The Passionate Youth Worker
The Passionate Youth Worker podcast is your invitation to explore your own life experiences by listening to other’s personal stories. Join me, Paul Meunier, the executive director of the Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), as I interview youth workers from around the globe to reveal how their unique life experiences impact their work. Tune in and be inspired to consider how your story uniquely impacts your youth work. Do you have feedback about the show? I'd love to hear from you. Just send an email to paul@yipa.org.
Ashley Daniels: Challenge the Status Quo to Help All Young People
April 22, 2024 Season 4 Episode 25
Minnesota, United States: Ashley Daniels had a very difficult childhood, growing up with alcoholic parents, dealing with countless challenges of her undiagnosed autistic ADHD, followed by a number of mental illnesses. That resulted in her being bullied and abused, unable to understand what made her so different. But, since learning about her diagnoses, she has become a vocal champion for the rights of neurodivergent individuals and an advocate against ableism in our systems. Please listen to her story and learn from her powerful advice for youth workers.
Content warning: This episode includes...
Michael Dawson: You Can Rewrite Your Story if You Want to
April 8, 2024, Year Season 4 Episode 24
Normandy, France: Michael Dawson chose to leave a lucrative career in sales to pour himself into paying forward the gift of support he had received from caring adults at a time of turmoil in his life. Now an author, podcast host, and creator of youth work training resources, he knows he wouldn’t be who he is today without the experiences of his past. And he uses all those lessons to help others now.Â
You can learn more about Michael’s work by visiting The Action Factory.
Acces...
Cailee Fitzgerald: This Doesn’t Mean That I Can’t Achieve Great Things
March 25, 2024 Season 4 Episode 23
Idaho, United States: Cailee Fitzgerald grew up in an unstable environment. Her parents abused drugs, engaged in illegal activities, and spent time in prison. She was determined not to follow in their footsteps. She persevered against unbelievable odds. Cailee credits a high school basketball coach who cared about her and could see her potential. That was all the encouragement she needed to dream big for herself. Sheer determination and a passion for giving back make her the youth worker she is today.Â
Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or r...
Rumbidzai Chitsa: Give Love to the World Without Thinking of Getting Something Back
March 11, 2024 Season 4 Episode 22
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: Rumbidzai Chitsa grew up in a ghetto in Zimbabwe. But the possibilities she saw for herself opened up through the experience of an uncle who had become a doctor. She started on the same path, studying science. But, following her heart, she chose a different path. She now gives back to help others growing up in similar circumstances to pursue bigger dreams for themselves as well.Â
Accessibility Options: Watch the unedited video interview with subtitles or read the edited podcast transcript by visiting this podcast's web page.
