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PODCAST

Young People to the Front

Young People to the Front

The Young People to the Front Podcast (YP2FPod) aims to elevate youth voices and increase awareness about youth homelessness in LA. By exploring the causes and LA-specific issues that intersect with youth homelessness, as well as highlighting actions that can be taken to solve it, we hope to build a broad support network and deepen our connection to the community.

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All Episodes

01:10:50

Direct Cash Transfer Programs for Youth Experiencing...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/11/25

On this weeks episode guest host Robin sits down for a conversation with Sofie, parker, and dwight to talk about the direct cash transfer pilot program in Oregon. For Context Oregon ranks third nationally in youth homelessness (1,315 youth) despite small population Nationwide youth homelessness increased 10% in 2024Program StructureOregon provided $1,000/month for 24 months plus a one-time $3,000 enrichment fund to 120 young people (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessnessOptional supportive services

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01:15:15

Dr. Eric Rice on Music, Building Community, and Youth...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/11/18

The team kicks off with classic YP2F banter—Tonny, Robin, and Fatine swap summer stories, argue about when “summer actually ends,” and debate the best concerts of their lives. From Beyoncé at SoFi to Oasis at Wembley and a Big Sur camping trip gone slightly wrong (watch out for wasps), the crew ends up reflecting on what makes live experiences so transformative: connection, community, and the memories that outlast the season.Then, Tonny sits down for a deeply personal, expansive conversation with

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01:00:19

Navigating Youth Homelessness: Advocacy, Dignity, and...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/11/12

Episode NotesHost Tonny St. James sits down with artist, organizer, and consultant Amanda Nicholson to unpack the realities of navigating homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic—and the urgent need to rebuild systems with dignity at the center.Amanda shares her journey from couch surfing in high school to surviving homelessness in San Diego and Los Angeles, and how those lived experiences fueled her transition into grassroots advocacy, workshops, and consulting. Together, they explore the failures

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01:10:43

New Deal To End Youth Homelessness Ft. Josh Cogan &...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/10/28

YP2F: The New Deal to End Youth Homelessness — with Josh Kogan & Aurora HiggsEpisode NotesTonny sits down with Josh Kogan (Director of Public Policy) and Aurora Higgs (Associate Director of Communications) from Away Home America to talk about their New Deal to End Youth Homelessness—a bold, nationwide policy roadmap built by and for young people with lived experience.Together, they break down what it means to organize across states like California, Texas, and North Carolina; how storytelling

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00:55:50

Announcing Young People To The Front Headquarters!...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/10/14

Learn more at yp2f.org/hqFollow Robin on LinkedIn!

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01:34:12

Redefining Youth Homelessness: Iziaih on Building...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/10/01

Iziaih ChoquetteOn Youth Power, Systems Change, and Building a Future Beyond SurvivalIn this energizing conversation, host Tonny St. James is joined by advocate, consultant, and community leader Iziaih Choquette (they/them) to kick off Season 3 of Young People at the Front (YP2F).Iziaih shares their journey from navigating youth homelessness in the Midwest to becoming a statewide and national voice for systemic change. With humor, candor, and unapologetic fire, they reflect on what it means to be

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00:05:01

Your Favorite Youth Homelessness Podcast is back!

Young People to the Front ·

2025/09/16

Everyone favorite youth homeless policy podcast is back! Hosts Tonny St. James, Robin Petering, and Fatine Ait Haddou return to the studio to launch Season 3 of Young People to the Front. In this trailer, the team reflects on past seasons, new upgrades, and the mission ahead: amplifying youth voices, lifting up advocates in Los Angeles and beyond, and highlighting the stories behind their zines and community work. Expect fresh conversations, fun banter, and a season packed with impact.

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01:10:21

From Foster Care System to Storytelling - A...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/06/18

In this emotional and unflinchingly honest episode of YP2F, host Tonny St. James welcomes writer, filmmaker, and journalist Loe Renee for a conversation about what it means to survive—and thrive—after the foster care system.From early experiences in group homes to a professional journey through film, journalism, and advocacy, Loe shares their story with striking vulnerability and clarity. Together, they unpack what it means to be a “shadow youth,” the unspoken gaps in the system, and how reclaiming

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01:08:43

Dr. Seth Pickens Talks the Importance of Building...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/05/27

In this latest episode of YP2F, hosts Tonny and Robin sit down with Dr. Seth Pickens; a pastor, researcher, and Managing Director of the Homelessness Policy Research Institute (HPRI) at USC and explore the powerful intersection of spirituality, data, and homelessness policy. From his journey in ministry to launching trauma-informed, human-centered pilot programs for housing-insecure youth, Dr. Pickens unpacks why building people up is just as vital as building housing. The conversation dives into

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01:36:46

When Lived Experience Leads the Work: A Conversation...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/05/13

In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Robin and Fatine are joined by Christian Quijano and Chino Quinlan to discuss their shared work in youth homelessness advocacy and how their friendship and professional collaboration evolved from a West Coast convening event. Christian, Associate Director at My Friend’s Place, and Chino, a youth advocate with lived experience working at Safe Place for Youth and the LA LGBT Center, reflect on the intersection of data, storytelling, and personal

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01:11:31

Ep 38 - Reshaping Homeless Services with Ashley...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/04/29

In this episode of Young People to the Front, the hosts Tonny, Robin, and Fatime welcome guest Ashley Bennett, Director of Homelessness at the Los Angeles City Controller’s Office. The conversation explores Ashley’s personal journey from experiencing homelessness as a youth to becoming a community organizer and later transitioning into government work. She discusses her work with Ground Game LA, her pivotal role during the Echo Park Lake encampment, and her transition into the Controller’s Office

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00:44:20

Echo Park Research Collective Ft. Will Sens Jr

Young People to the Front ·

2025/04/15

On this week's episode, Tonny sits down with Will Sens Jr. from the Echo Park Research Collective. The two discuss his non-traditional route to becoming part of a research project. Will shares his journey from being a resident of Echo Park Lake to participating in a research project alongside UCLA students. They explore the power of community and belonging, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support you rather than those who exploit your expertise. Discover

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00:46:42

Emmett Liljegren on Student Homelessness & Trojan...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/03/25

In this episode of Young People at the Front, hosts Tonny St. James, Fatima Tadou, and Robin Peterine welcome Emmett Liljegren, President of Trojan Shelter, a student-led organization at USC dedicated to providing housing for college students experiencing homelessness. Emmett shares his journey from volunteer to president, the challenges of running a student-run shelter, and the often-overlooked issue of student homelessness at prestigious universities.The conversation explores the stigma

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01:01:22

Homeland Podcast’s Ben Kay Talks Skid Row...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/03/04

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Fatime and Robin welcome Ben Kay, a dedicated leader in Los Angeles’ homeless services sector and co-creator of the Homeland Podcast. Ben shares his personal journey from moving to LA for graduate school to volunteering on Skid Row just two days after arriving — a transformative experience that sparked his lifelong commitment to addressing homelessness. Together, Tonny and Ben dive into the complexities of working within the homeless

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00:52:42

Homelessness Prevention and Building a Better Future:...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/02/18

In this episode of Young People of the Front, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatime talk with Tai Jones, an Intensive Supporting Senior Case Manager at The People Concern in SPA 5 and entertainer who has performed on prestigious stages like The Wiltern Theatre and in major studios, including ABC. Dedicated to uplifting young people and addressing homelessness prevention, Tai shares her journey from a childhood immersed in the arts to a career in social services, inspired by her mother’s nonprofit work. She

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01:00:22

Why the System Fails Foster Youth: Alexis Obinna on...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/02/04

In this episode of Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Fatime and Robin sit down with Alexis Obinna, a dedicated community advocate, social worker, and consultant. Alexis shares her powerful journey from an affluent upbringing to the foster care system, and how her lived experiences shaped her commitment to social justice. She discusses the challenges of navigating higher education while experiencing homelessness, the systemic barriers within social services, and the urgent need for policy

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01:11:13

Addressing Water Scarcity Issues: Insights from Water...

Young People to the Front ·

2025/01/07

In this episode of Young People to the Front, Tonny, Fatime and Robin sit down with members of Water Drop LA to explore their work addressing water access issues in Skid Row and beyond. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, Water Drop has grown into a critical lifeline, distributing over 2,000 gallons of water weekly to unhoused residents. This week’s guests, including USC researchers Erik and Jordy and community advocate/skid row resident, Tony, highlight the challenges of water scarcity, the

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01:04:22

031: West Coast Convening, Measure A Success, and...

Young People to the Front ·

2024/12/10

In this episode of the Young People to the Front, hosts Tonny, Fatime and Robin reflect on recent milestones, including the success of Measure A in Los Angeles County, which secures $1.2 billion in funding for homelessness initiatives. The team discusses their participation in the West Coast Convening, a collaborative effort among service providers addressing youth homelessness across Pacific Standard Time states, and explores the unique challenges and achievements in homelessness services during

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01:23:45

Madin Lopez on Empowering Queer Youth & Building Safe...

Young People to the Front ·

2024/11/12

In this powerful episode of Young People to the Front, we sit down with Madin Lopez, founder and executive director of Project Q, a nonprofit focused on empowering queer and trans youth of color through haircuts and community support. Madin shares their journey from navigating the foster care system and the challenges of homelessness to creating an organization that combines self-expression with social justice. Project Q’s mission goes beyond hair; it’s about providing a safe and affirming space for

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01:05:28

Tackling Mental Health and Systemic Challenges in...

Young People to the Front ·

2024/10/29

Welcome back to Episode 29 of The Young People to the Front Podcast! In this lively and insightful conversation, we are joined by Monae Dale, a native Angeleno and social worker, to discuss her experience working in social services, especially with homeless youth in Los Angeles. Monae brings her unique perspective as a program officer at the California Community Foundation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her journey from providing direct services as a clinician to working in macro-level

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