We are so honored to be  joined by Mary Irby, Director of Operations at Freedom Youth Foundation, for a powerful conversation about the realities foster youth face and the impact that consistency, community, and caring adults can have in their lives.

Mary shares what it’s like working alongside foster kids, the challenges they navigate, and the moments that remind her why this work matters so deeply. We explore how Freedom Youth Foundation creates opportunities through programs that build confidence, belonging, and hope—and why relationships and support systems are just as critical as services.

This episode is for anyone who cares about kids, community, and creating meaningful change. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, clinician, nonprofit professional, or simply someone who wants to understand foster care more deeply, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and a call to action.

Learn more at: freedom-youth.org   It's for the kids!

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO of Camp Rainbow Gold, to explore the emotional and mental-health journey families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer.

Elizabeth shares how Camp Rainbow Gold goes beyond medical care—creating safe, joyful spaces where children, siblings, and parents can reconnect, heal, and feel less alone. We discuss the power of community, the importance of sibling support, and the vision behind Hidden Paradise, a permanent medical-camp facility designed to foster resilience and hope for families across Idaho.

Learn more at: camprainbowgold.org

n this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Jason Shanks, district leader overseeing Hope Squads, and Michelle Weickum, LMSW, School Social Worker at Riverglen Jr. High. Together, they share how Hope Squad empowers students to notice warning signs, reach out to peers, and build a culture of connection and compassion in their schools.

We explore what it looks like when youth are trusted to lead, the impact peer support has on mental-health awareness, and the inspiring ways Hope Squad members are changing conversations around safety, belonging, and hope.

This is a conversation about community, courage, and the power of showing up for one another.

More about Hope Squad at: www.hopesquad.com

In this episode, we sit down with Leslie Scantling, breast cancer survivor and founder of Flock Cancer Idaho, and Carrie Panzer, LCSW, Oncologist Therapist ,who specializes in grief, and embodiment therapy.

Together, they share a heartfelt conversation about navigating life after diagnosis, the emotional side of survivorship, and how healing grows stronger when we come together as a community.

Learn more at:

flockcanceridaho.org

carriepanzer.com

In this inspiring episode of The Mindful Mic, we meet Abi Franklin, a Boise high-school student who turned compassion into community impact. As the director of Idaho Homelessness Impact, Abi is proving that leadership has no age limit.

Together, we explore how youth leadership, empathy, and purpose come together to make meaningful change—especially in the fight against homelessness and the challenges tied to mental health. Abi shares her journey of starting a nonprofit as a teen, what she’s learned about resilience and connection, and how young people everywhere can use their passions to give back.



Join us for a heartfelt conversation about kindness in action, the power of listening, and the hope that grows when we lead with empathy.

Learn more!

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Kelly Eisenbarger, LMSW, Interim Executive Director of Boise Hive — a nonprofit creating a safe, sober, and supportive space for Boise’s music and arts community.

Boise Hive isn’t just a rehearsal or recording space — it’s a lifeline. Through free and low-cost counseling, peer support groups, and creative programming, the Hive helps musicians and artists protect their mental health, prevent suicide, and find connection through creativity.

Kelly shares what it means to lead an organization that bridges art and advocacy, the power of community-led healing, and how Boise Hive continues to foster hope and belonging for those who create, perform, and find solace in music.

 Tune in for a conversation about resilience, creativity, and the ways music can quite literally save lives.

Learn more!

Professional skier, filmmaker, and public speaker Drew Petersen opens up about his journey from suicidal depression to resilience and hope. In this conversation, Drew shares the story behind his new documentary Feel It All, which intertwines skiing Colorado’s highest peaks with running the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon.

We also explore his mission to shift the culture around mental health in mountain communities, his upcoming TED Talk during Suicide Prevention Month, and his Boise events—including the Sept. 25 community premiere of Feel It All at the Egyptian Theatre.

Learn more!

In this special episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Jake Stockton, founder of Stay; and Play and the Continuation Project, created in honor of his son, Kade Parrish.

Jake shares how he transformed unimaginable grief into a movement of hope—raising awareness, and creating safe spaces for honest conversations about mental health

If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.

Learn more about The Continuation Project and how you can get involved.

Episode 6,  we sit down with Amy Grace, LMFT—licensed therapist, founder of Imagine That Farm, and co-founder of Warm Springs Care Farm—to explore the deeply grounding power of nature-based and animal-assisted therapy.

Amy shares how working with animals, tending to gardens, and connecting with the rhythms of nature can reduce stress, build resilience, and support emotional healing. From the sensation of the sun on your skin to the calm presence of a goat by your side, Amy shows us how therapy on the farm isn’t just healing—it’s transformative.

Whether you're a fellow clinician, a parent, or someone seeking new ways to care for your mental well-being, this episode will remind you that sometimes, the best therapy begins outdoors.

Learn more about Nature-Based and Animal-Assisted Therapy.

In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Angela Sanchez from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho to explore the transformative power of mentorship. Angela shares her own journey, the impactful programs BBBS offers, and why one-to-one connections between mentors and youth are more important than ever.

We dive into how these relationships nurture confidence, resilience, and mental well-being—not just for the Littles, but for the Bigs too. Whether you’re a parent, a community advocate, or someone who’s ever considered becoming a mentor, this conversation is for you. Because sometimes, the life you change might be your own.

Learn more about Big Brother Big Sisters. And join in the conversation.

In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month, this episode of The Mindful Mic shines a light on the unique mental health experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color—and the critical role that school-based counseling plays in supporting them.

We’re joined by Krysti Garcia-Dunn, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker)—a dedicated clinician with Children’s Home Counseling Services who provides mental health support both in our clinics and directly in schools. As a passionate advocate and voice for the BIPOC community, Krysti shares insight into the challenges BIPOC youth face, the importance of culturally responsive care, and how being present in schools helps break stigma, build trust, and create safe spaces for healing.

Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation about identity, access, and the power of being seen.

Check out some BIPOC resources.

In this episode, we sit down with Allison Evaro, the Executive Director of Girls on the Run Treasure Valley. 

 In our conversation, we talk about the mission of Girls on the Run  and how their programs help young girls build confidence, self-worth, and meaningful connections with others. 

 As you’ll hear, Girls on the Run  is about so much more than running. It’s about creating a safe, supportive space for girls to grow – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Learn more about Girls on the Run.

In honor of Pride Month, we’re dedicating this episode to a conversation that matters deeply—supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and the vital role mental health plays in that journey.

In this episode, we’re joined by licensed therapist, Savannah Perez, to explore how parents and caregivers can create safe, affirming spaces for their children—especially those navigating questions around gender, identity, and self-expression. Because when kids feel seen and heard, their whole world can change.

Check out our resources.