Foothills Under 30: A Podcast Celebrating Young Voices and Local Impact

There’s something special happening in the foothills.

It’s not just in the mountains or rivers or open skies, it’s in the people. And more specifically, it’s in the young people who are here, shaping the future with their hands, their hearts, and their ideas.

Foothills Under 30 is a new podcast created by Yosemite Foothills in partnership with the Mariposa Gazette, and it’s all about celebrating that energy. We’re spotlighting 30 individuals under the age of 30 who live or work in Eastern Madera or Mariposa County and who are making a difference, through their creativity, their service, their work, or their dedication to something bigger than themselves.

Each person we feature will be the center of a full, one-hour podcast episode. These are deep conversations: honest, grounded, and inspiring. You’ll hear their stories directly from them: what drives them, how they got started, what they’re working on, and why they’ve chosen to show up for their community in their own unique way.

Artwork created by Corra Montgomery for Foothills Under 30

This Isn’t Just a Podcast. It’s a Platform.

Every nominee will also be featured in a printed article in the Mariposa Gazette, one of the oldest and most trusted newspapers in our region. The Gazette has been telling local stories for generations, and we’re proud and honored to partner with them on this project. Their reach and integrity bring a level of local recognition that matters, something tangible that families can cut out, save, and pass around.

Together, the podcast and the print feature will give these young change makers the visibility they deserve, both in the digital world and in the hands of readers across the foothills.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t have to be “famous” to be nominated. In fact, we hope you’re not.

We’re looking for people under 30 who are:

• Showing up for others

• Creating something meaningful

• Contributing to the community in their own way

• Bold enough to care about where they live

They might be running a small business, teaching art, volunteering at a food bank, leading outdoor hikes, organizing local music events, building a startup, planting gardens, mentoring kids, passionate about art, helping others, artists, or simply making space for others to feel safe, seen, and connected, or a young person who you think deserves to be acknowledged.

If that sounds like someone you know, or maybe even you, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Nominate Someone

You can nominate yourself or someone else using our online form. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes. We ask for a few details about the nominee, how they’re contributing to the community, and why you think their story deserves to be shared.

Here’s the link to nominate: Foothills Under 30

Please don’t be shy. Sometimes the people doing the most beautiful work don’t always raise their hands. That’s where you come in.

Why This Matters

There’s something powerful about being seen, especially for young people trying to do meaningful things in small towns. Recognition can open doors. It can build confidence. It can create ripple effects that last far beyond the episode or article.

Foothills Under 30 is about more than a list. It’s about honoring the people who are making this region better right now, not years from now. It’s about telling stories that matter and letting young people know they’re not just the future, they’re the heartbeat of the present.

Thank You to the Mariposa Gazette

We want to express our deep gratitude to the Mariposa Gazette for believing in this project and for partnering with us to help it reach more people. Their commitment to telling local stories is unmatched, and it’s a gift to be working together to amplify the voices of young folks in our community.

The Gazette’s printed articles will bring these stories into homes, businesses, and public spaces where our digital platforms may not always reach. That combination, podcast and print, is what makes this series feel so grounded in place.

What’s Next

Podcast production is already underway. We’ll be reviewing nominations, and we’re hoping to contact nominees. As the nominations come in, we’ll be selecting a diverse group of young people across industries, backgrounds, and towns.

This is just the beginning. We’re so excited to share these stories with you and to create something that reflects the spirit of this region, creative, hardworking, connected, and full of heart.

We hope you’ll come along for the journey.

And if you know someone under 30 who deserves a spotlight, now’s the time.

Nominate them here: Foothills Under 30

For questions or sponsorships, reach out to us at yosemitefoothills@gmail.com

With love from the Yosemite Foothills,

Juliette