Friends on Air

This month's episode was taped at Friendship Cirlce Pittsburgh's Walk 4 Friendship, where we celebrate the spirit of community and inclusion. In this episode, hosts Alex, Ekow, and Sara bring you a collection of mini interviews with participants from the Walk4Friendship, capturing moments that made the day unforgettable. From personal reflections to experiences of connection and unity, each interv...

In this month's episode, our teen host Georgia interviewed a dynamic duo of #Besties, Jakob and Reid. During the episode, we discuss what it means to be a friend, how Reid and Jakob show up for each other, and the qualities they admire about both them and one another and how friendship impacts their day-to-day lives. In addition, Reid and Jakob give some expert tips on how to relax and cope when t...

In this month's episode, our special guest shares the not-so-simple story of her life's journey. Gabriel began to acquire a disability in her years of young adulthood, and the experience furthered her involvement in advocacy and activism around a large variety of societal issues including those surrounding inclusion and disability rights. The vulnerable moments that Gabriel tells are filled with t...

In this month's episode, Noa and Naomi lead a conversation that addresses the overwhelming emotions that have come up for many individuals within, and outside of, the Jewish community in the wake of the terror and tragedy in Israel since October 7th. In addition, we have just passed the 5th anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting, which has been the cause of immense trauma and pain in our communi...

With October being Depression Awareness Month, this month's discussion surrounds that exact topic. Ally, our guest speaker, leads an insightful, educational and practical conversation around the reality of living with depression. From the perspective of a clinical mental health professional who also lives with a mental health diagnosis, Ally shares her story that so many will relate to in some way...

In this month's episode we explore everything related to Friendship Circle's new teen wellness space- The Beacon! Kaitlin, our clinical director, leads us through the background, mission, and vision for this project. She describes the who, what, where, when and why of the space while giving a glimpse into the people (our teens!) who inspired it. Kaitlin shares a bit about her journey as well, and...

In this month's episode we hear from Bob Nelkin, former CEO of the United Way of Wester PA and is said to have turned the organization into "one of the most successful of its kind in the country." Bob is an admirable advocate who has made major change around disability and accessibility rights, and has been working on these efforts since his 20's. The words of wisdom that he shares in this episode...

In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Month, we flipped our usual roles and instead of our teen hosts interviewing guest speakers, our FC staff speak with a number of our teen hosts to hear about the way mental health impacts their lives personally. Ashira, Bracha, Alex and Abbie share insightful experiences and stories relating to their mental health journeys, allowing listeners to relate and...

In this month's episode our teen hosts interview one of our very own Friendship Circle staff members, Becca Greenhouse! Becca shares her expereince living with diagnosed ADHD and how that journey has played out through her life. She speaks about the importance of breaking stigma around mental health issues and the treatment options that exist to support them, including medication and therapy. An i...

In this month’s episode, a group of teens and adults chat in a candid conversation around inclusive spaces, as well as their individual experiences of being a part of them. We talk about the way that safe spaces allow for healthy processing of trauma, loss and any other mental health challenge. Enjoy this free flowing discussion - although it is different than our usual structure, we hope you will...

In this month's episode, our teen host speaks with Councilwoman Erika Strassburger, who is serving the residents of the Pittsburgh's 8th District and is also the first woman elected to this seat! Through her journey of community involvement, advocacy and staffing other political leaders, Erika speaks of how she reached her current position. She talks about the highs and the lows of having a public...

In this month's episode, our teen hosts dive into a deep and meaningful conversation with the co-director of our very own organization, Rivkee Rudolph! We explore important topics while hearing about Rivkee's experience of founding an organization at 23 years old, and the way Friendship Circle has evolved since it's start in 2006. Rivkee shares how she manages to juggle the various parts of her li...

In this episode, our teen hosts discuss the importance of creating safe and supportive communities with guest speaker Maggie Feinstein, the director of the 10/27 Healing Partnership located in Squirrel Hill. Following the tragedy that occurred at the Tree Of Life Synagogue on October 27th, 2018, Maggie, along with various community members, gathered together to create an organization that would he...

In the first episode of season 2, Friendship Circle staff introduce the teen hosts for this season. Each host shares a bit about who they are and why mental health matters to them. Join us in a fun discussion about struggle, healing, and the importance of connection. Tune in to future episodes to hear more from these powerful teen leaders!

“Having an anchor”: Kierra and Nic talk about familial and generational trauma, safe spaces that places like Brookline Teen Outreach Center (BTO) and Compassionate Counseling Center can offer, and the social and emotional learning that they aim to provide to teens in this community based outreach. They importantly talk about understanding that things aren't “wrong with you”, and have instead “happ...

In this month's episode, Heather shares her story and experience as an up and coming social media influencer, and the way that online connections have impacted her life. Hear about the nuances of social media and the communities can be created through online platforms. In light of SMA Awareness month, Heather speaks about what it is like to live with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and why...

In this month's episode, we speak with Cara, a cherished FC Staff member, who shares her mental health journey and experience with our audience. As someone who discovered some of her mental health challenges through the Covid-19 pandemic, Cara spreads a message that is relatable to many and teaches us some of the tools that helped her through tougher times. We hope that this episode will leave you...

In this month's episode we invite Michelle Thomas from the Mentoring Partnership to share her insight on the role that relationships play in a person's wellbeing. She spoke about her personal, as well as work, experience and why this topic is something she is so passionate about. Tune in to this episode to hear about the many mentors in our lives who have made us who we are! Thank you Katie f...

In this month's episode we speak with teen advocates Connor and Luna, along with their mentor, Sarah about advocacy regarding teen mental health in the Pittsburgh area and beyond! We discuss getting started in advocacy; how having passion and a vision is just as important (or more!) as having “experience” and “training”, and how you can make a difference–just as you are! Little changes make big di...

In honor of April being “National Autism Awareness” month, we discuss the personal stories  of our amazing Friendship Circle members Heather and Elana!  They share their experience living with autism, their triumphs and struggles, and teach us that everyone deserves to be seen for their true potential. Heather and Elana teach us that people with autism aren't looking to be “fixed” and th...

In this episode we discuss recognizing early signs of mental illness and how to best navigate them- whether it be something you are seeing in yourself, or in someone close to you.  Drew, a staff at The Friendship Circle, speaks about his mental health journey, and how his Bipolar II disorder has impacted, and continues to impact, his life. We learned about knowing when to connect to a network...

In this episode we explore the importance of friendship in our lives, and how to create healthy boundaries to maintain those relationships. Our guests, a group of close friends, think back to the first time they met, and discuss lots of sweet memories they share. They talked about what makes them unique, and how their special selves have played a role in their connections with others.  T...

Welcome to Episode 2! In this Episode, our guest speaker, Robert Anthony speaks about his experience growing up as an amputee and the different challenges he had to face as a teen. Robert delivers strong encouragement and advice, with the understanding that “we’re all in this together”.

On this episode our Teen Hosts introduce themselves and share their stories, experiences and thoughts on the importance of discussing mental health and emotional wellness. In this episode you will hear about our podcast goals, our unique backgrounds, and why we are so excited to share and grow with our listeners on this podcast!

Welcome to Friends On Air, a podcast presented to you by The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh! Subscribe now and never miss an episode!