· "Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness." – Maya Angelou

What is kindness? How can we lead with kindness? Host Sharanya along with reporters Milan and Jatin offer their insights into how kindness improves happiness, positive emotions, and social connections while reducing anxiety. Being kind to others manifests kindness for ourselves. Sharanya finishes the episode with notes on her passion of making data science equitable through her creation of PlotLyft, working with younger and underprivileged students. She learned that leadership grounded in kindness can change how people see themselves. Wanting to help others means listening, being patient, and creating spaces where growth feels possible. Be inclusive and be kind.

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it Means to be an American

• "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." – John F. Kennedy

Host Sharanya discusses how being a naturalized citizen has affected her and her family. Being an American to her means being honest about governmental failures instead of pretending they don't exist. It means refusing to confuse patriotism with blind loyalty. You can love a country and still demand that it do better. Sharanya has learned that Americanness doesn't stop at borders. The values she associates with being American — collaboration, innovation, problem-solving, and civic responsibility — are not exclusive to one country. Her nonprofit, Plotlyft, is grounded in a simple idea: knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for mobility, and access to it should not be determined by geography or privilege. America is a collective project. Let's continue to build it.

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"I think every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine." - Neil Armstrong

Some people use their heartbeats to make noise. Others use them to make meaning. In today's broadcast, host Julia interviews someone who does exactly that through music.

Rachel Schaub is an emerging 17-year-old pop songwriter and artist from the Detroit area whose music is playful, expressive, and deeply personal. Her songs move easily from bright, bouncy pop anthems to more reflective, emotional moments, all rooted in real experiences, friendships, and dreams.

Rachel was born with KBG Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, and she also lives with autism, anxiety, and Pathological Demand Avoidance. While KBG can involve significant physical challenges for some people, including seizures, Rachel has been fortunate not to experience those complications. Her journey has instead involved navigating learning differences, attention and processing challenges, and anxiety, all of which influence how she creates and communicates.

Julia talks to Rachel about her process, challenges, and successes.

BIO Rachel Schaub

Rachel Schaub is an emerging 17-year-old teen pop songwriter and artist living in the Detroit, Michigan area. Pop music has always been her favorite genre. She was inspired most by Triple Charm, a pop singing group composed of three sisters who perform, dance, and write their own songs. Other favorite musicians include Meghan Trainor and Taylor Swift.

Born with KBG Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, she was diagnosed with autism, anxiety, and Pathological Demand Avoidance in 2018 and KBG Syndrome as the underlying genetic condition in 2021. Despite these challenges, she has overcome so much and has found her true passion ... songwriting.

Rachel began writing pop songs in March 2025 and now has 14 songs and 3 EPs to her name. She uses AI to create the melodies for the lyrics she writes and is hoping to write her own melodies soon without AI. Her goal is to create an album and perform shows in the Detroit area featuring her songs. She is happiest when singing and dancing to her own pop songs. https://rachelschaub.com YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@rachelschaub1

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