Episode Description

This is a special episode of Voice of Youth!

Host Gina, founder of United We Go, sits down with Hemmeter Elementary School Principal Mr. Bailey to reflect on five semesters of the Voice of Youth Podcast Program.

Mr. Bailey shares what inspired him to bring podcasting to Hemmeter—creating another outlet for students to explore their passions, develop their voices, and tell stories in their own way. Together, they discuss the confidence, communication, and personal growth they've witnessed in students throughout the program.

The conversation also explores the broader challenges facing today's students, including screen dependency, balancing technology in the classroom, and how hands-on experiences like podcasting help build real-world communication skills. Mr. Bailey reflects on the value of bringing community guests into the classroom, the writing and revision skills students naturally develop through podcasting, and his vision for showcasing student work to an even wider audience.

This thoughtful behind-the-scenes conversation offers a unique perspective from both the program's founder and one of its strongest champions.

About the Voice of Youth Podcast

Welcome to this season of the Voice of Youth Podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience created by United We Go. The program helps young people build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop self-expression while learning how to transform their voices into meaningful stories.

Throughout this series, you'll hear:

• Student-hosted episodes created entirely by youth

• Conversations with school leaders like Principal Mr. Bailey

• Episodes featuring community partners and program sponsors

A special thank you to Hemmeter Elementary School for partnering with United We Go to bring this program to life.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Saginaw Community Foundation for its generous grant support, which has made it possible for the Voice of Youth Program to continue serving students at Hemmeter Elementary School. Their investment in youth development helps create lasting opportunities for students to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and discover the power of their own voices.

United We Go is committed to helping young people discover and use their voices through storytelling, mentorship, and hands-on media experiences. As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding into more schools and communities, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program, watch for flyers coming home in student folders.

Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or provide youth-focused products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We're currently welcoming:

• Episode Sponsors

• Program Sponsors

• In-Class Guest Speakers

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3V8ASODOD0zqIJhRNGbyqf

🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-of-youth/id1866657532

📩 Learn more or get involved: [email protected]

Host Hayes interviews 10-year-old Micah, a fifth-grader at Hemeter Elementary. Micah shares mixed feelings about school — he enjoys math and reading and playing sports at recess (football, soccer, king of the hill) and hopes to go to Harvard to become a lawyer with his friend Bennett — but says the school day feels too long and some subjects (like social studies) seem unnecessary or could be learned from books. He also outlines a typical school day (morning work, math, ELA, recess, gym, lunch, writing/reading, and rotating science/social studies) and mentions Friday STEAM activities like Lego robotics.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected]

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Host Callie interviews 10-year-old Kayson about his love of cats, especially Maine Coon cats. Kayson explains how he discovered Maine Coons while researching a school project, describes their large size, fluffy fur, and ear tufts, and shares stories about his pets — a late cat named Buttons and his current cat Smokey who looks like a Maine Coon. He also discusses why he prefers cats to dogs, citing their calmness, cleanliness, and quieter behavior. The episode ends with a brief thank-you and a reminder to follow the podcast on YouTube.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected]

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Ten-year-old Addie Hendrick joins host Caroline Buchman to chat about her favorite singers—Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jelly Roll. Addie shares her favorite songs and albums, recalls attending a Taylor Swift concert at age eight (including the glowing wristband moment), and talks about who she would invite to a dream concert. A light, kid-friendly conversation about music fandom, family concert experiences, and what makes certain songs special to young listeners.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected]

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Host Ezra Muladore interviews guest Winnie McCauley about her experiences and preferences with pets. Winnie shares that she previously had four pets (a cat, two fish, and a dog) who have all passed. She says if she were to get a pet now she’d likely choose a golden retriever, and—if available—she’d consider a horse as well. Winnie prefers not to dress pets up regularly (maybe only for Halloween) and explains she wants a dog because they’re adorable and fun to play with, especially given the free time she has at home.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected]

In this holiday episode of Mrs. Foodlicious, host Vivian Rasmussen chats with guest Quinlan Roots about her favorite holiday treats. Quinlan shares her love of Lindor chocolates (especially the caramel-filled ones) and describes discovering them as a child. She also talks about making homemade Christmas cookies with her mom and ranks the cookies higher than the chocolates. The pair brainstorm playful mash-ups of the two treats — imagining mini cookies filled or topped with Lindor-style caramel and chocolate shavings or sprinkles — and close the episode with a warm reminder of the joy of family-made holiday sweets.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected]

In this lively episode of The Super Kirby Bros., the host pits Kirby Air Riders against Mario Kart across characters, stages, modes, vehicles, controls, and free-roam—ultimately declaring Kirby Air Riders the winner. Expect enthusiastic debate, nostalgia-fueled takes, and quick-fire reasons why Kirby’s speed, unique vehicles, and modes steal the crown, with a playful nod to Mario Kart’s larger roster and stage variety.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected]

Hosts Lucas and guest Ryker chat about their love of the Detroit Lions, sharing favorite players, positions, and memories. Ryker favors Jared Goff for his playmaking and trick plays; Lucas picks Jameson Williams for his explosiveness and celebrations. They debate all-time greats like Barry Sanders and Calvin “Megatron” Johnson, and discuss why the Lions struggled historically—poor coaching, staffing, and defense—before improvements under Dan Campbell and clutch draft picks. They predict a playoff push, weigh Matthew Stafford’s potential return versus Jared Goff’s role, and close with optimism about the team’s development and future prospects. Listeners are left excited for next episode.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected]

Sophie and host Vivian Rasmussen unwrap childhood holiday excitement in a short, cheerful episode of Voice of Youth. Sophie shares her top Christmas wishes: a pet fish with flowing fins, hair-care supplies to manage curly hair, and a new pair of Uggs. She also reflects on gifting traditions, how she and her sister often receive similar presents, and what she might give her brother. The conversation is warm, candid, and full of youthful anticipation—offering a sincere, family-focused snapshot of holiday hopes that will resonate with listeners who enjoy lighthearted, honest stories from kids. Tune in for cozy, kid-powered holiday cheer.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, 5th grader Peyton joins host Rezzie, who guides a warm and thoughtful conversation about Christmas traditions. Together, they share how their families celebrate the holidays, from attending Christmas Mass and singing carols to enjoying special meals and time with extended family.

Peyton also talks about spreading kindness during the season, including donating gifts and helping others stay warm. This sweet episode captures Christmas through kids’ voices and reminds us how faith, family, and small acts of kindness make the holidays meaningful.

🎧 Voice of Youth Podcast – Episode Description

Welcome to this season’s Voice of Youth podcast, featuring the inspiring voices of 4th and 5th grade students from Hemmeter Elementary School. This podcast celebrates youth storytelling and provides a platform for students to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives with confidence.

The Voice of Youth Podcast is part of the Voice of Youth Program, a 10-week, hands-on podcasting and storytelling experience provided by United We Go and supported by the Unity Through Diversity. The program is designed to help youth build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression while learning how to turn their voices into meaningful stories.

Over the course of the program, students explore topics they care about, develop public speaking and storytelling skills, and experience the full podcasting process—from idea creation to recording. Be sure to listen until the end to hear student reflections on what they learned, the challenges they faced, and their favorite moments from the journey.

As the program continues to grow, the Voice of Youth Podcast is expanding to reach more cities and schools, including middle and high school students, creating even more opportunities for youth voices to be heard.

If your child is interested in joining the Voice of Youth Program in January, please keep an eye out for flyers coming home in student folders. Schools interested in bringing this program to their students, as well as organizations that support youth development or offer youth-empowering products or services, are encouraged to connect with us.

We are currently welcoming episode sponsors, program sponsors for our 2026 season, and in-class guest speakers.

📩 To learn more or get involved, please contact us at [email protected].