SUMMARY

"On Our Minds" is a podcast produced by teens for teens with PBS News Student Reporting Labs. Season 6 takes listeners on an audio road trip exploring what’s unique about teen life in every corner of the country through hyperlocal stories about cities, towns and neighborhoods.

Directions: First, watch the trailer above. Then read the descriptions of the the podcasts (7-8 mins) below and choose the one that appeals to you the most. Answer the discussion questions and provide a recap of the podcast to your class. Share one of your responses to the essential questions or discuss what connections you made between the story and your own life and community.

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.

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.

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.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Where does the audio road trip take place in the podcast you listened to?
2. Who is the student producing it? What is their background?
3. What was the focus or event taking place in the podcast?
4. Why was the producer moved enough to want to share a story from their community with a wider audience?
5. How did the co-hosts Zack and Helena set up the podcast? What theme or overarching question did they address?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• What do you think Helena means when she says: "We have to separate the belief from the believer." Do you agree or disagree?
• Can you think of a time when you found common ground with another person that you disagreed with politically?
• Do you feel a sense of community where you live? Explain. If you don't feel a sense of community, how do you think that affects you? What about others you know?

Media literacy: What video or audio feature from the podcast did you enjoy the most? Why?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

• Watch/listen to the rest of Season 6 here (For seasons 1-5 of "On Our Minds," click on the box below the first video.). You can also watch the series on YouTube here.
• To learn more about Student Reporting Labs, and how you can submit videos on important topics, check out StoryMaker. The prompts for the 2025-2026 school year are located here.

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