What’s Up Dunwoody

Podcast 285 – How $37M Has Transformed the JCC Into Dunwoody’s Summer Destination – MJCCA CEO Jared Powers   Summer in Dunwoody has a new heartbeat, and it’s the MJCCA. CEO Jared Powers, who grew up riding his bike to the J and later rose from camp counselor to CEO, shares how the 52-acre campus became the city’s ultimate summer destination. Backed by a $37 million investment that upgraded both th...

Podcast 284 – Dunwoody’s Hottest New Restaurants and Hidden Music Spots - Mark Galvin - Discover Dunwoody   Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody breaks down the local hot spots, from live music at Parkwoods and Louisiana Bistro to murder mystery dinner theater at the Marriott. Plus: what’s holding back burger chains from moving to Dunwoody—and why locals are leaning into the no-drive-through lifesty...

Podcast 283 – Why Dunwoody Needs the DHA Now More Than Ever – Tim Brown   Before Dunwoody had a city council, it had the DHA. For decades, the Dunwoody Homeowners Association was the most organized and influential voice in town. It helped shape development, block unwanted commercial growth, and give residents a say in what happened next. Now, Tim Brown is stepping back into leadership with renewed...

Podcast 282 – 25 Years After the Tornado and the Legacy of Lemonade Days – Kathy Florence and Hope Follmer   After a tornado ripped through Dunwoody in 1998, neighbors came together to replant, rebuild, and reconnect. What started as a tree-planting campaign grew into something lasting—Lemonade Days, the city’s biggest celebration of resilience and community. Now in its 25th year, the festival con...

Podcast 281 - How Dunwoody Entrepreneurs Are Staying Connected - Adam Forrand - Greater Perimeter Chamber   Are you growing a business in Dunwoody? Then this conversation is for you. Adam Forrand outlines how the Greater Perimeter Chamber supports entrepreneurs through meaningful connections, strategic guidance, and local influence. Membership offers far more than networking—it’s access to real re...

Podcast 280 - What Dunwoody Parents Must Know About College Admissions - Brian Eufinger - Edison Prep   Back by popular demand, Brian Eufinger from Edison Prep joins me to break down everything Dunwoody parents need to know about college admissions—especially if (like me) your child is still in middle school. I wanted this conversation now, not later, because I know how confusing the process can b...

Podcast 279 - The Movement Making Dunwoody More Active and Connected - Lauren Sok   From leading fitness events to driving positive change in the Dunwoody Village, Lauren Sok is all about community connection. Through Active Dunwoody, she’s inspiring people of all ages to stay active and support local businesses. As part of the Dunwoody Village Business Merchants Alliance and Create Dunwoody, she’...

Podcast 278 – From Brewing IPAs in Dunwoody to Selling THC on the Beltline - Allen Porter and Greg Gordon - THChill   Allen Porter built Dunwoody’s first brewery, Porter Brew & Que, before recently making a bold move into THC-infused beverages with THChill. Now, he’s expanding onto the Atlanta Beltline, transforming the way people drink with AI-powered innovation. Alongside hometown hero Greg...

Podcast 277 – The Unfiltered Truth About Liver Disease – Beth Lehman – Liver Life Walk at Brook Run Park   Beth Lehman’s battle with alcoholism and liver cancer nearly cost her life, but a transplant saved her. Now she’s on a mission to raise awareness with the Liver Life Walk Atlanta on April 12th at Brook Run Park. This walk, not a run, ensuring everyone can participate. Beth shares the urgent n...

Podcast 276 – Tacos, Burgers, and So Much Ice Cream Coming Soon – Mark Galvin – Discover Dunwoody   Ice cream spots are popping up all over town! Good Vibes is bringing a retro ice cream and soda shop to Funwoody, while Van Leeuwen is set to open at Park Place. Rosetta Bakery will soon debut its second Atlanta location, adding to High Street’s growing lineup, which also includes Cuttlefish, a sush...

Four shows. Four restaurants. ALL SOLD OUT! The first-ever Dunwoody Village Comedy Festival is taking over Marlow’s Tavern, Vintage Pizzeria, Bar{n}, and Chupito’s Azteca Grille this weekend! With Laughing Skull and Create Dunwoody behind the scenes, this event is bringing top stand-up acts straight to Dunwoody Village. Marshall has shaped Atlanta’s comedy scene by launching careers, mentoring tal...

Podcast 274 - How the Academy of Finance is Shaping Young Entrepreneurs - Student Task Force Matthew Moss and Gavin Horne discuss how the Academy of Finance at Dunwoody High School, under Steve Fortenberry’s mentorship, set them on the path to entrepreneurial success. Their business, Student Task Force, offers services like pressure washing, junk removal, moving, landscaping, cleaning, organizing,...

Podcast 273 - Local Event Raising $800k - Mark Schwartz - Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Torch Gala The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s 34th annual Torch Gala, hosted by Dunwoody’s Mark Schwartz, aims to raise $800K for groundbreaking research. With Mark and his daughter personally affected, this event is more than just a fundraiser. Join him on February 8th at the Intercontinental Hotel in B...

Podcast 272 - The Loophole in Dunwoody’s Smoking Laws - Jasmine Hooper - American Heart Association Jasmine Hooper shares how Dunwoody is tackling public health challenges. Learn how the city’s collaboration with the American Heart Association is closing smoking loopholes, protecting residents, and stopping the growth of hookah lounges. Find out how you can help keep Dunwoody clean and healthy.

Podcast 271 - Meet the Local Instagram Sensations @MrAndMrsDunwoody - Greg and Julia Frament This is the inspiring couple behind @MrAndMrsDunwoody. After moving to Dunwoody, they launched an Instagram page that celebrates the best of local life. From mouthwatering meals to unforgettable adventures, they’ve become micro-influencers shining a spotlight on everything Dunwoody has to offer. Give them...

Podcast 270 - How a Gas Station in Dunwoody Became Home to Georgia’s Best Burger - Billy Kramer NFA Burger owner Billy Kramer shares his journey from corporate advertising to creating Georgia’s best smash burger in the heart of Dunwoody. Known for its community-first approach, NFA has become a local icon, drawing visitors from across the country while fostering a close-knit connection with Dunwood...

Podcast 269 - Good Vibes Ice Cream Shop and the Rise of Funwoody - David Abes - Village Dunwoody   David Abes, the visionary behind Funwoody, shares his journey in creating vibrant spaces that will soon include Good Vibes Ice Cream. We talk about his experience as our Parade Grand Marshal, and how he’s redefining community through events like Cinco de Hanukkah and Green Eggs and Kegs, while foster...

Podcast 268 - Why Real Broker’s Tech Model is Disrupting the Industry - Jenna Rozenblat - COO of Real I was so excited to have Jenna Rozenblat, COO of Real Broker, on the podcast this week. She shares her journey from tech startups to leading innovation in real estate, and we discuss Real Broker’s agent-focused culture, groundbreaking technology like the all-in-one ReZEN platform, and the impact o...

This episode is all about the magic behind Light Up Dunwoody, exploring how it grew from a modest street gathering to a major community festival. Discover the hard work of dedicated volunteers, the impact of sponsorships, and the beloved traditions like Santa, reindeer, and dazzling tree and menorah lightings. This holiday spectacle highlights Dunwoody’s spirit, bringing thousands together for unf...

Podcast 266 - This Dunwoody Class Could Save Your Life - Craig Wolpert - The Way of the Kitten Craig Wolpert discusses his journey from bullied kid to martial arts expert and founder of "The Way of the Kitten." Discover how Craig empowers groups of professionals in Dunwoody through practical self-defense training. Learn why situational awareness and simple, life-saving techniques matter most. We d...

Podcast 265 - The Little Gym of Dunwoody - Brent Macon with Macon Atlanta Brent Macon is bringing an exciting kids' gymnastics hub to Dunwoody Village. From infant classes to school-age programs, Little Gym offers engaging activities that build essential skills while kids have a blast. Brent also shares insights on parenting, community engagement, and the importance of physical play in a screen-he...

Podcast 264 - Behind the Scenes of Sister Act at Theater 1548 - Lia Prior and Scott Wilkinson Scott Wilkinson and Phillia "Lia" Prior tell me about the thriving theater scene at Dunwoody United Methodist Church’s Theater 1548. We talk about the Sister Act production, rebranding efforts at DUMC, and how these local arts are shaping our community. Get your tickets now! The show runs October 3rd-6th...

Podcast 263 - Kacie Evans - Elevating Dunwoody High School Volleyball Kacie shares her incredible journey from playing professional volleyball for the Atlanta Vibe to leading the next generation of athletes in Dunwoody. She talks about her passion for the sport, the challenges of coaching a young team, and her excitement about the future of volleyball in Dunwoody.

Denice Dudley is helping to put together an amazing Dunwoody Oktoberfest event at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, September 28th from noon-6pm. Enjoy authentic German food trucks, beer, live music, family-friendly activities, and exciting raffle prizes. This vibrant community event, backed by tons of local sponsors, features a beer garden, Kinder Zone, cool cars, and much more. Don’t m...

Keith Pepper, owner of Rough Draft Atlanta, shares his journey of transforming a traditional newspaper into a digital-first media powerhouse. This episode dives into the challenges of competing for attention in the digital age, the continued relevance of print media, and the role of newsletters in fostering community engagement. Keith also explores the future of hyperlocal journalism, the impact o...