In this episode of the 2025 NAMI New York State Next Gen Podcast, host Taylor Locke speaks with Victoria Treadwell – a student at the University at Albany, certified surgical technologist, pilot trainee, marathon runner, and 2023 Miss New York State for America Strong. As an overdose survivor and passionate advocate, Victoria shares her powerful story of hope, determination, and using her platform to challenge stigma around substance use disorder.

In the first episode for the 2025 NAMI New York State NextGen Podcast, host Taylor Locke sits down with Isaac Lara - NAMI National NextGen Advisor, full-time research assistant at Harvard Medical School's Mental Health for All Lab, and advisor to the World Health Organization. From his personal healing journey to leading global mental health initiatives, Isaac shares powerful insights on peer support, youth advocacy, and the future of mental health. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how young voices are at the front of empowering change.

NAMI NextGen member Daniella Ivanir interviews Ava Smithing, a youth advocate for safer tech and youth mental health. Ava shares what it was like growing up as part of the first social media generation, her struggles with online harms, and the turning point that led her to protect future generations. They discuss the toll of advocacy, pushing back against profit-driven systems, and mobilizing a youth-led movement.

Produced by Daniella Ivanir, Haley Amering, and Brad Gage