This episode of On Our Minds Road Trip takes us to Columbia, Missouri, where drag performers are building community, creating joy, and challenging stereotypes.

Student producer Maggie LeBeau takes us inside the local drag scene, introducing us to performers like Alexxa Pro and Artemis Gray. They’re creating spaces of belonging, especially for young queer people who don’t always have one.

Maggie LeBeau produced the story in this episode.

Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced this episode with editing and mixing by Wyatt Mayes.

Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu.

Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman.

Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA.

Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

Why does Minneapolis celebrate a giant pencil every year? In this episode of On Our Minds: Road Trip, hosts Zack and Helena head to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to explore one of the city’s most delightfully weird traditions: the Giant Pencil Festival on Lake of the Isles. From dancing pencil costumes to a dramatic annual “sharpening” ceremony, this story highlights how creativity, humor, and community spirit turn a fallen tree into a beloved public art celebration. Plus, the hosts share their own quirky stories, including some about Helena’s pet turkey, Juanita.

Divya Thamman produced the story in this episode.

Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited, and mixed this episode.

Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Wyatt Mayes, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba, and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu.

Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman.

Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA, as well as the Lake of the Isles Pencil Festival.

Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.

On Our Minds is produced by teens with PBS News Student Reporting Labs. For our sixth season, hosts Zack from Southern California and Helena from North Carolina head out on a road trip across the U.S.

This first episode takes us to Winter Park, Colorado. Student journalist Theo shares a personal story about growing up, drifting from childhood traditions, and what it feels like to rediscover memories you didn’t even realize you’d forgotten. Along the way, hosts Helena and Zack reflect on their own ideas about nostalgia.

Theo Bonavita produced the story in this episode. Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced, edited and mixed this episode with assistance from Wyatt Mayes.

Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz, with graphics by Anurag Papolu.

Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman.

Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA.

Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.