Real Action for Kids: The Podcast

When teens call YouthLine, some of them ask, “Are you AI?” The answer is no. It’s another teenager, trained to listen.

In our first episode, host Dean Wong sits down with Emily Moser, National YouthLine Director at Lines for Life. They talk about why youth suicide rates are rising, what kids actually talk about when they reach out, and why teens trust other teens first. Emily explains how YouthLine grew from 9 volunteers to more than 200, now handling over 26,000 contacts a year. She also shares how it came to Maui, where local youth are now answering calls from the Kahului call center.

Emily speaks as a parent, too. She shares how she built trust with her own two boys: playing catch in the backyard, taking a breath before reacting, and talking through tough topics “in the third person.” She also tells the April Fools’ Day prank that tested every skill she had.

Reach YouthLine
YouthLine is a free, confidential help line for youth, answered by trained teen volunteers. No problem is too big or too small.
Call: 877-968-8491
Text: teen2teen to 839863
Learn more: theyouthline.org

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time.

This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to one of the resources above.

Learn more about Lines for Life at linesforlife.org. To get involved with Real Action for Kids, visit RealActionForKids.org.

Credits
Host and Executive Producer: Dean Wong
Producer: Katie Mecklenburg
Guest Coordinator: Kat Watanabe
Production Engineer and Editor: Vini Pimenta
Music: AM Brands
Recorded at Akakū: Maui Community Media
Produced by Imua Family Services

What happens when a community stops asking nicely? Find out when Episode 1 drops Monday, October 12, 2026.

Real Action for Kids: The Podcast is hosted by Dean Wong and produced by Imua Family Services on Maui. Each episode, Dean sits down with the people doing the real work for keiki and families: providers, educators, advocates, parents, and caregivers. A mission statement doesn’t raise a child. A person does.

We’ll talk about early intervention, family support, education, culture, and everything in between, with honest conversations about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we move forward together.

New episodes are coming soon. Follow the show so you never miss one, and send this trailer to someone who needs to hear these conversations.

Learn more and get involved at RealActionForKids.org.

Real action, for real kids.

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Credits
Host and Executive Producer: Dean Wong
Producer: Katie Mecklenburg
Guest Coordinator: Kat Watanabe
Production Engineer and Editor: Vini Pimenta
Music: AM Brands
Recorded at Akakū: Maui Community Media
Produced by Imua Family Services