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PODCAST

The Sword

The Sword is affiliated with Westmont High School"s The Shield. Hosted by Westmont students Gio Arteaga and Shield staff, the podcast delves into the lives and experiences of Westmont students.

society & culture personal journals

All Episodes

33:51

How has social media affected your daily routine?

The Sword ·

2025/09/11

With your host, Logan Mendelson, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Social Science teacher Kim Kerr as well as seniors Christian Moore and Otra Phillips as they discuss the complex nature of social media and how it plays into daily tasks. Through their conversations, they dive deep and explore how much social media really is in our daily lives, and the effects it has on schooling, educating, and how it's affected their daily routines.

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16:23

How Do College Decisions Affect Seniors?

The Sword ·

2025/04/23

With your host Cami Yee, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Kristina Canales-Padilla as they discuss the college application process and advice for future seniors. Delving into the world of essays, scholarships, acceptances, and rejections, this episode addresses the complicated process that many seniors endure every year.

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12:39

How Important is Organization and Cleanliness to...

The Sword ·

2025/03/19

With your host, Madeline Crowley, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Alexia Gourvennec as they discuss their views on the value of a clean room. Mentioning the psychological impact that organization has on the brain, the importance of creating a safe space, and the difficulties in maintaining that safe space, these guests dive deep into the world of cleanliness and mental health.

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6:30

Is Valentine's Day A Hallmark Money Grab?

The Sword ·

2025/02/05

With your host Logan Whiteson, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Athena Toa as we discuss the origins of the holiday and its adaption to a commercialized society. Discussing her personal experiences with the day, the pressure of purchasing gifts, and the overarching issue of over-consumerism, our guest challenge the popular holiday's true intentions.

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23:06

How Does Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal...

The Sword ·

2024/12/18

With your host Cami Yee, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Denise Picard and Rucha Chavan as they discuss seasonal depression, its symptoms, and its impact on mental health. They also dive into why seasonal depression occurs, and how students can combat it during the winter months.

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33:18

Do Standardized Tests Provide a Fair Assessment of...

The Sword ·

2024/11/19

With your host Joseph Nian, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Eric Buran and Claire Huang as they discuss the SAT, ACT, and AP tests and their effectiveness in determining student success. Questioning College Board's motivations, determining better paths forward, and evaluating American testing culture against other countries' customs, these guests take a deep dive into the word of standardized testing.

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26:00

How Do Concussions in Sports Impact Youth Players?

The Sword ·

2024/10/17

With your host Cami Yee, this episode of The Sword features conversation with Valerie Garcia-Vallejo, Max Mazer, and Denise Picard as they discuss the impact of concussions on young athletes. Exploring the life-altering consequences that one or two injuries can incur, our guests discuss their personal experiences and the science behind concussions

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28:58

How Does School Spirit Influence Student Motivation...

The Sword ·

2024/09/18

With your host, Mason Vargas, this episode of The Sword features a conversation with Laura Saldana, Owen Zinn, Spencer Hoang, Hewan Tafari, and Josie Todd as they discuss the impact of school spirit on the Westmont community from various perspectives. Delving into a new school year, guests discuss their favorite events, the role athletics and activities play in school pride, and how Westmont can increase student spirit.

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9:35

How Does One Navigate Queerness In The Current...

The Sword ·

2024/05/23

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features conversation with Cat Kemp and Thea England concerning the emotions and opinions that accompany the adolescent queer experience. The LGBTQ+ community often faces discrimination at both an external and internal level---listen in to learn more concerning such struggles.

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35:47

How Does Second Semester Senior Year Impact...

The Sword ·

2024/04/19

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features conversation with Heather Tran concerning the common loss of motivation known as "senioritis" that plagues work ethic and motivation. Many seniors at Westmont feel that because their second semester grades do not count in terms of getting into college, or furthering their academic career as a whole, they thus do not need to continue working towards the former end goal of a strong GPA.

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16:55

How do Different Parenting Styles Affect Child...

The Sword ·

2024/03/12

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features a conversation with (names of people) who each share their unique experiences and/or challenges that come with different parenting styles, and the effects they have noticed later on in life.

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14:50

How Can Westmont's Broken Recycling System Be Reformed?

The Sword ·

2024/02/02

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features an exclusive conversation with ROOTing ForEarth co-president Maria Edrisinghe, as she discusses the steps the club is taking in order to create an efficient recycling system at Westmont. Even more, Edrisinghe looks to possibly address issues regarding recycling possibly at a district level.

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10:47

Are Your Religious Beliefs Represented Well During...

The Sword ·

2024/01/03

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features an exclusive conversation with Westmont's Jewish Culture Club's President (JCC) Shelly Yoffe, as well as Christian junior, Vince Moreno. We spoke with the two while they shared their views and ideas on if they believe their culture is commercialized and appropriated, and if the real meaning behind their holiday has been overlooked.

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16:32

How Can We Make Traffic at Westmont Safer?

The Sword ·

2023/11/19

This episode of The Sword includes an exclusive conversation with president of the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) Faith Gonia. The conversation dives deep into the massive issue the majority of parents and students face when simply getting to campus. The TAC comes together to solve these pressing matters, while sharing ideas with your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak.

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18:12

Meet Your 2023 - 2024 Homecoming Royals

The Sword ·

2023/10/06

This mini episode of The Sword features an exclusive conversation with the 2023 - 2024 homecoming royals: Bianca Hayes, Diego Mantelli, and Sasya Reddy. This mostly uncut conversation features the royals experiences concerning homecoming court and a reflection of their time at Westmont High School.

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46:42

How Does Life-Threatening Disease Affect High School...

The Sword ·

2023/09/15

Even after being diagnosed with cancer, life goes on. But how does one cope with undergoing chemotherapy and radiation? Hosts Anjali Nayak and Lily Bourne speak with Rylann Adams and Amanda Kappenman to understand the impact of life - threatening diseases on high school development.

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8:51

What Makes Someone Inspirational?

The Sword ·

2023/05/30

Each year, Westmont's senior class votes for one student to receive the Most Inspirational graduation robe. Last school year, Westmont's graduating class of 2023 honored George Bilionis. Hosts Anjali Nayak and Lily Bourne interview last year recipient for advice on how a student can make the most of their high school career. Looking back at his high school career, Bilionis answers our question "What makes someone inspirational?"

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35:01

Pride Month: Coming to Terms with Sexuality in a...

The Sword ·

2023/05/19

In honor of the upcoming PRIDE Month, the Sword has decided to showcase the voices and talents of LBGTQ+ members within our Westmont community and their experiences challenging the limitation that heteronormativity imposes upon their identity.

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16:58

How Can We Make School Events for Everyone?

The Sword ·

2023/04/20

Considering Westmont's diverse array of communities and backgrounds, Westmont's ASB often strives to promote diversity in school sponsored events. Whether it be the biggest nights of the year or everyday recognition of Westmont students, Westmont ASB has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure involvement of all students. However, there is still more work to be done! In this episode of The Sword, hosts Anjali Nayak, Lily Bourne, and Alex Gryciuk interview Westmont students Keira Devita (0:00)

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34:24

What Are The Effects of Chat GPT on Education?

The Sword ·

2023/03/13

Launched as a prototype on November 30, 2022, ChatGPT is an AI software known for its ability to answer and ‘think’ humanly. The system’s capability to write essays and solutions for students proves dystopian. As technology advances the critical thinking from English and History classes almost seem obsolete. In this episode of The Sword, hosts Anjali Nayak, Lily Bourne, and Alex Gryciuk interview Westmont teachers Dianne Leo (0:27) and Christopher Mock (17:45) .

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23 results

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