Mind Your Mind Speaks

S6EP7: Conversation with Yang Vang, Miss Global Hmong 2026

Cobb Collaborative Executive Director, Irene Barton interviews Yang Vang, Miss Global Hmong 2026 and a chiropractic student in Cobb County, about her mental health advocacy, balancing school and pageantry, and the cultural stigma she aims to dismantle.

Find the full show notes at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast

S6EP6: Conversation with Becky Sayler, Cobb County School Board Member (Post 2)

In this episode, Irene Barton sits down with Becky Sayler, Post 2 Board Member for Cobb County School District, for a thoughtful conversation on education, community, and what it takes to support every child’s success.

 

Find the full show notes at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast

S6EP5: Conversation with Jacob Rogers, Vote Your Voice Coordinator

In this episode, Irene Barton sits down with Jacob Rogers of Cobb Collaborative's Vote Your Voice initiative to break down everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 elections — including the District 14 Special Election runoff and key May election dates. Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned one, this episode has the information you need to make your voice heard.

Find the full show notes at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast

S6EP4: Conversation with Mark Riggans, Chairperson of Cobb Christmas

In this episode, Irene Barton sits down with Mark Riggans, Chairperson of Cobb Christmas, to talk about the heart behind one of Cobb County’s most impactful holiday initiatives.

 

Find our full show notes at www.cobbcollaborative.org/category/news/podcast

 

S6EP3: Reflecting on Resiliency Week 2026 with the Collaborative Team

In this special episode of Mind Your Mind Speaks, we hear from members of the Cobb Collaborative team as they share their reflections, favorite moments, and how we plan to keep this momentum going beyond Resiliency Week 2026!

S6EP2: Conversation with Michael McNeely, Mableton City Councilmember, District 2

In this episode, Irene Barton sits down with Michael McNeely, Mableton City Councilmember for District 2, to discuss his journey from military service and community leadership to local government.

 

Meet the Guest: Michael McNeely

Michael McNeely is Georgia Native, raised in Wrens Georgia, and has lived in Mableton since 2019.  Michael is a Veteran, Cobb Collaborative Board Member, and Deputy Director at the Department of Juvenile justice and has been recently elected to the Mableton City Council, representing District 2. 

 

As always, find the full show notes on our website at cobbcollaborative.org/podcast

S6EP1: Conversation with Rae-Anne Pinckney, Director of Community Health Programs and Partnerships at Wellstar Health System

In this episode, Irene Barton sits down with Rae-Anne Pinckney, Director of Community Health Programs and Partnerships at Wellstar Health System, to discuss Wellstar’s mission-driven approach to community health, its innovative programs, and the impact of Resiliency Week.

Wellstar’s community health programs are designed to expand access to care and strengthen social support across the communities they serve. Using data from Community Health Needs Assessments, Wellstar identifies and prioritizes local needs—then goes beyond data collection to develop and enhance service-led initiatives. These efforts directly support an equitable, people-centered care model that addresses barriers to health and well-being.

Meet the Guest: Rae-Anne Pinckney

Rae-Anne Pinckney brings a background in Social Work and Public Health, with a career rooted in building practical, community-based partnerships and community benefit programs that help remove barriers to care for families. Beginning her career as a social worker, Rae-Anne’s passion for service is deeply personal. As the oldest of three daughters, she proudly embraces her role as a “mama bear,” advocating for the communities and partners she supports every day.

S5EP22: Conversation with Lindsey Taulbee, Chapter Lead for the West Cobb Wait Until 8th program

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

S5EP21: Conversation with Irene Barton: Election Results & What’s Next

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!

S5EP20: Conversation with Dr. Monica Brown

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!