AthChat

On the 23rd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss the unfolding mayoral race. It’s getting wild, folks! Also, AthChat will be hosting a mayoral debate on November, 8th at Ciné from 5-7p. More details to come! 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 o...

On the 22nd episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with District 1 Commissioner, Patrick Davenport. We discuss the controversial issue of the proposed location of the fire station on the eastside, moving the route of the Firefly trail, and so much more. Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, politically-spicy merch: https://www....

On the 21st episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with the person behind Athens Politics Nerd, Chris Dowd. We discuss the journalistic balance between asking tough, hard-hitting questions and getting access to good sources, the unfolding mayoral race, housing/homelessness, and more.   Check out our merch store! Check out the store at the following link for some cheeky, poli...

On the 20th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with Historic Athens’ Executive Director, Tommy Valentine. We discuss the mission of Historic Athens, the UGA President’s mansion development, gentrification, and more. 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...

On the 19th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with the District 8 Commissioner Carol Myers. We discuss homelessness in Athens, eastside developments, balancing public opinion, bike infrastructure, and more! 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...

On the 18th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with the District 9 Commissioner Ovita Thornton. We discuss affordable housing, redistricting, city government dynamics, and broken promises during unification. 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...

On the 17th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with the Flagpole’s Blake Aued. We discuss all things local and state politics.  It’s a bit self-indulgent, but we now have a 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 host does not reflect those of their employe...

On the 16th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back from a summer break to discuss local political news and answer a few r/Athens subreddit questions. Party time.  *the views of the host does not reflect those of their employer.

On the 15th episode of AthChat, host Drew Abney (Russell Edwards is away in July) was joined by State Representative Spencer Frye. This makes Spencer our first returning guest on the pod -- that's a pretty big deal. Drew and Spencer talk about topics like patriotism, artificial intelligence, and how Georgia democrats can move forward.  A special thanks to Joe P. with Nabo Realty for using the...

On the 14th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards were joined by former Athens mayoral candidate, Mara Zúñiga. Mara joined the pod and told us about her path to get to Athens, Georgia, her previous run for mayor, and why she was initially interested in getting into local politics.   *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 13th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards give a budget brief and discuss the riveting topic of…the annual budget. We discuss how we got to this budget vote, the two factions of commissioners, and some nuances of what is actually in the budget.  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 12th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards *were in a studio* with school board member and former commissioner, Tim Denson. Tim joined the pod to give an important announcement about his political future here in Athens: running for Mayor of Athens. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

On the 11th episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards talk with Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee Chair, Shellby Branch. Shellby talks about her new role as Chair of the local committee and how she is working to build a youthful coalition. We discuss the Democratic Party and how it is rebuilding…or trying to rebuild…or thinking about trying to rebuild. We also discuss many o...

On the tenth! episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards have a wonderful conversation with ACC District 5 Commissioner Dexter Fisher. Dexter talks about his life, leadership roles, and his vision for a growing Athens. We also discuss fundraising in local politics and we end by asking Dexter an important question about his political future in Athens-Clarke County.  *the views of the...

In the ninth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back with a special guest, Georgia's 10th Congressional District Candidate, Lexy Doherty. Lexy talks about her plans for a 2nd campaign to represent District 10, how her campaign is thinking about the 'youth' vote, her lack of interactions with incumbent Mike Collins, and where Athenians can get the best slice...

In the eighth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back with a special guest, Georgia State Representative (D-122) Spencer Frye. Before Rep. Frye joins the pod (starts at 33:55), Drew and Russell chat about some local politics updates and Mayor and Commission meetings procedures.  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the seventh episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards are back to discuss the Saye building, the incredibly important Athens' subreddit discussion about craft cocktails, and the best advice for people considering running for local office.  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the sixth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards head to City Hall and have a conversation with Mayor Kelly Girtz. Topics included: Housing and development, road safety, the speed of local government, what Mayor Girtz thinks are positive attributes of being a commissioner and where he sees the Democratic party needing to go in the future.  *the views of the hosts do not reflec...

In the fifth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss the ongoing ripple effects of funding cuts and federal layoffs on the local community, Drew's brief discussion with James Carville, Athens' local democratic party, local elections.  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the fourth episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss the variables that impact the speed of local government, the tone of leaders when talking about students, and the ripple effects of research funding cuts. *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.

In the third episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss gentrification and development, traffic safety, and political soft skills.   *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers. 

In the second episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss the North Ave. development and zoning issues, the role of commissioners, and road safety.  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers. 

In the introductory episode of AthChat, hosts Drew Abney and Russell Edwards discuss Georgia's local homestead exemptions, school vouchers, the Saye Building, and other related topics impacting Athens-Clarke County.  *the views of the hosts do not reflect those of their employers.