Champions for Youth Podcast

Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth

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. The Power of LGBTQ+ Mentorship to Build Confidence and Community with Jacob Toups, Founder of Rainbow Labs

    JAN 28

    The Power of LGBTQ+ Mentorship to Build Confidence and Community with Jacob Toups, Founder of Rainbow Labs

    What if the freedom to explore who you are was the first step to discovering who you could become? This episode looks at what happens when LGBTQ+ youth have supportive environments for real-world exploration, their identities, and long-term growth. We explore how Rainbow Labs is building community through intentional programs, mentorship pairings, and skill-building experiences that help youth develop confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging.  It’s not just about offering support, it’s about showing young people what’s possible when they’re given the space to feel seen, heard, and valued. To learn more visit rainbowlabs.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.

    36 min
  2. Thinking Beyond Silos: How the Champions for Youth Summit Can Power Your Work

    JAN 13

    Thinking Beyond Silos: How the Champions for Youth Summit Can Power Your Work

    How do we grow as youth health professionals? Not just in what we know, but in how we think, connect, and lead meaningful change? In this episode, you’ll hear firsthand the impact of stepping into spaces designed for inspiration, collaboration, and action. How the Champions for Youth Summit is creating opportunities to think outside the box across a wide range of health topics and offering real, tangible solutions to improve the well-being of youth. Discover the value of bringing together hundreds of people like us, and leave empowered to take your work, and yourself, to the next level. Join us May 4–6 in Reston, VA. Visit championsforyouthsummit.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.

    19 min
  3. Making the Healthier Choice the Easier Choice: An Evidence-Based Blueprint for Change

    12/17/2025

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

    12/03/2025

    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. 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.

    27 min
  5. Supporting Youth After Overdose Loss with Lynne Hughes from Comfort Zone Camp

    11/11/2025

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

    10/28/2025

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

    10/15/2025

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

    09/30/2025

    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.  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
See All (20)

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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
  • Show Website
    Champions for Youth Podcast