Get an exclusive first listen to Human Glitch, a new coming-of-age novel from the YRV team. Set in Los Angeles, the story follows a group of teens as they navigate identity, loneliness, and belonging in a fractured world. In Chapter One, River—a high-achieving scholarship student—begins therapy with the renowned Dr. Han, convinced he doesn’t belong there. What unfolds is an unexpected, deeply human connection.

To share your thoughts on Chapter One, email: podcast@youthresearchbox.org.

In this episode of the YRV Thought Partner Podcast, host Joyce Coffey discusses emotional loneliness with guest Diana Aleksanyan, a sophomore at NYU Abu Dhabi. They explore how young people often feel isolated despite being socially active, especially during major life transitions.

For further insights, Harvard University has addressed this issue in their talk series, "Confronting Our Epidemic of Loneliness." You can watch the discussion here: Confronting Our Epidemic of Loneliness | Education Now

Loneliness is a growing crisis among young people, deeply tied to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. But what type of loneliness affects them most? In this episode, youth from around the world share their experiences, revealing that emotional loneliness—feeling unseen and unheard—is the most pervasive.

📢 To ensure the protection of youth participants and maximize anonymity, all youth voices in this episode are AI-generated.

Join the conversation at podcast@youthresearchvox.org.