4WRD with Matthew Holtkamp

Nathaniel Thomas McGill, 13 Oaks Creative

Hosted by District 4 Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp, the show goes beyond soundbites to discuss growth, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and the real decisions shaping our community. Each episode brings thoughtful conversations with local leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders who are helping build the future of Gwinnett. This isn’t about politics for politics’ sake. It’s about progress. It’s about accountability. It’s about leadership with conviction. If you care about where Gwinnett is headed — and how we get there — this is your inside look at the work being done to move us 4WRD.

Episodes

  1. 12 hr ago

    Building Second Chances: Amir Lane and the Mission of The Barracks Recovery

    In Episode 4 of 4WRD with Matthew Holtkamp, Matthew sits down with Amir Lane, co-founder of The Barracks Recovery, a faith-based sober living community in Gwinnett County dedicated to helping men rebuild their lives through structure, accountability, and brotherhood. Born from Amir's own journey through addiction, incarceration, and recovery, The Barracks Recovery exists to bridge a critical gap for men leaving jail, treatment, or crisis situations who need more than temporary housing—they need a foundation for lasting transformation. Built on the values of integrity, dignity, service, community, and personal responsibility, The Barracks provides a safe environment where men can pursue sobriety, employment, and long-term independence. In this powerful conversation, Matthew and Amir discuss the realities of addiction and recovery, the importance of second chances, and why strong communities are built when people are willing to invest in those who need hope the most. They also explore how organizations like The Barracks Recovery are making a lasting impact across Gwinnett County by helping individuals rebuild not only their lives, but their futures. Whether you're passionate about recovery, community leadership, faith-based outreach, or simply believe in the power of redemption, this episode is an inspiring reminder that lives—and communities—can be transformed when people choose to move 4WRD together.

    53 min

  2. 6 May

    Suzanne Holtkamp & Sammy Baker Join the Podcast!

    Suzanne Holtkamp and Sammy Baker join the podcast for one of the most revealing conversations yet about Matthew Holtkamp, local politics, and the real story behind the last four years in Gwinnett. Suzanne shares the journey from building Holtkamp Heating & Air alongside Matthew to serving the community through arts, nonprofits, church leadership, and local initiatives that helped shape Gwinnett’s growth. Sammy Baker talks about recruiting Matthew into politics in the first place, the challenges behind the scenes, and why he believed Matthew was the right person for the job. Together, they set the record straight on the accomplishments, the criticism, the political drama, and the reason Matthew is running for another four years. This episode goes beyond campaign talking points. It’s the personal story of how it all started, what was actually accomplished, and what comes next for Gwinnett County. Topics include: • The real origin story behind Matthew entering politics • What was accomplished during the last four years • Growth, infrastructure, and the future of Gwinnett • The political tension and public criticism surrounding leadership today • Why Suzanne and Sammy believe the work isn’t finished yet Rare insight. Real history. Full context.

    55 min

  3. 17 Apr

    Buzz Brockway and Chris Franklin on 4WRD!

    This is a “how it actually works” episode. In a time when it’s easy to turn every local decision into a political argument, we wanted to slow it down and walk through the real process behind the scenes—how decisions actually get made in Gwinnett County. Joined by District 4 Planning Commission appointees Buzz Brockway and Chris Franklin, along with Matthew Holtkamp, we break down the role of the Gwinnett County Planning Commission—what they do, how items are reviewed, and how recommendations move forward. This isn’t about what people think is happening. It’s about what is happening. We cover: How Planning Commission appointments work How zoning and development decisions are reviewed And where citizens actually have a voice in the process The reality is simple: every Planning Commissioner is responsible for every item that comes before them—regardless of where it is in the county. District appointees work together to divide and review items within their area, while the at-large commissioner focuses on issues that impact Gwinnett as a whole. Most people don’t realize how accessible this process really is. You can show up. You can speak. You can be involved. This episode is about understanding the system—not reacting to it.

    1hr 2min

  4. 18 Feb

    Meet Matthew Holtkamp

    Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to a brand new podcast brought to you by MatthewforGwinnett.com This is 4WRD with Matthew Holtkamp. Join us each month as we bring you conversations with the people that are moving Gwinnett Forward. Today on the show, we get to know more about Matthew himself. How he first came to Gwinnett. How he started a business here. Found love. Raised a family. And eventually became the last republican commissioner left in Gwinnett County! So... perk up! Grab a coffee... maybe a bagel. And listen to this episode of FORWARD.... with your host... Matthew Holtkamp! Today we start just a little different, with a guest host, Nathaniel Thomas McGill, president of 13 Oaks Creative Studio located in Old Town Dacula, Georgia. In a county that’s changing fast, leadership matters. Vision matters. Conviction matters. And that’s exactly what this conversation is about.

    38 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Hosted by District 4 Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp, the show goes beyond soundbites to discuss growth, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and the real decisions shaping our community. Each episode brings thoughtful conversations with local leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders who are helping build the future of Gwinnett. This isn’t about politics for politics’ sake. It’s about progress. It’s about accountability. It’s about leadership with conviction. If you care about where Gwinnett is headed — and how we get there — this is your inside look at the work being done to move us 4WRD.

Information

  • Creator
    Nathaniel Thomas McGill, 13 Oaks Creative
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    4WRD with Matthew Holtkamp