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AthChat

Drew Abney and Russell Edwards

A podcast for anyone who wants to join the conversation about what's going on in Athens, Georgia. Local and state politics, culture, and good living.

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  1. AthChat: Episode 58: Post-election debrief with the Flagpole’s Blake Aued. We discuss the results up and down the ballot, what democrats can/should do with the majority, and our very preliminary predictions about the 2028 presidential election. 1:16:30
  2. AthChat: Episode 57: Climate and weather expert, Dr. Marshall Shepherd, joins the pod. We discuss the science and communication of climate change, how the Southeast should prepare for harsher storms, and Dr. Shepherd’s optimism for the future. 1:02:45
  3. AthChat: Episode 56: We got a TWOfer! Representative and candidate for HD 121, Eric Gisler, and candidate for HD 120, Suzanna Karatassos, both join the pod. 1:28:25
  4. AthChat: Episode 55: Commissioner Mike Hamby comes back on the pod. We discuss the FLOST measure that will be on the ballot in November, the space tree (OoooOooo), downtown street vendors, and our favorite shows at the 40 Watt. 1:15:48
  5. AthChat: Episode 54: Candidate for Congressional District 10, Pamela DeLancy, comes on the pod. We discuss Pam’s 39 years of service in the military, how she is hitting the campaign trail, and what she will do in DC if she wins in November. 1:09:58
  6. AthChat: Episode 53: Candidate for State Senate District 46, Ray Smith, comes on the pod. We discuss what Ray is hearing from constituents on the campaign trail and why he thinks this is a crucial election cycle for democrats 52:36
  7. AthChat: Episode 52: Mayor-elect Dexter Fisher comes back on the pod. We discuss his perspective on the issues around homelessness in Athens, what his leadership style will be like at City Hall, and…his hot take on the upcoming UGA football season. 1:05:58
  8. AthChat: Episode 51: County Commissioner, Mike Hamby, comes back on the pod. We discuss the recent votes on issues around homelessness, navigating leadership and politics for over 18 years, and the controversial redistricting votes from 2022 1:23:58
  9. AthChat: Episode 50: Winterville mayor, Dodd Ferrelle, comes on the pod. We discuss the growth and beauty of Winterville, how creativity can drive public service, and Dodd’s artistic endeavors. (also…improved audio quality!) 56:54
  10. AthChat: Episode 49: Former mayoral candidate, Dr. LaKeisha Gantt, comes back on the pod. We discuss lessons from the mayoral campaign trail, creating better discourse across communities in Athens, and what is next for Dr. Gantt. 46:50
  11. AthChat: Episode 48: Georgia State Representative, Spencer Frye, comes back on the pod. We discuss his new platform that he is releasing next week, the wins and losses of the special session, and the changing power structures under the gold dome 59:22
  12. AthChat: Episode 47: Flagpole journalist Blake Aued comes back on the pod. We discuss the recent election cycle, the political dynamics of Athens, and what the next four years might look like with a new mayor and new commissioners. 49:42
  13. AthChat: Episode 46: District 5 Candidate Kimberly Bennett comes back on the pod. We discuss her runoff campaign, homelessness, affordable housing, and the idea of a (student) housing moratorium 51:42
  14. AthChat: Episode 45: District 5 Candidate Craig Topple comes back on the pod. We discuss his runoff campaign, his style of leadership, and how many doors he’s knocking as election day gets closer. 1:09:31
  15. AthChat: Episode 44: Runoff Debate Edition! AthChat was at the Historic Morton Theatre hosting the Athens Mayoral Runoff Debate between candidates Tim Denson and Dexter Fisher. 1:33:49
  16. AthChat: Episode 43: Mayor Kelly Girtz comes on the pod. We discuss Tuesday evening’s election results and the upcoming runoff elections. 1:07:51
  17. AthChat: Episode 42: District 10 County Commissioner, Mike Hamby, comes on the pod. We discuss Mike’s views on compromise and getting things done, homelessness in Athens-Clarke county, and his thoughts on the mayoral race. 1:20:18
  18. AthChat: Episode 41: Candidate for County Commission District 5, Rick Stanziale, comes on the pod. We discuss Rick’s multidecade service to Athens-Clarke County, his vision for density and growth, and his leadership style for making change. 52:14
  19. AthChat: Episode 40: Candidate for County Commission District 5, Kimberly Bennett, comes on the pod. We discuss the interrelated issues of affordable housing, homelessness, and student housing. 53:39
  20. AthChat: Episode 39: Candidate for Governor of Georgia, Jason Esteves, comes on the pod. We discuss Jason’s journey from middle school teacher to gubernatorial candidate, his vision for Georgia, and how he plans to win. 23:50
  21. AthChat: Episode 38: Mayoral Candidate, Tim Denson, comes back on the pod. We discuss Tim’s platform for Athens, how he would run commission meetings (Robert’s Rules!), and what his campaign is doing to win in May. 1:15:28
  22. AthChat: Episode 37: District 5 Commissioner Candidate, Craig Topple, comes on the pod. We discuss Craig’s interesting path to living in Athens, his work as a pastor, and his motivations to be a community builder on the County Commission. 55:13
  23. AthChat: 2nd Debate Edition!: Candidates for Mayor of Athens-Clarke County joined Drew and Russell *in the big theatre* at Ciné for a two-hour debate. The room was packed again. The debate was lively. It was another great night in Athens. 2:00:11
  24. AthChat: Episode 35: District 7 Commissioner Candidate, Ed Tolley, comes on the pod. We discuss Ed’s long history in Athens, his 50-year+ law career, and his reasons for running for commissioner 54:01
  25. AthChat: Episode 34: District 5 Commissioner Candidate, Zander Mason, comes on the pod. We discuss Zander’s roots in Athens, his vision for the county, and how he is differentiating himself from the three other candidates in D5 1:01:15
  26. AthChat: Episode 33: Athens’ mayor, Kelly Girtz, comes on the pod. State Rep. Spencer Frye called-in from the Georgia State House. Topics: ongoing Athens’ projects/legislative session/Mayor's optimism 1:09:39
  27. AthChat: Episode 32: Watkinsville’s mayor, Brian Brodrick, comes on the pod. We discuss Brian’s service to the city of Watkinsville, thoughtful and swift city development facilitated by public-private partnerships, and more. 1:07:20
  28. AthChat: Episode 31: Local outreach coordinator for the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership, Matt Epperson, comes on the pod. We discuss the options for employee ownership in Georgia and how these options can impact local businesses here in Athens. 38:22
  29. AthChat: Episode 30: Mayoral candidate, Sharon Miller, comes on the pod. We discuss Sharon’s background in ministry, community building, and her thoughts about Athens’ future. 55:06
  30. AthChat: Episode 29: County commissioner and mayoral candidate, Dexter Fisher, comes back on the pod. We discuss his campaign roll out, many of his policy ideas, and some of his more controversial votes 1:43:54
  31. AthChat: Debate Edition!: Candidates for Mayor of Athens-Clarke County joined Drew and Russell on stage at Ciné for a two-hour debate. The room was packed. The candidates shared their ideas. It was a great night in Athens. 1:54:18
  32. AthChat: Episode 27: Georgia State House District 121 candidate, Eric Gisler, joined the pod. We discuss the special election in December, important issues voters in District 121 care about, and his strategy for running an abbreviated race. 45:00
  33. AthChat: Episode 26: District 3 Commissioner, Tiffany Taylor, joins the pod. We discuss Tiffany being a 4th(!) generation Athenian, representing inner East Athens, and her nonprofit, Mothers of Black Sons 1:27:35
  34. AthChat: Episode 25: Georgia House District 120 candidate, Suzanna Karatassos, joins the pod. We discuss issues that impact the state of Georgia, Suzanna’s strategy for connecting with rural voters, and the life of a content creator 1:11:02
  35. AthChat: Episode 24: Mayoral candidate, Dr. LaKeisha Gantt, joins the pod. We discuss Dr. Gantt’s upbringing in Athens, her experiences as a school board member, and her vision for Athens 1:14:56
  36. AthChat: Episode 23: Drew and Russell discuss the unfolding Athens mayoral race. It’s getting wild, folks! 58:38
  37. AthChat: Episode 22: District 1 Commissioner, Patrick Davenport, joins the pod. We discuss the controversial issue of the proposed location of the fire station on the eastside, moving the route of the Firefly trail, and so much more. 57:15
  38. AthChat: Episode 21: The person behind Athens Politics Nerd, Chris Dowd, joins the pod. We discuss the journalistic balance between asking tough hard-hitting questions and getting access to good sources, the unfolding mayoral race, and more. 55:43
  39. AthChat: Episode 20: Historic Athens’ Executive Director, Tommy Valentine, joins the pod. We discuss the mission of Historic Athens, the UGA President’s mansion development, gentrification, and more. 1:00:51
  40. AthChat: Episode 19: District 8 Commissioner Carol Myers joins the pod. We discuss homelessness in Athens, eastside developments, balancing public opinion, bike infrastructure, and more! 1:17:42
  41. AthChat: Episode 18: District 9 Commissioner Ovita Thornton joins the pod. We discuss affordable housing, redistricting, city government dynamics, and broken promises during unification. 1:14:29
  42. AthChat: Episode 17: Blake Aued from the Flagpole visits the pod 59:28
  43. AthChat: Episode 16: We’re back. After a nice summer break, Drew and Russell are back to discuss local politics news and answer a few r/Athens subreddit questions. 1:00:02
  44. AthChat: Episode 15: State Rep. Spencer Frye joins the pod again to discuss topics like patriotism, artificial intelligence, and how democrats should move forward in Georgia 49:41
  45. AthChat: Episode 14: Former Athens mayoral candidate, Mara Zúñiga, joins the pod to discuss her background and journey from Nicaragua to New York City to Athens and also their interest in local politics and making change in the community. 1:08:07
  46. AthChat: Episode 13: *Budget Brief!* The commissioners passed a new budget. Let’s talk about it. 31:30
  47. AthChat: Episode 12: School board member and former commissioner, Tim Denson, joins the pod to announce his candidacy for Mayor of Athens. 1:02:45
  48. AthChat: Episode 11: Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee Chair, Shellby Branch, joins us on the pod 50:02
  49. AthChat: Episode 10: Commissioner Dexter Fisher joins us on the pod 55:29
  50. AthChat: Episode 9: Georgia's 10th Congressional District Candidate Lexy Doherty 42:23