In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews an individual, who reflects on their years struggling with not just an eating disorder, but the neglect and invalidation they received from professionals. They had to grapple with reality and their emotions when their disorder was not believed since they didn’t “look sick enough” to play the part. T…

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews her brother, Moises Peruch, who brings with him the perspective of a younger sibling trying to understand the world around them when much of it is centered on the strange concept of his sister’s war with food. Moises finally shares some of the emotions he tried to navigate as an 11-year-old and wher…

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews Kevin Olmsted, a father who experienced an eating disorder through a caregiver's perspective. Kevin opens up about his story, reflects on his experience, touches on some of the myths about eating disorders, and shares what drove his book publication. Thank you so much for joining us! Transcript Avai…

Join Malia Mahelona-Janilkarn, Caleb Leong, Michelle Chiu, and Ryan, dedicated members of the Teen Council at the Los Angeles Public Library-Chinatown branch, as they delve into the heart of their community's concerns. In this episode, they sit down with John Yi, Candidate for District 54 California State Assembly, to explore the pivotal role of lo…

In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, discusses an overview of eating disorders and goals for this series with Betsy Foldes Meiman, from Connectopod. The mission of restrictED is to open these types of conversations, help spread awareness, and take down serious stereotypes. Melissa shares her personal journey with an eating disorder, how her battl…

Stop the Gondola Malia Mahelona-Janilkarn, Caleb Leong, and Michelle Chiu, Teen Council members at the Los Angeles Public Library-Chinatown branch, interview community activists Phyllis Ling and Tany Ling from Stop the Gondola LA Metro is letting a billionaire build an aerial gondola over the Chinatown neighborhood that research proves won’t reduce…

Karen Law and Winnie Fong from the Chinatown Land Trust Malia Mahelona-Janilkarn, Caleb Leong, and Michelle Chiu, Teen Council members at the Los Angeles Public Library-Chinatown branch, interview Karen Law and Winnie Fong, community activists from the LA Chinatown Land Trust. Established in June 2021, the LA Chinatown Land Trust aims to safeguard …

This song,Find me Next to You, is from Changing the Narrative season 3. Gayle lost her brother DJ ( Denny John) to suicide. He left this song unfinished. With the help of musician Joe Foldes, she finished it as a tribute to DJ.By Betsy Foldes Meiman

Eugene Moy had so much knowledge to share that the Teen Council of the Chinatown Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library created 2 episodes! A past president of the Chinese Historical Society of SoCal and long time advocate for the Chinese community, Eugene shared his personal history growing up in LA as the son of immigrants, the history of China…

Malia Mahelona-Janilkarn, Caleb Leong, Qihao Huang, and Zhangyang Wu, members of the Teen Council at the Los Angeles Public Library-Chinatown branch, conducted an interview with Eugene Moy, a longstanding activist and the President of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California for the years 2022 to 2023. Having been engaged in the branch…

Lena Sage returns to Connectopod with a story of unrequited of fiery love. Take a look at her photos for her Abandoned Spaces episode as well! Created in a workshop series at the Canoga Park Library session 1: created perform and record a character or narrate a story session 2: create a collage image of the story or character artists: Betsy Foldes …

Isabella Wu channels influencer Rebecca-can she even recognize real life? Created in a workshop series at the Canoga Park Library session 1: created perform and record a character or narrate a story session 2: create a collage image of the story or character artists: Betsy Foldes Meiman (audio), Lois Keller (collage), Joe Foldes (sound design…

Celina Sandoval living her best Alien life! Created in a workshop series at the Canoga Park Library session 1: created perform and record a character or narrate a story session 2: create a collage image of the story or character artists: Betsy Foldes Meiman (audio), Lois Keller (collage), Joe Foldes (sound design…

Max Garcia inspires us to dream big with the story of Bernardo and the billion dollar bathroom. Created in a workshop series at the Canoga Park Library session 1: created perform and record a character or narrate a story session 2: create a collage image of the story or character artists: Betsy Foldes Meiman (audio), Lois Keller (collage), Joe Fold…

Mahek brings us the story of Ahma, the female Samurai, protecting the life and honor of her master. Created in a workshop series at the Canoga Park Library session 1: created perform and record a character or narrate a story session 2: create a collage image of the story or character artists: Betsy Foldes Meiman (audio), Lois Keller (collage), Joe …

Ixchel Lopez brings us the story of Shelly, the plain princess. Where does true power lie? You can also hear Ixchel in Tree and K-68 Created in a workshop series at the Canoga Park Library session 1: created perform and record a character or narrate a story session 2: create a collage image of the story or character artists: Betsy Foldes Meiman (au…

Just in time for Valentines Day, Candy Cortes tells the story of Stuart William Smith and his case of puppy love...for John Cena! Check out Stuarts Eyes. Created in a workshop series at the Canoga Park Library session 1: created perform and record a character or narrate a story session 2: create a collage image of the story or character artists: Be…

Connectopod reporter Isabella Saeedy lost her battle with cancer this past summer at 17. She never told any of us about her illness and her dynamo energy gave us no clues. She led her team on the Connectopod/Los Angeles Public Library/CSUN Strength United collaboration -The Domestic Violence Awareness Project, which culminated in a published graphi…

Long time Connectopod reporter, Victoria Benitez, does a piece in Spanish with an English intro. 'Mi Mama Valorosa ' means my courageous mother. As Vicky says: My mother is more than what meets the eye. Upfront, she's a nanny, a housecleaner and a single mother. But to me she's full of life and wisdom. Ready to take on any challenge. With her remar…

Daniela Catalan has been a Connectopod Reporter since the age of 10. She is also first generation, making good on the opportunities her parents fought for. Original music and post production by Joe Foldes (also first generation!). #artscaBy Betsy Foldes Meiman