The Georgia Diagnosis

Episode description: In this field episode, Michelle takes viewers inside the Georgia State Capitol for a press conference marking the one-year commemoration of the Apalachee school shooting. Filmed on the Capitol steps, the episode captures the press conference, behind-the-scenes preparation, and conversations with students and families directly impacted by the tragedy. Through these voices, the...

Episode Description: Georgia’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are growing — and so is their political influence. Michelle speaks with AAPI advocates, elected officials, and journalists about representation, civic engagement, and the power of storytelling in shaping Georgia’s political landscape.  Notes: Learn more about the advocates, officials, and journalists interviewed...

This field episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Michelle creates space for constituents to share concerns and priorities. Filmed on location at one of Johns Creek’s favorite local restaurants, Arepita Cafe, this field episode highlights how listening to community voices directly shapes policy decisions at the Georgia State Capitol. Notes:  This town hall episode was originally recorded on...

The lever arm of public health is prevention, and in this episode, Michelle explores why preventive care needs to be more of a legislative priority in Georgia. Joined by physicians and public-health experts, the conversation examines how prevention — from tobacco cessation to chronic disease management — improves health outcomes while reducing long-term costs to Medicaid and the workforce. This ep...

In this field episode, Michelle hosts a special concert at the Georgia State Capitol featuring members of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra with Johns Creek native — and The Voice Top 20 finalist — Mikaela Ayira, celebrating the Symphony’s then upcoming international tour to Vietnam. Filmed on the Capitol’s South Wing Steps, the performance showcases the breadth of Georgia’s cultural talent throu...

Michelle explores how listening, empathy, and clinical problem-solving translate into stronger political leadership. Physicians and advocates discuss how medical training shapes legislative approaches, what lawmakers often miss about public health, and why patient-centered thinking can make government more responsive and help lawmakers work collaboratively. Notes: This episode features the followi...

In this documentary-style field episode, we follow Michelle during a full day at the Georgia State Capitol as she participates in a House Study Committee on the Costs & Effects of Smoking hearing focused on youth vaping. Students, advocates and bipartisan lawmakers offer striking testimony about youth vaping, the state’s unusually low tobacco tax, and the consequences for Georgia’s healthcare...

Rep. Dr. Michelle Au sits down with leading Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporters Greg Bluestein, Maya T. Prabhu, and Ariel Hart to explore how journalism shapes political outcomes in Georgia. They discuss how stories are built, what reporters wish lawmakers understood, and how media coverage influences legislative strategy. This episode offers a candid look at the relationship between elected of...