Hosts Molly Fee and Julian Zimmerman discuss the topic of food insecurity in Louisville and the issues of JCPS lunch offerings.

Collaborators: Molly F, Julian Z, Danica G, Hser Htte S, Daniel M, Cameron L

In this episode, the 13 Firsts executive board talks about our time in high school as rising high school seniors and how we and the educational system around us have changed. We also discuss the evolution of our podcast project and our relationships with each other and our podcast members.

Collaborators: Maddie L, Maggie S, 13 Firsts Executive Board

The First Amendment promises the separation of church and state. But for public schools, this standard hasn’t always been upheld. Join Maggie, Daniel, and Vanessa for our first episode of our third year and season as they explore the history of religion in public schools, and how the two interact today.

Collaborators: Maggie S, Daniel M, Vanessa G.

In this episode, hosts Danica and Giselline introduce JusticeFest, the annual showcase of student-led projects that address everything from racial justice to mental health and educational equity. You’ll hear how this powerful event has fueled change in Louisville and beyond, including projects like the Justice Express Bus and Future Ancestors. Through personal stories and student interviews, we explore how JusticeFest empowers young people to lead, innovate, and advocate for their communities — and what it means when that support is at risk.

Collaborators: Danica G, Giselline P, Cameron L, Ellie M, Kennedy M, David S, Jordyn S, Viet P, Addison L, Hser Htte S, Stephanie N, Daniel M,

Today, 13 Firsts hosts Emilia and Evelyn dive deep into the effect banned books have on a state level through data and sitting down with local Manual staff, students from around the city, and citywide librarians.

Collaborators: Evelyn, Stephanie, Aunetra, Emilia, Cameron, Katie, Addison, and Viet.

In this episode of 13 Firsts, Evelyn and Emilia dive into the ways students utilize social media and how these decisions affect them. Hear them uncover if social media is always the one to blame for its “effects”, or if people are drawn in by more than meets the eye. We talked to three students and University of Louisville professor Dr. Danovitch about their experiences using social media, the things they see on it, screen time, and answers as to why we resort to social media for a venting outlet.

Collaborators: Viet P, Maddie L, Giselline P.D, David S, Noah M, Maggie S, Ava S, Hser Htte S, Evelyn Z, Emilia G, Jeremy Y, Katelynn S.

In the 13 Firsts' first episode of the season, Maddie dives into the alternative school options in the Jefferson County Public Schools system in Louisville, KY. She explores Pathfinder, Georgia Chaffee, Minor Daniels, and Girls and Boys Haven and their importance in promoting equity for all students. She also explores different ways that students learn in areas across the country.

Collborators: Maddie L, Viet P.

Our democracy is under threat. So why don’t we teach it?

In this episode of 13 Firsts, hosts Stephanie and Hser Htte discuss the lack and underdevelopment of civics education in Kentucky and the nation, with insights from guests including Louisville Congressman Morgan McGarvey and Civics Unplugged Program Director Adiah Price-Tucker. Listen to discover how this educational oversight affects us, our communities, and our country as a whole.

Collaborators: Stephanie N. , Hser Htte S., Maggie S., Daniel M., Emelia G., Addison L., and Viet P.