YUP! the Podcast for Young Parents

The snow may melt, leaves may change, and flowers may bloom, but no matter how the seasons change, there is beauty in the journey. Parenting is no different! On this episode, we sat down with Keona and discussed the ebbs and flows of parenting. Reflecting on different seasons in our parenting and the lessons learned, we explore what legacy, growth, and healing look like. Check out this episode and more content from Keona on our website, YoungUnitedParents.org!

On this episode we sat down with the founder of Talk More, Lauren Barineau! We discussed navigating conversations about consent, bodies, boundaries and relationships with children. What is developmentally normal? Can talking about these topics lead kids to engaging in sexual behaviors? Is it too late to start the discussion? Lauren shares her expertise on it all and provides tips on establishing family values and becoming a trusted adult. In addition to YoungUnitedParents.org, check out these resources for more on having developmentally appropriate conversations with children:Talk More Parent Planners: Divided by age and topic, this resource specifically outlines resources for parents to review first, suggested books and videos for adults and kids to view together, and recommended conversation starters. You can find them all free to download here.Healthychildren.org: from the American Academy of Pediatrics, great articles for adults to learn more about various topics to support healthy growth and development conversations. Kids Health: Great site for parents, kids, and teens to learn medically accurate information about a variety of topics including puberty and body systems. AMAZE.org: videos for parents and littles that talk about the importance of starting conversations early (and how to share your values when you do talk with kids). You can find their parent page here, just keep scrolling down to find more information.

On this episode we sit down with young parents Keona and Ron. They share how they balance parenting their four young children, life's responsibilities, and their relationship. We love healthy relationships at YUP!, and hearing their story from sharing responsibilities to communication, Keona and Ron have many nuggets of wisdom to share with other young parents. Join us on the journey!

As a young parent, sometimes it can feel overwhelming to find the right birth control for you. What are the safest options? What's the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal? What if I'm breastfeeding or want to have another baby in the future? Dr. Mays joins us for a candid conversation on birth control, STIs, and all things vaginal and sexual health. We are answering your questions, debunking myths, discussing stigma around STIs, and diving into what vaginas really need to be healthy!

El Nido was founded in 1925 and has been doing work in Los Angeles, CA ever since! They build healthy families by providing community-based social services in some of the most underserved communities in Los Angeles County. On this episode we are joined by Eduardo, a case manager for teen parents at El Nido. He discusses ways to use arts and creativity for healing as well as what self care looks like for him as a youth serving professional. Stick around to hear Eduardo share one of his poems!

We are closing out 2025 strong with the moms of our youth advisory council! On this episode we are diving into the joys and struggles of parenting. We get into the topics that some parents may not say out loud and give ourselves grace for the journey! What are some of your parenting confessions?

Surprise, we've got special guests! On this episode the kids of the podcast joined us for a very special conversation. They are spilling the tea on everything from their thoughts on having young parents and what we do to make them roll their eyes, to what they are most proud of and what's on their Christmas lists this year. You don't want to miss this silly, unhinged, and super unfiltered episode!

Happy holidays! This year we are switching it up and busting myths placed on young parents. On this episode we discuss our plans for the holidays, stressors during this time of year, and take a look at the stigma that young parents face from getting pregnant to how parenting may or may not impact our lives! We would love to hear your thoughts on some of these myths as well as what your traditions are during the holiday season.

It's holiday season and it's no secret that this is an expensive time of year! On this episode we sat down with honorary co-host Justice and discussed all things money. From thrifting, couponing, and crafting, to money saving hacks all year round, we are covering it all. What do you do to save money? Comment and share your tips and tricks!

Knowing our bodies is not just about knowing when we are hungry or tired, but it's also about knowing how we are feeling and even when or if we want to have sex or be in relationship with someone. On this episode we sit down with Dr. Mays to discuss everything from sexual readiness to periods, hormones, PMS, and ovulation. Dr. Mays drops all of the gems, so you don't want to miss this one!Additional Resources:Dream Youth Clinic- https://www.dreamyouthclinic.org/ Young United Parents (YUP!)- https://www.youngunitedparents.org/Bedsider- https://www.bedsider.org/Amaze- https://amaze.org/us/Planned Parenthood- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Our podcast is 18 months old and officially a toddler! On this episode we share our favorite moments, our hopes and dreams for the future, and our GROWTH! Watch as we dive into growth mindset both in parenting and in everyday life. We share everything from tough parenting moments to affirmations and self-care. As always, we would love to have you along on the journey, so check out youngunitedparents.org or send us a message and we will connect with you!

October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and on this episode we sat down with the founder and CEO of Bully Talk inc., Kina Evans. Bully Talk is a non-profit organization that aims to provide support, resources, and a safe environment for our youth to feel empowered. Watch as we learn about the work that Kina is doing, find out the signs of bullying, how to advocate for your children, and hear ways to deal with the judgment and stigma associated with being a young parent!

***Trigger warning: Domestic violence, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, toxic relationships***October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month and we know this can be a very heavy topic for many people. On this episode we are sitting down with our favorite honorary co-host Justice. We are having a raw, real talk about past toxic relationships, reflecting on red flags, and discussing healing. This episode is all about healthy and unhealthy relationships and all of the grace in between! If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse in a relationship, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text 88788 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

National Grandparents Day was September 7th and as a way to celebrate we invited some of the grandparents of YUP! to the podcast! On this episode we are getting raw and real with our moms! We discuss their reactions to our pregnancies, the joys and challenges of grandparenting, and get their perspective on our lives as young parents. It was a wild ride ya'll, but join us on the journey!

Join us for another girlfriend check in! On this episode we are checking in on each other and the community. This year has gotten off to an interesting start, but this summer has brought so much light and healing. We discuss parenting, summer activities, and how we are keeping these kids fed an entertained all summer long! Be sure to stick around to find out what Divine and Brandy are manifesting this year!

***Trigger warning: grief, death, mental health***Grief is such a touchy topic and this week we are diving in head first! On this episode we share our own grief journeys, how we navigate grief with our children, and coping strategies. Grief doesn't have to always mean a life is lost, sometimes we grieve who we thought we'd be, we grieve past relationships, and even old memories. Whatever you may be grieving from, just know you aren't alone and we are in the trenches with you!

On this episode we are joined my young mom of two, Leandra. She gives a raw and real look into her parenting journey from losing friendships to custody battles and co-parenting. Get all the tea on the unique connection Divine and Leandra have and how they found healing and put their children first to maintain a relationship.

***Trigger Warning: Mental health, death, smoking, drinking***On this week's episode we are joined by young mom of four, Keona Rose. She gives an in depth and vulnerable look into her journey through foster care, homelessness, and parenting. We talk in-laws, coping, and breaking down stigma as a young parent. Join us on the journey!

This week we are joined by super special guests! Erika and Lisa from an organization called YoungLives share about the amazing programs they have for young parents. We discuss the difficult role that adultification has on young parents and how they utilize humor encourage young parents to being young while also being a parent! At the intersection of faith and humor, YoungLives has very cool opportunities for young parents around the world! Learn more about what they are doing and how you can get involved!

On today's episode we have. a very special guest. Nichole is an advocate and champion for young parents and parenting students, with a lived experience as a former young parent. Join us as we highlight the strengths and barriers of being a young parent in high school and college, while also setting our own intentions.