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 boys and mother got involved in swim lessons as a family

• (06:27) Gwendolyn, the grandmother, discusses how comfortable she became, and Jennifer talks about how she became an instructor

• (09:26) The boys discuss their impressions of taking swim lessons along with their mom and grandmother, and they discuss funny moments during their swim lessons

• (13:26) Discussion of lessons learned and great memories made

• (16:08) Ayanna advises other multi-generational families. Ryan and Nicholas discuss what they would tell their friends about taking swim lessons with their family

• (19:42) Each guest shares their Pathway to the (Y)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Y encourages families to take swim lessons regardless of age.

• Ayanna’s family proves that this new method of teaching families how to swim simultaneously, works

• Ayanna’s sons have confessed that taking swimming lessons with their family, although they weren’t excited about it in the beginning, has turned out to be very fun for them.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Volunteer at the YMCA

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

Strong 4 Life - Website

BIOGRAPHY: Jax Ruppert

With a lifelong commitment to the YMCA, Jax began his journey at 16 as a lifeguard, progressing to roles as a swim instructor and swim team coach. Passionate about teaching and inspiring others, he transitioned into the role of Aquatics Director. His focus is on training and developing his staff to excel and taking immense pride in their growth and achievements. Committed to making a meaningful impact in his community, Jax spearheads drowning prevention programs, starting with educating parents on the critical importance of water safety.

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 what it means to come full circle.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (03:33) James describes his connection to the YMCA

• (07:16) Adapting the brand to serve community needs, drawing from corporate experience

• (13:42) How storytelling elevates the Y’s community impact

• (16:40) The diverse programs, like Head Start and sports, positioning the Y as a place for community connections

• (21:30) James explains how authentic storytelling and community connection help the YMCA stand out from the heavy advertising noise

• (22:35) James describes the YMCA’s impact as measurable through storytelling and touchpoints

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Y makes an impact on the community through storytelling. It highlights diverse programs to showcase community impact and expand reach in local areas. Authentic storytelling enables the Y to stand out from competitors despite heavy advertising noise.

• The Y tailors its brand to meet unique community needs, ensuring relevance and accessibility.

• The YMCA creates an immeasurable impact through over 3 million annual interactions, ranging from brief moments like a single camp day to transformative, life-changing experiences that shape individuals and communities for years.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY:

As the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's chief marketing officer, James Reynolds oversees the Marketing and Communications team’s efforts, including revenue generation, traditional and digital media, brand standards, public relations, social media, and internal communications. Before joining the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, James was Vice President, Marketing for GoTo Foods International (formerly Focus Brands International), overseeing 2,000 locations for six brands in 60 countries. His work travels took him to South Korea, Japan, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Before joining GoTo Foods International, James held various marketing, product innovation, and strategy roles with Tropical Smoothie Café, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, American Golf Corporation, and the Atlanta Braves Baseball Club. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University and has continuing education certificates in Digital Advertising from the University of Illinois and Social Media from Northwestern. James grew up in Decatur, Georgia, and spent many days and nights playing basketball at the Decatur Family Y. James lives in Brookhaven with his wife and two daughters, both of whom play youth soccer at Cowart Family Y, where James also volunteers his time as a coach.

Keywords:

Y, YMCA, Community, Storytelling, Brand Adaptation, Authentic Connections, Mission-Driven, Community Engagement, Program Diversity, Head Start, Wellness Programs, Youth Sports, Volunteer Opportunities, Immeasurable Impact, Atlanta Communities, Marketing Strategies, Personal Connections, Decatur Y, Soccer, Soccer Coach, Cowart Family Y, Personal Connections, Y’s community impact, accessibility, Decatur, Georgia, Podcast

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 generational health barriers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Introduction

• (03:16) What inspired Dr. McFadden to become a pediatrician

• (04:12) How do you build real health equity for kids and partner with the family

• (08:03) Dr. McFadden discusses the four pillars of Equity and Child and Adolescent Health and discusses how literacy impacts a child’s overall well-being

• (14:52) Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare’s Nurse Navigator program

• (20:53) Discussion of challenges faced by different cultures

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Health equity requires addressing children's and parents' needs, tackling social determinants like housing and food insecurity, which drive 80% of health outcomes, to break generational adversity cycles.

• Effective care involves school-based health centers, comprehensive primary care, community program partnerships, and training providers to consider families' broader challenges beyond the exam room.

• Early literacy supports brain development and well-being while preventing injuries, especially drowning. Water-based activities demand accessible swim lessons, vigilant supervision, and community safety resources.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

PARTNERS for Equity in Child and Adolescent Health | Emory School of Medicine

Georgia Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Terri McFadden is a passionate pediatrician and Emory University professor. She delivers compassionate care and shapes pediatric healthcare through education and leadership. As a former medical director at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and past president of the Georgia AAP, she mentors future doctors and advocates for injury prevention, literacy, and health equity. Through initiatives like Reach Out and Read and PARTNERS for Equity, Dr. McFadden champions comprehensive care for underserved communities.