One Year. Ten Connect Moderators. Several Local Guides. Countless Stories.
Every Conversation. One Place.
As we celebrate Connect’s 10th anniversary this July, I’m also celebrating another milestone that’s very close to my heart—the first anniversary of the Know Your Connect Moderator (KYCM) series. 
One year ago, I set out to create something a little different—a space where our community could get to know the amazing people behind the Connect Moderator badges, not just as moderators, but as Local Guides, travelers, photographers, storytellers, community builders, and friends.
To make each session even more engaging, every episode also features two inspiring Local Guides who have made a positive impact through their passion, creativity, and community involvement. Together, we explore their Local Guides journeys, contributions on Google Maps and beyond, community projects, social media, and, of course, a few fun stories you might not have heard before!
Over the past year, what started as a monthly meetup series has grown into something truly special. We’ve shared inspiring stories, learned from one another, laughed together, and built friendships that span continents. Every guest has brought their own unique perspective, reminding us that while we may come from different cultures and backgrounds, we’re all connected by the same passion for helping others through Google Maps and Connect.
As KYCM enters its second year, I wanted to create a permanent home for the series—a place where you can easily find every episode, revisit your favourite conversations, and catch up on any sessions you may have missed. This post will continue to grow with every new meetup, making it the one place where the entire journey lives.
A Year in Review: Every Conversation. One Place.
Before diving into the full archive, here’s a quick look at what we’ve accomplished together during our first year.
KYCM by the Numbers
10 Connect Moderators featured
22 inspiring Local Guides joined the conversations
11 video sessions (including a special Live Q&A)
Guests representing 14 countries across 6 continents
One amazing global community
Our Journey So Far
(Click any episode to watch the recording or read the meetup recap.)
July 2025 — @AdrianLunsong (Series Premiere)
Featuring: @MarcoDavoli • @H-C-Davies
August 2025 — @Jesi
Featuring: @SarahKa • @Trishatishu
September 2025 — A Short Pause
October 2025 — @PaulPavlinovich
Featuring: @MaxPlusFood • @OliverKIWI
November 2025 — @Sagir
Featuring: @UchechukwuEnem • @MrFreez
December 2025 — @JanVanHaver
Featuring: @Amiran • Jason (Los Angeles, USA)
January 2026 — @Velvel
Featuring: @Sylviarinih • @MutiahA
February 2026 — @Cecilita
Featuring: @EugeGallardo • @CaroGuiniazu
March 2026 — @Denise_Barlock (USA Meetup Special Edition)
Featuring: @jayasimha78 • @JustJake • @Rednewt74
A special edition of KYCM dedicated to the first-ever USA Local Guides Meetup, where Denise and members of the organising team shared behind-the-scenes insights and everything attendees could look forward to.
Bonus Session — Live Q&A with Denise
Featuring: @jayasimha78 • @JustJake • @Rednewt74 • @Twyla
Following the watch party, we continued the conversation with a live Q&A where community members could ask questions and interact directly with Denise.
April 2026 — @KashifMisidia
Featuring: @SwetaDhondoo • @Kumaarsantosh
May 2026 — Community Pause
There was no KYCM session this month as many of us were busy preparing for the first-ever USA Meetup.
June 2026 — @Globe_trotter_Ish
Featuring: @doc_dells • @Rohan10
The Journey Continues…
The first year was just the beginning.
We’re already excited to kick off Year Two, with our August episode featuring a Connect Moderator from Indonesia, followed by many more inspiring guests and conversations in the months ahead.
Whether you’ve joined us from the very first episode or recently discovered the series, thank you for being part of this journey. Your enthusiasm, support, questions, and participation are what make KYCM such a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
A heartfelt thank you to every Connect Moderator, every featured Local Guide, and everyone who has watched, commented, or joined us live over the past year. This series wouldn’t be what it is without you.
Here’s to another year of learning, connecting, sharing stories, and celebrating the incredible people who make our Local Guides community so special.
See you at the next Know Your Connect Moderator meetup! 
