Embers

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, our teen hosts wanted to interview a group of people who have a tremendous impact on young people. Teachers. As we all know, teachers play a pivotal role in helping kids know they matter and empowering them to grow in all kinds of ways. What a gift to talk with three local teachers as they shared their experiences - and their feelings - in supporting students. We left the episode feeling equal parts gratitude and hope.

We turned the tables this month and invited a few Valo parents to be our guests. Each shined light as they showed up fully for a brave conversation about parenting. Their candor was refreshing as they shared their personal journeys as parents. From how they connect with their children to parts they wish they could do over to how well they know their children, these parents reflected the best in our ways of being. They were curious, open, and vulnerable - and for that we are incredibly grateful.

Teens are keenly aware of the often unspoken but clearly felt expectation to be perfect. This can look as different as each individual youth, but one thread is clearly woven in - the inevitable pressure to strive toward perfection. In this episode, our teens talk with one another about how they choose to engage in this social phenomenon, and - for a bit - explore what it might feel like to lean into the opposite of it: imperfection.

Youth Speak Their Truths about Mental Health by Valo

We were fortunate to have a chance to sit down and hear from a group of male high school soccer players who had recently participated in a Valo program during their pre-season training. The perspectives they shared about vulnerability, connection, being unplugged, and what it means to support their teammates on and off the field left us filled with hope. Maybe it will do the same for you….

In this episode, we have decided to take a bit of a different approach. Instead of our usual interview and interviewee format, in this episode you will hear many voices and many perspectives. We asked Valo alumni of different ages to share advice they would give a young person about tending to their mental health and emotional wellbeing. We hope you find the collection of voices enlightening. We appreciated hearing the wide range of experiences, ideas, and insights that Valo alumni use and embody, even as they transition into adulthood. It gives us hope as we continue to consider ways we can all tend to our own wellbeing, and support others as well.