the WONDER podcast Be The Change Youth Initiative

During one of the last few podcast episodes, Sydney mentioned there’d be a switch in hosts…. Janvi Shah is a junior at East Hamilton High School and has become one of Be The Change Youth Initiative’s Ambassadors of Change. At BTCYI, the goal has always been to get more youth involved in taking action and to give them opportunities to engage the community in what they are passionate about! This is why Janvi will be taking over the podcast…to talk with other community members about advocacy in areas she’s passionate about! Sydney wanted to introduce you all to Janvi, so you’ll get to know her heart and passions for creating positive change!
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This podcast episode was recorded over a year ago. As creatives, musicians, advocates...humans...who have wrestled with their own mental health, Sydney Guerrette and Josiah Johnson have a conversation about the importance of listening and storytelling. (It was the first episode Sydney recorded since putting a pause on the podcast back in fall of 2022. Now, four episodes into this next chapter, and what's addressed is STILL applicable.) Throughout this episode, it's apparent that Johnson is an incredibly compassionate and transparent person who cares deeply for humanity. Johnson, who many people know from the band, The Head And The Heart, chats with Sydney about how his personal mental health journey influences his music, his openness about his struggles with addiction, and navigating the intersection of art and vulnerability.
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Sydney met Scott Mulvahill last fall, after his show at Songbirds, a local music venue here in Chattanooga. Mulvahill's talent is inspiring; from being a singer-songwriter to upright bassist, the way those two worlds collide is something extraordinary to see. He’s been performing for over a decade, from working with artists like Bruce Hornsby to playing for NPR’s Tiny Desk series. In this episode, the two of them talk about their first interaction as well as the role music plays in their own mental health journeys and in helping others.
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Sydney Guerrette and her brother, Brayden, had the opportunity to open for Emily Wolfe last year at Songbirds, a local music venue here in Chattanooga. Before the show, they talked with Wolfe and her band and of all the professional musicians they’ve opened for, this group was the most down-to-earth, humble, and gracious. This is one of the reasons why Sydney wanted to have this week’s guest, Johnny Radelat, on the podcast. She felt a level of respect and authenticity through their first interaction that she wanted to honor with even more conversation. Radelat's not only an insanely talented dummer and performer, but he’s also an incredible producer, songwriter, and overall a kind, authentic human. In this episode, the two of them touch on the importance of respecting others, gratitude & mindset, and advice for youth pursuing a similar career.
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It's been awhile since our last episode, but we're back! Sydney, Founder of Be The Change Youth Initiative (BTCYI), and her mom, Deirdre, Operations Director at BTCYI, talk about the shift in direction, upcoming episode guests, and exciting news regarding the switch in HOST of this podcast. 2024 is going to be an exciting year.
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This week’s guest is someone Sydney is inspired by and admires. Laurie A. Watkins is a Catalyst for Change, Policy Expert, Media Commentator, and political strategist. She’s Founder & President of her own consulting organization, an incredible speaker, executive coach, best-selling author, as well as a human rights and women’s rights advocate. (And she’s also President Obama’s former Policy Advisor!) Sydney's loved following Laurie on social media because she’s using her platform to not only educate others on important topics, but also encourage them to create change in their own ways, whether that’s by cultivating community, sharing their stories, voting, the list goes on. Her work is incredibly impressive, so get ready to learn so much more! 
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