S1 E13: If You Can't Learn, You Can't Earn: Empowering Youth Through Literacy
Youth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
Release Date: 08/24/2021
Youth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alyssa Bigby, founder and director of Rebel Arts Movement, who is revolutionizing youth empowerment in Philadelphia through the transformative power of circus arts. In this episode, we explore how a unique blend of dance, tumbling, and aerial arts is creating pathways to success for underserved youth in Kensington. Discover how Rebel Arts breaks down financial and accessibility barriers to make circus arts available to all, regardless of background or ability. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in youth empowerment, arts...
info_outline S4 E38: Inside Out and Beyond: Why Teen Mental Health MattersYouth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
In this episode, you'll discover insights from Morgan Johnson, NCC, LPC, an adolescent mental health professional with a decade of experience. You'll learn about the importance of mental health care for young people and common misconceptions about therapy. Morgan shares successful outcomes from her practice, including helping teens overcome social anxiety and develop self-advocacy skills. She also explores how the movie "Inside Out" can be used as a tool for understanding emotions, and provides advice for young people interested in mental health careers.
info_outline S4 E37: Service Learning: Empowering Youth to Lead ChangeYouth 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...
info_outline S4 E36: The Power of Creative Expression: BuildaBridge's Unique Approach to Youth EmpowermentYouth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
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.
info_outline S4 E35: Mentorship, Mental Health, and Making a Difference: Inside Shoot Basketballs NOT PeopleYouth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
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....
info_outline S4 E34: Martial Arts and Mentorship: Building Resilience in Today's YouthYouth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
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...
info_outline S3 E33: Hopeworks: Propelling Young Adults into Living Wage CareersYouth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
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.
info_outline S3 E32: Sparking Change from Within: A Community Center Leader’s JourneyYouth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
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.
info_outline S3 E31: Urban Zen: Empowering Youth Through YogaYouth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
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.
info_outline S3 E30: Empowering Youth Through Social Emotional LearningYouth P.O.W.E.R. Podcast: With Kirk Berry
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,...
info_outlineEducator, author and coach Tre Hadrick discusses the importance of literacy for empowering youth, and reveals details about his book Cheesesteaks and Clippers, which features an endearing look at important life lessons learned during a visit to a local barber shop.