May 12, 2021

On Our Minds — a podcast made by teens, for teens, all about teens — and mental health. Hosted by high school students Noah Konevitch and Zion Williams, On Our Minds features personal stories from students across the United States, and conversations with experts about mental health issues like anxiety, depression, isolation and more.

May 28, 2021

On Our Minds hosts Noah and Zion explore the stigma around mental health and share personal stories about social anxiety and combating panic attacks from teens in Michigan and Texas. This episode includes actress Asia Jackson describing how she copes with anxiety and depression and features tips from adolescent health physician Dr. Hina Talib on how to stay proactive when it comes to your mental health. Click here for this episode’s transcript.

Jun 4, 2021

School was a source of anxiety for many students during the pandemic. Noah and Zion discuss the highs and lows of virtual learning and share a wide range of stories from students across the country about how changes in learning impacted their mental health. This episode includes a conversation with mental health counselor Edith Porter about the youth mental health crisis and tips on how to cope with stress inside and outside of school. Click here for this episode’s transcript.

Jun 11, 2021

The phrase “we are all in this together,” was used at the beginning of the pandemic to help unite people. In this episode, Noah and Zion share personal stories from young people who explore whether that phrase feels true or not, and discuss how they have been impacted by social and racial inequities. Later in the episode, Zion talks with clinical psychologist Dr. Ryan DeLapp about the connection between inequality and mental health. Click here for this episode’s transcript.

Jun 18, 2021

Depression can be connected to many situations including chronic physical conditions, seasonal change, and the mental health of those around us. In this episode, Noah and Zion share stories from young people dealing with chronic conditions such as POTS and depression, and give tips on how to combat feelings of isolation. Throughout the episode, Noah talks with clinical therapist Cheryl Aguliar about ways to address depression and get help. 

We talk about suicide in this episode. If you or anyone you know is in distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Click here for this episode’s transcript.

Jun 25, 2021

In this season’s final full episode of “On Our Minds,” Noah and Zion talk about the positives and negatives of social media, and share stories from teens grappling with the effects of information overload on their mental health. Special guest Jeffrey Donald, who coordinates mindfulness practices for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, explains the benefits of activities such as yoga and meditation to find balance in our hyperconnected worlds. Click here for this episode’s transcript.

Jul 2, 2021

In a special bonus episode of “On Our Minds,” hosts Noah and Zion talk to psychologist, author and well-known meditation teacher Tara Brach. Brach also leads them and listeners through a guided meditation to help recognize, center and acknowledge emotions. Click here for this episode’s transcript.