Catholic media company Majellan Media has announced a pioneering partnership with Saint John’s Regional College, Dandenong, to produce a free podcast that bring the voices of Year 11 students to the forefront. Titled ‘Chatter Matters’, this unique series of 15-minute podcasts features candid conversations on topics that resonate with young people today.
The podcast explores subjects such as bullying, challenging stereotypes, positive thinking, academic stress, addiction, judgment, social media challenges, and nurturing friendships. The collaboration between Majellan Media and St John’s is about empowering high school students as they tackle the challenges of adolescence.
Each podcast episode explores a different topic whereby students candidly discuss how they see the issue and how it affects them, while also offering ideas on how to address the issue. College counsellors also offer expert advice. Nine episodes have been released, and the partnership with St John’s promises more enriching content in the future.
The series is tailored for classroom and small group use and serves as a valuable tool for teachers, counsellors, parents, and anyone engaged with youth. Accompanied by free, downloadable worksheets, these podcasts are intended to promote meaningful dialogue and reflection on topics young people need to talk about.
St John’s College Principal Tim Hogan is enthusiastic about the project. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students engaging with such important issues. Their insights are profound, and I’m immensely proud that St John’s Regional College is a part of this innovative initiative. These podcasts are not only a testament to the quality of our students but also highlights the importance of student voice in any community. It’s truly an honour to be involved with Chatter Matters.”
Majellan Media CEO Tony Biviano emphasises the fresh perspective offered by the students via the podcast.
“The insights and advice they share are amazing. This is a new experience for them, and it’s been a joy to see their development. I believe Chatter Matters will be a tremendous resource for schools across the country, stimulating further discussions among young people, particularly in an era when mental health issues are increasingly prevalent.”
The podcasts can be accessed on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.