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The Buzz: The Berkeley High Jacket Podcast

The Buzz: The Berkeley High Jacket Podcast

By The Berkeley High Jacket

Produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene, The Berkeley High Jacket Podcast features exclusive interviews and in-depth reporting on local issues from the perspective of high school students.
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Teacher Sick-out

The Buzz: The Berkeley High Jacket PodcastOct 29, 2019

00:00
08:09
The Buzz: 2024-2025 ASB Election Guide

The Buzz: 2024-2025 ASB Election Guide

Hey Jackets! Meghan Malone, Commissioner of Elections, brings you a trailer for a podcast series introducing the 2024-2025 ASB president and vice president candidates.

Voting starts on March 25th!


Mar 23, 202407:28
The Buzz: Wise Words from Women in Our Lives

The Buzz: Wise Words from Women in Our Lives

For Women’s History Month, we asked members of the Berkeley High community to share advice and words of wisdom from women they’re influenced by.

The episode was produced by Zazie Duchene, narrated by Taylor Reynaud, and edited by Julia Brimmer.

Mar 22, 202404:60
The Buzz: Casting Your Ballot

The Buzz: Casting Your Ballot

After Super Tuesday, just a few days ago, the ‘I voted’ stickers are starting to make their appearances in the Berkeley High hallways. For this week's episode, we interviewed seniors about their thoughts on voting.

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Buzz! This episode was produced and narrated by Zazie Duchene and edited by Julia Brimmer.



Mar 08, 202405:12
The Buzz: Relationships, Situationships (and Sinking Ships) at BHS

The Buzz: Relationships, Situationships (and Sinking Ships) at BHS

Now that the hype around Valentine’s Day has come and gone, we thought it might be fun to take a look at what relationships, situationships and dating look like at Berkeley High, and what it takes to be in a healthy romantic partnership.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Interviews were conducted by Miriam Reichenberg, Taylor Reynaud, and Paolo Rivera. 

Feb 23, 202406:14
The Buzz: Community in the African American Studies Program

The Buzz: Community in the African American Studies Program

For Black History Month, we took an in-depth look at the African American Studies program at Berkeley High, the unique program that's home to classes like African Diaspora dance.

This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene with help from Julia Brimmer.

Feb 09, 202406:59
The Buzz: Fresh Starts at BHS

The Buzz: Fresh Starts at BHS

Maybe you're someone who goes to the gym on New Year's day, and New Year's day only. Or you could be someone who's been keeping up with gym goals for the last three years. For this episode of The Buzz, we talked to members of the Berkeley High community about their New Year's resolutions. 

Stick around in 2024. This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene. Interviews were conducted by Julia Brimmer and Taylor Reynaud.


Jan 12, 202404:16
The Buzz: Holiday Meal Sparks Joy Once Again

The Buzz: Holiday Meal Sparks Joy Once Again

The Holiday Meal is a Berkeley High tradition, returning for the first year after the pandemic. Unhoused and low income people across the city were invited to share in a filling meal and enjoy festive activities. For this episode of The Buzz, we sent our team out to report on the Holiday Meal, and interview volunteers and guests. 

This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene. Interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene, Taylor Renaud, and Julia Brimmer. This episode was narrated by Paolo Rivera. 


Dec 15, 202305:56
The Buzz: Berkeley's Small Acts of Kindness
Dec 01, 202306:24
The Buzz: AMPS Students Help Fuel Our Community

The Buzz: AMPS Students Help Fuel Our Community

Here on the Buzz, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, we talked to the AMPS food pantry coordinator about the role the pantry plays in sustaining Berkeley residents. 

"There’s a lot of people here that need USDA food, so it’s really cool helping them out. They really need it." -- AMPS student Emmanual, who goes by Champy.


This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene, and edited by Julia Brimmer.


Nov 17, 202305:00
The Buzz: Jobs at Berkeley High

The Buzz: Jobs at Berkeley High

On this week's episode, we explore what jobs and money management look like for students at Berkeley High. We got insight from personal finance teacher Crystal Rigley, and conducted several interviews with students around campus.

This episode was produced and edited by Zazie Duchene and additional interviews were conducted by Julia Brimmer and Taylor Reynaud.



Nov 03, 202304:12
The Buzz: Rally Day... Back in Time

The Buzz: Rally Day... Back in Time

This year, as spirit week rolls around again, culminating in yet another Rally Day, we’re bringing you an episode exploring how school spirit has changed over the years.

This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene, and edited by Julia Brimmer. Interviews were conducted by Emmett Price and Taylor Renauld. We used audio from last year’s Buzz episode called The Sounds and Sights of Red and Gold Day. 



Oct 20, 202308:09
The Buzz: Cultural Connections Through Art

The Buzz: Cultural Connections Through Art

From September 15 to October 15, Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated across the country. Here on The Buzz, we’re sharing interviews with two Latina student artists on how creativity shapes the ways they see themselves and their communities. We spoke with Anita Julca and Lol-be Ceasar-Santos.

"During Hispanic Heritage Month it’s so important to amplify voices of Latinx artists. Of course, you know I’m 17, so I'm still figuring out who I am as an artist and as a Latina woman in our world." --- Anita Julca

This episode was produced by Zazie Duchene and Miriam Reichenberg. Interviews and additional reporting were conducted by Miriam Reichenberg, Taylor Renauld, and Julia Brimmer. 

Oct 06, 202308:04
The Buzz: Let's Be Friends

The Buzz: Let's Be Friends

Welcome to this year's first episode of The Buzz! For the 2023-24 school year, we’ll be featuring in-depth discussions and interviews about topics that matter to our community.

The school year is well underway. We’re sitting next to new people in class, joining clubs, and meeting up with old friends. But making friends in high school isn’t as simple as it was in elementary school, when asking someone to join you on the swings was all you had to do. It’s more challenging now.

For this episode, we asked Berkeley High students to share their experiences. We also talked to Eva Cantor, a Bay Area therapist who works with teens, about how we can build more genuine connections and make good friends in high school

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg and Zazie Duchene. Interviews and additional reporting were conducted by Zazie Duchene, Emmett Price, Julia Brimmer, and Paolo Rivera. We included a clip from the song We’re Going to Be Friends by The White Stripes.

Sep 22, 202306:27
The Buzz: Out into the World

The Buzz: Out into the World

As the school year comes to a close, The Buzz asked seniors to share their high school memories, from the everyday and mundane to the big and memorable. What will they miss? What will they take with them as they move forward?


Thanks for listening to the last Buzz episode of the 2022-2023 school year! We’ll be back next year with more episodes and content. This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg with help from Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene, Mariarosa Cerritos, and Bodhi Seidler. 

Jun 02, 202306:10
The Buzz: Destination, Berkeley High

The Buzz: Destination, Berkeley High

Students commute to school in all different ways. For today’s episode, we spoke with students about how getting to school can sometimes be frustrating or relaxing, eventful or mundane. Whatever the case, the destination is always the same– the crowded, diverse, spirited halls of Berkeley High.

This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene.

May 19, 202303:19
The Buzz: Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The Buzz: Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture has had a huge impact American society. From K-Pop bands to everyday streetwear trends, there are parts of AAPI culture everywhere. In this episode, The Buzz interviewed students about the impacts it has on their own lives, through food, entertainment, fashion, and music. 


This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos and Zazie Duchene. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. 

May 12, 202307:52
The Buzz: From the Perspective of International Students

The Buzz: From the Perspective of International Students

How is education viewed in different countries? The Buzz spoke to international students about their experiences in their respective school systems, and how that differs from Berkeley High.

This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos and Willow Priforce. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. 


Apr 21, 202318:32
The Buzz: Celebrating Women's History Month

The Buzz: Celebrating Women's History Month

For this episode, The Buzz spoke with students, teachers, and administrators about inspiring women in their lives, and about Women's History Month.

This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos,  Willow Priforce, and Zazie Duchene. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb.

Mar 17, 202308:49
The Buzz: Staying Centered
Mar 03, 202304:60
The Buzz: Black History Month at Berkeley High

The Buzz: Black History Month at Berkeley High

In this episode, the Buzz spoke with students and teachers about their perspectives on Black History month, what gaps students have in their knowledge about the month, and what improvements can be made to better acknowledge its significance.

This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Mariarosa Cerritos and Willow Priforce conducted interviews. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb.

Feb 24, 202307:51
The Buzz: Subbing In

The Buzz: Subbing In

When students walk into a classroom and see a substitute teacher in their teacher’s place, they may feel relief and excitement, or disappointment. In this short episode of The Buzz, we talk with students and substitute teachers to get a better understanding of what classrooms are like when the teacher is out.

Thanks for listening to The Buzz. This episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Additional interviews were conducted by Sydney Taylor with help from Zazie Duchene. 

Jan 28, 202304:42
The Buzz: Making Music

The Buzz: Making Music

This episode profiles two Berkeley High School student musicians, Vivien Silas and Dexter Griffin. 

The episode was produced and edited by Miriam Reichenberg. Interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene and Bodhi Siedler.


Jan 14, 202305:51
The Buzz: Relationships and Mental Health During the Holidays

The Buzz: Relationships and Mental Health During the Holidays

The various relationships with others that we have throughout our lives can have a massive effect on us and our mental health. To better understand these impacts, the Buzz spoke to students, staff, and experts on the way these relationships play out during the holiday season. 

This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos, Willow Priforce, and Sydney Taylor. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb.


Dec 09, 202213:04
The Buzz: The Sounds of Red and Gold Day
Nov 12, 202203:59
The Buzz: Processing Grief and Loss at School

The Buzz: Processing Grief and Loss at School

This past year we’ve experienced loss of life in the Berkeley High community, and with loss comes immense pain, grief, and mixed emotions.

To understand how our community comes together after dealing with loss, the Buzz spoke to teachers and students about the diverse classroom approaches taken in the wake of tragedy.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Jacket podcast. This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos, Willow Priforce, and Sydney Taylor. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb.

If you have any specific episode ideas that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. You can find more episodes and coverage of the Berkeley High community at our website, berkeleyhighjacket.com.

Nov 04, 202209:09
The Buzz: Halloween Nostalgia

The Buzz: Halloween Nostalgia

As Halloween approaches, The Buzz asked Berkeley High students and faculty to share their memories and thoughts, from costumes to candy trading, and everything in between. 

This episode was produced by Miriam Reichenberg. The script was written by Zazie Duchene, and interviews were conducted by Zazie Duchene, Sydney Taylor, and Bodhi Siedler. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. Audio clips from Bobby Pickett’s song, “Monster Mash” are included throughout.

Oct 22, 202206:31
The Buzz: Latinx Experiences at BHS

The Buzz: Latinx Experiences at BHS

From Spanish immersion experience to cultural celebrations, the Buzz spoke to Latinx students at BHS about what connection to their culture looks like for them, and what role it plays in their mental well-being.

This episode was produced by Sofia Rodriguez. Interviews were conducted by Mariarosa Cerritos, Willow Priforce, and Bodhi Siedler. The episode was edited by Lucy Rickart-Webb. Audio clips from Rosalia’s song, “Despecha” were included throughout.

Oct 07, 202206:48
The Buzz: Music and Emotions
Sep 24, 202204:37
The Buzz: Lunch Culture at BHS
Sep 09, 202206:43
The Buzz: What BHS Students do for Self-Care
Aug 19, 202203:57
Behind the Scenes of the Jacket

Behind the Scenes of the Jacket

Interviews with the staff that produce the Jacket every week.

May 20, 202210:40
People Behind BHS: Health Center Workers
May 08, 202210:58
Meet the Candidates: ASB President & Vice President

Meet the Candidates: ASB President & Vice President

This is one of three episodes interviewing the candidates for 2022-2023 student government at Berkeley High School.

Mar 18, 202218:08
Meet the Candidates: Chief of Service

Meet the Candidates: Chief of Service

This is one of three episodes interviewing the candidates for 2022-2023 student government at Berkeley High School.

Mar 18, 202204:36
Meet the Candidates: Chiefs of Publicity

Meet the Candidates: Chiefs of Publicity

This is one of three episodes interviewing the candidates for 2022-2023 student government at Berkeley High School.

Mar 18, 202212:18
People Behind BHS: Cafeteria Workers
Feb 11, 202207:52
People Behind BHS: Safety Officers
Jan 07, 202208:58
Inside Berkeley High’s Reopening Plans

Inside Berkeley High’s Reopening Plans

This episode of the Berkeley High Jacket Podcast looks into Berkeley Unified School District's plans for reopening safely in 2021.

Jan 05, 202113:37
Distance Learning Across the Country

Distance Learning Across the Country

Jacket editors Estella Zhou and Naomi Birenbaum speak with students at high schools in Chicago, Connecticut and New York about their experiences with distance learning.

Host & Editor: Gunner Lee

Writer: Lev Gordon-Fierabend

Featuring: Estella Zhou, Naomi Birenbaum, Tallulah Johansen, Rebecca Gross, and Jiayang Jin

Oct 09, 202012:50
The Jewish Experience

The Jewish Experience

Rachel Alper, Naomi Birenbaum, and Sophia Whyte interview members of the Berkeley High community about their experience being Jewish at the school.

Reporting by Rachel Alper, Naomi Birenbaum, and Sophia Whyte
Hosted by Naomi Birenbaum
Edited by Rachel Alper

Feb 14, 202014:20
Vaping at BHS

Vaping at BHS

This episode takes an in depth look at the issue of teen vaping through interviews with members of the Berkeley High community and drug policy expert and advocate Ethan Nadelmann.

Directed by Rachel Alper (@rachel.alper)
Edited by Gunner Lee (@_gunner_lee_)
Hosted by Naomi Birenbaum (@naomibiren) and Bennett Thompson (@bennettleethompson)
Reporting by Sophia Whyte (@sophiacwhyte) and Rachel Alper
Nov 22, 201935:20
Teacher Sick-out

Teacher Sick-out

A bonus episode about the teacher sick-out yesterday.
Oct 29, 201908:09
Exclusive Interview With Barbara Lee

Exclusive Interview With Barbara Lee

For our season two premier, an exclusive interview with Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

Created by Rachel Alper

Hosted by Naomi Birenbaum and Bennet Thompson

Made possible with support from Phillip Halpern and David Mai

Photograph Courtesy of Gage Skidmore

Oct 11, 201910:38
Charlotte Walker

Charlotte Walker

Host Arvin Hariri interviews Charlotte Walker on her modeling career.

Sep 26, 201936:21
BHS Go Ahead Shred

BHS Go Ahead Shred

Arvin Harari talks with Matilda Hallowell about Go Ahead Shred.

Sep 26, 201915:21
Men's Varsity Soccer

Men's Varsity Soccer

Host Arvin Hariri interviews BHS Men's Varsity Soccer players on the soccer season.

Photo: Mattias de los Rios

Sep 26, 201926:26
BHS Meet Program

BHS Meet Program

Members of Berkeley High School's Mental and Emotional Educational Team (MEET) in discussion with host Arvin Hariri.

Illustration: Gina Ledor

Sep 26, 201918:54
Interview with Melina Fike

Interview with Melina Fike

Host Arvin Hariri speaks with Melina Fike about Vote 16, Youth and Government, and college application season.

Sep 26, 201901:13:47