Connectopod cultivates storytellers and doers for the new era of media and creative work. We demystify the production process by making it accessible, building media literacy, and ensuring participants leave with completed, publicly presented projects that open real-world pathways. We are a production ecosystem. Connectopod scaffolds students as they put their skills into action to complete their project. Every participant works toward a tangible, public-facing project, which can include any one or combination of documentary, podcast series, audio drama, mural, performance, or short film. Founded in 2017, Connectopod has served 500+ youth in the San Fernando Valley and Greater Los Angeles area.

Our 2026 Community Impact Awards Luncheon honors two of Connectopod's youth producers. Our first honoree is Melissa Peruch, host and producer of restrictED, a series about eating disorders and treatments as told through interviews and personal narrative. Our second honoree is Nysha Prasad, host of Mind Matters, a series on teen mental health. Her series includes interviews with mental health professionals. Each episode delves into a facet of mental health, healthy coping strategies, and resources for teens. Both Melissa and Nysha have drawn on their own personal experiences to address serious issues facing young people today.

Both Melissa and Nysha initiated their podcasts. They are exactly the independent model we hoped would result from Connectopod programs: youth equipped to bring their ideas from concept to finish line!

Join Connectopod as we celebrate the first youth recipients of the Community Impact Award!

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