Mind Your Mind Speaks

In this episode, Irene Barton sits down with Lindsey Taulbee, Chapter Lead for the West Cobb Wait Until 8th program, to discuss the Wait Until 8th movement in West Cobb and its connection to youth mental health. Lindsey and Irene explore what drew Lindsey to the program, what the initiative involves, and how she works to grow awareness and participation in West Cobb. After learning about the East Cobb chapter, Lindsey felt inspired to launch the West Cobb chapter in January 2025. She now hosts monthly meetings, facilitates honest conversations about healthier technology habits, addresses parent concerns, and continues to grow pledge participation within her community.    Find the full show notes at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast

In this special episode, Irene Barton, Executive Director, and Kaitlyn Ball, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, discuss the 2025 Elections in Georgia and Cobb County. Over the past few weeks, about 25% of active voters in Cobb County headed to the polls — and the results are in. Irene and Kaitlyn break down what these results mean, why they matter, and what’s coming up next for local and statewide races.   Find the full show notes on our website at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast!

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast! In this episode, Executive Director Irene Barton sits down with Dr. Monica Brown, a community leader and passionate advocate for civic engagement. As the former head of the Democracy Center of Cobb County and now Executive Director of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Dr. Brown has dedicated her career to ensuring people have access to accurate information and opportunities to participate in democracy.   Find the full show notes at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast!

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast! In this episode, Executive Director Irene Barton sits down with Julia Davis, owner of The Bookworm Bookstore in Powder Springs and creator of Bookworm Fest, a week-long celebration for book lovers of all ages. Julia has called Cobb County home for more than 20 years, but was born and raised in a small town in New York. Inspired by her parents’ deep community involvement, Julia has built a vibrant hub of connection, creativity, and literacy through her work.   Find the full show notes on our website!

In this episode, Irene Barton, Executive Director of Cobb Collaborative, is joined by Kimberly Henghold, Director of Community Relations with the Office of External Affairs at Kennesaw State University. Kim also serves on several local boards, including the Cobb Homeless Alliance and the Cobb Collaborative Board.   Find show notes & more on our website.

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast! In this episode, Executive Director Irene Barton sits down with Stacy S. Jensen, one of our very first Literacy Ambassadors at Marietta City Schools, and the author of Before I Lived Here. Their conversation explores Stacy’s journey to publishing a children’s book, the important role of Literacy Ambassadors, local book distributions, and more.   Find the show notes on our website!

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast! In this episode, Executive Director Irene Barton is joined by Kaitlyn and Lesleigh from the Cobb Collaborative team. Together, they recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month and share about suicide warning signs, prevention strategies, and ways our community can support those impacted. They also highlight upcoming events like the You Are Loved Walk and QPR trainings, along with resources that can help save lives.   Please find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode, Irene Barton, Executive Director of Cobb Collaborative, is joined by colleague Lesleigh Sanders, Mental Health Program Coordinator, along with Barbara Garner, Executive Director at Circles Cobb, and Keylan Mitchell, Circles Cobb coach, co-owner of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, & Shakes; and Nikky and Jas, two inspiring Circles Cobb cohort members.   Find the full show notes on our website: cobbcollaborative.org/category/news/podcast

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast!  In this episode, Executive Director Irene Barton sits down with Ali Nyarko, Cobb Collaborative’s Director of Early Childhood Programs.  Their conversation reflects our growing commitment to supporting early childhood development across our community.   Find the show notes on our website! 

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast.  In this special re-release episode, Cobb Collaborative Executive Director Irene Barton sits down with Dr. Jyll Walsh, Deputy Director of Positive Childhood Alliance Georgia, formerly known as Prevent Child Abuse Georgia.   As always, you can find our show notes at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast   Thank you listeners for tuning in!    

In this special Pride Month episode, Irene Barton, Executive Director of Cobb Collaborative, is joined by Kelly Mellen—former Cobb Collaborative Communications Director, advocate, mother of two, long-time Cobb County resident, and current team member at Making Things Right (MTR).   Founded in 2021 by Brian Nietzel, Making Things Right is a nonprofit working to rethink and transform the Christian response to LGBTQ+ people. Their mission is to create space for honest conversation, patient understanding, and meaningful support for LGBTQ+ individuals—especially within faith communities.   Kelly shares more about MTR's outreach efforts, including the MTR Connect Web Series (August–December), featuring conversations with special guests. Learn more at: makingthingsright.org/connect She also discusses MTR’s “I’m Sorry” Pride Tour, where the team attends one Pride event per month from May through October (culminating at Atlanta Pride). Other organizations mentioned in this episode that support LGBTQ+ individuals in Christian spaces: Q Christian Fellowship (QCF) Embracing the Journey CenterPeace The Reformation Project The Christian Closet Affirming Therapy Christians for Social Action Oriented to Love Stay connected with Making Things Right: Website: makingthingsright.org Newsletter Instagram YouTube Podcast See where the MTR team will be this year at local and national events

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast. In this special episode, you will hear a conversation between Cobb Collaborative's Executive Director, Irene Barton, and Regina White and Brandie Dudley, the leadership team at Mpowerd.   As always, you can find the show notes at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast.   Thank you for tuning in! 

Welcome, Sarah Winograd and Halle, with Together with Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing the trauma of family separation due to poverty.  Through their three programs: Family Support KinCare Apprenticeship Training Together with Families connects underserved families with personalized support, uplifts voices with lived experience, and builds a compassionate, community-centered network. Sarah encourages everyone to consider how they can support families, saying: "Feel free to call or text me" at 678-644-1916. You can also contact TwF at info@together-families.org.   Find Together with Families on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.   Special Programming Note: Halle Mickel of TwF is preparing to attend law school with the goal of becoming an attorney for families like hers. If you know of a law firm or attorney open to interviewing Halle for an internship opportunity, please reach out to Irene Barton at ibarton@cobbcollaborative.org—we’d love to make the connection.  

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast. In this episode, Cobb Collaborative Executive Director Irene Barton and Mental Health Program Coordinator Lesleigh Sanders discuss Mental Health Awareness Month.     Show Notes Mental Health Awareness Month was founded in 1949 by Mental Health America to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives. 1 in 20 adults experience a serious mental health condition each year (NAMI) In the USA, there is one mental health provider for every 550 people  In Georgia, there is one mental health provider for every 1,169 residents. In Cobb County, there is one mental health provider for every 899 people Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkits: Mental Health America NAMI  SAMHSA Mind Your Mind Social Media Accounts Instagram Facebook  Thank you for tuning in and supporting the Mind Your Mind Speaks podcast. You can find this episode and the show notes at: cobbcollaborative.org/podcast

We're bringing back one of our favorite episodes! In this conversation, Cobb Collaborative Executive Director Irene Barton sits down with Lisa King — school counselor, author, and national presenter — to explore how innovation in education can better support students and families.  Don't miss this inspiring discussion on building stronger connections in and out of the classroom! For full show notes and links, visit cobbcollaborative.org/podcast.

In this episode, you will hear a conversation between Cobb Collaborative's Executive Director, Irene Barton, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Kaitlyn Ball, and Mental Health Coordinator, Lesleigh Sanders. This podcast focuses on Child Abuse Prevention Month and things we can do to better help our caregivers and children during this time.  As always, please visit our website for show notes and links: cobbcollaborative.org/podcast THANK YOU, for your support of our Mind Your Mind Speaks podcast. Please like and share our content on social media to help us grow our listening audience. 

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast. In this special episode, you will hear a conversation between Cobb Collaborative's Executive Director, Irene Barton, and Founder of MentalFit, Derrick McElroy.   In this episode, Irene and Derrick discuss Derrick's life story and the events that led him to create MentalFit, and how he and his team continue to enhance it every day.   As always, you can find this episode along with show notes and links on our website at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast   https://www.mentalfitlife.com/

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast. In this special episode, you will hear a conversation between Cobb Collaborative's Executive Director, Irene Barton, and founder of Project Infinity, Paula.In this episode, Irene and Paula discuss Project Infinity, which provides a variety of supports to students and families experiencing homelessness across metro Atlanta. Learn about the unique challenges and also opportunities to support these students by listening to our conversation.   As always, you can find this episode along with show notes and links on our website at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast. In this special episode, you will hear a conversation between Cobb Collaborative's Executive Director, Irene Barton, and Cobb County Health Equity and Community Engagement Director, Jazmyn McCloud. In this episode, Irene and Jazmyn discuss the initiatives of Cobb County Public Health and different ways Cobb community members can become more involved.   As always, you can find this episode along with show notes and links on our website at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast   Cobb Douglas Public Health is a nationally accredited public health agency, and is one of 18 public health districts in Georgia. The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Cobb has these 5 focus areas: Mental and Behavioral Health Access to Care Maternal and Infant Health Healthy Eating Healthy Behaviors       Listed below are documents Jazmyn references throughout today's conversation:  https://cobbanddouglaspublichealth.com/about/publications/   https://cobb2020.com/   https://www.facebook.com/Cobb2020HIP

Welcome to the Mind Your Mind Speaks Podcast. In this special episode, you will hear a conversation between Cobb Collaborative's Executive Director, Irene Barton, and members of Cobb Moms Helping Cobb. In this episode, Irene discusses the initiatives and behind the scenes of this empowering group of women.   As always, you can find this episode along with show notes and links on our website at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast Jody Vane was named the 2024 Jack Vaughan, Jr. Human Service Award Winner in the Volunteer Category in December for her work with Cobb Moms Helping Cobb.   Cobb Moms Helping Cobb -https://www.facebook.com/groups/615059631916268 www.cobbmomshelpingcobb.org     Administrator Team: Jody Vane, Katie Hurn, and Courtney Morrel