My Feelin’ @Live Podcast Experience

Being part of the Feelin’ @Live podcast was honestly one of the most inspiring things I’ve done lately. Over four episodes, we explored so many important topics that affect young people’s mental health. I wanted to share a little bit about what we talked about—and why this project meant so much to me.

Episode 1: The Culture of Productivity In our first episode, we dove into the pressure to always be “productive.” We shared how hard it can be to find enough time for ourselves and what “enough” even looks like. We also talked about how stress and anxiety show up differently in our lives and where those feelings actually come from. Toward the end, everyone shared some personal strategies for coping, from time blocking to just giving yourself permission to rest.

Episode 2: Community and Loneliness The second episode was all about how much we need each other. We unpacked what loneliness feels like and how it’s not the same as simply being alone. Some of us feel okay spending time by ourselves, but for others, connection is what keeps us grounded. We talked about whether we feel satisfied with the support systems we have, and where we go to find community when we need it. Before wrapping up, we each shared something we wish people knew about us so they could understand us better.

Episode 3: Resources and Support This episode got pretty personal. We asked: why is it still so hard to ask for help with your mental health? We spoke about the shame and taboos around speaking up—especially when you grow up in certain cultures or small communities. It was eye-opening to hear how our backgrounds and access to resources shape the way we deal with struggles. We also discussed everything from mental health apps to the barriers in rural areas and how all of these systems sometimes fail to meet young people where we’re at.

Episode 4: Being You(ng) Our final episode explored the connection between identity and mental health. We talked about how our gender, sexuality, race, and cultural background can impact our sense of belonging and access to support. Intersectionality and minority stress were big themes, as well as how free (or not) we feel to express who we really are. In the end, we asked what needs to change to make mental health resources more inclusive and human.

My Personal Reflection

Participating in Feelin’ @Live was such a beautiful and inspiring experience. Throughout the process, I had the chance to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. One of the best parts was getting to know people from other countries and hearing their perspectives.

Besides creating the podcast itself, I really want to highlight how much the Youth Center supported me. Every time I had a question, I got clear and helpful answers. Their availability and willingness to help meant so much.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this project because I’m walking away with a fresh perspective and some amazing memories. There’s a good chance I’ll drop by more of their workshops in the future!

Mirko Buturajac