Ep. 66 Drowning is Preventable: The Y’s Call to Action
(Y) Connect
Please note that this episode contains mentions of fatal drownings. Listen with care. Today, we’re diving into one of the most vital—and lifesaving—initiatives at the Y: water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children, and the Y is on a mission to change that. Joining us today are three passionate changemakers who are helping the Y turn the tide on drowning prevention: Megan Benvenuto, Group Vice President and Executive Director of the Northwest Cobb Family YMCA who oversees the YMCA’s association-wide aquatics program; Shannon Atty,...
info_outline
Ep. 65 - Fan Favorite: A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons
(Y) Connect
We’re back with a fan favorite episode of the Y Connect Podcast! For more than a century, the Y has taught children and adults how to swim. And while the Y is the largest provider of swim lessons in the country, there are countless people who never learn this critical skill. Highlighting the importance of it’s never too late to learn, we have the special privilege of introducing you to an entire family that recently took the swim lesson plunge together. IN THIS EPISODE: (03:36) Jax shares how the multi-generational family swim lesson came together (05:01) Ayanna explains how she and her...
info_outline
Ep. 64 - From Soccer Fields to Storytelling - Meet the Y’s CMO
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we’re sitting down with someone who’s no stranger to the YMCA—James Reynolds, our Chief Marketing Officer. James grew up at the Decatur Y, now coaches his daughters’ soccer team at the Cowart Family Y, and returned to the organization a little over a year ago in a big way. With a career that’s taken him around the world—from the Atlanta Braves to brands like Popeyes, Moe's & Tropical Smoothie—James brings a unique mix of professional expertise and personal connection to the Y. We’re excited to hear how he’s thinking about storytelling, brand, and...
info_outline
Ep. 63 - The Y’s Commitment to Health Equity with Dr. Terri McFadden
(Y) Connect
How can we create a healthier future for kids? Dr. Terri McFadden, a pediatrician, professor, and passionate advocate for children’s healthcare and literacy in Georgia, joins hosts Zarinah, Robert, and Allison. This episode of the Y Connect podcast dives into Dr. McFadden’s journey to pediatrics, the power of partnering with families to achieve health equity, and the vital role of literacy in child development. Dr. McFadden shares practical steps for water safety and the importance of culturally sensitive care, emphasizing community collaboration, addressing social challenges, and breaking...
info_outline
Ep. 62 - Martha Haythorn Is Redefining Advocacy and Community
(Y) Connect
What does it look like when people with developmental disabilities lead the way in advocacy, community programming, and public policy? On this episode of the (Y) Connect podcast, hosts Zarinah, Robert, and Allison are joined by Martha Haythorn, a powerful voice for disability advocacy and a champion of inclusion at the YMCA. From organizing local programs to speaking on national stages, Martha shares her journey, leadership, and how she’s helping build a future where everyone belongs. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction (04:28) Martha shares how she became acquainted...
info_outline
Ep. 61 - Planting Purpose: How the Y Cultivates Community
(Y) Connect
Today on Y Connect, we’re joined by two remarkable Y leaders growing more than vegetables—they’re cultivating connection, health, and purpose. Collette Cosby, Executive Director of the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, is deeply committed to sustainability, food equity, and inclusive community service. Under her leadership, the Y’s Community Garden has blossomed into a powerful hub for education, access, and engagement. Joining her is Elease Murray, the Y’s Wellness Director, who motivates others through faith, fitness, and wellness. Elease has been instrumental in bringing the garden...
info_outline
ENCORE: Diving in with the Mermaids at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we're thrilled to talk with two remarkable women who have dubbed themselves the Mermaids. From morning swims to community events, the Mermaids demonstrate how engagement, community, and belonging shape lifelong health and wellness. Get ready to laugh, enjoy, and discover how this group of swimmers makes every splash count, proving that age is just a number when you’re young at heart. IN THIS EPISODE: (01:08) Introduction of guests and description of The Mermaids (03:22) Chris describes what the Mermaids are to her (05:17) Carolyn shares how she was introduced to the Mermaids...
info_outline
Ep. 60 - Omari Crawford: Leading the Charge for Youth Sports & the Y
(Y) Connect
On this episode of Y Connect, the hosts welcome Omari Crawford, State Representative for Georgia’s 89th House District and East Lake Family Y Board member, who shares his deep-rooted connection to the YMCA and his passion for running. Omari reflects on how his early experiences with Y athletic programs shaped his commitment to fitness and mental well-being, drawing parallels between marathon training and the discipline needed in sports and life. He also discusses how the legislature addresses mental health for athletes, the valuable lessons the Y instills in youth, and how he prepares for...
info_outline
Ep. 59 - Kendall Rae Johnson: Georgia’s Youngest Farmer
(Y) Connect
On this episode of Y Connect, the hosts are excited to welcome a young trailblazer in agriculture. At just nine years old, the youngest certified farmer, author and founder of Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, Kendall Rae, shares her inspiring journey. Alongside her mom Ursula, she discusses how her love for farming began, the variety of fruits and vegetables she grows in her front and back yards, and how her passion evolved into a business. She also breaks down hydroponics and shares the story behind her book, I’m Growing Places, which uses rhymes to teach the plant life cycle. This episode...
info_outline
Ep. 58 - Growing the Y’s Reach through Early Learning
(Y) Connect
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta's commitment to early learning, exemplified through its Head Start programs, significantly impacts children and families in the community. Dr. Andria McMichael, a dedicated leader within the organization, shares her excitement about the recent expansion of these programs, designed to provide children with the foundation they need to succeed. From inspiring personal stories, like a nonverbal child beginning to speak after just days in the program, to the call for volunteers and community partnerships, the YMCA is creating lasting community connections that nurture both...
info_outlineWelcome to a special episode of the (Y) Connect podcast as we celebrate two incredible years of storytelling, community impact, and meaningful conversations. In this episode, your hosts, Allison, Robert, and Zarinah, take a fun and heartfelt look back at the journey of (Y) Connect, sharing memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal reflections.
And speaking of memorable moments... you’re in for a treat! Robert showcases his incredible singing voice once again — a callback to the very first episode two years ago. Get ready for laughter, inspiration, and a walk down memory lane as we reflect on two years of connecting, learning, and growing together at the Y.
IN THIS EPISODE:
-
[1:59] How the podcast began, and the hosts discuss meaningful episodes
-
[4:36] Zarinah reveals which episodes left a lasting impact on her this year: Ep. 53 - Running Strong: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and Ep. 39 - Diving in With the Mermaids at the Y
-
[6:30] Allison gives a deeper look into Ep. 39 - Diving in With the Mermaids at the Y
-
[8:31] Robert shares the episodes that showed him an unexpected story or an insightful perspective: Ep. 48 - Finding Strength Through Community at the Y and Ep. 41 - Building Community Through Fitness at the Y
-
[14:37] An episode that represents strength and resilience: Ep. 36 - A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons
-
[16:19] The hosts shared moments when they met, their comradery, and Robert sings a stanza of Amazing Grace
-
[21:00] Zarinah reflects on Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action and Ep. 44 - Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants, and other moving episodes
-
[25:10] Looking forward to other episodes to feature in 2025
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-
Community stories create lasting impact. The podcast reflects on episodes like Running Strong: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and Building Community Through Fitness at the Y, highlighting how the Y fosters community, fitness and resilience. These stories showcase the transformative power of shared experiences in strengthening bonds across diverse groups.
-
The hosts' camaraderie is evident as they share behind-the-scenes moments and personal insights, such as Robert’s heartfelt rendition of Amazing Grace. This reflects the deeper, personal connections the podcast has cultivated between the team and its audience over the past two years.
-
Episodes like Ep. 44 - Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants demonstrate the Y's commitment to addressing history while promoting healing and progress. The discussion about upcoming episodes in 2025 reveals a forward-thinking vision to continue highlighting impactful stories that inspire growth and inclusion.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Ep. 53 - Running Strong: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners
Ep. 39 - Diving in With the Mermaids at the Y
Ep. 48 - Finding Strength Through Community at the Y
Ep. 41 - Building Community Through Fitness at the Y
Ep. 36 - A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons