STEM storytelling with The Genius Generation
A lot of people think that to be a genius, you need an incredible amount of talent or intelligence. Of course, skill is a factor, but here at TRAX from PRX, we believe that it’s less about being a genius and more about doing something genius. And that anyone can do it.
Did you know that the trampoline was invented by a 16-year-old? That popsicles, snowmobiles, and even the Braille language were also invented by young people? In the newest podcast from Seeker to join TRAX, you’ll meet innovative kids, tweens, and teens who run their own businesses, made a discovery, or invented something new using science. Introducing “The Genius Generation,” the show where teens and tweens run the world with their life-changing ideas!
Join activist, science communicator, and educator Danni Washington each week as she meets inventors, entrepreneurs, and explorers to hear the stories behind their amazing discoveries. Oh, and there’s one more thing: they did all of this before they turned 18.
“The Genius Generation” is a reminder that you’re never too young to change the world with the hope that it’ll inspire the curiosity and confidence of the next genius. Don’t just take our word for it; get to know two of the geniuses – host Danni Washington and producer Emily Feld – behind “The Genius Generation” below:
Emily Feld is the producer of “The Genius Generation,” the new podcast from Seeker and TRAX.
Danni Washington is a activist, science communicator, educator, and the host of “The Genius Generation.”
Where did the idea for The Genius Generation come from?
Emily Feld: Over the years, Seeker has come across so many different stories of innovators and game-changers in the science community. And the more we saw this, the more we noticed how many of them were young people, changing the world with science. Their stories were so inspiring; we wanted to create a podcast that would inspire other young people to take action in similar ways or to know that they are able to make a difference.
What makes for a Genius Generation story?
Emily: When looking for a Genius Generation story, we are looking for inspiration, innovation, and hope. All of the young people we have interviewed have gone out of their way to make the world a better place and have used the tools they have learned in school to do major things.
What kind of listener is “The Genius Generation made for?”
Emily: “The Genius Generation” is made for any young person who is looking to be inspired. The podcast showcases all different young people from all different parts of the world who are doing major things. Any young person who is curious, eager to learn more, and anyone who wants to make the world a better place would love this podcast.
Danni, from your work as an educator, what do you think young people need to hear to show them that STEM fields are incredible creative opportunities for them?
I believe that young people simply need to see more diverse and inclusive representation in STEM. Using modern tools like social media, podcasts, and television programming, we can ensure that next gen leaders feel more confident that a particular career path is attainable for them. Plus, a bigger emphasis and spotlight on various creative pathways related to STEM careers would definitely help engage more young minds in this space.
What motivated or encouraged you to pursue a career in science?
Danni: Throughout my childhood in Miami, I had an unshakable obsession with the ocean and marine life. I became a certified scuba diver at the age of 17 and haven’t looked back since. My insatiable curiosity for living systems on our planet has been the main driving force that encouraged me to pursue a career in science. I’ve also relied on a diverse array of mentors throughout my life who have been irreplaceable guides along my journey.
Following up on that: who are your STEM heroes, and when did you discover them?
Danni: My first STEM hero was Bill Nye. I loved watching him on television every day after school when I was a kid. His enthusiasm on camera and passion for science as a TV host was a major influence in my choice to become a science communicator in front of the camera. Also, Roger Arliner Young was the first Black woman to receive her Ph.D. in Zoology back in 1940 and forged a path for women like me in biological sciences. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Sylvia Earle, who is a world-renowned marine scientist and National Geographic Explorer known as ‘Her Deepness” at a youth event hosted by a local museum. She broke countless barriers for women in marine research and exploration. Dr. Earle is one of my favorite role models and mentors to this day.
Why is it important to hear stories about the way kids have changed the world?
Danni: It is extremely important to hear stories about the way young people have changed the world because it encourages more rising innovators to take the leap of faith and push forward with their unique ideas. I think the current state of our education system doesn’t inspire students to think creatively enough. We need kids to know that their curiosity and inquisitive minds are valuable. The world and the pressures of adulthood tend to distract older adults from that same youthful approach to inquiry that we had as kids. By amplifying more stories about change-makers under the age of 18, we can embolden more young people to go after what they are passionate about and create solutions to tackle our world’s most pressing challenges.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Emily: If I could change one thing about the world, I would make every person empathetic. Our world is filled with so much hate and judgment, and if people were more empathetic, I believe the world would be a much better place.
Danni: If I could change one thing about the world, I would make sure every person knew how to swim. Swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and other aquatic activities have played such a huge role in my well-being and overall happiness throughout my life. I would love to see more humans connecting and immersing themselves in water on a regular basis not only because it will enhance their personal lives, but I also believe they will feel more compelled to protect bodies of water both fresh and salty. WATER IS LIFE. Therefore, we must do everything in our power to protect this vital resource and everything that lives in it as well.
What do you want your listeners (young and old) to feel or take away after listening to this show?
Danni: I hope our listeners are deeply inspired and encouraged to step up their own personal contributions to the betterment of humanity.
Emily: In today’s world with so much unknown, I hope this podcast brings listeners a sense of hope for the future and inspiration in their own lives.