Best WABE Podcasts (2025)

1
Plugged In: Mirroring national trend, Georgia continues passing laws targeting transgender community 23:00

1d ago23:00

23:00

Over the last few years, state lawmakers in Georgia and across the country have filed hundreds of bills focused on the transgender community. Even as Georgia and other Republican-led states have already passed laws dealing with bathrooms, sports, medical treatment and IDs, the bills keep coming. On this week's episode of "Plugged In," hosts Sam Gri…

1
Prom celebrates Cobb County's 'rockstars'; Chelsea Gardens residents evicted after complaints about now-condemned property 46:39

2d ago46:39

46:39

Residents spoke out about the poor conditions of the Chelsea Gardens apartments in College Park. Now, they must find a new place to live. The City of College Park has reportedly condemned the complex due to its deplorable state, giving residents short notice to move. Shakira Fortson with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, outgoing resident And…

1
Ask Laurel Anything (ALA), Part 3 12:31

1d ago12:31

12:31

The ALA is back once again! The Health Wanted team once again dives into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, including important topics like cookies, favorite 80s movies, the risk assessment of riding a motorcycle, and a visit to Pet Corner. We hope you enjoy. We'll be back next week to break down more science, in the pursuit of better hea…

1
Summit aims to spread awareness about how art can be used to process grief 56:12

2d ago56:12

56:12

The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University is hosting the Arts and Wellbeing Summit: Artistic Expression and Processing Grief on April 25-26. Rose talks with Katie Ericson-Baskin, the Ingram director of education at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, and Laney Castle, an administrative coordinator for the education department at the Michael C. Car…

1
“Meta Take One” / H Johnson / Amplify Decatur Music Festival 51:49

1d ago51:49

51:49

Atlanta-based co-directors John Dierre and Ryan Dutter discuss their original psycho-thriller drama “Meta Take One,” which screens at the Plaza Theatre for the Atlanta Film Festival on April 25. Plus, H Johnson stops by with story behind Lenny Welch’s “Since I Fell For You,” and we hear about this year’s FREE Amplify Decatur Music Festival. See omn…

1
PALTtalk with JAMDA | April 2025 with Special Guest Victoria Winogora on Live Hospice Discharge of Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities 35:11

3d ago35:11

35:11

Join Dr. Karl Steinberg and Dr. Barbara Resnick as they highlight four articles from the April 2025 issue of JAMDA. In this episode, Victoria Winogora discusses her systematic review on live hospice discharges in individuals with cognitive disabilities. Plus, they explore the latest research on fall-risk medications, the impact of social engagement…

1
International student visa decision rests on Atlanta judge, former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn honored at Georgia Tech 23:22

3d ago23:22

23:22

A federal court in Atlanta is deciding whether or not more than 100 international students, including dozens from Georgia, can return to school in the U.S. Or if they will be detained or deported. Lawyers for the students say they abruptly had their immigration status terminated by President Donald Trump’s administration -- some who voiced pro-Pale…

1
Richard Wagner’s “Siegfried” / “Music in Media” / “Braiding Time, Memory and Water” 52:02

4d ago52:02

52:02

Tenor Stefan Vinke and Atlanta Opera artistic director Tomer Zvulun discuss Richard Wagner’s “Siegfried,” which is on stage at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from April 26 through May 4. Plus, Dr. Scott Stewart stops by for our series, “Music in Media,” and we hear about “Braiding Time, Memory and Water,” the site-specific interactive dance per…

1
Energy justice advocate on the benefits of an energy audit; Mozley Park residents push for noise barriers between their homes and I-20 50:17

4d ago50:17

50:17

An energy audit can help new homeowners save money — not just through energy efficiency but with tax credits and more. However, an energy audit is not a required step in the homebuying process. Data also reveals that low-income households spend a larger share of their income on energy costs when compared to other households and that Georgia ranks i…

1
A Georgia Democratic Senator jumpstarts his gubernatorial campaign, Governor Kemp signs tort reform into law 22:45

4d ago22:45

22:45

On this week's Political Breakfast, Georgia State Senator Jason Esteves launched his 2026 gubernatorial campaign. How will he fare among a growing pool of Democrats? Plus, bill signing with Governor Kemp. Tort reform was one of the first to gain his signature. What bills followed? Host Lisa Rayam gets perspective from Republican strategist Brian Ro…

1
“The Games in Black & White” / John Driskell Hopkins 51:46

4d ago51:46

51:46

George Hirthler and Bob Judson, producers of the new documentary “The Games in Black & White,” discuss the film ahead of its Atlanta premiere at the Rialto Center for the Arts on April 26. Plus, musician John Driskell Hopkins joins us to discuss his latest music with the Zac Brown Band and his awareness campaigns for ALS. See omnystudio.com/listene…

1
What to expect at the 56th AJC Peachtree Road Race; Local nonprofit uses equine-assisted therapy to foster healing 50:20

5d ago50:20

50:20

This year marks the 56th Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. Rich Kenah, who serves as the race director and the CEO of the Atlanta Track Club, returns to “Closer Look” to talk more about this year's expanded race experience, which includes the return of a cherished tradition. Plus, Flying Change Equine Therapy fosters emotional heali…

1
Youth mental health and family support program expanding to more Georgia counties; Morehouse College to posthumously honor 1930’s lynching victim 50:28

6d ago50:28

50:28

Youth Villages is expanding its family support, mental and behavioral health services to reach more Georgia communities. The Intercept program is beginning in Rockdale, Douglas, and Paulding Counties. Tanya Anderson, the executive director of Youth Villages Georgia, and Jameta Wheeler, the state manager for In-Home Services at Youth Villages, talk …

1
49th Annual Atlanta Film Festival / “The Beverage Beat” / Sharon Van Etten 52:18

5d ago52:18

52:18

Chris Escobar, director of the Atlanta Film Festival, discusses the 49th annual event, which begins April 24 and continues through May 4 with screenings and events at the Tara and Plaza Theatres. Plus, Rough Draft Atlanta’s Editor-in-Chief and Senior Dining Editor Beth McKibben stops by to discuss the history of women in bartending. Sharon Van Ette…

1
The U.S. Food System 51:04

8d ago51:04

51:04

Many Americans have diets deficient in fresh produce, whole foods, and important nutrients, and it isn’t all due to personal choices. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Megan Winkler, PhD, discuss the cost, access, and availability of healthy food in the United States. In the Q&A, Bristow fields listener questions on COVID va…

1
Plugged In: What one reporter learned covering housing in Atlanta for a decade 23:00

9d ago23:00

23:00

After more than a decade with the station, Housing Reporter Stephannie Stokes is leaving WABE. Before embarking on new adventures at the end of the month, hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali sit down with the award-winning journalist in this week's episode of "Plugged In" to discuss what she's learned during her time in Atlanta. See omnystudio.com/li…

1
Sustainable Georgia Futures spreads awareness about the harms of climate gentrification on Atlanta’s BIPOC communities; Wylde Center cultivates community and nature in Edgewood 50:28

10d ago50:28

50:28

On today’s special edition of "Closer Look," Rose and the team take listeners out into the community. First, we begin with a climate gentrification tour in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Rose talks with Adrienne Rice, the executive director of Sustainable Georgia Futures, about the nonprofit’s mission to help specific communities grow and …

1
“Singing for Justice” / Youth Lagoon 50:41

9d ago50:41

50:41

Christie Herring, co-director of “Singing for Justice,” discusses the new documentary about Faith Petric’s life, which screens at the Tara Theatre on April 19. Plus, Trevor Powers, AKA “Youth Lagoon,” details his upcoming performance at the Masquerade on April 19. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
“Closer Look” roundtable: How should Atlanta respond to this social & economic moment? 49:24

10d ago49:24

49:24

President Donald Trump’s 100-day mark for his second term is fast approaching. Since taking office, the Trump administration has already taken several executive actions on education, immigration and more. Today’s special edition of “Closer Look” focused on the potential economic and social challenges the Atlanta region could face within the next fo…

1
“Civil Sights: Sweet Auburn, a Journey through Atlanta’s National Treasure” / Kosmo Vinyl 51:37

10d ago51:37

51:37

Author Gene Kansas discusses his new book “Civil Sights: Sweet Auburn, a Journey through Atlanta’s National Treasure,” plus Kosmo Vinyl stops by with the story behind John Barry’s theme for “Midnight Cowboy.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WABE

1
The mystique of Georgia's 2026 political candidates. Plus, Marjorie Taylor Greene's stocks, and an iconic Masters in Augusta 28:07

12d ago28:07

28:07

On this week's edition of Political Breakfast, the dust has settled from Sine Die: the end of the 2025 Legislative Session. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long and host Lisa Rayam are now eyeing future candidates from Georgia, including in the race for Governor and U.S. Senate in 2026. Will Governor Brian Kemp…

1
New book explores how Black Americans can close wealth gap through social and economic power 50:22

12d ago50:22

50:22

Beyond democratic freedoms, what factors into how Black Americans thrive socially and economically? It’s a theme that’s explored in the new book, “BLACK POWER SCORECARD: Measuring the Racial Gap and What We Can Do to Close It.” The book’s author, Professor Andre M. Perry is a nationally recognized expert on race, structural inequality, economic inc…

1
Timpanist Mark Yancich / Lauren Amos 51:50

12d ago51:50

51:50

Former Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Principal Timpanist Mark Yancich celebrates 50 years of ASO broadcasts on WABE. Plus, Lauren Amos, co-founder of two of Atlanta’s most successful brick-and-mortar fashion stores, Wish ATL and ANT/DOTE, discusses the history of her stores and her time at Paris Fashion Week. Join Lois Reitzes at the Plaza this Saturd…

1
Appen Media and Decaturish.com buck trend by launching new print publication: Housing scholar Richard Rothstein examines the Trump administration’s proposed housing policies 49:54

13d ago49:54

49:54

Georgia-based Appen Media and Decaturish.com have launched a new print edition, Decaturish Ink. Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of the online community news outlet, talked more about the new print component. He also shared details about the publication’s goals of providing deeper, more narrative-driven content that seeks to capture the spiri…

1
“The Next Picture Show: Revisiting Western Frontiers” / “Illumine” 51:37

13d ago51:37

51:37

Film historian and filmmaker Eddy Von Mueller and University of North Georgia professor of film studies Gabe Wardell detail their series, "The Next Picture Show: Revisiting Western Frontiers," at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema April 15-June 3. Oakland Cemetery Director of Adult Programs and Volunteers and director of "Illumine," Sandy White, and Cat E…

1
The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps 51:21

16d ago51:21

51:21

The Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) is a uniformed governmental service that protects public health in the U.S. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week by highlighting the Corps’ vital role in protecting the nation's health. In the Q&A, Bristow answers qu…

1
Plugged In: What the 2025 legislative session reveals about Georgia politics 23:00

16d ago23:00

23:00

The 2025 Georgia General Assembly is over. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss some of the major themes from the 40-day session. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WABE

1
Former CDC employees express concern about mass layoffs, fate of health research 50:29

16d ago50:29

50:29

On today’s special edition of Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re joined by a roundtable of former employees of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since taking office for a second time, the Trump Administration has reportedly committed to cutting 10,000 federal employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service…

1
“Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan” / Record Store Day 2025 52:13

17d ago52:13

52:13

Michael Rooks, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, details "Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan," which opens at the High Museum of Art on April 11. Plus, "How Do You Atlanta's" Mike Jordan gets you ready for record store day and we hear about Atlanta's many listening rooms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Organizers on Atlanta Hands Off! Protest; Bravest ATL calls for Atlanta Braves Name Change 50:37

17d ago50:37

50:37

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott: Over the weekend, a reported 3 million people in the U.S., and even some abroad, joined more than 1,200 demonstrations to protest the Trump administration’s wave of executive orders and other policies. Organizers for the Atlanta Hands Off! protest, Laura Judge, a communications official with Hands Off! and In…

1
PALTtalk with JAMDA | March 2025 36:21

18d ago36:21

36:21

In this episode, host Dr. Paul Katz, MD, CMD, and co-editor-in-chief Dr. Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, explore the latest research in post-acute and long-term care. Dr. Madeline Sterling, MD, discusses how unions affect direct care workers’ employment conditions, economic outcomes, and well-being. Dr. Lillian Hung, RN, PhD, shares in…

1
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” / Denzel Curry / Alan Rudolph’s films “Remember My Name” and “Choose Me” 52:22

18d ago52:22

52:22

Artistic director Justin Ball and associate director Xandy Poole discuss Stage Door Theater’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which opens April 10 at Agnes Scott College and runs through April 20. Plus, Denzel Curry stops by ahead of his April 10 show at the Eastern, and Matt Booth, owner of Videodrome, is bringing filmm…

1
Georgia's Governor race ramps up; Conservative Group targets Senator Jon Ossoff 25:42

18d ago25:42

25:42

On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson talk about the growing pool of candidates expressing interest in the Georgia Governor's race. One prominent Democrat, a former Atlanta Mayor, is making her intentions extremely clear. In addition, there are murmurings that more from the GOP are preparing to launch…

1
Recap of 2025 Georgia legislative session 51:58

18d ago51:58

51:58

The 2025 Georgia legislative session has come to an end. Hundreds of debated bills await Governor Brian Kemp’s signature, while many more missed out on a vote. That includes a stack of controversial Senate priorities that went unpassed by the House. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to discuss the state bu…

1
“Songs of Protest: Canticles, Spirituals and Soundtracks of the Movements” / Artist Jessica Locklar 52:13

19d ago52:13

52:13

Emory University Professor James Abbington discusses the new course at Emory’s Candler School of Theology: “Songs of Protest: Canticles, Spirituals, and Soundtracks of the Movements.” Plus, Jessical Locklar takes the spotlight in our series, “Speaking of Art.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Aftermath of Sine Die 36:06

19d ago36:06

36:06

Just days after Georgia Legislators said farewell to the 2024-2025 legislative session, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson are pondering over its early and abrupt ending--at least on the Senate's side. What does that mean for a host of bills left in limbo? Plus, Brian and Tharon share with host Lisa Rayam the big wins this session for Re…

1
PALTtalk: Advocacy in Action | April 2025 with Special Guest William Mercer, MD, CMD 36:05

20d ago36:05

36:05

Alex Bardakh, MPP, CAE, PALTmed's Senior Director of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, and Timothy Holahan, DO, CMD, Chair of the Public Policy Steering Committee, share the latest news from the nation’s capital. This month, they are joined by special guest William Mercer, MD, CMD, PALTmed's 2025 Medical Director of the Year, who shares his insp…

1
Moral Leadership: Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy 57 years after his assassination 50:42

23d ago50:42

50:42

On this day, 57 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his motel room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Friday’s special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" focuses on the life and legacy of King, specifically his efforts to lead with courage and integrity and to inspire others to be …

1
Autism 51:12

23d ago51:12

51:12

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate, learn, and interact. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Daniele Fallin, PhD, talk about ASD and what could be behind its rising prevalence across the world. Bristow then covers a range of topics in the Q&A: genetic testing and…

1
Plugged In: Tensions are high as lawmakers hurdle to the end of session 23:00

23d ago23:00

23:00

Friday, April 4, is Sine Die, the deadline for bills to be passed before the end of this year's legislative session in Georgia. Lawmakers have been scrambling this week to get bills through the House and Senate, and as hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali discuss on this week’s episode of "Plugged In," that has led to some tense moments at the Capitol…

1
GA legislative session nears an end; NACCP launches Black Consumer Advisory; Journalist examines how AI can discriminate in job hiring process 50:04

24d ago50:04

50:04

Sine Dine is fast approaching as the 2025 Georgia legislative session nears an end. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to discuss the status of some of the most talked about bills. Plus, with more corporations turning away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the NAACP is empowering Black consumer…

1
“Threads of Change: Design and Data” / “Love Letters” 51:45

24d ago51:45

51:45

Textile artist Sandra Sawatsky and MODA curator Laura Flusche discuss “Threads of Change: Design and Data,” which is on view at the Museum of Design Atlanta through May 25th. Plus, restaurateurs, chefs, and actors Jenny Levison and Mitchell Anderson detail their upcoming production of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” on stage on April 4th, 5th, and 6th…

1
LIVE POLITICAL BREAKFAST ON MORNING EDITION AS SINE DIE LOOMS 8:09

24d ago8:09

8:09

STRATEGISTS THARON JOHNSON AND BRIAN ROBINSON JOIN HOST LISA RAYAM FOR ANOTHER LIVE EDITION OF POLITICAL BREAKFAST. THIS CONVERSATION TAKES PLACE ON THE EVE OF SINE DIE. GEORGIA LEGISLATORS ARE AT WORK SHUFFLING NUMEROUS BILLS BEFORE THE FRIDAY DEADLINE. BUT, PRESIDENT TRUMP 'S TARIFF ACTS ARE DOMINATING THE NEWS CYCLE AND THE QUESTION FOR BRIAN AN…

1
Mableton Mayor on top priorities for the new city; Veterans respond to Trump administration’s plans for VA cuts; Soul singer Marvin Gaye’s story the focus of a new musical production 51:28

25d ago51:28

51:28

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens is approaching the two-year mark into his term as leader of the largest city in Cobb County. Mayor Owens returns to “Closer Look,” to talk more about how the relatively new city is fairing and his top priorities. He also shares details about how city leaders are addressing urban development, affordable housing, educatio…

1
“Beethoven Project: Triple Concerto” / DIY Fest / Kosmo’s Vinyl of the Week 50:53

25d ago50:53

50:53

Among Beethoven’s concerto compositions, The Triple Concerto is the least often played work. Still, on April 3 and 4, the Atlanta Symphony will feature Beethoven’s Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano with Concertmaster David Coucheron, Acting Principal Cellist Daniel Laufer, and pianist Julie Coucheron. The trio of soloists joined Lois to discuss…

1
Atlanta’s new interim inspector general talks top priorities 50:48

26d ago50:48

50:48

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recently appointed Judge LaDawn Blackett to be Atlanta's interim inspector general. Her appointment comes in the aftermath of Shannon Manigault’s resignation over alleged interference and harassment. Interim IG Blackett joins “Closer Look” to discuss leading the OIG and her top priorities while assigned to lead the offic…

1
LIVE EDITION OF POLITICAL BREAKFAST ON MORNING EDITION 7:56

26d ago7:56

7:56

STRATEGISTS BRIAN ROBINSON AND THARON JOHNSON ALONG WITH HOST LISA RAYAM, SORT THROUGH TWO DEMOCRATIC BOMBSHELLS: CONGRESSWOMAN LUCY MCBATH PUTS HER EXPLORATORY CAMPAIGN FOR GEORGIA GOVERNOR ON HOLD AND CONGRESSWOMAN NIKEMA WILLIAMS STEPS DOWN AS CHAIR OF THE STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MOVING FORWARD? H…

1
Rick Steves / Nick Turbo Benson / “Notes & Narratives” 50:30

26d ago50:30

50:30

Travel expert and PBS host Rick Steves discusses his new memoir, “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer.” Plus, Nick Turbo Benson takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Art,” and John Snyder shares his experiences with jazz legend Gerry Mulligan for our series, “Notes and Narratives.” See omnystudio.…

1
Night of Ideas: Is Atlanta common ground for its diverse communities? 52:02

27d ago52:02

52:02

Night of Ideas Atlanta is an annual event that fosters late-night discussions geared toward addressing specific global issues. This year, WABE partnered with Villa Albertine, the Goat Farm Arts Center and Night of Ideas Atlanta to host the event, which featured live music, art and several panel discussions. The theme of this year’s program, which t…

1
John Waters / Comedian Roadrunner Raph / “The Awe of Ordinary Labors: 20th Century Paintings from Ukraine” 51:50

27d ago51:50

51:50

The “Prom of Trash with John Waters” kicks off the “WussyFest” this year, and Waters shares the event details. Plus, Roadrunner Raph takes the spotlight for our series, “Speaking of Comedy,” and curator Asen Kirin discusses “The Awe of Ordinary Labors: 20th Century Paintings from Ukraine,” on view at the Georgia Museum of Art at UGA through June 1.…

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