Podcast
AthChat
Hosted by Drew Abney and Russell Edwards · EN
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.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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.
Mar 3100:53:39Tap to summarizeOn the 40th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with candidate for County Commission District 5, Kimberly Bennett. We discuss the interrelated issues of affordable housing, homelessness, and student housing. We also chat about the relationship between the public and developers and how to best create community spaces for everyone.Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →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.
Mar 2800:23:50Tap to summarizeOn the 39th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with candidate for Governor of Georgia, Jason Esteves. We discuss Jason’s journey from middle school teacher to gubernatorial candidate, his vision for Georgia, and how he plans to winCheck out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →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.
Mar 1901:15:28Tap to summarizeOn the 38th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Mayoral candidate Tim Denson. 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.Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →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.
Feb 1900:55:13Tap to summarizeOn the 37th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 5 Commissioner Candidate, Craig Topple. 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. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →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.
Feb 802:00:11Tap to summarizeOn the 36th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards moderated the second Athens Mayoral Debate. Topics included the housing affordability, road safety, immigration policy, homelessness, student housing, community engagement, taxation, community funding, transparency, community engagement, environmental sustainability, zoning changes.You can also find a recording of our livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C6xNi5vQ7/ Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Format of the Debate02:51 Candidate Opening Statements09:00 Housing Crisis in Athens15:05 Policy Decisions for Growth20:48 Road Safety Concerns27:50 Immigration and Community Relations35:57 Addressing Homelessness40:35 Addressing Homelessness in Athens46:09 The Role of UGA in Housing51:58 Student Housing Dilemma57:57 Zoning and Housing Affordability01:07:01 Taxation and Community Funding01:20:54 Budget Priorities and School Funding01:24:36 Community Engagement and Representation01:25:03 Trust and Accountability in Leadership01:30:15 Youth Activism and Protests01:32:14 Housing Collaboration and Community Needs01:35:06 Environmental Sustainability and Growth01:42:06 Revenue Streams and Project Management01:45:38 Affordable Housing Solutions01:50:44 Closing Statements and Future Vision
Transcribe →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
Jan 2900:54:01Tap to summarizeOn the 35th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 7 Commissioner Candidate, Ed Tolley. We discuss Ed’s long history in Athens, his 50-year+ law career, and his reasons for running for commissionerCheck out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →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
Jan 2201:01:15Tap to summarizeOn the 34th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 5 Commissioner Candidate Zander Mason. 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.Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →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
Jan 1501:09:39Tap to summarizeOn the 33rd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Athens’ mayor, Kelly Girtz. We got a special call-in from State Rep. Spencer Frye who was ‘in session’ at the Georgia State House. We discuss ongoing project in Athens’, the unfolding legislative session at the State House, and Mayor Girtz’s optimism for this year. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →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.
Jan 801:07:20Tap to summarizeOn the 32nd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Watkinsville’s mayor, Brian Brodrick. We discuss Brian’s service to the city of Watkinsville, thoughtful and swift city development facilitated by public-private partnerships, and more. Is Watkinsville more bike-friendly than Athens? Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
Transcribe →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.
Dec 1800:38:22Tap to summarizeOn the 31st episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with the local outreach coordinator for the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership, Matt Epperson. We discuss Matt’s role as local outreach coordinator, the various options for employee ownership models, and how these options can positively impact local, beloved businesses in Athens. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/ *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.
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