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Season 5 Episode 7: “Love or Control: Recognizing the Signs of Unhealthy Relationships” 

Join us for a powerful conversation with Betsy Lavigne and Cassidy Nosh, the President and Vice President of UCLA’s One Love Club, as they dive into the critical topic of recognizing the signs of unhealthy relationships and the importance of relationship education.

This episode explores the signs of an unhealthy relationship, how to support a friend in a toxic situation, and the One Love Foundation’s mission to empower young people with the tools to build strong, positive connections. Whether you’re in a relationship, supporting a friend, or simply want to learn more, this episode is packed with insightful advice to help you navigate relationships with confidence and care.

 

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Season 5 Episode 6: "Blooming Acceptance - Growing Through the Thorns"

In this episode, we sit down with Keanna “KJ Rose” Henson, the Artist Whisperer and Star Polisher who empowers creatives, executives, and performers to unlock their full potential. With experience shaping performances for icons like Nas, LL Cool J, and Saweetie, and collaborating with brands like Google and Disney, KJ shares how self-acceptance, confidence, and presence are the keys to standing out in any arena.

We also dive into the power of embracing identity, overcoming societal pressures, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. Join us as we explore what it means to grow through challenges and bloom into your most authentic self.

 

 

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Season 5 Episode 5: "Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future"

Join us for Season 5, Episode 5 of the "Make Today Well Lived" Podcast, where we explore resilience, activism, and the power of personal stories to inspire change. In this special episode, titled "Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," our Peer Counselors will interview two remarkable guests, Donzaleigh Abernathy and Dar Dixon.

Donzaleigh Abernathy, daughter of Civil Rights leader Rev. Ralph Abernathy and goddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reflects on her upbringing during the Civil Rights Movement, sharing powerful lessons from her family’s legacy of justice and equality. Dar Dixon, an Iranian-born actor and activist, brings a unique perspective as a refugee who fled his homeland in search of freedom, sharing the challenges and triumphs that shaped his journey.

Together, Donzaleigh and Dar discuss the parallels between their experiences and the struggles faced by marginalized communities today, offering profound insights on creating inclusive, safe, and supportive environments in schools and beyond. Whether you’re a student, educator, or advocate for change, this episode will leave you inspired to take action and make your community a better place.

 

 

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Season 5 Episode 4: "Intentions in Motion: Goal Setting for a New Semester"

Ready to start the semester strong? Tune in to this motivating episode featuring Kate Leib, BHHS alumni, Clinical Social Work Intern, and AVID classroom tutor. Kate is also a certified yoga teacher specializing in stress management and personal growth.

Learn practical tips for setting meaningful goals, staying focused, and maintaining balance as you navigate a new semester. Kate shares her insights on mindfulness, intention-setting, and simple stress-relief techniques to help you thrive both academically and personally.

Take a moment to set your intentions, stretch your mindset, and step into success!

 

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Season 5 Episode 3: "Trustworthy: The Search For Common Ground Between Media and Democracy"

 

Join our NormanAid Peer Counselors as they host an enlightening conversation with Stephany Zamora, the executive producer behind Trustworthy, a must-see documentary for anyone passionate about truth, democracy, and connection. Stephany talks about how to rebuild trust in media and the critical skills needed to examine media authenticity in an age of misinformation and AI. Tune in to this exclusive Make Today Well Lived episode to learn how Trustworthy empowers us to think critically and bridge divides for a stronger, more informed society.

 

 

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Season 5 Episode 2: "Celebrating Safety"

 

Hear Jack Buckley’s powerful story of transformation from pursuing an acting career to overcoming addiction and dedicating his life to helping teens in recovery. Now working at Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, Jack shares his journey and passion for providing mental health resources to young people in need.

 

This episode will inspire listeners to make safer, substance-free choices by learning from Jack’s experiences and gaining insight into the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being.

 

 

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Season 5 Episode 1: "Crosswalk Conversations: Helping Normans Stay Safe & Well"

 

In this episode, we’re featuring Beverly Hills High School's very own Cross Guard, Alvin Wright! Alvin shares his insights on what a "Norman Well Lived" means to him and the joy he finds in helping our students stay safe every day. It’s a conversation filled with wisdom and warmth—perfect for students and families alike. Don’t miss it!

 

 

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Season 4 Episode 7: “Choosing Healthy Relationships: In Life, Friendships, and Love”

 

Featuring Dr. Dolly Klock, MD, who is a Board Certified Family Physician and the founder of Adolessons. She will help students establish and maintain healthy relationships and define and assert boundaries in relationships - physical, emotional and mental.

 

 

 

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Season 4, Episode 6: “EMBRACE YOUR MIND: Self Acceptance & Mental Wellness.”

 

Tune in to a special episode of our Make Today Well Lived podcast featuring Zach Hollis, a Maple Counselor and former professional basketball player, alongside Kim Nielsen, a Maple Counselor and former actress. They dive deep into the power of self-acceptance and its profound impact on mental health. With their unique insights and compassionate approach, they explore how our perceptions, self-talk, and treatment of ourselves shape our mental well-being. 

 

 

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Season 4, Episode 5: “Pushing Forward and Shining Through”

 

February is NormanAid’s “Identity and Diversity Month.”  This month, we passionately emphasize the significance of embracing diversity on our campus and nurturing an understanding of individual identity. NormanAid is committed to educating our students on the vital concept of Allyship – guiding them on how to actively support and empower those who face marginalization, discrimination or underrepresentation based on race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, or nationality. 


NormanAid is honoring Black History Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black individuals. During this significant month, we aim to amplify Black voices, share stories of resilience, and engage in meaningful conversations that contribute to a more inclusive and informed community.

 

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Season 4, Episode 4: “Hills & Harmony: Alumni Strategies for Managing Stress”

 

Dive into the heart of resilience with “Hills & Harmony,” where alum Sophie Szew opens up about her journey from Beverly Hills High School to becoming a mental health advocate. Noteworthy is Sophie’s role in the MTV Entertainment inaugural Mental Health Youth Action Forum, where she shared ideas at a White House event, shaping the future of creative public health campaigns related to mental health.


Continuing her advocacy, Sophie remains active with SAMSA, NAMI, and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way organizations. In this episode, she shares her powerful story, providing insights into stress management and revealing the coping mechanisms that have positively impacted her mental health. Join us for an engaging exploration of resilience and discover strategies to navigate stress, gaining insights on the path toward achieving harmony in your own life.

 

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(October 24) 

Season 4, Episode 3: “Cultivating a Naturally Elevated Lifestyle”

Join us as Doug Rosen, a Beverly alumni, and Josh Fingerhut, distinguished professionals from the Beit T ‘Shuvah Treatment Center, guide you on a transformative journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling existence. In this episode, we discuss common substances used by teenagers, including vaping, alcohol, and other dangerous drugs. Gain essential insights into responsible celebration, crafting safer social gatherings, and acquiring invaluable coping strategies for effective stress management. Tune in and embark on the path to a naturally elevated lifestyle.

 

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(September 20th)

“Make Today Well Lived” podcast. 

Join us for a special episode: "Breaking Barriers: Mental Health at BHHS." Our guest from "Bring Change to Mind" will help us tackle the stigma around seeking mental health support. Tune in to hear empowering conversations about overcoming barriers, finding support, and fostering open dialogue. Our Peer Counselors are teaming up with BC2M to bring this club to Beverly Hills High School, promoting support-seeking and mental wellness. – Subscribe, listen, and share to be part of the change!

 

 

(August 23)

Our “Make Today Well Lived” podcast explores our motto, HOW TO make each to-day Well Lived, through engaging interviews and discussions with BHHS students, staff, alumni, wellness experts, and celebrities. Hosted by our peer counselor students and directed by KBEV.  

 

Season 4, episode 1, featuring Beverly Hills High School alumni Francois Reihani shares his inspiring story of how he went from a high school student to the owner of La La Kind Cafe. In this episode, Francois focuses on the importance of kindness in high school and how it can have a positive impact on individuals and the entire community. His message is one of hope and inspiration, and we hope that it will help spread kindness not only to our listeners but also to our campus and beyond. Tune in now to hear Francois' powerful message and join us in spreading kindness!

 

“Make Today Well Lived” is a monthly podcast inspired by NormanAid's MonthlyAid mental health topics, sponsored by Michael J. Libow. Now in it's third season, the show is produced and hosted by Beverly Hills High School’s NormanAid Wellness Center Founder, Ali Norman-Franks along with Peer Counseling students and directed by KBEV.

Each episode explores HOW TO make each to-day Well Lived, every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Through dynamic interviews and engaging discussions with BHHS students, staff, alumni, wellness experts, and celebrities, this program brings to light the most relevant topics in today’s teen & high school life. 

All episodes are open for students and families with topics that cover all aspects of teen culture, social experiences, mental health, and well-being.  Each episode will air on the 3rd Tuesday of the month and will feature different themes and guest speakers.

 
Podcast Season 3

(February 22)

WATCH THE PODCAST

Season 3, Episode 3: “Voices of Diversity: Navigating Allyship in our Community” 

3x Honorable Mayor of Beverly Hills, BHHS Alum and diversity advocate, Lili Bosse, will join our Peer Counselors to discuss the values of inclusion and diversity, how her initiatives are creating a new sense of community in Beverly Hills, and explore the active roles that students can take to cultivate greater kindness and allyship in BHUSD.

 

Season 3 Ep 3

 

(October 26) 

WATCH THE PODCAST

Season 3, Episode 2: “Celebrating Safely”

Featuring one of our own Maple Counselors, Stephanie Rosenberg, who worked at a treatment center, will discuss the meaning of “natural high”, share tools for celebrating safely and responsibly, and practice healthy coping skills for managing stress.

 

 

 

 
podcast
 
 
Season 2
 
Season 1
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Executive Producer:  Prof. Romeo Carey
Supervising Producer: Ali Norman-Franks
Senior Producer: Ricky Lee, Fiory Carey, Joshua Katz, Sophie Bednarsh
Director: Ricky Lee
Writer: Ali Norman-Franks, BHHS NormanAid, GR8
KBEV Host: TBD
Quality Check Manager: Joshua Katz
Editor: Ricky Lee, Fiory Carey
Assistant Editor: Sophie Bednarsh