PEER TALK at Willie Brown Middle School
PEER TALK at Willie Brown Middle School
Podcast Description
PEER TALK is a fresh new podcast emerging from the halls of Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School. At Beyond the Fog Radio, we recognized the need for a platform designed for and by middle school students — where youth can develop their voices and share their perspectives.
Located in Bayview—Hunters Point, in San Francisco — a neighborhood historically comprised of African-American families — Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School carries the name of former San Francisco Mayor and Speaker of the California Assembly, who has devoted himself to the well-being of others.
In the wake of the 2024 Election, we realized just how critical it is to equip students with the confidence to speak out, learn from community leaders, and dive into civic engagement — preparing them to become the next wave of local and global change-makers. Each guest on PEER TALK is chosen to align with the students’ coursework, bringing lessons to life through real-world experiences.
Beyond the Fog Radio is thrilled to present PEER TALK at Willie Brown Middle School: a space for the next generation of community leaders to explore, learn, and inspire, right here in San Francisco.
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(Peer Talk theme music composed by Ja'Leiyah Wright and Guillermina "GiGi" Arroyo)
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on themes of civic engagement, community leadership, and personal development with episodes showcasing interviews with local politicians and cultural figures. For instance, topics covered include the experiences of Congresswoman Lateefah Simon in Congress and the creative journey of Margo Hall, focusing on how their backgrounds inform their professional paths and community contributions.
PEER TALK is a fresh new podcast emerging from the halls of Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School. At Beyond the Fog Radio, we recognized the need for a platform designed for and by middle school students — where youth can develop their voices and share their perspectives.
Located in Bayview—Hunters Point, in San Francisco — a neighborhood historically comprised of African-American families — Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School carries the name of former San Francisco Mayor and Speaker of the California Assembly, who has devoted himself to the well-being of others.
In the wake of the 2024 Election, we realized just how critical it is to equip students with the confidence to speak out, learn from community leaders, and dive into civic engagement — preparing them to become the next wave of local and global change-makers. Each guest on PEER TALK is chosen to align with the students’ coursework, bringing lessons to life through real-world experiences.
Beyond the Fog Radio is thrilled to present PEER TALK at Willie Brown Middle School: a space for the next generation of community leaders to explore, learn, and inspire, right here in San Francisco.
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(Peer Talk theme music composed by Ja’Leiyah Wright and Guillermina “GiGi” Arroyo)
Meet Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, representing California’s 12th Congressional District in Oakland. She’s the first member of Congress who is congenitally blind, and the first Muslim representative from California.
Before stepping into Congress, Ms. Simon served on the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board, the California State University Board of Trustees, and the San Francisco Foundation’s board. She also made history as the youngest woman to receive a MacArthur Fellowship.
When Rep. Barbara Lee announced she was stepping down in 2024, Ms. Simon ran for the seat and won. In January 2025, she was officially sworn in. Shortly after, Ms. Simon sat down with Mr. O’s students, and we’re thrilled to share their interview with you on this week’s episode of Peer Talk!
Disclaimer
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