Explore. Create. Advocate.
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Connectopod, as official LAPL performers, worked with a swell bunch of teens at The Los Angeles Public Library North Hollywood Branch. Our LAPL hour-long workshop introduces the concept of podcasting to teens.
Our goals: get kids talking and realize they have interesting things to say, demystify tech, and have some fun recording.
We don't usually post the workshops, but we thought we'd share the experience with you this time. These clever podcasters from NoHo had about 20 minutes after we did some instructional games to create their shows that including some entertaining and insightful nuggets. These are raw episodes, no post production or music though I did edit content slightly for time. Read more here.
Here for your listening pleasure are first-time podcasters Elliot & Kai discussing Pain. And mall cops.
For special projects such as the series done for Canoga Park and a special project for Mar Vista, read more here ).
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Connectopod, as official LAPL performers, worked with a swell bunch of teens at The Los Angeles Public Library North Hollywood Branch. Our LAPL hour-long workshop introduces the concept of podcasting to teens.
Our goals: get kids talking and realize they have interesting things to say, demystify tech, and have some fun recording.
We don't usually post the workshops, but we thought we'd share the experience with you this time. These clever podcasters from NoHo had about 20 minutes after we did some instructional games to create their shows that including some entertaining and insightful nuggets. These are raw episodes, no post production or music though I did edit content slightly for time. Read more here.
Here for your listening pleasure are first-time podcasters Leslie & Ivonne discussing the why being a teenager sucks.
For special projects such as the series done for Canoga Park and a special project for Mar Vista, read more here ).
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Connectopod, as official LAPL performers, worked with a swell bunch of teens at The Los Angeles Public Library North Hollywood Branch. Our LAPL hour-long workshop introduces the concept of podcasting to teens.
Our goals: get kids talking and realize they have interesting things to say, demystify tech, and have some fun recording.
We don't usually post the workshops, but we thought we'd share the experience with you this time. These clever podcasters from NoHo had about 20 minutes after we did some instructional games to create their shows that including some entertaining and insightful nuggets. These are raw episodes, no post production or music though I did edit content slightly for time. Read more here.
Here for your listening pleasure are first-time podcasters Diego and Katherine discussing the Corona Virus.
For special projects such as the series done for Canoga Park and a special project for Mar Vista, read more here ).
Monday Feb 03, 2020
Monday Feb 03, 2020
Monday Feb 03, 2020
And just like that, we've arrived at the final episode of Changing the Narrative Pacoima. We will miss all 28 of our Vaughn Next Century Learning Center podcasters! We've enjoyed the laughter, the challenges, and the evolution of 'Changing the Narrative-Pacoima' from a bunch of ideas into 10 episodes! Sometimes the best way to change the narrative is simply by being yourself.
Featured here:
Jessica Esparza and Kiera Moreno cheer for cheer squad. Is it a sport?
Agueda de Santiago answers "How do you see yourself? How do others see you?" Brothers are bothersome, grandmas are great! But it's how you see yourself that matters most.
Anthony Hernandez, Analiss Fernandez, and Kimberly Duenas share a public service announcement for Pacoima Beautiful, the only environmental social justice organization in the San Fernando Valley.
And lastly, The Ashleys Ashley-Lozano and Ashly Gonzales, with a little help from Leilah Ortega delight with their friendship.
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
Thank you Mr. Harmon and Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
Music intro outro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz2XCAr0rc0
Music PSA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XER8Zg0ExKU
Other music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2vQtdeCaxU
Friday Jan 24, 2020
Friday Jan 24, 2020
Friday Jan 24, 2020
"Video games are a way of life!" So say Fabian Quintana, Angel Ponce, Miguel Nunez, and Amanda Carillo . They make the case that from Minecraft, to Skyrim, to World of Warcraft and more, this generation explores unlimited "open worlds", makes friends, and learns useful technology skills that can translate to future jobs.
Online they connect with players worldwide. Interviewing voice over actor Elle Newlands, in their Pacoima, Los Angeles classroom, they find a surprising real-world connection between a childhood in Glasgow, Scotland and their own. What does it take to beat the odds and go for your dreams? How does creativity save us?
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
music credits
Friday Jan 17, 2020
Friday Jan 17, 2020
Friday Jan 17, 2020
You can't change the narrative if you don't address what the existing narrative is. The existing narrative of Pacoima is violence. It is violent. Over a six month period in 2019, there were 165 violent crimes. Compare that to 103 in Northridge or 66 in Sherman Oaks. The perception of violence is so normalized for Pacoima that it barely gets reported. How does that weigh on young minds and souls? For Sergio Gonzalez, it weighs heavy. When there was a murder on his block, it wasn't even reported on. To Sergio, that is the Murder Mystery he sought to solve.
What is missing from the violent narrative of Pacoima is the strength and empathy of a community that rallies. To help him make sense of a difficult truth, Sergio turned to Lorenzo and Eric Chapman, two of the co-founders of The Gr818ers. As Pacoima natives and veterans of it's violent heritage, they acknowledge that violence, but show how it doesn't have to define who you are.
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
Friday Dec 20, 2019
Friday Dec 20, 2019
Friday Dec 20, 2019
The BBC (Big Brain Club) invites you on campus to have The Vaughn Experience. Eighth-grade- not always easy! First up, Wilfredo Bacca, always being caught lacking himself, interviews security guard Aaron Camacho. In a "dope conversation" recorded by tech director Jenrry Gonzales, we learn why Mr. Camacho is respected by even the toughest of kids. The secret is he respects them. A former "lacker" himself, his empathy comes from understanding.
Then, interviewing her group partners, Jenrry and Wilfredo, producer Agueda de Santiago, highlights the challenges and success of eighth-grade life.
Running time: 15 min
We want to acknowledge the three students that did not turn in their media release forms. They contributed to Mr. Camacho's interview with astute questions and comments that spurred some of the answers you hear. They worked equipment and helped with the project overall behind the scenes. Good luck with volleyball and soccer!
Agueda, Wilfredo, and Jenrry
Aaron Camacho
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
Music for this episode can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-a-fQj_2eA&feature=emb_logo
Wednesday Dec 11, 2019
Wednesday Dec 11, 2019
Wednesday Dec 11, 2019
Boxing is very popular in Pacoima. Cesar Rosales, a boxer himself, and fellow Podcaster Natalia Arjon showcase the sport by interviewing Vaughn eighth grader and boxing prodigy Alejandro Morales. What does it take to be a champ? What inspires a kid to work so hard? What does boxing mean to this community? Savannah Briones records the interview on Vaughn Next Century Learning Institute's playground.
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
Monday Dec 02, 2019
Monday Dec 02, 2019
Monday Dec 02, 2019
The Irrelevants team Oscar Pia and Adrian Lomeli started out to create just a segment but ended up with their own darn episode. Discussing the barriers of Pacoima's lack of sports clubs and the unstoppable athletes that live there, (including themselves!), Oscar and Adrian reveal the importance of parking lot playgrounds. These two thoughtful guys illustrate how sports makes great leaders.
Shout out to guest artist musician and producer Joe Foldes who edited and engineered this piece with the team. Credit to tech director, Savanah Briones, who recorded the interview with the Connectopod "To-Go" kit.
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
The Changing the Narrative-Pacoima series is edited and engineered by Joe Foldes.
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
And thanks to Mr. Harmon, for sharing his class with us!
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
What do you know about Pacoima? What makes a place, a community? During the first half of our Changing the Narrative program at Vaughn Next Century Learning Institute, our eighth grade podcasters explored the deep roots of art with muralist Levi Ponce, the power of advocacy with Pacoima Beautiful, and the rewards of leadership with Assembly Member Luz Rivas. Together we looked deeper into the narrative of Pacoima told in movies and media and found what was missing. We celebrated adversity grown into Hip Hop healing with the Gr818ers and their new Unite Cultural Center.
Ready and armed with microphones and curiosity, Team JALV- Leilah Ortega (producer), Valerie Garcia, Jolene Caballero, and Aidyn Robles went in search of Pacoima beyond the stereotypes. Asking local residents, as well as outsiders, "What do you know of Pacoima? What have you heard?" they've created a complex picture of the place they call home. Pacoima is for sure a place of challenges, but also friendship, family, love, and unexpected beauty. It's all in your perspective!
Read our Connectoblog for more about how this episode was created and see more pics go
Shout out to guest artist musician and producer Joe Foldes who edited and engineered this piece with the team.
Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!
Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman
Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.
And thanks to Mr. Harmon, for sharing his class with us!