Founded in 2008 in Denver, CO, Youth on Record (YOR) is a program that “empowers Colorado’s underserved youth to achieve their academic, artistic, and personal best by employing local, professional artists as their educators.” They currently empower 1,700 teens in some of Denver’s most vulnerable communities encouraging them to make life choices that positively impact their futures whilst building the leaders of tomorrow.
The program has released multiple podcasts including the Official Underground Music Showcase Podcast, Underground and the Showcase, and another podcast produced in collaboration with Colorado Young Leaders, titled Generation Collaboration.
Youth on Record is the newest podcast from YOR that will begin to release monthly podcast episodes in May 2023 “featuring youth-produced stories, interviews, poetry, music, and other audio art guided by the creative visions of paid podcasting interns.” Working to magnify the voices of young storytellers, the podcast was created to equip young creatives that seek to work in the podcast and audio arts industry with valuable insight into the ever-changing and expanding media outlet.
The first episode released was created by a former intern and current YOR fellow Sydney Yllanes and former interns Genevieve Glimp and Tierney Worthen. It discusses mental health and wellness through the eyes of young adults by asking current college students “What does mental health mean to you?”
The second episode set to be released in June was created by a former intern and recent University of Colorado, Denver graduate Sreeja Chakrabarty examines the concept of “art versus the artist.” Through speaking with local musicians and artists, Chakrabarty learned how they maneuver their own personal creative ways with intention.
David Ladon, the executive producer of Youth on Rewind, strives to provide the professional skills needed to succeed and grow in the audio arts and entertainment industry. Ladon states that “Youth on Rewind offers listeners a sample of the compelling work our podcasting interns have produced, conversations about representation in the media often overlook youth perspectives or lack thereof. We are excited to be carving out space for youth voices to shine in Colorado’s robust independent media ecosystem.”
Stream Youth on Rewind now through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
