Advertise on podcast: Embers

What if we tried something new simply because it interested us—not because we wanted to be good at it? In this episode of Embers, Valo teens explore the joy (and challenge) of trying new things, the internal and external factors that impact us wanting to be “good” at it, and what we can learn about ourselves in the process. They reflect on what they wish they’d known when they were younger, what they wish adults understood about supporting teens, and what gives them hope. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation about making room to explore, discover, and grow - and that we’re never too old to begin.

Members of the Freeport Girls Varsity Soccer team discuss the difference between cliques and friend groups, and how to navigate being on the inside—or outside—of them. They share their thoughts on the power of kindness, embracing diversity, and staying true to yourself as important pillars of finding connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

What happens when young athletes are given space to put down the pressure to perform — and simply be themselves? Following our preseason retreat with Freeport High School’s boys varsity soccer team, we sat down with a few of the players for a conversation about vulnerability, connection, masculinity, and what it means to show up as yourself. We talked about what it takes to ask for help, why it can be hard for young men to show uncertainty or emotion, and what changes when teammates know they don’t have to prove themselves to one another. We found their open hearted sharing honest, thoughtful, and full of hope.

This week, we're giving our regular teen co-hosts a well-deserved summer break—and practicing a little of what this episode is all about. Instead of recording something new, we're revisiting a conversation our Valo teens shared a couple of years ago that feels just as relevant today. In this episode, our teens lead a conversation about their daily routines around exercise, sleep, and nutrition, and how these habits support their emotional wellbeing. Their reflections are thoughtful, practical, and refreshingly honest. While the conversation is rooted in their experiences, there's something here for listeners of every age. Sometimes the best reminders about caring for ourselves come from hearing how young people are figuring it out, too.

In this month's podcast, recently graduated seniors sat down with Valo alumni to discuss the transition from high school to college and life beyond. They explored it all… from finding community and building new friendships to managing greater independence and navigating challenges. At the heart of the conversation, the alumni share wisely about how to find balance and stay connected to what matters most.

In honor of mental health awareness month, our hosts sat down with fellow Valo teens to discuss all things mental health. They spoke about stigma, they brainstormed ways to support loved ones going through hardship, and they emphasized that mental wellbeing looks different for everyone. Curious? Hit Play to hear what our teens have to say

With Earth Day just around the corner, our teens gathered to talk about our planet, what it means to live sustainably, and how the earth and mental wellbeing are so closely connected.

This month our podcast teen hosts hit the road and recorded the episode with youth they met at MYAN’s Youth Leadership Conference. This month our podcast teen hosts hit the road and recorded the episode with youth they met at MYAN’s Youth Leadership Conference. The teens had a lively discussion with their peers about finding balance, navigating the challenges of time, and centering themselves during this transitional period of life.

In this episode, our teens start with a simple question: Is curiosity something you’re born with, or something you build? They explore what happens when we keep asking questions — or when we stop — and how curiosity shapes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Along the way, we reflect on how it changes as we grow, how social media affects it, and what we wish adults were more curious about. Curious? Hit Play and hear what our teens have to say!

in this episode: Valo teens and community members shared their thoughts about environmental stewardship and the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. From building connection to reducing stress, this episode explores how caring for the planet can also help us care for ourselves.

In this episode, we listened to our teens share what parts of Valo resonate for them and what makes our programs and teens’ engagement so important today. Our Executive Director, Dana, spoke with the teens during a recent teen-organized coffee house. You can hear their joyous banter in the background. :)

This month, we dove into one of our core values: connection. We loved welcoming back a special part of the Valo circle—our alumni. It was such a treat to catch up, hear their stories about what connection meant to them when they were here, and see how they’ve carried that same spirit into their lives today. Moments like these remind us why connection is at the heart of everything we do.

This month our teens not only led a panel discussion at Maine Youth Thriving’s REVIVE event, they podcasted there as well! Two of our teens facilitated a meaningful discussion of bravery, difficult conversations, and how these are tools that can help teens feel seen and heard.

We leaned into the focus on play in all regards this month. In this episode, our teens talk about their relationship with play, when life started to steer them away from it, and how to incorporate it back into their regular routine.

This month we sat down with players from Freeport High School’s Varsity Soccer teams who shared their beliefs about vulnerability: how to cultivate it, how it helps build connection, and how brave it is for teens to be emotionally vulnerable in today’s world. We bet their perspectives will leave you as reflective and inspired as they did us!