Youth Voice Amplified

Live from the YACT Summit: Students Speak Out on Tobacco Prevention (Part 1)

What happens when students are handed the microphone and asked to speak up about an issue impacting their generation?  In this special live episode of Youth Voice Amplified, Brian and Gennessa sit down with students from across Kern County at the 4th Annual Youth Against Commercial Tobacco Summit in Bakersfield, California hosted by the Blue Zones Project Bakersfield [https://bakersfield.bluezonesproject.com/], Kern County Public Health [https://www.kernpublichealth.com/healthy-community/tobacco-education-program], Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office [https://kern.org/community-schools/tupe-tobacco-education/], and Students Working Against Tobacco [https://linktr.ee/KC_SWAT]. After learning how podcasting can be used as a tool for advocacy from Brian ad Gennessa, student teams reflected on powerful questions about vaping, tobacco marketing, peer pressure, and protecting their future. Each school selected one or two students to then step up to the mic and share their group’s message on our podcast! In Part 1 of this two-part series, you’ll hear honest, thoughtful, and inspiring perspectives from students who use their voices to raise awareness and create change. Students also created powerful art pieces for a youth art gallery, offering another creative look into their experiences, perspectives, and messages for change. View the gallery here [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RiAQlU34yrWzhc-PA3RqlCU_V5HbGDam?usp=drive_link]. Youth voice is powerful. And these students are proving it! Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OD27WiN5T9I4ufBskvp8_uXumvjB4pzLKeG0nY9AjLk/edit?usp=sharing] Connect with Youth Voice Amplified * Youth Voice Amplified Podcast [https://kern.org/yva/] * Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast/] * Youth Voice Amplified [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090274800613%20]on Facebook  If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  [https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/beatitude] 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/fan_mail/new]

Y2L: Turning Barriers into College Dreams, One Story at a Time

In this episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we sit down with Gabe Adame and Paola Caballero from Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation (Y2L) [https://www.youth2leaders.org/] to explore what it really takes for students to see college as possible and actually get there. For decades, Y2L has supported students across Kern County with financial aid, career exploration, and confidence building, but this conversation goes beyond programs. Paola shares her powerful full-circle story, from growing up in a migrant agricultural family and discovering Y2L as a student to now mentoring the next generation. Her journey highlights the realities many first-generation students face and the moment when college starts to feel within reach.  Together, Gabe and Paola break down the barriers students face, what families truly need, and how Y2L creates a clear roadmap so students don’t have to navigate it alone. They also share why student voice and lived experience are key to meaningful support. This episode is a reminder that when young people are seen, supported, and heard, they don’t just succeed...they come back to lift others up! Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OD27WiN5T9I4ufBskvp8_uXumvjB4pzLKeG0nY9AjLk/edit?usp=sharing] Connect with Youth Voice Amplified * Youth Voice Amplified Podcast [https://kern.org/yva/] * Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast/] * Youth Voice Amplified [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090274800613%20]on Facebook  If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  [https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/beatitude] 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/fan_mail/new]

Proof of Possibility: Brian’s Favorite Youth Voice Moments

In this special compilation episode, co-host Brian Johnson takes the mic solo to share some of his favorite moments from Youth Voice Amplified — all centered on the themes of hope and resilience. You’ll hear powerful clips from youth storytellers and adult allies who remind us what’s possible when young people are seen, supported, and believed in. From Angela’s journey toward peace and purpose, to Dakota’s determination to build a future, to the Dream Center’s community-powered support, to Manuel’s reminder of the life-changing impact of one caring adult ... these stories are proof that even in the hardest seasons, light still breaks through. If you need a boost, a reminder of why youth voice matters, or a few minutes of inspiration that sticks with you long after the episode ends...this one’s for you! Links to featured episodes * Angela's Story of Survival, Strength, and Starting Over (Part 1) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/episodes/17270424] * The Good Road Ahead: Dakota’s Story of Resilience [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/episodes/16512635-the-good-road-ahead-dakota-s-story-of-resilience.mp3?download=true] * Joy for All: Helping Foster Youth in Need This Holiday Season [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/episodes/16209328] * His Comeback Season: Himothy's Journey Through Juvenile Justice (Part 2) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/episodes/14977444] * Amplifying Student Voices: A Conversation with Dr. John Mendiburu [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/episodes/13703661-amplifying-student-voices-a-conversation-with-dr-john-mendiburu.mp3?download=true] * Don’t Give Up Hope: Manuel’s Journey to a Life of Purpose & Service [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/episodes/12984991] Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OD27WiN5T9I4ufBskvp8_uXumvjB4pzLKeG0nY9AjLk/edit?usp=sharing] Connect with Youth Voice Amplified * Youth Voice Amplified Podcast [https://kern.org/yva/] * Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast/] * Youth Voice Amplified [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090274800613%20]on Facebook  If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  [https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/beatitude] 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/fan_mail/new]

When Youth Lead the Way: Carter Beardsley Returns

Ever since launching Youth Voice Amplified, we dreamed of featuring a student who would take their passion for youth voice and turn it into real, lasting change. In this powerful follow-up to Episode 20 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/episodes/15539745], we welcome back Carter Beardsley—now a college student, Education Navigator, and still a full-force advocate for youth voice. Carter discusses how his high school work in leadership, literacy, and advocacy led to the creation of Pathways, a countywide initiative helping foster and homeless youth access college and career opportunities. From policy pitches to program-building, Carter shares how a simple idea turned into a system-shifting program with the support of adults who believed in him. In this episode, Carter reflects on what it means to go from being given a seat at the table to helping build the table for others. He shares how student-led projects evolved into countywide change, what it takes to move from tokenism to true partnership, and how supportive adults helped fuel his journey. This episode is a masterclass in action, equity, and what happens when youth are truly heard. Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OD27WiN5T9I4ufBskvp8_uXumvjB4pzLKeG0nY9AjLk/edit?usp=sharing] Connect with Youth Voice Amplified * Youth Voice Amplified Podcast [https://kern.org/yva/] * Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast/] * Youth Voice Amplified [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090274800613%20]on Facebook  If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  [https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/beatitude] 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/fan_mail/new]

Breaking the Cycle: Youth, Gun Violence & Hope with Assistant Chief Brent Stratton

In this powerful kickoff to 2026, Youth Voice Amplified sits down with Assistant Chief Brent Stratton of the Bakersfield Police Department for a raw and deeply hopeful conversation about how communities and the youth in them can break the cycle of gun violence. Assistant Chief Stratton opens up about the Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a bold, multi-agency collaboration that’s already led to a dramatic drop in homicides in Bakersfield, and how it’s built on relationships, real-time response, and trusting community voice.  But that’s just part of the story. Chief Stratton also shares about Youth Connection, a grassroots prevention program that’s creating safe, meaningful opportunities for young people before they’re pulled into the justice system.  Whether you’re a young person trying to navigate difficult choices, a public servant looking for real solutions, or a community ally ready to take action, this episode delivers insight, hope, and a reminder that change is possible.  Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OD27WiN5T9I4ufBskvp8_uXumvjB4pzLKeG0nY9AjLk/edit?usp=sharing] Connect with Youth Voice Amplified * Youth Voice Amplified Podcast [https://kern.org/yva/] * Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast/] * Youth Voice Amplified [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090274800613%20]on Facebook  If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  [https://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/beatitude] 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121587/fan_mail/new]