SHINEcast

In this episode of SHINEcast, students sit down with Aldea staff to discuss common questions, myths, and misconceptions about substance use and addiction. Through an honest and informative conversation, they explore the realities those face, share helpful resources, and provide insight on how to support healthy choices and open communication.

This SHINEcast episode is an UpValley Family Centers takeover, where Student Wellness Specialist Yessi leads a thoughtful conversation with students from Calistoga Jr/Sr High and St. Helena High School. Together, they dive into the value of wellness centers in schools, unpack the complexities of being first-generation, and talk about the importance of support systems.

Moving away for college is more than just packing bags; it’s a major life shift. In this episode of SHINEcast, we sit down with Dr. Yanira Hernandez, the keynote speaker from the Napa Valley Wellness Conference, to discuss the emotional and mental hurdles of the high-school-to-college transition.

Episode 3 of Shinecast features a powerful conversation with Puertas Abiertas! In this episode, students and adult guests share their personal journeys as first-generation college students, opening up about navigating the college application process, embracing their cultural identities, and overcoming challenges along the way.

Join the students as they discuss what it means to be in a healthy relationship and how to recognize when a partner, friend, or family member is disrupting your peace. With guidance from Youth Specialist Yarely Chavez, explore how to set firm boundaries and why it’s important to listen to your gut feeling.

Welcome back to a brand new season of SHINEcast! Our new cast of students sits down to have a conversation on navigating mental health during the holidays. The students are joined by Mentis therapist, Karina Aguilar Sanchez, who shares insights on what can cause holiday stress, ways to decompress, and advice on how to protect your peace.

In this special SHINEcast episode, Yesha Sacatani, founder of Self Lovin’ Hearts, sits down with Mentis therapist Jessica Musgrove-Ortiz to explore the meaning of self-love. Together, they discuss how self-love supports mental health, helps with academic burnout, college stress, and navigating tough conversations with immigrant parents.

Content Warning : This episode of SHINEcast focuses on eating disorders and body image. Listener discretion is advised, and it’s okay to pause or skip this episode if needed. In this SHINEcast episode, students sit down with Jessie Wrye, a licensed nutritionist and the founder/director of As You Are Nutrition, for an open and honest conversation about eating disorders and body image. Together, the...

In this episode, our host, Aj, sits down with the students to talk all about time management. They discuss how senioritis can impact motivation, the constant battle with screen time, and how they balance school assignments and extracurricular activities. The students dive into their tips and tricks on how they manage their time effectively. They’re also joined by Science and AVID teacher Brian Gin...

In this episode, our host, Mia, sits down with Napa High students who share their personal stories of immigrating to another country. Together, they discuss the challenges and emotions they faced, their experiences adjusting to life in an American high school, and the cultural differences they've encountered. They also reflect on how their journey has shaped who they are today and the unique persp...

In this special episode of SHINEcast, our cast sits down with Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, published author, and keynote speaker for the 6th Annual Napa Valley Wellness Conference. The conversation dives deep into attachment theory, exploring how our attachment styles shape our emotional development and influence the way we connect with others. Dr. Ho shares her expertis...

Join our new cast—Aj, Itzel, Mason, Mia, and Tania—as they open up about the excitement and fears of growing up and graduating high school. They share their current experiences and hopes for the future, while reflecting on what lies ahead. Joined by their adult guest, David Allred, an elementary school teacher at NVLA, they gain valuable advice on transitioning from high school, making new connect...

In this episode of SHINEcast, we’re diving into a topic that impacts us all: loneliness. Join our hosts as they explore what loneliness really means, why it’s more common than ever, and how it affects our mental health. We’ll hear personal stories, share insights from experts, and offer practical tips for building meaningful connections. Whether you’re feeling lonely yourself or want to support so...

In this episode of SHINEcast, co-hosts Demian and Brianna are joined by special guest Julia Bui to dive into the challenges and victories that define the teen years. From juggling school stress and social pressures to celebrating personal milestones, the conversation explores what it means to grow up in today’s world. The cast reflects on lessons learned, offering encouragement and relatable advic...

In this episode of SHINEcast, we dive into the power of self-love with a special feature on Self Lovin' Hearts, a local non-profit founded by our very own co-host Yesha. Join us as we explore the importance of loving yourself, how to build a strong foundation of self-worth, and hear inspiring stories from the Self Lovin' Hearts community. Whether you're on your own self-love journey or looking to...

On this special episode of SHINEcast, Camille Creek students discuss how equine therapy, career technical education programs, and school-based wellness programming can positively impact their educational journeys. Joined by mentor Garrett Sathre, these students candidly examine the ways in which Camille Creek's approach to mental health defies convention and inspires students to look toward the fu...

In this special edition of SHINEcast, our student hosts interview Dr. Janet Taylor, a renowned psychiatrist, self-care coach, entrepreneur, mother, and author of The Courageous Classroom. As the keynote speaker of the 5th Annual Napa Valley Wellness Conference, Dr. Taylor shares her insights on how to build resilient teachers, students, and classrooms.

In this special podcast takeover, we welcome FLAGG: Filipino Life and Generations Group! Members of FLAGG and FLAGG coordinator, Clarence Mamaril join us to share personal stories, the joys and challenges of balancing two cultures, and shedding light on the importance of mental health conversations. Listen as they explore how their heritage shapes their daily lives and impacts their perspectives....

In this episode of the SHINE Podcast, we dive into the topic of healthy relationships, both platonic and romantic. Our guests, Karla Salazar Martinez and Carla Andrade-Maston from NEWS, an organization specializing in domestic violence and sexual abuse services, share valuable insights and resources. They discuss the key components of a healthy relationship, including trust and communication, and...

In this episode of the Shine Podcast, the students invite Stephanie Odalise, a behavioral health counselor to discuss how academic pressure has affected them. The students delve into the sources of their academic stress, particularly expectations set by family and the competitive structure of high school. This candid conversation aims to empower students to navigate academic challenges while prior...

Join us for the third installment of SHINEcast as we unravel the layers of anxiety. Hear firsthand accounts from students and guest Daisy Zamora, gain practical strategies for managing anxiety, and discover a supportive community ready to navigate this journey together. Tune in to embrace understanding, empathy, and resilience in the face of anxiety.

In our second episode, our hosts discuss the effects of curated images online, the culture of constant comparison, and the pursuit of authenticity amidst the digital age. With the guidance of expert perspectives and personal stories, SHINEcast unravels the layers of complexity surrounding self-image and social media, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for listeners to foster a h...

In the first episode of the Shine Podcast, the hosts introduce themselves and explain that the podcast is focused on teen mental health. They discuss their mission of giving a voice to teen mental health and the importance of hearing from those directly affected. The hosts then introduce the topic of finding a career path and leaving high school. They discuss their own fears and uncertainties abou...