Ed and Kellie get to interview Granger Bartee, Charlotte-area high school senior, and future University of North Carolina swimmer. They get into how Granger got into swimming, and how his stand out performances at a young age led to this life direction. He goes through what it was like to be recruited by schools all over the country and why he eventually chose UNC. Granger shares about his current efforts as he is wrapping up high school swimming, and how he is trying to figure out how to perform and improve without having to go to dark places mentally. He is very open about the loneliness he felt initially after moving to a k-12 prep school as a 9th grader, and how the one friend he had there was his lifeline. Lastly, Granger talks about how he decided to be a part of creating spaces of belonging on campus for students through his leadership in Students FOR Students. Great interview with a talented and driven young man who has an obviously old soul.

TRIGGER WARNING This episode includes discussion of suicide and the loss of a family member to suicide. If you are struggling, know that you are not alone and do not have to carry this weight by yourself. Please text the suicide hotline at 988. Caring and trained professionals are ready to help you. Part 1: An incredible and honest interview with Whitney D’Allaird, founder of FOR Students. From starting a life in Charlotte, NC with her husband, and the joys and challenges of raising 3 boys who are all very different from one another, to losing her oldest to suicide. This is the first part of a story of loss and grief that becomes a story of purpose and mission.

Ed and Kellie interview Jaxon Brown, 22 yr old, Charlotte-native who has been, self-admittedly, trying to figure out what to do with his life since he graduated high school. Jaxon reminisces about his teen years, youth group, his relationship with mentors, and the difficulty he has had with education and direction. He beautifully describes his ever-evolving health and sobriety, and his changing perspective on his parents and their desires for him as he grew up. Truly an amazing look inside the heart and mind of a wonderful human on a journey to find purpose.

To call high school senior Jackie Rao, “multicultural” is a gross understatement. Growing up with an Indian father and Russian mother, raised around Judaism and Hinduism, Jackie and her sister were learning a lot about the world. She shares what her life is like right now, here at the end of her senior year of high school- spring break, college stress, prom, and getting close to folks just as it’s all wrapping up. But Jackie also shares how she got here, a story that includes losing her mom through a turn of surprising and tragic events. You will cry, you will be inspired, you will be left to consider how loss shapes people, and why, sometimes, those that have experienced tragedy become the people we most want to be around. We laugh, we shed tears, we have a painful and meaningful conversation.

Dr. Samantha Martinez- raised by coach parents, over-achieving, and losing a mom to cancer

**Trigger warning: This episode talks explicitly about suicidal ideation and depression. If you are in crisis please call or text 988. Ed and Kellie sit down with their long-time friend and FOR Students’ Videographer and Graphic Designer, Chris Lee. They talk playing music, becoming a full-time creative, and the stresses of working for non-profits with small teams. Very quickly, however, Chris opens up and is incredibly vulnerable around his marriage, boundaries, deteriorating mental health, separation, despair, and plans for suicide. It’s a tough and beautiful discussion around feeling lost and, with the help of friends, figuring out how to survive. You will be glad you listened.

Author, keynote speaker, business owner, and yoga instructor, Dr. Charryse Johnson holds a B.A. in human development and family studies; an M.A. in professional counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in crisis and trauma. And while all of this is most certainly impressive, we find out that these accomplishments and qualifications just scratch the surface. “Dr. Charryse” tells us about her incredible mother, that growing up she thought she was going to be a pop star, and how mentors really helped her see her abilities and the opportunities they might provide. She gets very practical around some things to look for in quality friends and partners, and is quite vulnerable around learning to give herself the compassion she deserves. This is a beautiful story with someone who has compelling insight.

Ed and Kellie sit down with Northwestern sophomore, Ryan Samii. He talks about growing up in a family where everyone had unique gifts and interests and how his parents worked hard to create space, time, and value for each of their kids equally. Diving deep into his high school experience being a “lifer” at his Charlotte-area private school, Ryan talks about being part of the lead team of Students FOR Students, starring in multiple theatre productions, juggling friends and work load, and figuring out what was next for his journey. As a staff, we are privileged to have Ryan back for the summer working with us as an intern, and couldn’t miss the opportunity to share his story.

Ed and Kellie interview Anish, a Charlotte student that will be studying politics, philosophy, and economics at the University of Oxford starting fall of 2025. Recorded during the weeks right before he left for school, the 3 get into his family, friends, hobbies, and what it feels like to prepare to attend one of the oldest and most revered universities on the planet. What becomes very clear very quickly is that Anish is a unique human being in possession of a giant intellect and endless drive. It also becomes clear that his heart is to help people and make the world a better place. You’ll love this listen.