The Aevidum Podcast

What happens when one person sees a need and decides to do something about it?

In this episode of the Aevidum Podcast, Francesca sits down with Sarah Kokas, founder of Baking a Difference for Kids, to talk about the story behind You Matter Birthday Bags, an idea that has grown into a meaningful way to help children feel celebrated, remembered, and cared for on their birthdays. You Matter Birthday Bags is one of Aevidum’s designated campaigns for the 2026-2027 school year.

Sarah’s story is a reminder that making a difference starts with simply noticing a need and deciding to act and that one person really can start a ripple.

Starting strong can set the tone for the entire school year, but it doesn't mean you have to have everything figured out. In this episode of The Aevidum Podcast, we talk to Marlee, an Aevidum student and member of our Youth Advisory Board, and Kathy Spease, a school psychologist and longtime Aevidum supporter, to explore practical ways students and parents can navigate the back-to-school season with confidence, manage anxiety, build meaningful connections, and prioritize mental wellness from day one. This conversation is full of encouragement and actionable strategies to help you start the year feeling supported.

In this episode, we step inside Aevidum’s 10th Anniversary Talk Workshop. This student-led mental health workshop brought together schools from across Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley to share stories, break stigma, and remind each other that no one is alone. Francesca sits down with two student facilitators from Nazareth Area High School, Connor and Vivian, who not only attended the event but also helped lead it. Together they reflect on why peer-to-peer conversations are so powerful, how vulnerability can transform a room, and what it really means to live out the promise of “I’ve got your back.”

Can dance or music really improve your mental health? In this episode of The Aevidum Podcast, we explore how creative expression can be a powerful outlet for mental health. Tune in to hear Alena’s story of finding calm and confidence through dance, and Kristin Ransom’s, a board certified music therapist at Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, insights on the healing power of expressive arts.

Sometimes, all you need is someone to talk to. In Chester and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, teens are connecting with other teens through a free daily program called Teen Talk. In this episode, host Stephen Jiwanmall chats with program coordinators about how the service runs and how students can get involved in volunteering.

In Montgomery County, volunteers respond to calls and texts daily from 1 to 9 p.m. The Teen Talk Line is 866-825-5856, and the Teen Text Line is 215-703-8411.

In Chester County, volunteers respond to calls and texts daily from 3 to 7 p.m. The Teen Talk Line is 855-852-8336, and the Teen Text Line is 484-362-9515.

Mental health impacts all genders, and talking about it can be a challenge for boys and young men. In this episode, a high school senior talks about how he encourages his peers to take care of their mental health, and a psychiatrist shares how gender roles and differences factor into how boys and young men address mental health.

Yes, it’s true — one person truly can make a difference! In this episode, a student shares her story of supporting Aevidum and mental health initiatives — from baking cakes to creating care packages for local students.

In this episode, we’re learning more about how staying active can help not just your body but also your mind. Recently, we sat down with Jess Langlois. She just graduated from Lafayette College, and she’s interned with Aevidum. Her psychology research project sheds light on the ways in which exercise could be an important way to treat mental health. Check out our conversation and give it a listen today!

While addressing mental health is no laughing matter, comedy is the way that one man is making a difference. Comedian Chris Nee brings a special comedy show to Allentown, Pennsylvania on June 1 to benefit Aevidum. In this episode, Chris shares his mental health journey and how he’s used laughter to break the stigma around mental health.

It’s possible that someone you know may be suffering in silence. Self-harm is something often done in private, and it’s not talked about a lot. In this episode, students speak up about the issue, sharing personal experiences — including how they managed to stop self-harm. A licensed professional counselor also sheds light on the issue, which can help others identify important signs.