Breaking Barriers with Youth
Breaking Barriers with Youth
Jamal Givens
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.
BBY-2026-Toxic
How can young people recognize when a relationship or friendship is no longer healthy? In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth, we discuss toxic relationships, warning signs that should not be ignored, and the difference between normal conflict and patterns that can cause emotional harm. The conversation explores boundaries, communication, trust, respect, and why it can be difficult to walk away from unhealthy connections. We also discuss how trusted adults can support young people wi...
Oct 22
43 min
BBY-2026-Substance Misuse
How can we talk with young people about substance misuse in a way that is honest, supportive, and effective? In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth, we discuss the pressures and influences young people may face, the importance of prevention, and the role trusted adults can play in helping youth make healthy decisions. The conversation reminds us that prevention is not just about warning young people what not to do. It is also about listening, building trust, sharing accurate informat...
Oct 8
30 min
BBY- 2026 - Suicide Awareness
Sometimes the person who looks like they're doing just fine is carrying something much heavier underneath. In this episode of Breaking Barriers with YOUth, Jamal sits down with Alejandro and Briana for an honest conversation about youth mental health and suicide awareness. They talk about the pressures young people face—from social media and bullying to school, family, and the expectations they put on themselves—and why simply asking someone “Are you okay?” may not be enough. Briana shares fr...
Sep 30
38 min
BBY-2026-CADCA
What happens when young people are given the opportunity to learn, lead, and connect with others who care about creating healthier communities? In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth, we reflect on the CADCA experience and the value of bringing youth voices into substance misuse prevention. The conversation highlights what participants learned, the connections they made, and how young people can use their ideas and leadership to create change in their schools and communities. Prevent...
Sep 24
32 min
BBY-2026-Mental Health
What does it really look like when a young person is struggling with their mental health—and how can the adults in their lives respond? In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Youth, we talk about youth mental health, the signs adults sometimes miss, and why changes in behavior may be telling us more than we realize. We also explore how parents, caregivers, educators, and other trusted adults can create space for honest conversations without judgment or immediately trying to “fix” everythin...
Sep 10
24 min
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...
Mar 24
25 min
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 inspi...
Dec 12, 2023
51 min
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 ...
Dec 6, 2023
1 hr 1 min
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,
Feb 14, 2023
50 min
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.
Jan 31, 2023
20 min
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