Teen G.E.N. Talks

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview’s special guest Patricia Park! Patricia is an Assistant Professor of Literature at American University, Fulbright scholar in Creative Arts, Jerome Hill Artist Fellow, and author of the debut young adult novel, IMPOSTER SYNDROME & OTHER CONFESSIONS OF ALEJANDRA KIM. Continue watching to learn more about author Patricia Park, we hope you enjoy the interview!

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview’s special guest Elisa A. Bonnin! Elisa was born and raised in the Philippines, after which she moved to the United States to study chemistry and later oceanography. After completing her doctorate, she moved to Germany to work as a postdoctoral scientist. A lifelong learner, Elisa is always convinced that she should “maybe take a class in something” and as a result, has amassed an eclectic collection of hobbies. But writing will always be her true love. Publishing a book has been her dream since she was eight years old, and she is thrilled to finally be able to share her stories. She is the author of Dauntless and Stolen City.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview’s special guest Lauren Blackwood is a Jamaican American who writes Romance-heavy fantasy for most ages. Her debut YA fantasy novel “Within These Wicked Walls” is a NYT’s Bestseller and part of Reese Witherspoon’s book club in the Fall of 2021. Britney Spears has also raved about her debut fantasy novel!

In this week's episode, Desiree interview’s special guest Deeba Zargarpur who is an Afghan-Uzbek American. She began her editorial career at Disney-Hyperion and Freeform. Her debut YA novel, House of Yesterday was released on November 29, 2022. Besides being an author, she is also an editor where her aim is to acquire commercial books that empower young people from diverse backgrounds. Deeba is also the founder of Writers of Afghan Heritage, an initiative that advocates, supports and mentors diverse Afghan voices in mainstream publishing.

In this week's interview, Desiree had the pleasure of talking to Dilani Kahawala. Dilani is an author born in Sri Lanka, who also grew up in New Zealand and Australia. These various cultures inspired many of the characters she’s written about and continue to do so. After graduating from Harvard with a Phd in theoretical physics Dilani decided to create works on extra dimensions. Soon realizing that her works as a physicist were unappreciated she paved a new career path towards young adult and fantasy fiction. Recently she published Blood Moon Prophecy: The Legend of the Nyx, an engaging nonetheless mysterious fantasy novel, rich in cultural heritage. Dilani currently lives in the US with her husband and two kids.

In this weeks episode, Desiree sits down with  Lynn Slaughter! Lynn is the author of award-winning novel, Leisha's Song. She earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Her previous young adult novels also include It Should Have Been You, a Silver Falchion finalist; and While I Danced, an Epic finalist. The ridiculously proud mother of two sons and grandmother of five, she lives in Louisville, Kentucky where she is at work on her next novel and serves as the president of Derby Rotten Scoundrels, her local Sisters in Crime chapter.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Sarah interviewed Xavier Garza. Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Xavier Garza is a prolific author, artist, and storyteller whose work focuses primarily on his experiences growing up in the Rio Grande Valley. He is the author of 20 books, including Creepy Creatures and other Cucuys, Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver mask and the Maximilian and the Mystery of the Guardian Angel series. Xavier Garza lives with his family in San Antonio.

In this weeks episode, Melissa and Desiree got the pleasure to talk with Rafael Lopez. Rafael is an illustrator, muralist and an all around artist. Rafael’s illustrations bring diverse characters to children's books and he works to produce and promote books that reflect and honor the lives of all the young people.

In this week's episode, Desiree interview’s special guest Deb Mercier, who lives in the greater Minnesota area with her dog, husband, and many outdoor creature friends.. She is an award-winning journalist, author of 11 books for young readers, a formal newspaper editor and technical writer. In her down time she hikes on trails and bikes and plays the flute in the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra.

In this weeks episode, Melissa and Desiree had the pleasure of talking to Grace Shim! Grace grew up in Tulsa Oklahoma as one of two Korean-Americans at her high school (her sister was the other one). Today, Grace writes books with Korean-American protagonists that she wished she had read about as a teen, including the acclaimed The Noh Family. When she’s not plotting (the writing kind, not the world domination kind), you can find her wearing a Korean sheet mask, baking French macarons, and unintentionally killing house plants & succulents. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and three kids.

In this weeks episode Melissa & Desiree had the pleasure of talking to Tina Gustafon! Tina is a Northern Arizona Master Gardener with nearly a decade of gardening experience and a Master’s in Environmental Studies. Tina wants to share her love of gardening by helping people create edible gardens everywhere. She believes gardens will improve our sustainability, environmental footprint, and food sovereignty for both humans and pollinators.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Chad Lucas, newspaper reporter, communications adviser, freelance writer, part time journalism instructor, parenting columnist, and award-winning author. Chad's childhood love of reading influenced him to write to initially publish a book but as he grew older turned towards journalism to make a living.

Love of writing from reading a lot,  trying to get published at a young age, but turning to journalism to help make a living, he learned many different writing skills along the way and eventually the process of publishing, writing characters, putting trust in an artist to convey your ideas, and his inspiration to continue writing.

In this weeks episode, Melissa & Desiree had the pleasure of talking to Maynard Okereke, or better known as the Hip Hop M.D. Maynard graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He is an award winning Science Communicator, having received both the Asteroid Award for "Best Streaming Content" and the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts.  His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey.Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the S.T.E.M. fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths.  His background in engineering, acting, business, and credible work within the music industry as an artist, make him uniquely qualified to engage on a wide variety of topics from an entertaining perspective.  This is highly reflected in his weekly vlogs and daily social media posts which provide both humorous and informative #SciComm content.

In this weeks episode, Melissa & Sarah had the pleasure of talking to Jasmine Maria Vargas. Jasmine is a beauty and lifestyle content creator that shares videos ranging from beauty tips and makeup looks to makeup reviews and affordable fashion. She is also a wedding makeup artist and when she is not running two businesses she loves a good thriller or romance book.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Ruth Chan! Ruth is an illustrator and author who spent her childhood tobogganing in Canada, her teens in China, a number of years studying art and education, and a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. She now writes and illustrates full-time in Brooklyn NY. 

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Raffi Wartanian, writer, musician, and educator. Raffi shares how his involvement with theatre and production and attraction to creativity, art and, music during his childhood influenced him to pursue writing in college to kickstart where he is now. Listen in to hear more on the different mediums of writing he pursued during college that influenced his expression of narratives, the build up to how he became an educator and how acting helps him perform for his students, and what he learned by visiting and connecting with his roots.

In this weeks episode, Melissa and Desiree had the pleasure of talking to Zeke Peña. Zeke is a Xicano storyteller and cartoonist from El Paso, TX. He illustrated the award-winning books My Papi Has a Motorcycle (Kokila, 2019) and Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide (Getty Publications, 2017). His studio work is a mash-up of political cartoon, border rasquache and Hip Hop culture that addresses identity, politics, ecology and social justice. Zeke is currently writing and illustrating a story for young readers about growing up in the desert.

In this weeks episode, hosts Melissa and Desiree interview Kristin Donnelly! Kristin is the author of Modern Potluck and works with many other authors to help them write their books. She is also a recipe developer and copywriter and lives in New Hope, PA.  Listen on to hear Kristin talk about her journey on how she went from being a food editor for FOOD & WINE to creating her own cookbooks and everything in between. 

In this weeks episode, hosts Melissa and Desiree  had the pleasure of talking to Sallie Anne Rodriguez. Sallie is a Latina writer, researcher, and former head of U.S. Hispanic marketing for Citibank, where she supported diversity initiatives. She studied Communications at Loyola University in New Orleans and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami.

In this weeks episode, Melissa and Desiree interview Cindy Whitehead! Cindy is an American professional skateboarder, writer, and activist. At fifteen years old, she was the first girl to have a 2-page article and centerfold in a skateboarding magazine, where she spoke out about the impact of being one of the only females in the male-dominated sport. Cindy was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2016 by legendary rocker Joan Jett. Cindy is the author of four books and is the founder of Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word, a multi-platform movement that supports and encourages girls and womxn to skateboard.

In this weeks episode, hosts Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Tracy Badua! Tracy is a Filipino American author of books about young people with sunny hearts in a sometimes stormy world. By day, she is an attorney who works in national housing policy and programs, and by night, she squeezes in writing, family and pup time, and bites of her secret candy stash. We hope you enjoy the interview!

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview two special guests Celine,and Gia. They are the co-founders of the future-focused agency NinetyEight. All born in the year 1998 (hence the name!)co-founders Celine Chai, and Gia Lee, along with Bryant Lin started NinetyEight shortly after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in May 2020. NinetyEight creates collaborative relationships between Gen-Zs and brands – driving our generation's voice to the forefront of digital marketing. As a company rooted in innovation, impact, diversity, and community, NinetyEight strives to create a new generation of respectable yet resonant brands that work for consumers first. Their  small but mighty team is driven by the hope of Gen-Z and is focused on bringing Gen-Z digital expertise to every brand that needs it. Today, NinetyEight works with clients across all industries including PepsiCo, Fabletics, Paul Frank and IMVU - finding new ways to foster authentic conversations between brands and Gen-Z. 

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Crystal Maldonado! Crystal is a young adult author with a lot of feelings. Her debut novel, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega, is a 2021 New England Book Award winner, a Cosmopolitan Best New Book, and a POPSUGAR Best New YA Novel. Her next novel, No Filter and Other Lies, explores teenage life in the social media age—and the lies we tell to ourselves and others. By day, Crystal works in higher ed marketing, and by night, a writer who loves Beyoncé, shopping, spending too much time on her phone, and being extra. Her work has also been published in Latina, BuzzFeed, and the Hartford Courant. She lives in western Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and dog.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Andrea Arango! Andrea was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She has an EdS in reading education, and works as a public school ESOL teacher by day and as a writer by night. Andrea balances her life in Virginia with trips home to see her family and eat lots of tostones de pana. When she’s not busy, you can always find her enjoying nature in the nearest forest or body of water. Iveliz Explains It All is her debut novel. 

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Shany Monroy, Latinx lifestyle and beauty influencer. Shany shares what influenced her to become an influencer and the growth she’s had in her social media and herself. Listen in to hear the balancing Shany’s had to learn for her personal and work life, how she is defining herself and her influencer brand, and the evolution of her style and content that now includes her husband.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Nathalia Segoviano, founder of Mom Money Boss. Nathalia describes the steps of how she navigated through credit card and student loan debt to become debt free with thousands of dollars in savings. Listen in to hear more on how her helping friends and family eventually grew to becoming a money coach as well as her journey through creating programs, helping others, and making her brand.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Duncan Tonatiuh, an award-winning author-illustrator. Duncan is both Mexican and American. He grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and graduated from Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City. His artwork is inspired by Pre-Columbian art, particularly that of the Mixtec codices. His aim is to create images and stories that honor the past, but that are relevant to people, especially children, nowadays.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Molly Stevens, award-winning cookbook author and instructor, and recipe developer. Molly describes how the atmosphere and interactions at the dinner table with family,  friends, and neighbors influenced her to pursue cooking despite the difficulties that would come of studying abroad and the opposition her family had at the time. Listen in to hear her discovery of how food is a life, the influence her teachers and mentors had to have her pursue being and instructor herself, the challenges she pushed herself to overcome, the steps she took to become and author, and the origin of her podcast.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Adrianna Cuevas, author and former ESL teacher. Adrianna shares how her passion to become an author started in fourth grade due to her teacher, and the path it took for her to gain the courage to share her stories with the world. Listen in to hear how her experience as a teacher, family and culture influenced her stories and characters as an author.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guests Julien and Kiersten Saunders, the Atlanta based co-creators of the lifestyle blog Rich & Regular. Together, they paid off $200k in debt in five years and were able to walk from their corporate jobs before turning 40. Now they are adding authors to their resume as their debut book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away hit bookshelves everywhere. 

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Teresa Flores, interdisciplinary artist who is the official Artist in Residence for the City of Los Angeles. Teresa paints the story of her past of when she fell in love with art and the journey she had to take, leaving her home to acquire her Master of Fine Arts. Listen in to hear more of the experiences Teresa went through as the path of being a teacher found her through workshops, integrating her heritage into her work, running a gallery, and balancing her passion of teaching and art.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Maryl Fleisher, program supervisor of GLAC, holding a BA in Theater, former operations assistant at New Victory Theater, Camp Manager of Camp Broadway, and On With The Show. Maryl recounts how her passion for theater was ignited with musicals in high school, which led her on the path of an arts magnet program. Listen in to hear more on the connections Maryl’s journey helped her make from New York to across the country with Camp Broadway, On With the Show, the Getty, Mondavi Center of Performing Arts and here in the GLAC family!

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Mai Imai, who got her Journalism degree from Syracuse University and is the owner and founder of Paper Treats, an online Japanese stationery shop. Mai shares how her gravitation towards books when she was younger found her love for writing, and her brother’s love for sports would influence her to pursue Journalism in University. She didn’t accomplish her goal as a sports journalist, taking her on a different path and it wasn’t until she started her family and her daughter grew that the development of the road back to reconnecting her roots would start the path of PaperTreats.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest John Parra, an award winning artist, illustrator, author, and educator. John shares how from an early age his parents influenced his love of storytelling with his father’s stories and his mother taking him to the library along with movies and TV shows.

Listen in to hear what was the spark for John pursuing illustration and transitioned from being influenced to create art to being the one now influencing artists.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Carlos Cruz, an artist with a major in communications, program manager of Gameheads, former Impact Manager of City Year Cleveland, and volunteer moderator and public speaker at Latinx in Gaming. Carlos shares how he first got into communications which helped pave the path for him to find Gameheads through a chance encounter at Latinx in Gaming. Listen in to hear more about his passion for the gaming industry for the kids in his community as well as the new adventures he experiences every day at Gameheads and how helping the kids in his community is a learning experience.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Kenneth Hughes!  Kenneth has worked with the Coen Brothers, Michael Bay, Anthony Russo, Jim Carrey, Madonna, and Meryl Streep. He has appeared in countless films, tv, theater, and commercials, and has won awards and screened in festivals including Cannes & Sundance. He is president of Trees of Shade, Inc and president of the Unified Everything Project. He has directed and produced music videos, commercials, films, stage, and is a Professional Dodgeballer (no...really).

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest and fellow library staff, recent real estate agent, and holistic health coach: Tatevik Hakoyan! Tatevik shares her journey as a librarian and how the pandemic made her realize how much she loved to help people, influencing her pursuit in both real estate and health. Listen in to hear more on what Tatevik has learned more about herself as she pursued her passions further while balancing them with her personal life.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Joey Clift! Joey is a comedian, TV writer, and enrolled Cowlitz Indian Tribal Member. Writing credits include Spirit Rangers on Netflix, New Looney Tunes on Cartoon Network and Molly of Denali on PBS. He was named one of Uproxx’s “26 Native American Comedians To Follow in 2020” and his animated digital short How to Cope with Your Team Changing Its Native American Mascot was released by Comedy Central in October 2021. Most importantly, he created the LA Underground Cat Network, which is a 15,000-member strong Facebook group for Los Angeles comedians to share pictures of their cats.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Stacy, personal trainer and fitness instructor at YIP Fitness, which has online workout programs for Women.  Stacy wants to help her mother — and women everywhere — stay functional and happy as long as possible. Stacy has been a personal trainer since 2014. After being certified with NASM (National Association of Science Medicine), she adheres to a tailored science-based training program to empower individual clients to use their time and energy efficiently. Today, Stacy strives to help more women age well and maintain strength. She has introduced more basic exercises and positive nutrition habits to her own mother and now has her sights set on helping all women 50+ around the world.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Vero, host of Modern Immigrant, a podcast show dedicated as a space to talk about immigration and to support each other. Vero was inspired by her father’s immigration story while growing up, eventually leading her to create Modern Immigrant after exploring life in the United States. Listen in as Vero shares about her experiences during Modern Immigrant as well as how the stories of others have influenced her.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Valerie Gomez, rising third-year Phd student in the education studies department at UCSD and founder of Latina Grad Guide. Valerie shares her story how her parents, Salvadoran immigrants, instilled the importance of education into her and her siblings, eventually guiding her to the path of Higher Education. Listen in to hear more on what led Valerie to help others in their academics and the founding of Latina Grad Guide to help other Latinas in professional education.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Vanessa Flores, illustrator, author, and soon-to-be graphic novelist. Vanessa shares what sparked her interest as both an illustrator and author. Listen in to hear more on her inspiration and journey that has made her a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators as well as the Orlando Giant Illustrator collective.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Sharifa Anozie, speaker, entrepreneur, and author. Sharifa discusses her call to storytelling which influenced her to travel to Los Angeles all the way from New York to pursue it. Listen in to hear more on Sharifa’s journey from CBS to entertainment news, adjustment to Los Angeles, passion as a youth mentor, and strides as an author influenced by her children.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Brian Gray, content creator, writer, and foodie! Brian shares how urbanbohemian came to be for both name and career, one that involves setting time aside to play video games much to his pleasant surprise. Listen in to hear more on what Brian has noticed as a content creator as it’s evolved over the years along with the role that it’s taken ranging from watching the gameplay and interactions during games, a space of comfort for people, or a platform to share perspectives.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Kendra Jessie, an indigenous hockey coach and content creator who uses the platform to educate indigenous culture and spread awareness on issues in indigenous communities along with sharing her love of dance. Kendra shares how her love for sports when she was younger influenced her pursuit of dance when she reconnected with her culture. Listen in to hear more of Kendra’s journey in coaching hockey, how reconnecting with her culture and helped ground her as a person, and being a content creator and using that space to spread awareness that led to her being a role model to others and being a brand ambassador.

Welcome to Season 4! In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Dora Herrera, President of Yuca’s Restaurants. Dora shares how Yuca’s Restaurants was founded and grew from there where it became involved with the community as the years passed. Listen in to hear more of Dora sharing her experiences running a family business before and during the pandemic, the influence her restaurant has had on people and the community, and tips on those interested in expanding their business.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Lilia. Lilia sits down and talks to the Teen G.E.N. Talks hosts about managing stress as a teen and ways that teens and anyone can manage stress.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview two special guests Rosa & Catherine from Latinx Lens! Rosa is a Chicana Rotten Tomatoes approved film critic, and co-founder & co-host of Latinx Lens. A podcast/website dedicated to highlighting Latinx representation and contribution in film & television they also review newly released films through their Latina lens. She’s a proud member of various critic associations including HCA (Hollywood Critics Association), LEJA (Latino Entertainment Journalists Association) and OAFFC (Online Association of Female Film Critics).    Catherine is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's degree in Radio-Television-Film. She works in the Austin film industry by day and is a Cherry Picks approved film and television critic by night. In 2020, she co-founded the Latinx Lens podcast to highlight the contributions of Latinos in film and television.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview Johnnie Jae! Johnnie Jae is an Otoe-Missouria and Choctaw rabble-rousing journalist, organizer, creator, and futurist. She is the founder of A Tribe Called Geek, an award-winning media platform for Indigenous Geek Culture and STEM, and #Indigenerds4Hope, a suicide prevention initiative designed to educate, encourage, and empower Native youth!