One Tuesday last June, the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) members sat in a studio at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, ready to record their debut episode of Real Talk with YAC.
YAC members, ages 14 to 20, meet regularly to provide their insights to inform Baltimore City Health Department programs, serve as peer health educators and advocates for their communities, and engage other youth and youth advisory groups to promote the health and wellbeing of Baltimore City’s young people.
In the inaugural episode of their new podcast, YAC members Rayona, Naudiah, and Khalil explored how pop culture and social media shape perceptions of sexual health. For the YAC, this was more than just a podcast. It was a chance to speak their truths to a broader audience.
The YAC is part of UChoose, a Baltimore City initiative launched in 2009, with the goal of shifting the focus from adversity to youth empowerment in reproductive health. By collaborating with schools, clinics, and communities, it enhances sexual and health education and resources for service providers. At its core, UChoose equips young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their sexual health while amplifying their voices through initiatives like Real Talk with YAC.
Since 2011, the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs has served as the communication partner for UChoose, working closely with YAC members to ensure that youth voices lead all communications for UChoose.
YAC’s leadership underscores the UChoose commitment to youth-driven solutions. The Real Talk with YAC podcast creates a space for teens to discuss issues like sexual health, LGBTQ+ relationships, and the influence of media. Produced in collaboration with the multimedia and communications teams at the school of public health, the city health department, and the Maryland Department of Health, the podcast serves as a platform for youth-led conversations that encourage informed decision-making on topics that deeply impact their lives.
The first episode of the podcast debuts Monday, March 17. The first season will be three episodes, released monthly, and can be found on the UChoose YouTube channel.
Don, a former YAC member and current freshman at Morgan State University, explained how meaningful the podcast has been: “I really enjoyed doing this recording.”
“There are so many of my peers who ask me questions all the time about the Queer community, so now I have the opportunity to bring them into my world a little to help bridge the gaps,” they said. This, they say, highlights the power of youth-led platforms to foster both education and community-building.
Beyond the podcast, YAC also leads initiatives like community asset mapping, where members identify and explore neighborhood resources that support youth sexual and reproductive health. This project, which emphasizes local strengths over deficits, is another way UChoose encourages youth to reframe narratives around their communities. As YAC member Tyona shared, “We met so many business owners and community members who helped us see the strengths in their neighborhood, which really changed my outlook.”
Direct engagement can reshape perceptions and uncover unexpected support.
“These initiatives are transformative, equipping young people with essential life skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and advocacy.” says CCP’s August Summers, who leads CCP’s domestic initiatives. “Through their involvement, YAC members step into their power and develop the confidence to navigate challenges and lead their peers toward healthier, more informed futures.”
Reproductive justice is central to the work of UChoose. It goes beyond health care access—it is about ensuring individuals have the right to control their bodies, make informed decisions, and build safe, supportive families. UChoose embodies this by giving young people the tools to lead important conversations on sexual health, LGBTQ+ issues, and community support.
“Through open dialogue on media influence, sexual health, and relationships, YAC members are advancing a broader vision of reproductive justice—one that prioritizes bodily autonomy, inclusivity, and community-centered support,” Summers says.
To learn more about the work of UChoose work and tune into these vital youth-led discussions, check out the Real Talk with YAC podcast and visit UChoose Baltimore.
