Georgia Focus - National Weather Service: Recent Episodes
640 WGST (WGST-AM)
Georgia Focus is a weekly 26-minute public affairs program covering issues of importance and interest to Georgians. Hosted by GNN’s John Clark, the program topics include government and political issues, non-profits, history, economic issues and charities. Georgia Focus is a 4-time winner of the Best Public Affairs Program Award from the National association of State Radio Networks and 2 Merit Awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters.
Some students choose to play sports, others get involved in the arts - and those are both pretty common. On this episode of Georgia Focus, we're spotlighting the students who choose to get involved in livestock competitions. The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry is hosting junior livestock shows for market goats, market beef, and market hogs, as well as a dairy heifer show. These events are a major part of the annual Georgia National Fair in Perry and offer opportunities for 4-H and FFA members to compete in a range of shows and showmanship competitions. Rebecca Hughes is your guest host as we learn more from Kate Peacock, Grand and Reserve Champion Breeding Gilt 2024 and Aubrey Welch, Grand and Reserve Championship Market Wether and Reserve Championship Wether Dam 2024
In January 2023, Joey Watkins was granted bond and released from prison. On September 1, 2023, he was exonerated after a DA chose not to proceed with the charges against him. On that day, Joey's ankle monitor was cut off and he was finally free, over 22 years after his nightmare began. Thanks, largely in part, to The Innocence Project. On this episode, we're telling his story.
A man’s death was a mystery in Georgia for nearly two decades. On this episode, we’re in Lagrange, Georgia at WTRP studios to talk to Clay Bryant about his new book: The Cold Case Murder of Fred Roberson: Untangling the Black Widow’s Web in West Georgia.
When someone goes missing, you often hear of search efforts being underway. But what exactly does that mean? Who are the people searching? Are they trained and how do they operate? Today, we’ll answer some of those questions with two search and rescue experts, Alan Padgett and Bob Boles. They are both with Southeast Search and Rescue Associates.
Vetern's Music Projects is vaterns who write, produce and perform songs about their military experience.
The story of Michael Chapel - An update of the case of Michael Chapel, a Gwinnett Police Officer perhaps wrongfully convisted to a killing.
Guest: Mark McDonald, president and CEO of the GA Trust for historic preservation. Topic: The Top Ten Places in Peril are reviewed as well as other historically significant places that have been saved.
Arcitecture in Georgia is moving toward being enviromentally friendly and even renuable. The Georgia Forestry Commission is working hand in hand with the developers of Ponce City Market to bring a massive, Big Timber structure to life at the historic location. In this episode, we are joined by State Forester of the Georgia Forestry Commission Tim Lowrimore and Troy Harrris Managing Director of Timberland and Inovative Wood Products for Jamestown Commercial Real Estate.
Summer begins and ends in Georgia with two very large pop culture conventions: MomoCon and DragonCon. As summer gets closer, today we sit down to learn about both.
With spring upon us and summer fast approaching you may be planning some yard projects or even home renovations. Cliff Midel is a two time Olympian and joins us this week to tell why you should think safety and never dig before giving a call to Georgia 8-1-1.
Several Studies have show that sadness is a growing inssue in young people; sometimes with dreadful consequences, but there is help and guidance available. We spoke with Jody Baumstein with the Strong For Life Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
For many Georgia kids, a career in the trades is a viable option in building a future. That is where Construction Ready comes in; to not only teach kids skills, but also lay the ground work toward a profitable and rewarding careers. We spoke with Scott Shelar, President of Construction Ready.
Many families in Georgia find themselves caring for someone with a disability. In many cases a family may not have a sence of direction or a grasp of knowing where to turn to find answers about caregiving and what services may be availble. For answers on what a family can do, we turn to Join Our Place, a metro Atlanta disibility organization. We spoke with Megan Cortjens.
Spring is upon us and that means there could be some major storms heading our way over the next several months. As we saw in December and January, storms can come upon us suddenly and can do a lot of damage; damage you many not be prepared for. In such a situation you can find yourself with a lot of questions and may not know where to turn. We sat down with Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King to learn where some of those questions may be answered.
More than 150 thousand people are affected by Alzheimer's at various stages in Georgia. To get a better understanding of this disease, we are speaking with Charles Fuschillo, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
Energy is a big part of everyday life. Here we have nuclear power plants, long time coal plants are becoming a thing of a lost age, electric vehicles are becoming more popular all time. Outside of just electricty, there are many facets of energy we pay for and that supplies us with the means to meet our needs. We sat down with Georgia Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols who helped us tie all the sources of energy together but also helped explain what is just ahead for Georgia energy use.
This week John Clark speaks with Grainne Owen founder of Curing Kids Cancer and the journey the organization has had for almost 20-years in Georgia.
This week we are talking about the health of the ever changing ecology of the Georgia Coast and how the ever changing climate will be potentially impacting the state for many years to come. We are speaking with Ashby Worley of the Brunswick location of The Nature Conservancy.
This week on Georgia Focus, we are talking to about the Turning Point Breast Cancer Rehabilitation organization. We're speaking with Turning Point Director Tara Hall and cancer survivor turned advocate Marlena Murphy.
The Federal Trade Commission recently held a rountable about advice of how to better manage your money in the quickly changing US finacial landscape and how to avoid being taken by would be scammers. Alos, a a litle later, our Matt McClure talks to a specialist about the benefits of early detection when it comes to breast density and it's connection to breast cancer.
The University of North Georgia has grown quite a bit since it was first founded. UNG and the related Military College of Georgia have a long rich history in the state and has grown from it's main campus in Dahloga to four other campuses. Our John Clark sat down with school president Bonita Jacobs and the head of the school's corps of cadets to learn more.
Marijuana use and the laws govering it's use is often a topic here in Georgia. For many revenue and medical value has been points made. This year's legislative session is underay at the state capitol and whether to legalize or not, whether to expand use or not is likely a topic with lawmakers will touch on in some way or another. , but the organization Let's Be Clear Georgia has the goal of keeping you informed about the potential harm from marijuana use. Our John Clark spoke with Executive Director Gregg Raduka.
The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education compiles a list every year of the Top Ten Issues to watch. Joining us to go over the list is President of the non-profit Dr. Dana Rickman and Director of Policy and Research Dr. Matt Smith.
GAgives on #GivingTuesday offers every Georgia nonprofit the chance to be part of a worldwide end-of-year giving-season kickoff, and the tools to make it a revenue-generating success. The Georgia Center for Nonprofits serves as Georgia’s official #GivingTuesday community campaign organizer and Karen Beavor, GCN President and CEO, and Tiffany Cadogan from Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, discuss this year’s campaign.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 700 nonprofit partners—including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, shelters and senior centers—to distribute over 67 million meals to more than 1 million people estimated to be food insecure in 29 counties across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. CEO Kyle Waide discusses the needs in Georgia.
Linda Thompson from AmeriCorps Georgia discusses their programs and opportunities for volunteerism throughout the state of Georgia.
US Senate candidates Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker outline their vision for Georgia and in the weekend before the November 8th election.
ASF’s Veterans Music Project, started in 2019, walks local Veterans through the process of writing and recording original songs. Leveraging the vast network of music professionals in and around Atlanta, ASF gives Veterans the opportunity to tell their stories of service and sacrifice using the power of music. Jaye Budd, Founder and Executive Director of Alchemy Sky Foundation and others talk about their work.
Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, discusses their campaign called Cancer Votes to encourage candidates to support initiatives to cure cancer. Chase Oliver, Libertarian candidate for US Senate talks about this campaign and goals if he is elected.
Gov. Brian Kemp discusses the 2020 elections and his bid to be reelected Governor. Producer Bob Sabouni talks about the Awkward Conversations podcast series the ELKS Drug Awareness programs.
Michael Chapel is the true story of a former Gwinnett County police officer convicted in 1995 for the armed robbery and murder of Emogene Thompson, a Sugar Hill grandmother. Chapel has maintained his innocence and a team of investigators have uncovered a mountain of evidence that suggests Chapel is innocent. In part 2, Author Henry Ball discusses the trial, aftermath and current efforts to get Chapel’s conviction overturned.
Michael Chapel is the true story of a former Gwinnett County police officer convicted in 1995 for the armed robbery and murder of Emogene Thompson, a Sugar Hill grandmother. Chapel has maintained his innocence and a team of investigators have uncovered a mountain of evidence that suggests Chapel is innocent. In part 1 of 2, Author Henry Ball discusses events leading up to the trail of Michael Chapel.
Burt Jones, Republican Candidate for lt. Governor discusses his campaign and plan if elected. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger discusses the November 8th elections and voting in Georgia.
Burt Jones, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor of Georgia, talks with GNN's John Clark
GNN's Matt McClure talks with Stacey Abrams, Democratic candidate for Governor of Georgia
Allan Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Lt. Maurice Raines of the Georgia State Patrol discuss safety on Georgia’s roadways and remind drivers to be mindful of all traffic laws when out on the roads.
Loran Smith - Story of the Georgia Bulldogs
In his new book, Return To Glory – The Story of the Georgia Bulldogs, UGA broadcasting legend and author Loran Smith delivers a narrative about the beloved Bulldogs that have been an integral part of his life for over 50 years.
Wes Carroll previews Dragoncon 2022 including interviews with organizers on the economic and charitable impact of the popular festival that comes to Atlanta annually.
John Henry Holliday better known as Doc Holliday, was born in Griffin GA August 14, 1851. A dentist by trade, he was also a gambler, occasional gunfighter, and close friend and associate of Wyatt Earp. Holliday is best known for his role in what is known as the Gunfight at the OK Corral.
Mark Warren is the author of an Award-Winning Trilogy called Wyatt Earp, An American Odyssey, in which he writes about Doc Holliday and his days in the old west.
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provides treatment and support services to people with behavioral health challenges due to addictive diseases. Director of the Office of Addictive Diseases, Cassandra Price, talks about their programs.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than White Americans. They’re also less likely to receive a timely diagnosis, with many receiving a diagnosis much later in the disease, when medical needs are greater. Dr. Carl Hill, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Alzheimer's Association, discusses these findings.
Carepatrol
CarePatrol is a FREE service that helps seniors find Assisted Living, Memory Care, In-home Care, Independent Living, Personal Care, and other senior care options. They are the nation's largest Placement company with 170 offices across the U.S. including 5 in GA. Tammy Brewer and Kandi Romano from Carepatrol discuss the services.
Colonel Chris Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, and Sgt. Dustin Rozier from the GSP Recruitment Unit, discuss the work of GSP and what it means to be a Georgia State Trooper.
Bill White form the Buckhead City Committee talks about efforts for the Buckhead area of Atlanta to succeed from the city.
The story of Chief William McIntosh has been retold countless times and his infamy has grown each time as the treasonous chief who sold out his fellow Creeks. It was all a lie. The truth was overlooked in 1825 and ever since until now. Mark Pifer tells the real story of William McIntosh in his book At Last, the Truth about Chief McIntosh.
Georgia 811 is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preventing damage to Georgia’s underground utilities and promoting public safety. We function as a communication system, connecting our member utility companies with professional excavators and homeowners who are planning mechanized digging activity such as excavation, tunneling, grading, boring and demolition. Cliff Meidl, Spokesperson for GA 811, and Jose’ Rivera, Cable Location Supervisor for Georgia Power, discuss the importance of contacting 811 before you dig.
The National Weather Service is an agency of the US federal government that is tasked with providing weather forecasts, warnings of hazardous weather, and other weather-related products to organizations and the public for the purposes of protection, safety, and general information. David Nadler form NWS Peachtree City talks about their role in Georgia’s weather.
Rahul Bali from WABE, Martha Zoller from WDUN and Matt McClure and John Clark from GNN discuss the May 24th Georgia Primary elections.
Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians.
The innovative, scalable technology and resources we provide saves libraries money and enables them to provide great service to all patrons, no matter where they live. Julie Walker, State Librarian for Georgia and Associate Vice Chancellor for Libraries is guest.
Doug Hollandsworth, Executive Director of the Georgia Golf Trail, talks about the impact of golf on the state's economy.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. It administers programs such as Pre-K Programs, licensing of child care centers and home-based child care, Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, federal nutrition programs, and others. Commissioner Amy Jacobs discusses their work.
Ashley Hamilton, Tournament Director for the PGA TOUR’s Mitsubishi Class, discusses this year’s event coming up in May. Jackie Cannizzo from the Ester Cannizzo Jr. Golf Foundation talks about their work. Grainne Owen, Founder of Curing Kids Cancer, discusses their work and upcoming fundraisers.
Former US Senator David Purdue talks with GNN's John Clark about his campaign for Governor
Gov. Brian Kemp discusses current issues concerning Georgia and his bid for reelection.
Stacey Abrams, Democratic candidate for Governor of Georgia, talks with GNN's Matt McClure.
Olga Westfall is a Ukrainian who moved to the U.S. 23 years ago. She’s a passionate citizen of our country, serving as a Chaplain for the Veterans Administration and in the Airforce Reserve. Recently, much of her time has been spent managing three Facebook Groups as her home country battles Russian troops. She using these groups to raise awareness of the situation in Ukraine, raise funds for relief efforts, and simply encourage prayers.
2022 marks the 50th anniversary from when Don McLean's American Pie landed at the #1 spot on the Billboard chart. Don is celebrating on tour all year long where he will be performing songs from the American Pie album plus many of the other hits that fans will be expecting to hear.
Southern Man is the memoir of Alan Walden who, along with his brother Phil and best friend Otis Redding, helped nurture a musical renaissance in Macon. Alan talks about his life and career from managing over 50 R&B artists such as Percy Sledge and Sam & Dave to discovering Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Most Georgians know Loran Smith from Saturday afternoons and Georgia Bulldog football. Larry Munson would oftentimes say after a play, "Whaddaya got, Loran?" His colorful responses and chemistry with Munson made listening to the game an absolute joy. But, for decades Loran Smith has also either written or spoken about the things that interest us. Loran talks about his new book, Whaddaya Got Loran?: Dispatches from Georgia, along with his career.
The Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan was filed January 31st. Georgia Power is required to keep a 20-year plan for current and future energy needs, distribution and production. This 20-year plan is updated every three years in its IRP filing with the Public Service Commission. Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols outlines the plan and the PSC’s review.
Turning Point Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
Turning Point cares for women with breast cancer by providing specialized and evidence-based rehabilitation including physical therapy, massage therapy, counseling, and nutritional counseling. Mallory Mark, Clinical Director at Turning Point and breast cancer survivor Michele Lee, talk about their services.
The history of Macon has an exceptional soundtrack. For generations, talented musicians have been born in or passed through Macon's confines. Some lived and died in obscurity, while others achieved international stardom. Ben Wynne writes about Macon’s illustrious music history in Something in the Water, a lively narrative of the city's musical past from its founding in 1823 to 1980.
The Center of Innovation is a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development that provides a wide range of services and programs to businesses of all types and sizes. One area of focus is Agriculture – they offer AgTech companies a complimentary concierge-type service to help them grow and expand their businesses. David Nuckolls, Executive Director and Chris Chammoun, Director of AgTech, discuss the Center’s work.
Patient Advocate Foundation is a national organization which provides case management services and financial aid to Americans with chronic, life-threatening and debilitating illnesses. PAF has provided direct assistance over the past 25 years to more than 1.5 million seriously ill patients. Erin Bradshaw, Chief of Mission Delivery and Beth Moore, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, discuss their work.
Whitney Oeltmann and Vince Zangaro from Dementia Spotlight Foundation talk about their work and the 9th annual Alzheimer’s Music Fest in Atlanta February 4th.
Places in Peril 2022
Mark McDonald, President and CEO of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, discusses the 2022 Places in Peril list of 10 historic structures in Georgia that are in danger of being torn down and efforts to save them.
Medicine Bow is a 35 acre wilderness school tucked into the Chattahoochee National Forest in the mountains of north Georgia near Dahlonega. The owner and teacher, Mark Warren, guides students toward their own unique relationship with nature through the Earth lore accumulated by the Native Americans, Cherokee in particular.
GA Gives offers every Georgia nonprofit the chance to be part of a worldwide end-of-year giving-season kickoff, and the tools to make it a revenue-generating success. The Georgia Center for Nonprofits is serves as Georgia’s official #GivingTuesday campaign organizer and Karen Beavor, GCN President and CEO, and Lee Ann Else, Director of Development at Health M Powers, a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy habits for children, discuss this year’s effort.
Currently there are 300 children in GA with no adoptive family, 55% of those waiting children are teens. November is National Adoption Month and this year’s theme is “Every Conversation Matters”. Deborah Burrus, State Adoption Director for Georgia Division of Family & Children Services, discusses adoption.
Atlanta Community Food Bank
The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 700 nonprofit partners—including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, shelters and senior centers—to distribute over 67 million meals to more than 1 million people in 29 counties across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. CEO Kyle Waide talks about their work.
UGA’s Jeff Springston discusses their new Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television, and Digital Media Degree, the first in the state.
The Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians.
The innovative, scalable technology and resources we provide saves libraries money and enables them to provide great service to all patrons, no matter where they live. Julie Walker, State Librarian, discusses the services of Georgia’s libraries.
Jill Morrisey, CEO, Dan Mathews, COO of Camp Twin Lakes discuss their programs and $22.5-million capital campaign to build a third year-round campus in Rutledge that will allow them to serve 3,500 more campers.
Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism
Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism is part of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and is responsible for AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is an opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen communities. Linda Thompson, Executive Director, Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism and Rashonda Jackman, Communities in Schools, discuss the importance of volunteerism.
On an August morning in 1970, the battered body of a young woman was hoisted from a well just outside Hogansville. Author and investigator Clay Bryant was there, witnessing the macabre scene. Then 15, he was tagging along with his father, Buddy Bryant, Hogansville chief of police. The victim, Gwendolyn Moore, had been in a violent marriage but her husband had connections to a political machine that held sway over the Troup County Sheriff's Office overseeing the case. Decades later, Clay Bryant solved the case and discusses it and his book, Solving the West Georgia Murder of Gwendolyn Moore: A Cry From the Well.
Changes have been made to Georgia laws affecting those who burn outdoor yard debris. Landowners are no longer required to notify the Georgia Forestry Commission of their intention to burn hand-piled vegetative matter. Tim Lowrimore , State Forester and Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, talks about Georgia’s forest industry.
Since its inception in 1994, Speedway Children's Charities, Atlanta Chapter has granted more than $4 million to local children's causes throughout Metro Atlanta. These funds were raised by the generous support of the racing, corporate, and local communities. Brandon Hutchison Executive Vice-President and General Manager of Atlanta Motor Speedway and Kathy Bradley, Director of Speedway Children’s Charities Atlanta Chapter, discuss their work.
Since 1987 Dragon Con has been held in Atlanta each Labor Day weekend. It is the largest media and pop culture event in America and brings a influx of visitors and a boost to the local economy. Wes Carroll, who has covered the event for years, and special guests talk about Dragon Con’s popularity and this year’s event.
Don Powers, one of the organizers of the annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival in Thomson, talks about this year’s event coming up September 25.
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and Dean or The Morehouse School of medicine in Atlanta, discusses the Delta variant of covid and the impact it’s having on Georgia. She also explains the need for more people to get vaccinated in order to stop the spread of Delta.
Dr. Kathleen Toomey, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Health, discusses the Delta variant and effectiveness of the vaccine.
The FDA has approved a drug called Aduhelm to treat Alzheimer’s disease. This is a new type of Alzheimer’s treatment that addresses the disease in a way that has never been done before. Dr. Jonathan Liss, a Neurologist specializing on cognitive health who had a role in the trials of the new drug, Linda Davidson, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter, and Robert Reid Denise Arrabas who are caregivers.
Redistricting in Georgia
Georgia legislators are holding meetings statewide as they review the options for drawing new districts. Rahul Bali from Oconee Broadcasting, Sen John Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Redistricting Committee, Rep. Mack Jackson and UGA Political Science Professor Dr. Charles Bullock discuss redistricting.
COVID-19 has disrupted many healthcare services, and Georgians have been putting off routine check-ups that could spell trouble later. The Georgia Dental Association is the state’s professional association and the premier source of oral health information in Georgia. Dr. Louvenia Rainge, President of the Georgia Dental Association, encourages Georgians to not neglect their dental health.
Whitney Oeltmann and Vince Zangaro from Dementia Spotlight Foundation discuss their work to educate and support families dealing with Alzheimer’s as well as the 9th Annual Alzheimer’s Music Fest to raise funds for family services.
Old Atlanta may conjure images of southern belles and Civil War ruination, but the full story stretches back millennia, even before the first known residents arrived five thousand years ago. From centuries of Native American settlements that ended with the removal of the Creeks to the rough-and-ready pioneer days, the area was rich in history long before it was called Atlanta. Author Mark Pifer unfolds it all in his book Hidden History of Old Atlanta.
Pandemic stress isn’t just impacting frontline workers; it hurts all of us. Diana Hendel, PharmD, and Mark Goulston, MD, share advice for recognizing and alleviating COVID-related stress whenever it takes hold in their new book Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD. Dr. Goulston shares interesting insight on dealing with stress.
The Division of Aging Services coordinates with other aging organizations to provide services to appropriately sustain older Georgians in their homes and communities. These services also provide support to family members and caregivers. Abby Cox, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Division of Aging Services, discusses their programs and services.
The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum is a cultural center in Atlanta dedicated to Jewish history, culture and arts with special emphasis on Georgia and the Holocaust. Jerry Katz, Senior Curator, provides a tour of the museum and discusses his book, Jewish History of Atlanta.
Georgia’s Attorney General Chris Carr discusses a number of issues including crime in Atlanta, Human Trafficking, Gangs and lawsuits filed by Georgia and other states against the federal government.
Fix it in the Mix is the memoir of Paul Hornsby, acclaimed record producer and musician best known for his work at Capricorn Records in Macon during the 1970's. the book expounds upon his life, music, joining Gregg and Duane Allman as a member of the Hour Glass. He later was hired as a producer at Capricorn Studios, producing the Marshall Tucker Band, the Charlie Daniels Band and others. Today, he is still producing great music form his Muscadine studios in Macon.
The Abbie DeLoach Foundation is named for Abbie DeLoach, who was one of 5 Georgia Southern University nursing students tragically killed in a tractor-trailer collision on April 22, 2015. ADF was founded by Abbie’s father, Jimmy DeLoach Jr., in 2016 as charitable organization. With the mission to continue Abbie’s legacy of selfless service to others, generosity, academic and athletic achievement, and compassion for all. Guests are Jimmy Deloach and Reed Ely, an Abbie Deloach Scholarship recipient.
The mission of the GA Dept of Human Services Division of Family & Children’s Services is to prioritize the safety of Georgia’s children in the decisions they make and actions they take. They partner with families on their path to independence and build stronger communities with caring, effective and responsive service. One area in which they do that is Foster Care. DaJari Patterson, Caregiver Recruitment and Retention Unit Director, talks about Foster Parenting.
The Georgia Centers of Innovation are the state’s leading resource for facilitating business innovation. Through the assistance of the five centers, Georgia companies translate new ideas and technologies into commercially viable products and services to better compete in the global marketplace. One of the businesses that works with the Centers of Innovation is Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville, an artisan cheesemaker and the first creamery in Georgia. David Nuckolls, Director of the Centers of Innovation and Jessica Little owner of Sweet Grass Dairy, discuss the COI.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole and Lt. Maurice Raines from Georgia State Patrol discuss the now 3-year old Hands-Free law and continuing efforts to eliminate distracted driving in the state.
Mattie’s Call is an emergency missing alert for disabled or elderly persons. Established by the Georgia General Assembly in 2006, the alert can be activated by local law enforcement. Mattie’s Call is named in honor of Mattie Moore who went missing from her home in Atlanta in April 2004. Kim Franklin from the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Cristi Moore, granddaughter of Mattie Moore, Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan and GBI Special Agent Andy Mossman, discus their roles in Mattie’s Calls.
Guest Grainne Owen founded Curing Kids Cancer in 2005 in order to fund research to find a cure for childhood cancer. Since then Curing Kids Cancer has raised millions for pediatric cancer research and treatment, funding 1.5 million in research awards in 2020 alone. Dr. Stephen Grupp discusses the latest developments in the fight against childhood cancer.
April 5-11 is National Crime Victims Week. Marsy’s Law, passed in GA in 2018, seeks to give crime victims meaningful and enforceable constitutional rights equal to the rights of the accused. Program guests are Rita Davis-Cannon, Director of Victim Services Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, Aisha Ford, Victims Compensation Division Director of the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) and Candace Sims, Program Director for Crime Victim Advocacy Council.
Jerry Smith and Dennis Dorman, have biked thousands of miles together all over the world. For over a decade their travels have been to help charities fight hunger. In April they will begin a cycling trip up the Atlantic coast to raise funds for Mary’s Meals, an organization that provides one hot meal a day to almost 2 million children worldwide.
The Georgia Ag Experience is a Mobile Classroom Powered by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is a unique STEM-based educational program that invites students across Georgia to explore the vast opportunities in agriculture in a 36-foot trailer turned classroom that goes on the road to elementary schools and community organizations throughout the state. Lily Baucom, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, gives a tour of the classroom.
Alzheimer’s Association
150,000 Georgians age 65 an older are living with Alzheimer’s. That figure is expected to reach 190,000 by 2025 according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report which provides an in-depth look at the latest national statistics on Alzheimer’s prevalence, incidence, mortality, costs of care and impact on caregivers. Linda Davidson, Executive Director of the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, discusses these findings.
Due to covid last year’s FOLDS OF HONOR QUIKTRIP 500 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway had to be postponed with limited fans. This year the race is back on schedule and will be held Sunday, March 21 and General Manager at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Brandon Hutchison, discusses that and the work of Speedway Children’s Charities.
February is American Heart Month. Enduring Hearts is the only nonprofit solely dedicated to research that helps kids with heart transplants live longer, healthier lives by funding research that increases the longevity of pediatric heart transplants, improves the quality of life for children living with a new heart and eliminates pediatric heart diseases that may lead to a transplant. Carolyn Salvador, Executive Director, discusses their work.
111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss is the ultimate insider's guide to Atlanta. The book by Travis Swann Taylor features interesting and unusual places not found in traditional travel guides. The book is part of the international 111 Places/111 Shops series with over 250 titles and 1.5 million copies in print worldwide.
Dr. Joey Faucette is Author of two #1 Best-Sellers, Work Positive in a Negative World and Faith Positive in a Negative World and well as many other books. He has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows across North America and has written over 1,000 articles for publications and websites all of that with the goal of helping people Work and Live Positive in this negative world.
Scott Higley from the Georgia Department of Transportation discusses important safety programs such as their safe driving push to decrease roadway crashes resulting in fatalities and Keep it Clean GA, a state wide campaign focused on preventing and eliminating litter on the state’s roadways.
Reverend Howard Finster, a self proclaimed “Man of Visions”, was one of America’s most widely known and prolific self-taught artists. Today, his home and outdoor art exhibit known as Paradise Gardens, in Summerville, has been preserved and is open to visitors. The Paradise Garden Foundation works to preserve, maintain and showcase Paradise Garden and Tina Cox, Executive Director and Howard Pousner, board member, discuss the garden.
Tom Rawlings, Director of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, discusses adoption and proposed changes being put before the 2021 Legislative session.
The Music of The Statler Brothers is an in-depth look at the musical career of The Statler Brothers’ forty-year reign as country music's premier group. Lead singer, Don Reid, writes about each song ever recorded by the Grammy Award-winning foursome and gives backstage insight to the writings and the selections of each composition.
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation works for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia's historic resources and advocates for their appreciation, protection and use. Each year they release a list called Places in Peril of 10 historic locations in Georgia that are in need of revitalization. Mark McDonald, President and CEO of the GA Trust for Historic Preservation, discusses the 2021 list and T Gamble, Chairman of the Terrell County Commissioners talks about the efforts to renovate the county’s courthouse which is on the 2021 list.
In Athens in the eighties, if you were young and willing to live without much money, anything seemed possible. Grace Elizabeth Hale experienced the Athens scene as a student, small-business owner, and band member. Blending personal recollection with a historian's eye, she reconstructs that period in Athens’ history in the book Cool Town: How Athens, Georgia, Launched Alternative Music and Changed American Culture, and discusses it on the show.
GAgives on #GivingTuesday offers every Georgia nonprofit the chance to be part of a worldwide end-of-year giving-season kickoff, and the tools to make it a revenue-generating success. This year GAgives is Tuesday December 1. Guests Karen Beavor, Georgia Center for Non-Profits President and CEO and Gena Taylor and Cherie Trice from the Greenbriar Children’s Center in Savannah, talk about the impact of the campaign.
For many of the state’s counties, economic prosperity has dwindled and many rural communities are slowly dying. The Georgia Chamber recognized this and established the Rural Prosperity Council to champion the needs of rural Georgia and recently Gov. Brian Kemp named a new Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development to lead his Rural Strike Team. Gov. Kemp talks about the Rural Strike Team and Chris Clark, President/CEO of the GA Chamber, discusses their work in rural Georgia.
National Adoption Month is celebrated every November government agencies, courts, child advocacy organizations and families across the nation. Its purpose is to provide awareness, celebrate children and families, and call the nation to action to find families for children waiting in foster care. Deborah Burrus, State Adoption Director for Georgia Division of Family & Children Services, discusses Adoption
Haunted Tourism is a unique segment of Georgia’s Tourism industry that highlights the state’s history as well as the unexplained. Mark Jaronski, Deputy Director for Tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Visit Savannah’s Jeremy Harvey and Steve Short from the Windsor Hotel in Americus, talk about the interest in hauntings at Halloween and year round.
Mark McDonald, President and CEO of the GA Trust for Historic Preservation, discusses this year’s Places in Peril list of 10 historic structures in Georgia that are in danger of being torn down and efforts to save them.
Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life, by Jonathan Gould is the long-awaited, definitive biography of The King of Soul, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Redding's iconic performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. Redding remains an immortal presence in the canon of American music yet an aura of myth and mystery has always surrounded his life, which was tragically cut short at the height of his career by a plane crash in December 1967. Author Jonathan Gould discusses the life of Otis Redding.
Americorps
AmeriCorps offers a variety of service opportunities, from the classroom to the outdoors, and everything in between. No matter what you're passionate about, where you're from, or why you choose to serve. Linda Thompson, Executive Director, Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism, discusses their programs.
Marsy’s Law seeks to give crime victims meaningful and enforceable constitutional rights equal to the rights of the accused. It was passed in GA in 2018. Guests are Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia - Executive Director Pete Skandalakis, Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brad Rigby and DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling. A
The Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy, and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. Georgia’s public libraries support lifelong learning, K-12 education, distance learning, workforce skills and much more. Julie Walker, Georgia’s State Librarian and Associate Vice Chancellor for Libraries of the University System of Georgia, discusses the state’s libraries.
CareSource is nationally recognized for leading the industry in providing member-centric health care coverage. The CareSource mission of making a lasting difference in members’ lives by improving their health and well-being was the catalyst for developing several programs that target the social determinants of health. Guests are Karin VanZant, VP, Integrated Community Partnerships and Ariel Esteves, Director, Health Services.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Georgia alone, there are more than 150,000 people living with the disease and 540,000 caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Linda Davidson, Executive Director of the GA Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, discusses their work.
Enduring Hearts launched in 2013 with a mission to fund research that increases the longevity of pediatric heart transplants, improve the quality of life for children living with a new heart and eliminate pediatric heart diseases that may lead to a transplant. Executive Director Carolyn Salvador talks about their work.
Curing Kids Cancer
Just one year after the devastating loss of their nine-year-old son Killian to leukemia, Grainne Owen founded Curing Kids Cancer in 2005 in order to celebrate Killian’s life and to fund research to find a cure for childhood cancer. Since then Curing Kids Cancer has raised millions for pediatric cancer research and treatment. Grainne Owen discusses their work.
CEFGA is the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia. They were founded by leading construction presidents and CEOs who recognized a need for quality construction skills training in Georgia. Skilled labor was then—and remains now—a primary need of the construction industry. Scott Shelar, Director of CEFGA discusses their work.
Plans to reopen Georgia’s Schools and Fall sports - Efforts are underway for reopening Georgia’s schools, colleges and fall sports and this programs provides the latest information on these planned reopenings. Guests are Dr. Linnette Dodson, the Georgia State School Nutrition Director, Aaron Diamont, Vice Chancellor of Communications for the University System of GA and Dr. Robin Hines Executive Director of the GA High School Association.
North Georgia has more than 40 lakes, and not one is natural. The decision to dam the region’s rivers for power and water supply changed the landscape forever. Lost communities, forgotten crossroads and even entire towns disappeared. Lisa Russel dives into the history beneath North Georgia’s lakes with her book Underwater Ghost Towns of North Georgia.
Atlanta Lab Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, whose mission is to identify and rescue Labrador Retrievers and large breed mixes from overwhelmed shelters and abusive situations and place them in secure, loving homes. Becky Cross, founder of ALR , Kathy Camp, Intake and Vetting Coordinator and Stacey Brogan, Adoption Coordinator, discuss ALR and the great need across Georgia.
Georgia Made
Georgia Made is a program that Georgia manufacturing companies use to inform domestic and international end-users that a company’s products are “manufactured” in Georgia. Scott MacMurray Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce, Georgia Dept. of Economic Development,
A Man’s World is a collection of 20 profiles of fascinating men by author and magazine writer Steve Oney. These profiles, 5 with Georgia connections, were written over a 40-year period for publications including Esquire, GQ, Time, Los Angeles, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Steve Oney discusses the book.
Cool Town - In Athens in the 80s, if you were young and willing to live without much money, anything seemed possible. Grace Elizabeth Hale experienced the Athens scene as a student, small-business owner, and band member. Blending personal recollection with a historian's eye, she reconstructs that period in Athens’ history in the book Cool Town: How Athens, Georgia, Launched Alternative Music and Changed American Culture, and discusses it on the show.
DECAL - Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is responsible for meeting the childcare and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. The department distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education. Amy Jacobs, Commissioner of DECAL, discusses their work.
Mission Dawgs is an organization started last year with the mission of supporting much of the homeless population of Georgia by providing basic human needs like food, clothing and toiletries. They take to the streets every day to serve 100s of homeless people. This program goes on the streets of Atlanta with Kevin Weakley, founder of Mission Dawgs.
Micajah Clark Dyer - On this program recorded in Blairsville Sylvia Dyer Turnage, author of Flying Off Rattlesnake Mountain: The Amazing Story of Pioneer Inventor-Aviator, Micajah Clark Dyer tells the story of Clark Dyer who invented a Flying Machine and was one of the first, if not the first, person to fly.
+2 Project – Stokes Nielson -
Award-winning country artist Stokes Nielson, who grew up in Dougherty County, is leading a nationwide effort of recovered COVID-19 survivors who are donating their life-saving plasma to COVID-19 patients in critical care. Stokes discusses his +2 Project which works with community blood banks like Georgia’s Blood Assurance and Atlanta Blood Services, to ensure COVID-19 survivors can safely and efficiently be empowered to donate their antibodies.
Three Governors Controversy - The death of Georgia governor-elect Eugene Talmadge in late 1946 launched a constitutional crisis that ranks as one of the most unusual political events in U.S. history: the state had three active governors at once, each claiming that he was the true elected official. The first full-length examination of that episode is in the form of a book titled The Three Governors Controversy: Skullduggery, Machinations, and the Decline of Georgia's Progressive Politics authored by Charles Bullock, Professor of Political Science at UGA, Scott Buchanan, Associate Professor of Political Science at The Citadel and Ronald Keith Gaddie, Chairman of the Department of Political Science at The University of Oklahoma. Charles Bullock is the guest.
Search & Rescue in Georgia - Allen Padgett and Bob Bolz with Southeast Search & Rescue Associates discuss the training and techniques utilized in locating lost persons throughout Georgia.
Plains, Georgia/ Jimmy Carter National Historic site - One can no longer see Georgia Washington’s birthplace or William Henry Harrison’s log cabin Plains, GA is different – when Jimmy Carter ran for and was elected President crowds flocked to the sleepy SW GA hamlet and today many of sites in Plains have been preserved by the National Park Service. Guests are Robert Buccellato, author of Jimmy Carter in Plains and Barbara Judy, Superintendent of the Jimmy Carter National Historic site in Plains.
Marsy’s Law seeks to give crime victims meaningful and enforceable constitutional rights equal to the rights of the accused. Marsy's Law is named after Marsy Ann Nicholas, a beautiful, vibrant University of California Santa Barbara student, who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. It was passed in GA in 2018. Guests Rita Davis-Cannon, Director of Victim Services Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia and Kimya Motley, a Domestic Violence Survivor and Founder of Haven of Light International, discuss the law and issues surrounding it.
Loran’s Smith - Letter to Larry and other memories of Georgia’s Legendary Announcer Larry Munson - Larry Munson was the legendary radio voice of the Georgia Bulldogs for 43 years. On game day Larry’s right-hand man was sideline reporter Loran Smith who released a book about Munson called A Letter to Larry and other memories of Georgia’s Legendary Announcer Larry Munson. On this program, originally broadcast in 2015, Loran talks about Larry and the book.
REFORM Alliance is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to dramatically reduce the number of people who are unjustly under the control of the criminal justice system. Jessica Jackson, Chief Advocacy Officer, Geoff Holtzman, Director of Communications and Simone Price,
Georgia State Campaign Organizer, discuss their work.
Bill Curry talks about his book Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle, and shares the wit, wisdom, and tough love of teammates and coaches who turned him from a next-to-last NFL draft pick into a two-time Pro Bowler. Learning from such giants as Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, and Bobby Dodd he led a football life of nonstop exploration packed with adventure and surprise.
Canine Assistants educates dogs and people wo need them so they may improve the lives of one another. They facilitate relationships between people and their workings dogs who serve by detecting health issues such as diabetes. Jennifer Arnold, Founder and Executive Director for Canine Assistants discusses their work.
March is Red Cross month and Sherry Nicholson from Red Cross discusses their spring initiatives including Sound the Alarm which installs smoke alarms at no cost to resident across Georgia.
Turning Point cares for women with breast cancer by providing specialized and evidence-based rehabilitation including physical therapy, massage therapy, counseling and nutritional counseling. Lauren Bober, Clinical Manager, physical therapist and pilates instructor for Turning Point and Janae Finley, a former Turning Point patient who is now a physical therapist, discuss their work.
Tyrone Oliver, new Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, discusses his first few months in office and the agencies programs.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger talks about the 2020 elections, new voting machines, and security of elections. He also explains the other duties of the office including professional licensing and corporate filings.
American Heart Association - Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. The American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke and striving to save and improve lives. Michael Cortes, Director of Government Affairs discusses their work and advocacy initiative in Georgia.
Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation discusses the state’s efforts against Gangs, Human Trafficking and illegal drugs.