Season 6, Episode 12 - Influenced: Are we what we scroll?
Release Date: 07/09/2025
Main Character Syndrome
Purpose Pro Podcast
In this episode of the PurposePro Podcast, Priya unpacks the viral cultural phenomenon known as Main Character Syndrome. From TikTok trends to the curated aesthetics of Instagram, we explore how Gen Z’s love of storytelling and self-expression blurs the line between confidence and ego. Is it self-love or self-obsession? Empowerment or performance? We dive into how narrative thinking, aesthetic culture, and social media shape how teens view themselves—and how that affects our mental health, relationships, and sense of authenticity.
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Season 6, Episode 12 - Influenced: Are we what we scroll?
Purpose Pro Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the PurposePro Podcast, Priya sits down with Brooklyn, a fellow high school student, for a real and honest conversation about how social media is shaping Gen Z’s identity, confidence, friendships, and self-image. From the highs of connection to the lows of comparison, we dig into the habits, pressures, and choices that come with living our lives online. Is social media changing who we are—or just how we present ourselves? What’s healthy, what’s harmful, and how do we find balance? Key Takeaways What We Cover: How much social media...
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Season 6, Episode 11 - Failing Forward: The value of failure in personal growth
Purpose Pro Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of the PurposePro Podcast, Priya tackles one of the hardest but most powerful lessons we all face: the value of failure. From missed opportunities and bad grades to moments of rejection and regret, we unpack how setbacks can actually fuel growth—if you let them. Why does failing feel so personal, especially for Gen Z? And how can we move from shame to self-compassion, turning losses into lessons? With insights from experts and real stories from Catalyst Collective’s own Joe Elliott, we explore what it really means to “fail forward”—and why it might be...
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Season 6, Episode 10 - The Science Behind Mental Health
Purpose Pro Podcast
In this episode, Derin interviews an accomplished professor on the mental health challenges that teens are facing and the science behind it all. About Professor Aydin Learn More About the Brain and Mental Health Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child – Brain Architecture Short videos and graphics that explain how early life experiences affect brain development. Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence – What Teens Need to Know Tools and guidance on emotional self-awareness and resilience. Understanding Neurodivergence, Autism, and Sensory Processing...
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How Gaming Can Positively Impact Youth Mental Health
Purpose Pro Podcast
In this episode, host Zaniya Prasla interview Lydia Wehmeyer on the positive impact gaming can have on mental health. Some of what gets discussed may surprise you!
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The Challenges & Rewards of Mentoring At-Risk Youth
Purpose Pro Podcast
Season 6 Host, Zaniya Prasla, interviews Hanna Steplewaska to talk about the challenges and rewards of mentoring at risk youth. If you have ever thought about mentoring but have had your hesitations, this episode is for you!
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How Teens (and Adults) Find Their Unique Design and Purpose
Purpose Pro Podcast
Mentorship within teenagers encompasses the whole idea of answering the question every individual has: “What is my purpose” Why am I here? What for? The constant question that is embedded in every teenager’s life, struggling to grasp motivation or not.....struggles, experience, past hardships and support all play a vital role in not just answering this question but implementing it into life. Finding the answer isn’t as simple as it sounds. It is not as straightforward as it seems, many things are at play. Conversations, trust, perspective, and...
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The Impact of Music on Mental Health with Emily Chandler
Purpose Pro Podcast
Choir, singing alone or with a group can affect the lives of many. Feeling shy, scared, even maybe terrified to step foot on that stage can happen to anyone, and it does. The list of thoughts that go through a teenagers brain are endless. Having choir, having this outlet, has tremendously helped many. Collaborating with a group and being able to face those fears and build those strong social skills are just some of the benefits that come along with joining Choir, but how will choir help me to develop my future career? How does simply singing help? All your questions will be answered...
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How to Handle Break Ups with Dr. Helen Hsu
Purpose Pro Podcast
Love, hate, breakups, a common end of an era in ones life. Days, weeks, even months go on spent with that “special someone” and when that ends, feelings of sadness, sorrow, guilt, pain, anger and more all start to rise. Was I not good enough? Will I ever move on? WILL I EVER FIND LOVE?! Just some of the common questions that constantly go through an individual's head after a nasty breakup. Some isolate themselves, dwell in their sorrows, others obsess over activities such as shopping, swiping credit cards left and right, individuals can pack their schedule, overworking themselves,...
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Living Life with Bipolar Disorder
Purpose Pro Podcast
Do you know anyone who experiences high days then the next minute you turn around they are at the lowest point of their life? Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental condition that includes extreme mood swings. The reason for this disorder is unknown. It may be genetics, environment, altered brain chemistry or maybe even a combination of all. What does the life of one diagnosed with bipolar disorder look like? Mrs.Diana Mosley, a bipolar patient, who is now a successful business woman shares her story with her struggles and obstacles she faced. Highlighted Quotes:...
info_outlineEpisode Summary
In this episode of the PurposePro Podcast, Priya sits down with Brooklyn, a fellow high school student, for a real and honest conversation about how social media is shaping Gen Z’s identity, confidence, friendships, and self-image. From the highs of connection to the lows of comparison, we dig into the habits, pressures, and choices that come with living our lives online. Is social media changing who we are—or just how we present ourselves? What’s healthy, what’s harmful, and how do we find balance?
Key Takeaways
What We Cover:
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How much social media influences daily habits, moods, and decisions
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The impact of likes, comments, and online validation on self-esteem
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Ways social media fuels comparison, FOMO, and pressure to “keep up”
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Why taking breaks and setting boundaries matters for mental health
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The double-edged sword of connection: bringing people together, but sometimes driving them apart
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How social media is shaping what’s “normal,” “cool,” and possible for Gen Z
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Tips for a healthier relationship with social media
Expert Insight
Psychologists warn that social media can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression—especially among teens. But it’s not all negative: digital communities and creative self-expression can also build confidence and belonging. The key is awareness and boundaries.
“The more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to report mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.”
— Mayo Clinic: Social media use and mental health
“Online life can both help and hurt self-esteem. What matters is how you use it.”
— American Psychological Association: Social Media and Teens
Further Reading & Resources
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How Social Media Affects Teen Mental Health – Child Mind Institute
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Social Media and Body Image Concerns – National Eating Disorders Association
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The Science Behind FOMO – Psychology Today
Join the Conversation
Share your stories, struggles, or tips about social media using #PurposeProPodcast or tag @PurposeProPod on TikTok or Instagram. You might be featured in a future episode!
This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you’re struggling with social media or your mental health, please talk to a trusted adult or mental health professional.