YALD. The Podcast (hosted by Aldo B. Martin).: Recent Episodes
Aldo B. Martin
Nestled in the Washington Heights neighborhood in NYC, is a group of people that aim to empower the surrounding community. The organization is called YALD and providing underserved young people with the skills and confidence that they need to achieve their dreams is the mission. YALD has been serving their community for over a decade. There is a lot more behind the scenes than just football games on Saturdays. Tune in every week to hear the story. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.yald.org
In the series finale, we speak with Jeimy. Jeimy's son was involved with YALD. Jeimy talks about what the program has meant for her son and for her. She talks about witnessing a young man grow in confidence and independence. She also talks about a mother who had to learn to allow her son to grow in confidence and independence. Her sons' personal growth though participation encapsulates YALD's essence and purpose.
For more information, visit YALD.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
YALD's founder, Carlos, rejoins us for this episode. He tells us about some of the obstacles that YALD has faced in the recent past. Carlos talks to us about aspirations to take YALD beyond the field, but then was met with roadblocks. Regardless of the setbacks, he and the program continue for forge their way to create an impact. It should be noted that Carlos became discouraged by the setbacks, but then was quickly reminded by those around him that the program is having an impact on his community, thus prompting him to get back on track move forward. Carlos talks to us about the neighborhood organizations that have supported YALD through out the years. It's onward and upward for YALD.
For more information, visit YALD.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In this episode, we speak with Eduardo. Eduardo is a former participant and joined the program when he was about 15 years old as a high school student. He is currently a sophomore at Boston College. Although he has aged out of the program, he still remembers the program with fondness. He talks to us about the personal growth that he's experienced while being a member of the program. He tells us about some of his favorite memories and what the program means to him.
For more information, visit YALD.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In this episode, we speak with Kelvin Valentin aka Chewy. Chewy wears many hats with the program. He is the head referee and so much more. He sits down with us and offers his thoughts on the podcast and on the people that have spoken thus far. He even turns the tables and asks the host a few questions.
For more information, visit YALD.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In our third and final segment of our conversation with Fernando, he tells us what makes YALD such a unique program. He talks to us about coaching one of the first females to participate in the program. Coach Adalberto stopped by and gave us some of this thoughts and recollections. He and Fernando discuss some of the moments of the 2019 championship game. The nature of the conversation encapsulates the spirit of the program.
For more information, visit YALD.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In the second part of our conversation with Fernando, Carlos tells us the story of a time when he's had to make a tough decision regarding one of the program's participants. As it turns out, the story is essential to understanding YALD's culture and expectations for its participants. Fernando echoes the sentiment and describes the programs values in his own words.
For more information, visit YALD.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today we speak with Fernando Portilla. He also goes by the name Coach Fern. He's been affiliated with YALD for the past several years. He talks to us about how he joined the program and why. Carlos tells us a little bit about the process of selecting a new coach into the program, and how Fernando fit the mold. Fernando tells us about his passion for coaching youth sports and how the environment that YALD had already established made it a very easy transition for him.
For more information, visit YALD.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In our second and final installment with Coach Jay, he tells us more about the relationship that he's developed with the kids in the program. Carlos, who joined us for this conversation, tells us about some breakthrough moments that he and Coach Jay had with one of the kids in particular. Coach Jay and Carlos tell us how YALD isn't just about playing flag football, but it is an opportunity to serve.
Some of the subject matter in this particular episode deals with suicidal ideation. If you or anyone you know needs support in this area please contact The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 988
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today we speak with Jason Cedeno, also known as Coach Jay. He's been affiliated with YALD since the beginning. He talks to us about his impression of the program when first joined. According to Jason, he thought that the program was going to be "one and done." However, up witnessing the dedication of those around him and experiencing an unexpected level of fun, Jason has been a staple with the program ever since.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today we speak with Rafael and Joseph otherwise known as Ralph and Flash. Both of these young men were part of YALD when they were younger. They speak to us about their experiences on the field and some of their favorite memories. They explain the different lessons that they've learned over the years and how this has translated into their current lives. They also talk to us about the "Turkey Bowl" and how that has an effect on the program today.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today we meet Leo, who is one of YALD's volunteers. He talks to us about being a big brother, a mentor, a volunteer, and a coach within the organization. Leo talks to us about expectations and interactions with people. Leo sees things from a very pragmatic point of view and it is visible through his interactions with the young people in the program. He explains to us why he volunteers year in and year out. He also tells us about some of the programs' off the field victories that he's witnessed over the years. Even though he's a Patriots fan, Leo is a good guy.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today we speak with Miguel, otherwise known as Micky. Miguel is one of YALD's pillars as he has been a coach with the organization since the beginning. Miguel tells us about about how he came on board with the program. In addition to coach many kids over the years, he also coached his son in the program. Interestedly enough, even though his son aged out, Miguel still remained with the program for the love of interacting and giving back to his community.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In our second installment of our conversation with Miguel, he tells us about some of his most memorable coaching opponents. He tells us who his biggest rival is in the organization. In addition to the head coaches, there are assistant coaches. Miguel's oldest son, a YALD alumni, is now his assistant coach. He tells us a little bit about that experience. Miguel believes in building up the confidence of all of the kids in the program. He tells us a little bit about that too.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In our third and final installment with Sean, Carlos reflects and recounts his perspective on watching Sean's development over the years. Carlos comments on Sean's character growth and ensuing leadership skills. This growth is what lead him to engage with his teammates in a more meaningful way.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In this episode, which is part 2 of Sean's conversation, he begins to explain to us how YALD has helped to shape him into who he is today. Sean doesn't speak much about football in this interview. Instead, he speaks more about his experience and what he's learned during his time with the organization.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today we speak with Sean who is a former player for the organization. Carlos, YALD's founder, and Chewy, the head referee join Sean in this episode. Sean tells us about how he got involved with the organization.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today we speak with Sean who is a former player for the organization. Carlos, YALD's founder, and Chewy, the head referee join Sean in this episode. Sean tells us about how he got involved with the organization.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In this episode, which is part 2 of Sean's conversation, he begins to explain to us how YALD has helped to shape him into who he is today. Sean doesn't speak much about football in this interview. Instead, he speaks more about his experience and what he's learned during his time with the organization.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In our third and final installment with Sean, Carlos reflects and recounts his perspective on watching Sean's development over the years. Carlos comments on Sean's character growth and ensuing leadership skills. This growth is what lead him to engage with his teammates in a more meaningful way.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Kevin is, yet another, volunteer coach with the program. However, he is also a YALD alumni. Kevin originally joined the program as a teenager, where he played, and according to himself and others, caused havoc on the field. Kevin is now an adult with all of the responsibilities that come with adulthood. Kevin credits everything about himself, and his character to YALD. He claims that the biggest lessons that he's learned with the program go behind the field. Thus, prompting him to return as a volunteer.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Adalberto joins us today. He is one of YALD's volunteer coaches and has been for years. Most of the kids call him "Coach Berto." Joel, one of Adalberto's former players, sat in on today's interview. Adalberto talks to us about what YALD has meant to him and what it has meant to those around him.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today, we speak with Joel. Joel is a former player with the organization. He joined as a 15 year old high school student. He is now a college, division 1, student athlete. Joel relished the opportunity to sit down with us and recount his time with the program and his fondest memories. Joel describes himself as an athletic kid who liked sports when he was younger. However, upon joining YALD his athletic ability thrived within the structure that the program provided him. In conversing with and listening to Joel, the impact that the program has had on his life is palpable and evident.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
Today, we meet two more YALD volunteers. One is the coach of the Falcons, while the other is the Giants' coach. Leandro and Fernando, otherwise known as Footer and Fern, to which they have dubbed themselves as Fist and Twist. The two of them recount how they came aboard, and their first impressions of the organization. They talk about working with the kids through out the years. They also take us on a trip down memory lane and recount a moment that is a source of pain for Footer, while a moment of elation for Fern.
Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
Jammin' on the One
In this episode we speak with Jeremiah who is a volunteer referee with the organization. However, before becoming a volunteer, he used to be a participant. He joined YALD as a 12 year old. He played in the league and had such a great experience as a kid that he decided to pay it forward by volunteering as an adult. He speaks with is about his experience, shares some fun memories, and tells us why he does what he does.
NOT FOR AUSTIN
https://yald.org
Today we speak with Omar Verges. Omar is one of YALD's volunteer coaches. Omar brings a lot of passion, care, and sincerity to his service to YALD and its' community. He sits down with us and discusses how he came on board with the organization and why he has remained for the past few years.
In our second and final installment with Dave, he tells us about some of his favorite memories with YALD. He tells us some fond memories of working with the kids over the years. He tells us about his passion on the field and how it led to some disagreements with coaches. He tells us about what YALD has done and what he envisions for YALDs future.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org
In our previous episode, Carlos mentioned the name Dave on a few occasions and how Dave was important in the creation of the program. Today we meet David Calderon, the president of YALD. In addition, David is one of the organizations original coaches/volunteers. David talks to us about going through the process of turning YALD into a non-profit organization, and even writing grants so that the kids can have what they need. He also talks to us about some of memories as a coach for the program.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org
In our first episode, we speak with Carlos Castellanos. He created a non-profit organization that sought to uplift the young men of the community that he grew up in. The organization is called YALD and it is a youth flag football league. The participants range from the ages of 12 to 17. With its mainstay of volunteers, YALD has served over 1,000 kids in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City for the past 12 years. Carlos had a vision to empower the young people around him by using sports as a vehicle to do so. Carlos tells us how and why the program began and continues to keep going.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org