E-cigarettes were once seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but today, vaping among youth and young adults is one of the most pressing public health challenges. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Joseph Lee from Wake Forest University and Dr. Eric Soule from East Carolina University about how vaping has evolved, what drives young people to start, and what strategies are showing promise in prevention. From flavors and social influence to targeted marketing and health equity, they unpack the science and the solutions shaping the future of tobacco control.

Looking to learn more about youth vaping and resources for parents, teachers, and community members? Follow NCTFG on social media! @TobaccoFreeNC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

In this episode we talk with Dr. Jessica Young, a pediatrician and preventive medicine physician at UNC Chapel Hill. Dr. Young shares what she sees in her clinic when it comes to youth vaping, how the products have changed, common misconceptions among parents, and the serious risks to adolescent brain and lung health.

She also talks about strategies pediatricians use to start conversations with teens, how families and communities can better support prevention, and what policies could help protect young people from flavored vaping products. Whether you’re a parent, educator, healthcare provider, or policymaker, this conversation offers practical insights into reducing youth nicotine use and building a tobacco-free generation in North Carolina.

Looking to learn more about youth vaping and resources for parents, teachers, and community members? Follow NCTFG on social media! @TobaccoFreeNC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

In this episode, Rachael Joyner and Jim Martin highlight the significant progress made in supporting people on their journey to quit tobacco as well as tobacco control policies across North Carolina, including creating tobacco-free schools, banning smoking in restaurants and bars, and increasing the minimum smoking age to 21. Rachael and Jim’s work has emphasized the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to tobacco prevention and control, including evidence-based education and close collaboration with public health professionals. 

Looking to learn more about the Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program? Visit www.dukeunctts.com to access training resources and more.

Follow NCTFG on social media! @TobaccoFreeNC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

In this episode, David Willard joins us to discuss the importance of local involvement in tobacco control efforts. Willard highlights the significance of building partnerships with youth organizations to effectively reach and educate young people about the risks of tobacco and vaping products and emphasizes the need for consistent messaging and creative strategies to foster a tobacco-free generation, showcasing successful community engagement as a key to achieving public health goals.

Looking to get in touch with your Regional Tobacco Control Manager? Visit https://tobaccopreventionandcontrol.dph.ncdhhs.gov/about/localtpcgroups to learn more!

Follow NCTFG on social media! @TobaccoFreeNC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

In this episode, Charlene Zorn, a parent advocate from New Hanover County, NC, shares the story of her son, Solomon, who passed away due to vaping related circumstances. She and Ernest Watts discuss the importance of education and policy enforcement to prevent youth vaping across North Carolina and the entire country. Charlene and Ernest emphasize the need for stronger enforcement of Tobacco 21 legislation and the role of parents and schools in supporting a tobacco-free generation.

Ready to quit vaping? Live Vape Free is a free, confidential service for North Carolina teens age 13 to 17 who want to quit vaping. Teens can text VAPEFREENC to 873373 to access 24/7 coaching and support over text – no phone call required.

Follow NCTFG on social media! @TobaccoFreeNC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

In this episode, Toshia Jordan from the Fuquay-Varina Coalition for a Healthy and Safe Community shares her journey in tobacco prevention work in North Carolina. She discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for youth to seek support and highlights the significant role schools and trusted adults play in substance use prevention. With a focus on brain development and mental health, Toshia emphasizes the need for comprehensive tobacco control efforts that address underlying issues and build supportive community relationships.

Follow NCTFG on social media! @TobaccoFreeNC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.