Youth Voices in Mental Health

Resilience in Recover: A Conversation with Victoria Treadwell

In this episode of the 2025 NAMI New York State Next Gen Podcast, host Taylor Locke speaks with Victoria Treadwell – a student at the University at Albany, certified surgical technologist, pilot trainee, marathon runner, and 2023 Miss New York State for America Strong. As an overdose survivor and passionate advocate, Victoria shares her powerful story of hope, determination, and using her platform to challenge stigma around substance use disorder.

Young Voices, Global Impact: A Conversation with Isaac Lara

In the first episode for the 2025 NAMI New York State NextGen Podcast, host Taylor Locke sits down with Isaac Lara - NAMI National NextGen Advisor, full-time research assistant at Harvard Medical School's Mental Health for All Lab, and advisor to the World Health Organization. From his personal healing journey to leading global mental health initiatives, Isaac shares powerful insights on peer support, youth advocacy, and the future of mental health. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how young voices are at the front of empowering change.

Behind the Youth-Led Movement to Reform Social Media

NAMI NextGen member Daniella Ivanir interviews Ava Smithing, a youth advocate for safer tech and youth mental health. Ava shares what it was like growing up as part of the first social media generation, her struggles with online harms, and the turning point that led her to protect future generations. They discuss the toll of advocacy, pushing back against profit-driven systems, and mobilizing a youth-led movement. Produced by Daniella Ivanir, Haley Amering, and Brad Gage

Psychology Misinformation on TikTok

Compared to other generations, I think youth have come a very long way in acknowledging and working to better mental health. However, there are certain trends we see on social media with good intentions, but harmful consequences. Today we're talking about self- diagnoses of mental illnesses and the prominence of "therapy speak." We had the pleasure of talking with Lorenzo Lorenzo-Luaces who is Associate Professor Psychology at Indiana University, and is giving their input on the subject. Those on tiktok and other social media platforms have likely seen some version of both these things, but why are these harmful and what can we do to address them? It's an important area of mental health to discuss because of its incredible accessibility, and one doesn't even need to search to find information about it. While social media has done great things for advocacy and awareness, it may have gone too far, which we will discuss and think about on this week's podcast! Produced by: Alyssa Sawicki, Brad Gage, and Haley Amering Edited by: Brad Gage

Understanding High-Functioning Depression

On this episode Tamahina Pierrot speaks with Dr Judith Joseph - a psychiatrist who is famous for her reels on social media about high-functioning depression, how it is different from regular depression, and the impact anhedonia can have on you. Produced by: Tamahina Pierrot, Brad Gage, and Haley Amering Featuring: Tamahina Pierrot and Dr. Judith Joseph