What does it take to feel fully like yourself after growing up in foster care?

In this episode of Youth Voice Amplified, Gennessa sits down with Christian for an honest conversation about foster care, belonging, identity, and finding his voice.

Christian shares what it was like to grow up feeling isolated, navigate the foster care system, and search for people who truly understood him. He also reflects on the mentors, siblings, and community supports that helped him move forward, and why being accepted for who you are can make all the difference. Now, Christian is turning his lived experience into purpose through advocacy, art, and public speaking.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram  @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste

Audio Engineering & Editing: Liam Silva - [email protected]

Production Partner: Kern Education Television Network

Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

We're kicking off a brand-new season of Youth Voice Amplified with a conversation that every service provider, policymaker, and community member needs to hear.

In this special episode, members of Kern County's Youth Action Board (YAB)—young adults with lived experience of homelessness—take the microphone to share what truly helps, what unintentionally causes harm, and how adults can build trust with youth experiencing homelessness.

Through honest stories, practical advice, and powerful moments of vulnerability, these young leaders challenge us to move beyond assumptions and start listening. Their message is simple but profound: the best solutions begin by hearing the voices of the youth living the experience.

If you've ever wondered how to better support youth facing homelessness, this conversation will change the way you think.

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• Through Our Eyes Photojournalism Project 
• Kern County Youth Resource Guide
• Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram  @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste

Audio Engineering & Editing: Liam Silva - [email protected]

Production Partner: Kern Education Television Network

Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

After more than three years behind the mic, Brian Johnson records his final episode of Youth Voice Amplified.  Join Gennessa and Brian as they revisit the early days of building the podcast from scratch, laugh through behind-the-scenes travel mishaps and recording bloopers, revisit powerful conversations with youth and adult allies, and hear surprise messages from former guests whose lives Brian touched along the way.  It's a celebration of friendship, purpose, and a mission that will continue long after his final sign-off. 

Related Episodes 

• Angela's Story of Survival, Strength, and Starting Over (Part 1)
• The Power of Transformative Thinking: Rico's Journey (Part 1)
• His Comeback Season: Himothy's Journey Through Juvenile Justice (Part 1)
• Amplifying Student Voices: A Conversation with Dr. John Mendiburu
• Heart Work for the Holidays with Tina Tyler Smith
• Breaking the Cycle: Youth, Gun Violence & Hope with Chief Brent Stratton

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

In Part 2 of our special live series from the 4th Annual Youth Against Commercial Tobacco Summit, Brian and Gennessa sit down with members of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), the youth-led coalition helping organize the event from behind the scenes.

Together, they talk about what it’s really like to plan a youth conference, why tobacco prevention matters so deeply to them personally, and how students can use their voices to create change in their schools and communities. The conversation explores peer pressure, accessibility of tobacco products, youth advocacy, leadership, and the importance of giving students real opportunities to lead in addition to a hilarious detour into debates about pickles and peanut butter sandwiches!

This episode is a powerful reminder that youth-led spaces matter and when young people are trusted to lead, they can create meaningful impact for the next generation!

Youth-Led Event Resources & Related Episodes 

• Live from the YACT Summit: Students Speak Out on Tobacco Prevention (Part 1)
• For Teens, By Teens: 25 Years of Leaders In Life Podcast
• A Youth Roundtable on Homelessness & Hope Podcast
• Inside Youth Homelessness: Voices from the Frontline
• Supporting Youth-Led Events Mini-Guidebook (Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office)
•  Students Working Against Tobacco
• Blue Zones Project Bakersfield
• Kern County Public Health

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

What happens when students are handed the microphone and asked to speak up about an issue impacting their generation? 

In this special live episode of Youth Voice Amplified, Brian and Gennessa sit down with students from across Kern County at the 4th Annual Youth Against Commercial Tobacco Summit in Bakersfield, California hosted by the Blue Zones Project Bakersfield, Kern County Public Health, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, and Students Working Against Tobacco.

After learning how podcasting can be used as a tool for advocacy from Brian ad Gennessa, student teams reflected on powerful questions about vaping, tobacco marketing, peer pressure, and protecting their future. Each school selected one or two students to then step up to the mic and share their group’s message on our podcast!

In Part 1 of this two-part series, you’ll hear honest, thoughtful, and inspiring perspectives from students who use their voices to raise awareness and create change.

Students also created powerful art pieces for a youth art gallery, offering another creative look into their experiences, perspectives, and messages for change. View the gallery here.

Youth voice is powerful. And these students are proving it!

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

In this episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we sit down with Gabe Adame and Paola Caballero from Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation (Y2L) to explore what it really takes for students to see college as possible and actually get there.

For decades, Y2L has supported students across Kern County with financial aid, career exploration, and confidence building, but this conversation goes beyond programs. Paola shares her powerful full-circle story, from growing up in a migrant agricultural family and discovering Y2L as a student to now mentoring the next generation. Her journey highlights the realities many first-generation students face and the moment when college starts to feel within reach. 

Together, Gabe and Paola break down the barriers students face, what families truly need, and how Y2L creates a clear roadmap so students don’t have to navigate it alone. They also share why student voice and lived experience are key to meaningful support.

This episode is a reminder that when young people are seen, supported, and heard, they don’t just succeed...they come back to lift others up!

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

In this special compilation episode, co-host Brian Johnson takes the mic solo to share some of his favorite moments from Youth Voice Amplified — all centered on the themes of hope and resilience.

You’ll hear powerful clips from youth storytellers and adult allies who remind us what’s possible when young people are seen, supported, and believed in. From Angela’s journey toward peace and purpose, to Dakota’s determination to build a future, to the Dream Center’s community-powered support, to Manuel’s reminder of the life-changing impact of one caring adult ... these stories are proof that even in the hardest seasons, light still breaks through.

If you need a boost, a reminder of why youth voice matters, or a few minutes of inspiration that sticks with you long after the episode ends...this one’s for you!

Links to featured episodes

• Angela's Story of Survival, Strength, and Starting Over (Part 1)
• The Good Road Ahead: Dakota’s Story of Resilience
• Joy for All: Helping Foster Youth in Need This Holiday Season
• His Comeback Season: Himothy's Journey Through Juvenile Justice (Part 2)
• Amplifying Student Voices: A Conversation with Dr. John Mendiburu
• Don’t Give Up Hope: Manuel’s Journey to a Life of Purpose & Service

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

Ever since launching Youth Voice Amplified, we dreamed of featuring a student who would take their passion for youth voice and turn it into real, lasting change. In this powerful follow-up to Episode 20, we welcome back Carter Beardsley—now a college student, Education Navigator, and still a full-force advocate for youth voice.

Carter discusses how his high school work in leadership, literacy, and advocacy led to the creation of Pathways, a countywide initiative helping foster and homeless youth access college and career opportunities. From policy pitches to program-building, Carter shares how a simple idea turned into a system-shifting program with the support of adults who believed in him.

In this episode, Carter reflects on what it means to go from being given a seat at the table to helping build the table for others. He shares how student-led projects evolved into countywide change, what it takes to move from tokenism to true partnership, and how supportive adults helped fuel his journey. This episode is a masterclass in action, equity, and what happens when youth are truly heard.

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

In this powerful kickoff to 2026, Youth Voice Amplified sits down with Chief Brent Stratton of the Bakersfield Police Department for a raw and deeply hopeful conversation about how communities and the youth in them can break the cycle of gun violence.

Assistant Chief Stratton opens up about the Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a bold, multi-agency collaboration that’s already led to a dramatic drop in homicides in Bakersfield, and how it’s built on relationships, real-time response, and trusting community voice. 

But that’s just part of the story. Chief Stratton also shares about Youth Connection, a grassroots prevention program that’s creating safe, meaningful opportunities for young people before they’re pulled into the justice system. 

Whether you’re a young person trying to navigate difficult choices, a public servant looking for real solutions, or a community ally ready to take action, this episode delivers insight, hope, and a reminder that change is possible. 

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

This December, Youth Voice Amplified heads to Delano, California, for a heartwarming holiday special featuring the beloved "Foster Youth Fairy Godmother" herself—Tina Tyler Smith.

As the Director of Student Support Services and Foster & Homeless Youth Liaison for Delano Union School District, Tina shares how she and her team create joy, connection, and belonging during the holidays for students experiencing homelessness and those in foster care.

In this inspiring conversation, you'll hear how student voice, trauma-informed care, and community partnership come together to brighten lives as well as how Delano's holistic approach is achieving powerful results, including the lowest chronic absenteeism rate for foster youth in all of Kern County!

Whether you're looking to start your own school-based holiday event, support students in your community, or simply soak in a little extra hope this season, this episode is for you!

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Liam Silva and Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!