By: Danica Ramos
Mental health affects everyone, even today’s teenagers. Here are five podcasts that focus on teen mental health.
“She Persisted” was founded by 17-year-old Sadie Sutton in 2019. Sutton was inspired to start her own podcast to share her story. She went through a year and a half of treatment for severe depression and anxiety. This podcast was made to help others and to break down the stigma surrounding teen mental health.
“She Persisted” episodes include interviews between Sutton and subject matter experts, other teenagers, and social media personalities. Episodes also offer tips, stories, and dialectical behavior therapy education for people struggling or interested in teen mental health.
Episodes are posted weekly and can be listened to on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. There are over 45 episodes available.
“Mental Music” is an older podcast from 2017-2018. It was founded by Jordan O’dell-Fontana in 2017. The entire team behind this podcast were teenagers. The goal behind this podcast was to normalize talking about mental illness.
“One song at a time”
The hosts take turns playing calming music and explaining certain mental illnesses and related issues such as social media and school. This podcast is very chill and laid back.
“Mental Music” can be listened to on Apple Podcasts. Spotify, and Soundcloud.
“Teen Wealth” is hosted by Brandi England and Co-Host Kevin Freisen. Since 2016, episodes are posted every Monday. They share their own stories as well as have guests that share life experience and tips.
Every week they have a new focus and confront different things that teens deal with in their lives. Different themes include mental health, physical health, self esteem, and bullying. England and Freisen also choose a book and movie of the week, and have a section in the show to share young people doing positive things in the world.
“Teen Wealth” is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
Another podcast, “Today’s Teenagers” hosted by Roy Petitfils, was launched in June of 2016. Petitfils is a licensed counselor, award-winning author, educator, and youth minister. His podcast offers tools and strategies for communicating with teenagers.
This podcast is more for parents, educators, or people with teenagers in their lives to learn ways to communicate with, and influence teens positively. Petitfils elaborates on topics such as discipline, boundaries, trust, and adolescent behavior.
“Today’s Teenagers” is only available on Apple Podcasts.
Very similar to “Today’s Teenagers”, is Understanding “Today’s Teenagers”. This podcast is hosted by Michael Rubino. Dr Rubino has had over 19 years of experience with teens that have very serious mental health issues. The episodes include information for people trying to understand teen behavior. He explains how things they do in their lives effect their brains. This podcast is intended for both teens and parents.
“Understanding Today’s Teenagers” can be listened to on Spotify.
Danica Ramos
Danica Ramos (24') is a first year journalist for the Redwood Gigantea. Her current focus is arts and entertainment. Outside of journalism she enjoys choir. You can contact her at; danic.ra3579@vusd.us
