This month, we dove into one of our core values: connection. We loved welcoming back a special part of the Valo circle—our alumni. It was such a treat to catch up, hear their stories about what connection meant to them when they were here, and see how they’ve carried that same spirit into their lives today. Moments like these remind us why connection is at the heart of everything we do.

This month our teens not only led a panel discussion at Maine Youth Thriving’s REVIVE event, they podcasted there as well! Two of our teens facilitated a meaningful discussion of bravery, difficult conversations, and how these are tools that can help teens feel seen and heard.

We leaned into the focus on play in all regards this month. In this episode, our teens talk about their relationship with play, when life started to steer them away from it, and how to incorporate it back into their regular routine.

This month we sat down with players from Freeport High School’s Varsity Soccer teams who shared their beliefs about vulnerability: how to cultivate it, how it helps build connection, and how brave it is for teens to be emotionally vulnerable in today’s world. We bet their perspectives will leave you as reflective and inspired as they did us!

This month, we heard from our teens as they discussed what they believe healthy routine and rhythm looks like in the summer months, without the daily structure of school. They shared how taking care of your body and mind looks different for each of them as the seasons change.

As one last parting gift, Valo’s seniors shared thoughtful and heartfelt insights about all things Valo - from connection and tending to wellbeing to long-lasting ways of being and - of course - play! Their perspectives and authenticity continues to fill us with hope. Give a listen. We bet you’ll feel the same!

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, our teen hosts wanted to interview a group of people who have a tremendous impact on young people. Teachers. As we all know, teachers play a pivotal role in helping kids know they matter and empowering them to grow in all kinds of ways. What a gift to talk with three local teachers as they shared their experiences - and their feelings  - in supporting students. We left the episode feeling equal parts gratitude and hope.

We took the show on the road this month and featured youth from all over who were attending the New England Youth Identity Summit (which Valo is lucky to be a partner in hosting). We loved hearing their insightful, unique, and even humorous perspectives as they reflected on their past and looked toward their (bright!) futures. We think their voices will enlighten you, as they did us.

We turned the tables this month and invited a few Valo parents to be our guests. Each shined light as they showed up fully for a brave conversation about parenting. Their candor was refreshing as they shared their personal journeys as parents. From how they connect with their children to parts they wish they could do over to how well they know their children, these parents reflected the best in our ways of being. They were curious, open, and vulnerable - and for that we are incredibly grateful.

love is where it's at 🩵 by Valo

Teens are keenly aware of the often unspoken but clearly felt expectation to be perfect. This can look as different as each individual youth, but one thread is clearly woven in - the inevitable pressure to strive toward perfection. In this episode, our teens talk with one another about how they choose to engage in this social phenomenon, and - for a bit - explore what it might feel like to lean into the opposite of it: imperfection.

Young Voices Shed Light on Connection by Valo

Youth Speak Their Truths about Mental Health by Valo

(Unplugged): Teens Tell All by Valo

We were fortunate to have a chance to sit down and hear from a group of male high school soccer players who had recently participated in a Valo program during their pre-season training. The perspectives they shared about vulnerability, connection, being unplugged, and what it means to support their teammates on and off the field left us filled with hope. Maybe it will do the same for you….

We are beyond excited to have New York Times best selling author and Maine resident, Lily King on this month’s Embers Episode. Come give a listen as Lily shares her perspectives about the creative process, mental health, as well as recent favorite reads. Photo Credit: Winky Lewis

In this episode, we have decided to take a bit of a different approach. Instead of our usual interview and interviewee format, in this episode you will hear many voices and many perspectives. We asked Valo alumni of different ages to share advice they would give a young person about tending to their mental health and emotional wellbeing. We hope you find the collection of voices enlightening. We appreciated hearing the wide range of experiences, ideas, and insights that Valo alumni use and embody, even as they transition into adulthood. It gives us hope as we continue to consider ways we can all tend to our own wellbeing, and support others as well.

With the start of Pride Month, we at Valo are excited to share a very special episode with all of you. This month our hosts engaged in conversation with Gia Drew, who serves as the Executive Director of EqualityMaine. Listen to Gia talk about her experiences as the first out transgender public school teacher in Maine, one of the only transgender athletic coaches in the country, and her role at the oldest and largest organization dedicated to creating a fair and just society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers.

For the May edition of Embers, we are elated to be joined by two amazing athletes and Mainers, Eavan O’Neill and Skyler Samuelson Espinoza. In 2020 Eavan was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Stargardt's Disease that causes vision loss. Following her diagnosis and the onset of the pandemic, Eavan took to the outdoors by running, which soon grew into a passion. A year later, Eavan ran the Maine Marathon, raising money for research to find treatment for genetic eye diseases, and her passion for long distances continues. Though initially a collegiate rower, Skyler found herself as a “pilot” on the United States’ Paralympic Cycling team, following her success as an individual cyclist. As an athlete with unimpaired vision, Skyler teams up with a visually impaired athlete to race in tandem.

Earlier this month our Embers podcast hosts, Levi and Lyla, led a workshop at the New England Youth Identity Summit showing other teens the power of podcasting. The usual hosts took a backseat in this month's edition and allowed the workshop’s participants to engage in a meaningful conversation which was recorded and compiled into the most recent episode. Give it a listen to get a glimpse into the power of youth podcasting and teens’ capacity to guide and be a part of meaningful conversations.