BDE: Big Dorm Energy

This episode is different than any other episode I’ve recorded thus far. I speak with Beth Segaloff who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Therapist, Reiki Master, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), and Breathwork Facilitator. She has created a program called “Life School 101” where she helps teens and young adults learn how to respond to all of life’s experiences. Beth really believes in a whole health approach that integrates the mind, body, and one’s emotions. This was one of the most eye-opening conversations I have had on my show. It is a reminder that everyone hits speed bumps in their life and that you aren’t alone. I really hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording it. If you would like to sign up for Beth’s program and look into it here is the link! https://www.bethsegaloff.com/life-school-101-for-teens

I speak with Russell Stong who is a point guard for the UCLA Men's Basketball team. He is currently a senior double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Business and Economics. A very driven and studious individual, Russel came to UCLA for academics. However, a few months into his freshman year of college he got a phone call that would change his life forever. Listen to hear Russel's story about walking onto the renowned UCLA Men's Basketball team, his determination to succeed academically, and his experience at March Madness 2021. Something you can't miss!

Coming in hot to 2022 with one of the most compelling episodes yet. Come be a fly on the wall of the most authentic conversation between four college girls all about BOYS. I sit down with UC Davis juniors Allison Ogulnick, Leah Rossi, and Mary Moyers where we talk about sex, one-night stands, what we are looking for from guys, the infamous term, the "ick," turn-ons and turn-offs, and the list continues. It is what every guy wants to know and what every girl is too afraid to say to their face. Something you CANNOT miss.

I speak with Dr. Karyl Kicenski who is my professor in my Communications and Identity course at UCLA. Kicenski earned her undergraduate and master's degrees at Cal State Northridge and her Ph.D. at George Mason University. Her degrees cover the field of Communication Studies in addition to Cultural Studies. In her research and in the classroom she aims to uncover the links between the expression of ideas and the structures of social power and privilege. Upon taking her class this quarter I have learned about the power of perception and the making of the self. I wanted to have Dr. Kicenski on my podcast to further discuss compelling things we discuss in class as well as learn about her career in teaching. I was surprised to learn about how she barely had a C average in high school and for a long time never had any aspirations to become a professor. The conversations we have are both enriching and enlightening. They highlight that not everybody's path in life is linear, and to truly trust the educational process. Dr. Kicenski gives current college students sound advice from a professor's perspective and shares her knowledge and wisdom.

IT HAS BEEN 5 MONTHS BUT WE ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER. I am kicking off this new school year with an episode with Maddie Lorber who is a sophomore at UCLA double majoring in Psychology and Political Science. Maddie was the classic, driven, a bright student in high school who locked herself in her room determined to get into a good school. Now at her dream school, she talks about attending her first party, navigating hookup culture, recalls previous boy experiences, and opens up about the difficulties of being a young adult in college. Maddie leaves EVERYTHING on the table, and I can guarantee that you will learn a lot and be entertained. *** TRIGGER WARNING: We do discuss sexual assault and inappropriate touching in this episode***

Jim Newton is a veteran journalist where he worked as a writer, reporter, editor, bureau chief, and columnist for the LA Times for 25 years. He is a recipient of many national and local awards in journalism and worked on several prominent cases such as OJ Simpson, Rodney King, and Michael Jackson. Now a retired writer, Newton teaches a writing course and a Journalistic Ethics course at UCLA. He also founded Blueprint Magazine in the Luskin School of Public Affairs. He comes on the show today to discuss how his passion for journalism began in high school, how it flourished during his time at Dartmouth College, his career as a journalist, and why wanted to become a professor. Professor Newton and I engage in rich discussion about the evolution of journalism, talk about what it was like to work on such prevalent cases, and he gives advice to college kids about how to make the most of their experience.

I spoke with Devin Mallory who is a senior at UCLA majoring in dance and minoring in Food Studies. In his junior year, Devin broke barriers by being the first male to join UCLA's spirit squad. Devin talks about the stigmas of being a male dancer, his experience as the mascot Joe the Bruin, his desire to join the squad, and the challenges he faced being under the microscope. We also discuss the pervasive role diet culture plays in athlete's lives and the work he aspires to do as a nutritionist to change these norms in society.

Welcome to the mind of a teenage girl. I speak candidly about my own struggles this past quarter and do some self-reflecting. I have not released an episode in a FAT minute. I do not hold back! I talk about toxic friends, boy problems, how school is difficult, and how I have grown as a person. ANYONE can relate to what I say. The episode ends with an update on how I am doing and the positive energy I have for spring quarter! CHECK IT OUT!

I speak with Ryan Armour who is a sophomore studying Retailing and Consumer Behavior at the University of Wisconsin. Over quarantine, Ryan started a clothing company called Hopeless Visionary; his brand emulates California street style as they sell a combination of hoodies, graphic tees, sweat shorts, and sweatpants... however, there is a twist. Upon creating a clothing company Ryan felt it was imperative his brand had an overarching message. Despite how cliche it might sound, Hopeless Visionary's mission is to inspire individuals to follow their vision and pursue their passion. During the time of the pandemic, many were feeling lost and hopeless. As a result, Ryan wanted to create a product that restored people's faith and gave them the fire to believe. Ryan explained how he decided to name his brand, the technicalities that go into creating clothing, how Wisconsin has given him the resources to thrive, and his hopes and dreams for the future. His message is empowering, his clothes r awesome, and this episode is just a reminder to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Let’s be real. Oftentimes being a teenager you think that you know EVERYTHING, especially when it comes to the Coronavirus. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Felt it was important to talk to an expert in order to better understand the science behind the virus, how it spreads so rapidly, and to learn about the vaccine. I interviewed Kirstin Chickering who is a Public Health worker at UCLA. Kirstin did her undergrad at Duke University studying International Relations and French; after she graduated she got a job working in Public Health that blended her love of traveling with speaking multiple languages. This led to a 30-year career in public health. Kirstin and I engage in an honest and compelling conversation about COVID-19. I learned so much from speaking with her and will guarantee you will too. Also a HUGE thank you to all of the public health workers for your job during this pandemic we really appreciate your work!