The Mindful Mic

What if we could support youth mental health before a crisis happens?

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Dr. Megan Smith, Boise State University professor and founding director of Communities for Youth, to talk about a powerful upstream approach to youth mental health.

Using local data from the Idaho Youth Wellbeing Survey, Communities for Youth is helping Idaho communities better understand what is driving depression and other mental health challenges among young people—and what we can do about it.

Dr. Smith shares why social connection has emerged as one of the most important protective factors for Idaho youth, and how schools, families, businesses, community leaders, and teens themselves can all play a role in creating healthier, more connected communities.

We also talk about Get Out There Boise, youth-friendly businesses, the importance of listening directly to young people, and the encouraging results communities are already seeing.

It’s a hopeful conversation about moving beyond crisis response and creating communities where young people can truly thrive.

Learn more & get involved:

Communities for Youth: https://www.communitiesforyouth.org/

Get Out There Boise: https://www.getoutthereboise.org/

What does the future of youth mental health care look like—and how can we better meet kids where they are?

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, Colbi Twiss and Grace Shimatsu talk with Dr. Eric Arzubi, child and adolescent psychiatrist and co-founder and CEO of Frontier Psychiatry.

Dr. Arzubi shares why early intervention matters, how parents can better support kids who are struggling, and why his advice to “don’t judge, be curious” can help keep important conversations open.

They also explore barriers to mental health care in rural communities, Project YES, a free digital resource offering evidence-based single-session interventions for youth, and how technology and AI may help expand access to care.

Learn more and explore episode resources at TheMindfulMic.com.

Mental health affects more people than we realize—and student-athletes are no exception.

Former Boise State Student-Athlete, Emerging Professional Beach Volleyball Player & Mental Health Advocate Allyson Alden joins The Mindful Mic to share her personal journey through anxiety, depression, injury, and resilience.

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, hosts Colbi Twiss and Grace Shimatsu welcome Shari Baber, founder of Brown Like Me and director of the Boise Soul Food Festival.

Shari shares her personal story, the inspiration behind Brown Like Me, and how one child's experience led to the creation of a program that helps children and families build community, connection, and a sense of belonging. Together, they discuss the importance of representation, identity development, mental health, and creating supportive spaces where children can thrive.

The conversation also highlights the Boise Soul Food Festival and the role food, culture, and community play in bringing people together.

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, hosts Colbi Twiss and Grace Shimatsu sit down with the Children's Home psychologist Leah Gallant to talk about something every parent should understand — concussions.

While often associated with sports, concussions can happen in everyday situations like bike rides, playground accidents, or even a simple fall at home. Leah shares her expertise on how to recognize the signs, what to do if your child experiences a head injury, and how to support proper recovery.

We also discuss common misconceptions, when to seek professional help, and why early awareness can make a lasting difference in a child’s health and development.

Whether your child is an athlete or just being a kid, this is an important conversation for every parent and caregiver.

Children’s Home Counseling Services provides accessible, affordable mental health care for children and families across Idaho, regardless of ability to pay. www. childrenshomeidaho.org

Join Chad Dunn as he shares his transformative journey from BMX athlete to a life of drugs and crime, through prison, and ultimately to redemption as an entrepreneur and mentor. Discover how personal accountability, resilience, and the power of choices led him to build a new life, founding Move Human Performance Center and inspiring others. This episode delves into themes of self-identity, discipline, and community support, offering insights into overcoming adversity and embracing continuous self-reinvention.

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we’re joined by Mary Irby, Director of Operations at Freedom Youth Foundation, for a powerful conversation about the realities foster youth face and the impact that consistency, community, and caring adults can have in their lives.

Mary shares what it’s like working alongside foster kids, the challenges they navigate, and the moments that remind her why this work matters so deeply. We explore how Freedom Youth Foundation creates opportunities through programs that build confidence, belonging, and hope—and why relationships and support systems are just as critical as services.

This episode is for anyone who cares about kids, community, and creating meaningful change. Whether you’re a parent, clinician, nonprofit professional, or simply someone who wants to understand foster care more deeply, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and a call to action.

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO of Camp Rainbow Gold, to explore the emotional and mental-health journey families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer.

Elizabeth shares how Camp Rainbow Gold goes beyond medical care—creating safe, joyful spaces where children, siblings, and parents can reconnect, heal, and feel less alone. We discuss the power of community, the importance of sibling support, and the vision behind Hidden Paradise, a permanent medical-camp facility designed to foster resilience and hope for families across Idaho.

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO of Camp Rainbow Gold, to explore the emotional and mental-health journey families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer.

Elizabeth shares how Camp Rainbow Gold goes beyond medical care—creating safe, joyful spaces where children, siblings, and parents can reconnect, heal, and feel less alone. We discuss the power of community, the importance of sibling support, and the vision behind Hidden Paradise, a permanent medical-camp facility designed to foster resilience and hope for families across Idaho.

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Jason Shanks, district leader overseeing Hope Squads, and Michelle Weickum, LMSW, School Social Worker at Riverglen Jr. High. Together, they share how Hope Squad empowers students to notice warning signs, reach out to peers, and build a culture of connection and compassion in their schools.

We explore what it looks like when youth are trusted to lead, the impact peer support has on mental-health awareness, and the inspiring ways Hope Squad members are changing conversations around safety, belonging, and hope.

This is a conversation about community, courage, and the power of showing up for one another.