Will the Kids Be Alright? With Dr. Laurie Santos

The Mighty Writers Podcast... with Maureen Boland

In January, Yale psychology professor Laurie Santos adapted her popular “Science of Well-Being” course for teen audiences. That curriculum was picked up by Philadelphia high school teacher Kate Reber, who offered the online course in the hopes that it would help her students — many of whom have been struggling with anxiety and depression — navigate their lives.
In this episode, we begin by talking to Kate about being on the frontlines of the youth mental health crisis, and how “The Science of Well-Being”fit into that. Then we speak with two of Kate’s seniors, Jada Brown and Hedaia Abuali, about taking the class.

Finally, we speak with Dr. Santos herself about her course, especially in terms of what local students had to say. The episode deals sensitively with real life issues affecting students, including mental health, gun violence and social media and provides some hopeful takeaways.

Warning: This episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to 988lifeline.org.

The Mighty Writers Podcast with Maureen Boland is produced by Mighty Writers in partnership with Rowhome Productions. The executive producer is Tim Whitaker. Lead producer is Sojourner Ahebee. Rowhome’s executive producers are Alex Lewis and John Myers.

Our theme song was composed by Jim Morgan.

This episode also includes music from Blue Dot Sessions.