Collaborations with KQED

LifeSteps is an award-winning new 10-part Public Television series that provides a revealing and dramatic look into the emotional life of teens as they grapple with the vexing problems and mounting challenges of the complex transition to adulthood.

Produced by Heartland Media and taped on location at high schools in California, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, LifeSteps is hosted by youth counselor, and humorist Michael Pritchard. As in his previous public television series, Saving Our Schools from Hate and Violence, PeaceTalks, The Power of Choice, You Can Choose! and Big Changes - Big Choices, Pritchard once again uses his unique talents to unlock the often remote and confusing world of teens. No one can wake-up a jaded, angry teenager like Pritchard. They open up and talk about their lives with unusual candor and honesty, broaching topics they rarely discuss with even their parents, teachers, or counselors.

Michael begins each program addressing a large school assembly where his moving stories and insightful, disarming humor break down the defensiveness and cynicism of his young audience. He then facilitates a series of spontaneous, free-wheeling group discussions, where he engages the students in a thoughtful give-and-take and challenges them to take a close look at their own attitudes, behaviors and choices. Throughout, he gently brings the discussion back to key life skills and core values -- personal responsibility, compassion for others, and the courage to stand up for what is right -- always reminding his young friends that they have the power to make positive changes and become more caring, self-aware and successful.