Youth Unmuted

Ep. 15 - Generational Struggles: Tools for Better Mental Health

Generational trauma is a quiet thief that robs families of emotional stability before the next generation even has a chance to start. While awareness is higher than ever, the systems meant to provide support often remain difficult to navigate, leaving parents and youth feeling isolated in their struggle. In this episode, Misty Ingalls and Lupita Perez Lopez return to discuss the practical realities of child advocacy and the environmental factors that shape mental wellness. We sit down to explore the tactical side of emotional regulation and how targeted interventions can change a child's trajectory. The conversation covers the "Missing Middle" of mental health support, the implementation of media-based curriculums like Inside Out and Lilo and Stitch, and the specific challenges of cyberbullying in the digital age. Misty and Lupita share their unique philosophy on "strength-based" advocacy, moving away from clinical judgment to work alongside families as teammates. The unglamorous truth is that mental health isn't just about a single "aha" moment; it involves navigating broken systems and addressing the stigma that still exists within specific cultural communities. You will walk away with a better understanding of how environmental factors like home life and support systems dictate wellness and why self-care is a non-negotiable requirement for those in leadership or caregiving roles. If you care about youth advocacy, breaking generational cycles, and practical mental health tools, you’ll get a lot from this. Please subscribe to Youth Unmuted and share this episode with a parent or educator who needs to hear it. What is one small "green flag" you’ve started looking for in your own daily routine or relationships?

Ep. 14 - Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

Suffering in silence is a quiet profit killer for a child's potential, often disguised as "just being a teenager" or "acting out." In a world that is louder and more connected than ever, the stakes for youth mental health have never been higher because the internal noise can become deafening without the right support systems. We sit down with Misty Ingalls and Lupita Perez Lopez, two dedicated child advocates from the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County, to discuss how we can better protect the mental well-being of the next generation. We get into the tactical ways that organizations can bridge the gap between school and home through trauma-informed care. Our conversation covers the implementation of onsite calm centers, the "iceberg method" of identifying underlying needs, and the importance of establishing holistic wellness routines for teens. Misty and Lupita share their "secret sauce" for building trust, which involves moving past the initial behavior to address the core human need for safety and regulation. The unglamorous truth is that mental health support is not a one-time fix but a consistent, often difficult commitment to breaking generational cycles and taboos. You will walk away with a deeper understanding of the subtle warning signs of isolation and practical grounding techniques that any young person can use when they feel overwhelmed. This episode serves as a vital reminder that while professional resources are essential, the simple act of a trusted adult listening without judgment remains one of the most powerful tools in our kit.

Ep. 13 - Hunger in Arkansas: Holden Faces the Reality

Arkansas is ranked 50 out of 50 for food insecurity, and that statistic stops being “data” the moment you picture a classmate wondering where dinner will come from. We sit down with Holden J, our 2026 Youth of the Year, to talk about why hunger became his platform, what food insecurity really looks like day to day, and why it can stay hidden even in communities that look like they’re doing fine from the outside. We get practical fast. Holden breaks down simple ways to help that don’t require a huge budget or a perfect plan: donate what you can, volunteer at a food bank, support local drives, and consider building or stocking a blessing box so families can access food and essentials with dignity. We also talk about how community partners, sponsors, and donors make youth programs possible at the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County, and why giving time matters just as much as giving money. Then we switch gears with a “this or that” game, share favorite memories from trips and conferences, and reflect on how advocacy grows through friendship, mentorship, and real support. From Washington, DC conversations with senators to the everyday work of showing up for kids, the takeaway is clear: community care is not theoretical, it’s built through action. Subscribe to Youth Unmuted wherever you get your podcasts, share this with someone who cares about youth leadership and fighting hunger, and leave a review to help more listeners find us. Where would a blessing box help most in your community?

Ep. 12 - Club Kid to State Star: Holden’s 13-Year Journey

A kid walks up to the CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, shakes his hand, and says, “I want your job one day.” That sounds like a movie line until you hear what happened next and how it connects to youth leadership, mentorship, and big goals that start in ordinary places. We’re joined by Ashley (today’s host) and Holden Jeffries, our 2026 Youth of the Year for Arkansas and local winner, to rewind his Boys and Girls Club journey from age six to senior year. Holden shares the small moments that built real confidence: after-school routines, summer field trips, gym games, a childhood talent show, and the friendships that stick for life. We also talk about how club programs create a bridge between school and home by teaching practical life skills and values, including Passport to Manhood and the mentors who helped shape Holden’s idea of what it means to show up for others. Then we get very specific about the Youth of the Year process: the essays, resume, cover letter, recommendations, interviews, and the memorized speech that pushes teens to clarify their story and their platform. Holden explains why he chose food insecurity in Arkansas, how he raised funds for non-perishable food, supported blessing boxes, and worked to reduce the stigma around hunger. You’ll also hear how networking and courage opened doors, including time at national headquarters after that now-famous handshake. If you care about teen leadership development, scholarship opportunities, community service, or the real impact of Boys and Girls Club programs, hit subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review. What cause would you choose as your platform?

Ep. 11 - The Human Side of Retail: Walmart’s Heart in Local Communities

Food insecurity can feel like a problem that belongs to “someone else,” until you realize your community needs you and it needs you now. We’re back for part two with Kayla and Rachel from Walmart, and we get practical about how real hunger relief works on the ground, from your local food bank to the nationwide partnerships that help food reach families. We talk about simple actions that actually add up: volunteering at a food pantry, showing up consistently, and using campaigns like Walmart's Fight Hunger. Spark Change to turn everyday shopping into support through participating items, register roundups, and online giving connected to Feeding America. We also share the side of corporate philanthropy that people don’t always see, including how much Walmart associates care and how unsold food donations help reduce food waste while supporting local hunger relief. Then we zoom out to what happens when disaster hits. Kayla and Rachel explain how Walmart disaster relief can bring essentials into a community fast, including services set up in parking lots and partner support that helps people get through the first chaotic days. We also highlight Spark Good programs and grant paths that can help smaller nonprofits, plus volunteer options for introverts who want to contribute with skills like graphic design or application support. If you’ve ever wondered how to help with hunger in Arkansas or where to start with community volunteering, this conversation gives you a clear first step. Subscribe to Youth Unmuted, share this with a friend who wants to make a difference, and leave a review so more people find the episode.