As one last parting gift, Valo’s seniors shared thoughtful and heartfelt insights about all things Valo - from connection and tending to wellbeing to long-lasting ways of being and - of course - play! Their perspectives and authenticity continues to fill us with hope. Give a listen. We bet you’ll feel the same!

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, our teen hosts wanted to interview a group of people who have a tremendous impact on young people. Teachers. As we all know, teachers play a pivotal role in helping kids know they matter and empowering them to grow in all kinds of ways. What a gift to talk with three local teachers as they shared their experiences - and their feelings  - in supporting students. We left the episode feeling equal parts gratitude and hope.

We took the show on the road this month and featured youth from all over who were attending the New England Youth Identity Summit (which Valo is lucky to be a partner in hosting). We loved hearing their insightful, unique, and even humorous perspectives as they reflected on their past and looked toward their (bright!) futures. We think their voices will enlighten you, as they did us.

We turned the tables this month and invited a few Valo parents to be our guests. Each shined light as they showed up fully for a brave conversation about parenting. Their candor was refreshing as they shared their personal journeys as parents. From how they connect with their children to parts they wish they could do over to how well they know their children, these parents reflected the best in our ways of being. They were curious, open, and vulnerable - and for that we are incredibly grateful.

love is where it's at 🩵 by Valo

Teens are keenly aware of the often unspoken but clearly felt expectation to be perfect. This can look as different as each individual youth, but one thread is clearly woven in - the inevitable pressure to strive toward perfection. In this episode, our teens talk with one another about how they choose to engage in this social phenomenon, and - for a bit - explore what it might feel like to lean into the opposite of it: imperfection.

Young Voices Shed Light on Connection by Valo

Youth Speak Their Truths about Mental Health by Valo

(Unplugged): Teens Tell All by Valo

We were fortunate to have a chance to sit down and hear from a group of male high school soccer players who had recently participated in a Valo program during their pre-season training. The perspectives they shared about vulnerability, connection, being unplugged, and what it means to support their teammates on and off the field left us filled with hope. Maybe it will do the same for you….