From Loss to Leadership: Danielle on Suicide Prevention & Mental Health at UCLA

From Loss to Leadership: Danielle on Suicide Prevention & Mental Health at UCLA

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2436759/fan_mail/new] Danielle just graduated from UCLA's nursing program, with her sights set on becoming a psychiatric nurse. But her path into mental health work became deeply personal last year, when she lost her best friend to suicide — someone who was deeply loved across the entire UCLA campus. Instead of letting that loss go unspoken, Danielle helped organize a mental health event in his honor that drew hundreds of attendees. She's now part of UCLA's newly formed youth suicide prevention committee, and her work with NAMI earned her their Youth Leadership Award. In this conversation, Danielle and I talk about what real change in the mental health space actually looks like — not just awareness campaigns, but action. We get into the idea of "smiling depression," why Gen Z is one of the most honest generations when it comes to talking about how they really feel, and what it means to truly hold space for someone when you ask "how are you doing?" Danielle's biggest message: check in on the people you love. Really check in. You might not know what it could mean to them. Rated Gen Z is hosted by Raquel Borras — documentary filmmaker, youth advocate, and founder of Raqvision LLC. ⚠️ This episode discusses suicide loss and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text. powered by raqvision [https://www.raq.vision] If you'd like to become a guest on Rated Gen Z, visit raq.vision to learn more.

I Used to Be That Guy: How Sean Escaped Red Pill & Toxic Alpha Male Culture

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2436759/fan_mail/new] Sean is back. You might remember him from last year's episode. Sean has been vocal about red pill culture and toxic masculinity, and in this episode he gets completely honest about it. He was that guy. The one who bought into the alpha male mentality, who had damaging views about women, and who chased money and status thinking it would make him happy. It didn't. Now he's doing the work. He talks openly about what pulled him into that world, what it cost him, and what finally made him walk away. He's not here to lecture anyone — he's here because he knows there are young men right now sitting in the same algorithm he was trapped in, and he wants them to actually see it for what it is. This is one of the most honest conversations we've had on Rated Gen Z. And honestly, it might be one of the most important ones too. Rated Gen Z is hosted by Raquel Borras — documentary filmmaker, youth advocate, and founder of Raqvision LLC. powered by raqvision [https://www.raq.vision] If you'd like to become a guest on Rated Gen Z, visit raq.vision to learn more.

Art, Apps & Authenticity: Gen Z’s Big Canvas

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2436759/fan_mail/new] This week on Rated Gen Z, Raquel sits down with 18-year-old changemaker Siri, founder of SmilesThruArt and recent creator of a web app bringing art therapy to children’s hospitals. Together, they dig into the real impact of art on mental health, the highs and lows of social media, and why Gen Z is rewriting the rules on connection, college life, and creativity. Tune in for raw stories, practical insights, and proof that there’s way more to Gen Z than TikTok trends! powered by raqvision [https://www.raq.vision] If you'd like to become a guest on Rated Gen Z, visit raq.vision to learn more.

Exploring Spirituality, Science, & Self-Growth: A Conversation with Najuka, Life Coach & Healer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2436759/fan_mail/new] On this episode of Rated Gen Z, Raquel reconnects with Najuka, a 23-year-old healer, life coach, poet, and aspiring novelist based in Mumbai. They discuss Najuka’s unique journey from data analyst to life coach, her experiences helping clients address root issues through life coaching, akashic readings, and numerology, and the increasing openness among Gen Z in India to explore mental health and spirituality beyond traditional career paths. The conversation explores the intersection of science and spirituality, the importance of addressing inner blockages to unlock abundance, and practical insights for young people striving for self-improvement and deeper fulfillment. Najuka shares stories of intuitive connection with others, the value of observing one’s own thoughts, and advice for those seeking to reprogram old patterns. The episode closes with reflections on compassion, interconnectedness, and embracing both scientific and spiritual ways of understanding the world—and a simple daily practice to spark self-awareness and positive change. powered by raqvision [https://www.raq.vision] If you'd like to become a guest on Rated Gen Z, visit raq.vision to learn more.

Gen Z Grit: Navigating Pressure, Purpose & College Life

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2436759/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Rated Gen Z, host Raquel Host sits down with 19 year old Maliya for an honest and insightful conversation about growing up, navigating academic and social pressures, and finding your path in today’s world. Maliya shares her journey from San Diego to USC, her passion for behavioral economics and psychology, and the inspiration behind her own podcast, The Mental Playbook. Together, they discuss the challenges of comparison culture, the impact of social media, college life, and the importance of building resilience. Whether reminiscing about their high school days at Francis Parker or diving into the realities of clubs, sports, and sorority rush, this episode brings generational perspectives together in an open and relatable way. powered by raqvision [https://www.raq.vision] If you'd like to become a guest on Rated Gen Z, visit raq.vision to learn more.