STAY Tuned: Supporting Transition-Age Youth with mental health conditions

Overcoming Systemic Barriers in Mental Health and Education with Ty Smith

In this episode, Ty Smith joins us to share their powerful story of resilience and advocacy. From difficult experiences in the mental health system to designing their own college degree and becoming a policy advisor, Ty’s journey challenges the stigma around mental health and disability while shining a light on the importance of peer-led support and meaningful, dignified employment for all.  We explore the systemic gaps in education and behavioral health services, the role of individualized support in recovery, and the incredible work Ty is doing today. Whether you're a student, provider, peer, or policymaker, this episode is packed with lessons on advocacy, inclusion, and building systems where everyone has a chance to thrive.

Bridging the Gap in College Mental Health: Peer Academic Supports for Success (PASS)

In this episode, we chat with Paul Cherchia, Assistant Director at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University, about PASS (Peer Academic Supports for Success)—a peer coaching program supporting college students with mental health challenges. Paul shares how PASS was developed, its evidence-based success, and its unique model that pairs trained student coaches with other students to foster academic and emotional well-being. We also dive into the current state of college mental health and why peer support can be a powerful complement to traditional counseling services. Listen to find out if PASS sounds like the right fit to disseminate this fully manualized and evidence-based support to your school. If you would like to contact Paul Cherchia to get more information, please email him at: Cherchia@bu.edu.

Body Talk and Belonging: Eating Disorder Recovery in a Social World

In this inspiring episode, Jamie Yang, a graduate student and mental health advocate, shares her journey of resilience and growth in navigating recovery from an eating disorder. She highlights the powerful role of community in fostering healing through friendships and hobbies. Through her journey, Jamie explores how recovery involves unlearning toxic messages about food and bodies, setting boundaries, and intentionally choosing communities that nourish rather than deplete. With honesty and insight, Jamie shows how surrounding yourself with supportive, values-aligned people can build strength, shift focus toward wellness, and create space for lasting recovery.

The Journey Within, Together: Spiritual Exploration and Community

In this episode of STAY Tuned, Micah Webster shares his journey of living with anxiety, supporting a sibling with serious mental health conditions, and finding healing through both therapy and his faith. As a behavioral health researcher and person with lived experience, Micah offers a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and community. Micah discusses how supportive, inclusive faith communities can offer a space of grace, flexibility, and belonging; especially for those navigating mental health challenges or feeling socially disconnected. He explores how spirituality is not just a personal journey but can be a communal experience rooted in shared growth. We also talk about how faith can support emotional resilience, the importance of universal design in religious spaces, and how newcomers to spirituality can begin exploring questions of meaning and purpose, especially when they don’t know where to start. Whether you're connected to a spiritual tradition or seeking new ways to engage with community and inner healing, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom.  

Roots and Change: Youth Advocacy in Rural Communities with Wyatt Wagner

In this episode, we sit down with Wyatt Wagner - a dynamic 21-year-old youth peer advocate, nonprofit founder, and newly announced candidate for his district's board of legislators. Wyatt shares the powerful story behind Youth of Lewis County, the nonprofit he started to create safe spaces and supports for young people in his rural community. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of building youth-led programming in areas with limited infrastructure, strong religious influences, and limited funds. From organizing the county's first youth-run Renaissance Fair to advocating for safe and inclusive spaces, Wyatt speaks candidly about why youth voice is critical to community development and what he is doing to encourage youth and young adults to participate in their communities.