The why behind the Y’s uplifting podcasts

On May 2, The YMCA of Northwest Louisiana hosted their 100th episode of Shreveport-Bossier: My City, My Community, My Home, with their guests, Mark and Mike Mangham of Twin Blends Photography.

“If I speak to enough people, Jeffrey Goodman, director of marketing and development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, says, “good things will come of that.” This sentiment inspired by conversations with local leaders and the cornerstone values of the YMCA — youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility — has formed the foundation of not only the weekly podcasts but also periodic community panels. CEO Gary Lash blessed the idea, and it has blossomed, spotlighting all the good in this place we call home.

There have been eight community panels to date, ranging in topics from CADA Crisis Response to Dr. James Andrews addressing the development of young athletes. They also held the First Shreveport Mayoral Forum with all the candidates in attendance. The podcasts, which launched in March 2022, are, for the most part, one-on-one discussions hosted by Jeffrey Goodman and produced by Ellen Oles. Jeffrey and Ellen were producing the podcasts on their own when Briant Garcia and Vita Riner of 318 Latino studio in Shreveport offered their professional space. This relationship and their partnership with KSLA Channel 12 have been a great boost.

Mark and Mike Mangham with Ellen Oles

Reflecting on the milestone of 100 episodes, Jeffrey compares it to a box of 64 crayons. “We are now looking at what we’ve done, we’ve hit those 20 colors, now what colors have we not highlighted. These podcasts allow all the time and space in the world to explore the gifts of each guest.” Ellen, human resources generalist of the YMCA, adds, “I am inspired by how many people are trying and are making a difference. It’s encouraging; love exists here.”

When asked what he hopes will come of these podcasts and his work at the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, Jeffrey is encouraged that he sees more and more people uplifting our community online and in print.

“There is a spreading of this work, more and more people are saying, ‘I care about this place, and I’m going to do something about it.’” Jeffrey says he is still on an ongoing search to understand this community and to understand his place inside of it and what role he should play. “First and foremost, we all have a role to play. This is where we live, we have a responsibility to make our home as good as it can be or better. No matter the size of our role, it is not up to someone else.”

Shreveport-Bossier: My City, My Community, My Home can be found on Facebook and Instagram, as well as on YouTube. It has historical markers, panel videos, weekly podcasts, articles and more to remind us to be proud of this area. You can also find information about the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana at ymcanwla.org.