Teen Life Real Talk

Mental health is an important part of every teen's life, yet it can still be difficult to talk about openly. In this episode of "Teen Life, Real Talk", Jae sits down with social work student and mental health advocate Mayah to discuss teen mental health, the importance of mental health awareness, and how teens and the adults who care about them can better understand and support one another.

Together, they explore common teen mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, self-esteem, school pressure, and emotional well-being. Mayah shares how to recognize when someone may be struggling, healthy coping strategies for managing everyday challenges, and practical ways to support friends, siblings, and family members while taking care of your own mental health.

This conversation also offers valuable guidance for parents and caregivers, providing insight into what teens may be experiencing and practical ways to create open communication, offer meaningful support, and help young people feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether you're a teen looking for practical mental health advice or a parent hoping to better support your child, this episode offers relatable insights and actionable takeaways.

In this episode of “Teen Life, Real Talk”, Jae sits down with her close friend Elise to share the true story of how an online first impression nearly prevented a real friendship from forming. What started as hurt feelings and assumptions became a lesson in communication, empathy, digital safety, and giving people a second chance. Together, they discuss the challenges of being the new kid, how online conflicts can be resolved with honesty and an open mind, and the positive and negative ways social media influences teen friendships, relationships, and the way we judge others. 

They also explore the positives and negatives of social media, including staying connected with friends, comparison, FOMO, online pressure, digital footprints, digital safety, and building healthy online habits. Through honest conversation and personal experiences, Jae and Elise share practical tips to help teens navigate social media with confidence, kindness, and authenticity.

Whether you've ever misjudged someone, worried about how you're perceived online, or wondered how social media affects friendships and mental health, this episode offers relatable stories, thoughtful conversations, and valuable takeaways for every teen.

If you’ve ever felt stressed about studying, unsure where to start, or exhausted before you even begin, this episode is for you. In this episode, Jae talks with an executive function and study skills expert Katie Azevedo M.Ed., who shares clear, no-nonsense strategies for time management, handling multiple exams, staying focused, and making studying more effective. She also breaks down how to study when you’re tired, how to study for multiple exams, and how to get more out of every study session. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or just trying to improve your study habits, this episode is packed with clear, manageable advice to help you feel more confident and in control of your learning.

Starting a new school year can be exciting, stressful, and overwhelming all at once. In this solo episode of Teen Life, Real Talk, host Jae shares realistic back-to-school tips for teens, including how to prepare mentally, physically, academically, and socially for a successful year. Learn practical strategies for staying organized, managing stress, building healthy habits, improving study skills, navigating friendships, and starting the school year with confidence. Whether you're beginning high school or heading back for another year, this episode is packed with advice to help you thrive—not strive for perfection.

Millions of people around the world experience period poverty, yet it's a topic that often goes unspoken. In this inspiring episode of Teen Life, Real Talk, Jae sits down with the teen founders of Wellness Box Foundation to discuss their mission to increase access to menstrual products, raise awareness about menstrual health, and help break the stigma surrounding periods.
Together, they explore what period poverty is, why access to period products matters, and how the lack of essential menstrual supplies can affect education, confidence, health, and everyday life. They also share the story behind starting their nonprofit, the impact they've made in their community, and how other teens can get involved in creating positive change.

Navigating nutrition, body image, and mental health can be challenging during the teen years. In this episode of Teen Life, Real Talk, host Jae sits down with clinical nutritionist, speaker, and podcast host Angelica to explore how healthy eating supports both physical and mental well-being.

Together, they discuss common nutrition myths, body image, social media influences, emotional eating, and practical ways teens can build a healthier relationship with food without focusing on diets or perfection. Angelica also shares realistic nutrition tips that fit into everyday teen life.

Whether you're looking for trusted teen nutrition advice, struggling with body image, or simply wondering how food affects your mood, energy, and overall wellness, this episode offers practical strategies and encouragement to help you feel your best.

Applying to colleges can feel overwhelming, but what is it actually like from a student’s perspective? In this episode, Jae interviews two of her older cousins Sammie and Kieran who went through the process. They talk about essays, decision day emotions, balancing senior year, and what they wish they had known before applying, while also sharing wisdom and advice about life as college students. Whether you're a junior, senior, or just curious about the process, this episode offers real advice and relatable stories.

Balancing school, activities, and life can be challenging. In this episode, Jae sits down with an upperclassman, Ellie, to talk about time management as a high schooler. They discuss how she handles busy schedules, cramming for exams, and the advice she would give to younger students trying to stay on top of everything.

For this episode, Jae and Brooklyn talk about the trials and tribulations that come with being a teen athlete. They discuss team dynamics and the pressures of balancing school, friendships, injuries, goals, and expectations, and what it really takes mentally and physically to keep going.

In this episode, Jae and Zander explore the challenges, misunderstandings, and growth that come from having a neurodivergent sibling.  It’s a heartfelt look at sibling relationships, and what it means to tackle unconventional family dynamics and tough moments while navigating your own life as a teen.