Welcome to The (Y) Connect Podcast.
We invite you to listen to the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s podcast, (Y) Connect! As the heartbeat of the community, the Y is a connector where people of all ages come together to elevate their well-being and make an impact in the lives of others. Join hosts Robert, Zarinah and Allison each week as they have authentic conversations with people who share their personal stories and what connects them to the Y.
In a variety of episodes, we interview community leaders, trailblazers, youth advocates, fitness gurus, pickleball pros, and inspiring fathers, mothers, and children who are all passionate about the Y.
Spend time getting to know your neighbors, and we would love YOU to be part of the conversation! Listen and let us know what the Y means to you HERE.
Click here to listen to (Y) Connect with your preferred listening platform.
Watch Clips from Recent Episodes
Episode 29 "A Slam Dunk Partnership: Atlanta Hawks and The Y"
Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan, a dedicated Y supporter, or just someone who loves hearing about the positive impact sports can have on our community, you won't want to miss this episode. The YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the Atlanta Hawks have teamed up in an incredible jersey patch partnership that will bring positive change to our community and take the game to a whole new level. Joining us to share the exciting details are Andrew Saltzman, EVP & Chief Revenue Officer of State Farm Arena and the Atlanta Hawks, who also serves on the Y’s Board of Directors, YMCA of Metro Atlanta CEO/President Lauren Koontz and the Y’s Chief Experience Officer Kristin McEwen.
Episode 28: (Y) Connect Turns One: Hosts Reflect on the Year
It's been one year since the (Y) Connect Podcast was launched, and what a year of sharing powerful stories of how the YMCA impacts the lives of so many people across metro Atlanta. Join the co-hosts, Robert, Zarinah, and Allison as they reflect on some of the most memorable stories of resilience, determination, belonging, advocacy, and impact.
Episode 27: Empowering the Futures of Boys & Young Men of Color
Statistics tell us boys and young men of color are twice as likely to grow up in poverty. They are more likely to live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, and they are more likely to fall into poverty as adults, regardless of background. Since 2018, the YMCA has been working to change these statistics and narratives.
Through the Boys and Young Men of Color strategy, Ys provides safe spaces for young leaders to express themselves, nurture their unique identities, and learn important life skills. Tune into this episode as Devlin Anglin and Jamie Glenn share the impact of this work.