The Advice Podcast That Meets Tweens Where They Are
Growing up is tough, but it’s even tougher when you’re unsure when and how to ask vulnerable questions. So, what happens when one of those big conversations are out there waiting to be had? Don’t worry. We got you.
“We Got You” is a weekly advice podcast that gives a voice to every kid who doesn’t have anyone to go to, with advice straight from teens who've been there before, hosted by actress Samantha Logan. Produced by Sonic Union in partnership with TRAX from PRX, “We Got You” answers middle schoolers' questions on life, loneliness, and an uncertain future.
Halle Petro
Meet Halle Petro, the creator, writer, and Executive Creative Producer for “We Got You”! She took some time to share what it was like producing this show, and what she’s learned (and hope her listeners learn!) in the process.
What kind of person did you have in mind while creating “We Got You”?
I think that kids growing up today are really thrust into an adult world. They are subject to so much more of life than what most of their parents experienced growing up. Google, social media, and now COVID-19 and their experience of extreme isolation are things that are unique to this generation only.
When we first were creating the show, I thought of my niece who is now 18, and all of the stages of life she has faced and overcome. I asked her opinion quite a bit and tried to make it personal to think that if I were having her listen as she was growing up, how it may have helped.
What are some of the topics you’re covering this season?
Depression, fitting in, divorce, making friends, anxiety — actually all different types of anxiety from what a panic attack is, to just not feeling ok about your life.
Also, neurodiversity, crushes, and social media, living far away from a parent, or even not having one. I am amazed at the strength of so many of these kids, but moreover, their willingness to share their stories to help a younger generation. So many of them participated solely for that reason, and it was absolutely inspiring to hear them talk about that.
Were there any topics that people seemed the most curious about when you were scouting discussion topics?
Anxiety and depression seemed to be the number one thing all kids mentioned repeatedly in some way; how they dealt with it, what they experienced, etc. It was alarming how many of them had difficulty expressing that. Also navigating social media — whether it be through understanding friendships, bullying, or even physical comparisons to their peers in school or, more commonly, celebrities.
I think that insecurity in middle school is normal, but with all of the exposure to social media and celebrity culture that kids have access to, it can exacerbate this normal feeling into an unhealthy relationship with themselves, and they suffer in silence. We really hope our show can help change that idea.
Why should teens/tweens and the adults in their lives trust the advice on “We Got You”?
We had a parent write to us recently asking about a particular subject that they wanted to see covered. The parent stated that the (sometimes serious) issues that kids are dealing with quite often come up between kids even before the issue makes its way to adults or parents. The show is a safe space. Prior to the [recording sessions], we talk both the kids and their parents through the process and aim to honor the story and protect the child. The advice that is given comes from genuine experience these kids have had, but I feel is so important because it is a peer’s point of view, and so much more relatable for those listening. It is also always positive enforcement and guidance.
We ultimately want kids to know they are not alone in what they are experiencing, and they will get through it. I have had parents overhear their kids talking, and be in touch with us or walk over to the Zoom to say “I didn’t know he/she/they felt that way.”
What advice do you have for teens and tweens who have questions but don’t know who to ask?
I first say to see if there is any person in their life that they trust, if not a parent, an aunt or uncle; if not at home, a trusted teacher or guidance counselor. I would say to think of who they interact with every day that they feel connected to and would encourage that as a starting point.
On our show, we allow an outlet for kids to submit questions anonymously via DM on Instagram or via our website at www.wegotyoushow.com. We also always name a source at the end of every episode where they can call or text to be in touch with someone. They should know they are not alone, and they can always find help even if they have to reach for it.
What’s something you’ve learned from making this show?
In one of my first interviews with a kid, we were discussing what it is like discovering yourself, going through phases of becoming comfortable by trying things on for size — maybe it’s a hairstyle, clothing, or listening to a type of music, or maybe more seriously it is a friend group or sexual identity. The kid was saying that every adult in their life made a comment about how that phase they were in was going to pass, and that by pointing out to them their immaturity as a child, it made them feel upset. They said something so simple: “Every phase is meaningful. Even if it may pass, it’s taken seriously and is present to me, so why can’t it be taken seriously by my parents?”
It struck me so much, as even with the kids in my life or my younger niece I would sometimes laugh off their experiences as fleeting. I learned that to show kids that we see them, we respect them, that understanding gives a different kind of authority. They may need further guidance and understanding through this phase, but it shows them their feelings are valid.
How would your coming of age experience be different if you had something like “We Got You”?
We started this show because when Brandon [note: Brandon LaGanke is a co-creator and producer for “We Got You] and I were kids we had older cousins or siblings that we thought were so cool, but we were always intimidated by. We thought, what if you could not only talk to the cool older kid, you had the security in knowing they were there purely to help you?
What do you hope your listeners will take away or gain from this show?
Kids should know, they are not alone, and they can always find help and that whatever issue they are facing right now, they will get through it and come out on another side. I hope the kids can relate to each other, and I hope the parents can learn something too. I think ultimately we are promoting empathy through experience, and we need more of that in the world right now.
What makes TRAX the network for “We Got You”?
TRAX is a truly awesome group of people that support the journey along the way from creative inception, development to marketing, and understanding the importance of the show’s messaging and getting it out into the world. We are both honored and proud to be a part of the network’s inaugural programming!