In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Izzy sits down with Colorado State Attorney General Phil Weiser for an important conversation about youth substance use and how it connects to mental health. Together, they talk about why many young people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, and pressure, and why substance use is often a sign of deeper emotional pain, not the root problem itself.

The Attorney General shares what he’s seeing across Colorado, how substance use is impacting young people’s mental health, and what his office is doing to support prevention, education, and recovery for youth and families. From statewide initiatives to community-based programs, this episode highlights the efforts being made to protect kids, reduce harm, and create healthier paths forward.

Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or someone who cares about youth mental health, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical information and reminds listeners that help is available, and no one has to face this alone.

This episode's featured resource is I Matter Colorado. I Matter Colorado is a free and confidential program that helps Colorado teens get mental health support because substance use is often connected to stress, pain, or feeling overwhelmed. If drugs or alcohol have become a way to cope, I Matter focuses on what’s underneath that, not just the behavior.

How to access I Matter Colorado:

1. Go to IMatterColorado.org

2. Click “Take the survey”

3. Answer a few short questions about how you’re feeling

4. You’ll be matched with a licensed therapist

5. Teens ages 12–18 can receive up to 6 free therapy sessions (parent permission may be required depending on age)

I Matter isn’t just for teens who are using substances themselves. It’s also for you if a friend or family member is struggling with substance use and it’s affecting your mental health. Watching someone you care about go through that can be stressful, confusing, and heavy, and you deserve support, too.

You don’t have to be in crisis to use I Matter. It’s for teens who want someone to talk to and real tools to cope in healthier ways.

Phone numbers to put in your phone:

• Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text)

• Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, host Izzy sits down with local Steamboat Springs athlete Reise Wilson to talk about something most young athletes never expect: the mental toll of being sidelined by injury. After tearing her ACL, meniscus, and MCL during a ski competition, Reise went from training daily to suddenly being unable to do the sport she loved. Together, they dive into the emotional rollercoaster of recovery, from feeling left behind and questioning her identity, to rediscovering her strength and purpose beyond athletics.

This conversation shines a light on how injuries can impact more than just the body; they affect motivation, confidence, friendships, and mental health. Reise opens up about the pressure to “stay strong,” what helped her heal mentally, and how she learned that vulnerability is part of recovery.

Featured resource in this episode includes CredibleMind a free and confidential online platform that provides you with mental health and self-care resources. On their access, things like other podcasts, apps, videos, local resources, and many other things that address a variety of different things you may be struggling with. It can be accessed at ⁠northwestco.crediblemind.com⁠ and is available in English and Spanish. 

• Phone numbers to put in your phone:

• Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text)

• Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Izzy and guest co-host Makayla open up about suicide prevention and mental health, covering warning signs, risk factors, and how youth can support one another. Knowing what to do can save a life. This episode features 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, as our highlighted community resource for information on where to turn to if you or a loved one needs help.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles or wondered how to support someone else who might be hurting.988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s a nationwide number you can call or text 24/7 if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, a mental health crisis, substance use, or just feeling completely overwhelmed. It connects you directly to trained crisis counselors who listen without judgment and can help you figure out what to do next.

Here’s how it works:

• You can call or text 988, and you will be connected to a real person trained to support you
• They will then connect you with the right people to further help you as well
• It's completely confidential
• You do not have to be in immediate danger to call

Note *You can always call or text just to talk, ask questions, or say 'I don’t know what I need, but I don’t feel okay.*

If someone is in immediate danger, like they’ve taken something, they’re trying to hurt themselves, or they’re in a situation where they could die, call 911 right away. That’s an emergency, and you need help from first responders who can get there fast.

The most important thing is this: Don’t wait. You’re not overreacting. Getting help quickly can save a life.

Remember: If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call 911 when a life is at risk.

Phone numbers to put in your phone:

• Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text)

• Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

In this powerful episode of Voices of the Valley, Ford Fontaine, a local youth, opens up about their personal journey with mental health struggles growing up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Ford shares the reality of looking like everything is fine on the outside while silently battling more than anyone knew on the inside. Through raw and honest conversation, we explore the gap between how life appears and how it really feels, and why finding support matters more than we realize. This episode also features REPS (Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide) as our highlighted community resource, sharing information on where to turn when you or someone you love needs help.

If you’ve ever felt alone, unseen, or like you’re not enough, this episode is for you.

 REPS-Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide: REPS is right here in Steamboat Springs and is an amazing local support system. If you’re ready to talk to someone, REPS offers 5 free therapy sessions. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out to REPS. They’re here to support anyone struggling with mental health, no matter what you’re going through.

Steps:

1. Go to yampavalleyreps.org
2. Click on Counseling and Therapy
3. Scroll down and click on New Client Intake Form
4. If you’re 12 or older, you can sign up yourself-you don’t need a parent’s permission

If you need guidance or a referral, you can call reps at (970)-846-8182 or email them at [email protected].

If someone is in immediate danger-like they’re trying to hurt themselves right now, have taken something harmful, or are unconscious, call 911 right away. This is an emergency, and you need help from first responders who can come to the scene quickly.

If someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, or just feeling overwhelmed, but isn’t in immediate danger, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen, support, and help connect you to resources.

Remember: If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call 911 when a life is at risk.

Phone numbers to put in your phone:

• Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text)

• Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182