YALD. The Podcast (hosted by Aldo B. Martin).
Nestled in the Washington Heights neighborhood in NYC, is a group of people that aim to empower their surrounding community. The organization is called YALD and providing 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.
Episodes
27 episodes
Goosebumps and Tears
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.&n...
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Episode 26
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30:24
Underneath It All...
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 roadblock...
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Episode 25
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20:58
Nobody Has to be Here
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...
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Episode 24
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29:09
"And I Still Got That Flag"
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...
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Episode 23
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21:17
The Legacy (part 3)
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 ...
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Episode 22
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16:15
The Legacy (part 2)
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 ...
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Episode 21
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16:16
The Legacy (part 1)
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 ...
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Episode 20
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19:31
"I Just Wanted to Coach Football" (pt 2)
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 moment...
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Episode 19
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20:45
"I Just Wanted to Coach Football" (pt 1)
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 progr...
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Episode 18
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22:36
The Turkey Bowl
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 memo...
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Episode 17
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27:40
Priceless
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 see...
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Episode 16
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24:28
Break the Cycle (pt 2)
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 assista...
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Episode 15
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25:38
Break the Cycle (pt 1)
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 addi...
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Episode 14
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18:09
Not About the Stats
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 ...
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Episode 13
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20:05
"Facebook Ain't It"
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 e...
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Episode 12
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16:59
Shots Fired
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. &nbs...
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Episode 11
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15:15
"Prime Time"
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. Ke...
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Episode 10
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31:11
"Dykman is Dykman"
Today we speak with Luis, a volunteer coach with the program. As chance would have it, he is the newest member to the coaching staff. Luis did not participate in the program as a youth. During the pandemic, Luis looked for an ...
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Episode 9
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31:13
Community
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...
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Episode 8
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32:45
Boys To Men
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 u...
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Episode 7
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29:46
Fist and Twist
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. ...
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Episode 6
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33:38
"Dique"
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 pla...
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Episode 5
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30:44
Ignited
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.&nbs...
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Episode 4
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24:25