BeingMe: A Teen Mental Health Podcast

As the holiday season approaches, so does a unique blend of excitement and stress, especially for teens. In our latest episode of the BeingMe podcast, we delve into the heart of these challenges.

Join hosts Ruthie Tessler, Juan Bendana, and special guest Christoph Cunningham as they explore the complexities of teen life during this bustling time of year.

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

December 4, 2023

Closed Captions are auto-generated 

The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studio Production. Learn more about BeMe Health and our teen wellness app built With Teens In Mind at BeMe.com | All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023

About This Episode

In this episode of TeenMind Matters with Ruthie Tessler and Juan Bendaña on the BeingMe podcast, we explore how to balance extracurricular activities as a teenager.  Join us as we chat about the challenges of juggling multiple commitments.

From sports to clubs to volunteering, we'll share practical advice on setting priorities, managing time, and maintaining mental well-being in the midst of it all.

But that's not all! In the spirit of Halloween, our hosts, Ruthie and Juan, get into the spooky mood as they share their hot Halloween takes! We'll have a ghostly good time answering your queries about all things mysterious and supernatural. And don't miss Juan's tale of his close encounter with a shark.

So, whether you're seeking advice on extracurricular balance or just in the mood for a Halloween thrill, this episode has something for everyone.

Tune in, and let's navigate the extracurricular act together with a dash of spooky fun!

About BeMe

BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of social, gaming, streaming engagement, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Hosts

Juan Bendana, BeMe Youth Ambassador

Ruthie Tessler, High School Student

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

October 24th, 2023 | Closed Captions are auto-generated. 

The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studio Production. Learn more about BeMe Health and our teen wellness app built With Teens In Mind at BeMe.com

All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023

About This Episode

Welcome to "BeingMe," the podcast that honors the voices and experiences of teenagers. In this installment, your hosts, Ruthie Tessler and Juan Bendana, are joined by Zach Gottlieb.

Zach Gottlieb is the 17-year-old founder of Talk With Zach, a Gen Z movement and community that harnesses the power of young people worldwide to engage in important conversations that change the culture and openly address everything related to our generation’s wellbeing.

In Segment 1, the trio engages in a free-flowing check-in, tackling everything from their favorite purchases of the year to the trials and tribulations of senior year. You'll get an inside look at their thoughts on school, senior year feels, and the latest trends in music, movies, and TikTok.

Segment 2 is all about answering burning questions from BeMe Teens. Levi seeks advice on staying motivated in senior year, Julia seeks guidance on asking someone out on a date, and Jake wants tips on making new friends at a new school. Don't miss these heartfelt and practical responses.

During Segment 3, the topic of self-care is discussed. You'll learn how to identify when you require some "me time," explore the various self-care practices available on the BeMe app and understand the significance of taking care of your physical health and well-being through activities like MeMinutes.

Join Ruthie, Juan, and Zach in this engaging episode as they discuss senior year challenges, dating dilemmas, and the art of self-care. It's a podcast you won't want to miss!

About BeMe

Our Hosts

Producer

Date of Recording

Closed Captions are auto-generated. | The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studio Production. Learn more about BeMe Health and our teen wellness app built With Teens In Mind at BeMe.com | All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023

About This Episode

Welcome to another episode of BeingMe: A Teen Mental Health Podcast. In this engaging conversation, we sit down with Sara Hann and Ellie Foster, the co-directors of education at the Kevin Love Fund, to delve into the critical intersection of teen mental health and sports. Join us as we explore the fund’s inspiring initiatives, the Summer Fellowship program, and valuable insights for the upcoming back-to-school season.

Kevin Love’s courageous sharing of his mental health struggles has ignited a movement, especially important for young boys lacking role models in this area. Sara and Ellie share success stories and examples of how the Kevin Love Fund has empowered teens to thrive in their journeys.

In the episode, we start with a discussion uncovering the fund’s mission to prioritize teen mental health and positively impact young people’s lives. Learn how the Kevin Love Fund collaborates with schools and educational institutions to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and provide valuable resources for teens.

Next, we explore the connection between adolescent mental health and sports, exploring how engagement in physical activities positively impacts teenagers’ mental well-being. Student-athletes often grapple with unique mental health challenges. We explore how the Kevin Love Fund addresses the stigma surrounding mental health issues in teen athletics.

As we approach the back-to-school season, we learn about the guidance and support resources offered by the Kevin Love Fund’s educational programs, tailored to help educators, families, and teens navigate this challenging time.

Don’t miss this enlightening episode that highlights the Kevin Love Fund’s commitment to teen mental health, innovative initiatives, and the transformative power of sports in promoting well-being. 

To learn more, visit kevinlovefund.org.

About Our Guests

Sara Hann and Ellie Foster, the Kevin Love Fund's directors of education, are our guests on this episode.

The Kevin Love Fund (KLF) was founded by Kevin Love, a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Miami Heat in the NBA. The fund aims to inspire people to live their healthiest lives while providing tools for both physical and mental health. 

Through a unique combination of education, research, grantmaking, and advocacy, Kevin Love Fund is working to break the stigma around mental health and ensure people, especially teens, have the support needed to thrive.

About BeMe

BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of supportive media, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Host

Dr. Taiwo Alonge, BeMe Health

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

August 28, 2023

Closed Captions are auto-generated | The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studios Production. All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023

About This Episode

Welcome to BeingMe, the podcast that honors the voices and experiences of teenagers. In this episode, our hosts, Ruthie Tessler and BeMe Youth Ambassador Juan Bendana, dive into current events, answer BeMe Teen Advisory Board questions, and provide tips for easing into a new school year.

Don't miss this fun discussion filled with practical advice for teens navigating the summer break. Join Ruthie and Juan as they remind you to keep being yourself, and stay tuned for more empowering episodes of the BeingMe podcast.

About BeMe
BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of social, gaming, streaming engagement, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Hosts

Juan Bendana, BeMe Youth AmbassadorRuthie Tessler, High School Student

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

July 24, 2023

The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studio Production. Learn more about BeMe Health and our teen wellness app built With Teens In Mind at BeMe.com | All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023 | Closed Captions are auto-generated

About This Episode

Welcome to a special Pride-themed episode of BeingMe, where we dive deep into the experiences and challenges faced by Two-Spirit youth in Native American communities. In this episode, we are joined by Michelle Singer and Taylor Dean from Healthy Native Youth, an organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Native American teens.

In part one of our conversation (Episode 21) with Healthy Native Youth, we explored the resources available for Native American teens struggling with mental health issues. Michelle and Taylor shed light on their organization's various services and discuss how these resources can be accessed to support those in need.

In the second part of our conversation with Health Native Youth, we delve into the concept of Two-Spirit. Michelle and Taylor provide insight into the term, explaining that it is a culturally specific term used by some Native American tribes to describe individuals embodying masculine and feminine qualities. Furthermore, our guests shed light on who can use the term and offer guidance on its respectful usage.

Cultural competency and sensitivity are vital when working with Two-Spirit youth, and our guests emphasize their importance. Michelle and Taylor discuss how non-Native service providers can best support these young people in a culturally appropriate manner, emphasizing the significance of understanding and respecting Native traditions, customs, and histories. They share insights into building trust and creating safe spaces for Two-Spirit youth.

For Two-Spirit youth struggling to find supportive resources and communities, our guests offer empowering advice. They share strategies for seeking out affirming spaces and encourage self-advocacy. Additionally, they address allies and highlight the ways in which they can better support the health and well-being of Two-Spirit youth, such as actively educating themselves, amplifying Two-Spirit voices, and advocating for inclusive policies.

Lastly, we explore the vibrant Navajo Pride celebration held in Window Rock, Arizona. Michelle and Taylor provide captivating details about this annual event, its cultural significance, and the ways in which it fosters a sense of community and pride among the Navajo people.

Join us for this enlightening episode as we amplify the voices of Michelle Singer and Taylor Dean, who share invaluable insights into the challenges faced by Two-Spirit youth in Native American communities and shed light on the importance of cultural competency and support in promoting their health and well-being.

About Our Guests

Healthy Native Youth is an organization that promotes the health and well-being of Native youth through culturally responsive education and resources. Their mission is to provide access to accurate information and support for Native youth on various topics, including sexual health, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and healthy relationships. 

They partner with Native communities to develop and implement culturally appropriate curricula and training programs that support young people's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Healthy Native Youth produces resources for Native teens and caring adults, including online educational materials, training workshops, and community-based outreach initiatives.

About BeMe

BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of social, gaming, streaming engagement, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Host

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, BeMe Health

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

March 31, 2023

Closed Captions are auto-generated | The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studios Production. All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023

About This Episode

We are honored to speak with Mira Zimet, the visionary behind The Storyboard Project. This empowering web series aims to educate and empower youth as they transition out of the foster care system and navigate the challenges of adulthood.

In this episode, we delve into the power of mentorship for foster youth and how it helps them overcome adversity and reach their full potential. Myra shares successful examples of mentorship programs tailored to this population and inspiring stories she has encountered during her interviews with the youth.

We also explore the significance of raising awareness about teenagers' challenges in foster care. Myra offers insights on collectively educating the public and fostering a more supportive and inclusive society for all young people. Even if one may not fully understand their experiences, fostering empathy for teens in foster care is crucial.

Tune in to this enlightening episode as we embark on a transformative journey with Myra Zimet, exploring the power of storytelling, mentorship, and empathy in shaping the lives of foster youth.

About Our Guest

Mira Zimet is an acclaimed filmmaker with an impressive career spanning over 22 years. Her expertise lies in writing and producing captivating documentaries, educational videos, and digital content. Her thought-provoking documentaries have been broadcasted on prestigious channels such as PBS, Discovery/Times, and E! Entertainment.

In 2014, Mira founded The Storyboard Project to provide a platform for youth with foster care experience to share their unique stories. The impactful videos produced by The Storyboard Project have garnered recognition and support from notable organizations such as Journey to Success, Peace4Kids, and PBS SoCal.

About BeMe

BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of social, gaming, streaming engagement, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Hosts

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, Chief Medical Officer, BeMe HealthHazuri Dhillon, co-host

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

April 27, 2023

Closed Captions are auto-generated | The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studios Production. All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023

About This Episode

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Singer and Taylor Dean from Healthy Native Youth, an organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Native youth through culturally responsive education and resources.

Join us as we delve into the challenges faced by Native teenagers, the unique initiatives offered by Healthy Native Youth, and how the mental health community can better support Native youth. Michelle and Taylor bring their expertise and experiences to the table, shedding light on important topics surrounding the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of Native youth.

About Our Guest

Healthy Native Youth is an organization that promotes the health and well-being of Native youth through culturally responsive education and resources. Their mission is to provide access to accurate information and support for Native youth on various topics, including sexual health, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and healthy relationships.

They partner with Native communities to develop and implement culturally appropriate curricula and training programs that support young people's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Healthy Native Youth produces resources for Native teens and caring adults, including online educational materials, training workshops, and community-based outreach initiatives.

About BeMe

BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of social, gaming, streaming engagement, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Host

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, BeMe Health

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

March 31, 2023

Closed Captions are auto-generated | The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studios Production. All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023

About This Episode

Join our hosts Dr. Neha Chaudhary and her co-host Hazuri Dhillon in this episode as they interview Jennifer Epstein, Director of Education and Outreach at Song For Charlie. 

Song for Charlie is a national family-run nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about ‘fentapills’ — fake pills made of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. As part of their outreach, they work with experts, educators, parents, and other partners, like BeMe, to reach the most vulnerable group: young people between the ages of 13-24.

In this episode, we will learn more about the epidemic of fentanyl, how it’s impacting teens, Jennifer’s personal connection to the impact of fentanyl on families, and the dangers of self-medication and casual drug use in the fentanyl era. To increase awareness about the dangers of counterfeit or fentanyl-laced pills, BeMe Health has partnered with Song For Charlie for National Fentanyl Awareness Day. 

About Our Guest

Jennifer Epstein joined Song for Charlie after losing her 18-year-old son Cal to a fake pill in December 2020. Jennifer worked with Beaverton School District to develop their Fake & Fatal campaign, the first known fake pill awareness campaign by a school district in the country. 

Jennifer is now SFC’s Director of Outreach and Education, responsible for developing resources to help spread awareness and reach out to organizations that work with kids. Jennifer brings 20 years of Fortune 100 and start-up operations experience and over 12 years of working with schools and youth.

About BeMe

BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of social, gaming, streaming engagement, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Host

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, Chief Medical Officer, BeMe Health

Hazuri Dhillon, Co-host

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

April 28, 2023

Closed Captions are auto-generated | The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studios Production. All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023

About This Episode

In this episode, join host Dr. Neha Chaudhary as she interviews Case Kenny, an Instagram creator, and author known for his unique perspective on personal growth, mindfulness, and embracing your true self. Case shares his personal story, delves into the challenges of social media and mental health, offers advice, and explores the connection between music and emotions, including his collaboration with Andy Grammer.

Tune in to gain insights, inspiration, and actionable tips from Case's experiences and wisdom. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on self-improvement, self-care, and authenticity with a twist of "weirdness"! Listen now to elevate your personal growth journey to the next level.

About Our Guest

Case Kenny is an Instagram influencer, author, and creator of the popular podcast New Mindset, Who Dis? He's also the best-selling author of But First, Inner Peace, the creator of The New Mindset Journals and The Unbothered Journal, and his new book, That’s Bold of You.
Case inspires his followers, passionate about helping people find their inner power and improve their lives through his personal experiences, insights, and motivational messages. His unique perspective on life, love, and relationships has earned him a loyal fan base of nearly half a million followers on Instagram, making him one of the most influential voices in self-improvement.

About BeMe

BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of social, gaming, and streaming engagement, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Host

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, Chief Medical Officer, BeMe Health

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

March 31, 2023

Closed Captions are auto-generated | The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studios Production. All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023