Teens Tap In

You don't want to miss this week's episode of Teens Tap In! For Kate and Grace's final episode as your co-hosts, they sit down with Casey Bowles, a school counselor at Mt. Lebanon High School, to discuss the transition from high school to college and how to navigate senior year challenges, particularly college applications. Students will learn tips to separate their self-worth from the outcomes of this often challenging process, strategies to manage comparison against their peers, and one crucial piece of advice Casey wishes more seniors would follow. They also discuss how college is not the right path for everyone, as well as ways parents and guardians can support teens without adding to their pressure.

A huge thank you to Kate and Grace for being such amazing co-hosts of Teens Tap In over the past year! Stay tuned for the upcoming fifth season of Teens Tap In with the 2025-26 Outreach College Crew. This is a passionate group of young professionals with great ideas to impact Outreach and the larger community of families we serve.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Join Kate, Grace and Maggie Zangara, Program Manager, for an episode on volunteering. Whether you're looking to make a difference in your community or seeking ways to boost your own wellbeing, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with practical ideas for getting involved. Tune in to learn how volunteering can be a win-win for both your mental health and your community.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Teens Tap In is marking Mental Health Month with an insightful discussion on effective ways both teens and adults can offer and request support during challenging times. Your podcast co-hosts are joined by Maggie Zangara, Outpatient Therapist and Program Manager at Outreach, for a conversation that provides practical guidance on how to initiate support for friends in need. Finding the right words can often be the biggest hurdle. Listen now to gain valuable conversation starters that help break through communication barriers and foster supportive dialogue with those who might be struggling.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Your "Teens Tap In" podcast co-hosts, Kate and Grace, are back for another exciting episode! This month, they sit down with Kelly Gyurina, a mom of three and a passionate mental health advocate. Their conversation explores the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in parenting. From guiding without pressure to encouraging curiosity-driven growth, they discuss how parents have the power to help cultivate a love for learning and a long-lasting sense of motivation in their children, all while navigating external pressures arising from school, social media and more. This is an episode for anyone hoping to raise (or be!) a self-driven individual.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Tune in this month to Teens Tap In for a heartfelt episode as co-hosts Kate and Grace sit down to celebrate the incredible career of Mary Birks, Executive Director of Outreach Teen & Family Services. After leading Outreach for more than a decade, Mary is preparing for her next big adventure - retirement! This episode reflects on her journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the lasting impact she’s made in our local communities. Together, Kate and Grace dive into Mary’s favorite memories, lessons learned, and what’s next for both her & Outreach.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Listen in as the OCC members, Kate, Grace and Lily candidly share their real-world experiences with social media - from strengthening friendships and finding communities to managing comparison culture and digital drama and cyberbullying. Get an unfiltered look at how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat shape their social connections and emotional wellbeing, all from their own unique perspectives.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

*** WARNING: This episode touches on sensitive topics, including suicide and mental illness, so please listen with care. If you are experiencing active symptoms of severe depression and/or suicidal ideation, contact Resolve Crisis Network at (888) 796-8226 or go to your local emergency room. We strongly encourage you to listen with a trusted adult and process your thoughts with them after listening. ***

In this episode of Teens Tap In, Kate and Grace sit down with Erin Blechman—an author, speaker, and certified Grief Educator—to discuss the profound and complex journey of grief and healing. Erin shares insights from her book, My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide, where she reflects on the heartbreak of losing her son Max to suicide following his long battle with mental illness. Together, they delve into the stigmas surrounding grief, the importance of elevating conversations about mental health, and Erin’s mission to bring awareness to the impact of loss and suicide.

Erin Blechman's website is: 

Join us here for a parent workshop focused on grief and loss w/ Erin Blechman on Thursday, Feb 13th 7-8 PM via Zoom Webinar: 

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

In this month's episode of Teens Tap In, your co-hosts, Kate and Grace, are joined by Dr. Alan Yeasted, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Emeritus of St. Clair Health. Together, they discuss Dr. Yeasted's journey into medicine, the biggest challenges present in healthcare today, and how mental and physical health intersect. Tune in to hear practical advice on managing stress, improving sleep, and building healthier habits, especially as a teen!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

In this month's episode of Teens Tap In, fellow Outreach College Crew member Lily Simons joins podcast co-hosts Grace and Kate to discuss the importance of gratitude and spreading joy in the upcoming holiday season. They share what they are personally grateful for, explore how we can spread gratitude, and discuss ways to find happiness during the holidays. This episode is perfect for anyone who would like to take a moment to be thankful and reflect before beginning preparations for winter festivities!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

In this episode of Teens Tap In, your hosts, Kate and Grace, sit down with Outreach's Clinical Director, Kaitlyn Pry, to unravel the complex cycle of anxiety and depression. Together, they explore the leading causes of rising anxiety and depression rates, what it’s like to feel trapped in these cycles, and practical ways to support friends and loved ones who may be struggling. Whether you’re looking for guidance in your own life, or simply want to improve your understanding of mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for all! Listen now!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara