Best The Atlanta JournalConstitution Podcasts (2025)

1
Mesha Mainor’s Push for School Choice and Change 29:32

Play Pause

3d ago29:32

29:32

Former state Representative Mesha Mainor, once a Democrat and now a Republican, joins hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy to discuss her run for state school superintendent. Mainor explains why she’s challenging incumbent Richard Woods, her push for school choice, and her views on issues ranging from teacher autonomy to school safety. The host…

1
Shutdown Threat, Security Fears, and the Epstein Question 29:22

4d ago29:22

29:22

On today’s Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell is joined by the Washington Post’s Kadia Goba to break down the latest twists in the government funding fight after Donald Trump canceled talks with Democratic leaders. They discuss what a shutdown would mean for Georgia, how lawmakers are reacting to rising security …

1
Free Speech, Political Violence and Georgia’s Special Election 32:19

5d ago32:19

32:19

The shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has set off fierce debates about hate speech, cancel culture, and the limits of the First Amendment. On today’s episode of the AJC’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy talk with civil and human rights attorney Nora Benavidez about what’s at stake for free ex…

1
Ossoff on Health Care Battles and Georgia’s Shifting Politics 33:05

6d ago33:05

33:05

Senator Jon Ossoff joins Politically Georgia to discuss the strain Medicaid cuts are putting on rural hospitals, the fight to extend Obamacare subsidies, and the rising threats of political violence. Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell brings the one-on-one conversation from Capitol Hill. Then host Greg Bluestein answers listener questions on the…

1
Raffensperger Runs, Hyundai Raid Reverberates 29:41

10d ago29:41

29:41

Georgia’s race for governor just got more crowded. Host Greg Bluestein breaks down Brad Raffensperger’s entry into the 2026 contest and what it means for both parties as the secretary of state faces Trump loyalists and skeptical GOP activists. Then Patricia Murphy speaks with immigration attorney Charles Kuck about the federal raid on Hyundai’s meg…

1
C.J. Pearson on Trump’s Youth Push and Charlie Kirk’s Legacy 30:33

11d ago30:33

30:33

Host Tia Mitchell sits down with Georgia conservative activist C.J. Pearson to talk about Donald Trump’s growing support among young and Black voters, Pearson’s rise in Republican politics, and his work to bring influencers into the GOP fold. They also discuss political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, tensions with Governor Br…

1
Special Edition: Geoff Duncan’s Bid for Governor as a Democrat 24:20

8d ago24:20

24:20

In a Special Edition of Politically Georgia, host Greg Bluestein sits down with former Republican lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan for his first interview since announcing his run for governor as a Democrat. Duncan explains why he left the GOP, how he plans to take on Donald Trump’s influence in Georgia, and what his platform on health care, aborti…

1
McKoon on Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and Rivian’s Georgia Gamble 35:43

12d ago35:43

35:43

Patricia Murphy speaks with state GOP chair Josh McKoon about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, how Republicans are responding, and what it means for security at political events. Then Greg Bluestein and AJC reporter Zach Hansen turn to the Rivian electric vehicle plant, where a groundbreaking ceremony signals new momentum bu…

1
Charlie Kirk, Hyundai, and Georgia’s 2026 Shuffle 26:14

13d ago26:14

26:14

On today’s Monday Mailbag edition of Politically Georgia, host Greg Bluestein, with producer ShaneyB, answers your questions about Georgia politics and beyond. This week, listeners want to know how state leaders are reacting to the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, why Governor Brian Kemp hasn’t addressed the Hyundai pla…

1
Inside the GOP Shuffle, Outside Atlanta’s Shadow 33:40

17d ago33:40

33:40

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy talk with Republican strategist Stephen Lawson about the fast-moving races for governor and U.S. Senate — including Brad Raffensperger’s next move and the viability of Derek Dooley’s bid. Then Charlie Hayslett, author of the Trouble in God’s Country blog, joins to discuss alarming population trends in rural …

1
Kemp’s Guard Deployment and MTG’s GOP Warning 32:36

18d ago32:36

32:36

It’s Washington Wednesday on Politically Georgia and hosts Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein dig into Governor Brian Kemp’s decision to send more than 300 Georgia National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to support Donald Trump’s federal surge — and why critics say it’s more about politics than public safety. Then Tia shares a taped interview with …

1
Hyundai Raid Fallout and AJC’s Digital Future 37:01

19d ago37:01

37:01

Georgia’s biggest economic development project is now at the center of a political firestorm. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy unpack the federal raid on Hyundai’s electric vehicle plant and what it means for Governor Brian Kemp’s economic agenda, U.S.–South Korea relations, and the 2026 Senate race. Then AJC president and publisher Andrew …

1
Blake Tillery’s LG Bid 29:03

17d ago29:03

29:03

Host Greg Bluestein talks with state Sen. Blake Tillery about his campaign for lieutenant governor, his record as Senate Appropriations chair, and his push to eliminate the state income tax. Then producer Natalie Mendenhall sits down with Georgia Behavioral Health Commissioner Kevin Tanner on “988 Day” to discuss the state’s suicide prevention hotl…

1
Kemp Backs Dooley, GOP Rivals Step Up 31:22

24d ago31:22

31:22

Georgia’s 2026 Senate race just got a major jolt. The AJC’s Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell analyze Governor Brian Kemp’s full-throated endorsement of Derek Dooley, delivered at a hometown UGA tailgate. They explore why Kemp is betting on the political newcomer, how Dooley’s football past is shaping his campaign, and why critics say he still lacks …

1
From Pharmacist to Politician: Carter’s Senate Run 33:43

25d ago33:43

33:43

The AJC’s Greg Bluestein sits down with Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter as he launches his campaign for U.S. Senate. Carter lays out why he believes he’s the strongest Republican to take on Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, touts his business and political experience, leans on his loyalty to Donald Trump, and addresses big policy issues from drug prices…

1
Georgia’s 2026 Showdowns 33:47

24d ago33:47

33:47

The AJC’s Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein are joined by Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson to break down the fast-developing 2026 races. On the Senate side, they weigh the rise of Congressman Mike Collins, the challenge from Derek Dooley, and the role of Buddy Carter in the Republican primary. Then the …

1
Fulton Showdown and a New AG Race 37:26

27d ago37:26

37:26

Hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein talk with Fulton County Commissioners Mo Ivory and Dana Barrett about their defiance of a court order to seat two Republican nominees to the county elections board, the contempt ruling against them, and what it all means for Georgia’s upcoming elections. Then, Greg sits down with state Rep. Tanya Miller, who…

1
Burt Jones Launches His Bid 31:36

29d ago31:36

31:36

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Riley Bunch break down Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones’ official entry into the race for Georgia governor, his deep ties to Donald Trump and what that means for a crowded GOP field. They also look at how Jones’ candidacy could reshape city-state relations in Atlanta, from Buckhead cityhood to airport control, and why Mayor A…

1
Trump’s National Guard Move Under Fire 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell examines the legality and politics behind President Trump’s decision to activate the National Guard in Washington, D.C. Georgia State law professor Anthony Michael Kreis explains why the move is raising constitutional concerns and whether it could happen in cities like A…

1
Collins Jumps In, Vance Sells Trump’s Pitch 29:09

1M ago29:09

29:09

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down Congressman Mike Collins’ high-profile Senate campaign kickoff and what it signals about Republican divisions in Georgia. They also take a closer look at Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Peachtree City, where he pitched President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” as a tax cut for working families whi…

1
Dooley Off the Sidelines and Onto the Political Field 36:21

1M ago36:21

36:21

Greg Bluestein travels to Gainesville, Georgia, where he sits down with Republican Senate candidate Derek Dooley. Dooley offers a wide-ranging interview about his stance on immigration, the Middle East, term-limits, and his latest meeting with President Donald Trump. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Geor…

1
Vice President JD Vance to Visit Georgia 29:32

1M ago29:32

29:32

Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein discuss Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Peachtree City on Thursday to promote what President Donald Trump calls his “big, beautiful bill.” Then, AJC election guru Mark Niesse joins the duo to talk about a recent mass cancellation of voter registrations and what Georgia voters can do to if their registration…

1
Savannah Mayor Talks Trump’s D.C. Takeover, FEMA, and Tariffs 31:53

1M ago31:53

31:53

It’s Washington Wednesday. First up, Tia Mitchell talks to Mayor Van Johnson, who is president of the African American Mayors Association. Johnson gives his thoughts on the Trump administration’s attempt to take over the Washington D.C.'s police department. Then, Tia Mitchell talks to U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., about his latest rally in Georgia…

1
Trump Backs Burt Jones 33:11

1M ago33:11

33:11

Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, and Patricia Murphy talk about President Donald Trump backing Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones in the race for governor.Then, the trio moves on to U.S. Rep Mike Collin’s comments about his Senate rivals Derek Dooley and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically…

1
Georgia Politics, From Climate Funds to the Campaign Trail 25:14

1M ago25:14

25:14

Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein, and producer ShaneyB open the listener mailbag to talk about the most pressing stories in Georgia politics. They cover missed opportunities for federal climate grants, the impact of the CDC shooting, and the latest developments in the race for governor. Along the way, they tackle voting rights, foreign policy, and loca…

1
Michael Thurmond on His Run for Georgia Governor 29:57

1M ago29:57

29:57

On this episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell sit down with former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who recently entered the Democratic race for Georgia governor. Thurmond reflects on lessons from past campaigns, his vision for bridging political divides, and the urgent issues he says Georgia mus…

1
From the Gridiron to the Senate? 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

Former Tennessee coach Derek Dooley is stepping into Georgia’s high-stakes Senate race, and sports radio veteran Jimmy Hyams joins the show to share stories from Dooley’s time on the sidelines and how those experiences could shape his political run. Then, Georgia Senator John F. Kennedy talks with Greg Bluestein about tackling chronic absenteeism i…

1
Geoff Duncan’s Party Switch and Possible Run for Governor 29:57

2M ago29:57

29:57

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan joins hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell to discuss his decision to leave the GOP and join the Democratic Party. Duncan talks about what led to his political shift, weighs in on issues from gun safety to abortion, and confirms he is considering a run for governor in 2026. The episode also co…

1
Michael Thurmond Joins a Crowded Governor’s Race 29:14

2M ago29:14

29:14

Former DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond has officially entered Georgia’s 2026 governor’s race, joining Keisha Lance Bottoms and Jason Esteves in a crowded Democratic primary. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, host Patricia Murphy reacts to Thurmond’s announcement before diving into the Monday Mailbag with producer Shane Backler and intern Gray …

1
Georgia, Kemp, and Trump’s Comeback: Josh Dawsey Explains 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

Wall Street Journal reporter and bestselling author Josh Dawsey joins Greg Bluestein to unpack the twists of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. From the fiery feud with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to the Democrats’ missteps in 2024, Dawsey shares behind-the-scenes stories from his book 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Los…

1
Shaping Georgia’s Future: Schools and the Latino Vote 33:17

2M ago33:17

33:17

On today’s Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy look at two national organizations aiming to leave their mark on Georgia politics ahead of the 2026 midterms. First, former Georgia state lawmaker Alisha Thomas Searcy joins the show to talk about leading the new Center for Strong Public Schools A…

1
Dooley’s Senate Bid Reshapes the Field 30:42

2M ago30:42

30:42

On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell break down Derek Dooley’s high-profile entry into Georgia’s 2026 Senate race and what it means for Governor Brian Kemp, Donald Trump, and the GOP field. Later, Greg Bluestein sits down with AJC reporter Tamar Hallerman to preview the newest season of the award-winning…

1
Kelvin King’s Bid for Secretary of State 31:20

2M ago31:20

31:20

Republican candidate Kelvin King joins host Greg Bluestein to share why he’s running for Georgia Secretary of State and how lessons from his 2022 Senate campaign shape his vision for the office. Then, in our Monday Mailbag segment, Greg and AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch tackle listener questions on Atlanta’s budget, school vouchers, and the ri…

1
Marjorie Taylor Greene Stays Out—for Now 31:44

2M ago31:44

31:44

Host Greg Bluestein is joined by AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch to discuss Marjorie Taylor Greene’s announcement that she won’t run for governor, why her decision reshapes Georgia’s political landscape, and what it means for the 2026 races. Then, producers Natalie Mendenhall and Shane Backler wrap up our Back-to-School series with expert tips o…

1
Lunch, Learning and Lost Funding 21:04

2M ago21:04

21:04

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell looks at how President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" could reshape education policy across Georgia. With major provisions now signed into law, AJC education reporter Cassidy Alexander explains what Georgia schools could face next. That includes changes to Medic…

1
Collins Jumps In 34:01

2M ago34:01

34:01

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down Governor Brian Kemp’s surprise decision to back Derek Dooley, setting off a cascade of political moves, including Mike Collins’ entry into the race and John King’s sudden exit. Then, Greg talks with AJC higher education reporter Jason Armesto about the sweeping changes Georgia colleges face under Pre…

1
Back to School, Back to Safety 32:17

2M ago32:17

32:17

Host Patricia Murphy is joined by AJC education reporter Martha Dalton for a conversation with Atlanta Public Schools Police Chief Ron Applin on what families need to know about school safety this year, including cellphone bans, mental health funding, and new security mandates. Then, Tia Mitchell joins for the listener mailbag, where the team tackl…

1
Gearing Up for Georgia 2026 33:05

2M ago33:05

33:05

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell take a high-level look at Georgia’s fast-forming 2026 political landscape. From open races for governor and lieutenant governor to Jon Ossoff’s growing war chest in the Senate race, the crew breaks down where the candidates stand, h ow the money’s shaping the matchups, and why this early stage…

1
Public Media Under Fire 29:51

2M ago29:51

29:51

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell is joined by Greg Bluestein to explore the fallout from deep cuts to public broadcasting championed by President Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. WABE CEO Jennifer Dorian explains how the funding loss will hit stations across Georgia, especially in rural communitie…

1
Collins Eyes the Senate 28:15

2M ago28:15

28:15

With speculation growing around Congressman Mike Collins and a potential Senate bid, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down what his recent moves might mean for 2026. They also look at where Collins fits into the broader Republican landscape and how the race is starting to take shape behind the scenes. Have a question or comment for the show? C…

1
Faith, Politics and a $140 Million Scheme 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell take a closer look at the alleged $140 million Ponzi scheme tied to a well-connected Georgia family with deep roots in Republican politics. They explore the fallout from the First Liberty Building and Loan scandal, how it targeted conservative investors, and what it could mean for political ca…

1
Baseball, Ballots, and Big Checks 29:27

2M ago29:27

29:27

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell discuss the political reverberations of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game returning to Atlanta, including which leaders are speaking out — and which are staying quiet. Then, they dig into the first fundraising numbers of Georgia’s 2026 Senate contenders, including Jon Ossoff, John King, and Buddy Carter. Ha…

1
Health Care Cuts and Voter Roll Shakeups 28:37

2M ago28:37

28:37

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell speaks with AJC health care reporter Ariel Hart about how Georgia could be affected by sweeping health care changes under President Trump’s newly signed “Big Beautiful Bill.” They unpack potential coverage losses and Medicaid cutbacks. Then, elections reporter Mark Niess…

1
Sluggers and Senators 29:39

2M ago29:39

29:39

As the MLB All-Star Game returns to Atlanta, Republican state Rep. Todd Jones joins Greg Bluestein and calls on the league to apologize for pulling the 2021 game over Georgia’s voting law—while defending the law’s legacy and impact. Then, AJC Savannah Bureau Chief Adam Van Brimmer joins host Tia Mitchell to recap Senator Jon Ossoff’s high-energy Sa…

1
Keeping the Carter Legacy Alive 32:50

3M ago32:50

32:50

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy take listeners to Plains, Georgia, where the community is working to preserve the legacy of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, six months after his death. Patricia shares powerful reflections and interviews from her visit to Plains, including conversations with longtime residents, former …

1
Jones Jumps In 28:51

3M ago28:51

28:51

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has officially entered the race for Georgia governor, backing his Trump-aligned platform with a staggering $14 million war chest. Host Greg Bluestein breaks down how Jones’s campaign could reshape the GOP field and why his proposal to eliminate the state income tax is drawing major attention. Then AJC City Hall report…

1
Inside the Rush to Pass Trump’s Bill 34:00

3M ago34:00

34:00

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy are joined by The Washington Post’s Marianna Sotomayor to explain how Congress managed to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping “big, beautiful bill” by the July 4 deadline—despite serious GOP resistance, long voting standoffs, and some last-minute …

1
Trump’s Budget, Georgia’s Burden? 33:11

3M ago33:11

33:11

As Donald Trump’s sweeping budget and tax bill becomes law, Georgia Republicans are signaling strong support—even as it brings major policy changes to the state. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down what it means for Georgia’s economy, Medicaid, and green energy incentives. Then Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte joins the show …

1
Can Derek Dooley Go Pro in Politics? 30:19

3M ago30:19

30:19

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy examine the buzz around former football coach Derek Dooley’s possible run for U.S. Senate in Georgia. Can a candidate with virtually no public political track record—and a legacy tied to Tennessee orange—win over Georgia GOP voters? Then, Tia Mitchell joins Greg for the Monday Mailbag segment, where they ans…

1
Money Moves and Senate Votes 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

As the Peachtree Road Race draws near, so does a key fundraising deadline for Georgia’s 2026 hopefuls. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down the early money race in the contests for governor, U.S. Senate, and House seats. Then, they turn to Capitol Hill where the Senate narrowly passed President…