April 22, 2024 Season 4 Episode 25 Minnesota, United States: Ashley Daniels had a very difficult childhood, growing up with an alcoholic parent, dealing with countless challenges of her undiagnosed autistic ADHD, followed by a number of mental illnesses. That resulted in her being bullied and abused, unable to understand what made her so different. But, since learning about her diagnoses, she has become a vocal champion for the rights of neurodivergent individuals and an advocate against ableism in our systems. Please listen to her story and learn from her powerful advice for youth workers. Co ..read more

April 8, 2024, Year Season 4 Episode 24 Normandy, France: Michael Dawson chose to leave a lucrative career in sales to pour himself into paying forward the gift of support he had received from caring adults at a time of turmoil in his life. Now an author, podcast host, and creator of youth work training resources, he knows he wouldn’t be who he is today without the experiences of his past. And he uses all those lessons to help others now.  You can learn more about Michael’s work by visiting The Action Factory. Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or rea ..read more

February 26, 2024 Season 4 Episode 21 Minnesota, United States: Katie Shatusky’s life was deeply impacted when her beloved grandfather died by suicide in 2010. She has struggled with mental health challenges, discovered her corporate work life was not fulfilling in a meaningful way, and transformed the tragedy of her grandfather’s death to turn her pain into purpose. She launched a nonprofit called Thumbs Up and does whatever she can to connect with and make a difference for young people in her community.  Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read th ..read more

February 12, 2024 Season 4 Episode 20 Minnesota, United States: Rosalind Loggin has endured more trials and tribulations in her life than many people could bear. But she finds a way to triumph over them. Her faith is her foundation and she feels called through her troubles to serve even the most challenging young people. She’s real, she’s determined, and she’s just what they need to turn their own troubles around.  Content warning: Some of the topics discussed may be difficult for some of you to hear. So, please take care of yourself. Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interv ..read more

January 29, 2024 Season 4 Episode 19 Portland, Jamaica: Todd Haslam’s young life started out well. His father was his hero who loved and cared for him. But when his father suddenly left, everything was upended. His life became very rough. But he sees it all as a blessing. He had people around him who helped him stay grounded and become well-rounded. Both the good and the bad brought him to see his heart of goodness and compassion. In that, he found his passion for youth work.  Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by ..read more

January 16, 2024 Season 4 Episode 18 New Mexico, United States: Helen Cheromiah was raised by a teenaged mom, grew up in poverty, and struggled to find her people and her right path. Still, she knows every experience went into making her the person she is today. And that person is someone who is guiding and positively impacting the lives of young people who need the same kind of help she needed as a child. Her story is relatable and refreshing. Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page. Sup ..read more

January 2, 2024 Season 4 Episode 17 Maryland, United States: Benedetto Zanca developed a selfless nature, coming through a difficult childhood. Anything he may have lacked didn’t really set him back. Instead, he focused on being of service, guided by his strong faith and the values his mom instilled in him. He’s making a meaningful impact for youth workers and young people. His joy comes from seeing others succeed.  Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page. Support the show ..read more

December 18, 2023 Season 4 Episode 16 England, United Kingdom: Charlotte Gordon had a rough childhood due to difficulties of undiagnosed ADHD. But rather than simply living with the many challenges, she chose to leverage those challenges into strengths. That shift led her to craft an uncommon vibrancy in her approach to youth work. She shares her hard-earned wisdom with such humility, you will be both inspired and uplifted. Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page. Support the show ..read more

December 4, 2023 Season 4 Episode 15 Mombasa, Kenya: Esha Mohammed Abdallah struggled with self-doubts and very low self-esteem as a young person. But the constant support of her mother helped her find ways to outgrow her limitations. Now she uses those stories of both pain and possibility to help other young women build their own self-confidence. She champions youth voice in Kenya and is a steadfast advocate for creating opportunity for young people. Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web pa ..read more

November 20, 2023 Season 4 Episode 14 Minnesota, United States: Yaya Cochran is the living definition of being a servant youth worker. Her selfless nature and servant heart compel her to create a world where children are able to show up as their most authentic selves. She does that with such passion, commitment, and truly remarkable altruism. Her story offers a rare opportunity to consider your own youth work in a much bigger way. Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page. Plan to join us f ..read more