Freezone Audio Stories

Alison’s dad was never around and her mom wasn’t a big part of her life either. She met her mentor Leslie at just the right time. WYEP FreeZone listens to Alison’s story as part of our collaboration with the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Xiana and Melissa were matched up through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and started having fun from the moment they met one another. “Mentor Stories”—a collaboration between WYEP FreeZone and The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania—takes a listen.

Not familiar with the term “HBCU”? That stands for “Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” and for WYEP FreeZone correspondent Anthony, a trip down South uncovered the history—and opportunities—these schools provide.

Jacquayla doesn’t think Melanie can sing very well, but that doesn’t stop them from belting out their favorite songs on the radio while driving in Melanie’s car. “Mentor Stories”—a collaboration between WYEP FreeZone and The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania—takes a listen to a fun and touching conversation between this mentor and mentee.

When she was 11 years old, Shena watched her mom get arrested for drug abuse. Shena and her siblings were sent into the foster care system, where they found both struggles and surprising allies.

Now that she’s close to becoming an adult herself, Shena finds herself reconciling with her mother during a difficult conversation.

Tyona sees power in making music, even though the opportunities to do so are few and far between. Here’s what music means to Tyona.

How the heck does a person crochet? Patti saw a unique bonding opportunity to teach her friend Daneka this hands-on craft. As part of WYEP’s collaboration with the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania, we take a listen to a conversation between Patti and Daneka to discover how they found common ground through needles and yarn.

Ah, college. Some say it’s the key to the American Dream. For some students, however, it’s pretty daunting when you figure in competition for financial aid, student loans, entrance exams and everything else that comes with the stress of applying for college.

FreeZone correspondent Ivory Bennett chats with FreeZone producer Stephan Bontrager about what’s on her mind during this tricky period.

When Barack Obama became the first African American to be elected President, not everyone was happy about it. FreeZone correspondents Anthony and Aaron discuss the complicated reaction to race and politics that happened after Election Night.

Turning 18 and getting to vote for the first time is a pretty big deal for most teenagers. But for FreeZone correspondent Ivory Bennett, her “18 Vote” held special meaning during this presidential election.

Every October, kids dress in costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy. Not everyone is so enthusiastic about Halloween, however. FreeZone correspondent Dynae examines different attitudes about faith and the October holiday.