Youth Voice Amplified

Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office

Join hosts Gennessa Fisher and Brian Johnson for this youth-led and youth-focused monthly interview series as they talk with young people about their life experiences with homelessness, foster care, disabilities, teen parenting, and more. Each conversation will uncover stories of hope and strength from youth storytellers who will share the best ways we can support youth in similar situations. If you want to know how to do better for youth or simply be inspired, this is your show! Every youth has a story to tell. Are you ready to listen?

  1. Y2L: Turning Barriers into College Dreams, One Story at a Time

    APR 1

    Y2L: Turning Barriers into College Dreams, One Story at a Time

    In this episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we sit down with Gabe Adame and Paola Caballero from Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation (Y2L) to explore what it really takes for students to see college as possible and actually get there. For decades, Y2L has supported students across Kern County with financial aid, career exploration, and confidence building, but this conversation goes beyond programs. Paola shares her powerful full-circle story, from growing up in a migrant agricultural family and discovering Y2L as a student to now mentoring the next generation. Her journey highlights the realities many first-generation students face and the moment when college starts to feel within reach.  Together, Gabe and Paola break down the barriers students face, what families truly need, and how Y2L creates a clear roadmap so students don’t have to navigate it alone. They also share why student voice and lived experience are key to meaningful support. This episode is a reminder that when young people are seen, supported, and heard, they don’t just succeed...they come back to lift others up! Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. Connect with Youth Voice Amplified Youth Voice Amplified PodcastInstagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcastYouth Voice Amplified on Facebook If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

    1h 5m
  2. Proof of Possibility: Brian’s Favorite Youth Voice Moments

    MAR 4

    Proof of Possibility: Brian’s Favorite Youth Voice Moments

    In this special compilation episode, co-host Brian Johnson takes the mic solo to share some of his favorite moments from Youth Voice Amplified — all centered on the themes of hope and resilience. You’ll hear powerful clips from youth storytellers and adult allies who remind us what’s possible when young people are seen, supported, and believed in. From Angela’s journey toward peace and purpose, to Dakota’s determination to build a future, to the Dream Center’s community-powered support, to Manuel’s reminder of the life-changing impact of one caring adult ... these stories are proof that even in the hardest seasons, light still breaks through. If you need a boost, a reminder of why youth voice matters, or a few minutes of inspiration that sticks with you long after the episode ends...this one’s for you! Links to featured episodes Angela's Story of Survival, Strength, and Starting Over (Part 1)The Good Road Ahead: Dakota’s Story of ResilienceJoy for All: Helping Foster Youth in Need This Holiday SeasonHis Comeback Season: Himothy's Journey Through Juvenile Justice (Part 2)Amplifying Student Voices: A Conversation with Dr. John MendiburuDon’t Give Up Hope: Manuel’s Journey to a Life of Purpose & ServiceFind helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. Connect with Youth Voice Amplified Youth Voice Amplified PodcastInstagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcastYouth Voice Amplified on Facebook If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

    27 min
  3. When Youth Lead the Way: Carter Beardsley Returns

    FEB 4

    When Youth Lead the Way: Carter Beardsley Returns

    Ever since launching Youth Voice Amplified, we dreamed of featuring a student who would take their passion for youth voice and turn it into real, lasting change. In this powerful follow-up to Episode 20, we welcome back Carter Beardsley—now a college student, Education Navigator, and still a full-force advocate for youth voice. Carter discusses how his high school work in leadership, literacy, and advocacy led to the creation of Pathways, a countywide initiative helping foster and homeless youth access college and career opportunities. From policy pitches to program-building, Carter shares how a simple idea turned into a system-shifting program with the support of adults who believed in him. In this episode, Carter reflects on what it means to go from being given a seat at the table to helping build the table for others. He shares how student-led projects evolved into countywide change, what it takes to move from tokenism to true partnership, and how supportive adults helped fuel his journey. This episode is a masterclass in action, equity, and what happens when youth are truly heard. Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. Connect with Youth Voice Amplified Youth Voice Amplified PodcastInstagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcastYouth Voice Amplified on Facebook If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

    53 min
  4. Breaking the Cycle: Youth, Gun Violence & Hope with Assistant Chief Brent Stratton

    JAN 7

    Breaking the Cycle: Youth, Gun Violence & Hope with Assistant Chief Brent Stratton

    In this powerful kickoff to 2026, Youth Voice Amplified sits down with Assistant Chief Brent Stratton of the Bakersfield Police Department for a raw and deeply hopeful conversation about how communities and the youth in them can break the cycle of gun violence. Assistant Chief Stratton opens up about the Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a bold, multi-agency collaboration that’s already led to a dramatic drop in homicides in Bakersfield, and how it’s built on relationships, real-time response, and trusting community voice.  But that’s just part of the story. Chief Stratton also shares about Youth Connection, a grassroots prevention program that’s creating safe, meaningful opportunities for young people before they’re pulled into the justice system.  Whether you’re a young person trying to navigate difficult choices, a public servant looking for real solutions, or a community ally ready to take action, this episode delivers insight, hope, and a reminder that change is possible.  Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. Connect with Youth Voice Amplified Youth Voice Amplified PodcastInstagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcastYouth Voice Amplified on Facebook If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

    1h 7m
  5. Heart Work for the Holidays with Tina Tyler Smith

    12/03/2025

    Heart Work for the Holidays with Tina Tyler Smith

    This December, Youth Voice Amplified heads to Delano, California, for a heartwarming holiday special featuring the beloved "Foster Youth Fairy Godmother" herself—Tina Tyler Smith. As the Director of Student Support Services and Foster & Homeless Youth Liaison for Delano Union School District, Tina shares how she and her team create joy, connection, and belonging during the holidays for students experiencing homelessness and those in foster care. In this inspiring conversation, you'll hear how student voice, trauma-informed care, and community partnership come together to brighten lives as well as how Delano's holistic approach is achieving powerful results, including the lowest chronic absenteeism rate for foster youth in all of Kern County! Whether you're looking to start your own school-based holiday event, support students in your community, or simply soak in a little extra hope this season, this episode is for you! Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. Connect with Youth Voice Amplified Youth Voice Amplified PodcastInstagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcastYouth Voice Amplified on Facebook If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

    51 min
  6. A Youth Roundtable on Homelessness & Hope

    11/05/2025

    A Youth Roundtable on Homelessness & Hope

    In this powerful Homeless Youth Awareness Month episode, we sit down with members of the Youth Action Board (YAB), a group of young leaders with lived experience with homelessness who are driving real change in Kern County. From survival and stigma to policy and peer support, this roundtable dives deep into the realities of youth homelessness, what needs to change, and how youth are using their voices to reshape the system. Whether you’re a policymaker, community member, or someone looking to understand youth homelessness more deeply, this conversation is real, raw, and rooted in hope. Resources & information mentioned in the episode: National Homeless Youth Awareness MonthKern County Youth Resource GuideKern Youth Action Board Instagram (@KernCountyYouthActionBoard)Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless CollaborativeFind helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. Connect with Youth Voice AmplifiedYouth Voice Amplified PodcastInstagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcastYouth Voice Amplified on Facebook If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

    39 min
  7. Riding the Waves: Pablo’s Journey Through Struggle and Courage (Part 2)

    10/01/2025

    Riding the Waves: Pablo’s Journey Through Struggle and Courage (Part 2)

    We pick up right where we left off...at Pablo's turning point. After years of bouncing between foster homes, group homes, and incarceration, he shares what helped him break free from the cycle.  In this episode, Pablo talks about his college journey, his work supporting other students, and the advice he would give to youth who feel stuck like he once did. He also speaks directly to educators, social workers, group home staff, and policymakers by offering heartfelt wisdom on how to do better for youth who’ve been through trauma. If you’ve ever felt like giving up or want to understand how to better support youth who’ve lived through hard things...this is the episode for you! Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. Connect with Youth Voice Amplified Youth Voice Amplified PodcastInstagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcastYouth Voice Amplified on Facebook If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

    29 min
  8. Riding the Waves: Pablo’s Journey Through Struggle and Courage (Part 1)

    09/03/2025

    Riding the Waves: Pablo’s Journey Through Struggle and Courage (Part 1)

    In this powerful first half of his two-part episode, we meet Pablo who learned to survive every crashing wave life threw at him. From navigating the foster care system to experiencing incarceration, Pablo opens up about what it was like to grow up feeling invisible, unheard, and alone. But even in the darkest moments, his story is filled with honesty, insight, and strength. Warning: This episode contains discussions of topics that may be difficult for some listeners, including  trauma, child abuse,  experiences with the foster care and juvenile justice systems, suicidal thoughts and experiences. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential support is available 24/7.   Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode. Connect with Youth Voice Amplified Youth Voice Amplified PodcastInstagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcastYouth Voice Amplified on Facebook If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at youthvoiceamplified@gmail.com. Credits: Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer  💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

    29 min
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Trailer

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About

Join hosts Gennessa Fisher and Brian Johnson for this youth-led and youth-focused monthly interview series as they talk with young people about their life experiences with homelessness, foster care, disabilities, teen parenting, and more. Each conversation will uncover stories of hope and strength from youth storytellers who will share the best ways we can support youth in similar situations. If you want to know how to do better for youth or simply be inspired, this is your show! Every youth has a story to tell. Are you ready to listen?

Information

  • Creator
    Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Youth Voice Amplified
  • Show Website
    Youth Voice Amplified