Breaking Barriers with Youth Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:31:05 -0700 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1924763 en-us © 2026 Breaking Barriers with Youth yes 7ac64b17-09c9-5395-91d5-98055532a4c0 Jamal Givens episodic false Breaking Barriers with YOUth (BBY) is a place for youth and adults to come together and share their perspectives about what is happening in the world today.  With your hosts Jamal Givens and Hassel Gastelum, BBY will discuss how youth are dealing with various issues in their school, families, and communities. As adults who care about youth it is important to understand what teens are going through and how they view today's changing world. In addition, we will hear from adults who are advocates for youth and how they feel they impact youth. This podcast will share resources for parents, youth, grandparents, and caring adults. BBY is supported by LPKNC, a nonprofit organization that focuses on prevention of substance use/misuse and abuse, promotes mental health and wellness and prevention of suicide. LPKNC and BBY believes in Youth-Adult Partnerships. Youth-Adult Partnerships is a relationship between youth and adults where youth are afforded an equal voice at the table in anything LPKNC does. BBY models this partnership.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Jamal Givens https://storage.buzzsprout.com/7f8uqmzr0ga0pl38b1ru40rmr7q2?.jpg Breaking Barriers with Youth Jamal Givens Hassel Gastelum Youth Voices on Mental Health, Social Media, and School Support Youth Voices on Mental Health, Social Media, and School Support In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth (BBY), we elevate what matters most—authentic youth voice.

Co-hosts Jamal, Alejandro and Miriam lead a powerful conversation on the realities youth are facing today, from mental health challenges to the influence of social media and the critical role schools play in providing support. This episode reflects LPKNC’s commitment to youth-adult partnerships—where young people are not just participants, but leaders in shaping solutions. 

Together, they unpack the state of youth mental health in Arizona and the growing need for stronger, more accessible support systems. For many youth, schools serve as the primary place for connection and care—yet gaps still exist. Resources may be available, but not always fully utilized or reaching students in meaningful ways.

The conversation also explores the dual role of social media. While it can provide a sense of escape and connection, it can also contribute to stress, comparison, and decreased self-esteem. Youth share how navigating both online and real-world relationships requires balance, awareness, and support.

Alejandro and Miriam speak candidly about the pressures youth face—academic expectations, peer dynamics, and at times, a lack of support at home. They also highlight the different ways young people cope, from healthy outlets like nature and connection to more isolating behaviors that signal a need for greater intervention and care.

At its core, this episode is a call to action for parents, educators, and community leaders.

Youth are asking for more than surface-level solutions. They want open conversations, accessible mental health resources, and environments where they feel seen, heard, and supported. They are also clear—removing or reducing mental health support in schools is not the answer. Strengthening it is.

Breaking barriers starts with listening.

And in this episode, youth are leading the way.

]]> In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth (BBY), we elevate what matters most—authentic youth voice.

Co-hosts Jamal, Alejandro and Miriam lead a powerful conversation on the realities youth are facing today, from mental health challenges to the influence of social media and the critical role schools play in providing support. This episode reflects LPKNC’s commitment to youth-adult partnerships—where young people are not just participants, but leaders in shaping solutions. 

Together, they unpack the state of youth mental health in Arizona and the growing need for stronger, more accessible support systems. For many youth, schools serve as the primary place for connection and care—yet gaps still exist. Resources may be available, but not always fully utilized or reaching students in meaningful ways.

The conversation also explores the dual role of social media. While it can provide a sense of escape and connection, it can also contribute to stress, comparison, and decreased self-esteem. Youth share how navigating both online and real-world relationships requires balance, awareness, and support.

Alejandro and Miriam speak candidly about the pressures youth face—academic expectations, peer dynamics, and at times, a lack of support at home. They also highlight the different ways young people cope, from healthy outlets like nature and connection to more isolating behaviors that signal a need for greater intervention and care.

At its core, this episode is a call to action for parents, educators, and community leaders.

Youth are asking for more than surface-level solutions. They want open conversations, accessible mental health resources, and environments where they feel seen, heard, and supported. They are also clear—removing or reducing mental health support in schools is not the answer. Strengthening it is.

Breaking barriers starts with listening.

And in this episode, youth are leading the way.

]]> Jamal Givens & Hassel Gastelum Buzzsprout-18903304 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0700 1539 full false Edgar Castro - Fitness Topics in Body Dysmorphia and Finding Positivity in Life/ Dangers of Steroids Edgar Castro - Fitness Topics in Body Dysmorphia and Finding Positivity in Life/ Dangers of Steroids On this episode we have a special guest, Edgar Castro-Espinoza. 
Edgar Castro Espinoza is a Coach / Personal Trainer, an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and social media Influencer. 

Founder of Under D.A.W.G Athletics 

Est. 2020 (D.edicated A.thletes W.ho G.rind) He started this brand to uplift not only athletes but anyone that feels under shadowed or under appreciated. He felt like athletes needed MORE than a trainer but rather a mentor.His mission is to motivate and inspire the youth to break generational curses through social media content on personal/mental growth and consistency on developing life skills to break past your limits. “Motivation is temporary consistency is results” 

We talk about his fitness journey and his entry into the motivation speaking world. We also go into a conversation about how dangerous steroids can be and lead to at a young age. 

If you would like to follow Edgar: 
Instagram: @coached_by_e

if you would like to follow LPKNC: 
@LPKNC (Insta and FB) 

]]> On this episode we have a special guest, Edgar Castro-Espinoza. 
Edgar Castro Espinoza is a Coach / Personal Trainer, an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and social media Influencer. 

Founder of Under D.A.W.G Athletics 

Est. 2020 (D.edicated A.thletes W.ho G.rind) He started this brand to uplift not only athletes but anyone that feels under shadowed or under appreciated. He felt like athletes needed MORE than a trainer but rather a mentor.His mission is to motivate and inspire the youth to break generational curses through social media content on personal/mental growth and consistency on developing life skills to break past your limits. “Motivation is temporary consistency is results” 

We talk about his fitness journey and his entry into the motivation speaking world. We also go into a conversation about how dangerous steroids can be and lead to at a young age. 

If you would like to follow Edgar: 
Instagram: @coached_by_e

if you would like to follow LPKNC: 
@LPKNC (Insta and FB) 

]]> Jamal Givens & Hassel Gastelum Buzzsprout-14136652 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0700 3065 3 2 full false Enrique & Alonso Men's Mental Health and Masculinity Enrique & Alonso Men's Mental Health and Masculinity In this episode we have two special guests from Desert View High School who are involved in the volleyball team and the Y.E.S Club and among other programs and club at school. For this episode we will dive into mental health, how we talk to our parents about it and the struggles of perception on toxic masculinity when it comes to talking about your emotions. These individuals truly get down to the details on being free to explore their mind and emotions and not be afraid to be open with that subject no matter how family or people view them. We also reminisce on the past field tris we have taken together as YES club and LPKNC. 

Follow our Social Media: 
@LPKNC on Instagram and FB. 

]]> In this episode we have two special guests from Desert View High School who are involved in the volleyball team and the Y.E.S Club and among other programs and club at school. For this episode we will dive into mental health, how we talk to our parents about it and the struggles of perception on toxic masculinity when it comes to talking about your emotions. These individuals truly get down to the details on being free to explore their mind and emotions and not be afraid to be open with that subject no matter how family or people view them. We also reminisce on the past field tris we have taken together as YES club and LPKNC. 

Follow our Social Media: 
@LPKNC on Instagram and FB. 

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-14101287 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0700 3688 3 1 full false BBY S2 EP2- Edgardo BBY S2 EP2- Edgardo Edgardo Aguilar, a Tucson Native who graduated from Desert View High School and made his way to the University of Arizona, talks about his journey. He talks about why and how he made it to the U of A. What is like being at the U of A. He talks about his fraternity and the positive work they do. He asks that others join his fraternity, 

]]> Edgardo Aguilar, a Tucson Native who graduated from Desert View High School and made his way to the University of Arizona, talks about his journey. He talks about why and how he made it to the U of A. What is like being at the U of A. He talks about his fraternity and the positive work they do. He asks that others join his fraternity, 

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-12138176 Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0700 3034 full false BBY S2 EP1- Welcome Back BBY S2 EP1- Welcome Back Jamal and Gaby discuss what they have been up to and seeing and hearing from youth. They also discuss what to expect this season.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby discuss what they have been up to and seeing and hearing from youth. They also discuss what to expect this season.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-12137937 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1229 full false What it is BBY What it is BBY This short clip explains what BBY is, what will be discussed and who Jamal and Gaby are.  

]]> This short clip explains what BBY is, what will be discussed and who Jamal and Gaby are.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-12137812 Sat, 28 Jan 2023 20:00:00 -0700 105 full false BBY-Ep.6 BBY-Ep.6 In this episode Jamal and Gaby talk with Eric,  a Senior  from high school, who discusses what he has done in order to be accepted into 8 colleges.  

]]> In this episode Jamal and Gaby talk with Eric,  a Senior  from high school, who discusses what he has done in order to be accepted into 8 colleges.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-10614411 Fri, 13 May 2022 15:00:00 -0700 1966 full false BBY-Ep.5 BBY-Ep.5 Student-athletes.  Jamal and Gaby talk with Anissa Medina.  She shares her insights about being a student-athlete and she copes with difficult times.  Even though she loves her sport and people love her there are times when it gets difficult to cope.  

]]> Student-athletes.  Jamal and Gaby talk with Anissa Medina.  She shares her insights about being a student-athlete and she copes with difficult times.  Even though she loves her sport and people love her there are times when it gets difficult to cope.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-10406692 Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2135 full false BBY-Ep.4 BBY-Ep.4 This episode is with Ms. Kristen Carter.  She comes to give some tips to parents and caring adults about working with youth.  

]]> This episode is with Ms. Kristen Carter.  She comes to give some tips to parents and caring adults about working with youth.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-10272058 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 21:00:00 -0700 2735 full false BBY-Ep.3 BBY-Ep.3 Our guest today is a youth from a local high school who shares about how they handled having to deal with school during Covid.  

]]> Our guest today is a youth from a local high school who shares about how they handled having to deal with school during Covid.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-10179575 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 22:00:00 -0700 1535 full false BBY Ep. 2 BBY Ep. 2 This episode Jamal and Gaby interview Jenni Murguia, a high school student, who talks about social media.  What social media means to her and youth her age.  Jenni also talks about how social media impacts her mental health and what youth and parents can do to make sure it is not impacting their mental health negatively.  

]]> This episode Jamal and Gaby interview Jenni Murguia, a high school student, who talks about social media.  What social media means to her and youth her age.  Jenni also talks about how social media impacts her mental health and what youth and parents can do to make sure it is not impacting their mental health negatively.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-10089920 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0700 1808 full false Who are the hosts of BBY?! Who are the hosts of BBY?! A podcast that parents and youth can  listen to together.  Meet Jamal and Gaby, the hosts of Breaking Barriers for YOUth (BBY).  Hear what this podcast will be about and how it may help you as a youth, parent, and caring adult.  

]]> A podcast that parents and youth can  listen to together.  Meet Jamal and Gaby, the hosts of Breaking Barriers for YOUth (BBY).  Hear what this podcast will be about and how it may help you as a youth, parent, and caring adult.  

]]> Jamal and Gaby Buzzsprout-9930467 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 21:00:00 -0700 1151 1 1 full false