The Portola Pioneer is the official news and culture podcast of the Portola Pilot, aiming to foster a sense of community and provide a unique storytelling medium to its listeners.
S4 Episode 03: Breaking the STEM Ceiling: Women Who Are Redefining Science
In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, co-hosts Kayleen Kim and Aditi Salunkhe delve into the theme of empowering women in STEM during this episode of the Portola Pioneer. Join Kim and Salunkhe as they highlight the achievements of women, students and teachers, at Portola High who are making significant contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Music credits:
Lofi Hip-Hop by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay
This Science Abstract by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay
Atmospheric Ambient by Playsound from Pixabay
Abstract Timelapse Electronica by ComaStudio from Pixabay
10 Jan 2024
S4 Episode 02: Letters of Recommendation from Teachers’ POVs
Many students find themselves confused as they begin to navigate the letter of recommendation process. In this episode, our hosts Elise Ngo and Stephanie Hsu discuss this process with social studies teachers Kathryn Beechinor and Wind Ralston to help future students with any questions they may have.
Music Credits:
polar lights / chill vibes beat by SoulProdMusic
rhythmic rainfall by MYAUDIOVISION
dreamy meadow by LofCosmos
lofi lullabies by MYAUDIOVISION
Serenity in Subtle Beats by MYAUDIOVISION
17 Oct 2023
S4 Episode 01: Delving Into the Diverse Music Tastes of Students
In this episode of the Portola Pioneer, co-hosts and sophomores photo editor Marianne Chan and staff writer Claire Liu explore diverse music tastes of students across campus.
Music Credits:
"Words don't come easy" by Mamamoo
"21" by Dean
"Show yourself" by mastodon
"Square hammer" by ghost
"Geeked" by Lucki
"Enchanted" by Taylor Swift
"7 summers" by Morgan Wallen
"Revive" by Zack Bryan
"Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1, Mov. 1" by Khatia Buniatishvili, Christoph Koncz and Orchestre De La Suisse Romande
14 Mar 2023
S3 Episode 05: Invest Your 97 Cents in a Notebook and Profit From Self-Growth
In this episode of the Portola Pioneer, host, co-editor-in-chief and senior Celine Lee explains how a 97-cent investment in a notebook can lead to an endless journey of self-growth, self-exploration and self-therapy.
Music Credits:
“Jazzy Hip Hop Boom Bap” by Music Unlimited
“Elevator Music Lofi (Version 30s)” by Lesfm
“Remember Lofi Sad” by AudiolistProduction
“Like Genshin Impact Lofi (IG Version 60s)” by Lesfm
“LoFi Acoustic Guitar with HopHop Beat 0133” by TuesdayNight
“Falling- Isaiah Mathew” by Isaiah Mathew
“Into the Night- 80s Retro Synthwave” by Dream-Protocol
25 Feb 2023
S3 Episode 04: Exploring the Hidden Opinions of Teachers and Students
Tune in with host Elise Ngo, teachers Anthony Pham and Shameemah Motala and students Namrata Motwani and Ian Yoon to discuss what teachers and students wish they knew each other.
6 Jan 2023
S3 Episode 03: Irvine Students Who Are Breaking the 'Bubble'
In this month’s edition of the Portola Pioneer, join hosts Tara Vatandoust and Sonia Wang as they discuss the Irvine bubble, diverse post-high school experiences and academic stress.
Music Credits:
https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/31968/ (https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/31968/)
https://www.free-stock-music.com/foxxy-mulderr-smooth-cuppa.html (https://www.free-stock-music.com/foxxy-mulderr-smooth-cuppa.html)
https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-study-112191/ (https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-study-112191/)
https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/32014/ (https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/32014/)
https://www.free-stock-music.com/foxxy-mulderr-melt-away.html (https://www.free-stock-music.com/foxxy-mulderr-melt-away.html)
https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/42082/ (https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/42082/)
https://www.free-stock-music.com/foxxy-mulderr-smooth-sailing.html (https://www.free-stock-music.com/foxxy-mulderr-smooth-sailing.html)
https://www.free-stock-music.com/alex-productions-mood.html (https://www.free-stock-music.com/alex-productions-mood.html)
https://www.free-stock-music.com/purrple-cat-first-snow.html (https://www.free-stock-music.com/purrple-cat-first-snow.html)
https://www.free-stock-music.com/purrple-cat-winter-morning.html (https://www.free-stock-music.com/purrple-cat-winter-morning.html)
https://www.free-stock-music.com/alex-productions-skylines.html (https://www.free-stock-music.com/alex-productions-skylines.html)
https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/45373/ (https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/45373/)
1 Dec 2022
S2 Episode 02: Love Languages: How Do You Define Love?
Host Charlotte Cao and speakers Arnav Chandan, Claudia Lin and Arshia Sista explore the concept of love as they discuss the five love languages —quality time, acts of services, receiving gifts, physical touch and words of affirmation— specifically looking at how one’s love language is developed and how it can be used to strengthen relationships. If you are interested in finding out what your love language is, here is the link to the test that the Portola Pilot members took: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language (https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language)
1 Dec 2022
S3 Episode 02: Seasonal Depression: What Does It Look Like and How Can You Cope With It?
The Portola Pioneer is the official news and culture podcast of the Portola Pilot, aiming to foster a sense of community and provide a unique storytelling medium to its listeners.
With the transition to colder weather and shorter days, hosts co-editor-in-chief Celine Lee and news editor Tyler Kim share their stories with seasonal depression and how they cope with it.
Music Credits:
“Empty Mind” by Lofi Hour
“Untitled” by Lofi Hour
“Close/ Study Relax ChillHop” by SoulProdMusic
“Soft LoFi Beat” by ComaStudio
“Chill Hip-Hop Vlog” by Magiksolo
“Lofi Stars” by DayFox
24 Oct 2022
S3 Episode 01: Clowns, Ghouls and Killers: A Reflection on the Horror Genre
With Halloween quickly approaching, host Arshia Sista and speakers Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Arnav Chandan, Aditi Salunkhe and Parmin Zamani discuss the appeal of the horror genre and their personal experiences with it.
Music Credits:
"Castle on the Dead Hill" - Vladimir Takinov
"Dark Walk" - Kevin MacLeod
"The Path of the Goblin King v2" - Kevin MacLeod
"Steps of an Invisible Man" - Vladimir Takinov
"Waltz Under the Moon" - Vladimir Takinov
"Mystery of a Haunted Memory" - Jon Presstone
"Darkest Child" - Kevin MacLeod
4 May 2022
S2 Episode 05: Crunch, Munch, Scrunch — A Punch of ASMR
For the Portola Pioneer’s second-to-last podcast of the year, we decided to please your ears. Listen in as Ryne Dunman, Emma Haag and Kayla Moshayedi delve into three diverse realms of ASMR — from burrito-eating to slime to hairbrush stroking.
1 Apr 2022
S2 Episode 04: Women's Rights: Exploring Feminism during Women’s History Month
To celebrate Women’s History Month, host Ryan Jung joins speakers Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Claudia Lin, Shaina Taebi and Tara Vatandoust to discuss modern feminism, intersectionality, toxic feminism and how men can be feminists too.
10 Mar 2022
S2 Episode 03: Senioritis: An Expert's Guide on Identification and Prevention
Feeling pressure from schoolwork? Taking naps every afternoon after school? Co-managing editor and senior Ryan Jung and staff writer and junior Sidra Asif dive into senioritis, how it’s different from burnout and how to make the most out of the final months of the school year.
12 Nov 2021
S2 Episode 01: Giving Thanks: What Does Gratitude Mean to You?
In honor of Thanksgiving, host Ryan Jung along with speakers Dheeksha Bhima Reddy, Cara Chan and Tara Vatandoust talk about the different ways to define gratitude and how they expressed their thankfulness in the midst of a pandemic.
2 Jun 2021
S1 Episode 05: Cultural Touchstones: How Do You Honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage?
The Portola Pioneer is the official news and culture podcast of the Portola Pilot, aiming to foster a sense of community and provide a unique storytelling medium to its listeners.
For the final episode of the school year, “Cultural Touchstones: How Do You Honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage?” co-hosts Cara Chan, Celine Lee and Nate Taylor discover the personal stories of AAPI students and staff. Social studies teacher Virginia Nguyen and senior Madison Empalmado share their cultural backgrounds, struggles and pride as Asian Americans.
Music Credits:
“Dolomieu” By REW<<
“Little Brown Bird” by Chad Crouch
“Trailhead” by Chad Crouch
“Past Due” by Audiobinger
“Jerry’s Back” by Crowander
“Never Miss A Moment” by Scott Holmes
“The Promises” by Sergey Cheremisinov
“The End” by Crowander
AAPI Educational Resources:
Anti-Asian Violence Resources
AAPI Resources (https://aapip.org/what-we-do/supporting-api-communities-resource-directory/view-all-resources)
AAPIs in Film and Pop Culture:
"Yellow Rose"
"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"
"The Farewell"
"Paradise Rising"
AAPIs in Literature
"Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner
"Loveboat, Taipei" by Abigail Hing Wen
"Dating Makes Perfect" by Pintip Dunn
"Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng
"On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong
"Of Color" by Jaswinder Bolina
14 Apr 2021
S1 Episode 04: Musical Milestones: “What Does Music Mean to You?”
The Portola Pioneer is the official news and culture podcast of the Portola Pilot, aiming to foster a sense of community and provide a unique storytelling medium to its listeners.
In the episode, "Musical Milestones: What Does Music Mean to You?" co-hosts Ryne Dunman and Ryan Jung explore the inner workings of musical performance and original composition at Portola High. Featuring senior and singer-songwriter Kailyn Pham and senior and classical violinist Wesley Tjangnaka.
Music Credit:
"Perfect" - Kailyn Pham
"Again" - Kailyn Pham
"Brahms Piano Quartet No.1 in G Minor" - Courtesy of Wesley Tjangnaka.
5 Feb 2021
S1 Episode 03 : Turning to a New Page: What will 2021 Bring?
The Portola Pioneer is the official news and culture podcast of the Portola Pilot, aiming to foster a sense of community and provide a unique storytelling medium to its listeners.
In this episode, “Turning to a New Page: What will 2021 Bring?” co-hosts Jaein Kim and Bia Shok discuss events from 2020 in addition to new aspirations for 2021. Social studies department chair Jon Resendez and senior Allyson Tabayoyong elaborate on their personal memories of the past year and share outlooks for the new year.
Music Credit:
“Grey Grey Joe” - Anchor
“Morning Colorwheel” - Anchor
5 Nov 2020
S1 Episode 02 : Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?
The Portola Pioneer, the official news and culture podcast of the Portola Pilot works to highlight the PHS community in a unique audio medium.
In the October episode, “Art, how students express: What Inspires You?” co-hosts Sidra Asia and Nate Taylor explore how unique forms of art like music and fashion bring students comfort. This episode dives into the musical journey of senior Trevor Howden and his love for the rock genre along with junior Christopher Stocks’ evolution of clothing style.
Music Credit:
“Bilk” by Deeb
“Return to Zero” and “Highway 17” by Phil Reavis
“Coffee and trees”, “Eleven11” and “Daydream” by Deeb
2 Oct 2020
S1 Episode 01 : Mental Health, an Underlying Epidemic: What Brings You Hope?
The Portola Pioneer is the official news and culture podcast of the Portola Pilot, aiming to foster a sense of community and provide a unique storytelling medium to its listeners.
In the September episode, “Mental Health, an Underlying Epidemic: What Brings You Hope?” co-hosts Jaein Kim and Ryne Dunman discuss mental health, suicide prevention and the implications of social isolation on community wellness. Featuring Portola alumni Aliyah Davis about her journey with depression and anxiety, senior Stella park about Hope Squad and wellness coordinator Maureen Muir about the importance of reaching out and finding hope during these times.
Disclaimer: This episode of the Pioneer contains information regarding depression, anxiety and suicide. We advise listeners who may be triggered by these topics to refrain from listening and to join us again for the October episode instead.
Music Credit
“Fight Song” Rachel Platten (instrumental)
“The Wisp Sings” Winter Aid (instrumental)
“To Build A Home” Cinematic Orchestra (instrumental; slowed down)
“Beautiful Relaxing Piano Music - Still” Ross Bugden
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