Express Yourself!
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this podcast.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Express Yourself! is a podcast produced by and for teens. It features teens casually discussing world issues, using dialogue and lingo that's meant to be relatable to teen listeners. Themes of empathy, curiosity, and communication are highlighted throughout this emotional skill-building show. Topics range from pollution, health, politics, internet safety, and more. More serious real-world discussions can be heavy -- child sex-trafficking, sexual harassment, racism, sexism, eating disorders, abuse -- but are surface level only. Episodes are diverse in perspective as well as in topics, as talking through social justice and equity issues is common. Both educational and relatable, Express Yourself! could be beneficial for teens who may need guidance in social issues or who would like to hear another teen's perspective.
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What’s It About?
Advertised as a podcast "by, for, and with creative young people: a platform to give teens a voice," EXPRESS YOURSELF! is a life skills and education-based podcast geared toward 13- to 17-year-olds. Produced by youth nonprofit Be the Star You Are! and VoiceAmerica Empowerment, this podcast prides itself on featuring topics that teens actively discuss in their daily lives. Topics can range from politics and social issues to environmental issues and more. Each episode features a variety of different teen hosts and frequently includes an adult's professional opinion on the subject matter at hand. For example, in an episode about vaccinations, an adult author who's written about vaccinations is invited to provide their opinion. Episodes are frequently broken into various segments, with a different teen host providing their opinion, research, or original work (poems, songs, etc.) for each one.
Is It Any Good?
This podcast is a thorough attempt at encouraging teens to be passionate and proactive about worldly issues. Topics may be too advanced or uninteresting for younger kids, but for the budding tween or teen advocate, Express Yourself! fits right in. Segments occasionally drag in energy and pace, but the authenticity of an unscripted teen opinion will grab the attention of teens and parents alike. The producers of this podcast and its parent nonprofit have made it their mission to encourage teens to speak up about issues that affect them and the world they live in. This lesson, paired with Express Yourself!'s variety of topics, makes for a hopeful future for generations to come.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Express Yourself! frequently advocates for a better world. What's something you'd like to see changed in the world right now? What are some ideas you have for how to enact this change?
Teen and adult opinions are valued equally in this podcast. What can adults in your life do to make you feel that your opinions are valued?
Difficult topics may be introduced to younger teens in this podcast for the first time. Do you have a trusted adult you can speak to if you are experiencing violence or sexual harassment?
Empathy and curiosity are prevalent themes in this podcast. Why are these important character strengths?
Podcast Details
- Release date: November 22, 2011
- Genre: Kids & Family
- Average Run Time: 50 minutes
- Website: https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself
- Host: N/A
- Publisher: VoiceAmerica Empowerment
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Activism, High School
- Character Strengths: Communication, Curiosity, Empathy
- Last updated: January 27, 2023
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