten more about comics history than you'll ever know! Having spent a spell illustrating RPG games like Battletech and Call of Cthulhu, he and his staff of Graham Crackers Junior Rangers are trying to squeeze as much product as possible into our store and helping customers find what they want.

Originally recorded in 2019... we got to visit the store and record on location on one of our legendary field trips.

Check out Graham Crackers - Loop - https://www.grahamcrackers.com/chstore.htm

Season 7 theme is "Hobbies & Life Hacks."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 7 is produced by Aliyah, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Essence, Genaro, Jesus, Johnathan, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

World Building featuring Molly Southgate with Justus, Brandon, Aliyah, Elvis, Genaro, D'Angelo

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:25:04 -0600

What if you could create a whole new world from your imagination... and invite your friends? You can!

Molly Southgate, writer, actor, LARPer, podcaster, tells us how in this conversation recorded at the end of 2019 pre-pandemic. We even have a 2022 update from Molly!

Check out Molly's podcast Read Between the Lines. Follow on IG @readbetweenthelinespodcast and @whatsmollymakin.

What worlds would you create?

Season 7 theme is "Hobbies & Life Hacks."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 7 is produced by Aliyah, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Essence, Genaro, Jesus, Johnathan, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

First Aid Comics featuring James Nurss with Justus, Rashaad, Aliyah

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 02:00:12 -0600

What's it like to run your own comic book store?

Are comics growing or dying in popularity?

How can you get into comic books as a new hobby?

Justus, Rashaad and Aliyah bring you the answers from James Nurss, owner of First Aid Comics in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Originally recorded in 2019... this is a great reminder to visit and support your local independent comic book stores!

Check out First Aid online at https://www.firstaidcomics.com

Season 7 theme is "Hobbies & Life Hacks."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 7 is produced by Aliyah, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Essence, Genaro, Jesus, Johnathan, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Why you need a hobby with Aliyah

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 11:00:58 -0600

A few thoughts about how hobbies can save you from burnout. Plus Aliyah's favorite hobby!

Season 7 theme is "Hobbies & Life Hacks."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 7 is produced by Aliyah, Brandon, David, D'Angelo, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Essence, Genaro, Jesus, Johnathan, Joel, Jonas, Justus, Rashaad.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Following your entrepreneurial dreams with Jimmy Prude from Jimmy's Vegan Cookies

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0600

How do you know which dream to follow in your life? How do you start a business? And how do you make a vegan cookie actually taste good?

All this and more from our 2019 conversation with Jimmy Prude, founder of Jimmy's Vegan Cookies.

For season 6 of Power Your Story, our theme is "My Favorite Things."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 6 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Mark, Mekhi, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Getting to the finals with the Google Podcasts Creator Program and PRX

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 22:49:03 -0600

Sometimes you win and sometimes you don't. But it feels good when someone notices what you're creating.

Hear this story about what happened when we applied to the Google Podcasts Creator Program with PRX.

We applied in 2019 and this update is provided by our program director and mentor, Ms. Andrea Klunder.

For season 6 of Power Your Story, our theme is "My Favorite Things."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 6 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Mark, Mekhi, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Sports mastery and advice for student athletes with DeShawn Fontleroy

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 17:00:00 -0600

It's the sports episode you've been waiting for!

DeShawn Fontleroy, RBT, is a USA Track and Field Coach, USAW Sports Performance Coach, and founder of ProForce Athletics. He specializes in problems of training–including the role of strength training, sprinting, and jumping ability in the athlete's physical preparation. His podcast is The Science of Sports Mastery.

We talk about careers in sports management and coaching, staying focused and developing a strong personal mindset (in athletics and in life), and DeShawn's personal success story.

This interview was recorded in 2019.

Learn more about DeShawn and his athletic training services at http://proforceathletics.com/.

Then check out The Science of Sports Mastery podcast at http://sportsmastery.com/ or in your favorite podcast app.

For season 6 of Power Your Story, our theme is "My Favorite Things."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 6 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Mark, Mekhi, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

How music and art can save you with Sandra Antongiorgi

Fri, 07 May 2021 20:00:00 -0600

How do you get started on the path of being a professional artist and musician?

What do you do if your work isn't as good as you want it to be?

What does it take to be successful?

Sandra Antongiorgi is a Chicago-based artist with two creative passions as both a visual artist and a vocalist and musician.

She talks with us about how pursuing her passions saved her throughout hard times as a child and throughout her life and shares gratitude for the people who supported and helped her along the way.

And she gives some good advice for anyone who wants to follow their own creative passions.

Check out her music and art at http://www.santongiorgi.com/.

This episode was produced by Keyanna, Carlos, Brandon, Christobel, and Elvis in 2019.

For season 6 of Power Your Story, our theme is "My Favorite Things."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 6 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Mark, Mekhi, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Perception: Disabilities, Stress & Video Games - Our NPR Student Challenge Story

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:42:22 -0600

How do you perceive people with disabilities?

How does your disability impact your life?

How do you deal with the stress of every day living?

In 2019, we created this story for the NPR Student Podcast Challenge. We didn't win, but we think it's pretty awesome anyway!

This episode features stories from Brandon, Keyanna, Joel, Carlos, Elvis, and D'Vonte. We also hear the voices of Al, Mekhi, Justus, Zamire, Juan, and Edward.

For season 6 of Power Your Story, our theme is "My Favorite Things."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 6 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Mark, Mekhi, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Feel Better in Nature featuring Ian Chadwick, nature educator and park ranger, Joshua Tree National Park

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:20:32 -0600

Ian Chadwick joined us online all the way from California, where he works as a ranger in Joshua Tree National Park.

Before that Ian lived in Chicago and worked as nature educator in different places.

He shares his own story of why he grew to love nature, why he thinks it's important to connect with it even if you live in the city, and why we should protect our natural environment.

He recommends Every Kid Outdoors, a program through the National Parks to give free passes or checking out your local park district.

And for those of us living in and around Chicago, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Garfield Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park Zoo (especially the African Penguins), North Park Village Nature Center, and the nearby Indiana Dunes National Park.

Nature is one of producer Mark's favorite things and he produced this episode with Joel, Al, and Elvis, Edward, and Justus.

On season 6 of Power Your Story, our theme is "My Favorite Things."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 6 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Mark, Mekhi, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

How to Deal with Stress, Anxiety, and Bottled Up Emotions with Sarah Buino from Conversations with a Wounded Healer

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 23:42:40 -0600

We talked with Sarah Buino, licensed clinical social worker and founder of Head/Heart Therapy in Chicago, about addiction, and our experiences with stress, anxiety, OCD, and bottled up emotions.

Sarah shared tips about using the things you love to do to help when you have these kinds of experiences -- like listening to music, singing, playing video games, going outside, and moving your body.

We also talk about Reiki, tarot cards, and super hero psychology.

Sarah shared that she doesn't like the word "control" when talking about your feelings and your body's response to stress. Find out what do do instead.

Check out Sarah's podcast Conversations with a Wounded Healer.

This interview was recorded in 2019. Since then her show has grown a lot! She talks with other healers about how people do our own healing work while helping others.

Sarah's favorite social media is Instagram.

On season 6 of Power Your Story, our theme is "My Favorite Things."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 6 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Mark, Mekhi, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

A convo about gaming with Junae Bennett, Black Girl Gamers

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:44:46 -0600

This story is about Junae Bennett from Black Girl Gamers and how she experiences playing video games from the time she was a little kid to now as an EA sports journalist.

Check out Junae's website and if you're thinking of a career in gaming, you can buy her ebook How to Become a Successful Video Games Journalist.

This interview was recorded in 2019 when Overwatch and Apex Legends were popular. She talked about GTA, streaming on Twitch, making a career, and representation in video games.

Follow on Twitch, Twitter, and Instagram.

On season 6 of Power Your Story, our theme is "My Favorite Things."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 6 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, D'Vonte, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Mark, Mekhi, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Behind the scenes: Favorite moments of podcasting with Aliyah

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 21:30:00 -0600

Senior Producer Aliyah shares some highlights of the Power Your Story podcast program as well as favorite guests, tips for discovering podcasts to listen to, and what we've learned about being flexible and prepared as producers.

On season 5 of Power Your Story, we are talking all about making podcasts. This episode covers interviewing, listening, and storytelling skills.

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 5 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Maritza, Mark, Miguel, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

StoryCorps: Connection, compassion, and helping people tell their stories with Amy Tardif, Mark, Elvis, Carlos

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 20:51:21 -0600

Mark, Elvis, and Carlos interviewed Amy Tardif, Regional Manager at the StoryCorps StoryBooth in the Chicago Cultural Center.

The mission of StoryCorps is to preserve and share humanity's stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.

This basically means that when we listen to people tell stories about their lives, we can understand where they're coming from better -- even if they are different from us or we don't agree with them.

This interview was recorded at our school in 2019. Due to the COVID pandemic, the StoryBooth at the Chicago Cultural Center is closed at the time of release.

But you can sign up to record a conversation with a loved one remotely in their "virtual recording booth" with the help of someone from StoryCorps, who will guide you step-by-step.

Learn more about StoryCorps and book an appointment to interview someone you know here. Listen to personal stories recorded through StoryCorps here or subscribe to their podcast in your favorite podcast app.

On season 5 of Power Your Story, we are talking all about making podcasts. This episode covers interviewing, listening, and storytelling skills.

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 5 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Maritza, Mark, Miguel, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

How to be a storyteller with Ada Cheng with Keyanna, Christobel, Zamire

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Keyanna, Christobel, and Zamire interviewed Chicago based storyteller and the host of Am I Man Enough? podcast, Ada Cheng.

Before the COVID pandemic, we were so lucky to have Ada in the house for our interview and a workshop where she helped us learn how to tell stories from our personal lives.

One thing we learned is what to do if you lack the courage to do something and need to find the determination in yourself.

Ada's motto is: make your life the best story you tell.

Ada hosts live storytelling events like Pour One Out and Talk Stories. During the pandemic, these events are virtual. You can learn more at renegadeadacheng.com.

On season 5 of Power Your Story, we are talking all about making podcasts. Storytelling is an important part of being a good host or guest.

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 5 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Maritza, Mark, Miguel, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Making an interview podcast with Monica Rivera from You Wanna Do What?!

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Monica Rivera is an inspiring podcaster based in New York who produces a show called You Wanna Do What?!

On season 5 of Power Your Story, we are talking all about making podcasts.

In this episode, Brandon, Justus and Joel talk with Monica about what it's like to independently produce an interview-based podcast. She shares some of her favorite stories, her process, and best advice for new podcasters.

You can follow Monica on Instagram @youwannadowhat

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 5 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Maritza, Mark, Miguel, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Lost phones, surgery, chess - Personal storytelling with Joel, Brandon, Carlos

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 18:43:58 -0600

Have you ever lost your cell phone, had to have surgery, or wanted to learn how to play a new game?

On season 5 of Power Your Story, we are talking all about making podcasts.

In this episode, Joel, Brandon, and Carlos share personal stories from their own lives. This is an example of one type of podcast you can make - "personal narrative."

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 5 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Maritza, Mark, Miguel, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

How to make a podcast with Aliyah, Carlos, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Miguel

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:54:04 -0600

On season 5 of Power Your Story, we are talking all about making podcasts.

In this episode, we'll walk you through the steps we follow to produce our show.

We mention that we use a podcast hosting service called Libsyn. If you decide to create your own show, and host with Libsyn, you can get your first month free with the promo code: envy.

Also if you DO have your own podcast, share it with us! Send us the link and we'll give you a shout out on a future episode.

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 5 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Brandon, Carlos, Christobel, Edward, Elvis, Justus, Joel, Juan, Keyanna, Maritza, Mark, Miguel, and Zamire.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Public graffiti art in Chicago featuring Jayinex aka Corey Jenkins with Quintin and Emon

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 13:00:00 -0600

Jayinex is Chicago's creative hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and community. CEO and graffiti artist Corey Jenkins met up with our producers at homiey. (homiey's founder Mariah was featured on a previous PYS episode.)

Corey talks with Quintin and Emon about art, education, imagination and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Learn more about Jayinex including Black Lives Matter murals and projects: https://www.jayinex.com

Follow on Insta: @jayinex

Check out the designs at homiey: https://www.homiey.com

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 4 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Damon, Emon, Joel, Juan, Mandy, Maritza, Mark, and Quintin.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Chicago stories and memories with Quintin, Maritza, Al, Joel, Emon

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 16:34:58 -0600

What's it really like to grow up and live in Chicago? Our producers weigh in on what we love most about the city, what we wish was different, and some personal stories about every day life.

This episode was recorded outside in the garden of our school.

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 4 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Damon, Emon, Joel, Juan, Mandy, Maritza, Mark, and Quintin.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

What's a school mentor? Damon talks with Mr. Pierce

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0600

There are certain subjects and questions you just can't talk about with your parents or even a teacher. That's where a school mentor comes in. Our school is fortunate enough to have a lot of resources for students, like Mr. Pierce, who can help us out of these awkward situations.

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 4 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Damon, Emon, Joel, Juan, Mandy, Maritza, Mark, and Quintin.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

A Sensory Walk Outside Our School to Destress Your Mind

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 19:45:03 -0600

Sometimes life gets stressful. We heard about the idea of taking a sensory walk to help de-stress your day. So we decided to try it for ourselves.

Basically, you walk around a specific place and notice anything you can see, hear, smell, feel or taste as you go.

Senior producers Al and Aliyah ask our other student producers to share their observations on the block around our school.

We recommend trying this in your neighborhood!

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 4 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Damon, Emon, Joel, Juan, Mandy, Maritza, Mark, and Quintin.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Co-working, community art, and owning a small business with Mariah Cobb from homiey with Emon and Juan

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 02:33:51 -0600

Juan and Emon interviewed small business owner Mariah Cobb from homiey, a community co-working, art and event space in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Homiey has expanded to a second location in Noble Square, Chicago and a location in Oakland, CA.

They have made a lot of adjustments due to the current health concerns and are now offering private spaces by reservation.

Check out homiey's locations at http://www.homiey.com

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 4 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Damon, Emon, Joel, Juan, Mandy, Maritza, Mark, and Quintin.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Chicago hip-hop artists Ridgio and PD$ on music and being a postive influence with Al, Mark and Joel

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 19:51:46 -0600

Al, Mark and Joel met up with Chicago hip-hop artist Ridgio and his buddy Tyler aka PD$ to talk about producing music, performing, growing up in Chicago and why it's important to have a positive message.

We recorded this interview at homiey co-working in Chicago.

Check out Ridgio at http://ridgio.com. His new album Twenty V Winters just dropped on Apple Music, Spotify, and Soundcloud.

Follow Ridgio on Instagram @ridgio_ and PD$ @parnell_ds

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 4 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Damon, Emon, Joel, Juan, Mandy, Maritza, Mark, and Quintin.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Visiting Garfield Park Conservatory with Mandy and Maritza

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 22:09:04 -0600

Mandy and Maritza interview Ruthie Gold from the Garfield Park Conservatory during our field trip.

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest indoor/outdoor gardens in the United States. It's free to visit and it's a great place to go an relax, bring your family, or take a school field trip.

Learn more and plan your visit:https://garfieldconservatory.org/

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 4 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Damon, Emon, Joel, Juan, Mandy, Maritza, Mark, and Quintin.

Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.

Top 5 places to visit in Chicago with Aliyah

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:40:52 -0600

What do you think of when you think of visiting Chicago? Or if you live here, where do you take guests when they come in from out of town?

Aliyah shares her top 5 places to check out in our opener for Season 4: Exploring Chicago.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 4 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Damon, Emon, Joel, Juan, Mandy, Maritza, Mark, and Quintin.

Stress less and be connected with Kai Chi Do with Francine Brown and Keenan

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 23:00:00 -0600

Do you ever get stressed out? Overwhelmed? Tired? Anxiety?

Do you wish you could feel more calm, more joy, more like yourself?

In a follow up to our last episode at I Grow Chicago Peace House, Keenan talks with Francine Brown, a massage therapist in Chicago, who led us all in a Kai Chi Do session.

Kai Chi Do is a movement meditation combining movement, breathing, music and even dance. The goal is to experience a feeling of connection -- to yourself, to others and to life.

You'll hear a little bit from the beginning of our class in this episode.

Learn more about Kai Chi Do at http://www.kaichido.com

Check out Francine's healing practice in Chicago at http://www.blessthisbody.com

You can learn more about I Grow at http://www.igrowchicago.org, on Facebook @igrowchicago, and Instagram @igrowchicago.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

I Grow Chicago Peace House with Al, Malik, Justus, Keenan

Sat, 28 Sep 2019 13:00:00 -0600

Power Your Story took an incredible field trip to visit the I Grow Chicago Peace House in the Englewood neighborhood.

We got a tour, played basketball, took a kai chi do class (which you'll hear about in another episode), visited the greenhouse, met community members, ate lunch... it was a great day!

Al, Malik, Justus and Keenan interviewed co-executive directors Quentin Mables and Erin Vogel about the organization's mission, why they personally got involved, what kinds of programs they offer and the importance of offering a safe space for people in what is traditionally known as a rough, under resourced community.

The mission of I Grow Chicago is to grow Englewood from surviving to thriving through community connection, skill building, and opportunity.

Powered by community and leading from the streets, all programs work to address the traumatic effects of violence and poverty.

You can learn more about I Grow at http://www.igrowchicago.org, on Facebook @igrowchicago, and Instagram @igrowchicago.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Personal Heroism: How one teacher saved a family from a car crash with Aliyah & Ms. Delgado

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:01:26 -0600

What would you do if you saw a car crash right before your eyes?Producer Aliyah is inspired by the true story of how one of her teachers at Ray Graham, Ms. Delgado, saved a family of children from a wrecked car before emergency workers arrived. Hear what happened in this exclusive interview.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Video Game Design with Allen Turner, game developer and educator

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 22:06:01 -0600

Producer Shamar interviews Allen Turner, a professor at DePaul University who designs video and tabletop games. He is also a storyteller and educator.

We talk about how you come up with the story for a game, how games get made, the best and most challenging parts of his career, and how his personal story about growing up led to him to do this work.

His tabletop RPG game Ehdrigohr is a non-traditional fantasy world that takes traditional storytelling elements from the myths and folklore of tribal and indigenous cultures around the world, with particular inspiration from the Lakota people to create fate-based adventures.

Learn more about Allen and Ehdrigohr at http://council-of-fools.com/blog/

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Thoughts on Gun Control and Violence with Aliyah

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 11:05:00 -0600

Producer Aliyah shares her personal thoughts on the debate about gun control following our 3-part series on gun violence with Dion McGill from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Gun Violence - Part 3 - Student Q&A with Dion McGill, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 11:00:00 -0600

This is part 3 of a 3-part series on gun violence in Chicago, in schools and in our culture. Our producers had an unscripted Q&A with Dion McGill, Program Manager at the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

We talk about the influence of pop culture, rap, social media, economics, police shootings, Chicago history, and how we can work together to make a difference.

Learn more about the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence here: http://www.ichv.org/

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Mike Owens: Animator & Creator of Danger & Eggs with Justus & Malik

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 04:23:10 -0600

Mike Owens is the Emmy Award winning co-creator and executive producer of Danger & Eggs, an animated series for children and families on Amazon Prime.

As a show creator, Director, Character Designer, Storyboard Artist, Teacher and Animator, Mike has created character driven entertainment for screens of all sizes and for audiences of all ages for more than 20 years.

His work has been featured by Amazon, Nickelodeon, Disney, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, Warner Bros, Ambush Entertainment, General Mills, IFC, and Yo Gabba Gabba.

We talk with Mike about his creative process, what it takes to be successful in animation and his best advice for aspiring artists.

Learn more about Mike Owens at https://www.mikeowensproductions.com/

Check out Danger & Eggs on Amazon Prime.

This episode was produced by Justus and Malik.

***

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Gun Violence - Part 2 - Dion McGill, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence with Keenan & Miguel

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 05:22:42 -0600

This is part 2 of a 3-part series on gun violence in Chicago, in schools and in our culture. We talk with Dion McGill, Program Manager at the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

This episode was produced by Keenan and Miguel.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Sam Kirk and Jenny Q on Public Art, community, and celebrating culture with Alfred & Justus

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 11:00:00 -0600

Sam Kirk creates artwork to celebrate people and to inspire pride and recognition for underrepresented communities. Her work walks the viewer through various moments, focusing on a celebration of culture, discovery of identity, and the politics that we have been fighting for generations. She grew up in Chicago.

Jenny Q is an illustrator, dancer and doula. She grew up all around the world with influential roots in Costa Rica, Brooklyn and India.

In this interview, we talk about public art, travel, improving communities and celebrating different cultures.

See more of Sam and Jenny's work at ProvokeCulture.com - "We will be proud. We will be celebrated. We will be seen."

This episode was produced by Alfred and Justus.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Gun Violence - Part 1 - with Dion McGill, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence with Miguel and Keenan

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 17:00:00 -0600

This is part 1 of a 3-part series on gun violence in Chicago, in schools and in our culture. We talk with Dion McGill, Program Manager at the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

This episode was produced by Keenan and Miguel.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Farewell to Robeson High - School Closing - Interviews with the students

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 04:14:18 -0600

We attended a farewell celebration at Paul Robeson High School in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, one of the sites for After School Matters. Robeson is being closed down and the student body is being split up. We interview students from the ASM program Coding the Fun Way about their thoughts and feelings about their school being closed.

This episode was produced by Alfred and Aliyah.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Musician Sam Trump: Sophisticated Soul with a positive message - Mark, Nathaniel

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 03:50:47 -0600

In our Season 3 opener, Mark and Nate interview musician and trumpet player Sam "Trump" Harris. Based in Chicago, Sam is originally from Houston. His music has been described as "sophisticated soul" and he believes in spreading a positive message through his music and educating young people to help them follow their dreams.

This episode was produced by Mark and Nathanial.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is produced by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 3 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Carzel, Danais, Juan, Justus, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Miguel, Nathanial, Shamar, Shaquan, and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by DJ Sparkz aka Genaro.

Six Flags Great America, Fear, and Roller Coasters - Carzel, Charmiane, Malik, Nadia

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 11:00:00 -0600

Roller coasters are powerful -- no doubt! Hear our favorite stories from Six Flags Great America, the biggest amusement park near Chicago.

This episode features real life stories by Carzel, Charmiane, Malik and Nadia.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Power Your Story is made for students by students at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcasting technology.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters. Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

The Shamar Show on why I love K-pop (and you should try it too)

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 04:30:00 -0600

The Shamar Show features unscripted, off the cuff interviews with our student producers. Produced by & starring Shamar Gipson.

Today's episode is a solo in which Shamar tells us how he got into K-pop and why you should too.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Additional music in this episode "Short Swing" provided by Valentin Sosnitskiy via FreeSound.orgunder the following Creative Commons License:

Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

The Great Discussions: Art, Beauty & Education - Art Teacher & Painter Ms. Kurisch with Aliyah

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 00:47:58 -0600

The Great Discussions features deep, philosophical conversations with inspirational people. Produced by Aliyah Rich.

In this episode, Aliyah talks with Ray Graham art teacher Ms. Katherine Kurisch about how she defines art, what inspires her, and her role as an art teacher for special education.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Additional music in this episode "Groove Music" provided by "lemoncreme" Benjamin Mastripolito via FreeSound.org under the following Creative Commons License:

Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

Bank Accounts for Teens & Saving Money - Heidi Albert of Money Locker with Charmiane

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 00:10:26 -0600

Why do teens need a bank account?

What's the best way to save money?

Does money give you power?

The answers to these questions and more in Charmiane's interview with Ms. Heidi Albert, Founder & Executive Director of Live It To Learn It and Money Locker.

Money Locker combines financial literacy with access non-predatory financial services for unbanked or underbanked teenagers in urban Chicago.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

The Shamar Show feat. Keenan, Carzel, Sonia and Alfred on life

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 23:35:41 -0600

The Shamar Show features unscripted, off the cuff interviews with our student producers. Produced by & starring Shamar Gipson.

In this episode, Shamar talks with Keenan, Carzel, Sonia and Alfred about life, family, beauty, music, video games and more.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Additional music in this episode "Short Swing" provided by Valentin Sosnitskiy via FreeSound.orgunder the following Creative Commons License:

Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

How To Be a Good Friend with Nadia & Malik

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:37:09 -0600

How can you be a good friend? Nadia polls our student producers and staff. She and Malik interview Ray Graham special ed teacher Ms. Burgess about how to make friends after graduation and what to do if your friends make you angry. At the end, Nadia gives her best tips for making AND keeping your friends.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Hair Styling as a Career - Miss SarahMya, Hair Stylist & Color Educator with Sonia

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 20:51:28 -0600

What does it take to be successful as a professional hair stylist? How can you best take care of your hair? What about color and extensions?

Sonia interviews Chicago-based hair stylist and color educator Miss SarahMya about her career and her craft.

Miss SarahMya currently works out of The Circle Salon in Wicker Park. You can learn more at http://www.misssarahmya.com.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Positive Attitude & Anger Management - Ms. Thomas & Ms. Connors with Amelia and Malik

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 20:39:19 -0600

How can you have a more positive attitude? What can you do when you get angry? And why does it matter?

Amelia interviews Assistant Principal Ms. Thomas about how to change your attitude. Malik interviews Counselor Ms. Connors about anger management.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Food for Energy - Raw Vegan Chef Dominique Leguizamon with Carzel, Shaquan

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 00:54:44 -0600

What is raw vegan food and is it good? How can food give you energy? And why do some people choose not to eat meat?

Carzel and Shaquan talk with raw vegan chef and yoga teacher Dominique Leguizamon.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

The Shamar Show feat. Aliyah on comics, video games, cooking and anime

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:30:54 -0600

The Shamar Show features unscripted, off the cuff interviews with our student producers. Produced by & starring Shamar Gipson.

In this episode, Shamar talks with Aliyah about comics, video games, cooking and their favorite anime.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Additional music in this episode "Short Swing" provided by Valentin Sosnitskiy via FreeSound.org under the following Creative Commons License:

Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

Personal Power Stories: art, music, bicycling, gym class and the time I rode my bike into a stop sign

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 23:48:48 -0600

When was the last time you did or did not feel powerful?

In this episode, Charmiane shares about her dreaded gym class, Aliyah tells the story of being chosen to paint a mural on the school bench and how she came up with what to paint, Shamar runs into a stop sign on his bike, Sonia talks about joining drumline for the first time, and Malik lets us in on how he feels when he rides his bike through Chicago.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Money Management - Mrs. Lee-Jackson, Personal Finance Teacher with Zamire & Keenan

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 12:55:34 -0600

Zamire and Keenan are talking with Ray Graham personal finance & entrepreneurship Teacher, Mrs. Lee-Jackson about savings goals, budgeting, and how to properly manage your money. Plus, find out what she loves most about her job!

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast

Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast

YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast

***

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to us.

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Chris, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia and Zamire.

Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Playing Beats in Drumline with Carzel, Charmiane, Sonia, Alfred, Keenan

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:11:20 -0600

Alfred and Keenan talk with Carzel, Charmiane and Sonia about their passion for playing in drumline, staying focused, and performing beats. Featuring demos by Carzel, Charmiane and Sonia and original beats by Carzel.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Jazz Musician Chris Greene with Mark

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:54:03 -0600

Mark-Avery Dickens interviews jazz saxophonist and composer Chris Greene about the power of music to change someone's mood, how to make money as a musician, and how to turn your hobbies into a career.

Find Chris and check out his music at http://www.ChrisGreeneJazz.com.

This episode was produced by Mark-Avery Dickens and Carzel Brown.

In season 2, we are exploring power and beauty.

http://www.poweryourstorypodcast.com

Thanksgiving Special & Announcing Season 2

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 19:49:16 -0600

Season 2 production is in full swing for December release and our new student producers take a moment to share their Thanksgiving meal menus, traditions and what they are most thankful for.

Can you guest what's #1 on the gratitude list?

http://www.poweryourstorypodcast.com

***

Season 2 features interviews and stories about power and beauty.

***

Season 2 is produced by Alfred, Aliyah, Amelia, Carzel, Charmiane, Christopher, Keenan, Malik, Mark, Nadia, Shamar, Shaquan, Sonia, and Zamire with mentorship from Andrea Klunder. Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

***

These are stories about real lives. We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

Behind the Scenes of our Podcast Tech Program

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 12:35:00 -0600

Genaro and Beatrice take us behind the scenes to a day in the life of our Podcast Tech program.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

***

Season 1 features interviews with local professionals on Cool Careers, advice for How to Get a Job, Bullying stories and strategies, Music & Dance, a featured interview with Chicago-based hip hop artist SamIAm the MC, and the reality of living with "Disabilities."

***

Season 1 is produced by Alfred, Beatrice, Charmiane, Christopher, Damon, Genaro, Jasper, and Nadia with mentorship from Andrea Klunder and Laura Burgess. Production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios via the Podcast Tech: Power Your Story program.

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

***

These are stories about real lives. We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

Hip-Hop Artist SamIAm the MC with Alfred & Christopher

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 12:30:00 -0600

Christopher and Alfred interview Chicago-based hip-hop artist and rapper SamIAm the MC about the golden age of hip-hop, the music industry, and what it takes to be successful.

You can find follow SamIAm on Twitter and Facebook. Download his music on SoundCloud.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

***

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

***

These are stories about real lives. We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

Bullying with Genaro, Beatrice, Christopher, Charmiane

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 06:29:58 -0600

Genaro, Beatrice, and Christopher tell their personal bullying experiences. Charmiane shares tips on what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied.

Check out Stomp Out Bullying to learn more.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

***

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

***

These are stories about real lives. We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

How to Get a Job with Damon, April, Jasper, Nadia

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 06:27:46 -0600

Damon asks our production team what kind of job they want after high school. Special guest April interviews Ms. Cardena in the main office and Principal Parker about their first jobs. Jasper and Nadia interview Ray Graham Training Center job coaches Mrs. Buckner and Mrs. Howard about what kinds of jobs you can get during school and what you need to know before you apply.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

***

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

***

These are stories about real lives. We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

Cool Careers - Film Producer, Actor, Chef, Michael Jackson Tribute Artist

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 21:36:52 -0600

What does it take to be successful in your career? We speak with Film Producer Edwin Ruiz, Actor Terri Hudson, Chef Melissa Humphrey from XO Marshmallow, and Rico Michael Jackson Tribute Artist.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

Damon interviews Edwin Ruiz, Film Producer at Mondo Machine.

Alfred interviews Chicago-based Actor Terri Lynne Hudson.

Nadia, Charmiane and Genaro interview Pasty Chef Melissa Humphrey of XO Marshmallow.

Beatrice interviews Rico Michael Jackson Tribute Artist.

***

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

***

These are stories about real lives. We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

Music and Dance with Jasper, Alfred, Genaro, Beatrice

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:49:57 -0600

Our production team weighs in on the best music of the summer with Jasper, Alfred interviews Genaro about how he learned to make music online, and Beatrice reveals how she learned to dance so well.

http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

***

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

***

These are stories about real lives. We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

Living With "Disabilities" with Christopher and Genaro

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 05:51:52 -0600

Christopher gets a new set of wheels and Genaro shares how he learned he has autism. http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com

***

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.

***

These are stories about real lives. We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

Welcome to Power Your Story Podcast

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 15:48:46 -0600

Power Your Story is a podcast made for students by students with diverse learning challenges at Ray Graham Training Center High School in Chicago, with production support from After School Matters and The Creative Impostor Studios.

Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of digital media producer, Andrea Klunder, creating personal journals, interviews, and educational pieces about the topics that matter most to them like music, art, jobs and careers, bullying, the reality of living with "disabilities," and more.

Season 1 is produced by Alfred, Beatrice, Charmiane, Christopher, Damon, Genaro, Jasper, and Nadia.

These are stories about real life.

We hope you learn something new by listening. Peace.

http://www.poweryourstorypodcast.com

Facebook

Cover Art by Emmanuel Johnston, from Ms. Yuridia Trujillo's Digital Media program through After School Matters.

Theme Music by Tanita Abrahamson and Andy Abrahamson, students of Ms. JoVia Armstrong's Sounds About Write music program.