Teens Tap In

Passion Projects 2024

A part of the Outreach College Crew is for each member to find an aspect of mental health they are interested in and dive deeper. Listen to today's episode to find out what our podcast hosts are passionate about! Co-hosts Jackie and Gina elaborate on their areas of interests in mental health. Jackie discusses the effects of a loved one experiencing dementia and ways to cope during that hard time. As for Gina, listeners will explore and better understand self-identity! What is it? How can we find out who we are? And so much more!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

“I’d rather have counselors in the back of my police car than kids”- An Interview with Mary Birks, Outreach's Executive Director

This month's episode of Teens Tap In is a fun switch up from our usual content. Outreach College Crew (OCC) member Aiwen (Erin) Chen interviews our very own Executive Director, Mark Birks, to learn how Outreach originated and to celebrate the impact our agency has had over the past 50 years. Erin and the other OCC members also discuss with Mary their experiences and observations regarding school refusal. Their conversation highlights the importance of Outreach's values of community, care & connection to addressing the needs of children, teens and families in the communities we serve across Pittsburgh.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Learning & Motivation: Insight from a Cognitive Psychologist

Dr. Elizabeth Richey is a professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. She joins our co-hosts Jackie & Gina for this month's episode of Teens Tap In to discuss how learning and motivation have a tremendous impact on the field of education. Take a listen as she shares insight into research that can help anyone become more aware of how to harness their motivation and values to be successful in learning.
Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Adolescence Transitions

It's no secret that teens face many challenges in growing up and navigating life. Curious to know what these challenges are like today in our ever-evolving society? Listen to this month's episode of Teens Tap In for some insight. Gina and Jackie discuss the effects of growing up and how transitions can impact self identity, relationships, and, ultimately, mental health. Guest and OCC member Grace Myers joins the conversation to explain her own adolescent experiences throughout middle school and high school and the impact on her daily life.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Men’s Mental Health

Have you ever wondered what men's mental health is like? Are there gender differences around seeking help? In this month's episode of Teens Tap In, our co-hosts Gina and Jackie are joined by guest Jordan Miller as they explore insights on men's mental health. Jordan also talks about his own struggles and breaks down a male perspective on this important topic. As Jordan reminds everyone, always remember you are not alone and it's okay to not be okay!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Healthy or Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms?

Are you seeking new ways to live a healthy lifestyle? In this month's episode of Teens Tap In, cohosts Gina and Jackie take a deep dive into coping mechanisms, defining what strategic ideas can help you better yourself and identify any unhealthy habits along the way. Gina and Jackie express their own struggles and the coping mechanisms they use to positively build up their own mental health. Take a listen to their conversation now!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Meet the OCC

This episode welcomes our 4 wonderful, new members of the OCC, Outreach College Crew (previously the YAC, Youth Advocacy Committee). Listeners will learn more about Gina, Jackie, Erin and Grace as they discuss how the Crew plans to make a difference in the community and the importance of talking about mental health to decrease stigma. Listen to find out more!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Mental Health can Affect Everything

*** Warning: This episode includes a personal story of someone's experience with psychosis. ***

If you are experiencing active symptoms of psychosis, contact Resolve Crisis Network at (888) 796-8226 or go to your local emergency room. Because of the weight of this topic, we strongly encourage you to listen with a trusted adult and process your thoughts with them after listening.

Previous YAC member, Zoe Constantine, shares her mental health experience with psychosis. Throughout the episode, Zoe explains the ups and downs of finding accessibility to care and highlights how important it is to share your experience with mental health with a professional. Zoe is an inspiration. She continues on her mental health journey and provides hope to listeners to never give up and to always keep going.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Phony Photos: Social Media & Its Impact on Body Image

"Everything I'm seeing is edited. This is my body. Why should I hate it? ... It's MY body." On our latest episode of Teens Tap In, members of our Youth Advocacy Committee discuss the impact social media & influencers have had on their personal thoughts & body image.

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

A Conversation with Jason Haberman, Mt. Lebanon’s Chief of Police

We're so excited for this latest episode of Teens Tap In! Our hosts sit down this month with Jason Haberman, the new chief of police for Mt. Lebanon Police Department. They discuss the importance of mental health & wellbeing to police, teens and everyone in between. Take a listen!

Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara