Small Town Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mayor Matt Seale
Ocilla, GA Mayor Matt Seale talks to other small town officials, discussing their stories and the stories of their small towns. Through these candid conversations, we hear about the joys and struggles of small town living. And of course, we hear about the hilarious things that only happen in a small town.
(Rebroadcast) Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to Haralson County: our friends, and season sponsors, to visit the last small town of a four-episode series in the county. In this episode, Mayor Matt has an interesting conversation with a city manager who didn’t know what he would do anywhere else, so he chose to dedicate his career to managing and making his hometown the best place it could be. Come, go with #MayorMatt to talk with city manager Philip Eidson in the small town of Tallapoosa, Georgia. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
After a road trip to Louisiana's small towns and a special episode about the Georgia Flex Program created in Fitzgerald, Georgia, we are back to featuring small towns in Mayor Matt's home state. In the newest episode of Small Town Podcast, we visit a small town just south of Ocilla, GA, that has seen recent turnovers in leadership that risked some disruptions in the community. We talked to a new city manager who wasn't sure if he wanted to live in the place where he grew up, but later left a successful career in business to contribute new energy to his small town home. Go with #MayorMatt to talk to City Manager Hayden Hancock in Nashville, Ga. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
For this new episode, we visit a small-town Chamber of Commerce that started a new student entrepreneurship program that has grown across Georgia and shows no signs of stopping there. We talk with the program's Executive Director, Melissa Dark, who started it all to show young students that the opportunities to start and grow a business are alive and well in small towns like hers. Come with #MayorMatt to learn about Georgia FLEX in the small town of Fitzgerald, Georgia. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.co
Join us for a new episode of Small Town Podcast! We are on our final visit to a small town in Louisiana for this season. Today, we visit a small town that is just South of the capital city of Baton Rouge, that prepared for growth years ago and is seeing it now. We talk to a mayor who had his first job in the same building where he now leads his city before it was town hall. Now, he is managing growth while keeping the small town feel of his community that he has lived in and loved all his life. We are going to go talk with Mayor David Toups in the small town of Addis, Louisiana. Come go with me!
For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a northern Louisiana town that is right along the levee of Mississippi River and talks to a mayor who was not familiar with this town at all when he was growing up. He has made it his home and now strives to make it a better place for his young family and for new families as the town starts to grow. Come, go with Small Town Podcast to talk with Mayor Matt Alexander in the small town of St. Joseph, Louisiana! This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Join Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale as he continues his journey through southern Louisiana. In this episode, Mayor Matt Seale explores a town renowned as the Gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin. His destination is Henderson, a charming small town where he has a conversation with Mayor Sherbin Collette. Born and raised in Henderson, Mayor Sherbin's unwavering dedication to his community spans nearly three decades. Although his dream was to become a commercial fisherman, he has diligently served as mayor, tirelessly working to enhance the town's prosperity day by day. This episode is proudly sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about the Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a southern Louisiana town that is right along the mighty Mississippi River and talks to a mayor who was born and raised there, later serving the neighboring big city of Baton Rouge as a law enforcement officer, and now serves his home town as its elected leader. Come, go with Small Town Podcast to talk with Mayor Richard Lee in the small town of Port Allen, Louisiana! This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a southern Louisiana town that is right along the mighty Mississippi River and talks to a mayor who was born and raised there, later serving the neighboring big city of Baton Rouge as a law enforcement officer, and now serves his home town as its elected leader. Come, go with Small Town Podcast to talk with Mayor Richard Lee in the small town of Port Allen, Louisiana! This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to Pearson, Georgia, a small town in the southern part of the state, right near the small town that started this podcast six years ago! Come with us to talk to Mayor Robert Johnson, a mayor who is always thinking about the next entrepreneurial adventure and creating more events and economical opportunities for his small town. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
With such great support for The Small Town Podcast journey from the Georgia Municipal Association, it's only fitting that host Matt Seale begins Season 6 talking with GMA about a venture they started not long after they helped jumpstart Small Town Podcast. Come, go with #MayorMatt to speak with two GMA executives, Larry Hanson and Kay Love, about Georgia City Solutions. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
To close out Season Five of Small Town Podcast, host Matt Seale travels to the big city of Atlanta, Georgia, for a conversation with Michael Chriszt, who works with an organization that is right at the center of policy decisions. Come with Mayor Matt to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to hear an educational conversation about inflation and how it's affecting cities, towns, and villages across America. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to Abita Springs, Louisiana, a small town with no shortage of festivals and events throughout the year! Come with us to talk to Mayor Dan Curtis, who only ran for Alderman to help his town, but later found himself as Mayor, and now he is making positive changes in the face of some challenging times. This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to Ville Platte, Louisiana, a small town known for its great food! Come, go with us to talk with Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, who was born and raised in Ville Platte and called to serve her hometown in a very historical way. This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a southern Louisiana town surrounded by water, making it an excellent spot for recreational fun (and a great boat festival!) but also troubling when hurricanes strike. Come, go with Mayor Matt to the small town of Madisonville, Louisiana, to speak with Mayor Jean Pelloat, who was born and raised in Madisonville and serves to keep his community a great place to live. This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a small town in central Louisiana that made some hard decisions several years ago but has paid off with incredible growth. Come, go with Mayor Matt Seale to Woodworth, Louisiana, to talk with Mayor David Butler, a man who was born and raised in Woodworth and got involved in local government to help make his community a better place to live for years to come.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a small town in central Louisiana that is pretty young as far as towns go, but has plenty of festivities for you to enjoy. In this episode, go with Mayor Matt to Ball, Louisiana, to speak with Mayor Gail Wilking, a woman who wasn't too excited about living in Ball when she first settled in but has made it her home, and now she wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world. This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels back to Haralson County: our friends, and season sponsors, to visit the last small town of a four-episode series in the county. In this episode, Mayor Matt has an interesting conversation with a city manager who didn’t know what he would do anywhere else, so he chose to dedicate his career to managing and making his hometown the best place it could be. Come, go with #MayorMatt to talk with city manager Philip Eidson in the small town of Tallapoosa, Georgia. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a small town in Louisiana that is a growing community in the northwest region of the state, adding amenities even on the day of recording this podcast episode! Come, go with Mayor Matt Seale to Haughton, Louisiana, to speak with Mayor Kim Gaspard, a man who settled in Haughton with plans to retire and relax but has made public service in his growing community a high priority. This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
In this episode, we take it back to Haralson County: our friends and season sponsors of Small Town Podcast. We visit Waco, the smallest of the small towns in Haralson County that is as relaxed as the porch swings that hang out in front of their City Hall. We get to speak with the City Clerk, Kimberly Edwards, who started life elsewhere in metro Atlanta but chose to settle in Waco for the peace and quiet that the small town life provides. Come go with #MayorMatt as he visits the small town of Waco, Georgia! For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a small town in Louisiana that is the Parish seat of a significant recreational region known as a sportsman paradise. Come, go with Mayor Matt Seale to the town of Many, Louisiana, to speak with Mayor Robert Hable, who is not only early in his leadership role in the town of Many but also not even born in Louisiana! In this episode, we learn about Mayor Hable's journey to the newly elected mayoral seat of Many, where he now calls the small town home. This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale visits another small town in Haralson County, Georgia, the second small town out of a four-episode series sponsored by the Greater Haralson Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, Mayor Matt speaks with Bremen, Georgia, Mayor Sharon Sewell about the small town that was once the hub for textile manufacturing for the entire world. The two discuss the trials of a small town struggling with finding its identity and the triumph of coming out on the other side with a growing, thriving, beautiful community. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to a Louisiana town so far north that it's almost in Arkansas! Come with us to Springhill, Louisiana, to speak with Mayor Ray Huddleston, a Springhill native who has served his community and local government well for several years before gaining the Mayoral seat in the small piney woods town. This episode is sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale travels to the county seat of Haralson County; Buchanan, Georgia, where we hear from Councilman Steve Holcombe. Although this newly elected official has lived here all his life, he is recently learning about the inner workings of the small town he now serves. The two discuss historic preservation efforts from the community and how fried pies are becoming a big deal in the Fall for this small town. For more information about Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Small Town Podcast host Mayor Matt Seale continues with season 5 of Small Town Podcast with an announcement and a new venture. In this episode, we introduce to our audience Green Shoots Podcast. While Green Shoots will remain focused on small towns and communities, like Small Town Podcast, it will also aim to shine a light on the agricultural operations and small businesses that keep these areas alive and thriving. You can follow along with Green Shoots Podcast on social media, @greenshootspod, or our website, Greenshootspodcast.org.
Former Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Mayor Matt Seale begins season 5 of Small Town Podcast at the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Georgia Cities Conference in Dublin, GA. In this episode, Mayor Matt speaks with GMA staff, Larry Hanson and Sherri Bailey, about the importance of the conference and the heart behind connecting people for the betterment of small cities in Georgia. Mayor Matt also speaks with several attendees about their hometowns and what they hope to get out of the conference.
In this episode, Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale is joined with Amy Davis and Katelyn Jenkins of Irwinomics for a recap episode to conclude Season Four of Small Town Podcast. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Hawkinsville, GA, a small town in middle Georgia that has made great efforts in its own community development and is now seeing the fruit of its labor. Mayor Matt speaks with the City Commissioner, Shelly Berryhill, about his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to driving his community to progress while keeping the characteristics of the small town the way it has always been. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
(Rebroadcast) Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues his conversation with Lace Futch, Willacoochee, GA's former Mayor. The two discuss the impressive job creation in Willacooche, the joys and struggles that many rural communities share today, as well more small town adventures. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
(Rebroadcast) Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Willacoochee, Georgia for a conversation with Lace Futch, Willacoochee's former Mayor. The two discuss growing up in Willacoochee and Mayor Futch's life of service and small town adventures. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
In this episode, Mayor Matt discusses the impacts of the pandemic (or any recession) on local government, and how the far reaching effects eventually impact local government by creating tax and revenue issues. For more information, visit smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Northeast Georgia to Union Point to speak with small-town Mayor Lanier Rhodes. The two Mayors talk about how Union Point has suffered hard times but continues to attract new interest and new investment. They also discuss Mayor Rhodes's journey to local government and how he continues to serve to bring his community back to its former glory. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels along Traditions Highway 15 to Sparta, Georgia, to talk with Chairwoman Sistie Hudson. The 2 discuss Chairwoman Hudson’s fascinating political journey of breaking barriers into politics, as well as the tragic story of the Hancock County Courthouse fire and its timely rebuild. In this episode, Mayor Matt also speaks with Dip Polatty, Chairman of the Sparta-Hancock County Historic Preservation Commission, about the great preservation efforts in downtown Sparta. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues a three-episode series in Coffee County sponsored by the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority. In the third and last episode of this series, Mayor Matt visits Nicholls, Georgia. In Nicholls, he talks with Dr. Greg Tanner, a longtime resident whose impressive career in education gives us a new perspective on rural communities. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues a three-episode series in Coffee County sponsored by the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority. In this episode, Mayor Matt visits Ambrose, Georgia, and has a great conversation with councilwoman Denise Leverette Paulk. The two discuss the history of the small town of Ambrose and what it's like to live in a no-traffic-light town. They also talk about how councilwoman Leverette Paulk began her journey in local government and the heart she has for her hometown. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale begins a three-episode series in Coffee County sponsored by the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority. In this episode, Mayor Matt visits Broxton, Georgia, to talk with Mayor Dawn Tuten. The two Mayors talk about life in the "best little horse town in Georgia" and Mayor Tuten's heart for the revitalization of her small hometown. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
(Rebroadcast) Come go with Small Town Podcast to French Camp, Mississippi, a small town that makes a difference. In this episode, Mayor Matt Seale and Mayor Glen Barlow have a great conversation about Mayor Barlow’s interesting journey to the Mayoral seat and about French Camp Academy: a small private school that is supported by the entire community. For more information, visit smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale completes his 5-episode series on small-town Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. In this final episode of the series, Mayor Matt goes to the small village of Grand Cane, Louisiana, for stop number five on his road trip and talks with Mayor Marsha Richardson. The two discuss Richardson's path to becoming Mayor and how she is focused a great deal on bringing back local pride to her small village through revitalization efforts. With her help, the village is making strides in the right direction. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues his 5-episode series on small-town Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. In this episode, Mayor Matt goes to Westlake, Louisiana, for stop number four on his road trip to talk with Westlake Mayor, Bob Hardey. The two Mayors have an interesting conversation about how Hardey came from retirement to the mayoral seat. They also discuss how Hardey was able to guide the City of Westlake in the right direction after battling a series of storms: both financial storms and natural disasters. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues his 5-episode series on small-town Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. In this episode, Mayor Matt goes to Patterson, Louisiana, for stop number three to talk with Patterson Mayor, Rodney Grogan. The two Mayors discuss how the City of Patterson is focused on revitalization downtown and throughout the community. They also talk about how Mayor Grogan has lived his life through a series of "firsts." For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues his journey through the state of Louisiana for a 5-episode series on small towns in Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. Mayor Matt’s second stop is in St. Francisville, LA to talk with former Mayor Billy, who served as Mayor for 36 years and newly elected Mayor Bobee. The conversations cover how tourism is extremely important to St. Francisville economy and their efforts to make sure that their charming small town remains the way it is. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Louisiana to begin a 5-episode series on small towns in Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. Mayor Matt’s first stop is in Vidalia, LA to talk with Mayor Buz Craft. The 2 Mayors discuss how Mayor Craft grew up in Vidalia and talks about how he got into local government. Mayor Craft discusses the challenges he faced once he was elected Mayor of Vidalia, LA. They also talk about why Mayor Craft loves about his small town and how Vidalia's slogan "City on the Move" became to be. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Chad Whittle, host of The Chad Whittle Podcast meets with Mayor Matt to discuss his podcast, "Small Town Podcast." Mayor Matt speaks about the challenges and success of being the Mayor of Ocilla, Georgia. They also discuss the how and why he started Small Town Podcast.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Adel, GA to talk with Mayor Buddy Duke. The 2 discuss how Buddy was born and raised in Adel and his decision to move back to Adel and work for his family business after moving away to attend Troy University in Alabama. They also discuss the challenges and successes of Adel in the past 20 years. Mayor Buddy Duke speaks about the way Adel has grown and developed over the several years. Lastly, Mayor Buddy Duke Answers Mayor Matt’s question about how Adel got its iconic saying “Adel, baby!” For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale travels to the big city of Atlanta, GA for a conversation with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The 2 discuss Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s interesting life story, coming from a small town in Pennsylvania to eventually settle in Georgia with his family, getting into state government to make a difference, and better explains his role and duties of Georgia Secretary of State.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale stays close to home in his very own small town of Ocilla, Ga, and talks with the current members of the Ocilla, Ga City Council. They discuss the rewards and challenges they face as City Council members and how they came to serve in their community as they did. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale stays in his own small town of Ocilla, Ga, and talks with former Mayor Lamar Royal and Police Chief Billy Hancock. They discuss the joys of small town living in Ocilla and how they came to serve in their community as they did. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
In the episode, Mayor Seale and State Representative Bill Yearta discuss how Yearta came to live in Sylvester and his unique way of picking it as the place he would call home. They also talk about how he got involved in local government and worked his way up into state government. In this episode, Yearta makes it clear to the audience how much he loves living in his small town.
In this episode, Mayor Matt Seale visits with the current students of South Georgia LEADS: a leadership experience for growing and retaining South Georgia leaders. We get to hear from Jason Dunn, the Executive Director of the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority, Georgia State Senator Tyler Harper, and Georgia State Representative Clay Pirkle, on the importance of this program and what it brings to the Southern Georgia region. We also get to hear from several LEADS class participants and their take on why they wanted to be in the LEADS program and what they hope to learn from it.
Come go with Small Town Podcast to French Camp, Mississippi, a small town that makes a difference. In this episode, Mayor Matt Seale and Mayor Glen Barlow have a great conversation about Mayor Barlow’s interesting journey tothe Mayoral seat, and about French Camp Academy, a smallprivate school that is supported by the entire community.
In the episode, Mayor Seale and Mayor Lee discuss how Lee came to live in Carrollton and her unique way of picking it as the place she would call home. They also talk about her role as Mayor and the way Carrollton has grown and developed over the years. This episode, is very special being that this is the smallest small town Mayor Matt has traveled to so far!
In the episode, Mayor Seale and Mayor Carouthers discuss how Carouthers was born and raised up in Okolona, and how he has had unique experiences on Main Street as a child. He also talks about how and why he got involved in local government and why he thinks Okolona is such a great small town. Mayor Carouthers also discuss the goals he has for the City of Okolona.
In the episode Mayor Seale and Mayor Nelson discuss how Nelson grew up near Lucedale, and how he made his way back to raise his family and live his life. He also talks about how and why he got involved in local government and why he thinks Lucedale is such a great small town. He even sings a song he wrote about “Livin in Lucedale,” which is also on the episode.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale travels to Hiawassee, Ga, to talk with Mayor Liz Ordiales. The 2 discuss Mayor Ordiales radically different life story, coming from Cuba to settle in Georgia, getting into local government to make a difference in her community, and all the extensive recreational activities Hiawassee has to offer. We also get to hear from Hiawassee Economic Developer, Denise McKay about projects in the works for the Towns County Development Authority.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Young Harris, GA, to talk with Mayor Andrea Gibby. The 2 discuss how Mayor Gibby got involved in her local government in the same place where she was born and raised. They also discuss goals she has for her local community. In this episode, we also get to hear from Candace Lee, the President of Towns County Chamber of Commerce, about all that Young Harris has to offer. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Dawsonville, GA, to talk with Mayor of Dawsonville, Mike Eason. The 2 discuss how Eason, an Alabama native, made his way to North Georgia, and through a unique turn of events, became Mayor of an intriguing small town that truly has something for everyone! In this episode, we also get to hear from both Christie Moore, the President of Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, and Betsy McGriff, the Director of Economic Development for the Dawson County Chamber, about all that Dawsonville has to offer. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Lyons, GA, to talk with Chief of Police, Wesley Walker. The 2 discuss the challenges in law enforcement in rural areas, and the community-based operation he runs in the City of Lyons, GA. In this episode, we also get to hear from Michele Johnson, the Executive Director of Toombs County Development Authority, who shares with us an interesting story on how her former career fueled the passion to bring jobs back to Toombs. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale stays safely in his own small town of Ocilla, GA, and talks via Zoom with Larry Hanson, the Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association, and Deb Brown of SaveYour.Town who sits in her own small town of Webster City, IA, and works with small towns across the country. The conversations focus on how small towns are doing during the pandemic from a local government perspective, and how these unprecedented circumstances might accelerate trends that were already benefitting rural communities. For more information, visit smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale stays in his own small town of Ocilla, GA, and holds Zoom conferences with several previously featured small town Mayors and Officials in Louisiana. In this episode, Mayor Matt checks in with Mayor Peggy Adkins of Serepta, Mayor John “Sonny” Dumas of Winnsboro, Mayor Adam Holland of Oak Grove, Mayor Eugene Foulcard of Franklin, Former Mayor Tim Kerner of Jean Lafitte, Mayor Mike Kloesel of Kaplan, and Mayor Bob Zabbia of Ponchatoula, to see how their small towns are faring during the COVID-19 Pandemic. For more information, visit smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale stays in his own small town of Ocilla, GA, and holds Zoom conferences with several previously featured small town Mayors and City Officials in Georgia. In this episode, Mayor Matt checks in with Mayor Matt Donaldson of Twin City, Genuine Georgia owner Cynthia Smith of downtown Greensboro, Mayor Mike Young of McRae-Helena, Mayor James Eubanks of Pelham, and Mayor Jason Weaver of Screven, to see how their small towns are faring during the COVID-19 Pandemic. For more information, visit smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale stays in his own small town of Ocilla, GA to talk with local Dr. Howard McMahan. The 2 discuss how Dr McMahan chose the life of a small town family doctor. They also discuss the challenges of rural healthcare in general, as well as in the face of a global pandemic. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Franklin, LA to talk with Mayor Eugene Foulcard. The 2 discuss how Mayor Foulcard was driven to be a public servant in his home community at an early age. They also discuss Franklin’s challenges, including weather issues being so close to the Gulf Coast, and his plans for how to better his community moving forward. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Ponchatoula, LA to talk with Mayor Robert “Bob” Zabbia. The 2 discuss how Mayor Zabbia got involved in his local government in the same place where was born and raised. They also discuss the challenges of Hurricane Katrina hitting early in his first term, and the growth Ponchatoula has experienced after the recovery. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Cairo, GA to talk with City Attorney Tom Lehman. The 2 discuss how Tom came to live in Cairo and his unique way of picking it as the place he would call home. They also talk about the role of a city attorney and the ways Cairo has grown and developed over the years. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Whigham, GA to talk with Mayor George Trulock. The 2 discuss how Mayor Trulock got involved in local government for one specific reason and why he continued to serve so many years. They also discuss how changes in the school affect community identity and what Whigham has done to maintain theirs in the face of changes. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale concludes his journey through the state of Louisiana for a 5-episode series on small towns in Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association. Mayor Matt’s final stop is in Winnsboro, LA to talk with Main Street Manager Kay LaFrance-Knight and Mayor John Dumas. The conversations cover historic preservation projects that Winnsboro has undertaken to enhance its sense of place and a more recent effort to get things back on track in the town’s governance. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues his journey through the state of Louisiana for a 5-episode series on small towns in Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association. Mayor Matt’s fourth stop is in Oak Grove, LA to talk with Mayor Adam Holland, as well as Mayor Jessie Washington from nearby Delhi, LA. Mayor Holland talks about how he became engaged in downtown development before becoming Mayor and his efforts to increase collaboration with surrounding towns and villages around Poverty Point, a new World Heritage Site. Showing he means what he says about collaboration, he shares his time with Mayor Washington to help promote one of those neighboring towns. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues his journey through the state of Louisiana for a 5-episode series on small towns in Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association. Mayor Matt’s third stop is in Sarepta, LA to talk with Mayor Peggy Adkins. The 2 Mayors discuss how Mayor Adkins grew up in Sarepta and how she eventually came to be in local government after a long career in education. They also discuss the changes she has experienced in Sarepta and the challenges of maintaining community identity while keeping your home a great place to live. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues his travels through the state of Louisiana for a 5-episode series on small towns in Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association. Mayor Matt’s second stop is in Kaplan, LA to talk with Mayor Mike Kloesel. The 2 Mayors discuss how Mayor Kloesel grew up in a completely different state never imagining he would one day live in Kaplan, much less become the Mayor, but now he couldn’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else. They also discuss the local challenges to growth and about Mayor Kloesel’s vision for the future development of Kaplan. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Louisiana to begin a 5-episode series on small towns in Louisiana sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association. Mayor Matt’s first stop is in Jean Lafitte, LA to talk with Mayor Tim Kerner. The 2 Mayors discuss how Mayor Kerner grew up in Jean Lafitte and never really wanted to live anywhere else. Mayor Kerner discusses the many recreation opportunities his community has to offer. They also talk about challenges that small towns face in rural areas in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Mayor Matt announces his 5-episode series focusing on small towns in the state of Louisiana
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Irwinton, GA to talk with Mayor Roger Bacon. The 2 Mayors discuss how Mayor Bacon grew up in metro Atlanta but made his way to Irwinton and later became the Mayor.. They also talk collaboration efforts among the small towns in Wilkinson County and the State Banana Pudding Festival Irwinton started. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Midway, GA to talk with Mayor Levern Clancy in this third of three episodes sponsored by EOM Operations. The 2 Mayors discuss how Mayor Clancy grew up Midway and how as an adult, he was “encouraged” to get into local government. They also talk about the rich history of Midway and the building of their new City Hall. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Springfield, GA to talk with Mayor Barty Alderman in this second of three episodes sponsored by EOM Operations. The 2 Mayors discuss how Mayor Alderman grew up near Springfield and when he left to go to school was determined to get back as soon as possible. They also talk revitalization efforts that have been made recently and the history you can visit in this coastal small town. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Sylvania, GA to talk with Mayor Preston Dees in this first of three episodes sponsored by EOM Operations. The 2 Mayors discuss how Mayor Dees came to live in Sylvania and call it home and how he got into local government. They also talk about the rich history of the coastal community and developments being worked on for the future of this small town. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale focuses again on municipal infrastructure. After covering this issue last year at the Georgia Municipal Association Annual Convention, we find that this issue is still on the minds of many local officials. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, water, sewer, roads, bridges and broadband are essential for cities of all sizes to live and grow. This episode includes updates from efforts discussed last year and new information about the more serious issues (and some new possible solutions) in small towns from industry experts. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Centerville, GA to talk with Mayor John Harley. The 2 discuss how Mayor Harley came to live in Centerville and call it home and how he got into local government in various roles. The 2 also talk about recent developments in Centerville as it continues to grow. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Metter, GA to talk with former Mayor Billy Trapnell. The 2 discuss Mayor Trapnell’s life in Metter and how he got into local government in what was supposed to be his retirement. They also discuss the challenges and successes of Metter in his 24 years in his role as Metter’s Mayor. This episode is part 2 of a 2-episode series on Metter, GA. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Metter, GA to talk with former Mayor Billy Trapnell. The 2 discuss Mayor Trapnell’s life in Metter and how he got into local government in what was supposed to be his retirement. They also discuss the challenges and successes of Metter in his 24 years in his role as Metter’s Mayor. This episode is part 1 of a 2-episode series on Metter, GA. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Fitzgerald, GA to talk with Deputy City Administrator Cam Jordan. The 2 discuss how Cam left Fitzgerald and why he returned, how he got into local government, and the privilege of working on the vision of his mentor, long serving former Mayor Gerald Thompson. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
(Rebroadcast) Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale sits down with Mayor Glenn Wright of Greensboro. The 2 discuss how Mayor Wright got into local government and why he’s looking for opposition. Also discussed is the shift in representation since Mayor Wright first joined the Greensboro City Council many years ago. We also talk with Cynthia Smith from the Greensboro Business Association about how they have built up their downtown and keep things going strong in a small town. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
(Rebroadcast) Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Pelham, GA to talk with Mayor James Eubanks, a young Mayor that started in local government at the age of 25. The two discuss Mayor Eubanks leaving and coming back home to Pelham, small town rivalry with the next town over, having your own small town city school system, and why Pelham is a place you should visit. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale is the subject of the interview conducted by Amy Henderson of the Georgia Municipal Association. In this episode we learn about what Mayor Matt has learned through his experiences on Season 1 of Small Town Podcast, how things have changed since he set off on this project and what he would like to do moving forward. Mayor Matt also answers the "get to know you" questions he has asked others on previous episodes. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to McRae-Helena, GA to talk with Mayor Mike Young. The 2 discuss how Mayor Young got into local government, how Mayor Young was a critical part of the 2 small towns of McRae and Helena merging in 2015, and the struggles and benefits of that merger. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Twin City, GA to talk with Mayor Pro Tem Matt Donaldson. The 2 discuss how 2 small towns merged to form Twin City in 1921, and the struggles and benefits of that merger. They also discuss recent struggles that Twin City has overcome and why Mayor Pro Tem Donaldson can’t imagine living anywhere else. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
The tables are turned on Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale as he is interviewed by Adrienne Andreae of the podcast Small Town Sunshine. In this episode we learn about Mayor Matt and how he came to live in Ocilla, what made him run for Mayor and what made him want to start Small Town Podcast. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Ashburn, GA to talk with Mayor, and former Ashburn City Clerk, Sandy Lumpkin. The 2 discuss how Mayor Lumpkin came to be a resident of Ashburn after a life out West and how after a full career in Ashburn City government as an employee, she decided to run for office. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale travels to Auburn, GA for a conversation with Mayor, and current President of the Georgia Municipal Association, Linda Blechinger. The 2 discuss Mayor Blechinger’s life story, coming from New York to settle in Georgia, getting into local government to make a difference, and the power of working together with other local officials through the Georgia Municipal Association. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale sits down with Rusi Patel from the Georgia Municipal Association to discuss the interesting and sometimes complicated subject of local government structures and powers. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Homerville, GA to talk with long standing Councilman Willie Hardee, Jr. The 2 discuss Councilman Hardee's time growing up in Homerville, with its trials and successes and the various roles he has had as a member of the Homerville City Council for almost 40 years. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Pine Mountain, GA to talk with Mayor Jim Trott. The two discuss how Mayor Trott came to live in Pine Mountain and how he was thrust into local government, as well as the journey Pine Mountain has taken in diversifying its economy while maintaining its small town charm. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale interviews candidates for Georgia's Governor and Lt. Governor in advance of the election this Nov. 6th and asks questions about how they will benefit Rural Georgia. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale goes back to the small town of Vienna, GA, this time to talk with Mayor Hobby Stripling. The two discuss Stripling’s long career in politics that went well beyond the his small town and how he found himself the Mayor again after 25 years. We also get all the details on the local festival with nationwide appeal, the annual Big Pig Jig. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale continues a conversation with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black about how big the industry is. He also sits down with Irwin County farmer Gary Paulk to discuss the Paulk Family legacy and how they got into growing muscadines, starting from 5 acres to what is now the largest muscadine vineyard in the world. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale travels to the small town of Monticello, GA to talk with Mayor Bryan Standifer. The 2 discuss how Mayor Standifer decided to get into local government and about how famous people and big movies are a part of Monticello’s culture. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale focuses on municipal infrastructure. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, water, sewer, roads, bridges and broadband are essential for cities of all sizes to live and grow. This episode includes conversations with local government officials, those who lobby at the state and local level, and Mayor Matt talks with special guests GDOT Director of Planning Jay Roberts and GA Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale travels to the small town of Washington, GA to talk with Mayor Ames Barnett. The 2 discuss Mayor Barnett’s decision to come home to Washington when he could have gone anywhere and how he views the responsibilities of local government officials.
For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale travels to the small town of Siloam, GA to talk with former Mayor and current City Councilmember Clarence Lee “Mutt” Rhodes. The 2 reflect on Mayor Rhodes long time in local government in the smallest town profile on the podcast so far. At age 91, Mayor Rhodes has some stories to share, including his trip to New York City to see the World’s Fair at age 12! For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale talks with the 2 remaining candidates for the Republican nomination for Georgia Lt Governor, Rep. Geoff Duncan and Senator David Shafer. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale talks with the 2 remaining candidates for the Republican nomination for Georgia Governor, Lt Governor Casey Cagle and Secretary of State Brian Kemp. Mayor Matt also gets his first interview with Democratic Nominee for Governor, Stacey Abrams. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale sits down with Mayor Glenn Wright of Greensboro. The 2 discuss how Mayor Wright got into local government and why he’s looking for opposition. Also discussed are the shift in representation since Mayor Wright first joined the Greensboro City Council many years ago. We also talk with Cynthia Smith from the Greensboro Business Association about how they have built up their downtown and keep things going strong in a small town. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale talks with City of Colquitt Fire Chief Craig Tully. The two discuss Chief Tully’s 40 year career in fire service, building up an all volunteer fire department in a small town, and the artistic and vibrant small town of Colquitt, GA. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Midway, GA to talk with current Mayor Pro Tem and former Mayor Clemontine Washington, someone Mayor Matt has known for many years (listen to find out how.) The two discuss Dr. Washington's leaving and coming back home to Midway, small town issues like how she has handled communication with public over trees and why City Hall is in currently in the Midway Mall. Listen to find out why Midway is a place you should visit. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale interviews the remaining candidates for Georgia Governor and asks them what they plan to do for small towns in the rural parts of the state. This is Part 2 of a 2-part series. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast host Matt Seale interviews 5 of the 10 candidates for Georgia Governor and asks them what they plan to do for small towns in the rural parts of the state. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale interviews all 5 candidates for Lt Governor of Georgia and asks them what they plan to do for small towns in rural parts of the state if elected. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcat.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale heads to the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta to discuss how legislative action at the state level affect small towns everywhere. Ever wondered why cities need lobbyists? Guest include members of GMA's Government Relations team and Georgia State Representative Clay Pirkle. For more information, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Vienna, Georgia for a conversation with longstanding Councilmember Beth English. The two discuss how English came to Vienna and quickly got involved with community groups and historic preservation, eventually being elected to City Council 5 times. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to the Mayor’s Day Conference in this first ever Workshop Episode of the podcast. Mayor Matt speaks with Georgia Municipal Association Executive Director Larry Hanson about the current transition in local governments. Mayor Matt then talks with several newly elected small town Mayors and Councilmembers to see why they decided to run and what they hope to accomplish now that they’ve been elected. Visit www.smalltownpodcast.com for more info.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Pelham, GA to talk with Mayor James Eubanks, a young Mayor that started in local government at the age of 25. The two discuss Mayor Eubanks leaving and coming back home to Pelham, small town rivalry with the next town over, having your own small town city school system, and why Pelham is a place you should visit. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale continues his conversation with Lace Futch, Willacoochee, GA's former Mayor. The two discuss the impressive job creation in Willacooche, the joys and struggles that many rural communities share today, as well more small town adventures. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Ocilla Mayor and Small Town Podcast Host Matt Seale travels to Willacoochee, Georgia for a conversation with Lace Futch, Willacoochee's former Mayor. The two discuss growing up in Willacoochee and Mayor Futch's life of service and small town adventures. For more info, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com
Edited & mixed by Resonate Recordings