In this episode, I, Mendi, had the opportunity to sit down with Vale as she discusses her battle with cancer and isolation. When she was 13, Vale was diagnosed with cancer and fought all the way through the COVID pandemic. Because of the timing and her condition, she was very isolated from her peers and loved ones, and felt this distanced in a profound way. We invite you to listen to Vale tell her story herself, so please enjoy.

In this episode, Ezra opens up about how his parents’ divorce changed his life and left him feeling distant, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to cope. He shares how staying silent only made things heavier, and how learning to talk about what he was going through became the first step toward healing. Ezra’s story is an honest reminder that opening up can create space for connection, understanding, and support, even when it feels impossible.

In this episode, You Can Be an Advocate Too, Lauren shares how she used humor as her superpower to navigate her mental health journey. Through laughter, honesty, and self-advocacy, she learned that speaking up for herself — and for others — can make a real difference. Her story is a reminder that advocacy doesn’t always look serious or formal; sometimes it starts with finding your own voice, sharing your truth, and using a little humor along the way. Lauren’s journey will leave you inspired to see that you, too, can be an advocate.