Here at This Teenage Life, we’ve uncovered a phenomenon called “too muchness.” It’s a fear of being “too much” that can lead to self policing that holds us back from being our authentic selves. In this re-release of one of our favorite episodes, we talk about our fears and critiques of “too muchness,” how it feels, and where we think it comes from. If you are looking to join a community that will embrace you for who you are, please consider joining one of our new dialogue groups! We would love to get to know you and provide a warm, supportive environment to connect with other young people. Send us an email at [email protected] 

It's a tough time. Fires. Political turmoil. When we're at home and feeling sad, angry, or anxious, what are some strategies we use to comfort ourselves? In this re-release of one of our favorite episodes of This Teenage Life, we discuss what we do to make ourselves feel better. If you are looking to add comfort to your life, please consider joining one of our new dialogue groups! We would love to get to know you and provide a warm, supportive environment to connect with other young people. Send us an email at [email protected] 

Even though we all experience it, embarrassment is not a fun feeling. For some folks, they just want to disappear. For others, the embarrassment continues long after the moment is over, as they relive the event in their heads.  In this episode, the teens discuss how they deal with being embarrassed and share their favorite stories. What does it feel like? What about those painfully awkward moments? How can we move on? 

Sending our support to our friends affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles. We are here for you. 

As a teenager, it can feel like you are constantly moving on from things - hobbies, friends, schools, ways of thinking, and more. This can be exciting, but also sad or confusing. In this episode, the teens discuss things they've had to move on from and the emotional dimensions of the process. 

For folks applying to college in the United States, applications are almost due! This time can feel incredibly stressful and overwhelming, but having conversations with peers going through the same thing can help. In today's episode, the teens discuss various aspects of college applications - financial aid, social comparison, finding support, and advice that helped them. 

Cultivating friendships and authentic connection can serve as an antidote to loneliness and mental health challenges. How can we harness these skills in a society that prioritizes independence and rising to the top? In this episode, sponsored by Learning Enterprise at Arizona State University, we talk with young men about masculinity, vulnerability, and close relationships. We also interview Dr. Niobe Way, a developmental psychologist and author, about her research into "boy culture," friendship, and building connection.  To learn more about ASU and This Teenage Life's partnership, go to https://info.learning.asu.edu/this-teenage-life To learn more about Dr. Way's research and read her work, visit https://www.niobe-way.com

Mental health stigma remains a major issue in combating loneliness and the mental health crisis, and research shows that men are significantly less likely to seek help. In this episode, sponsored by Learning Enterprise at Arizona State University, we talk with young men about mental health and masculinity. We also interview Dr. Ben Harris, a clinical psychologist, about his experiences working with adolescent boys and how he fosters connection through group therapy. We hope this episode works to normalize vulnerability and checking in with those close to you, in spite of societal norms and pressures.  To learn more about ASU and This Teenage Life's partnership, go to https://info.learning.asu.edu/this-teenage-life ------ Mental health resources: The Suicide Lifeline: call 988 (available 24/7, and available in Spanish, Russian, Tagalong, French, and Mandarin) Befrienders: confidential support for those in emotional crisis or distress   

Cooking, baking, and consuming delicious meals can be incredibly fulfilling acitvities, especially when they are shared with loved ones. To celebrate Thanksgiving next week in the United States, this episode is all about food. Our teen participants discuss their relationships to cooking or baking, kitchen disasters, holiday traditions, and meals that bring comfort. We are also joined by Sarah Clapp, a producer from Milk Street Radio, who discusses what its like having a career in the culinary arts.  To listen and learn more about Milk Street Radio, you can visit their website: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=milkstreet+radio&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Everyone experiences failure at some point in their life, but it can be difficult to talk about. Failure can make a person feel uncomfortable, or angry, or full of self-doubt. In this episode, This Teenage Life participants discuss what they think failure is, share stories of times they have "failed," and explore how they cultivate resilience in their lives.