Youth Voice Amplified

In this special episode celebrating Youth Voice Amplified's 2nd anniversary, we’re honored to feature Dakota, a high school senior navigating life as an unaccompanied homeless youth. Dakota shares his incredible journey of resilience and determination, from losing both parents to finding stability through his school’s McKinney-Vento program. His openness about overcoming stigma, reclaiming his education, and creating a brighter future offers a powerful reminder of the strength within us all.

Dakota reflects on his challenges and triumphs while charting "the good road ahead"—a path filled with purpose, hope, and a clear plan for success. Whether you're seeking inspiration or want to better understand the realities faced by homeless youth, this episode is a must-listen. Celebrate with us as we mark two years of amplifying youth voices with Dakota’s unforgettable story. 🎧 Tune in now!

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!

Kick off 2025 with an inspiring story of youth leadership! Tita, the first-ever Student Champion on the Kern County Board of Education, joins us to share how she’s amplifying student voices and making an impact for over 200,000 students.

From leading as ASB President to balancing her passion for filmmaking, Tita opens up about her journey, the pressures of leadership, and how she stays “humbly excellent” while advocating for change. She also shares powerful insights into the unique challenges faced by children of immigrant parents—drawing from her own experiences to inspire and uplift.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, advocacy, and what it means to lead with heart.

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• Career Education at Kern High School District 
• Kern County Board of Education
• 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 holiday episode of Youth Voice Amplified, Kristy Torres from Kern County Department of Human Services and Bryanna Wood from the Kern County Dream Center share how they bring joy, support, and hope to foster and homeless youth during the holiday season.

Learn how programs like the Holiday Cottage and Dream Center create safe spaces, provide essential resources, and help youth feel seen and cared for. Kristy and Bryanna open up about the unique challenges these youth face during the holidays and offer simple ways we can all pitch in—whether it’s donating, volunteering, or spreading kindness.

This heartfelt conversation is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice that will leave you motivated to make a difference. Tune in to be part of the love and warmth our community shares this season!

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• Kern County Holiday Cottage
• The Dream Center of Kern County
• 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 special holiday bonus episode of Youth Voice Amplified  wraps up Homeless Youth Awareness Month with a heartfelt roundtable discussion featuring members of the Youth Action Board (YAB), part of Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative. These inspiring young advocates, with lived experiences of homelessness, share the challenges faced by homeless youth, the critical role of community support, and practical ways we can all help.

From personal stories to impactful advice, the YAB members discuss the importance of compassion, advocacy, and programs like the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program and the Purple Pie Challenge. As we celebrate the holidays, this episode reminds us to support youth experiencing homelessness and work toward meaningful change in our communities.

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
• Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative
• Kern County Point In Time Count 2024 Report
• 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 episode for Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Youth Voice Amplified features Cynthia, a youth advocate with lived experience of youth homelessness. Through the Project I Am From poetry exercise, Cynthia shares a raw and moving piece reflecting on her roots, resilience, and growth. She opens up about her journey as a homeless high school student, the support systems that helped her, and her ongoing mission to uplift others in her community.  She also offers profound insights into how communities can support homeless youth, the resources that make the biggest impact, and how to address common misconceptions about homelessness with empathy and understanding. 

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• I Am From Poem Template
• National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
• Kern County Point In Time Count 2024 Report
• "City of Bakersfield works to clear popular homeless camp in south Bakersfield" KGET TV
• 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 moving episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we welcome back Melie, a dedicated advocate for homeless youth, to kick off our special focus on Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Through Project "I Am From," we dive deep into the power of lived experience and poetry, uncovering unique stories of youth who have experienced homelessness and the places they come from. Listen as Melie shares her own powerful piece, "I Am From," and reflects on resilience, family traditions, and what it truly means to find strength amidst adversity. Join us all throughout November as we lift up the voices of homeless youth in our community and bring awareness to their journeys and struggles. 

Resources & information mentioned in the episode:

• I Am From Poem Template
• CITY OF GRANTS PASS v. JOHNSON 
• National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
• How Many Youth Are Homeless?
• Listen to Melie's episode on Youth Voice Amplified!
• 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: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

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

In this special live-recorded episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we bring you an inspiring Open Mic night at the Dream Center 🎤 , where youth who've faced adversity share their stories through powerful spoken word, poetry, and music. 💪 🗣️🎶  Alongside their adult supporters, these young voices open up about their experiences, creativity, and resilience in a safe and empowering space. Tune in to hear the raw, heartfelt performances that highlight the importance of open mic events for homeless and foster youth, creating a platform for them to be heard, seen, and connected to their community.

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: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

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

In this episode of Youth Voice Amplified, we’re bringing you James’s powerful story. He talks about what it was like to face homelessness at a young age, bouncing from place to place, and how it affected his time in school. James doesn't hold back as he shares the tough realities of trying to keep up with his education while dealing with constant instability.

James doesn’t hold back—he shares the highs, the lows, and everything in between. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to overcome adversity and the importance of having people in your corner. You won’t want to miss this one!

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: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

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

Carter Beardsley, is not just a student—he's a changemaker! As the Region 8 President of the California Association of Student Councils, Chairman of the Kern Literacy Council's Youth Literacy Committee, and a Bakersfield Youth Commissioner, Carter is at the forefront of uplifting student voices in his school and the community.

Join us as Carter shares his personal journey into leadership, fueled by a passion for equity and student advocacy. He opens up about the challenges he faced, the motivations that drive him, and the accomplishments he's most proud of, including spearheading innovative literacy initiatives. Through his story, Carter offers invaluable insights into how schools can genuinely engage youth voices and create inclusive environments where all students are empowered to lead.

This episode is packed with Carter's wisdom, passion, and actionable advice for students, educators, and community leaders seeking to foster authentic youth involvement in decision-making processes. Tune in to learn how you can be part of the movement to amplify youth voices and drive meaningful change.

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Also mentioned in the episode:
1. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
2. California Association of Student Councils
3. Youth Commission
4. Kern Literacy Council

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: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

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

In the powerful conclusion of our two-part series, we pick up where we left off, diving deeper into Rico's transformative journey. After being harshly judged by his community and witnessing friends succumb to drug use, Rico made the life-changing decision to shift his mindset and, ultimately, his destiny. Now, as a peer support specialist, Rico dedicates his life to helping homeless and foster youth navigate their own difficult paths.

He also shares his remarkable story of personal growth and offers invaluable advice for anyone facing similar struggles. Rico’s journey is a testament to the power of a positive mindset and the ability to overcome even the toughest challenges. Don’t miss the inspiring conclusion to Rico's incredible story on Youth Voice Amplified.

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: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

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