The Passionate Youth Worker

Apr 22 2024 4
The Passionate Youth Worker Podcast artwork

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 [email protected].

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Ashley Daniels: Challenge the Status Quo to Help All Young People

Apr 22 2024 32 mins  
April 22, 2024 Season 4 Episode 25Minnesota, United States: Ashley Daniels had a very difficult childhood, growing up with an alcoholic parent, 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 diag

Michael Dawson: You Can Rewrite Your Story if You Want to

Apr 08 2024 30 mins  
April 8, 2024, Year Season 4 Episode 24Normandy, 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

Cailee Fitzgerald: This Doesn’t Mean That I Can’t Achieve Great Things

Mar 25 2024 26 mins  
March 25, 2024 Season 4 Episode 23Idaho, 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. T

Rumbidzai Chitsa: Give Love to the World Without Thinking of Getting Something Back

Mar 11 2024 27 mins  
March 11, 2024 Season 4 Episode 22Bulawayo, 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 circumstan

Katie Shatusky: Turn Pain into Purpose

Feb 26 2024 29 mins  
February 26, 2024 Season 4 Episode 21Minnesota, United States: Katie Shatusky’s life was deeply impacted when her beloved grandfather died by suicide in 2010. She has struggled with mental health challenges, discovered her corporate work life was not fulfilling in a meaningful way, and transformed the tragedy of her grandfather’s death to turn her pain into purpose. She launche

Rosalind Loggin: My Purpose is to Pull People Out of Dark Places

Feb 12 2024 28 mins  
February 12, 2024 Season 4 Episode 20Minnesota, United States: Rosalind Loggin has endured more trials and tribulations in her life than many people could bear. But she finds a way to triumph over them. Her faith is her foundation and she feels called through her troubles to serve even the most challenging young people. She’s real, she’s determined, and she’s just what they n

Todd Haslam: I Want to Help Because I Wanted the Help

Jan 29 2024 26 mins  
January 29, 2024 Season 4 Episode 19Portland, Jamaica: Todd Haslam’s young life started out well. His father was his hero who loved and cared for him. But when his father suddenly left, everything was upended. His life became very rough. But he sees it all as a blessing. He had people around him who helped him stay grounded and become well-rounded. Both the good and the bad broug

Helen Cheromiah: I Can Relate Because I’ve Lived It

Jan 16 2024 27 mins  
January 16, 2024 Season 4 Episode 18New Mexico, United States: Helen Cheromiah was raised by a teenaged mom, grew up in poverty, and struggled to find her people and her right path. Still, she knows every experience went into making her the person she is today. And that person is someone who is guiding and positively impacting the lives of young people who need the same kind of hel

Benedetto Zanca: Authenticity Matters, Be Genuine and Authentic

Jan 02 2024 28 mins  
January 2, 2024 Season 4 Episode 17Maryland, United States: Benedetto Zanca developed a selfless nature, coming through a difficult childhood. Anything he may have lacked didn’t really set him back. Instead, he focused on being of service, guided by his strong faith and the values his mom instilled in him. He’s making a meaningful impact for youth workers and young people. His

Charlotte Gordon: Focus on Your Mental Health

Dec 18 2023 28 mins  
December 18, 2023 Season 4 Episode 16England, United Kingdom: Charlotte Gordon had a rough childhood due to difficulties of undiagnosed ADHD. But rather than simply living with the many challenges, she chose to leverage those challenges into strengths. That shift led her to craft an uncommon vibrancy in her approach to youth work. She shares her hard-earned wisdom with such humilit