Champions for Youth Podcast

The Champions for Youth Podcast brings together trailblazers in youth advocacy, education, and public health at the forefront of creating impactful change as they reveal their motivations to take action and strategies that make a difference in their communities. Join us for inspirational bi-monthly conversations to empower any youth-facing professional with actionable insights for combatting health behavior challenges youth face in communities every day.

Champions for Youth Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, with 31 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth hosts Champions for Youth Podcast, a education show with 31 episodes published.

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  Episode #31

  Staying Ahead in Youth Tobacco Prevention: New Nicotine Products, Same Marketing Playbook with Dr. Brian King of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

  Aug 25, 202633 min

  How can prevention professionals stay ahead as new nicotine products emerge and marketing reaches young people across social media, gaming, and other digital platforms? In this episode, we unpack how the tobacco and nicotine product landscape has expanded from cigarettes to newer products like vapes and nicotine pouches, while many of the strategies used to market them to young people remain the same. We discuss how to use evidence-based messaging to reach youth where they are, why health disparities across communities must be addressed as part of tobacco prevention efforts, and the importance of celebrating — and elevating — wins while keeping an eye on the long game. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast — we’d love to hear from you.

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  Episode #30

  Helping Youth Find Purpose & Meaning in Their Lives with Dr. Arthur Brooks

  Aug 11, 202643 min

  How do we help young people find meaning in their lives when so many struggle to envision a purposeful future? In this episode, we explore what "meaning" actually is and why young people need it so much right now. We break down how our current behaviors are affecting brains in an age of emptiness. Dr. Brooks walks us through concrete steps like how to step back from constant distractions, create space for real thinking, and expose ourselves to beauty and genuine connection. Listen as we learn why we have to find meaning in our own lives first before we can help guide young people toward the purpose they're searching for. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast — we’d love to hear from you.

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  Episode #29

  Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth Through Empathy, Storytelling, and Upstream Mental Health Support with It Gets Better

  Jun 23, 202635 min

  How do we create safe spaces and supportive communities that help LGBTQ+ youth thrive without being defined by a single part of who they are? In this episode, we explore how empathy, storytelling, and youth voice can help LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, supported, and connected. We also discuss why active listening and youth involvement are critical to creating programs that resonate with young people and keep them engaged. Listen as we learn how a youth-informed mental health platform is helping LGBTQ+ youth build resilience, agency, and self-awareness — giving them tools to navigate challenges before they become crises. Visit ItGetsBetter.org to learn more. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast — we’d love to hear from you.

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  Episode #28

  Turning Prevention Into Action Through Education, Policy and Partnerships with Kelly McKenna of End Chronic Disease

  Jun 9, 202630 min

  How do we create lasting health behavior change — not by telling people what to do, but by empowering them with the Information to make their own decisions? In this episode, we explore how education, strategic partnerships, and policy change can work together to improve health outcomes and prevent chronic disease before it starts. From school nutrition and recess policies to preventive health education, this work is helping young people build healthier habits while empowering communities to make informed choices. Listen as we learn how to build bipartisan support for effective policy change and localizing health education is developing prevention-focused changemakers to create meaningful change. Follow Champions for Youth on social to stay connected between episodes and explore resources shared by youth-serving leaders nationwide. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Submit your ideas at vfhy.org/podcast — we’d love to hear from you.

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  Episode #28

  Best Practices for Implementing Fentanyl Prevention Lessons

  Jun 5, 202631 minS0

  <p>Last year, over 70,000 Americans fatally overdosed on illegally made fentanyl. Fentanyl is now found in fake pills and many street drugs, but users are often unaware that their drugs contain the potent opioid. This is an urgent public health crisis that puts all of us, and our loved ones, at risk. We all must play a role in preventing further tragedies. <br/><br/>Hear from Christa Shifflett, executive director of the Warren Coalition, about the latest updates on the fentanyl crisis, best practices for prevention education, and walkthrough implementing VFHY's Dangers of Fentanyl Lesson.<br/><br/>Download VFHY's Dangers...

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