Engaging young people in advocacy, education & prevention
Creating social change around alcohol, drugs, and more

Straight Up Podcast Archives

The Straight Up podcast is no longer being produced, but the archives are available. Please note, some information or data contained in these podcasts may be out of date.

Episode #1: Social Host Ordinance

What is the Social Host Ordinance? How does it work? And is it effective?

In this episode, Straight Up speaks with a member of the Thousand Oaks Police Department to talk us through the process after police have been called to a party. What happens when minors are seen drinking? What happens after an ordinance has been issued?

Straight Up also speaks witha representative of the Ventura County Behavior Health Department Prevention Services to find out if the Ordinance has been effective, and what the future holds.

This episode is narrated by Gabby T., a Ventura high school student.

The podcast is approximately 7 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #2: Sexual Assault (part one)

Straight Up examines one of the most serious side effects often associated with underage and binge drinking — sexual assault.

In part one of this two-part podcast, we talk to a Ventura County Deputy District Attorney about the psychological, physical and legal impact for those involved in a sexual assault, and the role that drinking can play.

This podcast may not be suitable for sensitive listeners.

The podcast is approximately 15 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #3: Sexual Assault (part two)

Straight Up examines one of the most serious side effects often associated with underage and binge drinking — sexual assault.

In part two of this two-part podcast, we will hear the story of “Angela,” a real Ventura County teenager who was a victim of sexual assault at a drinking party.

This podcast may not be suitable for sensitive listeners.

The podcast is approximately 13 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #4: THINK Event

Straight Up checks out a recent event called THINK, put on by students and faculty of Ventura College, intended to bring awareness to the issues of drinking, impaired driving, and substance abuse. We talk to students, to law enforcement, emergency technicians, and to faculty.

The podcast is approximately 7 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #5: PSAs from the Teen Leadership Summit (video podcast)

Straight Up presents short videos and public service announcements that were created in a day during a Ventura County school Teen Leadership Summit. Thirty eight teens participated in this summit in May 2009 to explore social issues and discuss their ideas for possible solutions for reducing underage and binge drinking and impaired driving in their community.

This special video podcast is approximately 4 minutes long, and can be accessed the following was:

Episode #6: Opinions on the Drinking Age

The drinking age in the US (currently age 21) is under scrutiny. Various groups (including the Amethyst Initiative) believe that the drinking age should be reexamined and, perhaps, lowered. Straight Up listens to youth, a law enforcement representative, and a college president — and why they think a lower drinking age is a bad idea.

The podcast is approximately 8 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #7: Why Teens Don’t Drink

In this podcast, written by a Ventura County teenager, Straight Up talks to young people who chose NOT to drink in high school. What are some of the factors that would enable a young person to resist the temptation and pressure to drink while underage?

The podcast is approximately 7 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #8: Joose’d (video podcast)

A popular, and potentially dangerous, habit among young people is mixing alcohol with caffeine-laden energy drinks. In this special video podcast, a youth-produced short explores the varieties of energy drinks on the market that already contain alcohol, and the potential health risks those beverages pose.

This special video podcast is approximately 3 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #9: Straight Up’s Interview at KDAR

In 2010, Becky and Branden from Straight Up talked to Natalie Nicole Gilbert on KDAR’s “Community Connection” program. They discuss the history of Straight Up, the resources provided, and the “state of the union” of the issues in Ventura County. Thanks to KDAR, we present the interview in its entirety.

The podcast is approximately 25 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #10: Why Teens Drink

What are the factors and influences that drive a young person to drink in high school? Straight Up speaks with Ventura County young adults about why they chose to consume alcohol. Interviewees include Mario, a highschooler who describes in detail his battle with alcohol, and where he is today in his struggle.

The podcast is approximately 7 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #11: Reality Party Documentary, Part One (video podcast)

Part one of two. Katy, a Ventura County teenager, wrote and produced this documentary based on her experiences participating as a volunteer during Straight Up’s Reality Parties for Parents. Katy interviews the organizers and young people who make these parties happen, as well as the parents that take the tour and get a dose of reality.

The video podcast is approximately 5 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #12: Reality Party Documentary, Part Two (video podcast)

Part two of two. Katy, a Ventura County teenager, wrote and produced this documentary based on her experiences participating as a volunteer during Straight Up’s Reality Parties for Parents. Katy interviews the organizers and young people who make these parties happen, as well as the parents that take the tour and get a dose of reality.

The video podcast is approximately 5 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #13: Winners of the 2010 Essay Contest

In 2010, Straight Up held an essay contest. The winners were 16-year-old Haley P. and 18-year-old Emily A. Listen to excerpts from their affecting entries.

The podcast is approximately 7 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #14: My Straight Up Experience: Daniel (video podcast)

Daniel, 17, shares his experience as a Straight Up actor, youth volunteer, and media advocate.

The podcast is approximately 5 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #15: Straight Up’s Interview at KDAR – 2011

In 2011, Becky and Matthew from Straight Up talked to Steve Bolt on KDAR’s “Community Connection” program. Matthew, 14, talks about his involvement with Straight Up, and the power of speaking up, taking a stand, and making a difference. Thanks to KDAR, we present the interview in its entirety.

The podcast is approximately 27 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #16: VUSD Leadership Summit (video podcast)

A look at Straight Up’s yearly VUSD Leadership Training Summit, where high school students gather to interact, learn about advocacy, and strategize on ways to make change.

The podcast is approximately 5 minutes long, and can be accessed the following way:

Episode #17: Straight Up’s Interview at KKZZ – May 2011

Straight Up Executive Director Katherine Kasmir speaks with Lyn and Cyn from KKZZ’s “Women Talk” program. Katherine discusses what Straight Up is, and its mission for local action and social change. Thanks to KKZZ, we present the interview in its entirety.

The podcast is approximately 16 minutes long, and can be accessed the following ways:

Episode #18: Beyond the Numbers Episode 1 – Marijuana Regulation Discussion – January 2018

Straight Up staff member Evan Proffer interviews James Mosher, whose pioneering work in alcohol policy has brought him international acclaim, about how what we’ve learned about alcohol policy can be applied to marijuana policy.  And he speaks with Dan Hicks, Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, Prevention Services Manager and local prevention specialist David Tovar about marijuana legislation and regulation in Ventura County.

The podcast is approximately 55 minutes long, and can be accessed the following ways: