The Steampunks from Highlander Charter School are back for a raw and insightful episode of the Mangu Salami podcast. In this session, the STEAM Box group breaks down the complexities of modern relationships, from the differences between freshman and senior dating to the dangers of "love bombing" and coercion. Listen in as the students debate controversial topics like sharing social media passwords, the fine line between jealousy and control, and how to define true accountability when a partner messes up. Whether you are looking for healthy communication tips or need help spotting the warning signs of a toxic connection, this conversation explores how to build meaningful bonds without losing your independence.

#SteamboxPodcast #HighlanderCharterSchool #HighSchoolDating #RedFlags #GreenFlags #RelationshipAdvice #LoveBombing #HealthyBoundaries #TeenTalk #EmotionalMaturity

STEAM Box and the Panthers from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket are back for a candid new episode of the Mangu Con Salami Podcast, where the conversation is always "honest, sweet, and maybe a little bit spicy". Special guest Amanda from the Katie Brown Educational Program joins the crew to investigate where we get our ideas about dating, from the music of Chris Brown and Rod Wave to the love triangles in Twilight and The Summer I Turned Pretty. The group gets real about "shipping" characters, the impact of music video beauty standards on self-esteem, and why real healthy relationships require communication skills that movies often leave out.

#ManguConSalami #RealTalk #HealthyRelationships #DatingAdvice #MediaInfluence #TeenTalk #SteamBox #RelationshipGoals #BodyImage #KatieBrownEducationalProgram

STEAM Box Highlander Charter School youth sit down with Kerry from the Katie Brown Educational Program to explore how neurodivergence shows up in romantic relationships. The group discusses what it means to be neurodivergent, including experiences with ADHD, autism, and processing differences, and how this impacts communication and perception in dating.
Together, they tackle difficult questions about "masking" to appear “normal”, when to disclose a diagnosis to a new partner, and how to advocate for personal needs without feeling like "too much". The conversation also covers spotting red flags, dealing with rejection and the "nice guy" trope, and understanding that while brains may work differently, every relationship should be built on trust, safety, and respect.
#Neurodivergent #HighSchoolPodcast #HealthyRelationships #ADHD #AutismAwareness #DatingAdvice #Steambox #Boundaries #KatieBrownEducationalProgram #ManguConSalami #TDVAM

STEAM Box delivers Mangu Con Salami with the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket. In this episode, the group is joined by Mandy from the Katie Brown Educational Program to guide them through healthy conversations about modern dating. Together, they break down the confusing difference between the "talking stage" and a "situationship," and debate whether it is possible to have a "mutual situationship" without a power imbalance,,.

The discussion moves beyond romance to cover essential communication tools, like using "I statements" during conflict and utilizing the "Feelings Wheel" to better articulate emotions,. Finally, the group tackles heavy-hitting topics like the "Pepe Le Pew" approach to consent, the impact of the patriarchy and white supremacy on relationships, and the importance of normalizing sex education and open dialogue with parents,,.

#ManguConSalami #Situationship #HealthyRelationships #Consent #RealTalk #TeenDating #MentalHealthAwareness #PowerDynamics #SexEducation #Steambox

In this episode of the Mangu Con Salami annual special, the STEAM Box youth joins forces with Young Voices, the Providence Student Union (PSU), and the Katie Brown Educational Program to dig into the complexities of modern dating.

Youth leaders break down the confusing spectrum of relationship labels, from the "talking stage" and "vibing" to "sneaky links" and being "exclusive but not official". Together with Angela from the Katie Brown Educational Program, the group explores critical topics, including:

• The Nuance of Consent: Why consent isn't just for physical, but for everyday interactions like borrowing a jacket or sharing space.

• Navigating Secrecy: An honest look at "secret relationships," particularly the safety concerns and emotional tolls faced by LGBTQ+ youth when relationships are frowned upon by family.

• Social Media Etiquette: The pressure to "soft launch" or "hard launch" a partner online and how to handle a digital footprint after a breakup.

• Setting Boundaries: How to end a relationship respectfully when the vibe changes or things get "too clingy".

Whether you are trying to define "what are we" or figuring out how to stay safe and healthy in a relationship, this conversation offers real stories and expert advice on building connections without needing a fusion dance to make it work.

#ManguConSalami #HealthyRelationships #GenZDating #RelationshipLabels #ConsentCulture #Situationships #LGBTQSafety #ProvidenceStudentUnion #TeenVoices #SteamboxPodcast

STEAM Box visits ARISE to learn more about the organization, and the legacy of a king.

The STEAM Box youth from the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket preview our healthy relationship series, Mangu Con Salami with our partners from the Katie Brown Educational Program. While discussing building healthy connections and preventing toxicity. The conversation revolves around identifying red, yellow, green (and BLUE?!) flags in relationships, navigating communication challenges and social pressure regarding dating and alcohol, and the importance of establishing boundaries and having a safety plan when exiting an unhealthy relationship. The participants share personal struggles with trust, emotional availability, and self-love, highlighting the difficulties young people face in the contemporary dating landscape.

#HealthyRelationships #TeenVoices #YouthPodcast #KatieBrownEducationalProgram #STEAMBox #BoysAndGirlsClub #ManguConSalami #RelationshipGoals #RealTalk #YouthEmpowerment

The STEAM punks meet new Highlander Charter School Principal, Dr. J, on her 12th day. Hear about her 200+ vinyl collection (Frank Sinatra & Marvin Gaye are top two), and her mission to make Highlander a second home and foster student leadership. Dr. J shares her vision for the future, including community outreach, addressing the cold building, and unveiling the "caught being good" passes. The students discuss the need for more sports and the challenges of long commutes (some wake up at 4 a.m.!). It's all about building relationships and family.

#STEAMBox #HighlanderCharter #DrJ #Education #Principal #VinylCollection #StudentVoice #SchoolCulture #Steampunks