Embers

Members of the Freeport Girls Varsity Soccer team discuss the difference between cliques and friend groups, and how to navigate being on the inside—or outside—of them. They share their thoughts on the power of kindness, embracing diversity, and staying true to yourself as important pillars of finding connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

What happens when young athletes are given space to put down the pressure to perform — and simply be themselves? Following our preseason retreat with Freeport High School’s boys varsity soccer team, we sat down with a few of the players for a conversation about vulnerability, connection, masculinity, and what it means to show up as yourself. We talked about what it takes to ask for help, why it ca...

This week, we're giving our regular teen co-hosts a well-deserved summer break—and practicing a little of what this episode is all about. Instead of recording something new, we're revisiting a conversation our Valo teens shared a couple of years ago that feels just as relevant today. In this episode, our teens lead a conversation about their daily routines around exercise, sleep, and nutrition, an...

In this month's podcast, recently graduated seniors sat down with Valo alumni to discuss the transition from high school to college and life beyond. They explored it all… from finding community and building new friendships to managing greater independence and navigating challenges. At the heart of the conversation, the alumni share wisely about how to find balance and stay connected to what matter...

In honor of mental health awareness month, our hosts sat down with fellow Valo teens to discuss all things mental health. They spoke about stigma, they brainstormed ways to support loved ones going through hardship, and they emphasized that mental wellbeing looks different for everyone. Curious? Hit Play to hear what our teens have to say

With Earth Day just around the corner, our teens gathered to talk about our planet, what it means to live sustainably, and how the earth and mental wellbeing are so closely connected.

This month our podcast teen hosts hit the road and recorded the episode with youth they met at MYAN’s Youth Leadership Conference. This month our podcast teen hosts hit the road and recorded the episode with youth they met at MYAN’s Youth Leadership Conference. The teens had a lively discussion with their peers about finding balance, navigating the challenges of time, and centering themselves duri...

In this episode, our teens start with a simple question: Is curiosity something you’re born with, or something you build? They explore what happens when we keep asking questions — or when we stop — and how curiosity shapes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Along the way, we reflect on how it changes as we grow, how social media affects it, and what we wish adults were more...

in this episode: Valo teens and community members shared their thoughts about environmental stewardship and the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. From building connection to reducing stress, this episode explores how caring for the planet can also help us care for ourselves.

In this episode, we listened to our teens share what parts of Valo resonate for them and what makes our programs and teens’ engagement so important today. Our Executive Director, Dana, spoke with the teens during a recent teen-organized coffee house. You can hear their joyous banter in the background. :)

This month, we dove into one of our core values: connection. We loved welcoming back a special part of the Valo circle—our alumni. It was such a treat to catch up, hear their stories about what connection meant to them when they were here, and see how they’ve carried that same spirit into their lives today. Moments like these remind us why connection is at the heart of everything we do.

This month our teens not only led a panel discussion at Maine Youth Thriving’s REVIVE event, they podcasted there as well! Two of our teens facilitated a meaningful discussion of bravery, difficult conversations, and how these are tools that can help teens feel seen and heard.

We leaned into the focus on play in all regards this month. In this episode, our teens talk about their relationship with play, when life started to steer them away from it, and how to incorporate it back into their regular routine.

This month we sat down with players from Freeport High School’s Varsity Soccer teams who shared their beliefs about vulnerability: how to cultivate it, how it helps build connection, and how brave it is for teens to be emotionally vulnerable in today’s world. We bet their perspectives will leave you as reflective and inspired as they did us!

This month, we heard from our teens as they discussed what they believe healthy routine and rhythm looks like in the summer months, without the daily structure of school. They shared how taking care of your body and mind looks different for each of them as the seasons change.

As one last parting gift, Valo’s seniors shared thoughtful and heartfelt insights about all things Valo - from connection and tending to wellbeing to long-lasting ways of being and - of course - play! Their perspectives and authenticity continues to fill us with hope. Give a listen. We bet you’ll feel the same!

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 stu...

We took the show on the road this month and featured youth from all over who were attending the New England Youth Identity Summit (which Valo is lucky to be a partner in hosting). We loved hearing their insightful, unique, and even humorous perspectives as they reflected on their past and looked toward their (bright!) futures. We think their voices will enlighten you, as they did us.

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 ou...

love is where it's at 🩵 by Valo

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 in...

Young Voices Shed Light on Connection by Valo

Youth Speak Their Truths about Mental Health by Valo

(Unplugged): Teens Tell All 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….