The Passionate Youth Worker

June 17, 2024 Season 5 Episode 2

Over the past four years, The Passionate Youth Worker podcast has been listened to in 106 different countries. Each of our 107 guests shared their unique stories with humility and grace. In this final episode, we reflect back on what their stories taught us about what it means to be a youth worker. And how their passion for serving our young people motivates and inspires us every day. Please, lend us your ears for this fond farewell!

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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June 3, 2024 Season 5 Episode 1

Khomas region, Namibia: Tuli Kamati has learned to transform challenges into triumphs. She generously shares all of her life lessons to benefit others. And she leads with both a strong heart and a determined mind to bring about social justice for herself and others. Tuli is a passionate advocate for reproductive rights and healthcare equity for women and girls. 

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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May 20, 2024 Season 4 Episode 27

Nairobi, Kenya: Cyprine Omollo has a story of overcoming obstacles, persevering, and finding a path to help others through the struggle. She is warm and straightforward in sharing her experiences and the lessons learned. And you’ll surely find inspiration in her resilience. She does not give up and will remind you to keep going too. 

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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May 6, 2024 Season 4 Episode 26

Minnesota, United States: Hope Flanagan (Seneca) is Noodinesiikwe (Little Wind Woman) from the turtle clan. She comes from the people of Tonawanda, Seneca Reservation. Her interconnectedness with nature informs her work with young people. She brings a deep respect and authentic style of storytelling as a means of gifting knowledge and wisdom to help others. Her gift is the same for you.

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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April 22, 2024 Season 4 Episode 25

Minnesota, United States: Ashley Daniels had a very difficult childhood, growing up with an alcoholic parent, dealing with countless challenges of her undiagnosed autistic ADHD, followed by a number of mental illnesses. That resulted in her being bullied and abused, unable to understand what made her so different. But, since learning about her diagnoses, she has become a vocal champion for the rights of neurodivergent individuals and an advocate against ableism in our systems. Please listen to her story and learn from her powerful advice for youth workers.

Content warning: This episode includes a candid conversation about a suicide attempt which may be difficult for some people to hear. If you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide, call your local crisis lifeline for help. In the United States, the number is 988. 

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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April 8, 2024, Year Season 4 Episode 24

Normandy, France: Michael Dawson chose to leave a lucrative career in sales to pour himself into paying forward the gift of support he had received from caring adults at a time of turmoil in his life. Now an author, podcast host, and creator of youth work training resources, he knows he wouldn’t be who he is today without the experiences of his past. And he uses all those lessons to help others now. 

You can learn more about Michael’s work by visiting The Action Factory.

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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March 25, 2024 Season 4 Episode 23

Idaho, United States: Cailee Fitzgerald grew up in an unstable environment. Her parents abused drugs, engaged in illegal activities, and spent time in prison. She was determined not to follow in their footsteps. She persevered against unbelievable odds. Cailee credits a high school basketball coach who cared about her and could see her potential. That was all the encouragement she needed to dream big for herself. Sheer determination and a passion for giving back make her the youth worker she is today. 

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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March 11, 2024 Season 4 Episode 22

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: Rumbidzai Chitsa grew up in a ghetto in Zimbabwe. But the possibilities she saw for herself opened up through the experience of an uncle who had become a doctor. She started on the same path, studying science. But, following her heart, she chose a different path. She now gives back to help others growing up in similar circumstances to pursue bigger dreams for themselves as well. 

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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February 26, 2024 Season 4 Episode 21

Minnesota, United States: Katie Shatusky’s life was deeply impacted when her beloved grandfather died by suicide in 2010. She has struggled with mental health challenges, discovered her corporate work life was not fulfilling in a meaningful way, and transformed the tragedy of her grandfather’s death to turn her pain into purpose. She launched a nonprofit called Thumbs Up and does whatever she can to connect with and make a difference for young people in her community. 

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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February 12, 2024 Season 4 Episode 20

Minnesota, United States: Rosalind Loggin has endured more trials and tribulations in her life than many people could bear. But she finds a way to triumph over them. Her faith is her foundation and she feels called through her troubles to serve even the most challenging young people. She’s real, she’s determined, and she’s just what they need to turn their own troubles around. 

Content warning: Some of the topics discussed may be difficult for some of you to hear. So, please take care of yourself.

Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.

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