In Cobb We Trust

Candidate for Congress in GA-13Everton Blair has spent his career watching systems fail people, and now he’s running to change them. In this conversation, the congressional candidate breaks down why Georgia’s 6th district needs new leadership, what corporate money flooding Democratic primaries actually does to the information voters consume, and how money in politics shapes what people see, hear,...

Jonathan Bonner is making his case for Georgia House District 68 — and this conversation gets into the real reasons why. He opens up about navigating life as a single parent and losing his father last August, and how grief brought elder care from an abstract policy issue to something deeply personal. That lived experience shapes the way he talks about what government should actually do for people....

Jyot Singh is running for Georgia House District 97, and we get into what led him here. He’s been organizing since 2016 with 10 years of experience actually showing up and doing the work. If elected, he’d be the first Indian and Sikh in Georgia’s state legislature. In this episode - We talk about why he believes the House can flip in the next two cycles and what it’ll take to make that happen. Som...

Josh McLaurin represents State Senate District 14 and is running for Lieutenant Governor, and we get into what that role actually does. It’s the second highest office in Georgia and has real power over what moves forward. We talk about how he uses facts and humor to reach people, and how his approach has shifted as politics has gotten more extreme, including calling out what’s happening at the fed...

This conversation with Danielle Bell, running for Georgia House District 44, gets into how her approach to this race has changed and what that means for how she’s running now. She talks about what’s driving her campaign, especially how rising costs are hitting people across the board. From everyday expenses to healthcare, she connects those pressures to bigger decisions being made about profit and...

This episode dives into what it actually looks like to get involved early and stay involved. In this conversation with Nico Parra, we start with how civic engagement can begin young, and how those early, hands-on experiences can shape the way someone sees politics long term. From there, we move into what it means to consistently show up in your community, not just during big election moments, but...

Chris Harden sat down and from the start you could tell this was going to be an honest conversation. We talked about accountability early on, including impeachment and the kind of votes that actually define who someone is when the pressure is on. He’s very direct about it, and you can tell he takes that responsibility seriously. If you’re in power, you should be held accountable, no exceptions. Wh...

What does it actually look like to lead a county like Cobb… and not lose sight of the people who need help the most? In this episode, Dr. Chheda sits down with Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid for a candid conversation about leadership, growth, and staying rooted in community. As Cobb continues to rank among the top counties to live in the U.S., Lisa talks about the responsibility that comes with...

Interviewing Matt Stigall This episode digs into how local decisions shape daily life in Marietta—often in ways most people don’t realize until things stop working. We start with how and why ABC was formed, what problem it was meant to solve, and what community-led planning can actually look like when residents have a seat at the table. From there, we zoom in on the Marietta Square parking crisis—...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Garza, democratic candidate for Cobb County School Board Post 4, which serves families near KSU to Sprayberry High School and surrounding communities. We talk about why school board leadership matters in Cobb and how local decisions directly affect classrooms, teachers, and students every day. Michael shares why he’s running for school board, what he’s hea...

Interviewing Representative Lisa Campbell, GA House District 35 In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes realities of Georgia state politics, including Democratic lawmakers repeatedly not being called on to speak, and we uncover how power dynamics inside the Georgia State Capitol shape policy decisions. We also look at how these decisions ripple outward, from Kennesaw Sta...

In this episode, Heather Tolley-Bauer joins us for a detailed breakdown of the events surrounding John Christadora — the lawsuit, the allegations, the pattern of misconduct, and why this case matters for local government and public trust. This episode digs into the questions voters are asking about accountability, ethics, financial oversight, and who should be trusted with county funds. If you’ve...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Strickland, a doctor of social work, for a deep dive into what socialism actually looks like in the U.S. today, far beyond the stereotypes and political buzzwords. Together, we unpack Democratic Socialists of America (DSA): what the organization stands for, who it’s built to support, and why it matters in a moment defined by inequality. We talk about bootstr...

Interviewing Heather Tolley-Bauer In this episode, Heather Tolley-Bauer of Watching the Funds Cobb helps us decode the district budget, explore how funds are allocated, and discuss why taxpayers should care. (In Cobb, 62% of property taxes go directly to the school district)

In this episode, we talk with Royce Mann, candidate for the Atlanta Board of Education, about the role education plays in building stronger, more equitable communities. He reflects on what led him to run and how he hopes to support students, teachers, and families across the city. Together, we talk about opportunity, access, and what it takes to create a school system where every student can thriv...

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony McCalla, candidate for Marietta City Council Ward 1, to talk about what it means to serve a growing and diverse community. Anthony shares what inspired him to run and how he hopes to tackle challenges like housing affordability, public safety, and the rising cost of city services. Together, we explore what leadership looks like at the local level — and how...

In this episode, we sit down with Nora Gaudet, a candidate for Marietta City Council Ward 3, to talk about what it means to build community and lead with empathy. From her experiences in education and public service to her hopes for the city’s future, Nora shares how small, consistent efforts can create lasting change.

In this episode, we sit down with Akbar Ali, a candidate running to represent his community and reimagine what leadership can look like in Georgia. From his roots in public service to his drive to make government work for everyday people, Akbar shares the experiences and values that shape his vision for a more equitable and inclusive state. We talk about what inspired him to run, the lessons learn...

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Rogers, candidate for Marietta School Board, Ward 6, to talk about what true care and representation look like in our schools. Christina shares her vision for a district that truly reflects its students — where representation matters, book bans have no place, and every child feels seen, heard, and safe. Drawing from her years of experience serving others...

Dr. Parin Chheda and the ICWT team welcome Peter Hubbard, candidate for Georgia’s Public Service Commission. In this episode, Dr. Chheda and Hubbard dive into what the PSC actually does, why it matters for families and businesses across the state, and how decisions on energy, utilities, and infrastructure shape daily life in Cobb County and beyond. Hubbard shares his vision, priorities, and what s...

We are so excited and honored to interview Governor of GA candidate Ruwa Romman! From her first job at the Center for Civil and Human Rights to more than ten years of organizing, she’s seen how change is built piece by piece. We talk about lessons learned in office, the importance of representing all constituents, and what it really takes to keep moving public opinion. She reflects on the realitie...

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Tirado, a progressive candidate for the Marietta School Board who moved here for one reason: the strength of our schools. But while Marietta’s school district is known for excellence, she believes too many voices in our community are still going unheard. We talk about the barriers that keep families, students, and educators from being fully represented, and...

🎙️ In Cobb We Trust | Host Dr. Chheda sits down with Sam Foster, candidate for Mayor of Marietta, to talk about his vision for “A New Marietta.” From lowering residential taxes to revitalizing downtown, Foster shares why he believes it’s time for fresh leadership in the city. Tune in as we dive into his platform, learn what drives him, and hear why he’s ready to lead. 🗳️ Key Election Dates: • Last...

🎙️ In Cobb We Trust | This week, host Dr. Chheda sits down with Sheriff Craig Owens for an unfiltered conversation about policing, power, and the proposition to create a safer Cobb County. Sheriff Owens opens up about the challenges of modern law enforcement, building trust in the community, and what it will take to ensure safety while strengthening relationships across the county. Tune in for ins...

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Susko, a former Cobb school counselor, to discuss the issue of racism in Cobb County Schools, her speaking up during public comment at school board meetings, and the problematic Superintendent of Cobb County School District, Chris Ragsdale. *Since filming this episode, Cobb County School Board has announced they will no longer be livestreaming public comm...