Champions for Youth Podcast

Creating Effective Youth Substance Use Intervention Through Education, Partnerships, and Empathy

What happens when we stop using punishment as a response to youth substance use in schools and replace it with education and empathy instead? In this episode, we explore a different approach to youth substance use intervention, one built on trust, relationships, education, and community support instead of suspension or criminal charges. Listen as we learn how partnerships with educators, counselors, recovery communities, and law enforcement are creating a wraparound model that helps reduce stigma, create safe spaces for young people to be heard, and provide support they need to make healthier choices. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.

Building Partnerships that Reduce Stigma and Improve Access for Youth with Paul Jacobson of VEAP

What if the best way to reduce stigma and expand access to resources for young people was through partnerships? In this episode, we explore how working behind the scenes with schools and community partners is helping more young people get the support they need, without added pressure or attention. By listening, building trust, and adapting to each students’ needs, this approach moves away from one-size-fits-all and provides young people with resources they truly need. Take a listen to learn how these relationships are making it easier for young people trust us and ask for help. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.

Building the Next Generation of Leaders: Youth–Adult Partnerships That Work with 1Brotherhood Empowered

What can adults learn if we spend more time listening to young people and empowering them to lead their peers? In this episode, we’re joined by the hosts of 1Brotherhood Empowered Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTVyxj7-cyg&list=PL2H8XgqsZQIoeg3Cc-xF8r8bgRwkHw7bC] to hear how youth and adults are working together to build the next generation of leaders. Each represents a different chapter of their leadership journey; from founding the organization as a teen, to stepping into mentorship, to preparing to lead the next wave of youth. We learn that when adults trust young people’s ideas and guide rather than control, young people begin to see the value we bring in helping them grow as leaders. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.

Changing the Culture of Youth Health and Wellness with Greater Richmond Fit4Kids

What would it take to make healthier habits the normal, easy, and fun choice for young people? In this episode, we explore how simple, engaging programs are helping young people experience health and wellness in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. From movement and nutrition to hands-on activities that make healthy living part of everyday life. We talk about why meeting youth where they are matters, how giving them voice and choice leads to stronger engagement, and why building reliable partnerships makes these programs easier to adopt and last. Because when healthy habits are simple, fun, and part of the culture, they stop being something we teach, and start becoming something everyone expects.  Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.

Beyond the Scroll: Building Youth-Led Digital Well-Being with Daniella Ivanir from #HalfTheStory

What if digital well-being is about more than limiting screen time — what if it’s about helping young people build real-world community? In this episode, we explore how teens themselves are reshaping the conversation around technology and mental health. Through youth-driven digital wellness curriculums, teen advisory boards, and real-world collaboration, young people are helping design healthier ways to navigate a world that never stops scrolling. We talk about why listening to teens makes a difference, how simple ideas like screen-free spaces and real-world connection are gaining momentum, and why many young people are asking for something surprisingly simple — space to unplug, reconnect, and go back to the basics. Because when we create real value instead of just another activity, young people don’t have to be convinced to participate, they show up. halfthestoryproject.org [http://halfthestoryproject.org] Get your free toolkit [https://halfthestory.carrd.co/] Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/championsforyouth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/championsforyouthHQ/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/championsforyouth/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@championsforyouth] Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast [https://vfhy.org/podcast/] — we’d love to hear from you.