Teens Tap In

Teens Tap In is marking Mental Health Month with an insightful discussion on effective ways both teens and adults can offer and request support during challenging times. Your podcast co-hosts are joined by Maggie Zangara, Outpatient Therapist and Program Manager at Outreach, for a conversation that provides practical guidance on how to initiate support for friends in need. Finding the right words can often be the biggest hurdle. Listen now to gain valuable conversation starters that help break through communication barriers and foster supportive dialogue with those who might be struggling. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Your "Teens Tap In" podcast co-hosts, Kate and Grace, are back for another exciting episode! This month, they sit down with Kelly Gyurina, a mom of three and a passionate mental health advocate. Their conversation explores the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in parenting. From guiding without pressure to encouraging curiosity-driven growth, they discuss how parents have the power to help cultivate a love for learning and a long-lasting sense of motivation in their children, all while navigating external pressures arising from school, social media and more. This is an episode for anyone hoping to raise (or be!) a self-driven individual. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Tune in this month to Teens Tap In for a heartfelt episode as co-hosts Kate and Grace sit down to celebrate the incredible career of Mary Birks, Executive Director of Outreach Teen & Family Services. After leading Outreach for more than a decade, Mary is preparing for her next big adventure - retirement! This episode reflects on her journey, the challenges she's overcome, and the lasting impact she's made in our local communities. Together, Kate and Grace dive into Mary's favorite memories, lessons learned, and what's next for both her & Outreach. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

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

*** 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*** 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

"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

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

We look forward to this day every month - Another episode of our Teens Tap In podcast is now available! Take a listen as Sarah and Amelia from our YAC have an insightful conversation with our clinical director, Kaitlyn Campbell, and Outreach counselors Caryn Jooste & Megan Rosenthal about how to have healthy relationships. They cover everything from the importance of shared interests, open communication, boundaries, what to do when you've outgrown a relationship, and so much more!  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Big thanks to Natalie Picchi, a nurse from St. Clair Health, for joining Sarah and Outreach's spring intern, Logan, for this month's installment of our Teens Tap In Podcast! Listen to the newest episode now for a great conversation about healthy living. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

This month's Teens Tap In episode is an honest conversation between one of our co-hosts, Madeline Gyurina, and her mother, Kelly Gyurina, as they break down the generational differences & influence of family dynamics when anxiety is present. It's a great episode to listen to with your parents to open up a dialogue about how teens can feel supported when facing mental health challenges. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

*** Warning: This episode includes a personal story of someone's experience attempting suicide. *** If you are experiencing active thoughts of suicide 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. “No one ever would have thought it would have happened to me.” This is a thought expressed all too often by people going through a hard time and struggling to reach out for help. This month's Teens Tap In is a powerful episode where our hosts Madeline & Amelia are joined by guest Colin Lowther as he discusses the severe depression he faced as a college student.  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

For this month's Teens Tap In, our hosts Sarah and Madeline were honored to be joined by Dr. Todd Franco and Todd Tomzcyk from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Listen to our latest episode as they have a great conversation about the connection between sports and mental health. There's something in it for everyone, from the occasional exerciser to the student athlete.  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Navigating college through sororities, FOMO and social anxiety is a great listen for any high school student getting ready to head off to college or any current college student dealing with these same problems. Thanks to Rachel and Emma from Duquesne University for joining our Youth Advocacy Committee members Amna and Madeline for this conversation. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Sarah and Madeline from our Youth Advocacy Committee discuss with Manager of Volunteer and Guest Services at St. Clair Health, Samantha Walker, the importance of volunteering and getting involved in your community. In this episode, teens will learn how to build a strong resume and different volunteer opportunities that you will not want to miss out knowing about!  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Get to know our new Clinical Director, Kaitlyn Campbell, LCSW as she joins co-hosts Sarah and Madeline from our Youth Advocacy Committee to discuss types of pressure and the keys to navigating pressure as a teen in today's society.  - There is still time to apply to be a member of the YAC. Please visit Outreach's website and find the QR code to apply under the 'programs' tab under education. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Welcome new Teens Tap In hosts, Madeline and Sarah, who sit down with YAC member, Amelia, to discuss Outreach Teen and Family Services new peer-to-peer resource known as the Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC). Listeners will hear inspiring stories about the members' personal mental health journeys, and learn how the committee will use their voices to promote mental health and wellness for their friends and peers in the community!  - There is still time to apply to be a member on the YAC. Please visit Outreach's website and find the QR code to apply under the 'programs' tab under education. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and guest host, Maddy, sit down with Outreach Teen and Family Services counselors Julie McMullen and Maggie Zangara to explore what a typical day looks like and what the counseling profession is all about... Listen to find out more! Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Maggie, Program Manager, hosts sisters and Outreach Teen and Family Services interns, Meghan and Molly, to explore their experiences going to college and what they wish they knew beforehand. Listen to learn valuable tips about career exploration and how to navigate living alone for the first time.  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and guest host, Maddy, discuss body image with Sarah Cooper, a nurse and women and children services educator at St. Clair Health. The conversation is real and honest and includes tips to cultivate body neutrality in young people.   Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and guest host, Maddy, sit down with Ryan Klingensmith, Founder of ‘Shape the Sky' to share and discuss social media regarding the mental health sphere. The episode is full of relatable takeaways for both teens and parents!  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and guest host, Jordan, debunk happiness misconceptions with Dr. Bruce Wright, Director of the Department of Psychiatry at St. Clair Health. The episode explores what can help people feel genuinely happy, and it may not be what you'd expect... listen to find out! Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and Syd have a meaningful conversation with Chief of Police in Mt. Lebanon, Aaron Lauth, and Dr. Scanlon, Clinical Director, at Outreach Teen and Family Services. They discuss the interactions between those in mental health crises and law enforcement. Throughout the episode, they share their ideas about what can be done to create healthy partnerships to best support people living in the community.  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and Syd sit down to discuss financial literacy with Mike Dempe, retired chief financial officer, and Stephanie Enedy, office manager, at Northwest Bank in Mt. Lebanon. Caroline and Syd navigate finances as a teen, and tips to help save money now and set them up for financial success in their futures. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and Syd discuss navigating between normal teenage feelings and when it may be in someone's best interest to seek professional help with Rachel, a Mt. Lebanon resident and retired behavioral specialist. The episode offers valuable information on referral resources and how to have meaningful conversations around mental health.  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and Syd host one of their best friends, Maddy, to share their unique perspectives on peer pressure. They reflect on what they learned in school as well as their own experiences in the real world.  Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara

Caroline and Syd discuss the challenges and shining moments that students and teachers are experiencing as they navigate teaching and learning throughout Covid-19. Directed and produced by: Maggie Zangara