The Monica Pearson Show

Her name is Anita Rae Strange, but Atlanta knows her best as Blondie, famed exotic entertainer at Clermont Lounge—Atlanta’s oldest strip club. She has charmed generations of crowds and celebrities with her signature move: crushing a beer can with her breasts. But, there’s a side to Blondie many don’t know. From stripping to praying, the 67-year-old icon reveals all in this week’s episode of “The M...

Before heading to Paris to cover the 2024 Summer Olympics, the tables turned on “The Monica Pearson Show” as master interviewer Maria Taylor takes the hot seat. She answered questions about her life as a former athlete, sports journalist, and mother.    As the lead host of NBC’s Football Night in America, and a correspondent for events like the French Open and the Olympics, Taylor is known for get...

When it comes to Atlanta’s most prolific musicians… Chuck Leavell is top of the list. He is known as “the 6th Rolling Stone” because of his decades-long touring gig alongside Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. In this special, extra-long episode, Chuck talks family, music and forestry in this episode of “The Monica Pearson Show.”    He has much to be proud of: adventures with the Allman brothers, Eri...

Music industry veteran Shanti Das knows the ins and outs of the music industry. She tells Monica what it’s like to work with Atlanta’s biggest names, like Usher, Outkast, TLC and the late Rico Wade. But, her work at major record labels only scratches the surface of her success. Shanti launched Silence the Shame, a nonprofit with the mission of normalizing discussions of mental health within commun...

The New York Times best-selling author, Kathy Trocheck, joins Monica in the hot seat. But, if you don’t recognize her name, that’s because she’s authored dozens of books under her pen name, Mary Kay Andrews. The famed writer honed her skills as a newspaper reporter, reveals her subversive side, and lends some advice to aspiring writers.    You can watch this conversation on AJC.com. If you're not...

Pastor Troy has been an integral part of Atlanta’s rap landscape for decades and now he’s sitting

Monica knows how to make a conversation sing—literally. Kristian Bush sits down with Monica to talk about Grammy-winning country act Sugarland and his own solo projects. They also “drink happy thoughts” together as Monica convinces him to perform.    Throughout their chat, they unpack Kristian’s childhood growing up in Appalachia and his journey to stardom, complete with a hug from Dolly Parton. B...

T.I. is certainly guilty of one thing: keeping Monica on her toes. In one of his songs, he claims he’s the “King of Da South,” but T.I is a man of many titles. He’s a rapper, father, director, philanthropist, producer, and entrepreneur. His success didn’t come easy, and T.I. shares the reason he became a drug dealer at age 14 and how those experiences and hard-fought lessons fuel his trap music. ...

ESPN Sports Anchor and podcast host, Elle Duncan, joins Monica in a lively discussion about her career in the male-dominated landscape of sports reporting. As two Black women in the world of broadcast, Elle opens up about her professional climb, her family, and the city that raised her. Watch the videos on ajc.com. If you're not a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, check out this spec...

What does Monica have in common with the folk music duo Indigo Girls? They’ve all been delighting audiences and breaking barriers for decades. After 15 studio albums and years of adversity, Amy and Emily have managed to build a giant community of fans who have stood by their side.    You can also watch the conversation on ajc.com. If you're not a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, be...

The WNBA is more popular than ever. This season, all eyes are on the Atlanta Dream as they’ve scored record-high interest from basketball fans. The Dream’s coach, Tanisha Wright, tells Monica how she gets the best out of her players, what’s next for the team, and her thoughts on the NBA.  If you're not a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, be sure to check out this special introductory...

Atlanta’s very own Killer Mike joins Monica for a raw conversation about his political activism and entrepreneurship, his childhood, and his first album in over a decade, “Michael.” While he is best known for working with fellow Atlantan musicians like T.I. and OutKast, his Grammy-winning album introduces audiences to the real Killer Mike. Monica asks the tough questions… like how he got his name....

Monica Pearson sits down with “America’s Doctor” Sanjay Gupta to learn more about the neurosurgeon and CNN’s Emmy Award-winning medical correspondent.  Discover a new side of Sanjay as he opens up about being raised in rural Michigan. As one of few Indians in his community, he felt like an outsider and even considered changing his name. The physician reveals his secrets to raising his three girls,...

From her years as a young mother and drug dealer in Atlanta, Ms. Pat is no stranger to a challenge. The Emmy-nominated comedienne has learned to laugh through her pain and teach others to do the same. Ms. Pat covers a gamut of emotions, as she does what she does best — tell stories about her life. Sit back and get ready to laugh and cry through a conversation that is both heart-wrenching and total...

True crime and cold case mysteries reign supreme in the podcast world, and Payne Lindsey knows a thing or two about telling these stories. His award-winning podcast, “Up and Vanished” and his latest hit, “High Strange” have millions of listens. Payne sits down with Monica to talk shop, and left us all wondering… are aliens are real? Get a peek into the personal life of this pro podcaster in today’...

What is it like being the oldest grandchild of President Jimmy Carter? Jason Carter tells Monica all about it. The former state senator and gubernatorial candidate talks anything but politics, and instead, shares stories of his famous family's touching legacy and what’s next for the Carter family.    Watch the conversation on ajc.com. If you're not a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution,...

Broadcast legend Monica Pearson has been a trusted voice in Atlanta for over four decades. And now, she’s joining The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to deliver her smart and entertaining perspective of the world around us. Listen for new episodes every Tuesday as she invites newsmakers, groundbreakers, innovators and influencers to sit down at her table for an intimate discussion.