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The Voices of Young People Podcast

The Voices of Young People Podcast

By Springtide Research Institute

Produced by Springtide Research Institute, the Voices of Young People Podcast listens directly to young people as they respond to our research and talk about the issues impacting their lives.
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Growthful with Suhur

The Voices of Young People PodcastJul 16, 2020

00:00
17:10
 Exploring the Sacred with Gabrielle, 24 & Viva, 21

 Exploring the Sacred with Gabrielle, 24 & Viva, 21

Hear Gabrielle, 24, in California talk with Viva, 21, in Minnesota about an experience that evoked a sense of wonder, awe, gratitude, deep truth, and/or interconnectedness. Each episode in season 8 features two different young people sharing a story detailing a sacred experience from their lives. This conversation is facilitated by Marte Aboagye of Springtide Research Institute and is offered alongside, “The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred.” Learn more at springtideresearch.org


Dec 13, 202348:23
 Exploring the Sacred with Anthony, 23 & Claire, 21

 Exploring the Sacred with Anthony, 23 & Claire, 21

Hear Anthony, 23, in California talk with Claire, 21, in Minnesota about an experience that evoked a sense of wonder, awe, gratitude, deep truth, and/or interconnectedness. Each episode in season 8 features two different young people sharing a story detailing a sacred experience from their lives. This conversation is facilitated by Marte Aboagye of Springtide Research Institute and is offered alongside, “The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred.” Learn more at springtideresearch.org  


Dec 06, 202339:46
 Exploring the Sacred with Brandon C., 23 & Sam, 17

 Exploring the Sacred with Brandon C., 23 & Sam, 17

Hear Brandon, 23, in Indiana talk with Sam, 17, in New York about an experience that evoked a sense of wonder, awe, gratitude, deep truth, and/or interconnectedness. Each episode in season 8 features two different young people sharing a story detailing a sacred experience from their lives. This conversation is facilitated by Marte Aboagye of Springtide Research Institute and is offered alongside, “The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred.” Learn more at springtideresearch.org  

Nov 29, 202337:36
 Exploring the Sacred with Grace, 23 & Tábatha, 20

 Exploring the Sacred with Grace, 23 & Tábatha, 20

Hear Grace, 23, in Kansas talk with Tábatha, 20, in Texas about an experience that evoked a sense of wonder, awe, gratitude, deep truth, and/or interconnectedness. Each episode in season 8 features two different young people sharing a story detailing a sacred experience from their lives. This conversation is facilitated by Marte Aboagye of Springtide Research Institute and is offered alongside, “The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred.” Learn more at springtideresearch.org  

Nov 22, 202337:11
 Exploring the Sacred with Brigette, 23 & Lensa, 16

 Exploring the Sacred with Brigette, 23 & Lensa, 16

Hear Brigette, 23, in Arizona talk with Lensa, 16, in Colorado about an experience that evoked a sense of wonder, awe, gratitude, deep truth, and/or interconnectedness. Each episode in season 8 features two different young people sharing a story detailing a sacred experience from their lives. This conversation is facilitated by Marte Aboagye of Springtide Research Institute and is offered alongside, “The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred.” Learn more at springtideresearch.org  

Nov 16, 202342:25
Exploring the Sacred with Brandon W., 23 & Diana, 16

Exploring the Sacred with Brandon W., 23 & Diana, 16

Hear Brandon, 23, in California talk with Diana, 16, in Colorado about an experience that evoked a sense of wonder, awe, gratitude, deep truth, and/or interconnectedness. Each episode in season 8 features two different young people sharing a story detailing a sacred experience from their lives. This conversation is facilitated by Marte Aboagye of Springtide Research Institute and is offered alongside, “The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred.” Learn more at springtideresearch.org

Nov 13, 202353:05
A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Adiam, 25 & Daniel, 24

A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Adiam, 25 & Daniel, 24

Hear Adiam, 25, in DC talk with Daniel, 24, in NV about their perceptions and experiences surrounding Gen Z and mental health. Season 7 coincides with our Springtide Series on Mental Health and features 16 young people discussing where they get messages about mental health, the people they turn to for support, how a sense of purpose plays a role in their overall mental wellbeing, and more.

Aug 03, 202248:39
A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Julianna, 14 & Talia, 16

A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Julianna, 14 & Talia, 16

Hear Julianna, 14, in MN talk with Talia, 16, in CA about their perceptions and experiences surrounding Gen Z and mental health. Season 7 coincides with our Springtide Series on Mental Health and features 16 young people discussing where they get messages about mental health, the people they turn to for support, how a sense of purpose plays a role in their overall mental wellbeing, and more.

Jul 27, 202233:43
A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Chris, 20 & Zineb, 24

A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Chris, 20 & Zineb, 24

Hear Chris, 20, in GA talk with Zineb, 24, in OH about their perceptions and experiences surrounding Gen Z and mental health. Season 7 coincides with our Springtide Series on Mental Health and features 16 young people discussing where they get messages about mental health, the people they turn to for support, how a sense of purpose plays a role in their overall mental wellbeing, and more.

Jul 20, 202234:16
A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Camila, 18 & Ellington, 15

A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Camila, 18 & Ellington, 15

Hear Camila, 18, in LA talk with Ellington, 15, in NY about their perceptions and experiences surrounding Gen Z and mental health. Season 7 coincides with our Springtide Series on Mental Health and features 16 young people discussing where they get messages about mental health, the people they turn to for support, how a sense of purpose plays a role in their overall mental wellbeing, and more.

Jul 13, 202236:55
A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Ivan, 21 & Sam, 19

A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Ivan, 21 & Sam, 19

Hear Ivan, 21, in NY talk with Sam, 19, in OR about their perceptions and experiences surrounding Gen Z and mental health. Season 7 coincides with our Springtide Series on Mental Health and features 16 young people discussing where they get messages about mental health, the people they turn to for support, how a sense of purpose plays a role in their overall mental wellbeing, and more.

Jul 06, 202239:30
A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Camden, 19 & Kaiya, 19

A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Camden, 19 & Kaiya, 19

Hear Camden, 19, in PA talk with Kaiya, 19, in NY about their perceptions and experiences surrounding Gen Z and mental health. Season 7 coincides with our Springtide Series on Mental Health and features 16 young people discussing where they get messages about mental health, the people they turn to for support, how a sense of purpose plays a role in their overall mental wellbeing, and more.

Jun 29, 202236:53
A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Grace, 16 & Mercer, 17

A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with Grace, 16 & Mercer, 17

Hear Grace, 16, in MA talk with Mercer, 17, in NC about their perceptions and experiences surrounding Gen Z and mental health. Season 7 coincides with our Springtide Series on Mental Health and features 16 young people discussing where they get messages about mental health, the people they turn to for support, how a sense of purpose plays a role in their overall mental wellbeing, and more.

Jun 22, 202240:54
A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with George, 23 & Joe, 21

A Mental Health & Gen Z Conversation with George, 23 & Joe, 21

Hear George, 23, in FL talk with Joe, 21, in CA about their perceptions and experiences surrounding Gen Z and mental health. Season 7 coincides with our Springtide Series on Mental Health and features 16 young people discussing where they get messages about mental health, the people they turn to for support, how a sense of purpose plays a role in their overall mental wellbeing, and more. Be sure to catch all eight conversations wherever you like to get your podcasts.

Jun 15, 202235:24
Destina, Age 25

Destina, Age 25

Destina is a first-generation Chicana and a first-year PhD student. She talks about how the Catholic Church’s violence against indigenous people, among other things, has made her question the religion she was raised in. Her close personal relationship with La Virgen -- who Destina understands as pre-Hispanic -- is the reason why Destina says she has not completely disaffiliated from the Church.

Mar 24, 202228:40
Brian, Age 22

Brian, Age 22

Brian, a Peruvian graduate student, reflects on the role his family and their migration to the U.S. has played in his faith life. Brian shares that practices like prayer and weekly Mass not only deepen his personal faith, but also help him feel close to his family while he is away at school.

Mar 16, 202222:37
Gaby, Age 24

Gaby, Age 24

Gaby identifies as Catholic and Latina. She grew up going to Spanish-language Masses with her mom, even though they did not always feel welcome by the church community. Now, Gaby is a first-gen PhD student who continues to find meaning and value in going to Mass with her friends.

Mar 09, 202230:27
Blanca, Age 20

Blanca, Age 20

Rather than identifying as Catholic like the rest of her family, Blanca describes herself as spiritual. While she sometimes feels guilty that she does not share her family’s religious beliefs, Blanca discusses how her new spirituality has greatly improved her mental health.

Mar 02, 202220:26
Ryan, Age 22

Ryan, Age 22

Ryan is a Mexican-American theater maker and producer living in New York City. Though he once felt called to join the priesthood, Ryan is no longer active in the Catholic Church. However, Ryan continues to feel connected to his heritage, community, and faith through his devotion to La Virgen de Guadalupe.

Feb 23, 202240:20
Josué, Age 25

Josué, Age 25

Josué, a Chicanx media curator in Los Angeles, practices the Bahá’í faith and seeks to have love be the anchor in what connects them to Dao (the way) as well as the familial and community relationships that have shaped them and their sense of spirituality. To feel rooted, they look to nature, movement, art, meditation, and connection with others.

Dec 29, 202123:31
Elyse, Age 15

Elyse, Age 15

Elyse, a high school sophomore in Massachusetts, is a Catholic young person who emphasizes the importance of making space for questions as well as doubt within the realm of religion. Her spiritual practices include participating in school masses that are student-run, spending time with her family, and being alone to write or meditate.

Dec 22, 202111:25
Christian, Age 22

Christian, Age 22

Christian, a senior at La Salle University, grew up in a Puerto Rican-Italian Catholic family but says he presently focuses on not seeing religion as “one-sided.” He utilizes daily meditation, solitude, conversations on faith, and literature with social justice themes to feel in touch with God, nature, and humanity.

Dec 15, 202123:55
Zaina, Age 16

Zaina, Age 16

Zaina, a high school junior in Massachusetts, shares how her exposure to Islam informs the way she pursues her own sense of spirituality while also borrowing practices she finds meaningful from multiple religions. To feel rooted, she spends time in nature and utilizes meditation, crystals, and wholistic healing.

Dec 08, 202117:10
Amethyst, Age 24

Amethyst, Age 24

Amethyst, a professional dancer in Chicago, shares how they’re seeking to connect histories and spiritual practices from the identities they hold as an African American, Indigenous, and Queer person alongside elements they find meaningful within Christianity. They describe God as a feeling of safety, look to nature to feel rooted, and utilize dance and beatboxing as forms of prayer.

Dec 01, 202128:25
Abby, Age 24

Abby, Age 24

Abby, a youth minister in Michigan, shares how her faith journey has been shaped by practicing gratitude, connecting with people from a range of different beliefs and backgrounds, and taking time to understand the meaning behind the sacraments and structure of the Catholic Church. To center herself, Abby finds comfort in being near a body of water and carving out a prayer corner as a sacred space in her home.

Nov 24, 202132:21
Daniel, Age 22

Daniel, Age 22

Daniel, a college senior and a football quarterback at Duke University, describes how Judaism has provided him with a deep sense of community throughout all different stages of his life. Participating in weekly Shabbat dinners on his campus offers a weekly rhythm where he can take a break to breathe, reflect, and connect with other Jewish students and faith leaders. He also describes how being in conversation with friends and teammates from other faith traditions allows him to ask questions about his own faith practices.

Nov 17, 202119:32
Lily, Age 15

Lily, Age 15

Lily, a sophomore in high school, compares her faith journey to her life as a ballet dancer, describing both as constants which offer her a source of comfort as well as happiness. A practicing Catholic, Lily also points to reading scripture, being in nature, spending time with her family, connecting with other Asian American teenagers in an advocacy group, and meditating as practices that ground her and give her outlets to express her faith.

Nov 10, 202122:42
Saad, Age 26

Saad, Age 26

Saad, a pre-med student in Chicago, shares how asking hard questions and traversing obstacles throughout his adolescence have deepened both his understanding and practice of Islam. He describes his daily prayer life where he can “talk to God as a friend” as well as acts of charity as essential sacred practices to feel connected to his local and global Muslim faith community.

Nov 03, 202134:11
Lucy, Age 21

Lucy, Age 21

Lucy, a college student at Villanova University, shares how she weaves an appreciation for tradition with a need for exploration in how she defines and approaches her spiritual life. Participating in small faith communities, playing music in various religious and non-religious spaces, and connecting with the natural world are practices she finds integral for nurturing her inner and outer life.

Oct 27, 202125:15
Navigating Uncertainty

Navigating Uncertainty

Springtide Executive Director Dr. Josh Packard talks with Marte Aboagye, producer of The Voices of Young People Podcast, about key themes and takeaways from Season 5, exploring how the 10 guests' stories correspond with our latest report: The State of Religion & Young People 2021: Navigating Uncertainty.

Oct 20, 202117:26
Avthar: Finding Balance as a Technology Entrepreneur

Avthar: Finding Balance as a Technology Entrepreneur

25-year-old Avthar describes the tech industry as a place of fulfillment for engaging problem-solving and being of service to others. He highlights the ways his current boss has built a positive work environment for offering constructive feedback and points to other trusted adults who have invested in his personal growth throughout his youth and young adulthood.

Jul 01, 202101:06:43
Cristina: Becoming a Healthcare Interpreter

Cristina: Becoming a Healthcare Interpreter

Combining a degree in Spanish and a passion for healthcare, 23-year-old Cristina offers a compelling look at her decision to pursue a career as a healthcare interpreter. She describes the importance of finding balance between work and life: making time to enjoy outside interests and friendships and connecting with a mentor who's working to build online community spaces with fellow Latinas.

Jun 24, 202139:07
Jesse: Restorative Justice & Studying Education

Jesse: Restorative Justice & Studying Education

While student-teaching during his final semester of college, Jesse shares how mentors are helping him cultivate both personal and professional growth, noting how even small, intentional gestures from them have impacted his life. He discusses practical ways he hopes to support his own students as an educator, including bringing principles of restorative justice into the classroom.

Jun 17, 202132:18
Mat: A Creative Pursuing Musical Theater & Dance

Mat: A Creative Pursuing Musical Theater & Dance

A lover of the arts, Mat is in his final semester of college and considering between career paths in music production, musical theater, or dance. He reflects on the challenges of entering the performing arts professionally during a global pandemic and offers perspective on the lessons he’s gleaned from mentors at work and school.

Jun 10, 202138:60
Tatum: Disability Justice with an Aspiring Pastor

Tatum: Disability Justice with an Aspiring Pastor

In her final college semester, and while preparing for graduate school at a seminary, Tatum shares her hopes of becoming a Methodist pastor, largely driven by her passion to root her work in disability justice. As a functionally blind person advocating for overall accessibility and awareness, Tatum draws helpful parallels between “spoon theory” and work-life balance.

Jun 03, 202141:60
Lucy: Hoping to Become a Child Psychologist

Lucy: Hoping to Become a Child Psychologist

14-year-old Lucy already has her hopes set on studying developmental psychology, specifically focused on child and adolescent development. She shares how her own mental health journey has led her to want to pursue work where she can offer children and youth the kinds of critical resources she's benefited from. In addition to her career ambitions, Lucy points to other sources of meaning in her personal life, including theater and Colombian dance.

May 27, 202128:12
Abdalla: A Passion for Biomedical Engineering

Abdalla: A Passion for Biomedical Engineering

23-year-old Abdalla shares his passion for engineering, the ways he hopes to see workplaces continue to grow in their inclusion efforts and strategies, and how his Muslim faith offers opportunities for meaning, mentorship, and growth.

May 20, 202147:24
Abby: Considering Political Science/Law

Abby: Considering Political Science/Law

High school senior Abby shares her hopes about what sort of work environment she might eventually engage in and reflects on the trusted adults who are helping her navigate her current commitments as well her next steps in terms of post-secondary education options.

May 13, 202130:51
Work / Life: Helping Gen Z Flourish & Find Balance

Work / Life: Helping Gen Z Flourish & Find Balance

Springtide Executive Director Dr. Josh Packard talks with Marte Aboagye, producer of The Voices of Young People Podcast about key themes and takeaways from Season 4 as it relates to our brand new report, Work / Life: Helping Gen Z Flourish & Find Balance.

May 06, 202121:48
Preview of Season 4: Work / Life

Preview of Season 4: Work / Life

Hear a preview of what’s to come in Season 4 of The Voices of Young People Podcast as all 8 guests answer the question, “What does work-life balance look like to you?” This season coincides with our latest report, Work / Life: Helping Gen Z Flourish & Find Balance (available at springtideresearch.org).

Apr 29, 202112:00
Thérèse, Age 15

Thérèse, Age 15

Thérèse speaks to her experience as a Roman Catholic and the ways she seeks to practice her faith individually and communally. She credits trusted adults, like youth leaders and her confirmation sponsor, for really being there for her and offering the space to process ideas as well as questions.

Jan 21, 202115:02
Hameeda, Age 23

Hameeda, Age 23

Hameeda shares why her current spiritual view has "God on hold for now," but why she nonetheless still holds some values and practices from her Muslim upbringing. She describes how her father encouraged her questions and curiosities around religion, and the ways—even after he's passed away—he continues to be a model of holding nonjudgmental space for others' spiritual journeys.

Nov 26, 202023:20
Austin, Age 16

Austin, Age 16

Austin describes how being a Reform Jew provides him with a meaningful faith tradition to both learn from and find connection, why he meditates or does yoga before his baseball games, and how his rabbi encourages not only his religious pursuits—but also offers him great advice for all aspects of life.

Nov 19, 202009:58
Matthew, Age 24

Matthew, Age 24

Matthew, a seminary student pursuing ordination within the Unitarian Universalist Church, offers his definition of the Divine, various spiritual practices he seeks to cultivate, and why he looks up to other faith leaders who demonstrate care and great listening.

Nov 12, 202019:17
Mackenna, Age 19

Mackenna, Age 19

Mackenna shares how her identity as a Christian shapes the ways she seeks to build and engage community, how music is a place where she finds spiritual connection, and the way she sees love for all people modeled by her dad, a pastor.

Nov 05, 202013:08
Chaltu, Age 17

Chaltu, Age 17

Chaltu describes the ways she practices and honors her faith as a Muslim woman, how the guiding principles of Islam give meaning to her life, and why the young people in her community see their sheikh as a trusted mentor.

Oct 29, 202011:58
Kellen, Age 19

Kellen, Age 19

Kellen offers personal examples of why he identifies as an atheist, the moral teachings he is committed to upholding and embodying, and how trusted adults in his life have demonstrated respect, love, and acceptance.

Oct 22, 202016:05
Jazmin, Age 25

Jazmin, Age 25

Jazmin shares why she identifies as spiritually fluid, what sort of practices she finds grounding—including meditation and intergenerational storytelling—and the type of faith community she hopes to engage in the future.

Oct 15, 202016:04
Karandeep, Age 19

Karandeep, Age 19

Karandeep describes why his Sikh faith is so foundational to his worldview and how, as a college student and an active member of his faith community, he aims to practice his religion in everyday moments.

Oct 08, 202023:52
Kaiya, Age 19

Kaiya, Age 19

Kaiya offers a glimpse into some of the questions she's holding as a college student deconstructing ideas from her upbringing in the LDS Church, and how she still finds meaning in seeking to connect to something bigger than herself.

Oct 01, 202015:05