Hosts: Skye Hughes and Amanda Marshall
Special Guest: Bonnie Ryanro
Length: Full episode
Listen via: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
🧭 Intro Summary
In this episode of Podclass, we welcome back Bonnie Ryanro to explore one of the most powerful tools for both young people and the adults who support them – the ability to say yes and no with clarity, confidence and care.
From protecting your energy to stepping outside your comfort zone, this episode is packed with personal stories, practical insights and grounded strategies for helping young people (and ourselves) make values-aligned decisions. The team unpacks how yes can stretch us into new growth, and how no can be an act of self-respect – and why both matter more than ever in youth work and education.
✨ Episode Breakdown
🧠 The Yes Society and the Pushback Generation
“I love the power of no for protecting your energy and maintaining quality – and the power of yes for stretching, even if you don’t feel ready.” – Bonnie
The team reflects on how young people today are reclaiming their right to say no – and why that matters. But they also highlight the risk of people-pleasing, especially in school cultures where saying yes is often praised.
🔐 Saying No with Confidence
“It’s a no in service of showing up better for others.”
Bonnie shares how learning to say no allowed her to maintain her wellbeing and show up more fully for her work with young people. The group unpacks how to recognise when a yes is coming at the cost of your energy or integrity.
🚪 The Room of Unlocked Doors
“Every door in that room was unlocked – all I had to do was say yes.”
Bonnie describes a moment that changed her career, where a single yes opened up opportunities she never expected. The hosts explore how mentors can help young people recognise and step into these moments.
🧭 Modelling Decision-Making for Young People
“There’s so much power in not expecting an answer on the spot.” – Skye
Educators and youth workers are encouraged to give young people space to reflect, make decisions, and even change their minds. The team explores how to model values-aligned decisions and support autonomy through language, timing and storytelling.
🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators
Don’t Expect Instant Answers
When offering opportunities, give students time to consider. Say, “Think it over and come back to me tomorrow,” to reduce pressure and model healthy boundaries.
Model Your Own Process
Share why you said yes or no to something. This builds transparency and normalises thoughtful decision-making.
Encourage Values-Aligned Choices
Help young people identify what matters most to them. Ask, “Does this choice align with your values?” to promote self-awareness and authenticity.
Normalise Changing Your Mind
Make it okay to shift from yes to no, or vice versa, without shame. Reassure young people that growing means learning from reflection.
Unpack the Why Behind No
When you have to say no to a student, explain your rationale. This supports autonomy and builds trust – especially in hierarchical spaces.
🎓 Final Thoughts
Saying yes or no isn’t just about making a choice. It’s about who you are becoming. When we support young people to reflect on what they value, hold their boundaries, and take brave leaps when ready, we help them grow into empowered, self-aware humans.
Whether you’re making your own tough decision or supporting someone else’s, remember: clarity and compassion can live side by side.
🔗 Links and More
Listen to more episodes: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
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Connect with YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com
Learn more from YLAA: www.ylaaus.com