Adulting is hard. Teen angst is real. And mindfulness? It might just be the life raft we all need. In this episode, host Zoe Ho sits down with Dr. Dzung Vo, a leading expert in adolescent health and mindfulness, to explore how meditation and emotional regulation can help young people (and those “adulting”) navigate stress, anxiety, and the chaos of growing up. They dive into the MARS-A program, the science behind mindfulness, and how the Breathr app is making these practices more accessible to teens. Plus, Dr. Vo shares his personal journey into mindfulness—spoiler: it involves zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, compassion fatigue—and why compassion and community are key to mental well-being. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or just someone trying to keep it together, this episode offers real-life tools to help you breathe through the mess.

✿Keywords

mindfulness, teens, Dr. Dzung Vo, mental health, meditation, adolescent health, compassion, resilience, Breathr app, engaged Buddhism, compassion fatigue, burnout

✿Guest: Dr. Dzung Vo

✿Connect with Zoe: www.avalotherapy.com

hello@avalotherapy.com

IG: @avalotherapy

✿Book a session with Zoe:

⁠https://avalotherapy.janeapp.com/⁠

✿Connect with Dr. Dzung Vo

Website: http://mindfulnessforteens.com

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/dzung.vo

Social Media: https://twitter.com/DzungXVo

✿Takeaways

Mindfulness can be a superpower for teens.
The journey into mindfulness often starts with personal challenges.
Compassion fatigue is a real issue in healthcare.
Mindfulness is about being present and loving towards oneself.
Community support is crucial for adolescents.
Mindfulness practices can be adapted for different age groups.
The MARS-A program is tailored for teenagers' needs.
Real-life applications of mindfulness can lead to significant changes.
The Breathr app offers accessible mindfulness resources.
Consistency in practice is more important than duration.

✿Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Mindfulness

04:35 Mindfulness in Medical Training

09:55 Integrating Mindfulness into Adolescent Medicine

15:33 Creating a Mindfulness Program for Teens

21:06 Real-Life Impact of Mindfulness on Youth

23:28 Integrating Indigenous Wisdom and Mindfulness

25:56 Understanding the Brain: The Hand Model

29:42 Mindfulness Practices for Teens

33:20 The Breather App: A Mindfulness Resource

36:15 Personal Mindfulness Practices and Community Engagement