YUP! the Podcast for Young Parents

SisterSong is a Southern-based, national membership organization; their purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities.SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective was formed in 1997 by 16 organizations of women of color from four mini-communities (Native American, African American, Latina, and Asian American) who recognized that we have the right and responsibility to represent ourselves and our communities, and the equally compelling need to advance the perspectives and needs of women of color.On this episode we sat down with Bahja Jordan and discussed all things reproductive justice. She shared tips for young parents on how to navigate advocating for yourself to peers and providers, how to communicate your needs postpartum, the importance of intimacy and pleasure, and finally how reproductive justice goes beyond just reproductive health. Join us for an informative and compelling conversation!

The snow may melt, leaves may change, and flowers may bloom, but no matter how the seasons change, there is beauty in the journey. Parenting is no different! On this episode, we sat down with Keona and discussed the ebbs and flows of parenting. Reflecting on different seasons in our parenting and the lessons learned, we explore what legacy, growth, and healing look like. Check out this episode and more content from Keona on our website, YoungUnitedParents.org!

On this episode we sat down with the founder of Talk More, Lauren Barineau! We discussed navigating conversations about consent, bodies, boundaries and relationships with children. What is developmentally normal? Can talking about these topics lead kids to engaging in sexual behaviors? Is it too late to start the discussion? Lauren shares her expertise on it all and provides tips on establishing family values and becoming a trusted adult. In addition to YoungUnitedParents.org, check out these resources for more on having developmentally appropriate conversations with children:Talk More Parent Planners: Divided by age and topic, this resource specifically outlines resources for parents to review first, suggested books and videos for adults and kids to view together, and recommended conversation starters. You can find them all free to download here.Healthychildren.org: from the American Academy of Pediatrics, great articles for adults to learn more about various topics to support healthy growth and development conversations. Kids Health: Great site for parents, kids, and teens to learn medically accurate information about a variety of topics including puberty and body systems. AMAZE.org: videos for parents and littles that talk about the importance of starting conversations early (and how to share your values when you do talk with kids). You can find their parent page here, just keep scrolling down to find more information.

On this episode we sit down with young parents Keona and Ron. They share how they balance parenting their four young children, life's responsibilities, and their relationship. We love healthy relationships at YUP!, and hearing their story from sharing responsibilities to communication, Keona and Ron have many nuggets of wisdom to share with other young parents. Join us on the journey!

As a young parent, sometimes it can feel overwhelming to find the right birth control for you. What are the safest options? What's the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal? What if I'm breastfeeding or want to have another baby in the future? Dr. Mays joins us for a candid conversation on birth control, STIs, and all things vaginal and sexual health. We are answering your questions, debunking myths, discussing stigma around STIs, and diving into what vaginas really need to be healthy!

El Nido was founded in 1925 and has been doing work in Los Angeles, CA ever since! They build healthy families by providing community-based social services in some of the most underserved communities in Los Angeles County. On this episode we are joined by Eduardo, a case manager for teen parents at El Nido. He discusses ways to use arts and creativity for healing as well as what self care looks like for him as a youth serving professional. Stick around to hear Eduardo share one of his poems!

We are closing out 2025 strong with the moms of our youth advisory council! On this episode we are diving into the joys and struggles of parenting. We get into the topics that some parents may not say out loud and give ourselves grace for the journey! What are some of your parenting confessions?

Surprise, we've got special guests! On this episode the kids of the podcast joined us for a very special conversation. They are spilling the tea on everything from their thoughts on having young parents and what we do to make them roll their eyes, to what they are most proud of and what's on their Christmas lists this year. You don't want to miss this silly, unhinged, and super unfiltered episode!

Happy holidays! This year we are switching it up and busting myths placed on young parents. On this episode we discuss our plans for the holidays, stressors during this time of year, and take a look at the stigma that young parents face from getting pregnant to how parenting may or may not impact our lives! We would love to hear your thoughts on some of these myths as well as what your traditions are during the holiday season.

It's holiday season and it's no secret that this is an expensive time of year! On this episode we sat down with honorary co-host Justice and discussed all things money. From thrifting, couponing, and crafting, to money saving hacks all year round, we are covering it all. What do you do to save money? Comment and share your tips and tricks!

Knowing our bodies is not just about knowing when we are hungry or tired, but it's also about knowing how we are feeling and even when or if we want to have sex or be in relationship with someone. On this episode we sit down with Dr. Mays to discuss everything from sexual readiness to periods, hormones, PMS, and ovulation. Dr. Mays drops all of the gems, so you don't want to miss this one!Additional Resources:Dream Youth Clinic- https://www.dreamyouthclinic.org/ Young United Parents (YUP!)- https://www.youngunitedparents.org/Bedsider- https://www.bedsider.org/Amaze- https://amaze.org/us/Planned Parenthood- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Our podcast is 18 months old and officially a toddler! On this episode we share our favorite moments, our hopes and dreams for the future, and our GROWTH! Watch as we dive into growth mindset both in parenting and in everyday life. We share everything from tough parenting moments to affirmations and self-care. As always, we would love to have you along on the journey, so check out youngunitedparents.org or send us a message and we will connect with you!

October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and on this episode we sat down with the founder and CEO of Bully Talk inc., Kina Evans. Bully Talk is a non-profit organization that aims to provide support, resources, and a safe environment for our youth to feel empowered. Watch as we learn about the work that Kina is doing, find out the signs of bullying, how to advocate for your children, and hear ways to deal with the judgment and stigma associated with being a young parent!

***Trigger warning: Domestic violence, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, toxic relationships***October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month and we know this can be a very heavy topic for many people. On this episode we are sitting down with our favorite honorary co-host Justice. We are having a raw, real talk about past toxic relationships, reflecting on red flags, and discussing healing. This episode is all about healthy and unhealthy relationships and all of the grace in between! If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse in a relationship, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text 88788 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

National Grandparents Day was September 7th and as a way to celebrate we invited some of the grandparents of YUP! to the podcast! On this episode we are getting raw and real with our moms! We discuss their reactions to our pregnancies, the joys and challenges of grandparenting, and get their perspective on our lives as young parents. It was a wild ride ya'll, but join us on the journey!

Join us for another girlfriend check in! On this episode we are checking in on each other and the community. This year has gotten off to an interesting start, but this summer has brought so much light and healing. We discuss parenting, summer activities, and how we are keeping these kids fed an entertained all summer long! Be sure to stick around to find out what Divine and Brandy are manifesting this year!

***Trigger warning: grief, death, mental health***Grief is such a touchy topic and this week we are diving in head first! On this episode we share our own grief journeys, how we navigate grief with our children, and coping strategies. Grief doesn't have to always mean a life is lost, sometimes we grieve who we thought we'd be, we grieve past relationships, and even old memories. Whatever you may be grieving from, just know you aren't alone and we are in the trenches with you!

On this episode we are joined my young mom of two, Leandra. She gives a raw and real look into her parenting journey from losing friendships to custody battles and co-parenting. Get all the tea on the unique connection Divine and Leandra have and how they found healing and put their children first to maintain a relationship.

***Trigger Warning: Mental health, death, smoking, drinking***On this week's episode we are joined by young mom of four, Keona Rose. She gives an in depth and vulnerable look into her journey through foster care, homelessness, and parenting. We talk in-laws, coping, and breaking down stigma as a young parent. Join us on the journey!

This week we are joined by super special guests! Erika and Lisa from an organization called YoungLives share about the amazing programs they have for young parents. We discuss the difficult role that adultification has on young parents and how they utilize humor encourage young parents to being young while also being a parent! At the intersection of faith and humor, YoungLives has very cool opportunities for young parents around the world! Learn more about what they are doing and how you can get involved!

On today's episode we have. a very special guest. Nichole is an advocate and champion for young parents and parenting students, with a lived experience as a former young parent. Join us as we highlight the strengths and barriers of being a young parent in high school and college, while also setting our own intentions.

IT'S A COLLAB! This week we are teaming up with the Dream Youth Clinic and the Young Mothers Rising group. Dream Youth Clinic is a dynamic, creative, and innovative youth-led and youth-inspired organization dedicated to serving the most vulnerable youth of the Bay Area and beyond by centering reproductive justice and positive youth development frameworks and digital health education. Our mission is to provide no-cost, youth-led health services and programming, utilizing a reproductive justice framework that centers black girls, black youth, youth of color, and gender expansive youth. The Young Mothers Rising program moves our young mothers from the fringes to the center, by creating a space where young motherhood is empowered, celebrated and supported. Young Mothers Rising supports the empowerment of young mothers by providing robust youth-centered family resources, including a biweekly young mothers educational/support group, basic needs resourcing, young mother friendly employment opportunities, and a Young Mothers Rising community fund. On this episode we talk all things motherhood from finding out we were pregnant to support systems and parenting advice!

On this episode young mom, Tamar, joins podcast co-hosts to discuss her parenting journey! She gets real and raw about being a teen mom, balancing school, work and parenting, and even how she navigates mental health struggles. This one did not disappoint, so check it out and leave us a comment on some of your parenting life hacks!

On this episode, content creator and honorary co-host, Justice shares her expertise on all things social media. She talks about her journey on social media, finding her village, and her decision not to post her daughter online. Check out this conversation and let us know your thoughts on social media and parenting!

Join us for our first ever girlfriend check in! On this episode we are checking in on each other and the community. This year has gotten off to an interesting start from fires across LA to a new administration and so much in between. We discuss healing, self-care, and how we are showing up for ourselves, our children, and our communities during this tough time. Be sure to stick around to find out what word we are committing to this year!

On this episode, co-hosts talk about milestones and discipline! Have you ever felt guilt or stress because your child wasn't hitting milestones or wasn't hitting societal standards on the growth chart? Or...have you ever felt like you were winging it with discipline? If so, we are talking about it all. Parenting is a journey and discipline techniques are always changing. Join us on the journey and share all the tips and tricks you may have about milestones and discipline!

***Trigger Warning: mention of domestic violence***Dating, dating, dating! Have you been out in the dating water lately? Well we have and we have guest, Justice on spilling the tea on dating as a single parent. On this episode we discuss online dating, finding potential partners, introducing people to our children, red flags, and so much more! Check it out and let us know how you are (or are not) navigating dating!

Join us on a very special episode where we debunk stigma and uncover the hidden narratives placed on young parents. This week we are joined by Dr. Aisha Mays, an adolescent physician, author, leader, and founder of Dream Youth Clinic. She shares about the work they are doing in Oakland, California and calls on healthcare professionals to meet the unique needs of young parents. This is a candid conversation on the unspoken rules internalized by young parents and what we need to do to combat these harmful narratives!

***Trigger warning: Sexual assault, drugs*** On this episode, podcast co-hosts Brandy and Divine are joined by Nathalea Skye! Young mom Nathalea shares her experience as a former foster youth and current mother of six children. Hear her journey and how she turned tragedy, abuse, and past traumas into purpose and healing for her family and her community!

It's tiiiime! This holiday season is giving us all the warm and fuzzies! Join co-hosts Brandy and Divine as they answer your most asked questions. We cover everything from reclaiming your identity after having a child to dealing with family members who overstep boundaries. If you have a question for us, we are only a comment away!

On this episode co-hosts, Brandy and Divine, talk all things single parenting! Get an in depth look at their lives as single parents from the day to day struggles, co-parenting and the highs and lows of being a single parent, to the important role their support systems play in raising their children. It is a wild ride, but we invite you to join us on the journey!

***Trigger warning: sex, abortion, miscarriage, sexual abuse, grief*** We know that in today's society reproductive rights and family planning is a widely controversial topic. People have strong views on whether or not a woman should have the right to choose certain aspects of her reproductive health, and these opinions may add to the judgement and stigma that young parents feel. On this episode, the hosts sit down with guest Justice McNeil to talk all things abortion and reproductive rights. Justice gives a candid look at her own abortion journey and shares nuggets of wisdom for navigating tough conversations. Join us as we explore having conversations about sex and family planning with our daughters and our thoughts on the future! As always, YUP! is a safe space for young parents to share their stories and support one another and we can't wait to meet you there!

***Trigger warning: Trauma, drugs*** As young parents, many of us have been through trauma and tough situations in our lives. Maybe you haven't entered your healing journey or maybe you're in the thick of it, but no matter where you are, you are showing up as a parent each and every day. On this episode we are joined by a very special guest...young mom of six, Nathalea Skye! She shares her healing journey and offers tips for taking accountability, consciously parenting, and navigating big emotions as a parent. YUP! is a safe space for young parents to share their stories and support one another and we can't wait to meet you there!

Have you ever wished you could give your child more, or that you showed up differently on a particular day, or even wished you would've made a different parenting decision? On this episode we are joined by a very special guest...former teen mom, Dr. Dedra Beckles aka Brandy's mom! We discuss mom guilt and how we can go from guilt to growth to grace on our motherhood journey! Hear our special guest's story from becoming a mom at 15 to now having a granddaughter and everything in between!

Finding out you are pregnant as a teen or young parent can bring up a lot of feelings and we are talking all about it! Watch as we share our pregnancy stories from finding out, telling our families, and how we navigated judgment and stigma. We'd love to hear your pregnancy stories as well, so be sure to leave a comment!

Childbirth is a beautiful, wild ride and we are talking all about it! Watch as we share our birth stories and hear our special guest Justice share tips and tricks for birth support.

The YUP! podcast contains raw, real talk about all things young parenting. We are so excited to share this journey with you!