Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is Monsters — stories about fear and resilience.
Our partner for this installment is Vocal Justice, an organization that inspires and prepares Black and Brown youth to be lifelong leaders for liberation. Though based in Oakland, California, Vocal Justice’s mission echoes YEBO’s values of authenticity, self-determination, and community. The alignment was undeniable, so we brought the mixtape on the road to the Golden State.
This episode features stories of vulnerability, identity, and truth from student leaders, educators, and changemakers who are finding strength in their fears and power in their voices.
Hosted by Isaura Maria, The Growing Storyteller
Recorded by Cory Montalvo, Chief Plug
Edited & Mixed by Luis Antonio Perez, El Productor
Coached by Cristina Chacon, The Amplifier
Recorded live in Kinfolx Cafe, Oakland, CA
Special Thanks to the Margulf Foundation for supporting this collaboration
The Stories:
(1:38) Alexis Corazon confronts instability as the monster in her life and finds home through purpose and connection.
(9:41) Michael Borne returns to the mixtape to reflect on how rejection helped him reimagine his superpower.
(16:53) Nayeli Cuevas shares a heartfelt story about a drifting relationship and how distance can deepen resilience.
(24:15) Shawon Jackson opens up about the transformative power of truth, friendship, and releasing the weight of secrets.
Links:
Follow us on Instagram @YEBOPod
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is Monsters — stories about fear and resilience.
Our partner for this episode is Justice and Heritage Academy (JHA), a home school consortium that aims to develop well-rounded human beings in academics, arts, and justice initiatives within their community and world.
Hosted by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria.
Recorded by Cory Montalvo, Chief Plug
Edited & mixed by Luis Antonio Perez, El Productor.
Coached by Cristina Chacon, The Amplifier
Recorded live in Antonito, Colorado.
The Stories:
(1:42) Kianna Gurule once feared the water — until a surprising poolside moment changed everything.
(4:58) Natalie Montoya shares how moving from house to house made her holidays feel fragile — until she found one to call her own.
(8:59) Micaela Casares opens up about starting fresh at a new school and the surprising friendships that followed.
(11:36) Frankie Allen describes a long-standing fear of needles — and how advice from his grandparents helped him face it.
(15:42) Valentina Valdez confronts the monstrous weight of societal expectations, and how a seed — literally — led her back to herself.
Links:
Valentina’s Instagram @Descubriendo.Mi.Maises
Follow us on Instagram @YEBOPod
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is Monsters — stories about fear and resilience.
Our partner for this installment is the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), which provides vital college advising, scholarship access, and financial aid guidance through Future Centers in Denver Public Schools. In this episode, we visit the Future Center at Abraham Lincoln High School, home of the Lancers, where DSF’s work is deeply rooted in the community.
This is a bilingual episode, featuring stories in both Spanish and English from students and alumni navigating identity, family expectations, fear, and personal growth.
Hosted by Cristina Chacon, The Amplifier and Isaura Maria, The Growing Storyteller
Recorded by Cory Montalvo, Chief Plug
Edited & Mixed by Luis Antonio Perez, El Productor
Coached by Cristina Chacon, The Amplifier
Recorded live in Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver, CO
The Stories:
(2:23) Paula Grimaldo overcomes the fear of losing her voice and identity as she navigates life in a new country and rediscovers pride through debate and community.
(7:27) Khris Rivers finds his purpose in the kitchen after a bold Thanksgiving challenge leads to a flavorful future.
(11:12) Karen Varon recalls the terror of growing up amid armed conflict in rural Colombia and how her mother’s promise became the foundation for her goal to uplift the Latino community in Denver.
(15:33) Vivian Bustillos learns that home isn’t a physical place, it’s the love we carry with us. Through memories with her abuela and transitions across countries and campuses, she discovers where she belongs.
(21:06) Joselyn Loya shares the bittersweet story of leaving for college while fearing she’d lose her bond with her little sister.
Links:
Follow us on Instagram @YEBOPod
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Roads," stories about detours and destinations. Our partner for this installment is the Denver Scholarship Foundation. Since 2009 the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) has worked to alter the fabric of the City of Denver, making college possible for thousands of Denver Public School students. DSF provides paths to higher education to Colorado students who identify as multicultural, first-generation, and multi-language speakers through college advising, leadership training, scholarships, internships, and peer-led community groups.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and recorded, edited, mixed and coaching by Luis Antonio Perez, El Productor. Recorded live at Shop at Matter in Five Points, Denver, Colorado.
The Stories:
(1:44) Jesus Terrones-Pulido pursues his career in health care administration with gusto until it becomes clear he needs to reassess.
(10:11) Graciela Valencia takes a long journey to Mongolia where she discovers more about other cultures and herself.
(17:45) Dirza Pedroza Ceballos dreamed of becoming a teacher until the dream came up against reality.
(23:02) Michael Borne's tells the story of a trip to France full of malheur and magic.
(30:28) Stephanie Lopez travels to Guatemala where she connects with her Chapina roots.
Links:
Denver Scholarship Foundation
Follow us on Instagram @YEBOPod
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Roads," stories about detours and destinations. Our partner for this installment is the Access Opportunity.
Access Opportunity (AO) helps ambitious, community-minded students define their individual paths through high school, college, and into their careers. AO’s programming is tailored to help students learn how to use their education to make change in their communities with programming around Community-Building, Self-Discovery and Leadership Development.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and recorded, edited, mixed and coaching by Luis Antonio Perez, El Productor. Recorded live at Shop at Matter in Five Points, Denver, Colorado.
The Stories:
(1:27) Ivan Rosales finally gets what he's always wanted, his favorite person.
(7:16) Stephanie Maldonado was driven to succeed, but at what cost?
(15:53) Serenity Martinez was a popular person until she wasn't.
(21:14) Manny Mendez tells a story of resilience set in the University of Colorado - Boulder engineering school.
(28:08) Jaquelin Hernandez seeks courage in the face of constant worry for her undocumented parents.
Links:
Follow us on Instagram @YEBOPod
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Roads," stories about detours and destinations. Our partner for this installment is the Ambassador Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides paths to higher education to Colorado students who identify as multicultural, first-generation, and multi-language speakers through college advising, leadership training, scholarships, internships, and peer-led community groups.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and recorded, edited, mixed and coaching by Luis Antonio Perez, El Productor. Recorded live at Shop at Matter in Five Points, Denver, Colorado.
The Stories:
(1:37) Girena Tesfazghi seeks solutions for her worries as she begins college.
(7:34) Nemat Khalifa and her family leave a happy life in Sudan to follow a dream.
(12:07) Sophie Salazar reveals a unique childhood experience that shaped who she is today.
(18:22) Marius Finch pursues a business opportunity in college where he learns more lessons than he expected.
Links:
Follow us on Instagram @YEBOPod
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Friends," stories about unity and camaraderie. Our partner for this installment is the Metro Classroom To Career Hub, which intentionally integrates post-graduate activities related to careers or graduate school into all aspects of the MSU Denver Roadrunner experience.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and edited by The Composer, Dane Desai. Recorded live on Auraria Campus in Denver, Colorado.
The Stories:
(01:30) Thaw Sue reconnects with her Karen roots after running into an old friend.
(08:06) Jose Chavez Quezada realizes the power of friendship during a trip to South Dakota.
(15:52) Jessica Quintana ditches class with a friend to make a meal.
(22:33) Francisco Martinez gains a deeper sense of self through an online friendship.
(29:15) Jasmine Villalobos-Valles finds inspiration over tacos with friends.
(35:03) Belen Vazquez and her friends make the most of their 2020 graduation.
Links: Learn more about the Metro State Classroom to Career Hub
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Friends," stories about unity and camaraderie. Our partner for this installment is the Game Changers, an organization that aims to Educate, support, and celebrate youth to increase their participation in youth violence prevention initiatives to create an even more powerful force for positive change.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and edited by The Composer, Dane Desai. Recorded live at BUILD in Five Points, Denver.
The Stories:
(01:25) Trezhur Kimbrou sees herself in a classmate.
(06:08) Kennadi Jackson finds friendship in her cousin.
(10:18) Kimberly Grayson reflects on how sisterhood carried her through a trying time.
(18:02) Eli'ana Grimes finds gratitude in her friends during a tough day.
Links: Learn more about the Game Changers
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Friends," stories about unity and camaraderie. Our partner for this installment is the Justice and Heritage Academy (JHA), a home school consortium that aims to develop well-rounded human beings in academics, arts, and justice initiatives within their community and world.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and edited by The Composer, Dane Desai. Recorded live at JHA in Antonito, Colorado.
The Stories:
(01:24) Hayden Poe grows a friendship in the most unusual circumstances.
(04:39) Soraya Martinez goes to a party and gains a close friend.
(08:56) Kianna Pachaco Gurule shares a clumsy moment with classmates.
(13:26) Aaron Abeyta discovers peace in a guitar and fishing.
(20:02) Rachel Large finds belonging through zombies and Twinkies.
(24:17) Rudy Valdez has a high-stakes slice of pizza.
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Home," six stories inspired by the Mile High City. Our partner for this installment is Ednium: The Alumni Collective, a nonprofit aiming to mobilize Denver Public School alumni as a powerful force to change the way cities educate and reinvest in its homegrown talent.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and edited by The Composer, Dane Desai. Recorded live at YEBO’s headquarters in Green Spaces, Denver.
The Stories:
(01:26) Brayan Montes learns a valuable lesson during First Friday on Santa Fe.
(08:59) Kathe Traore finds a new beginning at CU Denver.
(16:36) David Martinez reimagines his identity after meeting a local icon.
(23:01) Peter Lubembela discovers his personal power while advocating for a neighborhood school.
(30:10) Hanna Fernandez receives a profound gift from a stranger.
(36:24) TeRay Esquibel finds humanity while walking to the light rail station.
Links: Learn more about Ednium
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Home," four stories inspired by the power of community. Our partner for this installment is the Colorado Youth Congress, a nonprofit working with young people to transform themselves, communities, and broader systems through individual healing and community health.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and edited by The Composer, Dane Desai. Recorded live at YEBO’s headquarters in Green Spaces, Denver.
The Stories:
(01:21) Ahmed Eltayeb finds healing after the loss of a close family member.
(09:23) Aiyana Urbina reflects on the impact of her 8th grade continuation.
(17:05) Grace Mabongo gains a lesson in kindness from a classmate.
(23:13) Vanessa Ambriz bonds with her siblings while watching TV.
Links:
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is "Home," six stories about family traditions. Our partners for this installment are the Venzor sisters and Convivir Colorado, a nonprofit supporting youth as they find power in their migrant experience.
Hosted and produced by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and edited by The Composer, Dane Desai. Recorded live at YEBO’s headquarters in Green Spaces, Denver.
The Stories:
(01:17) Alejandra Venzor finds inspiration in a blue hiking backpack.
(06:40) Elisabeth Rodriguez connects with her dad over a dance.
(13:39) Miriam Valtierra grows closer to her family while making tamales.
(19:42) Paulina Venzor finds home in the form of a gas station snack.
(26:53) Efren Saenz learns a valuable lesson by playing games with his cousin.
(32:00) Alejandro Fuentes discovers love at the dinner table.
Links:
In this special episode, YEBO interviews eight Denver-based social entrepreneurs to explore how the Moonshot edVentures fellowship shaped their lives and careers. Moonshot edVentures is a non-profit organization building a diverse pipeline of leaders who are launching education innovations in Metro Denver.
Interviews were recorded live at Moss Denver during Moonshot’s “The Power of Community” event on November 9, 2023.
Hosted and produced by Moonshot alums and YEBO’s own Cristina Chacon (C2) and Cory Montalvo (C1). Edited by Isaura Maria.
Links:
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is “Bloom,” five stories about transformation and growth. These are stories about the moments that help us gain a deeper insight into who we are and the world around us. Hosted and produced by YEBO’s Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria, and recorded at YEBO’s headquarters in Green Spaces, Denver.
The Stories:
(00:48) Alejandra Vasquez learns life-changing news while eating chicken nuggets.
(09:02) Cory Montalvo comes face to face with lions.
(20:21) Seizon Draper reinvents himself through an avatar.
(26:09) Maricarmen Crisostomo finds guidance in her first year of high school.
(32:28) Adolfo Cruz finds inspiration while scrolling through Instagram.
Links:
Learn more about Mission 1477
Explore the LiTT Lab
Visit Adolfo's Twitch stream
Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. In this pilot Mixtape, five stories of firsts. The things we learn and feel when experiencing something for the first time. Hosted by YEBO's Ideas Bender, Jadyn Nguyen. This Mixtape is produced with the Audio Innovations team at Colorado Public Radio.
The stories:
Bella Herrera spends Christmas with her father after her parents divorce.
Mino Solis finds themselves on the battlefield of love.
Selam Hill reminisces on the power of a homecooked meal.
Godwin Amouzou shares a tale about the indomitable spirit.
Cristina Chacon takes us on the journey of learning how to cut her father's hair.
The inner child is what we’re all itching to release. In this finale, Jadyn realizes that we all have a deep desire to bring alive our inner child. The hero’s journey is your journey.
Being self-made doesn’t exist; you need a team of supporters to be successful! In this episode, Jadyn learns that your league can simply be your loved ones, and how our league can inspire us to reach new levels of confidence.
Your superpowers allow you to express yourself. In this episode, Jadyn explores his superpowers and shares how his learnings from a nonprofit leader helped him see how our skills are constantly evolving.
In this episode Isaura welcomes a very special homie of the week Alessandra Chavira to explore the life of a Capricorn and dive into motherhood as a young adult, along with all of its wonders.
**HEADS UP! THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE**
In this episode Isaura welcomes homie of the week Godwin Amouzou (aka YungJollof!) to dive into the life of a Pisces, the impact of toxic masculinity and how divine masculinity can activate your spirit.
**HEADS UP! THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE**
