Episodes

  • Elevating Youth Voice
    Feb 13 2025

    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

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    33 mins
  • How Parents and Adult Allies Can Support Youth in Digital Wellness featuring Joann Bogard
    Feb 12 2025

    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

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    35 mins
  • Designs and Algorithms featuring Vaishnavi J.
    Jan 31 2025

    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

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    34 mins
  • Addictive Nature of Social Media part two featuring Dr. Michael Stanton
    Jan 23 2025

    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

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    34 mins
  • The Addictive Nature of Social Media
    Jan 15 2025

    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/

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    31 mins
  • The Rise of Youth Influencers & Content Creators
    Dec 11 2024

    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


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    23 mins
  • how media portrays alcohol and substances
    Oct 16 2024

    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

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    24 mins
  • Facing and Experiencing Harsh Negativity in their Online Spaces
    Aug 21 2024

    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.

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    28 mins