HOPE Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/hope-543d0bff-02ed-4015-8e1b-e59ec2ab4dab Social media has shaped us in so many ways unimaginable, especially young people who become online at an early age. The HOPE Podcast centers on our lived experiences, and with every issue, we imagine how we can design social media platforms to meet the needs of young people online. The HOPE Podcast is created by Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hedge, and Vaibhava Rajesh, three youth activists discussing the positive and negative aspects of social media and exploring their own relationship with technology. 2024 Youth Leadership Institute f88c892d-940d-591c-848f-805d5b04c817 no en Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:09:56 -0800 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:34:25 -0800 https://img.transistor.fm/w00BGtf6ba0JPKJp6oAzbbZPec-qm-1JhbXj0nq8I0A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wMzBl/MjU3MDI2OWUwYTVj/MzBjYjRiOTVlODI5/MmUwYi5wbmc.jpg HOPE episodic Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Social media has shaped us in so many ways unimaginable, especially young people who become online at an early age. The HOPE Podcast centers on our lived experiences, and with every issue, we imagine how we can design social media platforms to meet the needs of young people online. The HOPE Podcast is created by Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hedge, and Vaibhava Rajesh, three youth activists discussing the positive and negative aspects of social media and exploring their own relationship with technology. Social media has shaped us in so many ways unimaginable, especially young people who become online at an early age. social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California yli & goodforMEdia No No Elevating Youth Voice 9 9 Elevating Youth Voice full d75fc514-91ef-48cb-9e08-021461600ee4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cc14ec58 In the final episode, HOPE Podcast explores their journey to advocacy for safer online spaces. Youth brings a unique perspective to online safety and ethics as they have become digital natives. Social media can be used as a tool to amplify youth voices on policy development. Learn how to get involved with #GoodforMEdia and Youth Leadership Institute's HOPE Campaign.

Website: https://www.goodformedia.org/, https://www.youthforhope.org/

Host: Edward Thomas, Rushil Ladhawala, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> In the final episode, HOPE Podcast explores their journey to advocacy for safer online spaces. Youth brings a unique perspective to online safety and ethics as they have become digital natives. Social media can be used as a tool to amplify youth voices on policy development. Learn how to get involved with #GoodforMEdia and Youth Leadership Institute's HOPE Campaign.

Website: https://www.goodformedia.org/, https://www.youthforhope.org/

Host: Edward Thomas, Rushil Ladhawala, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:09:54 -0800 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 1960 In the final episode, HOPE Podcast explores their journey to advocacy for safer online spaces. Youth brings a unique perspective to online safety and ethics as they have become digital natives. Social media can be used as a tool to amplify youth voices on policy development. Learn how to get involved with #GoodforMEdia and Youth Leadership Institute's HOPE Campaign.

Website: https://www.goodformedia.org/, https://www.youthforhope.org/

Host: Edward Thomas, Rushil Ladhawala, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California No How Parents and Adult Allies Can Support Youth in Digital Wellness featuring Joann Bogard 8 8 How Parents and Adult Allies Can Support Youth in Digital Wellness featuring Joann Bogard full 7c8e69f4-d9a7-40b8-9708-ccbf824c2015 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e33807f3 In this episode, Sanjna and Vaibhava share the insights of an interview with Joann Bogard, an activist and prominent advocate for internet safety. Joann raises awareness about the dangers of viral online challenges and has been instrumental in pushing for legislation to protect children. She played a key role in passing the 'Mason's Education Act' in Indiana, which promotes internet safety education in schools

Joann Bogard is a co-chair and Founding Member of the Online Harm Prevention Work Group. Her 15-year-old son, Mason, passed away after he participated in a social media trend called “the Choking Game” in 2019. Joann’s goals include spreading awareness, educating others, holding tech companies accountable for designing their products with kids in mind and advancing state and federal legislation. She has a Facebook page to spread awareness about the latest trends and tips for parents (Mason’s Message). 

Host: Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> In this episode, Sanjna and Vaibhava share the insights of an interview with Joann Bogard, an activist and prominent advocate for internet safety. Joann raises awareness about the dangers of viral online challenges and has been instrumental in pushing for legislation to protect children. She played a key role in passing the 'Mason's Education Act' in Indiana, which promotes internet safety education in schools

Joann Bogard is a co-chair and Founding Member of the Online Harm Prevention Work Group. Her 15-year-old son, Mason, passed away after he participated in a social media trend called “the Choking Game” in 2019. Joann’s goals include spreading awareness, educating others, holding tech companies accountable for designing their products with kids in mind and advancing state and federal legislation. She has a Facebook page to spread awareness about the latest trends and tips for parents (Mason’s Message). 

Host: Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:49:24 -0800 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 2096 In this episode, Sanjna and Vaibhava share the insights of an interview with Joann Bogard, an activist and prominent advocate for internet safety. Joann raises awareness about the dangers of viral online challenges and has been instrumental in pushing for legislation to protect children. She played a key role in passing the 'Mason's Education Act' in Indiana, which promotes internet safety education in schools

Joann Bogard is a co-chair and Founding Member of the Online Harm Prevention Work Group. Her 15-year-old son, Mason, passed away after he participated in a social media trend called “the Choking Game” in 2019. Joann’s goals include spreading awareness, educating others, holding tech companies accountable for designing their products with kids in mind and advancing state and federal legislation. She has a Facebook page to spread awareness about the latest trends and tips for parents (Mason’s Message). 

Host: Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California No Designs and Algorithms featuring Vaishnavi J. 7 7 Designs and Algorithms featuring Vaishnavi J. full 2b2d93f7-85ff-49a2-a1cf-fcbf56fd5eeb https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f89f99d Do you ever wonder how social media platforms can be designed for young users? In this episode, Rushil and Edward unpack the insights of Vaishnavi J, founder of Vyanam Strategies. Vaishnavi's team partners with companies, civil society, and governments to responsibly design products that safeguard the safety, privacy, and well-being of children and teens online. Explore how youth can be drivers of change on platforms. 

Host: Edward Thomas, Rushil Ladhawala
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala

Find out more information on youthforhope.org and goodformedia.org

]]> Do you ever wonder how social media platforms can be designed for young users? In this episode, Rushil and Edward unpack the insights of Vaishnavi J, founder of Vyanam Strategies. Vaishnavi's team partners with companies, civil society, and governments to responsibly design products that safeguard the safety, privacy, and well-being of children and teens online. Explore how youth can be drivers of change on platforms. 

Host: Edward Thomas, Rushil Ladhawala
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala

Find out more information on youthforhope.org and goodformedia.org

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:47:37 -0800 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 2054 Do you ever wonder how social media platforms can be designed for young users? In this episode, Rushil and Edward unpack the insights of Vaishnavi J, founder of Vyanam Strategies. Vaishnavi's team partners with companies, civil society, and governments to responsibly design products that safeguard the safety, privacy, and well-being of children and teens online. Explore how youth can be drivers of change on platforms. 

Host: Edward Thomas, Rushil Ladhawala
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala

Find out more information on youthforhope.org and goodformedia.org

]]> social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California No Addictive Nature of Social Media part two featuring Dr. Michael Stanton 6 6 Addictive Nature of Social Media part two featuring Dr. Michael Stanton full 4107c6c9-c2d1-424e-a8b3-ad89d59fa86d https://share.transistor.fm/s/058b0172 In this episode, Rushil and Vaibhava will discuss an interview with Dr. Mike Stanton, licensed Clinical Health Psychologist and Associate Professor of Public Health at California State University, East Bay. Dr. Stanton's research examines how stress affects health behaviors and health conditions like obesity, and his clinical work integrates mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy to treat both mental and physical health problems.

Read more about Dr. Stanton here: https://www.csueastbay.edu/news-center/experts/stanton-michael.html 

Host: Vaibhava Rajesh and Rushil Ladhawala 

Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes and Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> In this episode, Rushil and Vaibhava will discuss an interview with Dr. Mike Stanton, licensed Clinical Health Psychologist and Associate Professor of Public Health at California State University, East Bay. Dr. Stanton's research examines how stress affects health behaviors and health conditions like obesity, and his clinical work integrates mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy to treat both mental and physical health problems.

Read more about Dr. Stanton here: https://www.csueastbay.edu/news-center/experts/stanton-michael.html 

Host: Vaibhava Rajesh and Rushil Ladhawala 

Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes and Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:20:44 -0800 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 2034 In this episode, Rushil and Vaibhava will discuss an interview with Dr. Mike Stanton, licensed Clinical Health Psychologist and Associate Professor of Public Health at California State University, East Bay. Dr. Stanton's research examines how stress affects health behaviors and health conditions like obesity, and his clinical work integrates mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy to treat both mental and physical health problems.

Read more about Dr. Stanton here: https://www.csueastbay.edu/news-center/experts/stanton-michael.html 

Host: Vaibhava Rajesh and Rushil Ladhawala 

Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes and Rushil Ladhawala 

]]> social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California No The Addictive Nature of Social Media 5 5 The Addictive Nature of Social Media full 886cc2f6-5a71-4485-a0a8-e205dd93b202 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1b5a65b Welcome to the HOPE Podcast. In this episode, HOPE Podcast will be discussing the drug-like nature of social media, and how it affects various age groups. Join us in exploring some negative aspects of social media use.

Host: Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, & Vaibhava Rajesh
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Ladhawala

Website: youthforhope.org, https://www.goodformedia.org/

]]> Welcome to the HOPE Podcast. In this episode, HOPE Podcast will be discussing the drug-like nature of social media, and how it affects various age groups. Join us in exploring some negative aspects of social media use.

Host: Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, & Vaibhava Rajesh
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Ladhawala

Website: youthforhope.org, https://www.goodformedia.org/

]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:03:06 -0800 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 1859 Welcome to the HOPE Podcast. In this episode, HOPE Podcast will be discussing the drug-like nature of social media, and how it affects various age groups. Join us in exploring some negative aspects of social media use.

Host: Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, & Vaibhava Rajesh
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Ladhawala

Website: youthforhope.org, https://www.goodformedia.org/

]]> social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California No The Rise of Youth Influencers & Content Creators 4 4 The Rise of Youth Influencers & Content Creators full e44b2281-6931-4248-ab31-ced3e17b3d4c https://share.transistor.fm/s/95a7f157 In this episode, HOPE Podcast explores the rise of youth content creators, their impact on other young individuals, and regulations surrounding youth-generated content. 

Host: Sanjna Hegde, Edward Thomas & Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineers: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Lahawala 


]]> In this episode, HOPE Podcast explores the rise of youth content creators, their impact on other young individuals, and regulations surrounding youth-generated content. 

Host: Sanjna Hegde, Edward Thomas & Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineers: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Lahawala 


]]> Wed, 11 Dec 2024 09:17:12 -0800 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 1393 In this episode, HOPE Podcast explores the rise of youth content creators, their impact on other young individuals, and regulations surrounding youth-generated content. 

Host: Sanjna Hegde, Edward Thomas & Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineers: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Lahawala 


]]> social media, youth, influencers, technology No how media portrays alcohol and substances 3 3 how media portrays alcohol and substances full 6ac22b8e-6bd4-4ea2-88ad-89b13586f9a1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/158abffa How often are we influenced by the items advertised to us on our social media feeds?

In this episode, we’ll explore another aspect of our online experiences: how media portrays alcohol and other substances. We'll use the results of a 2023 HOPE Survey to understand the influence of alcohol and substance promotion on youth's social media feeds. 


Host: Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde & Vaibhava Rajesh
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Ladhawala

Resource:
HOPE Survey: https://www.youthforhope.org/atodsm

]]> How often are we influenced by the items advertised to us on our social media feeds?

In this episode, we’ll explore another aspect of our online experiences: how media portrays alcohol and other substances. We'll use the results of a 2023 HOPE Survey to understand the influence of alcohol and substance promotion on youth's social media feeds. 


Host: Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde & Vaibhava Rajesh
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Ladhawala

Resource:
HOPE Survey: https://www.youthforhope.org/atodsm

]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 08:58:28 -0700 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 1426 How often are we influenced by the items advertised to us on our social media feeds?

In this episode, we’ll explore another aspect of our online experiences: how media portrays alcohol and other substances. We'll use the results of a 2023 HOPE Survey to understand the influence of alcohol and substance promotion on youth's social media feeds. 


Host: Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde & Vaibhava Rajesh
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Ladhawala

Resource:
HOPE Survey: https://www.youthforhope.org/atodsm

]]> social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California No Facing and Experiencing Harsh Negativity in their Online Spaces 2 2 Facing and Experiencing Harsh Negativity in their Online Spaces full bf072538-e79b-495d-b1ec-370aa1220db2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6ea7079 As we continue to explore the world of social media, today we wanted to delve into negative aspects that affect how we use platforms. Within our episode, we cover and discuss our own experiences with topics like cyberbullying and fake accounts. 

]]> As we continue to explore the world of social media, today we wanted to delve into negative aspects that affect how we use platforms. Within our episode, we cover and discuss our own experiences with topics like cyberbullying and fake accounts. 

]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:43:02 -0700 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 1686 As we continue to explore the world of social media, today we wanted to delve into negative aspects that affect how we use platforms. Within our episode, we cover and discuss our own experiences with topics like cyberbullying and fake accounts. 

]]> social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California No Coming of Age on Social Media 1 1 Coming of Age on Social Media full 2e53e982-9c89-4fc5-a8e6-cc29c6e0c024 https://share.transistor.fm/s/227afae2 As our world transitions into a more technologically advanced place, comprehending the diverse effects it has on us, both positive and negative, is essential. Whether it’s the journey of joining social media or the process of disengaging from it, discussing its impact on mental well-being, or its ability to enhance our social interaction, every individual’s experience varies.

In this episode, Edward, Sanjna, and Vaibhava shared their story of creating a social media account and what came after.

Tips & Tricks for healthier social media use: 

  • Being able to recognize if you are forming an unhealthy relationship with social media, prioritizing yourself by taking screen breaks, talking to a trusted adult or friend
  • Setting app limits to ensure you aren’t overusing social media, and have something to hold you accountable 
  • Try to use social media in a positive way, inspire and motivate


About:

The HOPE Podcast is created by Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, and Vaibhava Rajesh. The HOPE Podcast is a collaboration between GoodforMEdia and yli's HOPE Coalition.

GoodforMEdia is a peer mentoring program for older teens and young adults to share their personal stories, insights, and strategies with younger teens and tweens to support their healthier engagement with technology and social media.

HOPE Coalition is a statewide campaign to address the harmful messages we absorb online. We organize to engage Meta, and the larger online community, in promoting age-appropriate, transparent, and youth-led messages. 

]]> As our world transitions into a more technologically advanced place, comprehending the diverse effects it has on us, both positive and negative, is essential. Whether it’s the journey of joining social media or the process of disengaging from it, discussing its impact on mental well-being, or its ability to enhance our social interaction, every individual’s experience varies.

In this episode, Edward, Sanjna, and Vaibhava shared their story of creating a social media account and what came after.

Tips & Tricks for healthier social media use: 

  • Being able to recognize if you are forming an unhealthy relationship with social media, prioritizing yourself by taking screen breaks, talking to a trusted adult or friend
  • Setting app limits to ensure you aren’t overusing social media, and have something to hold you accountable 
  • Try to use social media in a positive way, inspire and motivate


About:

The HOPE Podcast is created by Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, and Vaibhava Rajesh. The HOPE Podcast is a collaboration between GoodforMEdia and yli's HOPE Coalition.

GoodforMEdia is a peer mentoring program for older teens and young adults to share their personal stories, insights, and strategies with younger teens and tweens to support their healthier engagement with technology and social media.

HOPE Coalition is a statewide campaign to address the harmful messages we absorb online. We organize to engage Meta, and the larger online community, in promoting age-appropriate, transparent, and youth-led messages. 

]]> Wed, 07 Aug 2024 10:06:03 -0700 Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh, youth leadership institute, goodforMEdia 1715 As our world transitions into a more technologically advanced place, comprehending the diverse effects it has on us, both positive and negative, is essential. Whether it’s the journey of joining social media or the process of disengaging from it, discussing its impact on mental well-being, or its ability to enhance our social interaction, every individual’s experience varies.

In this episode, Edward, Sanjna, and Vaibhava shared their story of creating a social media account and what came after.

Tips & Tricks for healthier social media use: 

  • Being able to recognize if you are forming an unhealthy relationship with social media, prioritizing yourself by taking screen breaks, talking to a trusted adult or friend
  • Setting app limits to ensure you aren’t overusing social media, and have something to hold you accountable 
  • Try to use social media in a positive way, inspire and motivate


About:

The HOPE Podcast is created by Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, and Vaibhava Rajesh. The HOPE Podcast is a collaboration between GoodforMEdia and yli's HOPE Coalition.

GoodforMEdia is a peer mentoring program for older teens and young adults to share their personal stories, insights, and strategies with younger teens and tweens to support their healthier engagement with technology and social media.

HOPE Coalition is a statewide campaign to address the harmful messages we absorb online. We organize to engage Meta, and the larger online community, in promoting age-appropriate, transparent, and youth-led messages. 

]]> social media, technology, art, digital wellness, policy, youth, California No