STEAM Box vs
Education & Explainer
About
STEAM Box youth take on the world and this is where we discuss throughout the school year. Check out our Mangu con Salami special in February where youth discuss healthy relationships. Check out our Joyful Rebellion series in May where our youth innovate mental wellness.
Episodes
- Episode 36: Bricks, Breakthroughs, and Breaking Barriers in STEM with LEGO Master Tacos
LEGO Masters Season 3 contestant and STEM educator Tacos discusses her journey from architecture to teaching STEM with LEGOs. She shares advice for young women in competitive STEM fields, discusses navigating imposter syndrome and reality…
- Episode 35: Navigating Art, Culture, and Authenticity with Fu'una and ARISE
Fu'una, referencing a CHamoru creation goddess, shares how her indigenous identity and family history inform her art. The discussion covers the challenges of mural painting, balancing work and passion, and critiques of generative AI's impa…
- Episode 34: Joyful Rebellion: Youth Voices on Mental Health, Modern Stress, and Finding Hope
High school students from STEAM Box discuss the mental health challenges facing their generation, including fears of deportation and anxieties from global conflicts. They share their plans for the Joyful Rebellion event, focusing on commun…
- Episode 33: STEAM Box Finale at BGC Pawtucket: Youth of the Year, Imposter Syndrome & Surviving the Future
In its final episode from the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket, the STEAM Box podcast features the Panthers discussing their Youth of the Year celebration, imposter syndrome, beliefs on marriage and karma, and the pressures of adulthood. T…
- Episode 32: STEAM Box Special Presentation from CSREA AI Symposium
High school seniors Daniel and Zon discuss their perspectives on artificial intelligence at the CSREA AI symposium. They explore issues like teen dependency on AI bots, the impact on critical thinking and originality, and the potential for…
- Episode 31: STEAMBox x Arise: Unpacking AI, Creativity, and Media Representation with Janella Watson
In this episode of the #1 podcast in education STEAM Box X ARISE sit down with Janella Watson of Watson Creative Consulting. Together, we discuss the real world impacts of Artificial Intelligence on young people, exploring both the wonders…
- Episode 30: STEAM Box vs ARISE: Indigenous Identity, Art, and History with Silver Moon LaRose
STEAM Box’s host Bubbly and the youth team at ARISE sit down with SilverMoon LaRose, a member of the Narragansett Tribe and an educator at Rhode Island's Tomaquag Museum.Silver Moon shares profound insights into the culture and history of…
- Episode 29: Mangu Con Salami- Youth talk Gender Roles, Vulnerability, and Healthy Masculinity
In this episode of Mangu Con Salami, STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School, open up with special guests Elliot Rivera from the 10 Men program and (Name Redacted) from the RI Coalition Against Domestic ViolenceThe group gets into s…
- Episode 28: STEAM Box VS: Heroes Read - Boosting Literacy with Comics, Anime, and Hip-Hop
In this episode of the STEAM Box VS podcast, the Panthers are joined by Shawn Andrews, founder of the Rhode Island nonprofit Heroes Read. Shawn explains how his organization tackles the K-12 literacy crisis by using popular arts, such as c…
- Episode 27: ARISE Mangu Con Salami: Navigating Toxic Relationships vs. Emotional Safety
In this special episode of the Mangu Con Salami podcast, STEAM Box ARISE join relationship expert Amanda Toomey from the Katie Brown Educational Program. Together, they go deep into the complexities of modern dating and friendships, focusi…
- Episode 26: Mangu Con Salami 26 Episode 5 Red Flags vs Green Flags
The Steampunks from Highlander Charter School are back for a raw and insightful episode of the Mangu Salami podcast. In this session, the STEAM Box group breaks down the complexities of modern relationships, from the differences between fr…
- Episode 25: Mangu Con Salami: Unmasking Media Myths and Real Relationships
STEAM Box and the Panthers from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket are back for a candid new episode of the Mangu Con Salami Podcast, where the conversation is always "honest, sweet, and maybe a little bit spicy". Special guest Amanda…
- Episode 24: Mangu Con Salami 26 Episode 3; The Neurodivergent Love Lab
STEAM Box Highlander Charter School youth sit down with Kerry from the Katie Brown Educational Program to explore how neurodivergence shows up in romantic relationships. The group discusses what it means to be neurodivergent, including exp…
- Episode 23: Do NOT Pepe Le Pew it! Mangu Con Salami 26 Episode 2
STEAM Box delivers Mangu Con Salami with the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket. In this episode, the group is joined by Mandy from the Katie Brown Educational Program to guide them through healthy conversations about modern dating. Together…
- Episode 22: Mangu Con Salami: Decoding "Sneaky Links," Soft Launches, and Relationship Labels
In this episode of the Mangu Con Salami annual special, the STEAM Box youth joins forces with Young Voices, the Providence Student Union (PSU), and the Katie Brown Educational Program to dig into the complexities of modern dating.Youth lea…
- Episode 21: Legacy of a King
STEAM Box visits ARISE to learn more about the organization, and the legacy of a king.
- Episode 20: A preview of our Mangu Con Salami 2026 Series
The STEAM Box youth from the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket preview our healthy relationship series, Mangu Con Salami with our partners from the Katie Brown Educational Program. While discussing building healthy connections and preventin…
- Episode 19: Dr. J's Record Shop: New HCS Principal Meets the STEAM Punks
The STEAM punks meet new Highlander Charter School Principal, Dr. J, on her 12th day. Hear about her 200+ vinyl collection (Frank Sinatra & Marvin Gaye are top two), and her mission to make Highlander a second home and foster student l…
- Episode 17: The Princess Council & Cosplay Truths: Princess M vs. the BGC Pawtucket Panthers
Welcome back to *Steam Box Vs! This week, we are thrilled to host the Panthers from the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket, and the energy is wild as we welcome back one of our favorite regulars: Princess M.Join the Steam Box crew and the Pa…
- Episode 16: STEAM Box VS: local Journalism, RI History, and the Secret of 'Marble'
In this episode, the students sit down with local Rhode Island journalist and videographer David Lawlor, also known as Filmmaker Dave. Dave emphasizes a gritty, fast-paced style that often involves getting "in the mud" or shooting in aband…
- Episode 15: ️ “Unmasked, Unscripted, Unapologetic: Providence Leaders, Part 2”
In Part Two of our powerful roundtable, Providence’s nonprofit leaders return to peel back even more layers. Elliot Rivera, Dr. Womack (ARISE), Akeem (A Leadership Journey), Peter (Young Voices), Denezia (PSU), Marcela (Latino Policy Insti…
- Episode 14: Leaders Who Lift: Providence Nonprofits in Conversation (Part 1)
Providence’s most impactful nonprofit leaders sit at one table — and the conversation is powerful. In this special two-part STEAM Box roundtable, host Roberto Gonzalez brings together an all-star lineup of community builders: Elliot Rivera…
- Episode 13: ️Talking Housing and Hope with Rep. Karen Alzate
The STEAM Box Panthers from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket are using their voices to better understand what’s happening in their communities and this week, they’re joined by Rhode Island State Representative Karen Alzate! Our you…
- Episode 12: Panthers in Print: Young Authors of Pawtucket BGC and the Cooking Disaster
The STEAM Box Panthers from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket are turning the mic toward their own! ✨ In this inspiring episode, our young podcasters sit down with fellow Panthers who are already published authors, yes, you heard tha…
- Episode 10: Goats on the Bus: Wayne Pitman and the Sanctuary of Hope
Today, the STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School welcome one of Rhode Island’s most fascinating guests, upcoming author Wayne Pitman, founder of the Sanctuary of Hope. And get this: Wayne lives on a bus with his goats! In this w…
- Episode 9: Kicks, Courage, and Creativity: Matt Sciotti Talks Arlow Scarecrow
The STEAM Box youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket welcome a true local legend, Shaolin Kung Fu Master, beloved Jenks Middle School teacher, and children’s book author Matt Sciotti!In this episode, we learn about Matt’s…
- Episode 8: Forged in Fire: STEAM Box at The Steel Yard with Howie Sneider
The STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School are crashing the road again, this time visiting the legendary Steel Yard in Providence! They sit down with Director Howie Sneider, who gives them a behind-the-scenes tour and then hops…
- Episode 7: From Firefights to Cosplay: The Heroic World of Raul Gonzalez
When he’s not saving lives, he’s turning heads at Comic Con! 隸♂️ Firefighter and master cosplayer Raul Gonzalez, known for his work with Razors Edge Cosplay and Extreme Costumes joins the STEAM Box youth at Highlander Charter School for…
- Episode 5: Good Vibes, Good Burgers & Great Beginnings!
STEAM Box kicks off a brand-new season with the freshmen at Highlander Charter School! This episode features two powerhouse guests: Chris Revill, host and producer of Hey Rhody, and Ed Brady, philanthropist, Hollywood insider, and the rest…
- Episode 4: Beats, Mics & Mutants: DJ Carl Byrd Joins the STEAM Box Crew!
Things get epic at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket as Dr. DJ Mr. Carl Byrd, host of the Codex Prime Podcast and local legend joins the STEAM Box youth for a masterclass in podcasting, DJing, fatherhood, and fandom! Together, they…
- Episode 3: STEAM Box vs Boys & Girls Club, Conversations: Mental Wellness, Bullies & Doja Cat
STEAM Box returns to the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket to kick off another season of authentic youth storytelling ✨In this episode, our young podcasters practice their interviewing skills while learning about each other, their storie…
- Episode 2: Young Voices Rising: Youth Power, Safe Spaces, Monarch Butterflies &Stephanie Vaquer
STEAM Box kicks off a brand-new journey with Young Voices for 2026, a season dedicated to youth leadership, advocacy, and self-expression! ✨In this episode, our young changemakers open up about what makes Young Voices so important t…
- Episode 1: Vs BGC Episode ONE
The STEAM Box podcast is kicking off a brand-new adventure with the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket! In this first episode together, we’re getting to know each other while practicing our interviewing skills and diving into what makes th…
- Episode 33: From Faith to Future: Elmwood Avenue Youth Take on the World
STEAM Box hits the road to visit the inspiring youth at the Elmwood Avenue Church VBS program! From walking the halls of local universities to meeting robot dogs straight out of a sci-fi movie, these young innovators are dreaming big and t…
- Episode 32: Healing with Little Bear: Loss, Love & the Power of Change
️ Podcast Description:In the heartwarming finale of the Joyful Rebellion 2025 season, the STEAM Box youth at Highlander Charter School are joined by Little Bear, Rhode Island’s favorite therapy dog, and his emotional support human, Amy. T…
- Episode 31: ️ Rebelling with Pride: Identity, Healing, and Being Seen
In Joyful Rebellion 2025 Episode 3, the STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School welcome powerful mental health advocate Sandra Victorino to the mic. Together, they confront a world that too often devalues people based on their race,…
- Episode 30: Mind Check: The Power of Wellness Screenings ️
In Episode 2 of the Joyful Rebellion 2025 season, the STEAM Box youth at Highlander Charter School are joined by psychologist Julio Sabater, who breaks down the importance of wellness and the science behind mental health screenings.Also jo…
- Episode 29: Joyful Rebellion 2025 Episode One: The Optimist
Trigger Warning: This episode contains intense discussion around trauma and recovery.The Joyful Rebellion 2025 season kicks off with a powerful episode as coma survivor Heidi Garcia and her nephew, Twitch streamer- Cameron, join the STEA…
- Episode 28: Building the Perfect School: Youth & Professor Lamour-Sansone Design a Utopia ️
What would the perfect school look like? Professor Kristina Lamour-Sansone of Reciprocity RI joins the STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School to explore what makes a truly ideal learning environment. From classroom design to mental…
- Episode 27: ️ Inside the Minds of STEAM Punks: Shay & Daniel in the Hot Seat!
This time, we flip the script! The STEAM Box Podcast puts our own Highlander Charter STEAM Punks, Shay and Daniel, in the hot seat for an up-close and personal conversation. We dive into the roles they play at home and in school, the way t…
- Episode 26: From Mr. Rogers to the Future: PBS, Education & Life Advice with Colleen Kenyon ️
The STEAM Punks from Highlander Charter School sit down with Colleen Kenyon, the education wizard with NPR and PBS, for an unforgettable conversation! We talk about the lasting impact of Mr. Rogers, the STEAM Box mixed reactions to Daniel…
- Episode 24: Host Takeover: Akeem Lloyd Drives the STEAM Box Podcast!
For the first time since Club Ambition, the STEAM Box podcast hands over the mic—this time our host is Akeem Lloyd, director of A Leadership Journey! Akeem completely takes over the show, guiding youth from Highlander Charter School throug…
- Episode 23: Advocacy is Love – A Conversation with Jocelyn Foye
STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School sit down with local justice advocate, artist, and Director of The Womxn Project, Jocelyn Foye! In this inspiring episode, Jocelyn breaks down why advocacy matters, especially when it comes to…
- Episode 22: Mangu Con Salami Finale – Are WE the Red Flags?
For the finale of the Mangu Con Salami 2025 series, STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School flip the script on the red flag conversation! This time, Angela from the Katie Brown Educational Program helps us look inward—what red flags…
- Episode 21: Mangu Con Salami Ep. 3 – Jealousy, Burner Accounts & A Crystal Gem !
In episode 3 of the Mangu Con Salami 2025 series, STEAM Box youth from Central Falls talk with Mandy from the Katie Brown Educational Program to dive into the messy world of jealousy. Is it ever okay to have a burner account for spying? Wh…
- Episode 20: Mangu Con Salami 2025 Ep. 2 – The Ick Factor & A Crystal Gem Surprise!
In episode 2 of the Mangu Con Salami 2025 series, the STEAM Box youth from Young Voices sit down with Libbi from the Katie Brown Educational Program to break down what gives you "The Ick"! From cringey dating habits to red flags you just c…
- Episode 19: From DC to Destiny – STEAM Box Youth Reflect on Success Hot Sauce & Growth
Fresh off their incredible journey to Washington, DC, the STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School share their biggest takeaways from the experience! From meeting fans and making new friends from Maryland and Delaware to receiving wo…
- Episode 18: Love, Boundaries & the Danger Room – Mangu Con Salami 2025 Kicks Off!
The Mangu Con Salami 2025 series begins! In this first episode, STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School sit down with Amanda from the Katie Brown Educational Program to explore the big question: How much should we give in our relati…
- Episode 17: STEAM Box vs CYC in the Joyful Cupcake Rebellion
In this episode, STEAM Box youth from Highlander Charter School sit down with our partners Soul and Ashley from The Children and Youth Cabinet to talk about their work in Central Falls and Providence. Along the way, we dive into hot topics…
- Episode 16: STEAM Box vs Princess Em!
In this episode, STEAM Box Young Voices youth interview the enchanting cosplaying princess, Emmy @StorytellingwithEm! Our longtime mentor shares her experiences as a professional cosplayer, a peek into The Princess Governing Council, and w…