AthChat

Drew Abney and Russell Edwards
  • 5.0 (6)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast for anyone who wants to join the conversation about what's going on in Athens, Georgia. Local and state politics, culture, and good living. 

  1. DEC 18

    AthChat: Episode 31: Local outreach coordinator for the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership, Matt Epperson, comes on the pod. We discuss the options for employee ownership in Georgia and how these options can impact local businesses here in Athens.

    On the 31st episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with the local outreach coordinator for the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership, Matt Epperson. We discuss Matt’s role as local outreach coordinator, the various options for employee ownership models, and how these options can positively impact local, beloved businesses in Athens.  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/   *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

    38 min

  2. DEC 11

    AthChat: Episode 30: Mayoral candidate, Sharon Miller, comes on the pod. We discuss Sharon’s background in ministry, community building, and her thoughts about Athens’ future.

    On the 30th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with mayoral candidate, Sharon Miller. We discuss Sharon’s background in ministry, community building, and her thoughts about Athens’ future. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/   *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

    55 min

  3. NOV 20

    AthChat: Episode 29: County commissioner and mayoral candidate, Dexter Fisher, comes back on the pod. We discuss his campaign roll out, many of his policy ideas, and some of his more controversial votes

    On the 29th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with county commissioner and mayoral candidate, Dexter Fisher. We discuss his campaign roll out, many of his policy ideas, and some of his more controversial votes.   Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/     *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

    1h 44m

  4. NOV 9

    AthChat: Debate Edition!: Candidates for Mayor of Athens-Clarke County joined Drew and Russell on stage at Ciné for a two-hour debate. The room was packed. The candidates shared their ideas. It was a great night in Athens.

    On the 28th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards moderated the first Athens Mayoral Debate.  The room was packed. The candidates shared their ideas. It was a great night in Athens. Topics included Housing Crisis and Solutions, Growth vs. Gentrification, Addressing Homelessness, Taxation and Public Services, Local Government and State Relations, Infrastructure and Project Delivery, Eminent Domain: A Double-Edged Sword, Intentional Use of Eminent Domain, The Importance of Sidewalks and Accessibility. See below for a timestamp of topics from the debate.  You can also find a recording of our livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BQekh7jZV/  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/    *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers. Timestamps 00:00: Introduction and Format of the Debate 07:50: Candidates' Opening Statements 17:58: Housing Crisis and Solutions 27:52: Growth vs. Gentrification 38:06: Addressing Homelessness 47:10: Taxation and Public Services 53:59: Local Government and State Relations 01:03:14: Infrastructure and Project Delivery 01:11:21: Eminent Domain: A Double-Edged Sword 01:16:35: Intentional Use of Eminent Domain 01:22:16: The Importance of Sidewalks and Accessibility 01:30:16: Engaging in Candidate Questions 01:47:30: Closing Statements and Future Visions

    1h 54m

  5. NOV 6

    AthChat: Episode 27: Georgia State House District 121 candidate, Eric Gisler, joined the pod. We discuss the special election in December, important issues voters in District 121 care about, and his strategy for running an abbreviated race.

    On the 27th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Georgia State House District 121 candidate, Eric Gisler. We discuss the special election in December, important issues voters in District 121 care about, and what his strategy is for running a race when early voting starts later this month. ***Reminder: AthChat will be moderating the Athens Mayoral Debate from 5p-7p on Saturday, November, 8th, at Ciné. The event is free to the public. We will be live-streaming it on our Instagram account and will record the event for a podcast episode***  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/   *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

    45 min

  6. OCT 16

    AthChat: Episode 26: District 3 Commissioner, Tiffany Taylor, joins the pod. We discuss Tiffany being a 4th(!) generation Athenian, representing inner East Athens, and her nonprofit, Mothers of Black Sons

    On the 26th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 3 Commissioner, Tiffany Taylor. We discuss Tiffany being a 4th(!) generation Athenian, representing inner East Athens, and her nonprofit, Mothers of Black Sons. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/   *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

    1h 28m

  7. OCT 9

    AthChat: Episode 25: Georgia House District 120 candidate, Suzanna Karatassos, joins the pod. We discuss issues that impact the state of Georgia, Suzanna’s strategy for connecting with rural voters, and the life of a content creator

    On the 25th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Georgia House District 120 candidate, Suzanna Karatassos. We discuss issues that impact the state of Georgia, Suzanna’s strategy for connecting with rural voters, and the life of a content creator.  Suzanna’s campaign’s facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Suzanna-for-Georgia-61580609266395/  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

    1h 11m

  8. OCT 3

    AthChat: Episode 24: Mayoral candidate, Dr. LaKeisha Gantt, joins the pod. We discuss Dr. Gantt’s upbringing in Athens, her experiences as a school board member, and her vision for Athens

    On the 24th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with mayoral candidate, Dr. LaKeisha Gantt. We discuss Dr. Gantt’s upbringing in Athens, her experiences as a school board member, and her vision for Athens  Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/athchat/  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

    1h 15m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast for anyone who wants to join the conversation about what's going on in Athens, Georgia. Local and state politics, culture, and good living. 

Information

  • Creator
    Drew Abney and Russell Edwards
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 AthChat
  • Show Website
    AthChat

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