Youth Voice Amplified

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!

In this powerful Homeless Youth Awareness Month episode, we sit down with members of the Youth Action Board (YAB), a group of young leaders with lived experience with homelessness who are driving real change in Kern County. From survival and stigma to policy and peer support, this roundtable dives deep into the realities of youth homelessness, what needs to change, and how youth are using their voices to reshape the system.

Whether you’re a policymaker, community member, or someone looking to understand youth homelessness more deeply, this conversation is real, raw, and rooted in hope.

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
• Kern County Youth Resource Guide
• Kern Youth Action Board Instagram (@KernCountyYouthActionBoard)
• Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative
• 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!

We pick up right where we left off...at Pablo's turning point. After years of bouncing between foster homes, group homes, and incarceration, he shares what helped him break free from the cycle.  In this episode, Pablo talks about his college journey, his work supporting other students, and the advice he would give to youth who feel stuck like he once did. He also speaks directly to educators, social workers, group home staff, and policymakers by offering heartfelt wisdom on how to do better for youth who’ve been through trauma.

If you’ve ever felt like giving up or want to understand how to better support youth who’ve lived through hard things...this is the episode 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!

In this powerful first half of his two-part episode, we meet Pablo who learned to survive every crashing wave life threw at him. From navigating the foster care system to experiencing incarceration, Pablo opens up about what it was like to grow up feeling invisible, unheard, and alone. But even in the darkest moments, his story is filled with honesty, insight, and strength.

Warning: This episode contains discussions of topics that may be difficult for some listeners, including  trauma, child abuse,  experiences with the foster care and juvenile justice systems, suicidal thoughts and experiences. Please take care while listening.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is available.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential support is available 24/7.  

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 month on Youth Voice Amplified, Gennessa takes the mic for a special episode highlighting one of her favorite themes—human kindness. She revisits some of the most moving moments from past youth storytellers and the adult allies who walked alongside them, weaving together a powerful compilation of real-life experiences where kindness changed the course of someone’s day… or even their life. 

From neighbors who stepped in to protect a child to mentors who believed in someone before they believed in themselves, these moments—shared by youth and the allies who stood by them—show how even the smallest acts of kindness can shine brightly in the darkest times. 

If you need a reminder of the good in the world—or inspiration to pass that kindness on—this episode will leave you ready to notice it, share it, and be part of it. 

Links to featured episodes

• Jordynn’s Story: Parenting With Purpose
• Joy for All: Helping Foster Youth in Need This Holiday Season
• Project I Am From - Playing My Own Game Now
• The Power of Transformative Thinking: Rico's Journey (Part 2)
• 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!

After surviving a car crash that nearly ended her life, Angela faced even more challenges. But Angela didn’t just survive—she found her voice. In this powerful conclusion of her story, Angela reflects on forgiveness, healing from trauma, and the quiet strength it takes to rewrite your future. From walking again after her accident to walking into classrooms as a future educator, Angela shares how faith, love, and community helped her believe that she matters—and that others do too.

Warning: This episode contains discussions of topics that may be difficult for some listeners, including addiction, trauma, car accidents, family challenges, and experiences with the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Please take care while listening. 

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 first episode of a two-part series, Angela reflects on her journey through childhood trauma, navigating life in the streets, and the time she spent in juvenile detention. As a teenager searching for connection and safety, she found herself pulled into a world that made survival feel like the only option. But a near-death experience changed everything—forcing her to confront her past and begin a new path forward.

Raw, honest, and deeply moving, Angela’s story reminds us of the strength and resilience young people carry, even in the face of overwhelming odds. You won’t want to miss this one!

Warning: This episode contains discussions of topics that may be difficult for some listeners, including addiction, trauma, car accidents, family challenges, and experiences with the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Please take care while listening. 

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 honor of National Foster Care Month, this special Youth Voice Amplified episode brings you a powerful live panel from the 10th Annual YES! (Youth Empowering Success) Conference. Host Gennessa joins fellow foster youth alumni Cynthia and Rubi to share raw, real stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Moderated by award-winning speaker and former foster youth Kevon Lee, this conversation dives into the challenges of foster care, aging out, education, parenting, and finding your voice. Whether you're in foster care, working with youth, or just want to understand more—this episode will stay with you. 💙

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• Leaders In Life Conference
• How to join the Leaders In Life Planning Committee
• General enquiries about Leaders in Life, please email [email protected]
  
  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 Bakersfield College
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

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

In this special episode of Youth Voice Amplified, host Gennessa sits down with Alyssa and Siena—two incredible student leaders behind Kern County’s Leaders In Life Conference, a groundbreaking event created by teens, for teens. Now in its 25th year, Leaders In Life is one of California’s largest youth-led conferences and has empowered over 85,000 students through powerful workshops, meaningful leadership experiences, and a planning process driven entirely by youth.

Alyssa and Siena pull back the curtain on what it really takes to plan a major event as students. They open up about the challenges they've faced, the skills they’ve gained, and the lessons they’ve learned about leadership, teamwork, and the impact of youth voice. They also talk candidly about why student-led events matter and how any student—with support—can create something powerful in their own community. 

Whether you're a student, educator, or community leader, this episode will remind you of the power of youth voice—and why it’s more important than ever.

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• Leaders In Life Conference
• How to join the Leaders In Life Planning Committee
• General enquiries about Leaders in Life, please email [email protected]
  
  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 uplifting episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we sit down with Jordynn, a young mom who turned her experience with homelessness into a powerful voice for change. As a dedicated youth advocate, Jordynn shares how she balances the challenges of parenting, school, and work—all while using her story to support and uplift young parents in her community.

Jordynn’s journey is all about resilience and hope. She opens up about creating a safe and nurturing home for her children, building a strong community when traditional support isn't there, and using gentle parenting to break generational cycles. With personal insights and real-world experiences from her work in child care, Jordynn offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to create welcoming spaces for young families.

Join us for this inspiring conversation and learn how Jordynn is using her voice to uplift others, break generational cycles, and build a brighter future for her family and community.

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth & the McKinney-Vento Act
• 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!