Youth in the Loop is a youth-led podcast that amplifies the voices of young people, connecting them with community leaders and changemakers. Hosted by Rudra Patel, each episode explores the issues that matter most to local youth—education, opportunity, equity, and community well-being—through honest conversations and fresh perspectives.
In Episode 13 of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Mani Grewal, Stanislaus County Supervisor for District 4 and former Modesto City Councilmember. Mani shares his journey growing up in Modesto, entering local government, and spending more than a decade working in public service. We discuss economic development, housing, growth, public safety, government accountability, immigration, water, and the future of Stanislaus County. We also explore what it means to build a community where young people can see a future for themselves. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about local government, leadership, and the challenges shaping our community.
29 Aug 2026
Juan Telles: From Community Organizer to City Council Candidate
In our twelfth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Juan Telles, community organizer, environmental advocate, and candidate for Modesto City Council District 2. Juan shares his journey growing up in Modesto, his work in youth programming and community advocacy, and what inspired him to return to local politics. We also discuss housing, economic development, environmental justice, the future of Modesto, and how young people can play a greater role in shaping their communities. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about public service, leadership, and building a stronger future for Modesto.
1 Jul 2026
Inside Modesto's Growing Arts Movement
In our eleventh episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Sam Pierstorff, English professor at Modesto Junior College, Executive Director of the Modesto Artists Movement, former Poet Laureate of Modesto, and community leader. Sam shares his perspective on the power of storytelling, the role of the arts in building stronger communities, and why creativity is essential to the future of cities like Modesto. We also discuss education, entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, and how young people can use creativity to make a lasting impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and the power of the arts to shape the future.
17 Jun 2026
Bridging City Hall and the Next Generation: A Discussion with Mayor of Modesto Sue Zwahlen
In our tenth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Sue Zwahlen, Mayor of Modesto, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the city's future. Mayor Zwahlen shares her perspective on topics including General Plan 2050, housing affordability, homelessness, downtown revitalization, and youth civic engagement. We also explore the realities of local leadership, public trust, and how young people can play a meaningful role in shaping their community. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of Modesto and the decisions that will define it for years to come.
11 Jun 2026
The Power of Youth Activism with Moses Abeyta
In our ninth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Moses Abeyta, a student activist, community organizer, and President of the Stanislaus Young Dems Club. Moses shares his journey into civic engagement, what inspired him to become involved in community advocacy, and how young people can create meaningful change in their communities. We discuss the realities of organizing student-led initiatives, the challenges facing youth participation today, and the growing role of student voices in shaping local conversations. Tune in for an insightful discussion on leadership, activism, and the power of young people to make an impact.
22 Apr 2026
The Rise of Digital Campaigns: Politics in the Age of Social Media
In our eighth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Ethan Kelly, a political strategist, digital communicator, and founder of the YouTube channel Let’s Talk Elections. Ethan shares his journey from creating political content as a teenager to working on major campaigns, including Kamala Harris and Texas State Representative James Talarico, as well as his experience in the White House. We discuss the power of digital media in shaping political narratives, what happens behind the scenes of modern campaigns, and how messaging reaches millions of voters. Tune in for an inside look at the intersection of politics, media, and youth influence in today’s world.
12 Apr 2026
The Importance of Youth Voice In Ongoing Conversations
In our seventh episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with student leader Sabrina Toor, a Student Representative to the Modesto City Schools Board of Education and member of the Modesto Youth Commission. Sabrina shares her journey into leadership, her work representing student voices in district decision-making, and her efforts to increase youth engagement in local government. We also discuss her initiative, Creation4Cessation, and how creative advocacy can reshape conversations around teen vaping and public health. Tune in for an insightful conversation on youth leadership, representation, and making a real impact in your community.
5 Apr 2026
The Power of Words and Community with Gillian Wegener
In the sixth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Gillian Wegener, educator, activist, and former Modesto Poet Laureate, to explore the intersection of creativity, education, and community leadership. Wegener shares her journey into teaching and writing, her experiences working with students, and how poetry can be a powerful tool for self-expression and connection. We also dive into her work beyond the classroom, including her role in the Modesto–Stanislaus Poetry Center and the Stanislaus County Commission for Women, where she helps promote the arts and advocate for community issues. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the importance of finding your voice, engaging with your community, and using creativity to make a meaningful impact.
26 Mar 2026
Understanding the Candidate: Michael Masuda on Issues and Priorities
In our fifth episode of Youth in the Loop, we sit down with Michael Masuda, a Democratic candidate for California’s 5th District, to discuss his vision for the community and his motivations for running for office. Masuda shares his perspectives on leadership, key policy priorities, and the challenges facing the district today. We explore his ideas for the future, his approach to representing constituents, and what he believes the next generation should expect from political leaders. Tune in for a thoughtful, informative conversation on the role of youth in shaping the future of politics.
13 Jan 2026
A New Chapter for MCS: Dr. Vanessa Buitrago on Leadership and Vision
In our fourth episode of Youth In The Loop, we sit down with Dr. Vanessa Buitrago, the new Superintendent of Modesto City Schools. Dr. Buitrago shares her journey into education leadership, her vision for the district, and insights from her 100-day plan. We discuss the district's priorities, challenges facing students, upcoming board policies on technology and AI, and how students can play a role in shaping positive change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation and advice for the next generation of leaders.
27 Nov 2025
Update of the Modesto Police Department
In our third episode, we sit down with Modesto Chief of Police Brandon Gillespie to discuss his journey into law enforcement, what led him to the Modesto Police Department, and the challenges and rewards of serving as Chief. We also talk about community policing, public safety initiatives, the role of technology, and how MPD is working to support youth and build trust across Modesto. We hope you enjoy this episode
20 Nov 2025
Status of Modesto City Schools
In our second episode, we dive into the various campaigns Modesto City Schools are implementing to increase student achievement. In this interview with Board President Abel Maestas, we learn about his journey to education, public service, and Today we host the President of the Modesto City Schools Board of Education. In this episode, we explore their path to the Board, what the role of Board President entails, and how their background in education shapes the decisions they make for students and the community. We also discuss how the Board is adapting under new leadership, navigating differing viewpoints, and supporting major initiatives like Be the Change and Map Your Mission to expand youth opportunities across MCS. We hope you enjoy our second episode!
18 Aug 2025
Addressing Homelessness In Modesto
Today we host Modesto Council Member Chris Ricci. In our first episode, we dive into various topics: Chris Ricci's path to City Council, the role of a City Council Member, and projects that the City Council are championing to reduce homelessness in Modesto. We hope you enjoy our first episode!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
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