The Mindful Mic

The Mindful Mic

by Children's Home Counseling Services
Health & FitnessKids & Family
Season 1
More Than the Game: Allyson Alden on Mental Health, Resilience & Finding Your Purpose
Mental health affects more people than we realize—and student-athletes are no exception. Former Boise State Student-Athlete, Emerging Professional Beach Volleyball Player & Mental Health Advocate Allyson Alden joins The Mindful Mic to share her personal journey through anxiety, depression, injury, and resilience.
S1 · E18
Jul 1, 2026
45:26
Why Representation Matters for Kids. Nurturing the Heart, Soul, and Sense of Belonging.
In this episode of The Mindful Mic, hosts Colbi Twiss and Grace Shimatsu welcome Shari Baber, founder of Brown Like Me and director of the Boise Soul Food Festival. Shari shares her personal story, the inspiration behind Brown Like Me, and how one child's experience led to the creation of a program that helps children and families build community, connection, and a sense of belonging. Together, they discuss the importance of representation, identity development, mental health, and creating supportive spaces where children can thrive. The conversation also highlights the Boise Soul Food Festival and the role food, culture, and community play in bringing people together.
S1 · E17
Jun 4, 2026
57:24
Kids & Concussions: What Every Parent Needs to Know
In this episode of The Mindful Mic, hosts Colbi Twiss and Grace Shimatsu sit down with the Children's Home psychologist Leah Gallant to talk about something every parent should understand — concussions. While often associated with sports, concussions can happen in everyday situations like bike rides, playground accidents, or even a simple fall at home. Leah shares her expertise on how to recognize the signs, what to do if your child experiences a head injury, and how to support proper recovery. We also discuss common misconceptions, when to seek professional help, and why early awareness can make a lasting difference in a child’s health and development. Whether your child is an athlete or just being a kid, this is an important conversation for every parent and caregiver. Children’s Home Counseling Services provides accessible, affordable mental health care for children and families across Idaho, regardless of ability to pay. www. childrenshomeidaho.org
S1 · E16
Apr 1, 2026
42:08
Redemption, Resilience & Reinvention
Join Chad Dunn as he shares his transformative journey from BMX athlete to a life of drugs and crime, through prison, and ultimately to redemption as an entrepreneur and mentor. Discover how personal accountability, resilience, and the power of choices led him to build a new life, founding Move Human Performance Center and inspiring others. This episode delves into themes of self-identity, discipline, and community support, offering insights into overcoming adversity and embracing continuous self-reinvention.
S1 · E15
Mar 4, 2026
54:44
Showing Up for Foster Youth
In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we’re joined by Mary Irby, Director of Operations at Freedom Youth Foundation, for a powerful conversation about the realities foster youth face and the impact that consistency, community, and caring adults can have in their lives. Mary shares what it’s like working alongside foster kids, the challenges they navigate, and the moments that remind her why this work matters so deeply. We explore how Freedom Youth Foundation creates opportunities through programs that build confidence, belonging, and hope—and why relationships and support systems are just as critical as services. This episode is for anyone who cares about kids, community, and creating meaningful change. Whether you’re a parent, clinician, nonprofit professional, or simply someone who wants to understand foster care more deeply, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and a call to action.
S1 · E14
Feb 4, 2026
46:39
Where Healing Happens Together: Supporting Families Through Pediatric Cancer at Camp Rainbow Gold
In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO of Camp Rainbow Gold, to explore the emotional and mental-health journey families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer. Elizabeth shares how Camp Rainbow Gold goes beyond medical care—creating safe, joyful spaces where children, siblings, and parents can reconnect, heal, and feel less alone. We discuss the power of community, the importance of sibling support, and the vision behind Hidden Paradise, a permanent medical-camp facility designed to foster resilience and hope for families across Idaho.
S1 · E13
Jan 7, 2026
49:20
Leading With Hope: Inside the Hope Squad Movement
In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Jason Shanks, district leader overseeing Hope Squads, and Michelle Weickum, LMSW, School Social Worker at Riverglen Jr. High. Together, they share how Hope Squad empowers students to notice warning signs, reach out to peers, and build a culture of connection and compassion in their schools. We explore what it looks like when youth are trusted to lead, the impact peer support has on mental-health awareness, and the inspiring ways Hope Squad members are changing conversations around safety, belonging, and hope. This is a conversation about community, courage, and the power of showing up for one another.
S1 · E12
Dec 3, 2025
32:49
Flock Together: Finding Healing, Hope, and Community
In this episode, we sit down with Leslie Scantling, breast cancer survivor and founder of Flock Cancer Idaho, and Carrie Panzer Epley, LCSW, a therapist who specializes in cancer grief, and embodiment therapy. Together, they share a heartfelt conversation about navigating life after diagnosis, the emotional side of survivorship, and how healing grows stronger when we come together as a community.
S1 · E11
Nov 6, 2025
1:01:15
Youth Leadership and Creating Community Through Compassion
In this inspiring episode of The Mindful Mic, we meet Abi Franklin, a Boise high-school student who turned compassion into community impact. As the director of Idaho Homelessness Impact, Abi is proving that leadership has no age limit. Together, we explore how youth leadership, empathy, and purpose come together to make meaningful change—especially in the fight against homelessness and the challenges tied to mental health. Abi shares her journey of spearheading a nonprofit as a teen, what she’s learned about resilience and connection, and how young people everywhere can use their passions to give back. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about kindness in action, the power of listening, and the hope that grows when we lead with empathy.
S1 · E10
Oct 23, 2025
32:36
Where Music Meets Mental Health
In this episode of The Mindful Mic, we sit down with Kelly Eisenbarger, LMSW, Interim Executive Director of Boise Hive — a nonprofit creating a safe, sober, and supportive space for Boise’s music and arts community. Boise Hive isn’t just a rehearsal or recording space — it’s a lifeline. Through free and low-cost counseling, peer support groups, and creative programming, the Hive helps musicians and artists protect their mental health, prevent suicide, and find connection through creativity. Kelly shares what it means to lead an organization that bridges art and advocacy, the power of community-led healing, and how Boise Hive continues to foster hope and belonging for those who create, perform, and find solace in music. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation about resilience, creativity, and the ways music can quite literally save lives.
S1 · E9
Oct 7, 2025
46:04
1 of 4