YChats

Ever wondered what happens when young people take the reins of media creation? Join us on a captivating journey with Isaac, the visionary behind Youth Jam Radio, as we explore how this youth-led platform is revolutionising the airwaves. From the genesis of the idea to navigating challenges and fostering community support, discover how Youth Jam Radio is empowering young voices and reshaping the media landscape. Isaac recognised a need in his community for a platform that empowered himself and other young people to tell their own stories and talk about things they care about in an unfiltered, uninstitutionalised way. The path way not always easy, but Isaac tells us all about how he made it happen, overcoming obstacles, building a strong team, and bringing his vision to life, as well as some of the things he's experienced hosting a radio show. So, let's hear it! YChats - a podcast for young people by young people. This podcast is proudly support by WhyNot and the Y WA.

Welcome to YChats in 2024! With a facelift and continued passion for amplifying the stories of young people, in this kick-off episode, YChats host Maeson chats to an incredible youth advocate from Northam in Western Australia - Joshua Patrick.  Josh, like many young people today, has a had difficult journey. But at the same time, some incredible opportunities that through his own courage and determination, and the skills and experiences he has gained in life, he's been able to seize and make the absolute best of.  Josh has an interesting story and an inspiring message both for those working with young people and for young leaders themselves. So, let's hear it! YChats - a podcast for young people by young people. Thanks to the WhyNot platform and the Y WA for supporting the production of this podcast.

Did you know that 3/4 young people lack the skills needed for employment? Did you know that a 15-year-old can expect to have 17 jobs across 5 different industries? Did you know that 40% of the global workforce is considering leaving their employer this year? We dream of a world where all youth have access to dignified, meaningful, and purposeful work. To achieve that dream, we need to understand the opinions and experiences of young people. The Y Australia and Deloitte have teamed up to research how the ever-changing work landscape is affecting young people's expectations of work. Listen to YChats host Maeson chat with Sandesh on Youth Jam Radio where they tell you all about the survey and how you can have your voice heard!! Check out Perth's youth-led, youth-focussed radio station at https://www.youthjam.com.au/  If you are 18-35, let your voice be heard and take this 15-minute survey to help design solutions for young people, with young people. Complete the Youth Meaningful Work Survey today at https://youthmeaningfulwork.com/ and pass it on to your friends!  Filled out the survey? Over 35 but still want to help? Share this survey with your organisations and networks! If you're 16 - 30, you can also have your thoughts heard via the WhyNot platform! Share your unfiltered thoughts on the Work Revolution at https://www.whynot.org.au/unfiltered-thoughts/

In the last episode of YChats host Maeson spoke to Ashara Wills from Let's Queer the Air, all about IDAHOBIT - what it is, what it means, and how we can all show up to support the LGBTQIA+ community. To continue this conversation, Maeson spoke to three LGBTQIA+ advocates from across Australia who shared their connections to the LGBTQIA+ community and activism, their thoughts on why the need for queer activism still exists, and their messages as we work towards a just and inclusive world.  Hear what they had to say in this episode of YChats! More about our incredible guests! Ollie Peppermint is a transmasculine bisexual from Ngunnawal and Ngambri country in Canberra, ACT. He studies social work part time at the Australia Catholic University and is the secretary for the Signado LGBTQIA+ Society. Ollie was a major player in 'flaggate' (listen in for all the details!) and talks about what we can do to foster safety for LGBTQIA+ people.  Jarrod Chakos was born in Coffs Harbour, NSW, and moved to Darwin, NT, 18 months ago to start work as a doctor. Jarrod is on the Top End Pride Committee and assisted with organising Darwin Pride 2023. Jarrod says the territory has been a fantastic place to start his career and engage with the LGBTQIA+ community.  Zee Schorsch (he/they) is an Inclusion Coordinator and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Sport Advocate. Zee founded an advocacy organisation called Sport Beyond the Binary and also sits as an Advisory Board Member at Proud 2 Play. Through the work they do, Zee's aim is to promote and share the experiences of trans- and gender diverse people within sports.  This episode is part two in our IDAHOBIT series, make sure you check out part one: episode 27. What is IDAHOBIT?  YChats - a podcast for young people by young people. If you need additional support: QLife - 1800 184 527 Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

Every year on May 17th we celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, the day that homosexuality was declassified as a mental illness by the World Health Organisation. In this special episode, Maeson chats with Ashara Wills of Let's Queer the Air, to clear the air on what this day means, it's significance, and how we can all show up to support the LGBTQIA+ community. This episode will be part one of two in our IDAHOBIT series, so keep an eye out for part two coming out before the month is over! YChats - a podcast for young people by young people.   If you need additional support:QLife - 1800 184 527 Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

Have you ever wondered what it's like working in the music industry? Or how you can get into it as a young person? Check out this week's episode of YChats to find out! This episode we throw it back to our previous host of the podcast, Alana who chats with Brodie of Y HQ and Heaps Cool Music. Brodie gives a behind-the-scenes look into the music industry, telling us how she started working in the industry and giving advice to young people considering a career in it themselves. Y Chats - a podcast for young people by young people.

YChat's is back! After a long hiatus, a little rebranding, and a new host - your favourite podcast is back with a new episode. In this episode, we're asking why - Why do we need youth voice? New host Maeson talks to two young people about their experience in advocacy, young people's place in decision-making, and the barriers we face to having our voices heard.  This episodes guests are Alicia from Perth, WA, and Remi from Ballarat, Victoria. Alicia is a third year university student studying Political Science, International Relations, and Anthropology. They are dedicated to social justice, being involved in many social causes. Alicia is currently co-directing and co-producing a short documentary that looks at youth homelessness.  Remi is a mental health, disability, and LGBTQ+ youth advocate. He is studying to be a radio host alongside creating music with his friends. He listens to pop punk and emo music, draws, plays video games, makes fantasy stories, creates and paints his own clothes, and doom-scrolls the internet in his spare time. He has always loved singing and dreams to perform on a huge stage one day.  Let us know what your thoughts are on youth voice and this episode! Get in touch: Facebook: www.facebook.com/YMCAWesternAustralia Instagram: @ymca_wa

Trigger warning: sexual assault This week Alana sits down with psychology student and cofounder of Young Women Against Sexual Violence (YWASV), Joey Lim. Joey talks about her choice to start YWASV after experiencing sexual violence with the goal of creating a safe space for women to share their stories of sexual violence, to know they are not alone, to be supported and believed, whilst encouraging the community to reflect on what healthy relationships look like. Young Women Against Sexual Violence: Website: www.ywasv.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/Young-Women-Against-Sexual-Violence-103650138160475/ Instagram: @ywasv_org Resources: 1800 Respect National Helpline - 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line - 1800 811 811 Lifeline - 131 114 Get in touch: Facebook: www.facebook.com/YMCAWesternAustralia Instagram: @ymca_wa Anonymous line: 0439 817 254

Most of us experience poor body image at some stage. This week, Alana sits down with Director of Higher Degrees (Coursework) at UWA and a body image activist Dr Marilyn Bromberg to chat all things body image, how our expectations of our bodies have been impacted by social media, and what needs to change. If you're struggling with body image, know that you're not alone. If you need someone to talk to, you can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Would you delete TikTok if you knew some big company had access to your data? Would you even care if that happened? This week Alana sits down with app developer and data expert Alexander Karan to chat all things data, what it means and why you should care about it. 

Today Alana is joined by queer young person, provisional psychologist and PhD student at Telethon Kids Institute Dylan Gilbey and Head of the Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health team at the Telethon Kids Institute Amy Finlay-Jones, to chat about self stigma experienced by young LGBTQIA+ people and how self compassion can combat it. Self stigma survey: bit.ly/selfstigma Telethon Kids Institute mindful self-compassion for LGBTIQIA+ youth study: www.telethonkids.org.au/projects/MSC/ QLife: https://qlife.org.au/ 1800 184 527 Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 13 11 14

We're back with season three of YChats! This episode, Alana sat down with other women to talk about how issues such as the gender pay gap and sexual assault are still impacting women today. Resources: 1800RESPECT National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Helpline - 1800 737 732 Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline - 1800 007 339  Women’s Legal Aid Service - 9272 8800 Women’s Health and Family Services - 6330 5400  Sexual Assault Resource Centre - 1800 199 888  The Samaritans - 135 247  Multicultural Women’s Advocacy Service - 9328 1200  Djinda Service - 9200 2202 Yorgum Aboriginal Family Counselling Service - 1800 469 371  Q Life - 1800 184 527  Family Relationship Advice Line - 1800 050 321  Fair Work Ombudsman – 13 13 94  ESafety commissioner – to report online abuse etc. https://www.esafety.gov.au/report

We’re coming to the end of the year when we are being asked to make some big decisions about our future and career. It’s perfectly okay not to know exactly what you want to do but we've got the tools to help make it clearer! We're joined by Kendal Drew, Director at Strategic Career Management and a qualified professional career development practitioner.  Resources

We're talking to Laima Kuliukas, a highly skilled psychologist, all about how to nuture the good relationships in your life and navigate the toxic ones. Resources: 1800 Respect

It’s September 10 which means it’s R U OK Day – our yearly reminder to connect with the people around you and start a conversation with anyone who may be struggling with life.  Young person Chloe shares her story about bullying and how people reaching out helped her. Rob Tiller, mental health counsellor, shares practical ways to ask people "are you okay?

We're speaking about transgender, gender identity and sex. Kai Schweizer is a sexologist and LGBTIQA+ specialist, and transperson sharing his lived experiences, along with Sam Winter, psychologist, clinician, researcher and teacher working in the field of trans health, wellbeing and rights. Resources Transfolk of WA https://www.transfolkofwa.org/ Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 13 11 14

Aussie hip hop legend Adrian Eagle sat down with Alana to speak openly about battling his mental demons and launching his career in the music biz.

We're talking about the green stuff. Kush, weed, grass, whatever you want to call it, today we're talking about the good, bad, and changing laws around Cannabis. Joining us is Sharlene Mavor, a medical scientist and founder/managing director of charity Medical Cannabis Research Australia.

It's Feel Good Friday at YChats!  We're speaking to Nicole Comelli from YMCA Victoria about how she helped her cohort of volunteers feel connected during COVID-19 isolation.  

So you're sending nudes or meeting up with people you met online? Cool but there's a smart way to do it! Young people have autonomy over their own decisions but there's a way to do these things safely.  Phil Doorgachurn, YMCA Australia's Executive Manager for Safeguarding, speaks with Alana about how to make safe choices online and look after yourself.    eSafety Commission: https://www.esafety.gov.au/report

Right now we’re all being told to stay home for our physical health due to COVID-19 but for some, home is not a safe place to be. So what can you do to keep yourself safe in that situation? Rita is a Neuropsychotherapist who has worked as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner/Family Court Advocate/Supervisor and Clinical Practice Trainer in the Family Law Services field for over 14 years and is a Family Domestic Violence Specialist working with both victims and perpetrators. She's sharing practical advice for staying safe in lockdown.  Resources: https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19/ https://www.lifeline.org.au/ https://headspace.org.au/

Let counsellor and psychologist, Chantelle Botha, guide you in this breathing exercise to centre your self and practice the art of mindfulness. 

Is your mind full or are you mindful? We've spoken a lot about mental health and on this episode of YChats, counsellor and psychologist Chantelle Botha, focuses on the practice of being mindful, defining what it is and giving practical exercises and methods to get started. Calm App: https://www.calm.com/ Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/ 

The impacts of domestic violence can be serious and long lasting, affecting an individual’s health, wellbeing and relationships. November 25 was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and marked the beginning of the annual 16 days in WA Stop Violence Against Women campaign. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 16 men in Australia have experienced physically or sexual violence from a current or previous cohabiting partner and a woman is killed every 9 days and a man every 29 days by their partner. Roman reached out to us at YChats to share his story of growing up with domestic violence in his home. When Roman was a child his family immigrated to Australia. Not long after, his parents got divorced and his mother met a new partner who was violent towards her. The abuse escalated until it tragically resulted in her murder. To assist navigating safety in a domestic violence situation, we were also joined by Rita Iagoe, family dispute resolution practitioner and neuropsychotherapist, from UnitingCare Queensland. She provided practical advice, resources and guidance for listeners. Resources Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/  Youth Focus: https://youthfocus.com.au/  YCounselling: https://www.ymcawa.org.au/what-we-do/youth-services/ycounselling  Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/  Lifeline WA: https://www.lifelinewa.org.au/

There are so many young people who are creating and inspiring change.  Marcus Wong is a young photographer and filmmaker who is connecting the world through storytelling. This year he was awarded WA Young Volunteer of the Year for the amazing work he has been doing. Alana sits down with him to discuss his volunteering journey and the impact he has created. 

October is Mental Health Awareness Month so Alana sat down with Chris Harris, Psychologist and Senior Manager of Services, Development and Innovation at Youth Focus, to talk about suicide prevention and the importance of feeling valued and belonging.  Youth Focus: https://youthfocus.com.au Reach Out: https://au.reachout.com/  

Six years ago, after discovering sexual predators had stolen photos of her from social media and edited them onto pornographic images, Noelle Martin, bravely spoke out about her experience – and continues to, despite the abuse escalating after she shared her experience publicly. Her activism has led to new laws that criminalise image-based sexual abuse across Australia and earlier this year she was awarded 2019 WA Young Australian of the Year. No-one anywhere else in the world has campaigned so tirelessly, in fact, Noelle has been interviewed around the world as she takes this fight global!  

Alana sits down with young person Raegan Lei who shares her story of living with someone dealing with mental health issues. This episode talks about suicide so listen at your discretion.  If you are struggling with your mental wellbeing there are many resources you can access. Lifeline: 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Youth Focus: https://youthfocus.com.au/

Talking about mental health can be hard but your friends are there to listen and support you. That's why when Alana sat down to talk about coping with mental health issues, she couldn't think of anyone better than her friend Colin.  He's been implementing strategies to cope with his mental health issues for the past ten years and here he shares his experiences and what works for him.  If you are struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Alana sits down with med student Hannah from Dr Yes to ask the questions young people want answered about STI's, contraception and porn.  Resources provided by Hannah:  Dr Yes: https://dryes.com.au/  Sexual Health Quarters: https://shq.org.au/ Youth Friendly Doctors: https://www.amawa.com.au/public-community-health/in-the-community/listofyouthfriendlydoctors/ AMA: https://www.amawa.com.au/

Noah, 17, joins Alana to share his lived experiences of coming out as gay to his family and dealing with the trauma of sexual assault.  We speak about sensitive topics that could be triggering. Discretion is advised. If you are looking for more information or someone to reach out to, these resources are readily available.  Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/  Ask Izzy: https://askizzy.org.au/ Reach Out: https://au.reachout.com/articles/sexual-assault-support    Join the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/YMCAWesternAustralia/ https://instagram.com/ymca_wa/ 

Trish Hitchins of Palmerston Perth (https://www.palmerston.org.au/) joins Alana to discuss just what addiction is. She gives practical tips on how to recognise it and take steps to overcome addiction. If you are looking for more information or someone to reach out to, these resources are readily available.  Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/ Mission Australia Youth: https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/ Ask Izzy: https://askizzy.org.au/ Perth Inner City Youth Service: https://picys.org.au/