AthChat

Drew Abney and Russell Edwards
  • 5.0 (7)
  • 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. 14H AGO

    AthChat: 2nd Debate Edition!: Candidates for Mayor of Athens-Clarke County joined Drew and Russell *in the big theatre* at Ciné for a two-hour debate. The room was packed again. The debate was lively. It was another great night in Athens.

    On the 36th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards moderated the second Athens Mayoral Debate. Topics included the housing affordability, road safety, immigration policy, homelessness, student housing, community engagement, taxation, community funding, transparency, community engagement, environmental sustainability, zoning changes. You can also find a recording of our livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C6xNi5vQ7/  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 02:51 Candidate Opening Statements 09:00 Housing Crisis in Athens 15:05 Policy Decisions for Growth 20:48 Road Safety Concerns 27:50 Immigration and Community Relations 35:57 Addressing Homelessness 40:35 Addressing Homelessness in Athens 46:09 The Role of UGA in Housing 51:58 Student Housing Dilemma 57:57 Zoning and Housing Affordability 01:07:01 Taxation and Community Funding 01:20:54 Budget Priorities and School Funding 01:24:36 Community Engagement and Representation 01:25:03 Trust and Accountability in Leadership 01:30:15 Youth Activism and Protests 01:32:14 Housing Collaboration and Community Needs 01:35:06 Environmental Sustainability and Growth 01:42:06 Revenue Streams and Project Management 01:45:38 Affordable Housing Solutions 01:50:44 Closing Statements and Future Vision

    2 hr

  2. JAN 29

    AthChat: Episode 35: District 7 Commissioner Candidate, Ed Tolley, comes on the pod. We discuss Ed’s long history in Athens, his 50-year+ law career, and his reasons for running for commissioner

    On the 35th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 7 Commissioner Candidate, Ed Tolley. We discuss Ed’s long history in Athens, his 50-year+ law career, and his reasons for running for commissioner 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.

    54 min

  3. JAN 22

    AthChat: Episode 34: District 5 Commissioner Candidate, Zander Mason, comes on the pod. We discuss Zander’s roots in Athens, his vision for the county, and how he is differentiating himself from the three other candidates in D5

    On the 34th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with District 5 Commissioner Candidate Zander Mason. We discuss Zander’s roots in Athens, his vision for the county, and how he is differentiating himself from the three other candidates in D5. 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 1m

  4. JAN 15

    AthChat: Episode 33: Athens’ mayor, Kelly Girtz, comes on the pod. State Rep. Spencer Frye called-in from the Georgia State House. Topics: ongoing Athens’ projects/legislative session/Mayor's optimism

    On the 33rd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Athens’ mayor, Kelly Girtz. We got a special call-in from State Rep. Spencer Frye who was ‘in session’ at the Georgia State House. We discuss ongoing project in Athens’, the unfolding legislative session at the State House, and Mayor Girtz’s optimism for this year.  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 10m

  5. JAN 8

    AthChat: Episode 32: Watkinsville’s mayor, Brian Brodrick, comes on the pod. We discuss Brian’s service to the city of Watkinsville, thoughtful and swift city development facilitated by public-private partnerships, and more.

    On the 32nd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a conversation with Watkinsville’s mayor, Brian Brodrick. We discuss Brian’s service to the city of Watkinsville, thoughtful and swift city development facilitated by public-private partnerships, and more. Is Watkinsville more bike-friendly than 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 7m

  6. 12/18/2025

    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

  7. 12/11/2025

    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

  8. 11/20/2025

    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
See All (36)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 AthChat
  • Show Website
    AthChat

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