ABCT Teen Talk TV · My54 WUPL-TV
Real Topics. Real Conversations. Real Impact.
A talk show by and for teens. ABCT’s young people take the interviewer’s chair and put New Orleans leaders, artists and legends on the record.
Taping with Judge Clinton Smith
About the Show
Teens asking the questions that matter.
ABCT Teen Talk TV, first launched as What’s Going On, airs on My54 WUPL-TV. Each 30-minute episode brings a guest into conversation with ABCT teens. Two teen hosts open the interview, then the floor goes to the teen audience.
Guests have included Mayor Helena Moreno, District Attorney Jason Williams, Judge Clinton Smith, Wendell Pierce, filmmaker Edward Buckles Jr. and Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans.
- Hosting & interviewing
- On-air presentation
- Camera operation
- Production
- Research & critical thinking
- Finding your voice
- 2022First season · 6 episodes
- 202512 episodes
- 2026A full season
The 2026 Season
- 1
Madam Mayor, What About Us?New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno
- 2
Justice Today, Opportunities TomorrowDistrict Attorney Jason Williams
- 3
From the Sketchbook to the RunwayNew Orleans fashion designers
- 4
From Mr. Bean’s Acting Class to Broadway & HollywoodWendell Pierce
- 5
Still Reigning: A Celebration of Irma Thomas60-minute special at the historic Dew Drop Inn
- 6
Before the Courtroom: Prevention. Purpose. Potential.Judge Clinton Smith
Watch on My54 WUPL-TV and stream at my54.com. Follow @ABCTTeenTalkTV.
Our teens, holding the mic.
At the New Orleans premiere of They Fight at the Orpheum Theater, Teen Talk TV’s Jordan Bates (left) and Bryn Ayers (right) interviewed the film’s star, Wendell Pierce.
It was a full-circle moment. Anthony Bean was Wendell Pierce’s first acting teacher, in the 1980s. Decades later, the next generation of ABCT students was there to ask him the questions.
From student to star, and back to the students. That is the ABCT story.
Made by teens. On a real set.
Teen Talk TV is created by the teens of ABCT Summer Camp. In the ABCT studio they learn to research, write, host and interview, and sit down with the leaders and legends of New Orleans.
Topics We Address
Tap a topic to learn more. Every conversation is guided by ABCT staff, and many topics are discussed with community experts.
Black Lives Matter Movement
The movement’s history, racial profiling, implicit bias, allyship, and how young people have led change.
Teen Relationships
Healthy relationships, consent, communication, boundaries and respect, with an emphasis on self-respect and talking with trusted adults.
Overcoming Fear & Anxiety
Coping strategies, teens sharing their own stories, and knowing when to seek help from a professional.
Drug Use Prevention
Peer pressure, how substances affect the developing brain, vaping and prescription misuse, and healthy ways to handle stress.
Grief & Loss
The different ways people mourn, coping with the loss of loved ones or friendships, and where to find support.
Crime Prevention
The long-term effects of a criminal record, how gangs recruit, positive choices, and alternatives in the community.
Anti-Bullying
Bullying and cyberbullying, supporting someone being targeted, reporting, and becoming an upstander.
Theft & Consequences
The legal consequences, the effect on victims, why people steal, and how small choices shape future opportunities.
Racial Discrimination
Experiences of discrimination, microaggressions, appreciation versus appropriation, and how to be an ally.
Systemic Racism Awareness
How policies like redlining and unequal school funding created lasting disparities, and paths to reform through policy, organizing and personal action.
Politics & Religion
Discussing different political and faith views with respect, the separation of church and state, and how to disagree civilly.
Colorism in the Black Community
The roots of skin-tone bias, its effect on self-esteem and opportunity, and building self-love and unity.
In the News
- Data News WeeklyCover story · January 2025
- The Times-Picayune“What’s Going On” · 2025
- Data News Weekly“Teens Take the Interviewer’s Chair” · 2026
Be on the Show
We’re always looking for new voices.
Applications are open year-round. Teens can join as a host or as a member of the studio audience, asking the guests their own questions.
- HostsLead the interview, open the show and keep the conversation moving.
- Audience membersSit in on tapings and ask the guests hard, thoughtful questions.
We’re looking for teens who are
Bright and outgoing · Passionate · Strong in conversation · Not camera-shy · Ready to ask hard, thought-provoking questions
- Ages
- 13–17
- Open to
- All genders and ethnicities
- To apply
- Complete the online application
- Under 18
- A parent or guardian must give permission
Under 18? A parent or guardian must sign the Talent Release before you appear on camera.
Sign the Talent Release
Your Voice Belongs Here
The next generation has something to say.
Questions about Teen Talk TV? Call (504) 862-PLAY (7529) or email teentalktv@anthonybeantheater.com.