Mind Your Mind Speaks

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!

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

Instagram

YouTube

Podcast

See where the MTR team will be this year at local and national events