Tharon's Take

Tharon Johnson
  • 4.8 (21)
  • Politics

Tharon’s Take is where politics, arts and culture meets real life. Hosted by political strategist and commentator Tharon Johnson (Biden 2020, Obama 2012, Founder of Paramount Consulting), this weekly podcast brings candid conversations with political leaders, well-known entrepreneurs, culture shapers, and everyday working people. Instead of talking at the audience, Tharon talks with them. Each episode breaks down what’s happening in the political landscape in a way that’s clear, nuanced, and enjoyable to listen to. Expect thoughtful questions, a little controversy, humor, and real storytelling — not soundbites. Whether you’ve followed Tharon’s work for years or you’re just trying to make sense of the world around you, this show gives you the insight you need to understand power, policy, and the people who shape both. New episodes drop weekly.

  1. 5d ago

    Nuface Was Here! Hip-Hop Hoarder. Culture Preserver.

    What does it take to preserve a city's soul? Meet Nuface — Atlanta's unofficial hip-hop historian, cultural curator, and the man who has been showing up and documenting the culture before anyone else thought it mattered. From riding MARTA to every concert and event in the city, to traveling to New York to hustle FUBU back to Atlanta, Nuface has always been built different. His name says it all — N.U.F.A.C.E. Now Under Fashion All Can Excel. He was the new face in town and he never stopped moving. In this episode, Tharon Johnson sits down with Nuface for a real conversation about what it means to love a city so much you dedicate your life to making sure it never gets forgotten. We're talking rare memorabilia, legendary moments, his contributions to the Trap Music Museum and the Atlanta History Center, and his vision for a permanent home for Atlanta's hip-hop legacy. This episode is for everybody who ever rode MARTA to a show, bought a FUBU fit, or felt like Atlanta hip-hop changed their life. This one is for the culture. 🎙️ Hosted by Tharon Johnson Subscribe for new episodes every week and leave a comment letting us know what YOU think Atlanta's most important hip-hop moment was. #Nuface #TharonsTake #Atlanta #AtlantaHipHop #HipHopHistory #ForTheCulture #TrapMusicMuseum #AtlantaHistory #BlackCulture #MARTA #FUBU #HipHopCulture #Season2

    24 min

  2. Jun 8

    Why Downtown Atlanta Still Isn’t Working — And the Future of South Downtown | Jon Birdsong

    Downtown Atlanta should be the heart of this city. So why doesn’t it feel like it? In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Jon Birdsong joins Tharon Johnson for a real conversation about the future of Downtown and South Downtown Atlanta — from density and development to MARTA, public safety, walkability, and whether Atlanta is truly ready for the World Cup. This isn’t a surface-level conversation. It’s an honest look at what’s working, what’s not, and what it’s really going to take for downtown Atlanta to thrive. Jon breaks down the vision behind revitalizing South Downtown, including the acquisition of 10 city blocks and more than 50 historic buildings, why public safety and mental health services are critical to long-term success, and how infrastructure improvements — especially around Five Points MARTA Station — could reshape the future of the city. The conversation also dives into the reality of preparing for the FIFA World Cup, what visitors and residents can realistically expect, and why creating a true sense of place, affordability, and community will ultimately determine whether downtown Atlanta succeeds. If Atlanta is going to become the best version of itself, these are the conversations we need to be having. 🎧 Watch the full episode now. #TharonsTake #Atlanta #DowntownAtlanta #SouthDowntown #ATL #CityPlanning #UrbanDevelopment #MARTA #WorldCup #AtlantaGrowth #FIFAWorldCup

    42 min

  3. May 27

    Christian Ries, Building a Community Through Wine!

    In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon Johnson sits down with Christian Ries, founder and CEO of The Perlant, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, wine culture, and building intentional community in Atlanta. Born in South Africa and originally coming to Georgia on a golf scholarship, Christian shares his journey from professional golf to entrepreneurship and the mindset shifts that came with reinventing himself after injury. The conversation explores the sacrifices behind building companies, recognizing “authentic demand,” and what it really takes to create something people genuinely want. They also dive into the vision behind The Perlant — a private social club rooted in wine, hospitality, and human connection — and discuss why spaces like this are resonating right now. Christian explains how The Perlant is working to bring the feeling of wine country to Atlanta while creating a culture centered around humility, generosity, and kindness. This episode is about more than wine — it’s about community, reinvention, and creating experiences that bring people together. 🎧 Watch the full conversation now on Tharon’s Take. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of politics, arts, culture, and business.

    33 min

  4. May 18

    Champ Bailey Talks Journey from South Georgia to the NFL and Beyond!

    From Folkston, Georgia… to Canton, Ohio. 🏈 Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey sits down with Tharon Johnson for a real conversation about legacy, leadership, football, and life after the NFL. Champ opens up about choosing the University of Georgia, getting drafted by Washington, the blockbuster trade to the Denver Broncos, and the mentorship that shaped his career — including lessons from NFL legend Darrell Green. He also talks about business, cannabis, building for the future, and what the Hall of Fame journey really meant to him beyond the accolades. This is more than football — it’s about discipline, evolution, and leaving a legacy that lasts. 🎧 Watch the full conversation now on Tharon’s Take. #TharonsTake #ChampBailey #NFL #GeorgiaBulldogs #DenverBroncos #HallOfFame #AtlantaCulture #Football #UGA #nfllegends

    46 min

  5. Apr 3

    404 Day: Who Owns Atlanta’s Culture? | The Founders Speak 👀🔥

    In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon speaks with the leaders behind 404 Day, a grassroots movement that has become a defining cultural moment in Atlanta. The conversation explores how 404 Day started, what it represents for the city, and how it has grown into a celebration of community, culture, and connection. The group also discusses the challenges that come with growth — including authenticity, ownership, and ensuring that Atlanta creatives and communities continue to benefit. This episode offers a deeper look at the people and ideas behind one of Atlanta’s most unique cultural movements.

    38 min

  6. Mar 30

    How Centennial Yards Will Change Downtown Atlanta Forever with Brian McGowan

    In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon speaks with Brian McGowan, President of Centennial Yards, about the future of downtown Atlanta. The conversation centers around Centennial Yards and its role in transforming underutilized space into a more connected, vibrant part of the city. McGowan shares insight into the challenges and opportunities of large-scale development, and what it takes to create a downtown that works for both residents and visitors. They also explore broader themes around growth, infrastructure, and Atlanta’s evolving identity as a major city.

    48 min

  7. Mar 23

    The Business of Black Art with Onaje Henderson

    Onaje Henderson, managing partner at ZuCot Gallery, discusses Atlanta's evolving art scene, the economics of art collecting, and the importance of supporting Black-owned galleries. Henderson highlights the need for more black collectors and the challenges of validating Black art.  He emphasizes the role of technology, such as virtual galleries and QR codes, in enhancing the gallery experience. Henderson also mentions the partnership with Microsoft, which improved Zucot's tech infrastructure. Henderson also calls for increased support for Black cultural institutions to elevate Atlanta's art reputation globally.

    37 min

  8. Mar 16

    Atlanta Tourism and World Cup with William Pate

    In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon speaks with William Pate, President of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, about Atlanta’s growing reputation as a global destination for major events, tourism, and business. Pate shares why Atlanta continues to attract world-class events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Final Four, and what makes the city uniquely positioned to host visitors from around the world. From infrastructure and hotel capacity to transportation access and convention space, he explains the logistics that make Atlanta competitive on the global stage. The conversation also highlights what truly sets Atlanta apart — its people and the culture of hospitality that defines the city. This episode offers an inside look at how Atlanta is preparing for its next chapter as one of the world’s leading destinations for sports, tourism, and major events.

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Tharon’s Take is where politics, arts and culture meets real life. Hosted by political strategist and commentator Tharon Johnson (Biden 2020, Obama 2012, Founder of Paramount Consulting), this weekly podcast brings candid conversations with political leaders, well-known entrepreneurs, culture shapers, and everyday working people. Instead of talking at the audience, Tharon talks with them. Each episode breaks down what’s happening in the political landscape in a way that’s clear, nuanced, and enjoyable to listen to. Expect thoughtful questions, a little controversy, humor, and real storytelling — not soundbites. Whether you’ve followed Tharon’s work for years or you’re just trying to make sense of the world around you, this show gives you the insight you need to understand power, policy, and the people who shape both. New episodes drop weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Tharon Johnson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tharon's Take
  • Show Website
    Tharon's Take

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