YouthSoup: A Podcast by Listen Up Youth Radio
YouthSoup is a youth produced podcast from Listen Up Youth Radio. Each episode is told from your everyday youth who discuss real-life social issues that teens and young adults face in our daily lives. As media storytellers, it is our intention to add some youth to your soup, some flavor to your day, and to acknowledge and raise awareness of these topics to let you know you are not alone. “This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fu...
Thu, March 06, 2025
Gen Z and Millennials on Youth
Join us - as a collective, along with our guest Dana Silverman from SPNN - as we explore what it means to be a youth in today's world. As individuals from both Gen Z and Millennial generations, we reflect on how we define youth and youthfulness in the era of social media. From shifting perceptions over time to the cultural and societal forces shaping our experiences, we dive into the impact of modern technology, identity, and community. Tune in for an open discussion on what it truly means to be young in an ever-evolving world.
Sat, December 28, 2024
SMI '24 Bonus Episode: Apples or Bananas?
Summer Media Intensive 2024, Bonus Episode: To close out our publication of SMI 2024, were excited to share the results of an experimental pop-up recording studio. We hope you enjoy this funny little episode, featuring some wonderful members of the Listen Up community!
Fri, December 20, 2024
SMI '24: Artistic Presence
Summer Media Intensive 2024, Part 4: Join Siham as she talks about multimedia visual arts and has the chance to interview professional visual artist Hend Al-Mansour. She dives into depth about the importance behind its cultural representation and audience impact, while Hend tells her more about the creation behind it. Find out more about Hend's work on her website www.hendalmansour.com, and check out her exhibit up at SooVAC in Minneapolis until January 5, 2005 - and her murals around the Twin Cities!
Thu, December 19, 2024
SMI '24: Gaming and Mental Health + Savoring Somalia
Summer Media Intensive 2024, Part 3: In this episode, Hamza Ali talks about mental health within video games. He sits down with his friends Hamse and Dinasha to talk about their favorite video games and how video games have improved their mental health. Even if you don't play video games, Hamza hopes that you can see how video games can positively affect others' lives. In the other half of this episode, Hamse Sahardid dives into his Somali culture and cuisine. He interviews his friend and his sister as they cook a classic Somali meal and talk about how their culture's food represents them and the cultural meaning behind it all.
Wed, December 18, 2024
SMI '24: The Importance of Art
Summer Media Intensive 2024, Part 2: In this episode of youth soup, Josie and Destiney talk about the importance of art. Josie sits down with her close friends James and Hadiyah to talk about the importance of art education and what that means to them. Later in the episode, Josie talks to her 8th grade English teacher, Mr. Mulhern to get a teacher's perspective on the situation. Destiney talks about the more personal aspects of art; how it improved her mental health, how it can improve mental health, and how art is important to her in general.
Tue, December 17, 2024
SMI '24: Horror Movie Stereotypes: Black and Queer Misrepresentation
Summer Media Intensive 2024, Part 1: Movies have had a long history of misrepresenting or showing Queer and Black people in a negative lightwith the Horror genre being one of the biggest offenders. In this episode Dinasha and Kiara dive into stereotypes and how they negatively affect culture and communities. We will also talk about how movies are changing and making an effort to create positive representation while also including intersectionality between Queer and Black people. SPOILER WARNING: Psycho, Draculas Daughter, Windows, Sleepaway Camp, Silence of The Lambs, Get Out, Night of the Living Dead.
Thu, December 12, 2024
Generational Perspectives on Ethiopian Identity
In this episode, Hiwi sits down with Abdul Yousuph, a political science and international relations graduate from the University of Addis Ababa, to talk about how Ethiopian identity has changed across generations. Abdul shares what being Ethiopian meant for his generation and reflects on how recent conflicts and our history of internal colonization have shaped what it means for us, the youth, today. Join Hiwi and Abdul as they discuss the journey of where we come from, how we see ourselves now, and what the future might hold for Ethiopian identity.
Sat, November 30, 2024
Behind the Words of a Poet
Listen in on Siyams new YouthSoup episode in which she takes a deep dive into poetry, exploring the power of words and how they can evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures, and tell compelling stories. Joined by poets Sagirah Shahid and Ibtisam Sid. We asked Sagirah how listeners can find her work - she recommended folks look for the local organization Mizna ( mizna.org ), one place where Sagirah's poetry has been published; you can often find her at their events where she might be performing, supporting behind the scenes, or in the crowd.
Fri, November 22, 2024
Exploring Ethiopian Identity - Perspectives and Challenges
Join Hiwi, Solo, and Bethy in this thought-provoking episode about Ethiopia's unique history and its ongoing internal struggles. They dive into the pride of being from one of the only African nations never colonized and discuss the ethnic-based civil wars in Tigray, Oromia, and Amhara. Together, they explore what these conflicts mean for Ethiopian identity today. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about pride, unity, and the challenges of internal conflicts.
Thu, July 18, 2024
Death In Depth
Teens coming together to talk about a topic usually kept lowkey. In this episode Solo, Hiwi, and Siyam deep dive into the profound and mysterious subject of death. Exploring various perspectives, including cultural beliefs and personal experiences. Aiming to shed light on the often taboo topic and providing a space for reflection and understanding. Come along on this journey with many curiosities, stories, and debates of lifes inevitable end.
Mon, May 13, 2024
Food Justice for All!
In this episode, Rena chats with Astrid, a wonderful Urban Roots staff member and the biggest beet lover. They talk all about food justice, youth work, and cooking! Tune in to hear about our food stories! (This is one of Renas favorite episodes ever, thanks to Astrid)
Thu, February 08, 2024
The Weight of Religion With Robert Two Bulls
In this episode, Luka interviews Robert Two Bulls, a Missioner for the Department of Indian Work at the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. They talk about religion, death and why Robert chooses to be a Christian. Please enjoy!
Fri, February 02, 2024
Summer '23 YouthForum with YEA! MN
This episode is a YouthForum that was hosted/filmed in August of 2023 during the Summer Media Intensive. Rena and Gloria of the Youth Media Collective sat down with members of the Youth Environmental Activists of Minnesota (YEA! MN) from Climate Gen. Featuring Aniela Kunkel Iinares, Anna Bennet, and Toby Kyle Stickles of YEA! MN.
Fri, October 20, 2023
Emerson, Hamsa Food Endeavors Pt. 1 and 2
In this episode, Emerson and Hamsa are here to take you on the journey of food, exploring the vast cultures of your favorite snacks and food and various delicacies and culinary experiences across the world. Keep listening to hear more about peanut butter cupcakes, ph?, and Big Chicken
Fri, October 06, 2023
Family, Friends, and Frybread / Exploring Oromo Culture
In this episode of Youth Soup, join Siyam as she takes a deep dive into Oromo culture, discovering its various values, traditions, and culinary arts through talking with Illily and Abdurahman. All about Culture, Family. and Love. Then, Diamond, a passionate youth producer, talks to her former Ojibwe teacher and mentor Mathew Lafave and her amazing mother Deidre Raymond about the cultural significance of frybread."
Thu, September 21, 2023
Backstage: The Music Scene/ Behind Social Media
Is going viral all that? In this episode Luka Cook interviews Yves, a member of the local music scene in Minnesota, to talk about their music journey and what it means to be a part of the scene. Luka also sits down with VIALs KT Branscom to talk about how VIAL started and the effects capitalism has on the music industry. Ben interviews Gloria, a fellow youth producer at Listen Up to share their social media experiences, capture the thoughts on mental health within social media, and ways to improve your social media usage.
Thu, September 07, 2023
Teachers Talk Pt 1 and 2
Brooklyn talks to two different teachers, Christopher Polly and Chole Bluth who do a whole lot for their school and students and do not get paid enough for what they do. Lanah sits down and talks with Molly Keenan, a teacher, a parent, and working artist about what her life is like alongside her job. They discuss how much Molly works, how she balances her business and family, and her thoughts about the public education system.
Thu, August 24, 2023
Accepting Your Identity / Back 2 School ft. Covid
Kay sits down with their friend Sandi to have a chat about her queer identity, and how she got to this point in life where she is able to accept herself as an aro-ace person. In part 2 of this episode, Dana talks to Abby about their experiences going into middle school during and after the COVID pandemic, touching on topics that impacted them socially, emotionally, and academically.
Fri, August 11, 2023
Little Earth pt 2: Ongoing Struggles and Solidarity
Part two of the conversation with Jolene Jones and Cassie Holmes about the struggle for community control of the Roof Depot and the deadly environmental racism present in East Phillips. This episode contains discussion of the deaths of young people, police violence, and systemic colonial abuse.
Fri, August 11, 2023
Little Earth pt 1: Community Dreams
In May, Youth Soup producers had a conversation with two long time residents and community leaders in Little Earth MN, Jolene Jones, and Cassie Holmes, about the communities needs for the Roof Depot site. This is part 1 of a longer conversation, so stay tuned for the second half! Gratitude and respect to Jolene and Cassie for their time, knowledge, and leadership.
Thu, July 13, 2023
The Beauty of Community & Creativity
In this episode, we invite the lovely and wonderful Junauda Petrus who is a local author, artist, and community member to join Rena, Jacy, and Sara. They discuss the importance of maintaining and being involved in community, building intergenerational relationships, queer elders, the nuances of being a BIPOC artist in the Twin Cities, as well as read aloud Junaudas childrens book, Can We Please Give the Police Department to the grandmothers? Come listen!
Thu, June 29, 2023
The Best Episode Ever
For this episode of Youth Soup, Rena and Jacy and Ella had the honor of speaking with 2 members of the COFED Organization, AB and Axl, about relationships between the land, liberation, community and identity.
Thu, June 15, 2023
Parent Pot-au-feu
This episode of Youthsoup contains vulgarity and mentions of self injury. Clara inquires a close friend about her upbringing in a hostile household. She recounts her conflicting parents, disdainful parent figures, details her struggle with self image as a result of scorn from her mother and a frayed bond with her misogynist father. Despite a dreary topic the conversation between friends isnt without laughs and delivers needed catharsis.
Thu, June 01, 2023
Her Homade Soup
In this episode of YouthSoup, Ella invites her longtime friend Grace to discuss their experiences with their stepmoms, what its like, how their feelings have changed, and how they grew out of the stereotype of the evil stepmother.
Fri, May 19, 2023
Emerged Black Storytellers in Our Communities
In this episode, Gloria has a sit-down interview with Emmy-Nominated journalist Georgia Fort based in the Twin Cities to discuss the importance of representation in media. They discuss the stigma behind Black journalists on the screen, stories that dont have a light shed on, and how storytellers can contribute to amplify those untold stories. What was it like being one of the two journalists in the sentencing of Derek Chauvin? How can storytellers create a space of inclusion? Find out in this cultivating episode!
Thu, May 04, 2023
Divesting from Capitalism, Investing in Eachother
In this episode, Jacy, Ella, and Rena were inspired by preparing for a future episode of YouthSoup centering a racial justice fellowship - and by the wisdom of trees. They discussed what we can learn about mutual aid, non-extractive exchange, and collective liberation from our more-than-human relatives. Stay tuned for an unbelievably exciting future episode with COFED Just Leader Fellows to hear a more in-depth conversation! The book Rena is obsessed with throughout this episode is The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak.
Thu, April 20, 2023
Whats the deal with Amazon?
During the Fourth episode of Youth Soup Season 2, Sebastian interviews his friend about working at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Shakopee MN. The conditions of working the night shift are the main focus of their conversation. Within that context they discuss their opinions on managerial dynamics in the workplace, workplace moral; and overall safety concerns on the floor.
Fri, April 07, 2023
College Pho
In this episode, Kiin invites Jacy, a fellow ListenUp producer, to discuss their experiences as college students and navigating adulthood in the current era. Jacy, a 20-year-old, is a second-year college student while Kiin, a 19-year-old, is attending college as a first-year student. They share their struggles as first-generation college students in America and express concerns about their parents' well-being and the future.
Thu, March 23, 2023
Trans Masc Trash Lobster
Rena (he/they) a youth soup producer, and his super-duper cool friend Miles (he/him, a film maker and musician from Texas, dive into their trans experiences and identities, our hopes for trans futures, and the infamous she/they -lesbian-to-trans-masc-pipeline. The music featured in this episode is Miless song Tried My Best. You can listen more of his incredible music at M Ren on all platforms, and to see the best Instagram collages youve ever seen, check out @bigfishmiles. Please consider donating to our ongoing fundraiser at https://givebutter.com/listenup and help youth get the tools they need to become super awesome media leaders!
Thu, March 09, 2023
Family: Growing Up Physically Separated
Familial relationships are an integral part of being human. The ideas, beliefs, traditions, and experiences that form who we are first stem from those we grew up with, which tends to be family. But how are family relationships formed when separated and hundreds of miles apart? How are mothers and children who are split apart able to form that mother-child bond? Is it possible to form a deep and intimate relationship? Meet the Murillo family who are split between the U.S. and Ecuador, and discover what it means and looks like to be family for them.
Fri, February 17, 2023
Everything Soup
In the final episode of Youth Soup season 1, Clara, Sebastian, Jacy, Kiin, Rena, and new member Ella share what brings us joy, especially in the middle of Minnesota winters. We hope you enjoy Episode. 6," Everything Soup", a chaotic jumble of road condition rants and community support.
Fri, February 03, 2023
Race and Class Ramen
In the fifth episode of Youth Soup Season 1, the soup crew discussed the intersections of race and class in our personal lives, historical financial discrimination, and the current housing crisis in the Twin Cities.
Thu, January 26, 2023
Diaspora Delight
For a very special 4th episode, Listen Up collaborated with Rosemount BSU with the help of BSU president and Listen Up member, Meti Negwo. Kiin, Meti, Clara, and Aliya discussed their experiences as African people in the U.S, anti-Blackness within African communities, and their hopes for the future.
Wed, January 11, 2023
SNACK TIME
In episode three we sat down to share foods that are meaningful to us with each other. We brought some of our favorite snacks to share, tried something new, and discussed why these snacks are important to us. We discovered how a lot of us connect to our culture through the food we eat and shared stories of connection to our food and our cultures.
Wed, December 28, 2022
Growing Gumbo
Gloria, Jacy, and Rena discuss how their identities have changed over time, specifically during the pandemic. They reflect on how the environment you're in, the people you're surrounded with, and the media you consume all influence your understanding of self. We hope listeners take away an understanding that growth is NOT linear! It gets more complex, interesting, and beautiful over time, just like a big pot of gumbo :)
Thu, December 15, 2022
Intersectionality Stew
On the debut episode of YouthSoup, Kiin, Jacy, Clara, Gloria, and Rena dive into the concept of intersectionality - from the first time they heard the word to ways it shows up in their daily lives, and where its lacking. This episode was a little bit of everything - just like stew! Meet todays hosts! Jacy Landi is from Minneapolis and a current college student double majoring in Studio Art and Mathematics. They first began experimenting with audio and media through Listen Ups YMC in 2020 and they hope to continue creating stories about people, community, and humanity. Gloria Ngwa has been working with Listen Up Youth Radio since Fall of 2022. Gloria has been a writer from an early age, and she continues to use her gift in the media industry. She informs compelling news that uplifts underrepresented people. Rena Curtis is a sophomore in high school and has worked with Listen Up for two years as a youth producer and Youth Media Collective member. He is passionate about telling queer, trans, and other marginalized peoples stories through zines, art, radio, and hopefully film soon! He resides in St. Paul Minnesota on looted Wahpekute and Ochthi akwi? land. Kiin Aden is a Somali-American citizen going to Augsburg University. Shes been a part of the YMC since the summer of 2020 as a member, producer, and facilitator. Kiin loves reading, history, films, learning about different cultures, trying different foods, and all types of arts. Clara Meh is a high school sophomore attending a STEM magnet school on the east end of Saint Paul who enjoys student governance and tackling collaborative opportunities that offer something to learn. Shes theatrically woven and her manner of storytelling reflects it. Follow Listen Up Youth Radio on Social Media! Instagram: @listenupyouthradio Facebook: https://facebook.com/pg/listenupyouthradio
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