In this episode, I, Mendi, had the opportunity to sit down with Vale as she discusses her battle with cancer and isolation. When she was 13, Vale was diagnosed with cancer and fought all the way through the COVID pandemic. Because of the timing and her condition, she was very isolated from her peers and loved ones, and felt this distanced in a profound way. We invite you to listen to Vale tell her story herself, so please enjoy.

In this episode, Ezra opens up about how his parents’ divorce changed his life and left him feeling distant, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to cope. He shares how staying silent only made things heavier, and how learning to talk about what he was going through became the first step toward healing. Ezra’s story is an honest reminder that opening up can create space for connection, understanding, and support, even when it feels impossible.

In this episode, You Can Be an Advocate Too, Lauren shares how she used humor as her superpower to navigate her mental health journey. Through laughter, honesty, and self-advocacy, she learned that speaking up for herself — and for others — can make a real difference. Her story is a reminder that advocacy doesn’t always look serious or formal; sometimes it starts with finding your own voice, sharing your truth, and using a little humor along the way. Lauren’s journey will leave you inspired to see that you, too, can be an advocate.

In today's episode, I (Ella) was able to sit down with Nora to hear about her mental health journey with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nora shared how beneficial it is to explore your mental health to better understand and support yourself. I found her story and her advice on learning yourself very inspirational. I hope you enjoy listening!

In this episode, Amelia opens up about her journey of rediscovering herself after a period of struggle and isolation. She shares what it’s like to let go of who you thought you were in the past, and the courage it takes to embrace the person you’re becoming. Her story is an honest reminder that healing and growth often come from the moments we feel most lost.

If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In this special episode of Wish You Knew, we celebrate the amazing impact of last year’s hosts, Lizzy and Autumn, who bravely opened the door for honest conversations around teen mental health. Now, we’re excited to introduce you to the new voices ready to carry that mission forward: Ella, Mendi, and Juliana!

Get to know this year’s hosts, hear what inspires them, and learn about their vision for breaking stigma and sharing real stories from teens just like you.

Want to share your story? The new hosts are looking for guests! If you’d like to be interviewed, fill out our short form at fcwi.org/interview.

Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep listening. 💙

In today's episode, I (Autumn) was able to sit down with Juliana to hear about her mental health journey and how beneficial it is to share your story and hear others. I believe it is a wonderful tool we all have access to in order to help our community simply by speaking about our mental health. I found her story and her takes on how beneficial creating a community is, very inspirational. I hope you enjoy listening!

If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In today’s episode, I (Lizzy) had the privilege of sitting down with Ella to talk about her mental health journey. From navigating childhood as a child of divorce – often waiting in courtrooms from ages 6 to 15 for others to decide her future – Ella shares how a lack of communication in those formative years made it difficult to understand and process her emotions. But through years of reflection, growth, and resilience, she’s developed an empathetic and optimistic outlook that she now brings to others in her life. Our conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue and the life-changing impact of a strong support system. Even if you’re still searching for that kind of support, Ella wants everyone to know that they’re not alone, and hopes to act as a system of support for you via sharing her story – because, in her words, “everyone deserves that kind of support . . . as they ride out their own mental health waves.”

If you are a teen and have a story to share, or know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening!

The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.