Hannah Straszheim paints an adolescent picture of addiction, struggles, setbacks and overcoming obstacles in this episode of TeenPOD. Hannah speaks to the listener as a survivor of her former environments.  Virginia offers a counselor's insight for this emotional story of Hannah's success.

Trell Griffin shares his motivations on TeenPOD this week.  Trell, a former college athlete and current fitness coach, details his life path and what has tried to hold his dreams back.  He and Virginia weave their faith throughout this very motivational episode.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people 10-34 according to the most recent report by the CDC.

In this week’s episode, a high school teacher who works in northern Alabama joins her long-time pal Virginia Gordon (Upper School Counselor). Elizabeth Anne (EA) McGowin shares her own experience over the past 11 years in the school system making sure that every student she teachers knows that they have a voice in her classroom. She explains how she has gained knowledge about suicide prevention through trainings annually on how to watch for suicide risk factors among her teenage students, and outlines creative ways in which she strives to promote positive connections and belonging in her classroom. As friends and colleagues, Virginia and EA hold a heart felt discussion about a 2021 research study on teen sadness since the COVID-19 pandemic. By being the change we want to see, EA explains how an accepting culture can be cultivated. Advice is shared for all, especially young people, to discover a purpose beyond themselves that contributes to the wellbeing of students and community. These two frontline workers speak plainly about how they strive to help youth who may be suffering in silence, and agree that the biggest weapon that can be used to overcome darkness is HOPE!

Resources accessible 24/7: 988 new suicide prevention lifeline

741-741 crisis text line

Erikaslighthouse.org

For this special episode, Virginia is joined by Quinn Currie who holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and has over one year’s worth of experience in the field. He humbly shares his experience meeting goals consistently and leading a beautification service project in Saraland, AL to successfully meet all requirements in becoming an Eagle Scout. Several important topics are discussed including achievement pressure, not mistaking identity with performance, and finding people who inspire you. Encouragement is provided to listeners that one’s life story doesn’t stop with failure, and sometimes it even gets better!

This week Virginia Gordon is joined by Kailee Brauers who shares about her journey deepening her faith as a Christian and in doing so, strengthening her self-esteem. Kailee and Virginia reflect on biblical scripture on what God says about a person’s worth. Kailee shares challenges faced when comparing herself to others, particularly with her twin sister while in the 8th and 9th grade. She describes transformative power she experienced when receiving the love of God later on in high school at a non-denominational church.  Virginia encourages all young peoples’ quest in discovering their beliefs spiritually, and shares her own journey in her early twenties when wrestling with her faith while serving the South East Asian population in Bayou La Batre, Al.   

Kailee Brauers has been a nanny in Mobile for over the past year, loving her role as a care giver to children and devoting herself to helping others.  

Episode notes: "The Power of Regret" by Daniel H. Pink

https://www.danpink.com/the-power-of-regret/

Daniel Pink did research on regret on how it can be used for cultivating meaning and connection rather than getting stuck in a place of despair.

Jakayla Armstrong meets with licensed professional counselor, Virginia Gordon, to share her journey in becoming the first black female Eagle Scout in the state of Alabama.  She describes her intentionally developing confidence within herself as a young person with big dreams.  Jakayla shares that surrounding herself with positive people who speak life-giving messages has been a key to her success as a high achiever.  Most of all, she believes sharing some of her story will bring hope to others as they pursue what they love.  

Episode notes: Maverick City Music "Promises"

For more information, MyTeenPOD.com  

Songs we referenced:  

Redbone - Come and Get Your Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj0drevGOgA

Nik Kershaw - Wouldn't It Be Good

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLF1FgyRLkk