Unravelling: The Adolescent Years

Nu Know
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This podcast explores the realities of adolescence through honest conversations with youth specialists, young people, parents, and carers. Together, we unpack the challenges, celebrate the strengths, and share practical insights to help us better understand and support young people as they navigate these important years. Whether you're raising a teenager, working with young people, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding of your own adolescent experiences, this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Preparing young people for the world of work with The Job Geek!

    What does it really take to prepare for the world of work? In this episode, we’re joined by Mikaela, also known as The Job Geek, to explore what young people need to know before entering the workplace. From building confidence and creating a CV to navigating interviews, finding work experience and understanding workplace expectations, Mikaela shares practical advice drawn from years of working with young people and navigating the world of work herself. We also explore how parents can support young people without adding pressure, panic or comparison and why communication between generations can make all the difference. No jargon, no judgement, just an honest conversation about how work really works. Supporting Citations: Fleuriot, M. de. (2026, September 3). The Death of Entry-Level Jobs? AI And The New Corporate Ladder. TechRound. https://techround.co.uk/artificial-intelligence/the-death-of-entry-level-jobs-ai-and-the-new-corporate-ladder/ UK Government’s Youth Jobs Grant scheme. - https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/youth-jobs-grant-2#summary Mental Health UK. (2026, May 20). New report: Young people want to work – but mental health and system gaps are holding them back. Mental Health UK. https://mentalhealth-uk.org/news-and-insights/new-report-young-people-want-to-work-but-mental-health-and-system-gaps-are-holding-them-back/

    Preparing young people for the world of work with The Job Geek!

  2. Sep 15

    Entering Adulthood in Today’s Society with Isla

    What does it really mean to enter adulthood today? In this episode, we’re joined by Isla, an 18-year-old disabled young carer and passionate youth advocate, to explore the realities of transitioning from adolescence into adulthood. Drawing on her own experiences as a young carer, neurodivergent and chronically ill teenager, Isla shares what she has learned about navigating adulthood while managing responsibilities, challenging systems and finding her own identity. We explore the pressures young people face as they enter adulthood, from expectations around education, independence and the future to the importance of having the right support around you. Isla also reflects on her journey as a youth advocate and why she believes systemic change is needed to ensure all young people have the opportunity to thrive. An honest conversation about growing up, finding your voice and navigating the journey into adulthood in today’s society. Chavda, H. (2025, October 29). Growing up with AI as a Teenager. Medium. https://medium.com/@chavdaharsh/growing-up-with-ai-as-a-teenager-9a4aa184a083 Maheux, A. J., & Maes, C. (2026). Coming of Age With Generative Artificial Intelligence: The High Stakes of Automating Adolescent Development. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916261460771 Modhvadia, R. (2025, October 21). Growing up online. Nuffield Foundation. https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DC3-Digital-lives_7.10.pdf

    Entering Adulthood in Today’s Society with Isla

  3. Sep 8

    Reading, writing and digital literacy in adolescence with Helen Haraldsen

    This episode features a conversation with Helen Haraldsen, a children's author and former school librarian, about literacy in adolescence. We discuss how young people's reading and writing habits have changed over time, with a decline in both print and digital reading, and a shift towards visual content. Helen emphasises the importance of creativity in writing and the value of physical, audiobooks and graphic novels. She explores the roles of schools and families in fostering literacy, with strategies like creating device-free reading times and respecting teenagers' privacy in their writing. This conversation also covers digital literacy, highlighting the need for critical thinking online, and the concerns and opportunities presented by AI in reading and writing. Helen share practical tips for parents to encourage reading and writing in teens, such as allowing free choice and engaging in conversations about books. Each episode concludes with a quickfire round of questions with guests. References: National Literacy Trust. (2026, March 27). Trends in children and young people's reading in print and digital formats. https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/trends-in-children-and-young-peoples-reading-in-print-and-digital-formats/ National Literacy Trust. (2026, March 26). What children and young people’s reading habits tell us about print and digital reading. https://literacytrust.org.uk/blog/what-children-and-young-peoples-reading-habits-tell-us-about-print-and-digital-reading/ Bal, P. M., & Veltkamp, M. (2013). How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation. PLOS ONE, 8(1), e55341. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055341 NeuroLaunch Editorial Team. (2026, July 3). Reading’s impact on the brain: Cognitive benefits and neurological changes. NeuroLaunch. https://neurolaunch.com/how-reading-affects-the-brain/ Wasik, B. A., Hindman, A. H., & Snell, E. K. (2016). Book reading and vocabulary development: A systematic review. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 37, 39–57. Van der Maren, S., Moderie, C., Duclos, C., Paquet, J., Daneault, V., & Dumont, M. (2018). Daily Profiles of Light Exposure and Evening Use of Light-emitting Devices in Young Adults Complaining of a Delayed Sleep Schedule. Journal of Biological Rhythms, 33(2), 192–202. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748730418757007 Bryan, L. (2026, September 3). Reading and sleep: Does reading before bed help you sleep? Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/reading-before-bed National Literacy Trust. (2025, July 22). Insights into young people’s literacy, critical digital literacy, online communication and wellbeing. https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/young-peoples-literacy-critical-digital-literacy-online-communication-and-wellbeing/

    Reading, writing and digital literacy in adolescence with Helen Haraldsen

  4. Aug 17

    Welcome to Unravelling: The Adolescent Years

    Listen to Dr Natalie A. Russells short introduction to Nu Know's podcast, Unravelling: The Adolescent Years. Here's what to expect, why we created this podcast and what we aim to achieve. Thank you for listening!

  5. Aug 16 ·  Bonus

    Reflection Piece: What I wish my parents knew.

    Welcome to the podcast! Before we dive into conversations with specialists, we wanted to start by hearing from the people at the heart of it all - young people themselves. In this opening reflection, students from Ravensbourne University share their thoughts on what it feels like to navigate adolescence, what they wish the adults around them had understood, and the advice they would give to parents, carers, and professionals today. Their voices remind us why these conversations matter and set the scene for the episodes to come. We hope their reflections inspire curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the teenage years.

  • 5 Episodes

About

This podcast explores the realities of adolescence through honest conversations with youth specialists, young people, parents, and carers. Together, we unpack the challenges, celebrate the strengths, and share practical insights to help us better understand and support young people as they navigate these important years. Whether you're raising a teenager, working with young people, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding of your own adolescent experiences, this podcast is for you.

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