This Is Y

This episode explores the Day Camp program the First Coast YMCA provides during the summer for children, primarily from 5-12 years of age.

Nassau County is home to two branches of the First Coast YMCA and in this episode we talk about the unique features of those two branches as well as the programs and events they are involved in.

The First Coast YMCA has a number of programs for teenagers in order to support the positive cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth of teens to set them up for success in their careers. One of those programs is called, Leaders Club, and that is the focus of this podcast.

Aquatics at the First Coast YMCA isn't just about providing swim lessons. It's also about making sure all children have access to lessons. The First Coast YMCA also makes it a priority to teach children about general water safety as well. In addition, the FCYMCA provides swim instruction to adults so that the entire family can be safe in and around water.

The First Coast YMCA is making a concerted effort to provide a variety of populations the resources they need to live a healthy life, including women aged 45-60. Next month, the First Coast YMCA will be hosting two Women’s Wellness Days at the Williams Family YMCA and the Winston Family YMCA to help provide awareness to all of the programs and services that are available to women in that age group. To talk about those events on today’s episode are Connie Smith, Senior Healthy Living Director, First Coast YMCA; Olivia Smith, Senior Director of Development, First Coast YMCA; and Susie Chapman, Senior Membership Director, First Coast YMCA.

Serving hundreds of thousands of members and participants at more than two dozen branches and sites across five counties in Northeast Florida, the First Coast YMCA is a diverse ecosystem of opportunities and resources. It takes a considerable amount of staffing to provide that, and the First Coast YMCA is always looking for the next great addition to its team. On this week’s edition of This Is Y, we sit down with Leslie Cook, Director of Recruiting & Onboarding; Autumn Franks, Youth Development Program Director; and Luke Proctor – Regional Aquatics Director to discuss what makes working at the First Coast YMCA so special and why there truly is No Place Like This Place.

To better serve the western neighborhood of St. Augustine, the First Coast YMCA, in partnership with several organizations, including the West Augustine Historical Community Development Corporation, recently opened the YMCA at West Augustine branch inside the Greg and Lydia White Wellness Center. The branch provides much-needed healthy living resources and impactful community programming as part of a revitalization of the area. Joining this podcast to talk about how the branch vision came to life are Seth Gonzalez, District Executive Director – St. Augustine, First Coast YMCA; Greg White, Founder & President, West Augustine Historical Community Development Corporation; and Mark Bailey, First Coast YMCA Trustee.

The First Coast YMCA is committed to helping people of all ages live healthy lives, including children. For parents who homeschool, the Y provides a Homeschool Physical Education program, where children can build connections with their peers and maintain consistent physical activity in a more flexible schedule while they are educated at home. Today’s episode features Connie Smith and Melinda Lewis of the First Coast YMCA’s Healthy Living team, along with Katie Anne Sider, a homeschool PE parent, as they discuss the benefits of this unique program for children who are homeschooled.

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.

The First Coast YMCA prides itself on being able to serve the unique needs of communities throughout Northeast Florida, but it can’t do that without the support of a variety of organizations and individuals. This episode discusses the philanthropy at the First Coast YMCA, including a variety of ways the community can support the Y’s efforts locally, including during this holiday season.

Diabetes affects millions of Americans every year, and older Americans are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with it. Three out of the five counties in Northeast Florida are above the state average for adults with diabetes, so it’s critically important for the First Coast YMCA to provide resources to manage this chronic disease. This episode, airing during Diabetes Awareness Month, will explore the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program, including through the eyes of a recent participant, and how you can get connected to this potentially life-saving program.

In a world increasingly marked by division and misunderstanding, “Together Against Hate: Promoting Unity in the Community,” presented by the Jewish Community Alliance and the First Coast YMCA, provides a platform for education, dialogue, culture, and connection across Jacksonville’s distinct communities. This episode explores the series – now in its third year.

Guests Candace Burrows, the Vice President of Programs at the FCYMCA, and Stacey McDaniel, the Director of Strategy & Quality Practices--Anti-Hunger Network Experience at Y-USA, discuss the anti-hunger programming at the First Coast YMCA.

Serving active-duty service members, veterans and their families is a priority for the First Coast YMCA as Florida has the third-highest veteran population in the country, along with several active military bases. The Y has a variety of programs available for the military community and their families, as well as strategic partners in VyStar Credit Union and the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, all of whom help serve those who have served our country. Today’s discussion covers a variety of those services, including critical mental health resources that help service members and veterans live a healthy life.

In this episode we dive into the power of personalized wellness through the First Coast YMCA’s Personal Training program. From nationally certified experts to customized fitness plans, Y personal training is about meeting members where they are—and helping them get where they want to go. Guests will share their experience as trainers and clients, highlight the diversity of available training formats, and explore the life-changing impact of a tailored fitness journey.

This episode focuses on what makes Camp Immokalee more than a camp. Camp Immokalee has been a staple of the community for over 100 years, creating an inclusive and adventurous environment for everyone. Camp Immokalee offers campers the chance to unplug, build friendships, and explore activities that inspire confidence, independence, and personal growth.

Tennis is growing in popularity, as it gives people of all ages the chance to maintain physical fitness, meet new people, and establish a recreational community. The First Coast YMCA offers tennis at its Williams Family YMCA, and this episode will cover the sport’s impact on participants, including how the community can get involved through the annual Josh Watkins Memorial Tennis Tournament.

In this episode, we discuss teen leadership programs at the First Coast YMCA, focusing on the Youth in Government program and FCYMCS Leaders Club.

All of the branches of the First Coast YMCA will be holding a Healthy Aging Day. In this episode, we highlight that event and discuss the various programs the Y has for members over 50 years of age.

In a world increasingly marked by division and misunderstanding, “Together Against Hate: Promoting Unity in the Community,” presented by the Jewish Community Alliance and the First Coast YMCA, returns to provide a platform for education, dialogue, culture, and connection across Jacksonville’s diverse communities. In today’s episode, we’ll hear from both organizations about the importance of continuing this important series, now in its third year, which begins with an impactful first event next year discussing youth mental health.

This week’s show focuses on community engagement and volunteerism at the First Coast YMCA. Guests are Josh Harrison, Metro Board Member, FCYMCA, Cheya Thousand, Advisory Board Chair, at the YMCA at Baptist North and Cara Roach, Interim Executive Director, Brown Family YMCA.

Guests Candace Burrows, the Vice President of Programs at the FCYMCA, and Stacey McDaniel, the Director of Strategy & Quality Practices--Anti-Hunger Network Experience at Y-USA, discuss the anti-hunger programming at the First Coast YMCA.

The formative years of preschool through fifth grade can have a major impact on how a child develops as he or she begins their scholastic journey. This week on “This is Y”, we take a closer look at how the First Coast YMCA’s Tiger Academy cultivates an enriching environment that develops the scholars of tomorrow. Listen to key administrators as to what makes this charter school different and hear from a recent graduate on how this school is making an indelible impact on the next generation

On today’s episode, we’re diving into how the First Coast YMCA supports healthy aging through its Active Older Adults classes and activities. We’re joined by three incredible guests—Connie Smith, Senior Director of Healthy Living; Kristin Plum, Healthy Aging Coordinator; and Michelle Downer, a dedicated Y member who has experienced the life-changing benefits of these classes and activities firsthand. We’ll explore how the YMCA tailors its programs to meet the needs of older adults, from cardio and strength training to social connection and mental well-being.

This episode features First Coast YMCA Senior Regional Sports Director Phil Tensley and volunteer coach Bill Grant as the pair discuss how the First Coast YMCA is impacting the next generation through youth sports programs and how the community can get involved through volunteering.

On this episode, we’re diving into how healthy living is more than exercise — it’s about helping people thrive at every stage of life, no matter their diagnosis or fitness level. In this episode, we sit down with YMCA staff and members to discuss the life-changing impact of cancer support, recovery, and prevention programs. Plus, we’ll dive into chronic disease prevention programs — from diabetes and hypertension to weight loss — that reduce cancer risk and help members take control of their health.

This episode features Candace Burrows and Soni Robles from the First Coast YMCA and Dr. Leslie Kaplan from the University of North Florida as they discuss how the YMCA Reads program is impacting youth literacy in Northeast Florida, including through a strategic partnership with the University of North Florida’s Hicks Honors College.

In this episode, we celebrate the lasting impact of the First Coast Games (FCG) and the corporate partnerships that have made it thrive for over 20 years. Guests Tim Burrows (First Coast YMCA), Antuane Stevens (Mayo Clinic), and Patti Reed (JPMorgan Chase) share how their organizations have deepened their relationships with the FCYMCA through corporate partnerships. The First Coast YMCA believes corporate partnerships are vital to building a healthier, more connected first coast. By working together with local businesses and longstanding partners, the FCYMCA hopes to expand the reach of programs like the First Coast Games, strengthen existing relationships, and create a culture of wellness.

In this episode, we talk about the Military Back to School Bash happening at numerous branches of the First Coast YMCA on July 26 and the relationship the First Coast YMCA has with the military community in Jacksonville.

On this episode. we're exploring how the First Coast YMCA's youth sports programs positively influence children's mental health.

In this episode of This Is Y, we are talking about summer camp at the First Coast YMCA.

This episode focuses on a unique aspect of the Y... how it works with YMCAs in other countries as part of its global efforts.

In this episode, we dive into the power of personalized wellness through the First Coast YMCA's Personal Training program. From nationally certified experts to customized fitness plans, Y personal training is about meeting members where they are and helping them get where they want to go.

In this episode, we explore how the First Coast YMCA is empowering cancer survivors through the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Through expert-guided physical activity, emotional support and community connection, this 12-week program offers cancer survivors-and their families-a path to healing

In this episode of This is Y, we are focusing on the James Weldon Johnson Family YMCA branch and its rich history. In addition, the branch has a special event coming up that we are discussing.

This episode is about the Daystar program, which focuses on adults 22 years and older, who have developmental differences. The First Coast YMCA is the only YMCA in the country that has this program.

On this episode, we delve into how the First Coast YMCA supports healthy aging through its Active Older Adults classes and activities.

In this episode, we are talking about something that impacts nearly all of us in Northeast Florida... water safety. May is National Water Safety Month and it's important that everyone know about the resources the First Coast YMCA provides to make sure we all stay safe around and in water.

In this episode, we dive into the First Coast Games. We learn the details, history and purpose of the games, going into their 20th year now.

This episode is about how the First Coast YMCA serves the military community.

This episode highlights the YMCA's commitment to child safety through the Five Days of Action, a national campaign held this month, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This episode provides practical tools and guidance to help create safer spaces for kids.