In this episode, we will interview Dr. Rogelio Alejandro Lopez, a scholar and media maker with an interest in social movements, media activism, and youth civic media. Dr. Rogelio earned his doctorate in communication at USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where his dissertation examined the media practices of youth activists involved in social movements. He is currently teaching as an adjunct at USC Annenberg.

0:22 - About Dr. Rogelio

2:48 - What have your studies taught you about the connections between societal and media perceptions as well as mental health?

8:52 - How do you think being a minority impacts how mental health issues are both managed and perceived?

18:48 - How has the media portrayal of mental health issues impacted how the real world deals with their own mental health issues?

22:51 - What can people in media and celebrities do instead so that people facing mental health issues can feel more empowered ?

25:57 - How have younger generations been seen fighting these stigmas differently than older generations. And do you think social media is the reason why young people are more outspoken about these issues?

35:06 - How can activism be used to fight the stigma surrounding mental health and how are minorities with these conditions perceived?

40:44 - What advice can you give to students who have never dealt with mental health issues before and are fighting imposter syndrome at USC?

44:26 - Do you have any resources that have helped your mental health over the years?