Power Up Podcast

What is the Citizen Service? How do historically black colleges and universities support self-development? Why do we need to develop a citizen-driven, solution-focused democracy? Why is egalitarianism the foundation of America?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses a new national campaign, the need for sustained and pragmatic action, and how to remain hopeful in times of strife with the inaugural President of Citizen...

What is anxiety? How does anxiety impact our understanding of reality and our sense of action? Why is anxiety negatively impacting our democracy and our sense of political responsibility?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the personal, physiological, and political effects of anxiety. Learn how to remedy anxiety by adopting self-care techniques such as intentional consumption, pragmatic problem-solving and plann...

What is the political power for teens who are under the voting age? How can education and community relationships impact the political playing field for teens? Why is it important to expand our understanding of what is political power and how to effectively enact change without exercising your vote?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses teenage political engagement, identifying strategies of power through collaboration...

What is manifestation? How does manifesting allow us to achieve goals that are aligned with our values? How is collective manifestation a part of the solution to strengthen our democracy through shared values?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the personal, physiological, and political effects of manifestation. Learn how to prepare for 2025 by clarifying your intentions and how to actualize your desires in a way th...

What is the impact of incremental changes in policy? How can censorship impact the political playing field? Why is it important to expand our understanding of the middle ground in order to serve the collective as opposed to pockets of the community?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the need for democratic compromise, being aware of self-imposed censorship and ideological bubbles, and what to do when faced with bel...

What are intentions? How does setting intentions allow us to lead a life that is aligned with our values? Why is intentionality a part of the solutions to combat dejection, disillusionment, and distrust in our democracy?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the personal, physiological, and political effects of setting intentions. Learn how to prepare for the new year by identifying who you are and how to live in align...

What is the role of a community college? How can accessible education impact the political playing field? Why is it important to expand our understanding of the legislative process in order to successfully transition from political spectator to policymaker?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the protection and expansion of accessible education, identifying and strategically collaborating with political power centers...

What is pessimism? How does pessimism impact our understanding of reality and our sense of action? Why is pessimism negatively impacting our democracy and political participation?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the personal, physiological, and political effects of pessimism. Learn how to remedy pessimism by adopting self-care techniques such as gratitude, finding your ikigai and how having a the right dose of pe...

What is a path breaker? How can our identity impact the political empowerment and problem-solving capacity of our communities? Why is it important to rely on community, as well as ourselves, in order to expand from protest to policy?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses identity, community political support, and what to do after a protest with Dr. Veronica Reyna of Rice University in the final part of Office Hours.

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What is imposter syndrome? How does imposter syndrome impact our self perception and professional lives? Why is imposter syndrome negatively impacting our political leadership and civic engagement potential?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the personal, psychological, and political effects of imposter syndrome. Learn how to remedy imposter syndrome by adopting self-care techniques such as self-compassion and a wi...

What is strategic power ? How can academic institutions support students' efforts toward solution-based civic service? Why is it important to improve our college campuses from within our academic institutions as well as outside of it?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses institutional allyship, student political power, and democratic social movements with Dr. Veronica Reyna of Rice University in the first part of Offi...

What is burnout? How does emotional burnout impact our everyday lives and relationships? Why is burnout negatively impacting our democracy?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the emotional, mental, and political effects of burnout. Learn how to remedy burnout by adopting self-care techniques such as kindness and patience and how Doing the Do-able can help us make political engagement an everyday effort.

Thank you f...

What is our role in community? How does our relationship with our own self image impact our community? Why is it important to encourage and implement "open access"?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses community leadership and we can empower ourselves and others through education with Divon Pender in the second part of Homecoming.

Thank you for listening to part two of this two part interview with Divon! Here is the ...

What is isolation? How does isolation and loneliness impact our emotional and physical wellbeing? Why is isolation negatively impacting our democracy?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the emotional, physiological, and democratic effects of isolation. Learn how to combat isolation by fostering a sense of responsibility to yourself and your community and the solutions we can adopt to heal from the damage caused by ...

What is community? How does our relationship with community encourage us towards service? Why is it important to empower ourselves and serve those in our community?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses community and the lessons we learn that can better serve them with Divon Pender in the first part of Homecoming.

Thank you for listening to part one of this two part interview with Divon! Here is the link to ac...

What is the every day application of No Blame? How can I hold my elected officials accountable without placing blame? Why is it important to find the courage to transform beyond toxic comfortability?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the accountability, discomfort, and how mutual respect and No-Blame can help us dismantle oppressive systems and beliefs with Darren "Freedom" Green in the second part of...

What is mutual respect and the No-Blame Approach? How can I tap into empathy when surrounded by apathy and vitriol? Why is it important to identify my own toxicity before pointing out someone else's?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses the transformative nature of mutual respect and how the No-Blame Approach helps us attack the problem and not the person with Darren "Freedom" Green in the first part...

What happens when we decide to begin the work in our very own households? What can happen when we choose to enact change despite overarching crises? How can we shift the broader culture as individuals?

Join your host, Cesar Romero, as he discusses solar panels in Germany, community fridges in Maine, tree bark stepping up to the plate, and Rustin - an unsung hero.

Thank you so much for listening! Here is the link to access...

What can happen when we apply leadership values? How can values reshape the world around us? When has there been successful social impact based upon shared values of service?

Join your host, Samantha Castro, as she discusses historical and contemporary examples of service towards your community and towards self with Bradley Gonmiah in the final part of (Un)selfless Service.

Thank you so much for listening to this two part intervi...