What does it take to build a newspaper from the ground up—and what do you learn after doing it every week for a year?

In this episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas speaks with Melissa Russell, founding and managing editor of the Weston Observer, and Chris Larrabee, assistant editor, as the newspaper celebrates its first anniversary.

Melissa and Chris share what it was like to launch a newspaper without the systems, relationships, and institutional knowledge of an established publication. They talk about getting to know a community, building relationships with sources, creating the infrastructure needed to produce a weekly paper, and learning about Weston while simultaneously reporting on it.

The conversation also goes behind the scenes of producing the Observer. Melissa and Chris explain how they decide what is newsworthy, manage competing stories and deadlines, and adjust when plans change. Looking back on their first year, they discuss how experience has given them stronger relationships, deeper knowledge of the community, and a better sense of where to focus their attention.

For students interested in journalism, they offer practical advice about curiosity, listening, preparation, asking good questions, accepting feedback, and learning from mistakes. They also share their own paths into journalism—and why neither started college expecting to become a journalist.

Natalya closes by reflecting on a lesson that extends beyond journalism: many skills develop through experience—trying something, seeing what works, adjusting, and being better prepared the next time. She also shares what writing a student column for the Weston Observer has taught her about contributing to a larger community conversation.

Many thanks to the Weston Media Center for helping us record and edit this episode.

Resources & Links:

• For student journalists: Use our 5 Questions for Your Student Newsroom discussion guide with your journalism class, editorial board, or newspaper staff. The questions build on Melissa and Chris's experiences and explore what you cover, how you choose stories, interviewing, handling the unexpected, and becoming a better journalist.
• You can read my reflections on the interview here: Experience Is Part of the Training
• Weston Observer
• Above the Fold, the Weston Observer podcast
• Weston Media Center
• Visit TeenExec.com for blog posts, tools, and upcoming programs
• Join Teen Exec on Instagram and LinkedIn

What does it take to lead, make difficult decisions, and turn an interest in your community into meaningful action?

In this episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas speaks with Massachusetts State Representative Alice Peisch, who represents the 14th Norfolk District, including Wellesley, Weston, and part of Lincoln.

Representative Peisch shares how her path into public service began at the local level and eventually led to the Massachusetts State House. She talks about what the work of a state representative actually looks like, from developing legislation and meeting with constituents to helping communities navigate state government.

The conversation explores how leaders make decisions when there are competing priorities and perspectives. Representative Peisch discusses the importance of learning about an issue, listening to different points of view, looking for common ground, and recognizing that making progress often requires working with people who don't completely agree.

She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she manages a job with no typical day. She explains how she prioritizes among many different responsibilities, works with her staff to keep track of issues and constituent concerns, and uses a weekly review to make sure important and time-sensitive matters receive attention.

Drawing on her 12 years as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education and her service on the National Assessment Governing Board, Representative Peisch also shares her perspective on education, assessments, technology, cell phones and social media, and the importance of helping students learn how to evaluate the information they encounter.

The episode closes with a conversation about how young people can make a difference even before they're old enough to vote. Representative Peisch encourages students to get involved in student and local government, learn about issues they care about, reach out directly to elected officials, and listen to people who may see those issues differently.

Many thanks to the Weston Media Center for helping us record and edit this episode.

Resources & Links:

• You can read my reflections on the interview here: What I learned about leadership and government from State Representative Alice Peisch.
• Massachusetts House of Representatives — Representative Alice Peisch
• Massachusetts General Court
• National Assessment Governing Board
• Visit TeenExec.com for blog posts, tools, and upcoming programs
• Join Teen Exec on Instagram and LinkedIn

What does it take to lead, make decisions, and plan for the future of a public school district?

In this episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas and Dr. Stacy Smith speak with Steve Dietz, a candidate for the Weston School Committee.

As part of a special series, the two candidates in the 2026 School Committee election are asked the same set of questions in separate interviews. These conversations are designed to help listeners understand each candidate’s background, leadership approach, and perspective on key issues facing Weston’s schools. Weston’s town election will take place on May 2, 2026, which provides important context for these discussions.

Steve shares how his background in technology and product management influences the way he thinks about leadership. He talks about the importance of listening, asking good questions, and working through complex problems step by step.

The conversation also explores how leaders weigh competing priorities, along with perspectives on technology in education, supporting teachers, and maintaining strong academic standards.

The episode closes with advice for students on leadership, decision-making, and building independence.

Many thanks to the Weston Media Center for helping us record and edit this episode.

• Steve’s campaign website
• Weston Observer’s interview with Steve
• Weston Public Schools
• Weston School Committee
• Visit TeenExec.com for information about upcoming workshops, coaching, and other insights
• Join Teen Exec on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn