North Carolinians for a Tobacco-Free Generation Podcast

Youth Empowerment and Advocacy in Action

In this episode, NCTFG sits down with Mansib, Uma, and Cameron from the Youth Empowerment Team at the Poe Center for Health Education in North Carolina to explore how young people are leading important conversations around tobacco and nicotine prevention. They share insights from their advocacy projects, including the ways social norms, addiction, mental health, and easy access to tobacco products can shape young people’s experiences. The group also discusses what youth advocacy looks like in action, why young people deserve a meaningful seat at the table, and how open communication and support can help create lasting change. Their message is clear: young people are not just the future, they are already making a difference in their communities.

How Youth Advocates Are Working to Stop Teen Vaping

In this episode, we sit down with Nevaeh, Ella, and My Linh, who serve as youth ambassadors for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. As advocates, they are on the front lines of the fight against teen tobacco and nicotine use. These young leaders share what inspired them to get involved, the challenges they’re seeing in their communities, and how they’re working to create real change. From raising awareness about youth vaping to pushing for stronger policies, this conversation highlights the power of youth voices in shaping a tobacco-free future.

PAVe the Way: Parents Leading the Fight Against Youth Vaping

In this episode, Caroline Joyce, Executive Director of Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes (PAVe), discusses how parents can play a key role in addressing the youth vaping epidemic. She shares how the organization was founded, the challenges families face when discovering their child is vaping, and why nicotine addiction can develop so quickly among young people. Joyce also explains how compassionate conversations, better education, and parent-led advocacy can help support youth and push for stronger policies to reduce vaping among adolescents.

Vaping Trends in Schools: An SRO's Perspective

In this podcast episode, Jake Peterson, a school resource officer (SRO) at Eastern Alamance High School in North Carolina, discusses his experiences with students engaging in vaping and e-cigarette use. Peterson emphasizes the importance of building trust with students beyond a traditional law enforcement role to effectively address and mitigate vaping incidents. The challenges faced by schools include students perceiving vaping as less harmful due to the lack of cigarette smell and colorful vape devices. Educating students and integrating anti-vaping messaging into programs like DARE are crucial strategies highlighted for prevention.

Addressing Vaping Harms Through Research and Policy

E-cigarettes were once seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but today, vaping among youth and young adults is one of the most pressing public health challenges. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Joseph Lee from Wake Forest University and Dr. Eric Soule from East Carolina University about how vaping has evolved, what drives young people to start, and what strategies are showing promise in prevention. From flavors and social influence to targeted marketing and health equity, they unpack the science and the solutions shaping the future of tobacco control. Looking to learn more about youth vaping and resources for parents, teachers, and community members? Follow NCTFG on social media! @TobaccoFreeNC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.