Recorded as a special collaboration between Teacher Reporting Labs and On Our Minds, this episode brings educators and student hosts together for an unexpected conversation sparked by a community thread about VW buses. What begins with nostalgic memories of iconic road trips quickly expands into a reflection on freedom, identity, risk, and connection— through stories ranging from childhood van rides in Puerto Rico to cross-country adventures and near-miss highway moments. As teachers and teens swap travel memories, the conversation becomes less about vehicles and more about the journeys that shape how we see the world, the people we become on the road, and the meaning we carry with us long after the trip ends. Featured educators: Gil Garcia taught video production and broadcast journalism for 10 years at various schools in Austin, Texas. Trina Moore is a recently retired teacher who currently resides in Minneapolis, MN and never says no to a good road trip. Robert Casas teaches Digital Media Production, Broadcast Journalism, and AP Computer Science Principles at Westview High School in San Diego, where he has taught media courses since 2012. Road Trip Playlist: This conversation inspired us to create a community-powered road trip soundtrack featuring song picks from SRL educators and student journalists. Queue it up for your next adventure! SRL Summer Road Trip Mix This episode was produced by Senior Community Engagement Manager Emily Hope Dobkin with editing and mixing by Justin Rhodes. Zach and Helena from On Our Minds hosted this episode featuring SRL educators Trina Moore, Robert Casas and Gil Garcia. Additional production support was provided by Becky Wandel, Wyatt Mayes, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and oversight by Marie Cusick and Executive Director Leah Clapman. Special thanks to WETA.

In suburban California, getting around often means getting in a car. But for Keerthi in San Ramon and Padma in Fremont, walking, running, and riding the bus opened up a different view of their hometowns. Along trails, sidewalks, and bus routes, they discovered hidden neighborhoods, unexpected connections, and the small moments that make a community feel alive. This episode explores what happens when we stop rushing to our destination and start paying attention to the journey. Today’s segments were produced by Keerthi Eraniyan and Padma Balaji. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

What does it mean to live in a city where cultures, languages, and traditions meet every day? In this episode of On Our Minds, we travel to El Paso, Texas, where student journalists Marium and Aruja explore life in one of America's most unique border communities.  Along the way, hosts Zack and Helena share the foods that connect them to their cultures—from tacos to pernil—and reflect on how food can bring people together across differences. Today’s segment was produced by Marium Zahra and Aruja Misra. Wyatt Mayes produced, edited and mixed this episode. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

This On Our Minds episode heads to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where hosts Zack and Helena reflect on belonging, culture and the small details that make a place feel like home. The episode explores Calle Loíza, a vibrant street long shaped by generations of residents from around the globe, now facing an uncertain future as it becomes a tourist destination. Today’s segments were produced by Miranda Jatib and Emilio Solé. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

This week on the On Our Minds Roadtrip, hosts Zack and Helena take us to the city that never sleeps.  Jess, the president of her university’s beekeeping club, walks us through what it means to be a young beekeeper in New York City. She shares that New York City’s diversity doesn't stop at just people and culture. The city is home to over 200 species of bees.  Special thanks to K.U.T., Jake Perlman, and W.E.T.A. as well as Bee U NYC and Pratt Beekeeping Club. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.  Tune in next week when our road trip takes us to Puerto Rico!

Take a road trip to Massachusetts with hosts Zack and Helena in this episode of On Our Minds. It can be cold and confusing, but also surprisingly warm and welcoming. Shane from Attleboro takes us inside his apartment building, filled with colorful neighbors who’ll dig your car out of the snow and give you some great advice along the way. Then, middle schoolers who hail from all over the world explain how they felt about ending up at a school together in western Massachusetts  — learning English, making friends, and finally finding “a place to chill.” Today’s segments were produced by Shake Mukasa and Afia, Bronstead, Lovemica and Jeily from Emergence Academy with support from their teacher, Steven Marles. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Special thanks to KUT., Jake Perlman, and WETA. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian. Featuring footage by Uganda Stock Footage Hub. Tune in next week when our road trip takes us to New York City!

Take a road trip to New Jersey in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena discuss what in their surroundings sparks curiosity.  Student producer, Abigail Kim in Leonia, New Jersey takes you to a scuplture garden at the heart of her town. While, Libby Peckman in Highland Park, New Jersey talks about the small ways she finds community and wonder in the mundane. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

Take a road trip to Richmond, Indiana, in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena explore what “community” really means—from hometown sports teams and small-town festivals to unexpected spaces that bring people together. At the center of this story is Oblivion, a local art store turned creative haven, where strangers become collaborators, and a fading town finds new life through art, storytelling, and connection. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA, as well as the Lake of the Isles Pencil Festival. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

This episode of On Our Minds Road Trip takes us to Columbia, Missouri, where drag performers are building community, creating joy, and challenging stereotypes. Student producer Maggie LeBeau takes us inside the local drag scene, introducing us to performers like Alexxa Pro and Artemis Gray. They’re creating spaces of belonging, especially for young queer people who don’t always have one. Maggie LeBeau produced the story in this episode. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced this episode with editing and mixing by Wyatt Mayes. Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman.  Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

Why does Minneapolis celebrate a giant pencil every year? In this episode of On Our Minds: Road Trip, hosts Zack and Helena head to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to explore one of the city’s most delightfully weird traditions: the Giant Pencil Festival on Lake of the Isles. From dancing pencil costumes to a dramatic annual “sharpening” ceremony, this story highlights how creativity, humor, and community spirit turn a fallen tree into a beloved public art celebration. Plus, the hosts share their own quirky stories, including some about Helena’s pet turkey, Juanita. Divya Thamman produced the story in this episode. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited, and mixed this episode. Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Wyatt Mayes, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba, and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu. Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman. Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA, as well as the Lake of the Isles Pencil Festival. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.