The Arlington Amp

The DC Metro faces budget problems. But what can a high schooler contribute to the conversation around public transportation funding models? Turns out, by using the system just like we would anyway, and talking to other riders to get some more perspectives, we can learn more about what makes the Metro so special and what can be done to support it.

In this episode, my friends and I attempt a “transit speedrun”: trying to travel the ...

Nineteen candidates. Two levels of government. And nothing less than every single seat in the Virginia General Assembly. All of this hangs in the balance for our upcoming November 7th election. 

Even though it doesn’t have the hype of a presidential election, this year’s state and local elections matter just as much. Whoever voters elect this year will help make decisions on a bunch of issues that impact young people right here, rig...

In this very special behind-the-scenes episode, interns from AIM's summer audio intensive reflect on their reporting experience and tell the story of how a new podcast was born.

To watch our host Nadyah's video about internet conflict (and a bunch of other great video work from Arlington Amp producers), check out this playlist.

If you like what you heard this season, please help us get the word out! Tell...

Crime and conflict are inevitable in any society, but how we respond to them can make a huge difference. In this episode of the Arlington AMP podcast, join host Harsidak Singh,as he talks to Devanshi Patel, the CEO of the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA). CYFA is a non-profit organization that uses restorative justice practices to address crime and conflict in Arlington. Devanshi explains what restorative justice is, wha...

Right now, Langston Boulevard (formerly Lee Highway) is one of the most car-centric corridors in Arlington. In most places, it's ugly, dangerous, and scary. But a group of residents from 17 different civic associations along the boulevard decided they wanted to change this. Today, the current draft plan for “Plan Langston Boulevard” includes more density, affordable housing, visually-appealing storefronts, bike lanes, and pede...

Teens from Arlington can tackle issues in their community that matter to them by getting involved with the local government. In this episode, our host Maddie Hawkins speaks with Graham Weinschenk from the Arlington County Board office. We’ll learn about his path into Arlington’s government—a journey that began when he was in high school—and explore some specific routes for teens to get in the mix locally. Graham also shares some gr...

Can art go beyond just expressing emotions? Host Harsidak Singh dives into a candid conversation with local artist Michelle Smith about the unique role of art in processing grief. In this episode, they explore how creativity became Michelle's personal outlet for healing and introspection after a tragic loss.

Michelle's installation, called Absence: Grief , was displayed at Mason Exhibitions as a part of the exhib...

What are native plants? Why do they matter? And how could the world be better if we had more of them around? Our host Shoshan Ferguson takes us on a journey to the native plant nursery Watermark Woods, to meet with owner Julie Borneman. Their wide-ranging conversation covers everything from how to acquire plants if you're a broke high school student, to the effects of pesticides on local pollinator populations.

Waterm...