Common Ground Host
October 3rd, 2025
Food for Thought: Diets, Faith, and Social Media
Chloe, a student-athlete, and Priesha, a vegetarian guided by her Hindu faith, explore how culture, media, and belief shape their relationships with food. Chloe reflects on the harmful effects of social media diets and the privilege of being able to access whole, nourishing foods, while Priesha shares how her faith informs her food choices and how religious diets are often misunderstood. Through their conversation, Chloe begins to see that vegetarian diets are not restrictive but rooted in discipline and care, while Priesha gains empathy for Hindu peers who have set aside dietary restrictions to pursue athletics.
Common Ground Host
September 1st, 2025
Life and Choice: A Heart-To-Heart Discussion About Abortion
Jayleen once identified as pro-choice, but after discovering Christianity—and learning her own mother had faced pressure to abort her—she shifted to pro-life. Across the screen is Abby, raised in a conservative Catholic family, yet now an advocate for women’s autonomy. Beyond their titles, they uncover a shared truth: both sides, at their core, seek to empower women. What if the real path forward isn’t about winning the debate, but about ensuring that every woman (born or unborn) feels supported?
Common Ground Host
Aug 6, 2025
LGBTQ+ & Faith—A Honest Conversation
LGBTQ+ rights and religious values are often framed as opposing forces. But is there room for dialogue between them? In this coffee chat, Jupiter, an LGBTQ+ activist, and Miguel, an aspiring pastor, engage in a candid conversation about faith, identity, and morality. They share personal experiences, challenges, and reflections that shape how they see themselves and each other. Along the way, Miguel’s call to “love one another” and Jupiter’s belief in separating people from ideologies reveal how empathy can bridge even the deepest divides.
Common Ground Host
Jul 20, 2025
Different Paths, Shared Goals: Rethinking "Norms" After Graduation
Why does it often feel like college is the only path to success? As senior year looms, students face not only personal choices but also the weight of social expectations. Eddie champions higher education as a gateway to opportunity, while Mario, set on a career in law enforcement, pushes against that norm. Together, they unpack the pressures, assumptions, and limits students face when mapping out their futures—and explore how we might redefine success itself. Tune in as we search for common ground.
Common Ground Host
May 15, 2025
From Posts to Protests: Where Digital and Grassroots Activism Meet
Believe it or not, activism takes many forms. In this coffee chat, a social media activist, Zion, and a grassroots organizer, Kasai, come together to explore the strengths, limits, and misconceptions surrounding different approaches to creating change — including the debate over whether online activism is truly impactful or just “performative.” Through honest dialogue, they uncover how digital and grassroots efforts can complement one another and work toward a shared vision of justice.
Common Ground Host
Feb 1, 2025
From Rural Roads to City Streets: Understanding How Environment Shapes Us
Where we grow up shapes our experiences — but common ground can be found in unexpected ways. In this Common Ground chat, Brandon, from suburban New York, and Larry, from rural Arizona near the U.S.-Mexico border, explore how their different upbringings influenced their perspectives. From a shared love of Mexican street food to Larry’s firsthand view of life in a border town, they show how students from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, and relate to one another.
Common Ground Host
Dec 10, 2024
Race and Friendships: Exploring Racially Homogenous Korean Friend Groups
Why do so many of us end up with friends who look just like us? At Leonia High School, a Black student reflects on the isolation of being one of the few, while a Korean immigrant student shares the comfort of sticking with his own. Together, they unpack why friend groups often fall along racial lines—and what it takes to step outside of them. This conversation goes beyond stereotypes and explores comfort, culture, and courage. Tune in as we search for common ground.