Reactions from our Podcast Guests
We have been fortunate to speak with a broad array of civic movers and shakers for our podcast, and are pleased that they’ve had as positive experience as we have. Check out guests’ commentary below. If you’d be interested in being a guest on our podcast, or recommending someone for it, contact sanda@yvoteny.org.
”I really enjoyed appearing on The Round Table. The conversation was generative and sharp. Honestly gave me hope for our collective future.'“
—Alexios Rosario-Moore, University of Illinois Chicago
“It was a genuine pleasure to appear on the Round Table. The student podcasters were warm, professional, and deeply curious about the intersections of law and politics. I would recommend their show to any teenager who wants to learn more about the U.S. government.”
—Anna Salvatore, Founder of High School SCOTUS blog
“You all created such a great environment for our conversation... to talk critically about the world but to retain hope in every word can be quite a task these days, and you all really did it!”
—Anooj Bhandari, Restorative Justice Initiative
"A great listen. A perfect pod for a rising generation of leaders.”
—Avi Green, Scholars Strategy Network
"All leaders would benefit from listening to The Round Table podcast. Created and edited by a diverse group of young people, The Round Table provides insights into perspectives and ideas of our next generation of leaders."
—Barbara McQuade, CNN
”The interviewers’ intelligent and thoughtful questions, some drawn from personal experiences, made me hopeful for when this generation becomes the leaders and voting members of society!”
—Bhawani Venkataraman, The New School
“Chatting with the wise hosts of Next Generation Politics was as enjoyable as it was educational for me--a chance to think together about common challenges and opportunities in civic life from our different experiences. I feel better about our future knowing such thoughtful and committed folks will be leading the charge.”
—Bill Fulton, The Civic Canopy
“Our future will be shaped by those willing to ask the tough questions and debate them in a good-faith conversation; The Round Table podcast is a great example of how these conversations should take place and the power they can have to change our political climate for the better.”
—Calvin Cullen, CC’s Word
“Emmanuel and Emily brought their whole selves to the conversation—they were very real and grounded in their lives in the same moment that they were curious and engaged and excited to learn. I appreciate how everyone I've met at The Round Table is deeply mindful of their political, cultural and socioeconomic context and I think that's helpful to sparking deep conversations and insights.”
—Casey Vincelette, New York State Commission on National and Community Service
“Being on the Round Table was a great experience. The youth were so thoughtful and insightful that I left with several new ideas about civics education. It's such a privilege to be in conversation with this group!”
—Charles Tocci, Loyola University Chicago
“The Round Table podcast was an honor to be part of because of the incredible insight, thoughtfulness, and brilliance of the students who run it."
—Chloe Maxmin, former State Senator from Maine (the youngest woman ever elected to the Maine House and Senate!) and founder of Dirt Road Organizing
"It's great to think about some of the world's most challenging political situations with a team of young folks who aren't just talking about it, but are taking action."
—Chrystina Russell, Global Education Movement (GEM) at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
“Often times, my work in immigration law can be quite depressing as my clients' cases take years- sometimes decades- to be adjudicated, and there frequently is not a lot of good news. Speaking with the young people of Next Generation Politics was a tremendously uplifting experience as the interviewers' questions allowed me to reflect not only about what isn't working about the current U.S. immigration system, but about what a better future could be and will be with young people leading the way to fight for systemic change.”
—Claire Thomas, New York Law School
"The podcast showed that not only can people from different political views sit and talk but that they can be multigenerational as well."
—David Greene, Better Angels
”Being part of The Round Table with a group of curious, intelligent, and passionate youth has been a highlight of my year! I thoroughly enjoyed the thought-provoking questions asked by the podcasters and am excited for more young people to learn about Citywide Participatory Budgeting through the episode.”
—Drashti Brahmbhatt, New York City Civic Engagement Commission
“Amelia, Emily, Hannah, and Heba were simply delightful conversation partners -- inquisitive, energetic, thoughtful, and kind. My time with the Round Table podcast team was truly joyful and I left our chat feeling so much hope!”
—Emma Addams, Morman Women for Ethical Government (MWEG)
“The podcast hosts had great questions and were ready to engage in such a thoughtful and informative conversation. All educators and leaders should tune in to hear the needs of our young people."
—Evalaurene Jean-Charles, Black on Black Education
“The Next Generation Politics podcasters make me excited for the future of our country! I loved having a conversation with them and hearing about how their own experiences are informing their policy views.”
—Halley Potter, The Century Foundation
"I so appreciated the opportunity to speak with the interviewers. Their questions were thought-provoking and heartfelt, and led to a really interesting discussion."
—Jennifer Wilson, Dean and Associate Professor of Mathematics, Eugene Lang College
“I thoroughly enjoyed appearing on The Round Table podcast. My interviewers were impeccably prepared and asked great questions.”
—Joel Breakstone, Stanford Educational History Group
“Speaking with the impressive young people behind The Round Table podcast gave me hope for the future of our country during a very difficult time.”
—Johanna Lacoe, California Policy Lab
"The future is in great hands thanks to the team at Next Generation Politics. They have the rare combination of curious minds, active insights, and unfettered optimism that their generation can and will make a difference."
—John Davidow, former Managing Director of Digital, WBUR public radio
“I was so grateful for the brilliant questions, energy and insights that the podcast host and team brought to the interview. I've been interviewed hundreds of times, and the unique set-up of getting questions from a roundtable of this age group was such a treat. I'm inspired to connect more with the future leaders of our democracy, as their lights are shining so bright. They really give me hope!”
—Jennifer Brandel, Hearken
“Spending real time listening to each other, especially those who are navigating the world differently, is incredibly valuable - and being in dialogue with inquisitive, passionate high school students was both unique and invigorating.”
—Kaz Brecher, The Curious Catalyst
“The Round Table was an excellent forum for a circulation of ideas, and truly did live up to its name.”
—Khushi Patel, Next Gen Politics Chapter Leader
"It's amazing to see our next gen leaders engage in conversations and ideas that will shape our future. They ARE our future."
—Lisa Kay Solomon, Vote by Design at Stanford Design School
”Conversations between young people will always be interesting and will always consist of so many fresh ideas because our perspectives are new and without a “thats how we’ve always done it” mentality.”
—Lyla Petroske, The Electoral Reform Movement
“The Round Table podcast is an invigorating experience for guests and a terrific listen for anyone who wants to be inspired about our Nation's future leaders."
—Macon Phillips, Starling Strategies
”I was so impressed with the questions that the podcasters asked! They were insightful, nuanced, and intellectually stimulating. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for students and am so glad I was able to participate, learn, and think with you all!”
—Mariel Halpern, Debate and Decision-Making Workshop at Teachers College
“It is important to hear from the next generation of civic leaders and thinkers.”
—Mark Hanis, Inclusive America
Every "expert" should be required to discuss their work with young people -- to hear their perspectives, take their input, and explore ideas they hadn't considered. The Round Table is a great place to start!
—Michael Preston, Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop
“The Round Table was a refreshing experience to hear and speak directly with youth on the issues that matter to them.”
—Michelle Blanchett, Educator and Author, Preventing Polarization and The Startup Teacher Playbook
“Speaking with the students of The Round Table was an amazing experience. It is so important that we elevate the voices of the rising generation of leaders. This podcast serves as fruitful ground for important conversations that we need to be having with all citizens, regardless of age, race, and other identity markers.”
—Michelle Mason, Institute for Innovation in Prosecution (IIP)
“The Round Table is a platform for the voice of the Next Generation of politically informed, engaged, and active individuals. For a young person looking to navigate the complex and confounding world of government it can be a. great place to listen, learn, and be heard.”
—Nicholas Stefanidis, Queens Technical High School
"When young people care about politics, change is bound to occur. I appreciate being able to share my thoughts with you all and hear your insights. I look forward to what else you will accomplish."
--Patrick Joseph, Teachers College
“An interesting conversation that left me optimistic about the future of American politics."
-Peter Loge, Professor, George Washington University
“The Round Table podcast is exactly what the name is. It is a round table full of energetic souls who ask questions about initiatives and dive deep into talks. Loved how organized the podcast went!”
—Radhika Kalani, Global Girlhood
"The host of The Roundtable to me represent the hope I hope for this next generation of activists, media makers, politicians, and civic community leaders. They probed deeply, reflected honestly, and made a complicated topic relatable through our conversation together."
—Rafi Santo, Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop
”The youth who run this show are the ones we have been waiting for! I left feeling so inspired and hopeful by the strength, professionalism, curiosity, and thoughtfulness of this group of teens. What they are doing is so important!”
—Rhana Hashemi, Know Drugs
“The podcasts are as high quality as any professional show. It makes me optimistic about our future political leaders.”
—Roberto Orci, The Purple Project
"Participating was both thrilling and uplifting. To see so many high school students asking tough questions, being open to respectful debate and discourse, and being interested in hearing the other side and recognizing that there are many views that are legitimate and worth discussing gives me hope about the future of education and this nation "
—Sam Abrams, Professor, Sara Lawrence College and the American Enterprise Institute
"What a pleasure to meet with young people and discover how far ahead of their elders they already are. It is exciting to look to the future these students will build."
—Sam Moyn, Professor, Yale University
"I loved chatting with such thoughtful, passionate, caring young people on the Round Table podcast -- they give me hope for our future!"
-Sarah Hurwitz, author and former Michelle Obama speechwriter
“I often worry about the scale of social problems we are leaving today's youth. After speaking with The Round Table, I thought "Thank God - we may actually have a chance after all." These youth think critically, ask bold questions and lead unapologetically. How refreshing.”
—Shawna Chapman, Ms Foundation
“It was a great experience being a guest on the Round Table podcast. It is thought provoking, fun and mission driven podcast. Keep shining, asking questions, and holding the generations before you accountable.”
—Sherene Crawford, Center for Court Innovation
“I can't help but fill enthusiastic about the future of our country knowing that we have such thoughtful and engaged future-shapers actively feeding our national conversation.”
—Tedman Getschman, Common Sense for Uniting America