The Georgia Politics Podcast

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Season 7, Episode 345, we continue our candidate profile series with Rep. Clay Fuller, Republican candidate for Georgia's 14th Congressional District (GA-14).

Fuller joins us to discuss his campaign, the issues shaping the race and his priorities if re-elected to represent Georgia in Congress. We explore his perspectives on the challenges facing Georgia voters, the role of the federal government and the policies he hopes to advance in Washington.

Tune in for a closer look at Fuller's campaign, his vision for the district and the issues that could shape the...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Season 7, Episode 344, we continue our candidate profile series with Lindsay DeFranco, Democratic candidate for Georgia House District 47.

DeFranco joins us to discuss her campaign, the issues motivating her run for the Georgia General Assembly, and her priorities if elected. We explore her perspectives on the challenges facing Georgia families and communities, the role of state government, and the policies she hopes to advance at the Capitol.

Join us for a conversation with Lindsay DeFranco about her candidacy, her vision for Georgia's future, and why she's running to represent...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Season 7, Episode 343, we continue our candidate profile series with Rep. Matt Reeves, Republican candidate for Georgia House District 99. Frequent guest host Daelen Lowry returns to the show to join the interview and help lead the conversation with Reeves.

Reeves discusses his campaign, the issues motivating his run for reelection and his priorities for the Georgia General Assembly. We explore his views on the challenges facing Georgia and the policies he hopes to advance at the state Capitol.

Join us for a conversation with Rep. Matt Reeves and returning...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Season 7, Episode 342, we continue our candidate profile series with Jack Miller, Republican candidate for Georgia House District 47.

Miller discusses his campaign, the issues motivating his run for the Georgia House of Representatives, and his priorities if elected. We explore his views on the challenges facing Georgia and the policies he hopes to advance at the state Capitol.

Join us for a conversation with Jack Miller about his candidacy, his vision for House District 47, and the future of Georgia.

Listen to The Georgia Politics Podcast for more...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this candidate profile, we speak with Commissioner Bridget Thorne, Republican candidate for Fulton County Commission District 1.

Thorne discusses her record on the Fulton County Commission, the issues facing residents across the district, and her priorities for the county's future. We explore her views on local government, public services, spending and accountability, along with the challenges and opportunities facing Fulton County.

Join us for a conversation about Thorne's campaign, the issues motivating her candidacy and what she hopes to accomplish if reelected.

To connect with Commissioner Thorne...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1976 again, and this time we explore the strange and controversial story of Patty Hearst.

In 1974, the granddaughter of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), a radical militant group. What followed shocked the nation as Hearst later appeared to join her captors, participating in a bank robbery and becoming one of the most notorious figures in a case that captivated the American public.

We look back at Hearst's kidnapping, her transformation from victim to accused accomplice, the media frenzy surrounding the case...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Season 7, Episode 344, we continue our candidate profile series with conversations featuring Sara Fuchs, Democratic candidate for Georgia House District 49, and Beth Fuller, Democratic candidate for Georgia House District 53.

We discuss their campaigns, the issues motivating their runs for office, and their priorities if elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. Both candidates share their perspectives on the challenges facing Georgia and the policies they believe can make a difference for their communities.

Tune in to hear directly from Fuchs and Fuller as they make their cases to voters...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1976 again, and in Part 18 we examine Hank Aaron's final seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.

After spending more than two decades with the Milwaukee Braves and Atlanta Braves, Aaron returned to Milwaukee in 1975 to finish his legendary career with the Brewers. We look back at his transition to the American League, his contributions to the team, and the final chapter of a career that transformed baseball history.

Join us as we revisit Aaron's lasting legacy, his impact on Milwaukee and Atlanta, and the closing seasons of one of baseball's a...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We sat down with Tony Kozycki, the Democratic candidate for Georgia's 7th Congressional District, to respond to our recent interview with Republican U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick.

Kozycki discusses McCormick's comments, his own campaign and the issues he believes are most important to voters in the 7th District. He also shares his perspective on the race and his vision for representing the district in Congress.

Hear directly from Kozycki as he responds to Rep. McCormick and discusses the issues shaping one of Georgia's closely watched congressional races.

...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Season 7, Episode 342, we sit down with Eric Tatum, a Republican candidate for Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairperson.

Tatum discusses his background, why he is running, his vision for Fulton County and the issues he believes are most important to voters. We also talk about public safety, government accountability, economic growth and the challenges facing Georgia's largest county.

Hear directly from Tatum about his campaign, his priorities and what he hopes to accomplish if elected.

To connect with Eric or learn more about his campaign, click...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with two Democratic candidates for the Georgia House: Dumont Walker (HD 46) and Rob Epstein (HD 23).

Walker and Epstein discuss their backgrounds, why they're running for office, the issues they believe matter most to their communities and their priorities if elected. We also talk about the state of Georgia politics, the challenges facing voters and what they hope to accomplish at the Capitol.

Tune in for an in-depth conversation with two candidates looking to make their mark in the Georgia House.

To...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Part 17 of our mini-series on events that happened 50 years ago in 1976, we recount the death of Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong and examine the political upheaval that followed.

Mao died on Sept. 9, 1976, bringing an end to nearly three decades of his leadership over the People's Republic of China. We explore Mao's rise to power, his legacy, the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, and the uncertainty that followed his death.

We also examine the power struggle within the Chinese Communist Party, the emergence of new leadership and the...

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we sit down with Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick for a candidate profile exploring his background, career in medicine, and record representing Georgia in Congress.

McCormick discusses his priorities, the issues facing Georgians, and his vision for the state's future. We also explore his experience in public service and the challenges facing Washington and Georgia voters.

Listen to Season 7, Episode 319, of The Georgia Politics Podcast for a conversation with Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick.

To connect with Congressman McCormick or learn more about his re-election campaign, click...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1976 again, and a group of felt-covered characters took their first big step toward becoming a cultural phenomenon.

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast's series on the events of 1976, we look back at the launch of The Muppet Show and the arrival of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and the rest of Jim Henson's unforgettable cast on television.

The show blended puppetry, comedy, music and celebrity guests in a way that had never quite been seen before. What began as a television experiment soon b...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Former Roswell Mayor Lori Henry and former City Councilman Matt Tyser join the Georgia Politics Podcast to make the case that Roswell's proposed millage rate increase is not necessary.

The city originally proposed raising the millage rate from 4.949 mills to 7.732 mills, citing millions of dollars in infrastructure, public safety, facility and equipment needs. The council has since scaled back the proposal to 5.9 mills, but the debate over whether Roswell needs a tax increase — and how much — continues.

Henry and Tyser argue that the city has other options available and ques...

In this special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we remember the life and legacy of Ben Jones with former Congressman Buddy Darden.

Darden reflects on his longtime friend and colleague, sharing personal stories and memories of Jones and discussing his impact on Georgia politics and public life. The conversation looks back at Jones' career, the people and political battles that shaped his life, and the lasting impression he left on those who knew him.

It's a conversation about friendship, public service and the remarkable life of Ben Jones.

Connect with The Georgia...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux joins the show to discuss the city's proposed property tax increase and the debate surrounding the decision.

Robichaux explains why the city is considering the increase, what it would mean for Roswell taxpayers and how city leaders are weighing the need to maintain services and invest in the community against the impact on residents. 

It's a wide-ranging conversation about taxes, growth, government spending and the choices facing Roswell as city leaders prepare to make a decision that will affect homeowners across the community.

Co...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! South Fulton politics takes center stage as we sit down with Steven Dingle for a wide-ranging conversation about the people, issues and political dynamics shaping one of metro Atlanta's most dynamic communities.

Dingle discusses the challenges facing South Fulton, the city's place within the broader Fulton County political landscape, and the personalities and priorities driving local government. The conversation also expands beyond South Fulton to explore Fulton County politics, Georgia's changing political environment and some of the bigger trends shaping politics today.

It's a candid conversation about local government...

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we sit down with two candidates running for local office in Georgia.

Dr. Michelle Schreiner, who is running for Georgia House District 45, joins us to discuss her campaign, the issues facing her district and her vision for serving in the state legislature.

We're also joined by Michael Garza, a candidate for Cobb County School Board Post 4. He discusses his campaign, the challenges facing Cobb County schools and what he hopes to bring to the school board.

It's a conversation about education, local government, state policy...

Tim Curry's unmistakable voice, magnetic presence and fearless performances made him one of the most memorable actors of his generation. Following his death at 80, we take a look back at Curry's remarkable career and the lasting legacy of an actor who could command the screen, stage and microphone with equal force.

Joining us is film producer and sound mixer Aron Siegel, who first appeared on the podcast during our 1975 series to discuss the premiere of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the cultural phenomenon it would become. Aron returns to share his perspective on Curry, his iconic...

In light of the death of Tim Curry at 80, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes from our series marking the 50th anniversary of 1975: a celebration of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the unforgettable performance that made Curry's Dr. Frank-N-Furter a pop-culture icon.

Originally released in 2025, this episode features Plaza Theatre owner Chris Escobar and film producer and sound mixer Aron Siegel, who take us inside the movie's extraordinary legacy, the history of midnight screenings and the tradition that continues to bring Rocky Horror fans together in Atlanta.

From audience participation and the legendary...

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we present a debate for Georgia's 7th Congressional District, held in Dawson County.

Democratic candidate Tony Kozycki was on hand to answer questions about the issues facing Georgia and the country and to make his case for representing the district in Congress. Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick was invited but did not attend.

Listen to the full Dawson County debate and hear Kozycki's positions on the issues shaping the race for Georgia's 7th Congressional District.

To learn more about Tony Kozycki, click HERE<...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Atlanta was considered a strong contender to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, but the DNC ultimately decided to go elsewhere. So what happened?

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond joins us to discuss Atlanta's bid, the decision-making behind the scenes and why the city was ultimately denied a spot as a finalist. Bond shares his perspective on what went wrong, what Atlanta could have done differently and what the decision means for the city going forward.

It's an inside look at...

The 1976 Republican National Convention is widely considered the last consequential national political convention in American history — a convention where the outcome was genuinely in doubt and delegates still had a meaningful role in choosing the party's presidential nominee.

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we revisit that dramatic convention with former U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly, who was there as a delegate. Mattingly offers a firsthand account of the battle between President Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, the intense atmosphere inside the convention hall and what it was like to take part in a convention th...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we take a fascinating detour into the world of photojournalism with legendary photographer Stanley Forman.

Forman sits down to discuss his remarkable career, the photographs that shaped his legacy and the stories behind some of his most iconic images. From his early days as a young photographer to the moments that earned him national recognition and Pulitzer Prizes, Forman offers a firsthand look at the people, places and events he captured through his lens.

It's a conversation about photography, journalism and history — and a reminder of ho...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Few American families have captured the public imagination quite like the Kennedys. From politics and presidential power to tragedy, celebrity and scandal, the Kennedy name has been woven into the fabric of American history for generations. But how did the family become so influential—and does the Kennedy name still carry the same weight today?

In this episode, we explore the history, mythology and enduring influence of the Kennedy family with Dr. John Hellmann, author of The Kennedy Obsession, and Preston Thompson, the longtime former host of The Georgia Politics Podcast, wh...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! The Democratic National Committee has adopted a new presidential nominating calendar, reshaping the road to the White House and reigniting debate over which states should have the biggest voice in choosing a nominee.

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, Wendy Davis joins the show to explain why Democrats made the change, how the new calendar came together, and what it means for battleground states like Georgia. We discuss the party's goals, the political calculations behind the new order, and whether the changes will strengthen the nomination process or create n...

Welcome back to The Georgia Politics Podcast for Part 2 of The Creek Campaign.

The movement to create Johns Creek had gained momentum, but one crucial hurdle remained: convincing voters to say yes. Joined by former Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann and community leader Chris Cupit, we revisit the referendum campaign that would determine whether northeast Fulton County would finally become Georgia's newest city.

Drawing on their firsthand experiences, Hausmann and Cupit recount the grassroots effort to educate voters, build community support, navigate organized opposition, and make the case that local control would lead to a...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Before Johns Creek became one of Georgia's largest and most successful cities, it was simply a collection of neighborhoods with a shared identity - but no city government to call its own.

In Part 1 of The Creek Campaign, we journey back to the origins of the municipalization movement that transformed northeast Fulton County. Joined by former Georgia Speaker of the House Mark Burkhalter, we explore the area's explosive growth, mounting frustrations with county government, and the community leaders who began asking a simple but consequential question: Would Johns Creek be better...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this 13th installment of our 1976 series, we explore one of the most memorable Olympic Games in history with special guest Dr. Shirley Reekie.

From Nadia Comăneci's historic perfect 10s and Bruce Jenner's gold medal-winning decathlon to the African boycott, Cold War rivalries and the financial legacy of the Games, we examine the triumphs, controversies and lasting impact of the Montreal Olympics. Dr. Reekie provides historical perspective on how these Games reflected the political and cultural climate of the mid-1970s while reshaping international sports for generations to come.

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! The Georgia Legislature returned to the Gold Dome for a rare special session, and Rep. Scott Hilton joins the show to break down what happened and why it matters.

We take an inside look at the issues that brought lawmakers back to Atlanta, the debates that shaped the session, and the legislation that emerged from it. We discuss the political dynamics inside the Capitol, where Republicans and Democrats found common ground, where they clashed, and what the outcomes could mean for Georgia residents.

From the biggest policy decisions to...

In this episode of the Georgia Politics Podcast, we reflect on the life and legacy of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan following his passing.

For nearly two decades, Greenspan helped shape U.S. monetary policy through economic booms, market crashes and periods of historic change, becoming one of the most influential figures in modern finance.

We discuss the decisions that defined his tenure, the praise and criticism that followed him throughout his career, and how his approach to interest rates, inflation and financial regulation continues to influence policymakers today. Was Greenspan the steady hand...

Welcome back to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We continue our 1976 series marking the 50th anniversary of one of the most memorable celebrations in American history—the United States Bicentennial.

We are joined by an award-winning historian and the author of Bicentennial: A Revolutionary History of the 1970s to explore how the nation's 200th birthday became far more than a celebration of the past. Together, we examine the political, cultural and social forces that shaped the Bicentennial, why it resonated with millions of Americans, and how its legacy continues to influence the country five decades later.

Fro...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Georgia Public Service Commissioner Peter Hubbard joins the podcast to discuss his time on the commission, what has surprised him most since taking office, and the challenges of regulating Georgia's rapidly growing energy landscape.

Hubbard reflects on the campaign that propelled him into office, shares lessons learned during his short tenure, and explains his priorities as he seeks a full term in the November election. The conversation also covers utility rates, infrastructure, consumer protection, and what voters should know before heading to the polls.

To connect with Commissioner Hubbard...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode of the Georgia Politics Podcast's 1976 series, we examine how Israeli commandos planned and executed the nearly 2,500-mile Entebbe mission that freed more than 100 hostages from terrorists at Uganda's Entebbe Airport—and how the operation reshaped military strategy and counterterrorism around the world.

We are joined by retired U.S. Army Colonel and U.S. Navy War College associate professor Joseph J. McGraw, to help us break down the tactical brilliance, intelligence gathering, political risks and lasting military lessons of Operation Entebbe. We explore why the mission continues to be...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! The votes are in, and Georgia's runoff elections have reshaped the political landscape ahead of November.

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we break down the key results from the statewide runoff races, examine what the outcomes mean for both parties, and discuss the surprises, trends and turnout numbers that defined Election Day. We look at how voters responded and what the results reveal about the strength of each party's coalition, and which candidates emerged with momentum heading into the general election.

Join us as we analyze...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Redistricting shapes every election, but most voters only hear about it when controversy erupts.

On this episode, we take a closer look at how Georgia's political maps are drawn, why the process matters, and what it means for representation across the state.

Joining the show is Ken Lawler, Board Chair of Fair Districts GA, who explains the fundamentals of redistricting, the role of the legislature, and the ongoing debate over fairness, transparency, and political power. We discuss how district lines can influence election outcomes, the challenges of creating competitive...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! The search for the Loch Ness Monster reached a fever pitch in 1976, as scientists, adventurers, and true believers descended on Scotland hoping to solve one of the world's most enduring mysteries.

From sonar scans and underwater photography to headline-grabbing expeditions, the hunt for "Nessie" captured the imagination of people around the globe.

We dive into the fascination, the folklore, and the facts behind the monster mania that defined the era. Joining us is Rebecca Siegel, author of Loch Ness Uncovered, who helps separate myth from reality and explains how...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! The votes are in, the results are set, and Georgia's political landscape is taking shape.

On this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways from Georgia's primary elections, examine the races that delivered surprises, and discuss what the results reveal about the state's political mood heading into the second half of the year.

We also preview the upcoming runoff elections, highlighting the key contests, the candidates still fighting for a spot on the ballot, and the issues likely to drive turnout. From statewide implications to local races that could...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Fred "Bubba" Longgrear, superintendent of Candler County Schools and candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent, as he campaigns in the Republican runoff election.

Longgrear discusses his vision, the challenges facing public schools across the state, and why he believes new leadership is needed at the top of Georgia's education system. The conversation explores his priorities for improving literacy, strengthening school safety, expanding career pathways for students, and building stronger partnerships with local school districts. Longgrear also reflects on his three decades in public...