What the Friday Youth Podcast

Youth Social

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The What the Friday Youth Podcast s a youth-focused series that aims to provide insight into various important topics affecting young people. The show releases new episodes every Friday and can be listened to on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It’s especially notable for its relaxed tone and its mission to make essential information more approachable for teens and young adults.

Sep 10

Episode 70: The 'Contraception' episode

In this episode of What The Friday, hosts Phoebe, Lucy, and Poppy sit down with sexual health professionals Tina and Lizzie from Locala to unpack the facts about contraception in a clear, honest way. They explore: What really happens in a contraception appointment and why informed choice matters How different methods can affect periods, mood, and pre-existing physical or mental health conditions Common myths about fertility, long-term use, and periods “backing up” Why contraception should be a shared responsibility, including how to handle pressure not to use condoms The truth about emergency contraception and when to use it Hormonal and non-hormonal options, including condoms, the copper coil, diaphragms, and fertility awareness methods How young people can find and access local sexual health services Throughout the conversation, Tina and Lizzie emphasise consent, bodily autonomy, and the importance of open communication with partners and health professionals. This episode is designed to help young people feel informed, confident, and supported in making choices about their sexual health. Useful links and support Locala sexual health services: https://www.locala.org.uk Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults: https://www.destination.org.uk Youth Social (production partners): https://www.youthsocial.co.uk NHS contraception overview (further reliable info): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception This episode was kindly funded by Locala: https://www.locala.org.uk Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people. You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod) Special thanks to Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together. Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.
Sep 10

Episode 69: The 'Teenage pregnancy and parenting' episode

In this episode of What The Friday, Bailey Grace sits down with Tina and Lizzie, sexual health engagement professionals from Locala, to explore the realities of teenage pregnancy and parenthood. They unpack the physical, emotional and social effects of becoming a young parent, including the impact on education, friendships, finances and mental health. Tina and Lizzie share powerful personal experiences of being a teenage mum and living with postnatal depression, explaining how to recognise the signs, where to get help and why nobody should struggle alone. They talk honestly about parenting, abortion, and adoption as valid options, the importance of informed, non-judgmental support, and how to handle pressure from partners or family. The conversation also covers co-parenting, bonding with your baby, financial preparation, emotional readiness and balancing your own wellbeing with caring for a child, with clear, practical advice for young people who are unsure what to do next. For more information and support: Locala Sexual Health: https://www.locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health NHS Pregnancy and Baby: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy Brook (sexual health and pregnancy support for young people): https://www.brook.org.uk Mind (mental health and perinatal support): https://www.mind.org.uk This episode was kindly funded by Locala https://www.locala.org.uk Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people. You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod) Special thanks to Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together. Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.
Sep 10

Episode 68: The 'STIs' episode

In this episode Aaminah, Adeena and Joy sit down with Ash, a sexual health doctor from Locala, to answer young people’s real questions about STIs. They unpack what sexually transmitted infections are, how common they are, and why there is no shame in talking about testing or treatment. Ash explains symptoms and warning signs, why many STIs have no symptoms at all, and what to look out for, including unusual discharge, pain when peeing, sores, rashes or itching. He breaks down the difference between bacterial, viral and parasitic STIs, which infections can be cured and which can be managed long term, and what can happen if STIs are left untreated. The conversation covers how STIs are passed on through different kinds of sexual contact and sometimes blood to blood contact, which infections are on the rise in the UK such as syphilis and gonorrhoea, and how STIs can affect people with different bodies, including the risks of pelvic inflammatory disease. Ash also gives clear guidance on when to get tested after sex, how often to test if you have new or multiple partners, and how to tell a partner you have an STI, including using anonymous partner notification. Young listeners hear practical, non judgmental advice on protecting yourself and partners, using condoms, getting HPV and hepatitis vaccines where eligible, and accessing confidential support and testing through sexual health clinics, GPs and trusted online services. Useful links and organisations mentioned Locala (sexual health clinics and support): https://www.locala.org.uk SH:24 online sexual health testing and advice: https://sh24.org.uk NHS sexual health information: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/ This episode was kindly funded by Locala https://www.locala.org.uk Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people. You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod) Special thanks to Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together. Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.
Sep 10

Episode 67: The 'Online Safety' episode

In this episode of What The Friday, Jimi sits down with Michael Semenczuk from West Yorkshire Police to unpack what online safety really means for young people today. They explore how your digital footprint is created, how algorithms shape what you see, and why this matters for your future education, employment, and wellbeing. Michael explains how to spot early signs of grooming, manipulation, and exploitation, the risks of sharing sexual images and deep fakes, and how pornography and idealised social media content can warp expectations around relationships, bodies, and sex. They also cover common online scams, staying safe in gaming spaces, using privacy and parental controls, and finding a healthier balance between life online and offline. If you are worried about something you have seen or experienced online, you can find information and support from: West Yorkshire Police Online Safety Advice: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/online-safety CEOP Safety Centre (to report online sexual abuse or grooming): https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ Childline (support for young people): https://www.childline.org.uk/ NSPCC Online Safety: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/ UK Safer Internet Centre: https://saferinternet.org.uk/ This episode was kindly funded by the Mayor of West Yorkshire through the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund and the Mayor's People Fund. Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people. You can also follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod (@WhatTheFridayPod) Special thanks to Jimi for editing and Youth Social https://www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together. Finally, special thanks to Paul A Jackson for the music.
Sep 10

Episode 66: The 'Staying Safe' episode

In this episode, Bailey Grace talks with Chief Superintendent Heather Wilson, director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, about how young people can recognise and manage risk in everyday life. Heather explains what “risk” really means, how instincts can be a powerful early warning sign, and why small, sensible decisions can make a big difference to personal safety. They explore practical ways to stay safe when travelling around towns and cities, especially at night, including using trusted routes, licensed taxis, CCTV-covered public transport and safety-focused apps. Heather also discusses the “night-time economy,” the impact of alcohol and drugs on behaviour and decision-making, and how initiatives like Ask for Angela help people discreetly seek help in venues. The conversation goes deeper into the risks of weapons and serious organised crime, how young people can spot when they are being pressured into something illegal, and the long-term consequences of carrying knives or getting involved in gangs. Heather shares clear advice on being an active bystander, looking out for friends on nights out, and how to get help or report concerns, including anonymously. Find out more and get support: West Yorkshire Police: local safety advice, reporting crime and antisocial behaviour https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk CrimeStoppers: report crime anonymously https://crimestoppers-uk.org This episode was kindly funded by the Mayor of West Yorkshire through the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund and the Mayor's People Fund. Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people. You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod) Special thanks to Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together. Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.
Sep 10

Episode 65: The 'Inside Domestic Abuse' episode

In this powerful episode, Holly speaks with Katie about her journey through an abusive relationship in her late teens, the impact of being estranged from her family, and what it meant to live in constant survival mode. Katie explains how behaviours like gaslighting, stalking, financial control and extreme highs and lows were normalised as “love” because no one had ever taught her the signs of abuse. She shares the turning point of repeated police involvement, the barriers she faced in seeking help, and how not knowing about services like refuge and specialist domestic abuse support kept her trapped for longer. Katie reflects on what friends and family did that helped, what unintentionally pushed her closer to her abuser, and why kindness, calm listening and staying present are so important. Katie also talks about Claire’s Law and how “right to ask” and “right to know” checks can help people find out if a partner has a history of violence. Now working for Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP), she describes her ongoing healing, living with PTSD, the role of mental health services, and how her definition of safety has shifted from “a roof and food” to peace, stability and self respect. Throughout, Katie offers messages of solidarity for other survivors, reminding listeners that they are believed, they are not alone and that taking life one day at a time can still lead to huge change over the years. If you are affected by anything in this episode, you are not alone. Support is available: Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP) Local specialist domestic abuse support across Kirklees, including refuge, one to one and group work. Website: https://pdap.co.uk WomenCentre (Kirklees and Calderdale) Support for women around safety, mental health and wellbeing. Website: https://womencentre.org.uk National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) Free 24 hour confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse. Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Phone: 0808 2000 247 Men’s Advice Line Confidential support for men experiencing domestic abuse. Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk Phone: 0808 801 0327 Galop Support for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse. Website: https://galop.org.uk Samaritans For anyone struggling to cope or having thoughts of suicide. Website: https://www.samaritans.org Phone: 116 123 Please check local services in your area if you are outside the UK. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. This episode was kindly funded by the Mayor of West Yorkshire through the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund and the Mayor's People Fund. Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people. You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod) Special thanks to Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together. Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.
Sep 10

Episode 64: The 'Manosphere and Toxic Masculinity' Episode (Pt2)

In our second Manosphere episode, Ellen sits down with Richard, founder of the Boys to Men programme, to unpack the manosphere and what it means for boys growing up today. They explore how online spaces about masculinity range from genuinely helpful self improvement content to harmful influencer culture and extremist subcultures like incels and Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW). Richard explains why he avoids the term toxic masculinity, focusing instead on harmful attitudes and behaviours, and shares how Boys to Men creates safe spaces in schools and colleges for boys to ask big questions about identity, emotions and relationships. Together, Ellen and Richard look at how algorithms, AI and social media can amplify narrow stereotypes of what it means to be a man, and introduce simple tools for critical thinking that young people, parents and professionals can all use. They also discuss spotting early signs that someone may be sliding into more extreme manosphere content and how to respond with curiosity rather than confrontation. For further support around young people, masculinity and mental health, you can visit Young Minds (https://www.youngminds.org.uk) or The Mix (https://www.themix.org.uk). This episode was kindly funded by the Mayor of West Yorkshire through the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund and the Mayor's People Fund. Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people. You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod) Special thanks to Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together. Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.
Sep 10

Episode 63: The 'Manosphere and Toxic Masculinity' Episode (Pt1)

In this episode, Max talks to Naomi Morrison from the Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP) about the manosphere, toxic masculinity, and how online spaces can shape what young people believe about gender, power, and relationships. Naomi explains what the manosphere is, why some young men are drawn into this content, and how algorithms can gradually pull people toward more extreme and misogynistic ideas. They discuss how harmful messages about masculinity can spill over into school, friendships, dating, and consent, often disguised as jokes, banter, or self improvement advice. The conversation also explores what healthy masculinity looks like, how to think critically about male influencers, and what young people can do if they notice friends being drawn into toxic content. Naomi shares practical tips on challenging harmful ideas safely, reporting abusive or extremist material, and finding trusted adults, positive role models, and supportive spaces offline. Useful links and support PDAP https://pdap.co.uk/ Support with domestic abuse in the UK UK National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) - information and support: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Destination information and opportunities for young people Website: www.destination.org.uk University of Kent - research on online harms and digital culture Website: https://www.kent.ac.uk VRU Please check local and trusted services if you or someone you know needs support. This episode was kindly funded by the Mayor of West Yorkshire through the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund and the Mayor's People Fund. Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people. You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod) Special thanks to Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together. Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.

The What the Friday Youth Podcast s a youth-focused series that aims to provide insight into various important topics affecting young people. The show releases new episodes every Friday and can be listened to on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It’s especially notable for its relaxed tone and its mission to make essential information more approachable for teens and young adults.

Creator

Youth Social
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

71
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
Show Website

What the Friday Youth Podcast