In this episode of Stay Tuned: Supporting Transition Age Youth, co-hosts Gillian and Mei speak with returning guest Jamie Yang about the powerful role pets can play in improving mental health and supporting community participation. Jamie shares how caring for their dog, Mendelssohn, helped create daily structure and opportunities for self-compassion during challenging periods of mental health recovery. The conversation also explores how dogs (and other pets) can encourage social interaction through daily care taking responsibilities, resulting in meaningful moments of community through everyday encounters with others. And if anything, give this episode a listen to meet Mr. Mendelssohn himself. 

In this episode of STAY Tuned, Gillian and Mei discuss the challenges many people with mental health conditions face during the holidays and share realistic ways to cope, set boundaries, and stay grounded. Through personal stories and practical tips, they highlight the power of community and self-compassion. This episode is for anyone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to navigate the holidays in your own way.

In this episode, Ty Smith joins us to share their powerful story of resilience and advocacy. From difficult experiences in the mental health system to designing their own college degree and becoming a policy advisor, Ty’s journey challenges the stigma around mental health and disability while shining a light on the importance of peer-led support and meaningful, dignified employment for all.  

We explore the systemic gaps in education and behavioral health services, the role of individualized support in recovery, and the incredible work Ty is doing today. Whether you're a student, provider, peer, or policymaker, this episode is packed with lessons on advocacy, inclusion, and building systems where everyone has a chance to thrive.

In this episode, we chat with Paul Cherchia, Assistant Director at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University, about PASS (Peer Academic Supports for Success)—a peer coaching program supporting college students with mental health challenges. Paul shares how PASS was developed, its evidence-based success, and its unique model that pairs trained student coaches with other students to foster academic and emotional well-being. We also dive into the current state of college mental health and why peer support can be a powerful complement to traditional counseling services. Listen to find out if PASS sounds like the right fit to disseminate this fully manualized and evidence-based support to your school. If you would like to contact Paul Cherchia to get more information, please email him at: [email protected].

In this inspiring episode, Jamie Yang, a graduate student and mental health advocate, shares her journey of resilience and growth in navigating recovery from an eating disorder. She highlights the powerful role of community in fostering healing through friendships and hobbies. Through her journey, Jamie explores how recovery involves unlearning toxic messages about food and bodies, setting boundaries, and intentionally choosing communities that nourish rather than deplete. With honesty and insight, Jamie shows how surrounding yourself with supportive, values-aligned people can build strength, shift focus toward wellness, and create space for lasting recovery.

In this episode of STAY Tuned, Micah Webster shares his journey of living with anxiety, supporting a sibling with serious mental health conditions, and finding healing through both therapy and his faith. As a behavioral health researcher and person with lived experience, Micah offers a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and community. 

Micah discusses how supportive, inclusive faith communities can offer a space of grace, flexibility, and belonging; especially for those navigating mental health challenges or feeling socially disconnected. He explores how spirituality is not just a personal journey but can be a communal experience rooted in shared growth. 

We also talk about how faith can support emotional resilience, the importance of universal design in religious spaces, and how newcomers to spirituality can begin exploring questions of meaning and purpose, especially when they don’t know where to start. 

Whether you're connected to a spiritual tradition or seeking new ways to engage with community and inner healing, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom. 

In this episode, we sit down with Wyatt Wagner - a dynamic 21-year-old youth peer advocate, nonprofit founder, and newly announced candidate for his district's board of legislators. Wyatt shares the powerful story behind Youth of Lewis County, the nonprofit he started to create safe spaces and supports for young people in his rural community. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of building youth-led programming in areas with limited infrastructure, strong religious influences, and limited funds. From organizing the county's first youth-run Renaissance Fair to advocating for safe and inclusive spaces, Wyatt speaks candidly about why youth voice is critical to community development and what he is doing to encourage youth and young adults to participate in their communities.  

In this episode, we dive into the impactful work of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (now known as MassAbility) and how it empowers young adults with disabilities to build fulfilling careers and independent lives. Our guest, Amanda Baczko from MassAbility, shares personal insights from her journey with her mental health and professional exploration, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of navigating career and personal exploration with a disability. 

We discuss MassAbility’s unique programs—ranging from Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to peer and family supports. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about fostering meaningful inclusion and support for those navigating mental health challenges and disabilities. 

Join us for an inspiring, honest, and hopeful conversation on finding purpose, facing detours, and thriving through community support. 

In this episode, we chat with Destiny Maxam. Destiny is a therapist who shares her story about self-advocacy and navigating life with chronic illness and a spinal cord injury while building a career in the mental health field. She opens up about going back to school while living in a nursing home, her passion for psychology, and what drives her to help others living with chronic illness, disabilities, and mental health conditions. She also speaks on how the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (now known as MassAbility) was able to provide life changing resources, and how people can find similar services in their states. We dive into the challenges of balancing work and life in a mental health career and how she’s learned to set boundaries to avoid burnout. Plus, she shares some great tips on self-care, managing mental health, and how professionals can better support their clients. It's a conversation full of wisdom and practical advice! 

In this episode, we sit down with Davy, a musician and member of our young adult advisory board who shares his experience of using creativity and music to support his mental health. We discuss the transformative power of creative communities and their impact on mental health. Davy talks about discovering creative writing groups, musician groups in both virtual and hybrid communities. He shares how structured environments, like virtual writing sessions and local art events, fostered accountability, inspired creativity, and provided a sense of belonging. Ready to get more creative? This episode offers practical tips on finding local resources, connecting with like-minded individuals, and enhancing your well-being through creativity.