Most of us overthink starting something new - especially when it comes to mentoring or creating impactful programs for young people. What if the biggest obstacle isn't the idea itself, but simply getting started?

In this first episode of season 4, Amanda shares:

• how to stop overthinking and take action
• why sometimes doing the playful thing can get you out of a rut and help you figure out whether you could do this work too
• 10 things she's said this week as a youth mentor (try them out yourself too!)
• an invitation to the upcoming live event to help you Create Your Teen Workshop in a Weekend 🎉

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by worries about qualifications, safety, or making everything just right, this episode offers reassurance and actionable tips to move forward with confidence. 🥰

Links mentioned:

Create Your Teen Workshop in a Weekend live event, on 20-21 June 2026. AUD$37. Book here!

Send me a message on Instagram @shinefromwithinhq

In this episode of the Youth Mentor Podcast, we chat with Holly Hashimi about her first year founding HeartSpark, a not-for-profit organisation that grew from 8 participants to multiple groups and a waitlist in just 12 months. Holly takes us behind the scenes of starting a youth organisation from scratch in Fort McMurray, Canada - from finding free spaces to run programs, to creative fundraising through handmade bracelets, to recently achieving not-for-profit status. She shares how she moved through self-doubt, found support in her community, and kept taking small steps forward before feeling fully confident.

For anyone dreaming of working with young people but feeling uncertain about where to start, Holly's story is full of practical insights and permission to begin before you feel ready. She opens up about building community partnerships, bringing her therapy dog Mrs. Pudding into the program, making programs accessible through free programming, and how her own personal growth journey enabled her to create the safe space she wished she had as a child. This conversation is especially valuable for aspiring youth mentors who want a realistic look at what that first year of building a youth organisation really looks like.

Find the full transcript at https://shinefromwithin.com.au/the-youth-mentor-podcast

Connect with Holly and HeartSpark at https://www.heartsparkwithholly.com

Follow HeartSpark on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heartsparkwithholly/

Connect on Facebook here: HeartSpark

Connect with Shine from Within on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shinefromwithinhq/

Ready to start your own youth organisation? Learn more about our Youth Mentor Training at https://youthmentors.shinefromwithin.com.au

In this episode of the Youth Mentor Podcast, we're joined by Sabine McKenzie, an eating disorder recovery coach who brings a refreshing perspective to conversations around body image, food, and wellbeing. With eight years of supporting youth and adults through her business, Sabine shares her evolution from promoting body positivity to embracing what she calls "the grey space" - a gentler, more neutral approach to body image and health.

If you have young people in your world, especially teens or tweens, you'll love this nurturing and enlightening conversation :) :)

Find the full transcript at https://shinefromwithin.com.au/the-youth-mentor-podcast

Connect with Sabine on Instagram: @sabine.mckenzie

Connect with us on Instagram: @shinefromwithinhq

Curious about starting your own program or business that supports young people in 2025? Check out our free video training: How to Start Your Youth Mentor Business here.