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Juvenoia Podcast Offers Youth Perspectives on Important Topics

April 22, 2022

The Circle Education is excited to launch a podcast series created by youth, for both youth and adults who are interested in hearing what young rural islanders have to say about the different realities and issues that are of interest to them. The name of the podcast series is Juvenoia, defined as, “the fear one generation of adults holds towards the younger generations succeeding them”.

“We thought long and hard about a name for the podcast,” says Maggie Naphtali, a Grade 11 student at the Gulf Islands Secondary School and one of the podcast makers. “I think Mischa Emiliano came up with the name and I think it is a great fit. In our podcast series, we want to address and dismantle the misconceptions that older generations sometimes have towards youth. We share our opinions and let other generations know what we think; to show them that we have similar values, but each with our own perspectives.”

The Juvenoia podcast, which will be launched on April 21st, contains four episodes. The topics were chosen by the youth and facilitated by Kate Nash, programs manager at The Circle Education. In each episode, the podcast hosts discuss one topic and interview a member of the community. Naphtali: “We thought it would be interesting to talk with different people as a bridge to see how we relate to other generations.”

Naphtali was involved with two of the four episodes: Climate Change & Environment and Mental Health & Social Media. “Although I am very passionate about the climate change topic, my favourite episode was the Mental Health one. We heavily planned all the recordings, but in this episode, new and interesting ideas and insights came up while we were recording. For example, that it is important to be aware of your feelings, positive and negative. To validate them and accept them so you can use a coping mechanism; to give yourself what you need at that point to support your mental health.”

Kate Nash, programs manager with The Circle Education, is proud of what the young podcast makers have achieved.  "We have a lot to gain from the perspectives of youth. When we really listen and wonder, we gain new insights and perspectives on how to work and learn alongside them.  In this way, we can empower youth for a better tomorrow."

 “What I love about this project is that it takes our work one step further by putting youth in the driver’s seat and having them use their skills and abilities to create and lead something of their very own that speaks to how they feel and think,” says Janine Fernandes-Hayden, Executive Director at The Circle Education. “The nature of the discussions and dialogues in the podcasts offers a window into the depth and tone of conversations that our youth have as they sit in a circle in our programs.”

The Circle Education – which delivers innovative evidence-based social-emotional programs to School District 64 and online to other communities - received community initiatives funding through the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program to produce the podcast series.

The Circle Education is also grateful for the support from Gulf Islands Community Radio Society. "We were delighted to join with The Circle Education on this very worthwhile project and were happy to work over several weeks with the youth on recording and editing their comments," said Damian Inwood, president of Gulf Islands Community Radio Society. "This project is part of our goal of training and mentoring young people on Salt Spring Island in gaining broadcasting skills."

The four episodes of Juvenoia will be available through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, The Circle Education website, Island Radio, and on Friday April 29th at 9 am on https://gicrs.airtime.pro right after "Great Scott" with Scott Merrick.

Listen to Juvenoia here

Episode 1:  Youth Perceptions of Social Media and Mental Health

In this episode, Maggie and Sasha unpack the perception that youth are overly influenced by social media, and explore the relationship between social media and youth mental health. Community guest: Indigo Lainas.

Episode 2:  Perceptions of Climate Change and its impact on Youth

Maggie, Sasha and Bells explore the impacts of growing up within a climate change culture and the effect it has on their sense of agency. Community guest: Kumi Nash.

Episode 3:  Youth Perceptions on Belief Systems

Emma and Mischa explore the origins of their beliefs systems and the principles that help them to interpret their everyday reality. Community guest: Dave Phillips.

Episode 4:  Our Perceptions on Identity; How it Changes and Develops

Bells and Mischa explore the ebb and flow of identity and how it is defined by both internal and external factors.  Community guest: Niko Weis.

Blog Archives

New to Salt Spring, Devon is excited to engage with the local community. As a certified teacher and registered counsellor, she works with students both on Salt Spring and across BC, offering social and emotional instruction, support, and skill development. Her extensive experience in both educational and recreational settings has given her a strong appreciation for the critical role that meaningful connection with others plays in the development of children and youth. A strong advocate for social-emotional learning, Devon views it as the foundation for all other areas of growth and is particularly inspired by the programs offered by The Circle Education.

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Christina Adair is a dedicated professional serving as a District Child and Youth Worker for SD64. With an extensive background spanning over 15 years, Christina has acquired substantial experience working with children and youth in diverse capacities. Her unwavering commitment lies in fostering youth leadership and advocating for their rights. Christina has demonstrated her dedication through 13 years of volunteering with Scouts Canada, where she successfully led youth groups and facilitated adult meetings. Christina takes immense pride in her role as a caregiver and mentor to countless young individuals, with her two grown children serving as a testament to her nurturing capabilities.

Dan has been working in the credit union system for over 22 years, the last 8 with Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union.  His latest role is as a Branch Manager for the Salt Spring branch.

He has a long-time passion for giving back to his community, particularly where children are concerned.  He has been a scout leader for the last 19 years and has taken part in 2 Pacific Jamborees.  Once as a participant and the latest one as the treasurer.

He also volunteered for 12 years with the PACE program in Victoria.  PACE is a musical theater program through the school system for children ages 5 – 17 that puts on two shows every year.

While new to Salt Spring, having moved here in the spring of 2021, he is excited to get involved with the community and proud to be involved with The Circle Education.

Lisa grew up in Cochrane, Alberta, and has recently come to live on Salt Spring Island, after having lived abroad for 25 years.  She studied fine arts at the Wackers Academie in Amsterdam, had a son in Denmark and a daughter in the UK. She served as Chair of the PTA of Holy Trinity Primary School in Wimbledon for 5 years, which was a registered charity entity separate from the school. She learned about the Pass it On Boys program when her son showed an interest in joining it. Being new to the community she asked fellow parents about the program to find out how it was viewed. After hearing only good things about it, she registered her son and the next logical step was of course to join the board, as she always strives to be an active member of the community by providing support based on her broad life experience.

Lyyli Kennedy was a Pass it On mentor at Gulf Islands Secondary School and has been drawn to the idea of working with The Circle Education for a long time. She had been waiting for a facilitator role that aligned with her schedule as head baker at Francis Bread, and this role with the Pass it On Program is the perfect match. With her background leading diverse kitchen teams and working as a classroom education assistant, Lyyli (pronounced Loo-Lee) is committed to fostering respectful relationships and inclusive spaces.

Patrick Howlett moved from Australia to Canada in 2019. Nine years earlier, he switched careers from communications to outdoor education. He worked with young people at The Great Aussie Bush Camp and Camp Tanuga in Michigan, USA, and helped students run their Senior Leadership Challenge at Camp Summit in Squamish. His work with youth taught him the value of patience, the ability to see the best in people, the importance of clear communication and empathy.

Marcia is our Communications and Event Coordinator since July 2021. She moved with her husband and two daughters – who are both attending high school in SD64 now – from the Netherlands to Salt Spring Island in 2012

As a swim team coach for the Salt Spring Stingrays, Marcia knows and understands youth realities of living on a small island.

Marcia has 25+ years of experience in writing and communication for Dutch and Canadian media outlets – most recently the Driftwood – and non-for-profits.

Kate has been working with The Circle since 2010, serving as a facilitator and contributor to program development. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing curricula has supported the organization's ability to address youth needs effectively.

Kate's unique approach combines her background in theatre, play building, and improv with a deep understanding of youth development. This blend of skills allows her to create engaging, interactive experiences that resonate with young people across various age groups.

Students consistently praise Kate for her compassion, attentiveness, and ability to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Nick MacKinnon has a background in cancer research and biomedical engineering and in working with medical device startup companies as a founder and director. As a former educator, Nick has a strong commitment to STEM advocacy. He has served as a director and advisor on multiple boards and advisory committees, including the biomedical engineering programs at BCIT and UBC and professional associations in both BC and internationally. Nick has also been involved with non-profit cooperatives in British Columbia, particularly in the housing and car-sharing sectors. Notably, as a director, he helped lead the development and construction of the 54-unit Arbutus Housing Co-op in Vancouver. Now retired, Nick continues his longstanding dedication to education and social justice. As a director with The Circle Education, his interest is in governance, financial management, and fundraising.

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Janine started her career with the Ministry of Education in Victoria, B.C. in 2000 as an education officer in the area of accountability and system performance. Since moving to SSI, Janine has taught as a teacher-on-call with School District #64, delivered parent support sessions as a trained Virtues Project Facilitator and worked for Volunteer and Community Resources Society (VCR) in support of the island’s not-for-profit sector.

Janine is a dedicated member of the Salt Spring Island community. She sat on the Board of The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation for six years, served as chair of the SSI Foundation Grants Advisory Committee for six years, coordinated the local Terry Fox Run for eight years, served as a board member and then president of the Salt Spring Island Aquatic Society for a total of eight years, and in 2018, she founded the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care.