Voices of the Valley

About Voices of the Valley

“Voices of the Valley” is a local podcast exploring youth mental health in a small town. Through honest conversations and real stories from young adults to role models, listening to Voices of the Valley means hearing voices that sound like yours, struggles that feel familiar, and reminders that you are not weak for feeling the way you do. This podcast is here to help break stigma, offer hope, and show that asking for help is a strength, not a failure.

Publisher

Voices of the Valley

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Aug 2025

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Taking Care of the Whole You: Bridging the gap between mental and physical health

   In this episode of Voices of the Valley, I’m joined by Dr. Lilia Luna, a clinical psychologist and Behavioral Health Director at Northwest Colorado Health, to talk about the deep connection between our mental and physical health and why it’s so important to care for both. We often think of mental health and physical health as two separate things, but in reality, they are constantly influencing one another. How we feel mentally can affect our bodies, and how we take care of our bodies can have a huge impact on how we feel emotionally. This episode is a reminder that prioritizing your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. We talk about the importance of self-care, making time to slow down, listening to what your mind and body need, and recognizing that taking care of yourself isn’t something you should feel guilty for. At the end of the day, being healthy isn’t just about how we feel physically. It’s about taking care of the whole person and giving our mental health the same attention, care, and importance that we give our physical health. Featured Resource: My Favorite Ways to Practice Self-Care When I personally think about self-care, one of my favorite things to come back to is movement. For me, taking care of my mental health has always been so connected to taking care of my physical health. Sometimes that looks like going on a hike, skiing, working out, or simply getting outside and moving my body. But one of my favorite forms of self-care is yoga. Yoga has taught me so much about the connection between my mind and my body. It gives me a chance to slow down, be present, focus on my breathing, and actually listen to what my body needs. I’ve found that even when I’m feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just mentally drained, taking the time to move and reconnect with myself can completely change how I feel. One of my favorite places to practice is Out Here Yoga in Steamboat. I love the environment there, and yoga has become one of those things that I can turn to whether I need movement, a mental reset, or just a little time to focus on myself. I think self-care looks different for everyone. It doesn't have to be yoga or exercise,it could be going for a walk, spending time outside, listening to music, reading, creating something, spending time with people you love, or simply giving yourself permission to rest. For me, the most important part is finding something that helps me feel more connected to myself and remembering that my mental health deserves just as much attention as my physical health.

2. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Breaking the cycle- Substance use and how it ties to your mental health

   In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Izzy sits down with Colorado State Attorney General Phil Weiser for an important conversation about youth substance use and how it connects to mental health. Together, they talk about why many young people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, and pressure, and why substance use is often a sign of deeper emotional pain, not the root problem itself. The Attorney General shares what he’s seeing across Colorado, how substance use is impacting young people’s mental health, and what his office is doing to support prevention, education, and recovery for youth and families. From statewide initiatives to community-based programs, this episode highlights the efforts being made to protect kids, reduce harm, and create healthier paths forward. Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or someone who cares about youth mental health, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical information and reminds listeners that help is available, and no one has to face this alone. This episode's featured resource is I Matter Colorado. I Matter Colorado is a free and confidential program that helps Colorado teens get mental health support because substance use is often connected to stress, pain, or feeling overwhelmed. If drugs or alcohol have become a way to cope, I Matter focuses on what’s underneath that, not just the behavior. How to access I Matter Colorado: Go to IMatterColorado.org Click “Take the survey” Answer a few short questions about how you’re feeling You’ll be matched with a licensed therapist Teens ages 12–18 can receive up to 6 free therapy sessions (parent permission may be required depending on age) I Matter isn’t just for teens who are using substances themselves. It’s also for you if a friend or family member is struggling with substance use and it’s affecting your mental health. Watching someone you care about go through that can be stressful, confusing, and heavy, and you deserve support, too. You don’t have to be in crisis to use I Matter. It’s for teens who want someone to talk to and real tools to cope in healthier ways. Phone numbers to put in your phone: Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text) Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

3. 

   7 Oct 2025

   The injury effect- When injury shakes your identity

   In this episode of Voices of the Valley, host Izzy sits down with local Steamboat Springs athlete Reise Wilson to talk about something most young athletes never expect: the mental toll of being sidelined by injury. After tearing her ACL, meniscus, and MCL during a ski competition, Reise went from training daily to suddenly being unable to do the sport she loved. Together, they dive into the emotional rollercoaster of recovery, from feeling left behind and questioning her identity, to rediscovering her strength and purpose beyond athletics. This conversation shines a light on how injuries can impact more than just the body; they affect motivation, confidence, friendships, and mental health. Reise opens up about the pressure to “stay strong,” what helped her heal mentally, and how she learned that vulnerability is part of recovery. Featured resource in this episode includes CredibleMind a free and confidential online platform that provides you with mental health and self-care resources. On their access, things like other podcasts, apps, videos, local resources, and many other things that address a variety of different things you may be struggling with. It can be accessed at ⁠northwestco.crediblemind.com⁠ (http://northwestco.crediblemind.com/) and is available in English and Spanish. Phone numbers to put in your phone: Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text) Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

4. 

   9 Sept 2025

   Hope is Real- what you should know about suicide and mental health

   In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Izzy and guest co-host Makayla open up about suicide prevention and mental health, covering warning signs, risk factors, and how youth can support one another. Knowing what to do can save a life. This episode features 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, as our highlighted community resource for information on where to turn to if you or a loved one needs help. This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles or wondered how to support someone else who might be hurting.988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s a nationwide number you can call or text 24/7 if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, a mental health crisis, substance use, or just feeling completely overwhelmed. It connects you directly to trained crisis counselors who listen without judgment and can help you figure out what to do next. Here’s how it works: You can call or text 988, and you will be connected to a real person trained to support you They will then connect you with the right people to further help you as well It's completely confidential You do not have to be in immediate danger to call Note *You can always call or text just to talk, ask questions, or say 'I don’t know what I need, but I don’t feel okay.* If someone is in immediate danger, like they’ve taken something, they’re trying to hurt themselves, or they’re in a situation where they could die, call 911 right away. That’s an emergency, and you need help from first responders who can get there fast. The most important thing is this: Don’t wait. You’re not overreacting. Getting help quickly can save a life. Remember: If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call 911 when a life is at risk. Phone numbers to put in your phone: Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text) Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

5. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Invisible battles- A personal story

   In this powerful episode of Voices of the Valley, Ford Fontaine, a local youth, opens up about their personal journey with mental health struggles growing up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Ford shares the reality of looking like everything is fine on the outside while silently battling more than anyone knew on the inside. Through raw and honest conversation, we explore the gap between how life appears and how it really feels, and why finding support matters more than we realize. This episode also features REPS (Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide) as our highlighted community resource, sharing information on where to turn when you or someone you love needs help. If you’ve ever felt alone, unseen, or like you’re not enough, this episode is for you. REPS-Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide: REPS is right here in Steamboat Springs and is an amazing local support system. If you’re ready to talk to someone, REPS offers 5 free therapy sessions. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out to REPS. They’re here to support anyone struggling with mental health, no matter what you’re going through. Steps: Go to yampavalleyreps.org Click on Counseling and Therapy Scroll down and click on New Client Intake Form If you’re 12 or older, you can sign up yourself-you don’t need a parent’s permission If you need guidance or a referral, you can call reps at (970)-846-8182 or email them at info@yampavalleyreps.org (mailto:info@yampavalleyreps.org). If someone is in immediate danger-like they’re trying to hurt themselves right now, have taken something harmful, or are unconscious, call 911 right away. This is an emergency, and you need help from first responders who can come to the scene quickly. If someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, or just feeling overwhelmed, but isn’t in immediate danger, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen, support, and help connect you to resources. Remember: If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call 911 when a life is at risk. Phone numbers to put in your phone: Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text) Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.