What's On Your Mind

When things don’t go as planned, is your inner voice a harsh critic or a supportive coach? In this episode of What’s On Your Mind?, Mikaila welcomes back the school counselor from the podcast’s first episode to explore self-compassion—how it differs from self-worth and self-esteem, and why being kind to yourself does not mean giving up or letting yourself off the hook. Together, they unpack the three elements of self-compassion: noticing difficult feelings without spiraling, remembering that struggle is part of being human, and responding to yourself with kindness. They discuss how to balance compassion with ambition, take responsibility for mistakes, and set healthy limits without tearing yourself down. The conversation also explores the impact of harsh self-criticism and shares a simple compassion-imagery practice, offering practical ways to become your own encouraging coach, one small step at a time.

In Part 2, Mikaila and youth speaker Lawrence C. Harris explore how self-worth shapes the opportunities we pursue, the risks we take, and the way we respond to failure. They discuss the pressure to be perfect, the illusion that everyone else has life figured out, and why your worth does not depend on achievements, approval, or having all the answers.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” “I could never do that,” or “I’m just not that kind of person”? Sometimes the things we believe about ourselves feel like facts—but what if they are beliefs that can be changed? In Part 1 of this conversation about self-worth, Mikaila is joined by Lawrence C. Harris, a youth speaker who has reached thousands of students through school assemblies, workshops, books, podcasts, and online events. Drawing on challenges from his own life, Lawrence helps teens and young adults believe in themselves, rethink their futures, and understand that their past need not determine where their lives go. Together, they explore the origins of limiting beliefs and how they can shape our confidence, relationships, choices, and everyday lives. They discuss the difference between self-love and self-improvement, why your worth should not depend on appearance, achievement, money, or relationships, and how social media can quietly influence what you believe you should want. Lawrence also shares practical ways to begin rebuilding self-belief—from questioning old messages and changing the influences around you to treating yourself with the same care you would show someone you love. If self-love has ever felt easier said than done, this episode offers a compassionate place to begin, one small step at a time. This is Part 1 of a two-part exploration of self-worth. The conversation continues in the next episode.

Feeling overwhelmed? Let yourself unwind with this guided meditation. You'll board a quiet train through mountains and countryside before arriving at Sleepy Cove — a peaceful seaside town where the sun is warm, the breeze smells like summer, and there's nothing to do but just be. With gentle breathing exercises and calming imagery, this episode is your invitation to slow down, let go of stress, and rest.

Something a little different this week. No topics, no advice — just rest.Close your eyes and let Mikaila guide you through a gentle sleep meditation set in a cozy library on a rainy evening. Picture soft lamplight, the smell of old books, and the steady rhythm of rain against tall windows. Let your thoughts slow down, your body relax, and your mind drift somewhere safe and quiet.Whether you're winding down after a long day, struggling to fall asleep, or just need a moment of calm — this one's for you. Put your headphones in, get comfortable, and let yourself be still. You deserve it.Sweet dreams.

What do you say when a friend opens up about something heavy? When they tell you they're struggling and you freeze — not because you don't care, but because you're unsure what to say? In this episode, we talk about what it truly means to show up for someone you care about. We break down active listening, how to hold space without trying to "fix" everything, and the difference between being supportive and taking on someone else's pain as your own. We also get real about boundaries — because you can't pour from an empty cup — and about when it's time to involve a trusted adult. Whether a friend has come to you with anxiety, family issues, or something unexpected, this one's for you. No perfect answers required — just showing up matters more than you think.

"I can't focus." "I'm so ADHD." "Wait, do I actually have ADHD?" If you've ever said any of these after scrolling through TikTok, you're not alone. In this episode of What's On Your Mind, Mikaila explores why so many teens are suddenly questioning whether they have ADHD — and what role social media plays in that.We break down what ADHD actually is (and isn't), why the algorithm keeps serving you relatable content that makes you think you have it, and the difference between normal attention struggles in a hyper-stimulating world and a genuine neurodevelopmental condition. We also talk about the real harm of self-diagnosis culture — from trivializing a serious condition to the anxiety spiral of convincing yourself something is wrong.But this isn't about dismissing anyone's experience. If you genuinely think you might have ADHD, we discuss what healthy next steps look like — how to talk to a parent or school counselor, what a proper assessment involves, and why getting the right support matters more than a label.We also hear from a member of the support staff, who explains more about ADHD.Topics covered: ADHD in teens, TikTok and self-diagnosis, algorithm's effect on mental health, attention span and social media, neurodivergence, when to seek professional help, ADHD assessment process, self-diagnosis vs. clinical diagnosis.New episodes every other Wednesday. Follow us on Instagram @woym.podcast and visit www.woympodcast.com for resources and more.

Your phone is the first thing you reach for in the morning and the last thing you put down at night. Sound familiar? In this episode of What's On Your Mind, Mikaila dives into the complicated relationship teens have with their devices — and why it's so much harder to "just put it down" than adults think.We explore the real science behind why your phone is designed to keep you hooked: the dopamine loops, the infinite scroll, the notifications that pull you back in every time you try to step away. But beyond the mechanics, we talk about what all that screen time is actually doing to your mood, your sleep, your self-image, and your ability to be present with the people around you.This isn't an episode that tells you to throw your phone in a drawer. Instead, we get honest about the tension — because your phone is also where your friendships live, where you find community, and where you express yourself. So how do you find balance? We share practical, realistic strategies for building a healthier relationship with your devices without feeling like you're missing out.Topics covered: phone addiction, screen time, social media and mental health, dopamine and technology, sleep and blue light, FOMO, digital detox strategies, healthy phone habits for teens.New episodes every other Wednesday. Follow us on Instagram @woym.podcast and visit www.woympodcast.com for resources and more.

Why does the state of the planet feel so personal? In this first full episode of What's On Your Mind, Mikaila unpacks climate anxiety — the guilt that comes with every plastic bottle, the doom-scrolling through wildfire footage, and the overwhelming feeling that the world is falling apart on your watch.We talk about why Gen Z carries this weight differently than any generation before, how social media amplifies eco-anxiety, and the real toll it takes on your mental health — from sleep to school to your sense of hope. But this isn't just about the problem. We also explore practical ways to care deeply about the planet without burning yourself out: setting boundaries with the news cycle, channeling anxiety into action, and giving yourself permission to not fix everything alone.If you've ever felt guilty for using a straw, anxious about the future, or paralyzed by the sheer scale of it all — this one's for you.Topics covered: climate anxiety, eco-guilt, doom-scrolling, Gen Z mental health, coping strategies, activism vs. burnout, setting boundaries with news and social media.New episodes every other Wednesday. Follow us on Instagram @woym.podcast.

Welcome to What's On Your Mind — a new podcast created by and for teens, dedicated to honest conversations about mental health. In this short teaser, meet your host Mikaila and find out what the show is all about. From anxiety and self-doubt to friendships, phone addiction, and everything in between — this is your space to feel heard. New episodes launching April 29, 2026. Follow us on Instagram @woym.podcast.