Breaking Barriers with Youth

How can we talk with young people about substance misuse in a way that is honest, supportive, and effective?

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth, we discuss the pressures and influences young people may face, the importance of prevention, and the role trusted adults can play in helping youth make healthy decisions.

The conversation reminds us that prevention is not just about warning young people what not to do. It is also about listening, building trust, sharing accurate information, and giving them the skills and support they need to respond when difficult situations arise.

Breaking Barriers with Youth is presented by Liberty Partnership Community Council (LPKNC).

Sometimes the person who looks like they're doing just fine is carrying something much heavier underneath.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with YOUth, Jamal sits down with Alejandro and Briana for an honest conversation about youth mental health and suicide awareness. They talk about the pressures young people face—from social media and bullying to school, family, and the expectations they put on themselves—and why simply asking someone “Are you okay?” may not be enough.

Briana shares from her own experience with suicidal thoughts, while she and Alejandro offer a youth perspective on what it really means to show up for a friend who is struggling. The conversation explores warning signs, listening without judgment, asking better questions, involving trusted adults, and recognizing when a friend needs more help than you can provide alone.

Most importantly, this episode reminds young people that they don't have to carry heavy thoughts by themselves—and reminds the rest of us to pay attention, listen, and keep the conversation going.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

Learn more about Liberty Partnership Community Council and our work with youth, families, and communities at LPKNC.org.

Breaking barriers starts with conversation.

What happens when young people are given the opportunity to learn, lead, and connect with others who care about creating healthier communities?

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth, we reflect on the CADCA experience and the value of bringing youth voices into substance misuse prevention. The conversation highlights what participants learned, the connections they made, and how young people can use their ideas and leadership to create change in their schools and communities.

Prevention is not only something adults do for youth—it is more effective when young people have a meaningful role in shaping the work.

Breaking Barriers with Youth is presented by Liberty Partnership Community Council (LPKNC).

What does it really look like when a young person is struggling with their mental health—and how can the adults in their lives respond?

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth, we talk about youth mental health, the signs adults sometimes miss, and why changes in behavior may be telling us more than we realize. We also explore how parents, caregivers, educators, and other trusted adults can create space for honest conversations without judgment or immediately trying to “fix” everything.

Young people may not always have the words to say, “I need help.” Sometimes we have to notice, ask, and most importantly—listen.

Join us for a practical conversation about breaking the stigma around mental health and helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Breaking Barriers with Youth is presented by Liberty Partnership Community Council (LPKNC).

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.