Mind Your Mind Speaks

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!

S5EP19: Conversation with Julia Davis, Owner of The Bookworm Bookstore in Powder Springs

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!

S5EP18: Conversation with Kimberly Henghold, Community Leader & Director at KSU

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.

S5EP17: Conversation with Children’s Book Author, Stacy S. Jensen

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!

S5EP16: Conversation with Cobb Collaborative's Kaitlyn and Lesleigh: Suicide Prevention Month

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.

S5EP15: Conversation with Circles Cobb

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