Summary: Bullying, mocking, deriding, disparaging, taunting, ridiculing, name calling describe exactly the type of social and emotional pain that many kids endure every day. The time is now to nip this negativity in the bud. Our empowered hosts, Henna Hundal and Asya Gonzalez interview Matt Cubbler, owner of MaxOut Strength Studio that works to create leaders by building the inner strength of its teen clients as well developing their physical strength. The hosts also interview creative writing teacher from Minnesota State, Geoff Herbach, award winning author of the Young Adult novels, Stupid Fast, Nothing Special, I’m With Stupid, and Fat Boy vs. The Cheerleaders, all listed in the year’s best by the American Library Association, The American Booksellers Association, and many state library associations. The Gift of Giving reporter, Katelyn Darrow, talks about why it’s important to choose benevolence amid bullies and always live by the Golden Rule. Our program winds up with a stellar rendition of Taylor Swift’s song “Mean” sung by our own Be the Star You Are!® chanteuse and Back Story Reporter, Jennifer Lee. Today’s program encourages us all to choose kindness and never be a name caller. It doesn’t pay to be MEAN. “I bet you got pushed around Somebody made you cold But the cycle ends right now 'Cause you can't lead me down that road And you don't know, what you don't know... Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city And all you're ever gonna be is mean Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me And all you're ever gonna be is mean Why you gotta be so mean?” By Taylor Swift
