The Decaturish Download

Matthew Lee, head of the Tucker Northlake Community Improvement District, joins Dan Whisenhunt to explain what CIDs do and how Northlake is changing. They talk about Emory Healthcare's move into Northlake Mall, how Northlake stacks up against the Lulah Hills redevelopment, and how becoming a city has helped Tucker's businesses. Lee also shares early results from the One Northlake survey, which wil...

On this episode of the Decaturish Download, host Dan Whisenhunt sits down with Commissioner Ted Terry for a wide‑ranging conversation about some of the most consequential issues facing DeKalb County.

Decatur Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Mayer-Fronk joined Dan Whisenhunt to recap Watch Fest 2026, hear about Decatur's pursuit of "10‑minute neighborhoods," and debate what's behind the rise of the opposition against Flock Safety cameras. 

City Schools of Decatur has long enjoyed a reputation as a high-performing, drama-free school district. Over the last year, that image has cracked. In this episode of the  Decaturish Download , host Dan Whisenhunt sits down with Andisheh "Andy" Nouraee—Decatur parent, former journalist, and co-author of "Americapedia"—to unpack the growing controversy over the district's proposed Early Childhood L...

In this episode of the  Decaturish Download , Executive Editor Dan Whisenhunt sits down with Jackie Killings, president of the League of Women Voters of Georgia, and Melissa Manrow, president of the DeKalb County League of Women Voters. They discuss the challenge of being a nonpartisan organization in a polarized political climate, how the League evaluates voting legislation without taking sides,...

If you've read about a real estate transaction in the metro Atlanta area, chances are  Steven Josovitz has been a part of it. Josovitz is President and Qualified Managing Broker of the Schumacher Group. He spoke to the Decaturish Download about his career and some recent developments in the Decatur restaurant scene. 

This week on the Decaturish Download: DeKalb County's Alexis D. Williams recently earned the title of Miss Southeast U.S. International 2026. Williams runs the nonprofit Lilly's Hands, has founded a skincare line, and has written a book, all centered on her personal fight with eczema. She joined us to talk about turning a health struggle into a mission, what pageant life actually looks like behind...

Dr. Stan Sonu, a local pediatrician, joined the Decaturish Download podcast to discuss the best way to help your kids adjust to the new school year. He offered advice on reducing screen time and the things pediatricians look for during well visits before the school year begins. 

Joshua Wilson has joined Appen Media Group as our new executive editor. In this episode, we chatted with him about his role in our newsroom and what that means for Appen Media and Decaturish moving forward. 

Tracy Brisson was recently elected to the District 4 seat on the DeKalb County Board of Education. She will be sworn in this January. In this episode of the Decaturish Download, she discussed her new role, her priorities for the district and some of the controversies surrounding DeKalb County Schools. 

State Sen. Elena Parent is leaving the state Legislature at the end of the current term. Parent, who has been in the senate since 2014 and in local politics even longer, joined the Decaturish Download to talk about her time in office, some of the controversies she navigated and her thoughts about the future. 

There is new leadership in Stone Mountain. Following a tumultuous two years, Mayor Jelani Linder and a group of like-minded councilmembers won a wave election last November. Linder talked about how things are going under new management, the city's new urban camping ordinance, the decision to stick with the current city manager and more. 

Tucker Mayor Anne Lerner joined the Decaturish Donwload this week to talk about what's happening in Tucker, Ga. Lerner previously served on the city council and played a key role in the cityhood movement. Lerner shared her thoughts about the possible sale of Northlake Mall and how the news is affecting the Tucker business community. 

Bill King covered the Southern and Georgia music scenes from 1976 to 1986, writing about a broad range of acts that included classic rock, new wave, country outlaws, mainstream Nashville, soul music, modern R&B and disco, and even a little gospel. Bill King joined the Decaturish Download this week to discuss his new book and his adventures covering some of the biggest names in music. 

Political consultant Fredrick Hicks and local advocate Marjorie Hall discussed the May 19 election results and what they mean for DeKalb County and Georgia.

The May 19 election is less than two weeks away. Local writers Steve Bradshaw and George Chidi joined the Decaturish Download to share their predictions and insights about what we'll see on Election Day.

Decatur Mayor Tony Powers joined the Decaturish Download to talk about what's going on in the city and to answer questions from our listeners. 

Ankit Govan, co-founder of the developer Dream Capital, and AJC consumer-brands reporter Amy Wenk discuss the new Decatur hotel project and other development news.

DeKalb County Commission District 7's incumbent candidate LaDena Bolton faces Democratic challengers Jacqueline Adams and Oneka Willabus. To see our forum coverage and candidate Q&As, visit decaturish.com/voter_guide/

DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined the Decaturish Download to talk about ICE enforcement, data centers and more. 

DeKalb County Commission District 3's incumbent candidate Nicole Massiah faces Democratic challengers Jakequeline "Jake" Walls, Keyanna Jones Moore and Tommy Travis. Republican Anita Bass Smith will face the primary winner in November.

State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver talked about the recent Legislative session, housing and also answers viewer questions.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joined the April 2 edition of the Decaturish Download Podcast. She discussed House Bill 369, which makes some elections in the metro Atlanta area nonpartisan. She also discussed public safety, including the county's new Real Time Crime Center. 

DeKalb County Board of Education District 2's incumbent candidate Whitney McGinniss faces a challenge from teacher Charlie McAdoo II and financial advisor Ruth Goldstein. McGinniss and McAdoo answered questions during this 60 minute candiate forum.

The Decatur Early Childhood Learning Center project remains mired in questions and controversy. Two Decatur residents, Leah Humphries and Jess Cino, have been among the most vocal advocates of transparency surrounding this project.