Youth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry

In this episode of the Youth Power Podcast, host Kirk Berry interviews Amy Meuers, CEO of the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC). With over two decades at NYLC, Amy shares information about the organization's mission to empower youth through service learning. She discusses how NYLC integrates service learning into educational curricula, fostering youth leadership and community engagement. Amy explains the importance of giving young people a voice and choice in their education, describing how this approach improves academic engagement and develops life skills. The conversation covers NYLC's programs, including Youth as Solutions, and the global impact of service learning

In this episode, we are joined by Ami Yares, Executive Director of BuildaBridge International, an arts education nonprofit in Philadelphia. Ami shares how BuildaBridge uses the power of art-making to teach life lessons and foster resilience, self-efficacy, and hope in youth who have experienced trauma. He explains the concept of teaching artists and describes how activities like singing, music, and dance can help create safe spaces for healing and personal growth. Ami also provides examples of BuildaBridge's impact, including their work with refugee youth and various community partnerships.

In this episode of the Youth Power Podcast, we are joined by Gary Mills, founder of Shoot Basketballs NOT People, a Philadelphia-based organization dedicated to preventing violence and promoting positive change through basketball and mentorship. Gary discusses his background, the inspiration behind starting the program, and the various ways they engage with youth, including affordable basketball training, education workshops, leadership development, and mental health support. He also shares a success story of a young man who has excelled both on and off the court since joining the program. Throughout the conversation, Gary emphasizes the importance of being creative, taking actionable steps, and persevering in the non-profit space to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. 

In this episode, we welcome three amazing guests from the Noble House Fairview Dojo in Camden, New Jersey. These women share their expertise in teaching self-defense and empowering young people through martial arts. They discuss the importance of teaching children how to react in various social situations, the transformative power of self-defense training on a young person's confidence, and how they address issues like bullying and human trafficking. The guests also share practical tips for parents and youth on how to project confidence, communicate effectively, and stay safe in today's world. 

This episode features an interview with Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks in Camden, New Jersey, an organization that provides technology training, professional development, and real-world work experience to prepare unemployed young adults for living-wage jobs. Dan discusses Hopeworks' unique trauma-informed approach that not only teaches in-demand tech skills but also builds social-emotional readiness for the workplace. He also shares inspiring stories of young people overcoming barriers and excelling through the power of opportunity.

This episode features an interview with Charmaine Bazemore, the Executive Director of the George Washington Carver Community Center in Norristown, PA. Charmaine discusses her vision for the Carver Center, including bringing back the Kid's Cafe program, providing a safe space for local youth, and expanding literacy and learning opportunities. She also stresses the importance of meeting the community's needs when developing youth programs, and provides insights on securing funding, getting community and youth input, and achieving a vision through consistency and intention.

This episode focuses on the profound impact of yoga on urban youth and how it can be a transformative tool for educators, mentors, and youth workers. Tune in to a conversation with Dennis Davis aka "Yogi Den", as he shares his journey from personal trauma to healing through yoga. As a certified yoga instructor and youth advocate, Yogi Den provides invaluable insights and practical tools. You'll learn how to integrate yoga principles into your work, foster resilience, and empower youth to navigate life's challenges. 

This episode features a conversation with Dave Beal, CEO of Brain Power Wellness, to discuss social-emotional learning and holistic wellness strategies for students, teachers, and families. Dave shares practical tips and activities from the Brain Power Classroom book to promote positive mental health and development in the classroom. They discuss embracing resistance from students as an opportunity and the importance of being present for youth. Dave also highlights research showing academic improvements from social-emotional learning interventions. Listen to learn more about empowering youth, educators, and families through mindfulness, community building, and self-care.

Kris Breslin, Master Technician at Team Toyota of Glen Mills, joins the program to discuss her career journey and what it is like to be a woman working as an automotive technician. Kris also provides an overview of the work she did with the KB Foundation's overnight girls mentoring camp, and why it is important for girls and young women to be familiar with the fundamentals of car repair, such as changing a tire. She also provides advice for anyone who has an expertise that they would like to share with young people. 

Vernon Ray Jr., Owner of Creative Mind Productions, joins the program to discuss his own journey of developing a passion for photography and the campaign that he created to combat gun violence. Vernon shares how his campaign is helping give youth a different creative option to pursue and helps youth feel heard and supported. Vernon also shares tips about how to connect and communicate with young people.