The SpeakUp! Podcast

Welcome to The SpeakUp! Podcast, where we bring you insights and expertise gained from over two decades of helping youth arrive at adulthood healthy, safe, and prepared by fostering open conversations and positive relationships with caring adults. With over two decades of experience engaging with 35,000 youth and families, we're here to share transformative insights on parent-teen communication and relationship strategies.

In this space, we aim to build a community of support around young people, led by our Executive Director, Martie Bernicker, and esteemed guests like Dr. Ken Ginsburg, Dr. Steve Treat, Michael Blanche, and Dr. Mitch Greene. From navigating stress and substance use to strengthening relationships and managing mental chatter, each episode dives into vital topics to guide parents and empower teens. Let's create conversations that matter, bridging understanding and fostering growth together.

Contributors

Co-host

Erica Talley

Erica Talley is an experienced educator and non-profit leader with an unwavering belief in the power of relationships to change lives! As Program Director, Erica uses her inspirational leadership, management, and training skills to drive SpeakUp!’s vital programming in partnership with school leaders, parenting adults, and SpeakUp!’s dedicated program specialists. Erica’s goal of providing outstanding support to school and families caused her to become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and expand SpeakUp!’s program to include SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) groups for educators, administrators, counselors, and volunteers. For Erica, conversations about parenting and young people are personal as well as professional.

Co-host

Martie Bernicker

Martie Gillin Bernicker has been with SpeakUp! since its founding in 2000 and became Executive Director in 2015. She is passionate about the strengths of this generation. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and impact. With a background in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, her previous roles include positions at The Pew Charitable Trusts, Preferred Real Estate Investments, and People’s Emergency Center. Martie has also consulted for the William Penn Foundation and GlaxoSmithKline. She holds a BA in Public Policy from Duke University and certifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Care. Martie and her husband, Chuck, have four sons.