The Keep Ya Head Up Podcast

By Shakir Ahmad

Through this podcast, my goal is to give hope to all types of students who are overcoming adversity or are discriminated against and educate as many as possible. Every episode, I’ll be inviting other students on the podcast. These young kings, queens, and royalty will speak about different types of discrimination, injustices, and situations they’re educated in and/or share their own experiences. Over time, I hope we cover all types of topics and for the kids listening in to be proud of who they are and to be inspired by someone like them to keep their head up!

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Episode 14: No Less of a Man

The Keep Ya Head Up Podcast Jan 07, 2022

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25:31

Episode 14: No Less of a Man

Tommy Nelson helps cisgendered students understand what a trans student might have to deal with in their everyday lives. He talks about his own experiences, but also mentions how not all trans students have dealt with the same issues.

Jan 07, 202225:31

Episode 12: Used, Abused, and Mentally Bruised

Isaac Babus returns to the podcast, where he shares his experiences of being in abusive relationships. He makes it clear that men can be the victims in these situations as well, and that their emotions are valid.

Dec 17, 202120:32

Episode 11: Protect and Serve, Right?

Noelle Cabrera brings awareness to the issue of student resource officers on campus and how their interactions with students have been more hurtful than helpful. She talks about her accomplishment in getting the SRO off our campus and her next steps.

Dec 10, 202113:59

Episode 10: From Assimilation to Activism

Kavya Suresh opens with touching on her identity and how interactions with those in the school environment lead her down a path of activism. She then encourages those who are meant to represent a large group to educate themselves and truly understand that group more, even if it's uncomfortable.

Dec 03, 202126:23

Episode 9: Self-Acceptance

Shreya Rajappa explains what it's like being an Asian minority in America as well as bisexual and how she came to accept who she is. She encourages other minorities to be proud of theirselves and their heritage rather than trying to fit in.

Jan 25, 202126:18

Episode 8: Realities of Suicidal Thoughts

Laura Luevanos opens up about how she experienced suicidal thoughts and how it can affect one's mental health. She mentions how you can receive help from close friends and professionals and offers help to anyone who might be having these thoughts.

Jan 18, 202118:30

Episode 7: The Toll on the Soul

Lucas Flores informs us about a couple current issues within Santa Barbara and how we need to understand the history behind these things. He then talks about how advocating can begin to affect one's mental health after having to repeatedly voice against certain problems.

Dec 28, 202010:53

Episode 6: Underneath the Mistletoe

Jaden Lind and Samantha Edwards, a 17 month couple, help differentiate a healthy relationship from a toxic relationship and they try to explain how one can understand what true love really is. They then transition into how a relationship at our age can affect one's mental health.

Dec 07, 202024:26

Episode 5: Love Your Truth

Sofia Martinez-Tomatis talks about how she came out and the feelings she had going through that. She explains a main theme in the LGBTQ+ community is to live by your truth, and she recommends people to go check out her podcast Love Your Truth!

Nov 29, 202016:59

Episode 4: Hope For The Homeless

Isaac has been going on interviewing homeless people in Goleta and Santa Barbara, and on this episode he gives a little insight into how these people live and the stories they bring. He also reminds us that we still need to treat these people like the humans because they are just trying to live their lives too.

Nov 28, 202020:26

Episode 3: Normalize No Norms

Becca Rodriguez adds onto last episode by restating what gender inequality is, but also dives deeper into how we can break away from old gender norms and not be discouraged by ourselves. She also brings up how systemic racism is still around today and that we can‘t ignore it.

Nov 26, 202023:21

Episode 2: I’m Speaking

Lily Landeros makes it clear that gender inequalities are still present today and that we need to be aware of these instances. She also explains toxic masculinity and how bringing different genders together can give everyone involved more perspectives on the topic at hand.

Nov 23, 202026:03

Episode 1: Colors of the Pride

Brandon Nnoli gives insight on being a gay, black male in America. We try to understand why groups of people can’t come to accepting black folks and the LGBTQ+ community and Brandon talks a bit about his own coming out story and how one can support a friend who wants to come out publicly.

Nov 22, 202016:58

Episode 0: Me and My Goals

This is just a little intro to get to know me a little more and what’s to come in the future. Stay tuned and keep ya head up!

Nov 21, 202003:36