In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth (BBY), we elevate what matters most—authentic youth voice.

Co-hosts Jamal, Alejandro and Miriam lead a powerful conversation on the realities youth are facing today, from mental health challenges to the influence of social media and the critical role schools play in providing support. This episode reflects LPKNC’s commitment to youth-adult partnerships—where young people are not just participants, but leaders in shaping solutions. 

Together, they unpack the state of youth mental health in Arizona and the growing need for stronger, more accessible support systems. For many youth, schools serve as the primary place for connection and care—yet gaps still exist. Resources may be available, but not always fully utilized or reaching students in meaningful ways.

The conversation also explores the dual role of social media. While it can provide a sense of escape and connection, it can also contribute to stress, comparison, and decreased self-esteem. Youth share how navigating both online and real-world relationships requires balance, awareness, and support.

Alejandro and Miriam speak candidly about the pressures youth face—academic expectations, peer dynamics, and at times, a lack of support at home. They also highlight the different ways young people cope, from healthy outlets like nature and connection to more isolating behaviors that signal a need for greater intervention and care.

At its core, this episode is a call to action for parents, educators, and community leaders.

Youth are asking for more than surface-level solutions. They want open conversations, accessible mental health resources, and environments where they feel seen, heard, and supported. They are also clear—removing or reducing mental health support in schools is not the answer. Strengthening it is.

Breaking barriers starts with listening.

And in this episode, youth are leading the way.

On this episode we have a special guest, Edgar Castro-Espinoza. 
Edgar Castro Espinoza is a Coach / Personal Trainer, an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and social media Influencer. 

Founder of Under D.A.W.G Athletics 

Est. 2020 (D.edicated A.thletes W.ho G.rind) He started this brand to uplift not only athletes but anyone that feels under shadowed or under appreciated. He felt like athletes needed MORE than a trainer but rather a mentor.His mission is to motivate and inspire the youth to break generational curses through social media content on personal/mental growth and consistency on developing life skills to break past your limits. “Motivation is temporary consistency is results” 

We talk about his fitness journey and his entry into the motivation speaking world. We also go into a conversation about how dangerous steroids can be and lead to at a young age. 

If you would like to follow Edgar: 
Instagram: @coached_by_e

if you would like to follow LPKNC: 
@LPKNC (Insta and FB) 

In this episode we have two special guests from Desert View High School who are involved in the volleyball team and the Y.E.S Club and among other programs and club at school. For this episode we will dive into mental health, how we talk to our parents about it and the struggles of perception on toxic masculinity when it comes to talking about your emotions. These individuals truly get down to the details on being free to explore their mind and emotions and not be afraid to be open with that subject no matter how family or people view them. We also reminisce on the past field tris we have taken together as YES club and LPKNC. 

Follow our Social Media: 
@LPKNC on Instagram and FB. 

Edgardo Aguilar, a Tucson Native who graduated from Desert View High School and made his way to the University of Arizona, talks about his journey. He talks about why and how he made it to the U of A. What is like being at the U of A. He talks about his fraternity and the positive work they do. He asks that others join his fraternity, 

Jamal and Gaby discuss what they have been up to and seeing and hearing from youth. They also discuss what to expect this season.  

This short clip explains what BBY is, what will be discussed and who Jamal and Gaby are.  

In this episode Jamal and Gaby talk with Eric,  a Senior  from high school, who discusses what he has done in order to be accepted into 8 colleges.  

Student-athletes.  Jamal and Gaby talk with Anissa Medina.  She shares her insights about being a student-athlete and she copes with difficult times.  Even though she loves her sport and people love her there are times when it gets difficult to cope.  

This episode is with Ms. Kristen Carter.  She comes to give some tips to parents and caring adults about working with youth.  

Our guest today is a youth from a local high school who shares about how they handled having to deal with school during Covid.