In this episode, we discuss the legacy of female leadership at the First Coast YMCA and what it means to truly serve as a committed volunteer.

The First Coast YMCA and Jewish Community Alliance Racing Against Hate 5K Run/Walk is an annual event that brings the community together to celebrate the unique aspects of what makes Northeast Florida special. The event, which will be held Sunday, February 22nd and presented by Regency Centers, is the culmination of the third annual Together Against Hate, which featured community discussion events that covered a variety of topics, including human trafficking, youth mental health, Jew-hatred, Indigenous peoples and more. Today’s guests include Eleanor Blair, Vice President of Strategic Communications and Connections at the First Coast YMCA; Heather Terrill, J Institute Director at the Jewish Community Alliance; and Thomas Bolton, Culture & Community Impact Specialist, Regency Centers.

As part of its ongoing focus on youth development, the First Coast YMCA is educating the leaders of tomorrow through YMCA Tiger Academy, a free charter school in Northwest Jacksonville. This week’s episode will explore how this innovative school is providing a critical resource to the community by guiding children in their educational journey. Guests include YMCA Tiger Academy Principal Easter Brown, YMCA Tiger Academy Executive Director Lauren Gibbs, and YMCA Tiger Academy parent Tatiana Pittman.

In this week's episode, we explore the weight loss and personal fitness options offered by the First Coast YMCA and talk to a member who is tremendous weight loss success story.

There are about 1,800 employees at the First Coast YMCA with positions ranging from part-time to full-time to seasonal, encompassing all age ranges and levels of experience. In this episode, we talk about what kind of positions are available, what it's like to work at the YMCA and what makes the YMCA stand out from other places of employment.

While traditional youth sports like basketball and soccer remain popular, the First Coast YMCA is consistently exploring alternative sports to offer children in the community. Gymnastics at the Dye-Clay Family YMCA provides a unique outlet for kids of all ages to learn more and participate in a fun sport that teaches a variety of skills and techniques and gives them a chance to connect with their peers.

As the year of 2026 begins, we discuss New Year's resolutions and how the First Coast YMCA can help members set and achieve their goals in the new year, especially when they relate to the YMCA pillars of healthy living, social responsibility and youth development.

For the first time in the history of the city, the Ironman competition will be held in Jacksonville. It is scheduled for May of 2026. So, the First Coast YMCA is holding an Ironman Readiness Workshop and that is the focus of this podcast.

Healthy Living at the First Coast YMCA includes a variety of resources for the community to live a healthy life. Among the newest technology that the Y has available at several branches are recovery solutions. In this episode, YMCA leaders Tim Burrows and Cara Roach, along with Sarah Pellegrino, from Wellness Space Brands, discuss the importance of incorporating this type of technology into your overall fitness routine.

This week's episode focuses on the numerous Healthy Aging Activities offered by all branches of the First Coast YMCA.