Peachtree Corners Life LIVE

Peachtree Corners Life
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The show aims to share the passions and interest of living in the City of Peachtree Corners, through lively interviews with elected officials, local authors and community personalities who lives and stories we’d like to share you. Included in that will be community issues and interests – like politics, city development plans, dining, entertainment, local sports and recreation and local achievements.

  1. Jun 2

    Roads, Rezoning & the City's Purchase of CinéBistro

    Peachtree Corners, GA City Manager Brian Johnson discusses some major topics shaping the future of Peachtree Corners. Brian explains why Technology Parkway is being reconfigured after years of autonomous vehicle testing and how advances in vehicle technology have made dedicated testing lanes unnecessary.  The conversation also explores a recent City Council meeting that addressed a proposed modification to the 2 Sun Court mixed-use development and the city’s decision to purchase the former CineBistro site at Town Center. Brian shares how the Opportunity Fund made the acquisition possible, why local control matters for such a prominent property, and how residents will have an opportunity to help shape its future use through community engagement and market research. Takeaways:Why Technology Parkway is being redesigned after years of autonomous vehicle testingHow Curiosity Lab helped attract companies like May Mobility to the regionWhat changes are being proposed for the Tucson Court mixed-use developmentHow the city balances density, retail requirements, and development conditionsWhy Peachtree Corners created its Opportunity FundThe reasoning behind the city’s purchase of the former CineBistro propertyWhat adaptive reuse versus redevelopment could mean for Town CenterHow residents will help shape the future vision for one of the city’s most important propertiesWhy local control gives the city more flexibility in guiding future development Timestamp: 00:00:24 – Introduction and overview of recent City Council actions  00:01:41 – Reconfiguring Technology Parkway and the future of Curiosity Lab  00:06:11 – Autonomous vehicle testing, May Mobility, and evolving technology 00:07:14 – 2 Sun Court development modification request and additional residential units 00:09:07 – Background on the original rezoning and changing market conditions 00:13:17 – Trail connections, pedestrian improvements, and developer contributions 00:16:07 – Mixed-use development requirements and retail space challenges  00:20:37 – How the city updated mixed-use regulations after previous development 00:23:07 – Development standards, substantial conformance, and project oversight 00:26:39 – The closure of CineBistro and its impact on Town Center 00:29:14 – How changes in the theater industry affected CineBistro’s viability 00:31:01 – Why the city considered purchasing the property 00:34:00 – Opportunity Fund, due diligence, and acquisition details 00:35:47 – Future possibilities: adaptive reuse versus redevelopment 00:38:41 – Community engagement and gathering public input on the site’s future 00:39:49 – Potential public-private partnerships and redevelopment opportunities 00:43:41 – Local business opportunities and final thoughts on Town Center’s future

    48 min

  2. Apr 28

    Sarah Madsen, MomoCon Guest on Dungeons and Dragons Video Games and Writing

    In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Atlanta-based author and game writer, and MomoCon guest this year, Sarah Madsen. They explore the world of storytelling across multiple mediums. From tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons to video game writing and novel publishing, Sarah shares how she builds immersive worlds and characters that engage players and readers alike.  The conversation dives into the creative differences between writing for interactive games versus traditional novels, the challenges of designing flexible storylines for unpredictable players, and the discipline required to meet deadlines as a full-time freelancer. Sarah also discusses her novels, including Weaver’s Folly and When the Stars Bleed, and offers insight into her creative process, from character-driven storytelling to revising drafts and finding inspiration in everyday life. Resources:Sarah Madsen’s Website: https://unfetteredmuse.com/ Timestamp: 00:00:22 – Introduction and Sarah Madsen’s background  00:01:43 – What tabletop RPGs are and how they work 00:04:16 – Writing for Dungeons & Dragons and other RPG systems 00:05:18 – Challenges of writing flexible game narratives 00:07:36 – Creative freedom and constraints in game writing 00:09:26 – Playing her own games and seeing them in action 00:11:39 – Deadlines and the discipline of finishing creative work 00:12:15 – Transition to full-time freelance writing 00:13:52 – Writing for video games and technical constraints 00:18:23 – Learning game engines and development systems 00:18:58 – Overview of Weaver’s Folly 00:20:49 – Story development and world-building process 00:22:36 – Structuring a story and finding the ending 00:24:31 – Music, playlists, and creative inspiration 00:28:14 – When the Stars Bleed and space opera storytelling 00:31:38 – Drafting, revising, and rewriting endings 00:34:12 – Where to find Sarah online and closing remarks

    37 min

  3. Apr 28

    Property Taxes, Schools & Gas Prices—Ga Rep Scott Hilton Explains It All

    In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Georgia State Representative Scott Hilton to recap the latest legislative session and what it means for local residents. Scott shares insights into how the Georgia General Assembly operates, the challenges of reviewing thousands of bills in a short session, and the key priorities that shaped this year’s work at the Capitol.  The conversation dives into major policy areas including education reform, property tax relief, and state budget priorities. Scott also discusses legislation around cell phone use in schools, academic “redshirting,” literacy improvements, and tax relief measures like gas tax suspension and property tax caps. The episode offers a practical look at how state-level decisions directly impact everyday life in Peachtree Corners and beyond.  Resources:Scott’s Website: https://scotthiltonga.com/ Timestamp: 00:00:01 – Introduction and overview of the legislative session 00:01:40 – Scott Hilton’s background and role in the community 00:02:57 – How the legislative process works (biennial cycle) 00:04:36 – Cell phone legislation in schools and its impact 00:07:55 – Academic redshirting and parental choice in education 00:10:29 – State budget overview and funding priorities 00:12:18 – Property tax relief and assessment caps 00:15:50 – Georgia Gold Scholarship Program explained 00:20:32 – Literacy challenges and education reform efforts 00:22:53 – AI, technology, and legislative considerations 00:24:00 – Daniel Waters Act and healthcare-related legislation 00:27:32 – Election system updates and QR code discussion 00:31:21 – Gas tax suspension and economic impact 00:33:14 – Insurance reform and cost reduction efforts 00:35:47 – Campaign insights and engaging younger voters

    41 min

  4. Apr 14

    Creativity Isn’t Optional: Teaching Art, Life, and Problem-Solving

    In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Kristie Onorato, a longtime art educator at Wesleyan School, to explore the intersection of creativity, teaching, and personal artistic practice. Kristie shares her journey from studying art education at Ohio State to teaching across grade levels before finding her home at Wesleyan, where she has spent the past 15 years inspiring students through art. The conversation dives into how creativity is developed, why problem-solving is central to the artistic process, and how Kristie encourages students to embrace imperfection and pivot when things don’t go as planned. She also discusses her own artistic work, sources of inspiration, from travel to everyday life, and what it means to create and let go of deeply personal pieces as she prepares for the Wesleyan Artist Market.  Resources: Wesleyan Artist Market:  https://www.artistmarket.wesleyanschool.org/ Wesleyan School: https://www.wesleyanschool.org 5 Key TakeawaysCreativity is universal—not optional Creativity isn’t reserved for artists. It shows up in problem-solving, communication, business, and everyday life. As Kristie puts it, we’re all wired to create.The process matters more than the outcome Students learn more from how they think, adapt, and reflect than from the final piece they produce. The journey shapes the mindset.Problem-solving is at the core of creativity Art teaches resilience—things go wrong, and you don’t start over, you adjust. That mindset carries directly into real life.Inspiration is everywhere—if you’re open to it From travel to everyday observations, creativity comes from awareness. The key is being in the right mindset to notice it.Letting go is part of the creative journey Whether it’s finishing a piece or selling it, artists have to release their work—even when it’s personal. That’s part of growth. Timestamp: 00:00:00 – Introduction and Wesleyan Artist Market overview 00:02:28 – Kristie’s background and path into art education 00:04:31 – Discovering a passion for teaching and creativity 00:06:16 – The role of creativity and faith in artistic expression 00:08:00 – Problem-solving and adaptability in the art process 00:10:01 – Student portfolios, reflections, and creative thinking 00:11:20 – Staying connected with former students 00:12:57 – Kristie’s personal art practice and school art shows 00:14:36 – Collaboration and group art projects 00:15:55 – Field trips and exposure to professional art 00:16:33 – Travel and inspiration, including Greece 00:18:10 – Observing patterns, movement, and color in nature 00:19:59 – Preferred subjects and creating for an audience 00:21:15 – Studio habits and creative environment 00:23:12 – Finding inspiration in everyday life 00:24:10 – Planning vs. improvisation in art 00:26:22 – Letting go of artwork and emotional attachment 00:29:17 – Closing thoughts and Wesleyan Artist Market details

    33 min

  5. Apr 6

    From Deer Overpopulation to Road Projects: Peachtree Corners City Updates with the City Manager

    In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with City Manager Brian Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping the city today. From the growing deer population—now far exceeding recommended levels—to the legal realities of wildlife management, Brian explains how the city is working within state constraints to implement long-term, humane solutions. The discussion also covers major infrastructure updates, including the East Jones Bridge Road replacement project and ongoing improvements along Peachtree Parkway to ease congestion and improve safety. Beyond roads and wildlife, Brian shares insights into the city’s new mobile app designed to improve communication with residents, as well as the ambitious effort to rewrite the city’s municipal code from the ground up to better reflect its evolving needs. From development projects and pedestrian safety to innovation initiatives like Curiosity Lab, the episode offers a comprehensive look at how the city is balancing growth, livability, and long-term vision. Timestamp: 00:00:00 – Introduction, sponsors, and episode overview 00:01:30 – Overview of topics: deer management, road projects, city updates 00:02:53 – Deer population study results and scale of overpopulation 00:04:30 – Legal limitations: why cities can’t directly manage wildlife 00:06:00 – Partnership with Georgia DNR and U.S. Wildlife Services 00:08:00 – How deer management will work (long-term, controlled process) 00:10:30 – East Jones Bridge Road project and bridge replacement details 00:13:00 – Additional roadwork: Peachtree Parkway (141) improvements and traffic flow changes 00:16:00 – Intersection redesign near Ingles & The Forum (safety improvements) 00:18:00 – Pedestrian crossings and roundabout plans at Peachtree Corners Circle 00:21:00 – City mobile app: features, service requests, and communication tools 00:24:00 – Municipal code rewrite: why the city is starting from scratch 00:28:00 – New challenges: EV charging stations, zoning, and regulation decisions 00:32:00 – ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and housing considerations 00:36:00 – Development updates: townhomes, apartments, and The Forum plans 00:40:00 – Town Center improvements: restrooms, events, and Town Green updates 00:43:00 – Curiosity Lab expansion and innovation initiatives 00:46:00 – City events, community engagement, and closing thoughts

    57 min

  6. Mar 8

    Rethinking Education: How GAC Is Preparing Students for the Real World

    This episode of the Peachtree Corners Life Podcast features Dr. Paul Cable, High School Principal at Greater Atlanta Christian School, and Stephen Carter, leader of the school’s Business Innovation Program. The conversation explores how education is evolving beyond traditional classroom models to better prepare students for an unpredictable future. Key Themes from the Conversation 1. Education as a Calling Both guests describe education as more than a profession—it’s a form of ministry and service focused on shaping students as people, not simply transferring knowledge. 2. Personalized Learning at GAC Rather than a rigid one-size-fits-all model, GAC emphasizes personalized experiences that help students pursue their individual passions and purpose.  3. Real-World Learning Through the Business Innovation Program A major example is the student-run Spartan Café, which operates as a real-world business laboratory where students handle:Customer serviceInventory and operationsProfit and loss statementsTeam collaboration and leadershipThis hands-on approach helps students understand why they are learning skills instead of questioning the relevance of classroom lessons.  4. Building “Agency” in Students The program focuses on helping students develop agency, meaning they can:Set meaningful goalsGather resources to achieve themAsk for help when neededThis mindset prepares them for careers and challenges that don’t yet exist. 5. Responsible Use of AI in Education The guests discuss how schools must avoid two extremes: banning AI entirely or allowing it to replace real learning. Instead, GAC teaches students to use AI as a tool while maintaining human connection, creativity, and ethical responsibility. 6. Confidence Through Experience Dr. Cable shares a story of a shy student who gained confidence working at the Spartan Café—illustrating how hands-on programs can transform students by helping them discover their abilities.

    45 min

  7. Mar 8

    Young Creators at the Wesleyan Artist Market: Photography, Pound Cake, and Passion

    In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini talks with two talented Wesleyan School students preparing for the upcoming Wesleyan Artist Market. Samantha Halpin, a ninth-grade photographer, and Sarah Virginia Copeland, a tenth-grade entrepreneur and baker, share how they discovered their creative passions and what they plan to bring to this year’s market. From photography inspired by family memories to a small baking business built on a treasured pound cake recipe, both students offer a glimpse into how young creators turn inspiration into something tangible. The conversation explores the creative process behind their work, the emotional side of sharing art with others, and what it’s like for young artists to sell their creations. Samantha talks about capturing meaningful moments through photography and the influence of her grandmother, while Sarah Virginia discusses turning family recipes into a growing small business. Together, they reflect on the excitement, challenges, and rewards of seeing others connect with something they’ve made. Key TakeawaysStudent artists play an important role in the Wesleyan Artist Market, showcasing both creative and entrepreneurial talent. Samantha Halpin’s passion for photography was inspired by her grandmother, who worked as a photographer capturing emotional moments. Her photography focuses on capturing feelings and experiences that viewers can connect with when they see the image. Sarah Virginia Copeland runs a small baking business, Sarah V’s Sweet Treats, centered around family pound cake recipes. Baking and photography represent different creative processes—one carefully planned, the other often spontaneous.Both students describe the unique feeling of sharing something personal with others, whether through a photo or a piece of cake.Family plays a major role in supporting their creative work—from inspiration to helping prepare for the market. The Wesleyan Artist Market gives young creators the chance to experience entrepreneurship, creativity, and community engagement.

    28 min

  8. Jan 27

    Peachtree Corners Update: Phil Sadd on Drones, Trails, Traffic Fixes, the Forum and Workforce Housing

    Peachtree Corners continues to push forward on what “smart city” can really mean—and in this in-person episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with City Councilman Phil Sadd (Post 1, District 1) to unpack the biggest initiatives shaping the city right now. From public safety innovation to trails, traffic, redevelopment, and housing, Phil walks through what’s happening, why it matters, and what residents can expect next. Leading the conversation is a new Drone as First Responder pilot that can launch automatically from certain 911 priority calls—arriving on scene in seconds to provide real-time awareness, improve safety, and support de-escalation before officers arrive. The episode also covers major quality-of-life and economic development efforts including Crooked Creek Trail, workforce/affordable homeownership in Mechanicsville, updates on The Forum redevelopment, the new public innovation park Curiosity Corner, and upcoming mobility projects like the Peachtree Parkway lane conversion and the Winter’s Chapel corridor multi-use path open house. Key takeaways Drone as First Responder (DFR) is launching as a pilot with Brinc (integrated with Motorola’s dispatch ecosystem), and Peachtree Corners is one of five partner cities—and the only one in Georgia. Crooked Creek Trail is a major long-term project (about 1.3 miles plus spurs) with heavy environmental and safety constraints due to waterway/EPA requirements; construction is still roughly two years out. Mechanicsville workforce homeownership plan uses ARPA funds for land acquisition (about five acres) and a public-private build model with price caps and anti-flip protections to keep homes affordable long-term. The Forum redevelopment is moving toward execution: Barnes & Noble relocation enables a 125-room boutique hotel on the corner; multifamily plans are updated to below 300 units, with parking decks designed to be visually screened by buildings; target start is early 2027 (funding-dependent). Curiosity Corner is a public innovation park in Technology Park with shaded seating + connectivity, plus testing for things like Pipedream underground delivery, drone delivery, and EV programs; projected completion this spring. Traffic improvement on Peachtree Parkway: converting an existing southbound turn lane into a third straight-through lane to reduce bottlenecks; funded via SPLOST with state permission. Winter’s Chapel multi-use path (Phase 2) open house: joint city involvement due to corridor “zigzag” boundaries; open house is Feb 12, 5–7. Public safety discussion focuses on improving the county partnership: Phil emphasizes better communication, better data/metrics, a potential satellite office in Peachtree Corners, and addressing staffing shortages rather than rushing toward a new department vote.

    1h 6m
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4.7
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About

The show aims to share the passions and interest of living in the City of Peachtree Corners, through lively interviews with elected officials, local authors and community personalities who lives and stories we’d like to share you. Included in that will be community issues and interests – like politics, city development plans, dining, entertainment, local sports and recreation and local achievements.

Information

  • Creator
    Peachtree Corners Life
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Mighty Rockets LLC
  • Show Website
    Peachtree Corners Life LIVE

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