All Stories Matter - Johnathan Yarbrough, All About the Community

Updated 8 days ago

In this episode of 'All Stories Matter,' host Marvinetta Woodley Penn engages in a captivating conversation with Jonathan Yarbrough. Jonathan shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Kalamazoo to his aspirations in sports management. He reflects on his experiences with local community centers, the impact of mentors, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional ambitions. Marvinetta and Jonathan delve into the importance of community, the influence of technology on youth, and the need for realistic guidance. Join Marvinetta as she uncovers Jonathan's story and his vision for making a difference in his community.

Chapters

Introduction to All Stories Matter (00:00:18)
Marvinetta Woodley Penn introduces the podcast 'All Stories Matter' emphasizing joy in life.

Marvinetta Woodley Penn, the host of 'All Stories Matter', introduces herself and the podcast, which is part of her business called 'Joy on Life's Journey'. She explains her mission to teach people how to incorporate joy into their lives.
Marvinetta's Journey to Kalamazoo (00:01:30)
Marvinetta talks about her move from East St. Louis and Chicago to Kalamazoo.

Marvinetta describes her background, coming from East St. Louis in Illinois, and spending most of her life in Chicago. She shares her decision to move to Kalamazoo and the unexpected ways her life has manifested beautifully.
Meeting Jonathan Yarborough (00:02:22)
Marvinetta shares how she met Jonathan Yarborough, an interesting young man in Kalamazoo.

Marvinetta recounts her first encounter with Jonathan Yarborough at the Douglas Center, where he was the interim director. She was impressed by him and wanted to have him on her podcast. After a year of trying, she finally has him in the studio.
Jonathan's Early School Memories (00:04:30)
Jonathan discusses his early memories of kindergarten and being away from his mother.

Jonathan talks about his kindergarten experience at Lincoln Elementary, his first time being away from his stay-at-home mother, and how it felt meeting new kids.
Family and Early Influences (00:09:24)
Jonathan describes his family dynamics and the absence of his father.

Jonathan shares about his family, living with his mother and sister after his father went to prison when he was five. He talks about the close-knit nature of his family on his mother's side and his current relationship with his father.
Middle School Identity and Mentorship (00:11:48)
Jonathan reflects on his middle school years and the mentors who influenced him.

Jonathan describes middle school as a time of finding oneself and facing growing pains. He shares how mentors and positive male figures helped him mature and shaped his identity.
Pursuing Sports and Overcoming Challenges (00:14:12)
Jonathan discusses his interest in sports and the challenges of not having a father present.

Jonathan talks about his passion for sports and the realization of not having a father to support him during sports activities. He reflects on how seeing other kids with their fathers influenced him.
College and Career Aspirations (00:21:22)
Jonathan shares his college experience and aspirations in sports management.

Jonathan explains his journey from wanting to be a collegiate athlete to pursuing sports management after struggling with chemistry and deciding to change his career path.
Impact of COVID on College Life (00:24:04)
Jonathan describes how COVID disrupted his college experience during his junior year.

Jonathan recounts how COVID-19 affected his college life, cutting short his time in the Dominican Republic and leading to a lackluster final two years of college.
Technology and Social Interaction (00:27:26)
Jonathan discusses the impact of technology on social interaction and connection.

Jonathan talks about the shift from a time with minimal technology to an era of constant digital consumption, and how it's affecting social interactions and relationships.
Parental Guidance and Childhood Experiences (00:31:13)
The conversation covers the importance of childhood experiences and parental influence.

Marvinetta and Jonathan discuss how childhood should be a time of imagination and growth, and how modern parenting and technology are impacting these experiences.
Jonathan's Vision and Career Goals (00:33:24)
Jonathan discusses his career aspirations and educational background, aiming to become an athletic director.

Jonathan is asked about his thoughts and shares his focus on solutions rather than just discussing issues. He elaborates on his educational journey, which includes a degree in sports management and a master's in sport administration and leadership. His goal is to build a strong resume to become an athletic director. He is passionate about staying involved in sports and impacting athletes' lives.
The Role of Parents in Youth Motivation (00:35:35)
Discussion on how parents can motivate their children by being realistic and supportive, not just praising.

The conversation shifts to the responsibility of parents in motivating their children. Jonathan and the interviewer discuss the necessity for parents to be both supportive and realistic, explaining that not all criticism comes from others doing something wrong, but sometimes children are not performing to their potential. It's important for parents to be honest with their children and advocate for them while ensuring they are putting in the effort.
Impact of Technology on Laziness (00:38:16)
Exploration of how technology contributes to laziness despite its advantages, including AI tools like ChatGPT.

The discussion delves into how technology, while useful, has made people lazier by providing conveniences that reduce effort. They discuss the double-edged sword of tools like ChatGPT, which save time but also diminish the need for critical thinking and effort. The conversation includes reflections on how previous generations engaged in more manual tasks, such as going to the library, which fostered learning and discovery.
Reflecting on the Douglas Center and Community Involvement (00:41:25)
Jonathan shares his personal connection to the Douglas Center and the role it played in his youth.

Jonathan talks about his history with the Douglas Center, a community hub in his neighborhood growing up. It was a place that provided resources and a safe environment for youth activities such as the Youth Basketball League. He reminisces about the vibrant community life and the competitive yet supportive atmosphere of the league, which brought together kids, parents, and visitors from all over.
The Importance of Philanthropy and Giving Back (00:45:56)
Discussion on the critical need for philanthropic efforts in the community, especially from those who have benefited.

The conversation turns to philanthropy and the necessity for individuals, especially those who have benefited significantly, to give back to their communities. The interviewer emphasizes the importance of investing not just in religious institutions but in community organizations and initiatives like the Douglas Center. The idea of creating endowments and legacy gifts to support local developments and resources is discussed, highlighting the lasting impact of such contributions.
Jonathan's Role and the North Side Association for Community Development (00:48:12)
Jonathan explains his role in NACD, focusing on community development and revitalization efforts.

Jonathan outlines his role with the North Side Association for Community Development (NACD), which works on improving the Kalamazoo north side through workforce development, housing, and neighborhood revitalization. He talks about his personal investment in the community, having grown up there, and his desire to see it continue to grow and thrive. The importance of community support and involvement in these efforts is emphasized.
Acquisition of New Genesis and Future Plans (00:50:02)
Jonathan discusses the purchase of New Genesis and plans for its role in community resources and development.

The conversation reveals NACD's purchase of the New Genesis building, previously owned by Stones Church. Jonathan discusses the significance of acquiring this space to ensure it remains a resource for the community rather than falling into the hands of outside developers. He hints at future plans to revitalize the building to provide services and opportunities for residents, maintaining control over the neighborhood's development.
Jonathan's Legacy and Vision for NACD (00:53:50)
Jonathan shares his vision for NACD's future, focusing on economic development and community beautification.

Jonathan expresses his aspirations to enhance economic development and beautification on the north side of Kalamazoo. He highlights past successes, like the grocery store and workforce training centers, and the need for a laundromat and restaurants. His vision includes ensuring the availability of affordable housing for residents and preventing gentrification by encouraging property retention among homeowners.
Balancing Introversion and Extroversion in Leadership (00:57:16)
Jonathan talks about being an introvert and how he balances it with the demands of his leadership role.

Jonathan reveals that despite his leadership position, he is naturally introverted and prefers staying at home. He discusses the necessity of being able to switch between introversion and extroversion, knowing when to engage with others and when to recharge. This ability helps him manage the demands of his role at NACD, which requires frequent interaction with various stakeholders.
Jonathan's Future Goals and Advice for Youth (01:00:41)
Jonathan outlines his personal and professional goals, offering advice to young people to live in the moment.

In the final moments of the interview, Jonathan shares his hopes for personal success and family life, aiming to inspire change in his community. He advises young people to appreciate their current circumstances and live in the moment, warning against being overly concerned with the future at the expense of the present. His closing remarks emphasize the importance of being present and making the most of each day.

All Stories Matter (14 Episodes)

Updated 8 days ago

Marvinetta Penn hosts free flowing, candid conversations where guests share honestly and listen deeply – always seeking first to understand. All Stories Matter is an independently produced neighborhood voices production through Public Media Network.