Wish You Knew

In this episode, Maadhav shares his experience with anxiety that began in middle school and the pressure he felt to live up to expectations. He opens up about constantly questioning himself, feeling misunderstood, and struggling to balance his own emotions with the image of success he thought he had to meet. Maadhav reflects on how that pressure began to affect both his mental and physical health, and how, over time, he found ways to cope and reconnect with himself. His story highlights the importance of expressing emotions, finding healthy outlets, and opening up, even when it feels difficult.

This episode mentions suicide and OCD if you need extra support, please make sure to take care of yourself or call 988 for a crisis hotline.

In this episode, Nailea shares her journey through self-isolation, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and how those experiences affected the way she saw herself and the people around her. She talks about the moment she realized that truly wanting to get better was the first step toward healing, and how she began to notice the support that had been there from family and friends all along. Nailea’s story is an honest reminder that choosing to heal is powerful and that connection can exist even when we feel completely alone.If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or depression, please call 988 for 24/7 support.

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.

In today's episode, I (Ella) was able to sit down with Nora to hear about her mental health journey with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nora shared how beneficial it is to explore your mental health to better understand and support yourself. I found her story and her advice on learning yourself very inspirational. I hope you enjoy listening!

In this episode, Amelia opens up about her journey of rediscovering herself after a period of struggle and isolation. She shares what it’s like to let go of who you thought you were in the past, and the courage it takes to embrace the person you’re becoming. Her story is an honest reminder that healing and growth often come from the moments we feel most lost.If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In this special episode of Wish You Knew, we celebrate the amazing impact of last year’s hosts, Lizzy and Autumn, who bravely opened the door for honest conversations around teen mental health. Now, we’re excited to introduce you to the new voices ready to carry that mission forward: Ella, Mendi, and Juliana!Get to know this year’s hosts, hear what inspires them, and learn about their vision for breaking stigma and sharing real stories from teens just like you.Want to share your story? The new hosts are looking for guests! If you’d like to be interviewed, fill out our short form at fcwi.org/interview.Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep listening. 💙

In today's episode, I (Autumn)  was able to sit down with Juliana to hear about her mental health journey and how beneficial it is to share your story and hear others. I believe it is a wonderful tool we all have access to in order to help our community simply by speaking about our mental health. I found her story and her takes on how beneficial creating a community is, very inspirational. I hope you enjoy listening! If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In today’s episode, I (Lizzy) had the privilege of sitting down with Ella to talk about her mental health journey. From navigating childhood as a child of divorce – often waiting in courtrooms from ages 6 to 15 for others to decide her future – Ella shares how a lack of communication in those formative years made it difficult to understand and process her emotions. But through years of reflection, growth, and resilience, she’s developed an empathetic and optimistic outlook that she now brings to others in her life. Our conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue and the life-changing impact of a strong support system. Even if you’re still searching for that kind of support, Ella wants everyone to know that they’re not alone, and hopes to act as a system of support for you via sharing her story – because, in her words, “everyone deserves that kind of support . . . as they ride out their own mental health waves.”If you are a teen and have a story to share, or know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening!The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

In today’s episode, I (Lizzy) had the honor of speaking with Daniel about his mental health journey. You may have caught a glimpse of Daniel’s story at the One Thing I Wish You Knew event earlier this year, but trust me—this episode is worth the listen. Daniel opens up about a chapter of his past he’s no longer proud of: the process of losing himself. With so much anger built up inside, he felt the need to project it outward. What started with classmates soon extended to family and friends… including his best friend: the turning point. Through this reflection, Daniel reminds us that mental health is a journey filled with ups and downs. But no matter where you are on that path, there’s always a shoulder to lean on—if you just take a moment to look.If you are a teen and have a story to share, or know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening! The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

In today's episode, I (Lizzy) had the privilege of speaking with Destiney about her mental health journey. Tune in to hear her share a powerful glimpse into just some of the events that have shaped her into the inspiring person she is today – from moving between homes to helping raise her siblings and even experiencing homelessness, before someone stepped in to help. In Destiney’s own words, she “grew up fast”, and the maturity that comes with such challenges is certainly evident. Through thoughtful reflection, Destiney redefines what she believes a family truly means, and urges listeners to do the same in times of loneliness. If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link : http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening! The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

In today's episode, I (Lizzy) was fortunate enough to listen and reflect with Mendi about her mental health journey thus far. Relationships and communication play a large role in Mendi’s story : after losing a sister to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), Mendi often found herself feeling alone and wanting to escape her reality which manifested itself into panic disorder with situations of what she describes as paranoia. This paired with a reconstruction, if you will, of her community led to quite the reflection and shift in perspective. I will pause here as to not give away all of the episode, but I think that everyone in this audience can find a takeaway from her story and ultimate advice - please tune in if you are interested and able. As stated above, the reflection of this journey includes much grief in addition to mention of suicide: please note that the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is 988.If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link : http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening! The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

In today's episode, I (Autumn)  was able to sit down with Gabriela to hear about her journey with recovering from her ACL injury. She spoke about how finding ways to cope with her mental health while also trying to heal her body. I found her journey working through mental health and her journey through recovery very inspirational. I hope you enjoy listening! If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In today’s episode, I (Lizzy) was fortunate enough to talk with Maya about her journey with anorexia. Tune in for a view into her experience of living with an eating disorder, undergoing hospital and facility stays, the impact of societal norms / definitions revolving around body image, and more. Despite all of these struggles, Maya has been able to come out on the other side, if you will, with a whole new outlook on life - struggles might never fully disappear, but neither does happiness … a sentiment that I think can benefit all of our listeners. As there is mention of this in the episode, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is 988. Also, the National Eating Disorders Helpline is (800) 931-2237. If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening!The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

Mental Health and Academics In today's episode, I (Autumn)  was able to sit down with Neva to hear about her journey with mental health throughout school. She spoke about how finding ways to cope with her mental health has helped her and how creating a community is beneficial. I found her journey working through the stress of school and personal mental very relatable for many teens. I hope you enjoy listening! If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In today’s episode, I (Lizzy) was fortunate enough to talk with Elie about his journey with and through DMDD: disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Listen in to hear about past experiences and how they have shaped him into the person he is today. From childhood struggles to altered memories — even to musical composition —and everything in between, there is something in this episode for everyone. I found both his story and outlook truly inspiring and I think that his message is something that all listening will take to heart. As there is mention of this in the episode, the suicide and crisis lifeline number is 988. If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening!The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

In today's episode, I (Autumn)  was able to sit down with Edie to hear about her journey with mental health. She spoke about how finding ways to cope with her mental health has helped her and how much her support systems have helped her through tougher times. I found her journey working through with both anxiety and seasonal depression very relatable for many teens. I hope you enjoy listening! If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In today’s episode I (Lizzy) was able to sit down with Chaya and learn more about her inspiring journey. Tune in to hear more about her experience being diagnosed with Bipolar and how her hospital stay impacted said journey and mindset surrounding mental health as a whole. It was incredible to see how she has overcome the stigma and has been able to come out of this part of her journey with a positive outlook and desire to educate others. Ultimately, she decided to share this story to show others that they are not alone and to provide advice applicable to whatever struggles one may find themselves faced with. If you are a teen and have (or know a teen who has) a story to share, please reach out to us using the following link : http://Fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening!The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

In today's episode, I (Autumn)  was able to sit down with Erin and Violet to hear about their journeys with mental health. They spoke about how going through chronic pain affected their mental health and how much their support systems helped them overcome their struggles. I found their journey working through with both mental and physical health very inspiring. I hope you enjoy listening! If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In today’s episode I (Lizzy) was able to sit down with Laya and learn more about her incredible journey. Listen in to hear more about her experience moving to America: leaving behind everything she had ever know for “the dream” and understanding the tolls this took on her mental health. This paired with overcoming school struggles creates a narrative that many can relate to. I found her story extremely inspiring and hope that you enjoy listening.If you are a teen and have (or know a teen who has) a story to share, please reach out to us using the following link : http://Fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening, and stayed tuned for episode six!The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

In today's episode, I (Autumn)  was able to sit down with Caroline to hear about her journey with mental health. she spoke about The importance of being patient with yourself while working through struggles. I found her journey with anxiety and depression as well as working through an eating disorder very inspiring. I hope you enjoy listening! If you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link: http://fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever another episode drops. thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!

In today’s episode I (Lizzy) was able to sit down with Eva and learn more about her incredible journey. She highlighted the importance of community and shared the comfort that it can provide while going through something as difficult as chemotherapy. I found her story extremely inspiring and hope that you enjoy listening. If you are a teen and have (or know a teen who has) a story to share, please reach out to us using the following link : http://Fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to follow and share with others. Thanks again for listening, and stayed tuned for episode four! The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

In today’s episode, I (Autumn) was able to sit down with Carly to hear about her journey with mental health. She spoke about the importance of knowing when you need help and not being afraid to ask for it. I found her journey with anxiety and depression very encouraging and I hope you enjoy listening. if you are a teen and you have a story to share, or you know someone who does, please reach out to us using this link:http://Fcwi.org/interview . If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow so you get notified whenever other episodes drop. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode!The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

Hi everyone! We are excited to officially welcome you to season two of the Wish You Knew Podcast! You will be hearing our voices a lot this season, so we figured we would sit down and tell you a bit about ourselves and our journeys with mental health; from shared experiences with anxiety and depression to personalized ones of divorce and social pressures. We hope that this episode allows you to get to know us a bit better and shows that everyone has their struggles/ no one is alone. If you are a teen and have (or know a teen who has) a story to share, please reach out to us using the following link : http://Fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode please make sure to follow and share with others. Thanks so much for tuning in and we will see you in the next episode. The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

Hello! In this episode I sat down with Madison, a junior in high school, who spoke about her unique childhood growing up with her father that suffered from bipolar disorder. She shared what that experience was like for her, and I hope you can learn from it as much as I did! If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to share and follow so you will be notified when the next episode drops. If you have or know someone who has a story to share on this podcast, please reach out at fcwi.org/interview. If you are experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to, National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 Thank you and see you again soon! The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

Hi! In this episode I sat down with Ita who shared her truly incredible life story. She spoke about her childhood and how it led to being diagnosed with clinical anxiety, depression, and ocd. I took many lessons from her experiences and I hope that you can too. If you have, or know someone who has a story to share, please use this link to sign up http://Fcwi.org/interview. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to share and follow so you will be notified when a new episode drops! Thanks and see you again soon! If you find yourself experiencing self harm or suicidal ideations, please call 988, a 24 hour hotline that provides support. The content in this episode has been reviewed by: the UMatter oversight committee

Hello! In today’s episode I sat down with Jenna who shared about her journey struggling with PANDAS syndrome as well as her experiences with depression, anxiety, and ocd. She spoke a lot about how she made it though as well as sharing practical tips and advice. If you enjoyed this episode please make sure to share and follow so you will be notified when the next episode drops. If you have or know someone who has a story to share on this podcast, please reach out at fcwi.org/interview. If you are experiencing struggles similar to what Jenna described, please reach out to, The National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950- 6264. The content in this episode has been reviewed by the UMatter oversight committee.

Hello! In this episode I sat down with Lily, a senior in high school, who spoke about her journey with an eating disorder. She shared what that experience was like for her, and how she made it through. I hope you can learn from it as much as I did! If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to share and follow so you will be notified when the next episode drops. If you have or know someone who has a story to share on this podcast, please reach out at fcwi.org/interview. If you find yourself struggling with eating or body image, National Eating Disorder Association has a hot line, 1-800-931-2237 for you to reach out to. Thank you and see you again soon! The content in this episode has been reviewed by: Eileen Abrams, Psy.D, licensed psychologist.

Hello! In this episode I sat down with Shir who spoke about her journey with depression. She shared in detail what it felt like for her and left off with words of inspiration. I hope you can learn from it as much as I did! If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to share and follow so you will be notified when the next episode drops. If you have or know someone who has a story to share on this podcast, please reach out at fcwi.org/interview. If you are experiencing any suicidal ideation please call 988, a 24 hour hotline that’s there to help. If you’re experiencing challenges with depression please call 1-800-950- 6264, another hotline that’s there for you. Thank you and see you again soon! The content in this episode has been reviewed by: Eileen Abrams, Psy.D, licensed psychologist.

Hi! In this episode I sat down with Abby. She shared with us how she spent many years struggling with physical challenges which had a big impact on her mentally. She left off with a powerful lesson of the importance of not judging another person especially because you never know the full story. I hope you enjoy it, and remember to share and follow so you are notified when the next episode drops. If you have or know someone who has a story to share on this podcast please reach out at fcwi.org/interview. Thanks! See you again soon! The content in this episode has been reviewed by: Eileen Abrams, Psy.D, licensed psychologist.

Hi! In this episode I sat down with 19 year old Tari who spoke about the affects of growing up with parents that were both addicts. What she shared was insightful and inspiring and I hope you enjoy! If you are suffering from a substance use disorder, please call SAMHSA, a 24 hr hotline at 1-800-662-4357. There are also If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to share and follow so you will get updated when the next episode drops. If you have or know someone who has a story to share on this podcast please reach out at fcwi.org/interview. Thank you and see you again soon! The content in this episode has been reviewed by: Eileen Abrams, Psy.D, licensed psychologist.

Hi! Today I sat down with Brocha who shared her incredible life story. She spoke about the pain she experienced and her struggles with mental health. I learnt a lot of lessons from her story and I hope you can too! If you have a story you want to share on this podcast, send me an email at [email protected] Thank you!

In this episode I sat down with Emma to discuss her journey with mental health. Emma shares her struggles with depression and inspires us to be more empathetic to those around us. For any feedback, comments, or suggestions send me an email at [email protected]. Thank you!

Hi! We are Mendi, Ella and Juliana and we are excited to share with you the trailer for this podcast, Wish You Knew. Wish You Knew is a podcast where we will be sitting down with teens to have the important conversation about their mental health journey. Join us every other week to hear their stories and learn what they wish we knew about their experience..