Planet Classroom Podcast

Episode 29 - 08/30/23 - NET ZERO #4 - Youth Monitor the Green Transition

Join Climate Hosts Ved Sanyal, Mphathesithe Mkhize, Barry Nyuydze Berry, and Philo Magdalene from Planet Classroom and the Protect Our Planet Movement in Net Zero Podcast #4: Youth Monitor the Green Transition. Each activist shares valuable insights from conversations with some of the world’s leading global experts on Climate Change, including Kim Holmen, Thomas Minda, Tshilidzi Marwala, and Omnia El Omrani. The activists discuss, among other things, human-induced climate change and biogeochemical cycles, and their impact on Norway; South Africa’s progress in the race to find solutions for fossil fuels; Ethiopia’s solutions for dealing with the climate impact on agriculture; and Egypt’s role in youth activism to address Net Zero challenges. Tune in as our youth activists distill profound insights from these experts, contributing to the vital conversation on sustainability. Produced by Kristen Gallinaro.

Episode 28 - 04/12/23 - NET ZERO #3 - Youth Monitor the Green Transition

Join climate hosts Jerôme Peyret Oberholzer, Wen Tian, Prachi Shevgaonkar, and Philo Magdalene from Planet Classroom and the Protect Our Planet Movement as they discuss the key takeaways from their recent Net Zero interviews with global climate thought leaders Adrián Fernández, Hu Jiaojiao, Sam Fankhauser, and Sophia Kianni to address critical topics such as Mexico’s climate goals, the challenges of replacing fossil fuels, and the importance of translating climate resources into over 100 languages. Be inspired by the leadership and dedication of these young climate activists, as they monitor the world’s Race to Net Zero. Produced by Keegan Haskin.

Episode 27 - 01/13/23 - NET ZERO #2 - Youth Monitor the Green Transition

Climate activists Ricardo Delgado, Sofia Lana, Sam Okorie and Mphathesithe Mkhize report their takeaways on where the world stands on the Race to Net Zero from Venezuela, Nigeria, South Africa and UNESCO in Paris. Ricardo, Sofia, Sam, and Mphathesithe reflect on their interviews with Manuel Diaz, Rep Sam Onuigbo, Crispin Hemson and Alexander Leicht.

Episode 26 - 11/4/22 - NET ZERO #1 - Youth Monitor the Green Transition

Climate activists Nahid Perez Ayala, Kalaan Nibonrix Kaiman, Levy Nyirenda, and Cherry Sung report their takeaways on where the world stands on carbon capture and storage technologies, agroforestry, climate education and other critical solutions in the Race to Net Zero. Ayala, Kaiman, Nyirenda and Sung recently interviewed global experts Dan Schrag, UnaMay Gordon, Susan Chomba and Chris Dede.

Episode 25 - 02/23/22 - MENTAL HEALTH IS ON OUR MINDS

Improving care and access for youth mental health globally begins with understanding the problem. UNICEF’s On My Mind 2021 Report and separately, Drs. Howard Gardner’s and Wendy Fischman’s The Real World of College, underscored the mental health challenges young people are facing. In this episode of Planet Classroom, Orb introduces us to the work of Harvard’s Wendy Fischman and filmmaker Chelsea Jackson. We learn about the strategies used by young leaders from the Global Youth Mobilization movement to address mental health issues. We share perspectives from youth film critics on the work of acclaimed educator Molly Beauregard shown in the film Tuning the Student Mind. Mental Health should be on all our minds. Get the inside scoop on how change leaders are tackling the challenges.

Episode 24 - 12/28/21 - SHINE a Light on Global Youth Mobilization

Supported by the World Health Organization, the United Nations Foundation and the big 6 youth organizations, Global Youth Mobilization is a movement of young people taking action to improve their lives in a post COVID-19 world. To date this initiative has funded 134 local solutions and 74 national projects in over 100 countries worldwide. In this final podcast of our popular SHINE series, Planet Classroom is proud to introduce you to 6 of the young Awardees from these projects doing critical work to address the negative impact of the pandemic and build back better. Get the inside scoop on how these social impact entrepreneurs are tackling the challenges on mental and physical health, the digital divide, education disruption and poverty in their local communities. Hopefully this podcast will influence you to get up and join them!

Episode 23 - 11/3/21 - Girl Up and Change the World

“You fight like a girl!” The greatest compliment anyone could receive! Women are strong beings that go through numerous hardships every day. They teach us how to be independent, healers, advocates, and strength holders. Planet Classroom presents a podcast that will put you into the shoes of the everyday woman. You’ll find out just how strong she is. Join our virtual host, Orb, to find out how creative young leaders are finding ways to change the world for girls and women, and to empower them to be change leaders.

Episode 22 - 10/7/21 - SHINE a Light on UN Youth and Global Citizenship Foundation

Being able to learn and grow from what we have gone through during Covid-19 is a great tool to have under our belts. There are technological and personal achievements that have emerged from the pandemic. How might we reform global learning so that it supports the local good and the global good in our world? Planet Classroom in association with Creative Visions have invited youth globally to shine a light on their thoughts, feelings, hopes, and desires for the world. In this new episode of the SHINE series, Orb, Planet Classroom’s virtual host, asked eight young leaders to tell us what they hope to see in a world once covid-19 diminishes. As members of the UN Youth and Global Citizenship Foundation, they have taken their own tools to teach us how we can create a more sustainable world.

Episode 21 - 9/15/21 - THRIVE

We can go about our lives thinking that in order to survive, we just have to get through each day. Or within each of those days, we can thrive and make life worth so much more. Orb, Planet Classroom’s virtual host, introduces sentimental stories from the inspiring creators of 5 films now screening on the Planet Classroom YouTube Channel that will blow you away. We hear from musicians, filmmakers, and survivors about how they discovered what it means to thrive. Whether it be remembering the special moments, finding joy in unexpected ways, or learning a new skill, life can take us in all sorts of directions. Find out some of the ways we can thrive.

Episode 20 - 8/25/21 - SHINE a Light on the Royal Academy of Dance

To dance is to show the world our passion and feelings without a spoken word. We continue our SHINE series as Orb, Planet Classroom’s virtual host, is joined by 5 young finalists from the Royal Academy of Dance’s flagship event, The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition. The Fonteyn is one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions, attracting the finest young dancers trained around the globe. In this episode, you will find out how these dancers were impacted by COVID19 in the best and worst of ways. Get the inside scoop on how the dancers dealt with their mental health through the pandemic and what their opinions are on technology and how it can globalize dance education. Who knows, maybe this podcast will influence you to get up and dance!

Episode 19 - 8/18/21 - SHINE a LIGHT on Protecting Our Planet

The Protect Our Planet Movement has youth in over 95 countries throughout Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States, Asia and the Pacific finding new ways to combat climate change. In this episode, Orb, Planet Classroom’s virtual host, invites 13 of these impressive young leaders to share their work and unique experiences and inspire others to do the same. What are these young people looking for in a world post-Covid? Is it expanding media platforms? Government and global learning reform? Or an artistic/scientific collaboration throughout communities? Eco-justice is possible and the multimedia project, SHINE, will take you into the minds of these individuals to show you their hopes and dreams of a greater tomorrow.

Episode 18 - 07/21/21 - SHINE a Light on the Power of Us

Every one of us has been impacted by Covid-19 in one way or another. As we are released from the grasp that the virus had on us, returning back to a normal life may not be the way it used to be. Planet Classroom and Creative Visions have invited international youth groups around the world to submit their interpretation to the word SHINE. In this first episode of the SHINE podcast series to support this multi-media initiative a number of talented creators were asked what they want in a life post COVID19 world, and what role the arts have played during this period. Their answers might inspire you to find creativity through these difficult times. Mental health, community effort, inner-peace, and equality are only just a few of the topics that our young creators discuss. Let Orb, Planet Classroom’s virtual host, take you on a journey of self discovery and overall realization of the vast possibilities a Post-Covid world can hold for all of us.

Episode 17 - 7/8/21 - Stories That Heal Us

From growing gardens, to beating drums, and to powerful rhythmic words, we all find a way to tell our stories. Planet Classroom presents three filmmakers and their powerful masterpieces which help others learn to prevail and heal through difficult times. Drumming circles have helped Craig Norton find a musical connection with the world around him. Director JLove Calderon and film subject DJ Cavem teach young adolescents that growing fresh products is an escape from the turmoils life throws at us. And finally, expressing our emotions and cries for change through poetry is what Luke Azille captured in his BlackLivesMatter poem. We all take different paths to heal. In this episode Orb, Planet Classroom’s virtual host, takes us on a global learning journey to explore how these three stories and their creators can impact your life.

Episode 16 - 06/25/21 - Pride and Prejudice

Resilience and dedication pave the path for those willing to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In this episode of Planet Classroom, Orb, the show’s virtual host, unites the creator of the acclaimed film, One Leg In One Leg Out (now screening on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel), along with international youth voices to discuss the misconceptions about sex workers and the trans community. What happens when Iman, a transgender woman, wants to become a social worker so she can help other girls in her position stay safe and turn away from that way of life? Viewers will find themselves moved with a new open perspective on survival and what it feels like to be “different.”

Episode 15 - 06/18/21 - What Can the World Learn from Iceland about Globalization?

What is the line between embracing globalization and maintaining individuality? Iceland is confronting that question as it is faced with global issues like trade, tourism, and climate change while also attempting to preserve its unique identity and language. In this episode on Planet Classroom, these themes of globalization are explored in relation to the film Scaling Iceland. The Director, Adam Hersko-RonaTas, and youth voices from around the world join Orb to share their perspectives on how identity can be analyzed and where the balance lies between a global nation and an individual one.

Episode 14 - 06/4/21 - We Can Be Heroes

Becoming your own personal hero means being the positive change you want to see in your community and your world. Around the world, creators are finding innovative ways to become their own personal heroes. In this episode of Planet Classroom, the show’s virtual host, Orb, invites guests to discuss this inspiring theme using 3 films as prompts: Hero, The Boy Who Found His Voice, and The Mime, now screening on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel. The creators and youth voices around the world share insights on how dance, mime, poetry, mindfulness, empathy and passion can bring us happiness and freedom.

Episode 13 - 05/28/21 - Healthy People, Healthy Planet

How can horses help heal trauma? How can youth protect themselves from the risks of secondhand smoke? Climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health such as clean air, safe drinking water, quality food, and shelter. How are activists in Australia fighting back to protect their natural environments? Join Orb, Planet Classroom’s virtual host, as youth activists from around the world explore the impact of trauma, secondhand smoke, and global warming using 3 exceptional films: Unharnessed, Evil Nicotine, and Nature Needs You, now screening on the Planet Classroom Network.

Episode 12 - 5/21/21 - Learning for Justice

Prejudice is the result of fear and ignorance as illustrated in 3 outstanding films now screening on the Planet Classroom YouTube Channel: Siroun Webcast, Through the Wall, and Swimming Upstream. Youth voices from around the world join ORB, Planet Classroom’s virtual host, to focus on the Japanese Canadian internment and struggle for redress, the Armenian Genocide and the lessons relevant now, and the Mexico-United States border wall. Audiences will find themselves immersed in the realities of people and communities that have faced racism and ethnic cleansing and continue to struggle with the aftermath. Guests suggest solutions for building bridges and inspiring positive change.

Episode 11 - 4/30/21 - Journeys to Well-Being

Mental health and well-being and the everyday obstacles that make them challenging is the theme of this Planet Classroom show. Orb, the show’s virtual host, unites the creators of 3 films now screening on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel: The Mess, Addiction and Art: Spotlight on Dopamine, and Throw, along with youth voices to discuss some of the challenges of mental health, violence, poverty, and substance abuse. Audiences will get insights into overcoming adversity via coping mechanisms, including the arts and finding one’s purpose.

Episode 10 - 4/19/21 - The Earth Day Special

Climate change and pollution are global environmental issues, but people all over the world are working hard to find solutions. In Planet Classroom’s Earth Day Special, Orb, the show’s virtual host, invites an inspiring group of artists, activists, and youth critics to discuss the films Peace Boat, I’m a Child, Olivia’s Birds, Sanctuaries of Silence, and Team Marine. They share how their personal and local experiences with environmental issues translate to awareness, art, and individual actions to restore our earth.

Episode 9 - 4/9/21 - The Power of Our Shared Humanity

Borders, Cultures, Heritage, and Languages can make us feel far apart from one another as human beings. In this episode of Planet Classroom, we look at 4 stories that illustrate the bigger picture of what holds us together. Orb, the show’s virtual host, is joined by Director Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee and youth voices to discuss 3 of his films, Earthrise, Counter Mapping, and Marie’s Dictionary, as well as the themes of 5000 Miles Apart, a film produced by the Global Nomads Group. They consider how Apollo astronauts, indigenous people, and students from opposite sides of the world were transformed and empowered by global learning experiences.

Episode 8 - 3/25/2021 - Stories That Change Our Lives

Stories that change our lives often share universal wisdom. They help us to understand other people and their perspectives. They connect us to a better understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. In this episode of Planet Classroom, Orb introduces stories from around the world, including India, Australia, Kyrgyzstan, and the United States. The creators of Stephen Hawking and Me, 106 Days, The Letter, What Happened to Dujuan Armstrong?, and Winner of Peace explore themes of global leadership, migration, multiculturalism, and racial bias with the voices of youth.

Episode 7 - 3/16/2021 - Climate Can’t Wait

Climate change is causing increasingly disastrous effects throughout the world and threatens to undermine the future existence of every living species. Currently, measures to curb the causes of this problem are available, however, significant political will, investment, and personal change are essential. In this episode of Planet Classroom, Orb, the show’s virtual host, talks with Eric Simon, director of What to Do About Climate Disruption, and with youth from around the world about how technology, ingenuity, individual commitment and action can address the climate emergency.

Episode 6 - 3/08/2021 - 2020 National Youth Poets Reflect on Poetry, Race and Well-Being

Every year, thousands of award-winning high school poets submit original works to the National Students Poet Program. If selected, they serve 1 year as youth poetry ambassadors, spreading poetry in their communities, workshops, festivals, galas and poetry conferences. In this episode of Planet Classroom, we talk with the five high school students chosen to serve 1 year as the 2020 Class of National Student Poets. It is the United States’ highest honor for youth poets presenting original work.

Episode 5 - 2/22/2021 - Martha Graham Dancers Make the Transition from Live to Virtual

How are live entertainers such as dancers adapting and thriving in the virtual space? What are the challenges? What are the opportunities that technology offers? What does this mean for the future of dance? In this episode of Planet Classroom, we hear from leading dancers at the Martha Graham Dance Company as well as the Company’s Artistic Director Janet Eilber. All talk about their experiences performing the iconic ballet Appalachian Spring and how they have adapted and innovated through the Covid 19 pandemic.

Episode 4 - 2/12/2021 - Youth Filmmakers Reflect on Courage, Hope, and a Holocaust

The Holocaust remains one of the darkest eras in world history. To this day, millions of people, especially of the Jewish faith, are still affected by the loss, pain and suffering of the victims. However, hope and positivity help the survivors persevere through the darkness. In this episode of Planet Classroom, we talk with the youth filmmakers of Hold the Sun in Your Hands: the Erika Jacoby Story. They offer insight on how the youth of today can be part of a positive movement to break down the walls of hatred through their art. They also remind us that history can be a building block of hope.

Episode 3 - 2/03/2021 - Youth Teach Youth How to Create a Story in One Page

According to global research, people’s attention spans are shortening. The way we tell and write stories continues to evolve with advancements in new technologies. This offers creative talent the opportunity to innovate and find new and exciting ways to engage with an audience. In this episode of Planet Classroom, ORB, the show’s virtual host, is joined by youth authors from around the world who take on Book Creator’s Global Writing Challenge. They offer their peers top tips on modern storytelling, from selecting compelling themes to building writing frameworks that work for the real world. How will your story in just one page captivate the global audience?

Episode 2 - 1/26/2021 - We Are All Human

We are all different but we are all human. There has been increasing acceptance in many countries to LGBTQ people over the past 2 decades, but the global divide persists. 38 African countries have criminalized consensual same sex relationships. In this episode of Planet Classroom, ORB is joined by acclaimed film Director Nicky Newman, based in Cape Town, South Africa, and youth voices around the world to discuss Newman’s documentary film, From the Same Soil (Courtesy of SIMA Classroom), now showing on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel (link to movie). What would be the cultural, social or psychological factors that would lead to someone believing that attacking someone for whom they choose to love is acceptable? How do we teach tolerance and acceptance for LGBTQ people?

Episode 1 - 1/14/2021 - Unity Is Our Hope for the Future

In this inaugural podcast, Orb takes us on a journey of learning from stories that engage our imaginations and explore new ideas. Orb is joined by UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, the music of Jim Papoulis performed by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, and young adults from around the planet. Events in our world over the past year have challenged people everywhere to grow from lessons about empathy, resilience, and hope. Planet Classroom would like to thank the Young People’s Chorus of New York City for their Give Us Hope performance.