the WONDER podcast

Be The Change Youth Initiative
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
the WONDER podcast

What would happen if we truly valued one another, celebrated diversity, and encouraged each other to create positive change in the world? This is the reason the WONDER podcast was created. We believe empathy is cultivated by listening to the life experiences of our neighbors. By creating a healthy environment, where we truly see and hear one another, dignity is restored. Then and only then, will people feel loved.

  1. OCT 4

    the WONDER podcast Ep. 063 - Mary Helen Montgomery

    For Episode 63 of The WONDER Podcast, Janvi Shah sits down with Mary Helen Montgomery, the Civic Storytelling Program Director at The Enterprise Center, to discuss the dynamic intersection of digital equity, civic engagement, and technological innovation. A key initiative under her leadership is Our Voices Chattanooga, a non-partisan, voter education series that aims to increase civic engagement among young people in our region. Mary Helen is also the Director of Chattamatters, an innovative civic storytelling platform designed to bridge the gap between the community and local government. (Chattmatters was also the recent recipient of a One Chattanooga award last month because of their commitment to highlighting local stories and helping members of our community better understand WHY local issues matter! Throughout their conversation, Janvi and Mary Helen dive deep into the importance of civic engagement, especially among youth, in the context of the upcoming presidential election. This episode sheds light on the power of youth voter turnout and the ripple effects it can have on society. Mary Helen emphasizes that young people have the potential to shift the course of elections, especially when it comes to issues like technology, equity, and community development. By being active participants in the political process, young voters can hold leaders accountable and influence policies that will shape the future.  In the face of misinformation and growing distrust in media, Janvi and Mary Helen explore how platforms like Chattamatters provide a space for honest and transparent conversations about civic issues through nonpartisan civic information. This episode is a call to action for young listeners to get involved, stay informed, and recognize the role they play in shaping their communities and the nation.

    21 min

  2. AUG 9

    the WONDER podcast Ep. 062 - Shadrina Booker

    In this episode, Janvi Shah sits down with Shadrina Booker, the Director of Community Engagement for Chattanooga and the leader of the Mayor’s Youth Council. Together, they delve into the transformative role of the Mayor’s Youth Council, exploring how young people across the city can actively participate in local government and the profound impact their involvement can have on their communities. In a world that often rushes forward, leaving youth voices unheard, this episode underscores the critical importance of integrating our younger generation into the decision-making processes that shape their future. Shadrina shares her inspiring journey—from her roots to her current position—and her unwavering commitment to fostering change. Listeners will gain insight into the barriers Shadrina has overcome, the milestones she’s achieved, and her ambitious vision for empowering youth to ensue meaningful societal change. This episode is not just a conversation; it’s a call to action for all youth to step up, get involved, and help shape the world they want to inherit.

    25 min

  3. MAY 17

    the WONDER podcast Ep. 061 - Janvi Shah

    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!

    27 min

  4. MAY 3

    the WONDER podcast Ep. 060 - Josiah Johnson

    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.

    1h 3m

  5. APR 19

    the WONDER podcast Ep. 059 - Scott Mulvahill

    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.

    45 min

  6. APR 5

    the WONDER podcast Ep. 058 - Johnny Radelat

    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.

    1h 18m

  7. MAR 24

    the WONDER podcast Ep. 057 - Welcome Back

    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.

    27 min
  8. the WONDER podcast Ep. 056 - Laurie A. Watkins

    10/31/2022

    the WONDER podcast Ep. 056 - Laurie A. Watkins

    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!

    39 min
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About

What would happen if we truly valued one another, celebrated diversity, and encouraged each other to create positive change in the world? This is the reason the WONDER podcast was created. We believe empathy is cultivated by listening to the life experiences of our neighbors. By creating a healthy environment, where we truly see and hear one another, dignity is restored. Then and only then, will people feel loved.

Information

  • Creator
    Be The Change Youth Initiative
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Be The Change Youth Initiative
  • Show Website
    the WONDER podcast

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