Youth Unfiltered

In this special behind-the-scenes bonus episode of Youth Unfiltered , the creators step out from behind the conversations and reflect on the journey of making the podcast itself. The hosts reintroduce themselves and look back on how they felt entering the series — rating their comfort levels at the start and comparing them to where they are now. They share their favorite moments from the experienc...

In the final episode of Youth Unfiltered , students reflect on the conversations that shaped the series — connecting the dots between lived experience, community impact, stigma, messaging, and the development of new strategies. They offer practical pointers on how youth can support their peers and strengthen their communities, emphasizing connection, compassion, and accountability. The episode als...

In this episode of Youth Unfiltered , students shift from critique to creation — exploring what prevention and engagement could look like when youth voices lead the strategy. Drawing inspiration from the Iceland prevention model, highlighted through a TED Talk, the conversation focuses on connection, belonging, and proactive support rather than punishment. Students discuss the importance of increa...

In this episode of Youth Unfiltered , students take a critical look at past prevention and awareness campaigns — unpacking what resonated, what missed the mark, and why intention doesn’t always equal impact. They highlight campaigns that felt effective, including Friends for Life , Locks Save Lives , and We Can Wait , noting that these efforts were more thoughtful, inclusive, and consistent in the...

In this episode of Youth Unfiltered , students confront the stereotypes and assumptions tied to substance use — and the damage those stigmas create. They challenge the idea that you have to consume to fit in, while also pushing back against the notion that using automatically defines someone as a bad person. The conversation explores how judgment shifts depending on perception. Longtime users are...

In this episode of Youth Unfiltered , students turn their focus to the ripple effects of substance use within their schools and communities. From vaping in hallways to alcohol consumption on campus, they share raw observations of how targeted marketing and the pressure to fit in continue to shape youth culture. Through honest reflection, the conversation expands beyond individual choices — explori...

In the debut episode of Youth Unfiltered , we introduce the authentic voices behind the mic — students from Union, Mountainview, and Heritage — as they open up about who they are, what they face, and how they see the world around them. Through personal stories, honest reflections, and one-on-one interviews, these young voices dig into what’s working, what isn’t, and why certain challenges continue...