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.

In today’s episode, I (Lizzy) had the honor of speaking with Daniel about his mental health journey. You may have caught a glimpse of Daniel’s story at the One Thing I Wish You Knew event earlier this year, but trust me—this episode is worth the listen. Daniel opens up about a chapter of his past he’s no longer proud of: the process of losing himself. With so much anger built up inside, he felt the need to project it outward. What started with classmates soon extended to family and friends… including his best friend: the turning point. Through this reflection, Daniel reminds us that mental health is a journey filled with ups and downs. But no matter where you are on that path, there’s always a shoulder to lean on—if you just take a moment to look.

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.

In today's episode, I (Lizzy) had the privilege of speaking with Destiney about her mental health journey. Tune in to hear her share a powerful glimpse into just some of the events that have shaped her into the inspiring person she is today – from moving between homes to helping raise her siblings and even experiencing homelessness, before someone stepped in to help. In Destiney’s own words, she “grew up fast”, and the maturity that comes with such challenges is certainly evident. Through thoughtful reflection, Destiney redefines what she believes a family truly means, and urges listeners to do the same in times of loneliness.

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 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.

In today's episode, I (Lizzy) was fortunate enough to listen and reflect with Mendi about her mental health journey thus far. Relationships and communication play a large role in Mendi’s story : after losing a sister to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), Mendi often found herself feeling alone and wanting to escape her reality which manifested itself into panic disorder with situations of what she describes as paranoia. This paired with a reconstruction, if you will, of her community led to quite the reflection and shift in perspective. I will pause here as to not give away all of the episode, but I think that everyone in this audience can find a takeaway from her story and ultimate advice - please tune in if you are interested and able.

As stated above, the reflection of this journey includes much grief in addition to mention of suicide: please note that the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is 988.

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 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.

In today's episode, I (Autumn) was able to sit down with Gabriela to hear about her journey with recovering from her ACL injury. She spoke about how finding ways to cope with her mental health while also trying to heal her body. I found her journey working through mental health and her journey through recovery 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) was fortunate enough to talk with Maya about her journey with anorexia. Tune in for a view into her experience of living with an eating disorder, undergoing hospital and facility stays, the impact of societal norms / definitions revolving around body image, and more. Despite all of these struggles, Maya has been able to come out on the other side, if you will, with a whole new outlook on life - struggles might never fully disappear, but neither does happiness … a sentiment that I think can benefit all of our listeners.

As there is mention of this in the episode, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is 988. Also, the National Eating Disorders Helpline is (800) 931-2237.

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 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.