Embers

Mar 28 2024

Embers Podcast artwork

Embers is a place where teens share their stories as they navigate the waters between childhood and adulthood. Join us as they explore timely and compelling topics—fanning the embers burning in each of us. Embers is a production of valo. We are an organization committed to guiding teens as they seek to create real connections in our increasingly digital world. We take teens from all walks of life on retreats. In this space, they are eager to open up and uncover what matters most. For them, it’s pretty simple—sustained, unplugged, face-to-face connection.

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A conversation with Writer and Student, Weatherspoon, on Youth Emotional Wellbeing

Mar 28 2024 17 mins

This month, the Valo teens sat down for a conversation with Bowdoin student, writer, and New England Youth Identity Summit keynote speaker, Weatherspoon. Together they discussed the role of art and expression in emotional wellbeing. Tune in to hear from this inspiring author!

Joan Benoit Samuelson and Ruth White on the Role Sports Can Play in our Emotional Wellbeing

Feb 29 2024 28 mins

This month, the Valo teens sat down for a conversation with marathon runner and Olympic gold medalist, Joan Benoit Samuelson, along with Maine Girls’ Cross Country Runner of the Year, Ruth White. Together they discussed the role that movement, community, and sports can play in our emotional wellbeing. Tune in to listen to this inspiring episode!

Author and Environmental Activist, Rick Bass, on Young People in Climate Activism

Jan 30 2024 35 mins

In the latest episode of our podcast, Embers, the Valo teens sat down with author and environmental activist, Rick Bass, for a conversation on the role that young people play in climate activism. Together they explored climate anxiety, the importance of empowering youth, and the energy that comes from focusing on what stirs your heart. You won't want to miss this episode!

A Conversation on Male Vulnerability with Maine Boys to Men

Dec 21 2023 23 mins

The core of our program's work is creating meaningful connection through conversations. Any time we have a chance to partner with a nonprofit and talk, all the better. In this month’s episode of our podcast, Embers, we sat down with our friends at Maine Boys to Men. Together, we had an important conversation about male vulnerability and explored the impact it has on emotional wel

Valo and NAMI Maine

Nov 30 2023 29 mins

This month, the Valo teens sat down for a conversation with three folks from NAMI Maine who are a part of the NAMI Teen & YA Help Line. Together they discussed the importance of peer support and ways that young people and adults can help those youth who are struggling with their mental health. Whether you are a teen looking for support, or an adult hoping to learn more about resour

Valo and The Yellow Tulip Project

Oct 30 2023 15 mins

This month, Valo teens connected with a youth ambassador at the Yellow Tulip Project! Together they had an insightful conversation about their organizations, youth mental health, and how adults can support them. You won't want to miss this episode!

Parent Questions Answered: Social Media

Sep 29 2023 23 mins

In this episode, Valo teens Levi and Lyla explore the impact of social media on the lives of young people. In the episode, they field parent questions about Snap Maps to screen time boundaries - and everything in between. Those with youth in their lives won't want to miss this candid and insightful conversation!

A Look Back on the TD Beach to Beacon 10K

Aug 31 2023 25 mins

This month, the Valo teens share reflections of their experience at the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, and the impression that it left on them. They also had the chance to sit down with Valo's Executive Director, Dana Anderson, and to hear her talk about how it felt to be the beneficiary, a decade since Valo's very first retreat. Finally, they all shared their optimism about the ways the

Join the Conversation!

Jul 31 2023 6 mins

This month, the Valo teens sat down to ask each other questions from our teen conversation prompt deck (Curious? You can grab a digital copy here: https://shorturl.at/mDG25 We have been using these prompts as a way to keep the conversation going outside of Valo retreats. They're great to bring to dinner, while traveling, or heading out for a walk! Curious about what questions they

Healthy Habits

Jun 29 2023 18 mins

As we dive into summer, our teens sat down to have a conversation about their daily habits connected to exercise, sleep, and nutrition. They talk about setting rhythms to support their emotional wellbeing. Curious about what they had to say—and what we might learn from them? Come along!