Youth voices.
Real talk. Stronger together.

Real Conversations About Real Life

A youth-led podcast from Valdez featuring honest conversations about identity, mental health, alcohol, relationships, safety, and connection.

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Last Episode

Merrick McCumby Talks to Gina Hoke About Fighting Child Abuse

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Choose a topic below to explore conversations that matter to you.

Advice to My Younger Self and the Journey to Sobriety — Tiffany Hall (with Avery Bugni)

Problems with Alcohol and the Journey to Sobriety — Sean Wisner (with Avery Bugni)

Alcohol's Effects on Mindset and Behavior — Sean Wisner (with Cora Hamilton)

Adapting to Sobriety and Its Challenges — Sean Wisner (with Reagan Hamilton)

How to Start Sobriety and Where to Find Resources — Tiffany Hall (with Cora)

Drinking Young and Its Impacts — Tiffany Hall (with Reagan)

Creating Connections to Help Everyone — and the Downsides of Having None — Kyra Meyer (with Claire Sutton)

How to Connect with Yourself and Connect Socially — Kyra Meyer (with Jackson Vincent)

Connecting with Family and Making Good Connections — Kyra Meyer (with Whitney Major)

Mental Health and Reaching Out During Dark Times — Kyra Meyer (with Erik Vincent)

Resources for Creating Connection — Kyra Meyer (with Cora Hamilton)

Connection in the World Today, and Coping with Bad News — Kyra Meyer (with Avery)

Life Hacks and Talking to Your Parents — Kyra Meyer (with Erik Vincent)

Youth Photo Gallery

Moments from Valdez and the people behind the conversations.

You’re Not Alone

Support is here when you need it.

For Relationships and Safety

For Alcohol and Substance Use Conversations

For Mental Health and Connection

Explore all resources on the Choose Connection page

Campaign funded by

Recover Alaska

State of Alaska Department of Health

Choose Connection is a youth-led podcast from Valdez, Alaska. We bring real questions to real people-because honest conversations can help us all feel more connected. A project of The Alliance, in partnership with NorthWave Communications and KVAK Radio.

Learn more about The Alliance