Champions for Youth Podcast

Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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.

  1. Making the Healthier Choice the Easier Choice: An Evidence-Based Blueprint for Change

    DEC 17

    Making the Healthier Choice the Easier Choice: An Evidence-Based Blueprint for Change

    We all want to help young people stay healthy, but knowing where to begin, or how to keep going when nothing seems to be working, can feel overwhelming. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure of what to do next when supporting the health and wellness of youth. We break down the Action Plan for a Healthy Virginia, a research-grounded framework designed by Prevention Connections to help youth-serving professionals turn intention into action. Rather than tackling childhood obesity as a single, overwhelming issue, the plan focuses on eight healthy behaviors and shows how small, intentional shifts in everyday policies, systems, and environments can make the healthier choice the easier choice. Whether you work with youth in Virginia or beyond, this practical, hands-on guide offers a clear framework to help you take specific, meaningful steps that are rooted in data and real-world experience. ______________________ Download the free Action Plan for A Healthy Virginia now: https://preventionconnections.org/action-plan-for-a-healthy-virginia  Early bird pricing for the Champions for Youth Summit ends January 9! Lock in your discounted ticket now and save your seat for three days of powerful learning, connection, and inspiration at championsforyouthsummit.org. 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.

    28 min
  2. The Truth About Vapes: What’s Inside, What We Know, and What Comes Next with Forensic Toxicologist Dr. Michelle Peace

    DEC 3

    The Truth About Vapes: What’s Inside, What We Know, and What Comes Next with Forensic Toxicologist Dr. Michelle Peace

    What’s really inside a vape, why are so many young people addicted, and what can we do about it? The CDC reports vapes/e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States.  Communities across the country are searching for answers about the risks these products pose and need to be rooted in facts, not fear. This episode explores the science behind the youth epidemic, the evolution of vaping technology, and the urgent need for research that keeps pace with what’s actually happening when kids use them. We hear how data is being used not only to shape smarter policy, but to equip young people with the clarity they need to make healthier, more informed choices, without judgment or shame. Because the more we understand, the better we can show up for the youth that depend on us most. Early bird pricing for the Champions for Youth Summit ends January 9! Lock in your discounted ticket now and save your seat for three days of powerful learning, connection, and inspiration at championsforyouthsummit.org. 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.

    28 min
  3. Supporting Youth After Overdose Loss with Lynne Hughes from Comfort Zone Camp

    NOV 11

    Supporting Youth After Overdose Loss with Lynne Hughes from Comfort Zone Camp

    What does grief look like in a young person, and how do we support them when that grief stems from something as devastating as an overdose? As fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise among youth, more and more young people are navigating sudden, unimaginable loss. In this episode, we explore what it takes to truly show up for them, not just with sympathy, but with safe spaces, compassion, and people who are willing to listen. We talk about how youth process grief differently than adults and how community becomes the foundation for long-term sustainable healing. This is a reminder that every loss for a young person carries a story of love and the hope that someone will meet them where they are. Early bird pricing for the Champions for Youth Summit ends January 9! Lock in your discounted ticket now and save your seat for three days of powerful learning, connection, and inspiration at championsforyouthsummit.org. 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.

    31 min
  4. Taking Childhood Nutrition in Small Bites with Jennifer Anderson from Kids Eat in Color

    OCT 28

    Taking Childhood Nutrition in Small Bites with Jennifer Anderson from Kids Eat in Color

    How can we use social media as an effectively tool for positive change in childhood nutrition? We sit down with Jennifer Anderson, registered dietitian, public health expert, and founder of Kids Eat in Color. We explore how short-form storytelling rooted in empathy helped her become one of the most trusted childhood nutrition influencers, followed by millions of families online. What began as evidence-based public health work evolved when Jennifer realized that best practices alone aren’t enough. To truly connect, we have to meet families where they are. That means trading polished messaging for real stories and compassionate content that reflects the lived experiences of not only kids, but parents as well. We talk about how she turned personal insights into a national movement, why connection comes before education, and authentic storytelling can go farther than advice alone. Because behind every child’s challenge is a parent doing their best. This conversation isn’t just about content, it’s about trust, listening, and leading with heart. Early bird pricing for the Champions for Youth Summit ends January 9! Lock in your discounted ticket now and save your seat for three days of powerful learning, connection, and inspiration at championsforyouthsummit.org. 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.

    34 min
  5. Building Youth Programs with Dr. Melanie Bean from Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU

    OCT 15

    Building Youth Programs with Dr. Melanie Bean from Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU

    What does it really take to build youth programs that actually create a movement towards change? In this conversation, we explore why successful youth health initiatives are rarely one-and-done. From forming unexpected partnerships to navigating barriers, we unpack how staying flexible and listening closely can lead to the most meaningful impact. We talk about what happens when young people are given a true seat at the table, not just as participants but as co-creators, and why that changes everything. We also discuss how programs grow over time and why every challenge is an opportunity to pivot and build something stronger. This is a reminder that real change takes time, trust, and collaboration; that youth are more than ready to lead if we’re willing to listen. Early bird pricing for the Champions for Youth Summit ends January 9! Lock in your discounted ticket now and save your seat for three days of powerful learning, connection, and inspiration at championsforyouthsummit.org. 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.

    32 min
  6. Using Your Purpose to Stay Motivated and Create Change with Dr. Caree Cotwright

    SEP 30

    Using Your Purpose to Stay Motivated and Create Change with Dr. Caree Cotwright

    How are we supposed to stay motivated in today’s ever-changing times and shake the feeling of ‘being stuck?' In this conversation, we explore how your purpose becomes a source of motivation when resources feel scarce and the path forward isn’t always clear. We talk about the courage it takes to step into opportunities before you know exactly where they’ll lead, and how persistence, creativity and unique partnerships is the fuel we need to drive momentum.  Lasting impact comes from showing up with purpose, staying the course, and keep moving forward.  Early bird pricing for the Champions for Youth Summit ends January 9! Lock in your discounted ticket now and save your seat for three days of powerful learning, connection, and inspiration at championsforyouthsummit.org. 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.

    34 min
  7. Sitting Less and Learning More with Brooke Sydnor Curran of Move2Learn

    SEP 18

    Sitting Less and Learning More with Brooke Sydnor Curran of Move2Learn

    What if getting young people moving was one of the simplest, yet overlooked tools we have for improving their health, focus, and sense of belonging? From classroom transitions to community partnerships, we explore what happens when movement becomes part of everyday culture, not just something reserved for sports or PE. We hear how movement improves attendance, reduces disruptions and  supports mental health. And the best part? It doesn’t require big budgets or creating something new, just a willingness to do things a little differently. Because movement matters. And the more we normalize it, the better our youth will thrive. Early bird pricing for the Champions for Youth Summit ends January 9! Lock in your discounted ticket now and save your seat for three days of powerful learning, connection, and inspiration at championsforyouthsummit.org. 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.

    24 min
  8. Beyond Nutrition: Embracing Food as Medicine, Identity, and Power with Dr. Kofi Essel

    SEP 2

    Beyond Nutrition: Embracing Food as Medicine, Identity, and Power with Dr. Kofi Essel

    What if the intersection of food, culture, and community holds the key to solving some of the more pressing health challenges facing youth? In this conversation we dive into how nutrition is more than science, it’s personal. We explore how food traditions can both nourish and shed light on barriers, how systems of inequality influence what ends up on the plate, and why improving youth health starts with understanding the full context behind every meal. Together, we unpack why 'Food as Medicine' is about more than nutrients or advice, it’s about working alongside communities to create access, empowerment, and honoring the lived experiences of families. Early bird pricing for the Champions for Youth Summit ends January 9! Lock in your discounted ticket now and save your seat for three days of powerful learning, connection, and inspiration at championsforyouthsummit.org. 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.

    30 min
See All (18)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
  • Show Website
    Champions for Youth Podcast