In this audio collage, Sakari Griffiths brings to life a simple space that is often taken for granted: the living room.

A Living Room

In this podcast, Olivia Heyer discusses corporate feminism, and how it is counterproductive to social justice.

Opinion: The Problem with Corporate Feminism

Why do people go to school? To learn of course, but what are they actually learning?
Have you ever sat in a class and wondered, when will I need this in the real world? In this podcast, Maya Maurer discusses the need to have a required class on life skills in school.

Opinion: School Curriculum for the Real World

Meghan Mahoney offers her thoughts on how we talk about mental health--specifically, how even though the stigma of mental health has lessened throughout the years, it still isn't discussed much in the classroom.
She also asks why students still receive huge workloads despite the fact that everyone knows this is detrimental to their mental health.

Opinion: Time to Talk About Mental Health

Listen as Ipek Basturk challenges you to resist the temptation to watch any movies that are based on books.  Instead, she invites you to curl up with a novel and enjoy the experience that can only be provided by its pages and your imagination.

Opinion: To Read Or To Watch

As teens, we have all heard the phrase “watching TV is a waste of time" or “go do something more productive”. In this podcast, Anastasia Jairam explains why watching TV and movies is actually beneficial to your social life, learning, and mental health.

Opinion: The Benefits of TV

BTS is a Korean musical group that has seven members and a following in the millions. Melanie McIntyre admits that while initially hesitant to listen to the band, she soon found herself joining a fandom that can only be described by its name: the BTS Army. This fandom quickly introduced her to the many different types of fans out there, as well as the politics involved in being a fan.

The BTS Army

Why do many American “cities” look like ugly asphalt wastelands with traffic problems? Why don’t our cities look the way they did in the past? The answer to some of these questions is the prevalence of car-centric urban planning in the United States. In this podcast, Daniel Kogan shares his disgust with these planning practices.

Opinion: The Problem with Car-Centric Urban Planning

In this podcast, Kayla Taufman interviews her grandmother and father to find out about the experiences her family had during World War II.  While her grandma was a little girl from the city who knew little of how drastic the situation was, her grandfather was a German scientist standing up for what he thought was right despite the consequences.

A Perspective On War

Ever since the pandemic, there has been an increase in social media use.  Contrary to the ideas of many, Jack Sklar believes this is a good thing.  In his podcast, he argues that social media leads to an increase in confidence, social skills, and helps begin new relationships.

Opinion: The Pros Of Social Media

Many high school students endure a dramatic change in their life when they go to college. Living away from their family and dealing with a heavy course load can be overwhelming.  Courtney Brecher talks to her sister Kailey about the changes she experienced when she went to school and shares tips on how to prepare for–and succeed–in college.

Interview: How to Succeed In College

Jack Zaremsky argues that while the benefits of exercise and going outside are well known, students don't have very many opportunities to engage in these things while at school.  The obvious answer, according to Jack, is simple:  give high school kids recess.

Opinion: A Call for Recess

Animated TV shows and movies intended for children can have a positive effect on people coping with stress.  In this podcast, Jasmine Foster discusses how something as simple as Saturday morning cartoons, can drastically change and improve your mood.

Opinion: The Benefits of Cartoons

Lindsay Weinfeld takes a hard look at standardized testing and discusses how these tests put immense stress and anxiety on students who already have too much to worry about.

Opinion: The Harm of Standardized Tests

Join Rudy Von Bartesch and Jack Grauer as they discuss S.E. Hinton's classic: The Outsiders.  This book talk provides an in-depth look at the world of the struggling greasers and their wealthy enemies – the socs. The conversation also examines what it is that gives this book its timeless appeal.

Book Talk: The Outsiders

Savannah Fine talks with her father Zac Fine–a voiceover artist who has lent his voice to everything from commercials and trailers, to live events like Minecraft's Minecon Live and Shark Week.  They'll discuss what it's like to bring life to some of the most iconic brands and characters in pop culture.

An Interview with Voice Over Artist Zac Fine

Students all over the world are becoming accustomed to an increased use of technology in the classroom.  Joseph Masalin makes the case for the continued implementation of technology in schools, and explains the positive effects of tech on students and staff.

Opinion: Tech in Class is Good

For many students, the idea of continuing straight through from high school to college is too much.  For them, a gap year is just what is needed.  But is it a good idea?  We ask students around High School East to share their thoughts on taking a gap year.

Students in the Hall: Thoughts on a Gap Year

Hair discrimination is a type of prejudice that washes away the rich culture and uniqueness of black hair and demands its conformity, its subjugation, and its silence. It pushes a standard of beauty onto black women to make them feel inadequate and uncomfortable with the hair that grows out of their own heads. Countless black women face hair discrimination on a daily basis, and it is important that their stories are heard in order to help bring this practice to an end.
Produced by Naomi Myers.  Half Hollow Hills HS East, Dix Hills, NY.

End Hair Discrimination -- NPR Submission -- Naomi Myers

While it might seem like your time in high school will last forever, it will, one day, come to an end.  On Friday, Remi Asghar recalls how early in his athletic career his coach shared some advice that has helped put his time at High School East into perspective.

Feature: Only Sixty-Four Games

Derived from the classic tale of Alice and Wonderland, Heartless tells the story of how a normal kid was transformed into the notorious Queen of Hearts. This Thursday, Eden Banks and Sloane Meyers discuss Marissa Meyer's #1 New York Times bestseller.

Book Talk: Heartless

Artificial intelligence has gained much popularity in recent years.  With this increased attention, there has been debate regarding the positive and negative effects of AI.  Oddly, it seems that these debates rarely involve the wisdom of tech professionals. Joseph Masalin examines AI with the help of members of the IT community.

Feature: An IT Look at AI

Can posting content, watching short films, and interacting with others really be so harmful?  With a potential banishment from US markets looming, Sanaii Clyburn takes time to explain why she doesn't think TikTok should be banned.

Opinion: Save TikTok!

Extra credit can motivate students to go above and beyond – both in and out of the classroom. Extra credit can help students improve their mental health if they struggle with stress about grades.  Given these facts, why isn't there more of it?  April Stewart makes a case for more extra credit.

Opinion: More Extra Credit

The value of participation trophies has been questioned ever since the first one was handed out.  Stella Kreitzman explains why these trophies do more harm than good and why they should not be awarded to kids.

Opinion: No Participation Trophies

It's Monday, June 23rd, 2025 and welcome to the graduation edition of Hills Review -- the High School East Student Podcast.

With commencement coming this week, we will hear from several members of the Class of 2025 as they look back on memorable moments from their time at High School East. 

We begin with Arbin Chowdhury and his story about AP Environmental class and the teamwork associated with the famous bubble lesson.

Next, Ava Gugin, a member of Future Teachers of America, describes what it was like returning to her old elementary schools to teach.

Up next, High School East football player Noah Chlap re-lives the moment when he ran back an interception in a playoff game that helped secure the Suffolk County Championship for the Red Hawks.

Finally, Malakye Moss tells a whimsical tale of wearing several wigs to hide a rather extreme haircut he received freshman year.

Join us again tomorrow, as we hear more from this year's graduating seniors.


Hills Review – June 2025 – Graduation Edition Part 1

It's Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 and welcome back to the graduation edition of Hills Review.  In the days leading up to commencement, we're hearing reflections from this year's graduates.

First, we hear from Harris Brown – and how he learned the value of a positive attitude after taking a music class that he was sure he'd hate.

Kerry Yeung shares a story from sophomore year about how a regular fencing practice turned into an unexpected memorable moment.

Next, Tristan Dicks recalls the challenges – and rewards – of high school chemistry.

Finally, Jake Kugler talks about how fulfilling the challenge of AP Research turned out to be.

Join us again tomorrow, as we hear more from this year's graduating seniors.


Hills Review – June 2025 – Graduation Edition Part 2

It's Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 and welcome back to the graduation edition of Hills Review. 

We begin today's final episode with Tyler Giambrone, who shares his appreciation for the help he received from the ladies in the testing room.

Mikhail O'Garro recalls sophomore year and a snow-filled, team building workout during winter track practice.

Next, Mark Kamel explains how dissecting a pickle and a pig in anatomy class provided one of the most memorable experiences he had at High School East.

We conclude this series with Arden Sarner's account of how winning student of the month during her sophomore year helped pave the way to future success.

Hills Review is produced by members of the Podcasting and Filmmaking Club. If you're interested in contributing – and aren't graduating – see Mr. Beatty in room 216 in the fall.

Thank you for listening – have a great summer – and best of luck to the Class of 2025! 

Congratulations Seniors!


Hills Review – June 2025 – Graduation Edition Part 3

AI in schools has sparked both excitement and concern, but can it truly transform the way students learn? Samarth Patel explains why AI is an important tool for improving learning experiences and why it should be embraced in the classroom.

Opinion – Use AI in the Classroom


Have you ever wanted your voice to be heard by millions? When you're a P.A. announcer, that wish comes true every game day.  Stella Kreitzman talks to Alex Anthony about what it's like to be the voice of the Mets, the Jets and presently, the New York Islanders.


Interview: Alex Anthony – The Voice of the Islanders


Brandon Liao, Dennis Manfredi, and Luke Schimel get together to discuss the post-apocalyptic book "This World We Live In".  Find out what happens to Earth when a meteor collides with the moon – and what these three students have to say about author Susan Beth Pfeffer's vision of such a world.

Book Talk: This World We Live In

Sitcoms have long been a source of joy, nostalgia, and comfort for people of all ages, but what makes them so powerful?  Olivia Chumsky looks at everything from the psychology of humor to the cultural impact of shows like Friends and The Office to explore why TV comedy holds such an important place in our lives. 


Feature: Why Sitcoms Matter

School dances are not just about nights of fun – they also are about creating a dynamic school atmosphere.  Sebastian Martinez explores how such events can allow students to be social, show school spirit, and unleash their creativity. 


Opinion: See You at the School Dance

It's Monday, November 3rd, 2025 and welcome to the Fall Edition of Hills Review -- the High School East Student Podcast.

Here's a look at what's coming up this week.

Have you ever wanted your voice to be heard by millions? When you're a P.A. announcer, that wish comes true every game day. 
This Tuesday, Stella Kreitzman talks to Alex Anthony about what it's like to be the voice of the Mets, the Jets and the Islanders.

On Wednesday, Brandon Liao, Dennis Manfredi, and Luke Schimel get together to discuss the post-apocalyptic book "This World We Live In".  Find out what happens to Earth when a meteor collides with the moon – and what these three students have to say about author Susan Beth Pfeffer's vision of such a world.

Sitcoms have long been a source of joy, nostalgia, and comfort for people of all ages, but what makes them so powerful? On Thursday, Olivia Chumsky looks at everything from the psychology of humor to the cultural impact of shows like Friends and The Office to explore why TV comedy holds such an important place in our lives. 

School dances are not just about nights of fun – they also are about creating a dynamic school atmosphere.  This Friday, Sebastian Martinez explores how such events can allow students to be social, show school spirit, and unleash their creativity. 

To wrap up today's podcast, here's Anuraag Anand's opinion piece on the morning shower – and why showers early in the day are better than those taken at night.

Hills Review is produced by members of the Podcasting and Filmmaking Club.  If you are interested in becoming a contributor, see Mr. Beatty in room 216.

Thanks for listening and have a great week.


Hills Review -- Fall 2025 Edition

Teenagers and their parents have been at odds since there were teenagers and parents.  But is that gap in understanding widening?  In this segment of Students in the Hall, we asked High School East students to comment on whether or not they think there a disconnect between their generation and their parent’s generation.

Students In The Hall - A Disconnect Between Generations - Hills Review - Spring 2019

Hills Review is the student podcast at Half Hollow Hills High School East and is produced by members of the Podcasting and Filmmaking Club.

Every month during the school year, you can hear a wide variety of ideas and voices on this podcast. There are discussions, stories, insightful interviews, audio documentaries, opinions, and more.

The one thing these podcasts have in common -- is that they are all created by -- and about things -- that matter to us: the students at High School East.

Hills Review

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