Pittsburgh teens speak out: Catch episode 1 of PublicSource’s new podcast season

Image above courtesy of PublicSource.

What do teenagers really think about the issues facing Pittsburgh today? In the new season of PublicSource‘s “From the Source” podcast, host Jourdan Hicks shares the microphone with local teens to amplify their voices and provide a useful and compelling resource to parents, educators and people who interact with youth in other ways.

Local teens will share their personal perspectives on issues ranging from school safety and climate change to dating and other coming-of-age concerns.

Episode One of their podcast is now out, and we’re sharing it with you here. You’ll hear two local high school freshmen talk about the issue of youth violence and mental health, and their experiences after winning the “Do the Write Thing” essay challenge as middle schoolers.

Since winning the challenge, Deahmi Mobley (who goes to Central Catholic) and Jaia Harrison (who goes to Northgate High School) have both become ambassadors for Do the Write Thing, and they recently met with Rep. Mike Doyle and Sen. Bob Casey to discuss youth violence issues in the Pittsburgh area.

Jaia appreciated the opportunity to share her thoughts with Doyle and Casey. She says she knew it was one valuable chance to express her ideas and ask for change: “I really did my research on not only problems, but also solutions,” she says. “I’m very passionate about this.”

Check out the kickoff episode from season four of “From the Source,” where Jaia and Deahmi explore these issues and discuss what can be done to make Pittsburgh a safer place for all young people.

Click here to see essays by Deahmi and by Jaia, and to see additional PublicSource coverage on youth initiatives making positive change in Pittsburgh. And to hear past episodes of “From the Source,” click here.