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This week - long in the making - Southside Steve Rickman and I share a studio for the first time since 2015. Join me as I catch up with a long time friend and colleague.

Local comedian and club owner, Marshall Chiles, returns to The Popcast to share some stories from his years in the business. Including a great story about Robin Williams. Marshall is the man behind "The Laughing Skull Lounge" and is now bringing a brand new club to Ponce City Market: Whiplash Comedy Club.

I'm joined by Chandra Bell & Christa Pitts, who discuss their creation of “The Elf on a Shelf” which became a Christmastime tradition for millions of families worldwide as well as their newest book, The Rise of Nicholas the Noble. Also: Joel Hoekstra from Trans-Siberian Orchestra promotes their 12/14 shows at Gas South Arena in Duluth. AND - Actress, Lake Bell, discussing the recently-completed (and hilarious) HBO Max comedy series, "The Chair Company."

I'm joined this week by actor, Kathleen McManus, discussing her recent performance in, "Barton Field" - the retelling of Civil War heroine, Clara Barton. It just finished its run at Academy Theatre in Hapeville.If there's a place where history comes alive, where the past is vividly reimagined, andwhere a single woman's voice can evoke the spirit of a nation torn asunder, it's TheAcademy Theatre this November. Barton Field, the newly reimagined one-woman play byJohn Ammerman, brings to life the story of Clara Barton—the fearless 'Angel of theBattlefield'—in a way that only theater can.Set in Georgia, 1865, the play portrays Barton's heroic efforts to establish a nationalcemetery for fallen Union soldiers at Andersonville, shining a light on her courage,struggles, and determination as a pioneering woman in a male-dominated society.With seasoned Atlanta actress Kathleen McManus at the helm, Barton Field offers aunique storytelling experience that vividly captures the atrocities of the Civil War and thepersonal hardships and triumphs that defined Barton's legacy. The play's rich multimediaelements bring to life themes of service, bravery, and the enduring impact of one woman'sdedication to humanity. Barton Field is a must-see for history enthusiasts, theater lovers, nurse practitioners, and anyone inspired by extraordinary women who have changed the world.Running at the Academy Theatre in Atlanta from November 14 to November 23, 2025,Barton Field offers both evening performances and matinee shows. This intimateproduction is a profound tribute to Clara Barton's legacy, blending theatrical artistry witha deep reverence for history. It serves as a powerful reminder of a woman whosecommitment to relief and care during the American Civil War forever altered the courseof our nation's history.

We’re getting into the holiday spirit early — because Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming back to Georgia! Two massive shows on Saturday, December 14th at the Gas South Arena in Duluth. Joining me this week — one of the hardest working guitarists in rock and roll — a member of TSO since 2010, also known for his work with Whitesnake and Night Ranger — Joel Hoekstra!

Jeff Pearlman is a New York Times bestselling author and veteran journalist whose work has spanned sports, culture, and biography. He began his writing career shortly after graduating in 1994, working at The Tennessean and later at Sports Illustrated.Over the years, he has published more than ten books—many detailing iconic teams, athletes, and cultural moments—with nine of them having landed on the NYT bestseller list.In his new book Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur (2025), Pearlman turns his experienced reporter’s eye from the playing field to one of hip-hop’s most legendary figures, exploring the multiple lives of the late Tupac Shakur—artist, activist, actor, and myth—through hundreds of original interviews and deep archival research.Pearlman also crosses mediums: he hosts the podcast Two Writers Slinging Yang, a weekly long-form conversation with writers about writing and craft, and he’s behind a YouTube series called Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman, which dives into storytelling and sport/culture narratives.

Wire and Wood Alpharetta is Friday-Saturday, October 10-11 in downtown Alpharettawww.wireandwoodalpharetta.comEnjoy more than 30 performances across six (or more) outdoor stages, bringing together local, regional, and national singer-songwriters to share their music and the stories behind their songs. In addition to open-air performances, Wire & Wood includes a ticketed “Listening Room” session for an intimate artist experience, with proceeds benefiting Alpharetta’s Music Match program to support local musicians. Joining me this week to talk about Wire and Wood are Morgan Rodgers, Cultural Services Director for the city of Alpharetta, and singer-songwriter Sarah Mootz who is just one of this year’s performers. For the complete line up go to wood and fire alpharetta dot com.

John Zaller returns to talk more about Bubble Planet, now available to experience at Exhibition Hub Atlanta. Tim shares his family experience and the joy of bubbles!John Zaller is the executive producer of Exhibition Hub, a curator and distributor of world-renowned immersive exhibitions. He has honed his unique skills of production, visual art and set design for more than 25 years while working in the museum, entertainment, retail, and attractions/theme parks industries through his own immersive design firm, KRE8 360, that specializes in creating story-driven, traveling immersion experiences. Bubble Planet ExperienceLocation: Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art CenterAddress: 5660 Buford Highway Northeast, Doraville, GA 30340Website: https://bubble-planet.com Atlanta Website: https://bubble-planet.com/atlantaTickets: https://feverup.com/m/401994

This week my guests include; Jeff Plate, drummer and founding member of Trans-Siberian Orchestra joins me to talk about their 2025 Christmastime tour, coming to Duluth with two shows on December 14. PLUS: Comedian Ben Bankas, appearing September 18-20 at The Punchline.

John Zaller, executive producer of Exhibition Hub, has worked side-by-side with the late Exhibition Hub founder Mario Iacampo to implement his creative vision throughout the United States for the past decade through award-winning immersive experiences. Zaller can share:Mario’s creative vision behind Bubble Planet and what makes it unique to Atlanta;How to use the Bubble Planet experience to tap into your creative side; andThe health benefits of escaping reality in this immersive experience.John Zaller is a mastermind in the immersive art movement as an award-winning curator of exhibitions including the famous Van Gogh and Titanic immersive experiences that engage the next generation of museum goers through audio and visual storytelling via active engagement. Website: https://bubble-planet.com/atlanta