Teens Tap In

Screen Time Stories with the OCC: Teens Tell It Like It Is

Listen in as the OCC members, Kate, Grace and Lily candidly share their real-world experiences with social media - from strengthening friendships and finding communities to managing comparison culture and digital drama and cyberbullying. Get an unfiltered look at how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat shape their social connections and emotional wellbeing, all from their own unique perspectives.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Healing After Loss: A Conversation on Navigating Grief with Erin Blechman

*** WARNING: This episode touches on sensitive topics, including suicide and mental illness, so please listen with care. If you are experiencing active symptoms of severe depression and/or suicidal ideation, contact Resolve Crisis Network at (888) 796-8226 or go to your local emergency room. We strongly encourage you to listen with a trusted adult and process your thoughts with them after listening. ***

In this episode of Teens Tap In, Kate and Grace sit down with Erin Blechman—an author, speaker, and certified Grief Educator—to discuss the profound and complex journey of grief and healing. Erin shares insights from her book, My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide, where she reflects on the heartbreak of losing her son Max to suicide following his long battle with mental illness. Together, they delve into the stigmas surrounding grief, the importance of elevating conversations about mental health, and Erin’s mission to bring awareness to the impact of loss and suicide.

Erin Blechman's website is: 
https://erinblechman.com/ 

Join us here for a parent workshop focused on grief and loss w/ Erin Blechman on Thursday, Feb 13th 7-8 PM via Zoom Webinar: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9WvLgtUNRpm-8WW8zmDc9Q#/registration

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Taking Care of Yourself with special guest Dr. Alan Yeasted

In this month's episode of Teens Tap In, your co-hosts, Kate and Grace, are joined by Dr. Alan Yeasted, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Emeritus of St. Clair Health. Together, they discuss Dr. Yeasted's journey into medicine, the biggest challenges present in healthcare today, and how mental and physical health intersect. Tune in to hear practical advice on managing stress, improving sleep, and building healthier habits, especially as a teen!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Gratitude & Spreading Joy This Holiday Season

In this month's episode of Teens Tap In, fellow Outreach College Crew member Lily Simons joins podcast co-hosts Grace and Kate to discuss the importance of gratitude and spreading joy in the upcoming holiday season. They share what they are personally grateful for, explore how we can spread gratitude, and discuss ways to find happiness during the holidays. This episode is perfect for anyone who would like to take a moment to be thankful and reflect before beginning preparations for winter festivities!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety & Depression with Kaitlyn Pry

In this episode of Teens Tap In, your hosts, Kate and Grace, sit down with Outreach's Clinical Director, Kaitlyn Pry, to unravel the complex cycle of anxiety and depression. Together, they explore the leading causes of rising anxiety and depression rates, what it’s like to feel trapped in these cycles, and practical ways to support friends and loved ones who may be struggling. Whether you’re looking for guidance in your own life, or simply want to improve your understanding of mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for all! Listen now!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Meet Your New Hosts: Grace & Kate

It's here!!! Season 4 of Teens Tap In starts today with a brand new episode! Get to know Grace Myers & Kate Yang, your new podcast hosts for the upcoming season. Both seniors in high school, they've taken college-level courses at Harvard and Yale and are super excited to bring you an exciting new season of mental health topics for today's teens & young adults. Tune in now to hear them discuss how they became involved with the Outreach College Crew, why they are passionate about reducing the stigma around mental health, and much more! And a big thanks to St. Clair Health for sponsoring Teens Tap In for the fourth year in a row!
Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Everyone Has a Story: Mental Health & Wellness with Brian Cuban

Kate Yang, one of our new podcast hosts and Maggie Zangara, Outreach's Program Manager, meet with Brian Cuban, younger brother of Mark Cuban, to discuss his mental health and wellness journey, starting from his time at Mt. Lebanon High School. From two different eating disorders to depression to drug addiction, Brian details his story: both his struggles and his journey to recovery and self-acceptance. Listen to hear Brian Cuban's advice to both those struggling and their loved ones.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Follow Your Charm

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a humanitarian? Or what about an activist? In this month's episode of Teens Tap In, special guest Roman Benty discusses his work on the LIGHT Education Initiative. For those who are wanting to find a way to impact your community, Roman expresses the importance of first understanding our roots and history. Join podcast host Jackie Barilar and Outreach's Program Manager Maggie Zangara as they explore what civic action looks like and examine their own impactful lives in Pittsburgh.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

The Six Dimensions of Wellness

This month's podcast is centered around the six dimensions of wellness - Occupational, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Social & Intellectual. Here, fellow college student Sydney Schwartz joins our Teens Tap In co-hosts, Jackie and Gina, in discussing the college lifestyle and how these dimensions of wellness look for each of them at this point in their lives. Sydney emphasizes the significance of living a happy, healthy lifestyle and describes the process of finding herself, as well as the positive coping skills and support system surrounding her. Tune in to find out more!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Career Growth Meets the Helping Professional Fields

Finding the right career path can be challenging and confusing. Following your passions and networking with people in fields you're interested in can be essential to discovering what you want to do. In this month's episode of Teens Tap In, our co-hosts Gina and Jackie talk with St. Clair Health representative Kaitlin DeFazio about ways to tackle obstacles to career growth. Kaitlin shares her own journey in the healthcare field and offers some great tips and tricks for you along the way!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara