Best WABE Podcasts (2026)

1
A who done it? Georgia Republicans confront the million-dollar mystery attack ad that has everyone talking 17:38

Play Pause

14d ago17:38

17:38

On today's Political Breakfast, someone paid millions for a new attack ad against Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, to wound him in the 2026 primary race for Georgia governor. Jones is the frontrunner in the race, and has President Trump's endorsement. There's speculation that whoever DID pay, has to be someone on the inside of Georgia's G…

1
You Asked, Laurel Answered 15:00

5h ago15:00

15:00

2025 was a year of big questions: from our government, from our public health institutions, and, of course, from you, our lovely listeners. For this final episode of the year, we’re bringing you your best questions and Laurel’s best answers from 2025, including: Are indoor waterparks just a close cousin of cruises? Are there any real world applicat…

1
Mary Mac's Tea Room celebrates 80 years 50:52

1d ago50:52

50:52

The operators of Mary Mac's Tea Room can’t imagine Atlanta without the iconic eatery. The Midtown Atlanta staple is known for its origin story, as well as its classic Southern dishes, like fried chicken and collard greens. It’s a sought-after gathering place for Georgians as well as tourists, celebrities, and political dignitaries visiting from all…

1
Recap & analysis of politics in 2025 49:33

9d ago49:33

49:33

It’s been quite a year in politics. President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House with a flurry of executive orders. These actions included efforts to shrink several federal agencies, resulting in funding cuts and massive layoffs. The year was plagued by ongoing political conflict, an aggressive, nationwide crackdown on immigratio…

1
"4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" with Joe Ripley, WXIA TV/11Alive 24:39

4d ago24:39

24:39

This week, our "4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" shines on Joe Ripley, the new Community Reporter with WXIA TV/11Alive in Atlanta. Coolest Thing About Joe: They don't call him "The Talented Mr. Ripley" for nothing! He's been singing since he was a baby and now sings with the Atlanta Master Chorale Podcast: Built for More (https://podcasts.apple.co…

1
Alcohol 52:21

6d ago52:21

52:21

We are smack dab in the middle of the holiday season, which usually comes with enough liquid cheer to kill a horse…or at least get some people to consider wringing themselves out in the new year. This week on Health Wanted, it’s a not-so-happy hour as we take a big old swig of the truth about the health risks of alcohol. Host Laurel Bristow also in…

1
New study finds Metro Atlanta traffic deaths exceeded homicides in 2024; Music journalist details top albums of 2025 50:02

14d ago50:02

50:02

The transportation advocates with Propel ATL return to “Closer Look” with their latest report, which reveals deaths from vehicular crashes outpaced homicides in metro Atlanta in 2024. Propel ATL Executive Director Rebecca Serna joins the program to detail the data in "The Human Cost of Mobility". We’re also joined by a local daughter who lost her f…

1
Atlanta-area rapper’s family self-deported due to political climate; Atlanta Journal-Constitution modernizes and prepares final print edition 48:39

15d ago48:39

48:39

Amid the national immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, family members of an Atlanta-area rapper have decided to self-deport. We hear from Victor Marachi. He shares how the unfolding situation is affecting his artistic work and upcoming album. Plus, a history-making move is coming for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After 157 year…

1
Coffee & Cocoa Conversations: Ending the Year with Holiday Cheer 56:21

16d ago56:21

56:21

The “Closer Look” team closes out 2025’s series of live coffee shop broadcasts with Coffee & Cocoa Conversations at Sidecar Coffee in Chamblee, Georgia. In a year that saw hardships for many communities, program host Rose Scott focuses on the people who make it their job to bring joy - Santa Rick & Mrs. Claus, Santa D. Sinclair, and Santa Bradley w…

1
Blue momentum: Democrats flip another seat in a special election 24:47

9d ago24:47

24:47

On this week's Political Breakfast, we head northeast, where Georgia Democrats gained a House seat recently during a special election. Democrat Eric Gisler's victory for a Athens-area State House seat came after Republicans won that seat last year -- by more than 20 percent. Gisler will replace Republican Rep. Marcus Wiedower, who resigned to focus…

1
King Center and Oglethorpe University partner for King Scholars Internships; Atlanta Attorney authors devotional for fellow caregivers 47:22

17d ago47:22

47:22

Oglethorpe University and The King Center are partnering to teach Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s way of leadership – centering nonviolence, civic responsibility, courage and compassion. Under their new partnership agreement, four selected Oglethorpe students will participate in The King Center Scholars Program and receive The King Center's Nonviolenc…

1
Feedback Friday: ‘Closer Look’ listeners tighten their spending for the new year 50:40

20d ago50:40

50:40

Inflation, high costs, and economic uncertainty have Georgians rethinking how far they plan to spend and stretch their dollar in 2026. For Feedback Friday for a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott opened the phone lines to hear from callers. They discussed their spending habits in 2025 and candidly shared their concerns for ho…

1
CRISPR 52:17

13d ago52:17

52:17

In the mid 2010s “designer jeans” became a topic of conversation not just in the fashion world, but in the world of medical intervention as well. This week on Health Wanted: CRISPR was supposed to be the gene-editing tool to end all disease, so where has it gone? Host Laurel Bristow also talks to Dr. Ben Hurlbut about the ethics of curing disease t…

1
Rapper Killer Mike, Real Estate Developer team up to improve housing opportunities for Black community; Mākhers Studio creates affordable housing from shipping containers 50:50

21d ago50:50

50:50

Real Estate Developer Booker T. Washington is teaming up with Rapper Killer Mike to bring affordable housing to their hometown of Atlanta. There remains a wide gap between the number of Black and White homeowners in the U.S., and the pair are working to make homeownership more attainable for the Black community with their micro-home concept. So far…

1
CARE USA’s leader reveals impact of drastic international aid cuts by Trump Administration 50:00

22d ago50:00

50:00

December 10th marks the 77th Anniversary of World Human Rights Day. CARE USA President and CEO Michelle Nunn says 91,000,000 lives have been saved internationally in the last 20 years as a result of U.S. humanitarian aid. She added that less than a fraction of a penny is invested from every U.S. tax dollar. Those are the numbers Nunn wants the publ…

1
Runoff Election Recap: A blue flip in Roswell, Rusty Paul cruises to win in Sandy Springs 27:21

23d ago27:21

27:21

On this week's Political Breakfast, we're doing a recap of some local runoff election results. The cities of East Point, Roswell, Sandy Springs and South Fulton were all electing mayors last Tuesday. Voters chose new ones in all except Sandy Springs. The City of Roswell surprised many as a completely blue flip, as former Democratic State Representa…

1
Credit Unions concerned for access to federal funds to aid communities; Play Fair ATL calls for human rights protections during World Cup 50:15

24d ago50:15

50:15

Since 1994, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund has distributed nearly $93 billion to individuals, organizations, and businesses in under-resourced communities through credit unions. However, the fund has faced growing uncertainty under the Trump administration, including layoffs that were reversed after the government shutdown an…

1
Health Insurance 51:46

24d ago51:46

51:46

Health insurance: seems like a straightforward concept. Every month you put money into an account so that, when you need to pay health care costs, that account will cover it. If you’re laughing at the idea of using THAT description for THIS country, that’s probably because it’s a ridiculous oversimplification to the point that it’s closer to a lie.…

1
Equitable Dinners series fostering wide-ranging community conversations; Broker provides analysis on Atlanta’s changing housing and rental market 50:37

28d ago50:37

50:37

Race relations and health equity are among the pressing social issues being discussed at Thriving Together Atlanta’s Equitable Dinners series. Since January 2020, more than 12,000 people from across the metro Atlanta area have gathered for challenging conversations over a hot meal, with a side of performance art. Program Manager Adria Kitchens join…

1
New book explores civil rights activists' resistance to police violence during the movement; Communication program preparing KSU engineering students for diverse industry 49:57

28d ago49:57

49:57

Joshua Clark Davis is an associate professor of U.S. history at the University of Baltimore. He spent eight years researching, combing through police and civil rights activists' records, as well as news reports, to piece together acts of police violence and surveillance during the Civil Rights Movement. His research is now detailed in his new book,…

1
Atlanta City Council Pres. reflects on efforts to build a better Atlanta, prepares for next chapter 50:47

30d ago50:47

50:47

Outgoing Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman says Atlanta is better now than it was four years ago. Shipman, a longtime nonprofit leader, was a political newcomer when elected in November 2021. He campaigned on building a better Atlanta. On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” he joined the program to reflect on his tenure as the leader of t…

1
Runoff election momentum across metro Atlanta 7:02

23d ago7:02

7:02

On today's Political Breakfast, it's runoff election day, when many key races should be decided. Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson join host Lisa Rayam to give insight on a few of them -- including runoff races that involve incumbent mayors in Sandy Springs and Roswell. Voters in South Fulton and East Point are also selecting new mayors…

1
World AIDS Day brings reflections and concerns from public health experts 50:35

1M ago50:35

50:35

Monday marks WORLD AIDS Day. However, for the first time since 1988, the federal government is not commemorating WORLD AIDS Day. Since 2003, under the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative, the federal government has invested more than $100 billion in responding to the #HIV/AIDS epidemic and set a collaborative goal of…

1
Ask Laurel Anything (ALA), Part 6 18:01

1M ago18:01

18:01

Did you know Laurel has never had a pumpkin spice latte? Well, you do now! We're back with another ALA! With your help, we Ask Laurel Anything. Health Wanted host Laurel shares her Halloween recap and Christmas preview and explains why she is only just getting into Vanderpump Rules. Plus, we close things out with the ever-speedy Lightning Round. We…

1
Atlanta-based therapist on navigating tense conversations during the holidays 50:21

1M ago50:21

50:21

People across the country are preparing for friends and family to gather around the Thanksgiving dinner table. But data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that the holidays are not always joyful — they can be triggering for some. Food and conversation often take center stage, and sometimes those discussions can become intense. So wh…

1
Georgia's controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene will resign: then what? 36:18

1M ago36:18

36:18

Georgia U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene dropped a bombshell that strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson said was in the works for some time. Both agree the signs were there -- even before President Donald Trump called her a traitor. Still, Greene resigning caught some off guard, maybe even Trump himself. On this episode, Tharon an…

1
Congresswoman Greene to resign; New book details how sustainable neighborhoods lead to healthier communities; New podcast tells history of Atlanta’s culture 50:22

1M ago50:22

50:22

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning from Congress in January. Greene, who represents Georgia’s 14th congressional district, recently announced the news via social media. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali joins “Closer Look” with the latest. He also shares details about how some Georgia lawmakers are reacting to the news, wh…

1
"4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" with Alexa Liacko, CBS News Atlanta 29:44

1M ago29:44

29:44

This week, our "4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" shines on Alexa Liacko, a reporter with CBS News Atlanta, the newest local television news operation in Atlanta. Coolest Thing About Alexa: She and her husband have a "who's the best chef" competition (he's currently winning). She loves to try new recipes. Last Podcast She's Listened to: "The Happin…

1
The Fertility Crisis 51:53

1M ago51:53

51:53

In 1968, biologist Paul Ehrlich cautioned that by the 1980s we’d see hundreds of millions of people starving to death due to overpopulation. Turns out… he was a bit off. This week on Health Wanted, the so-called “fertility crisis” is creating a panic about the fate of society and inspiring a movement for more babies. But what’s really driving our l…

1
GOP infighting ahead of the 2026 Georgia governor's race, U.S. Senate race to unseat Jon Ossoff 10:19

1M ago10:19

10:19

On this edition of Political Breakfast: Democrats are calling it "Brian's Blunder." That's referring to a campaign ad for Republicans to unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in 2026. In it, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is supporting former University of Tennessee football coach, and political outsider, Derek Dooley. The ad blames Dooley's oppon…

1
Coffee Conversations: Atlanta Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative and TADs 55:58

1M ago55:58

55:58

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is trying to combat the challenges of accessing affordable housing. He recently announced his $5 billion Atlanta Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, which includes a $1.3 billion plan to subsidize affordable housing projects. He aims to extend existing tax allocation districts to fund community investment projects, wit…

1
APS Superintendent explains long-range facilities plan; Newly formed CDC Mutual Aid Network assisting struggling federal workers 50:04

1M ago50:04

50:04

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson has been spearheading the district since August 2024. Under his leadership, the district that serves just under 50,000 K-12 students has focused on improving student achievement. Johnson talks with “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott about the current state of public education. He also talked ab…

1
Georgia's controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's MAGA divorce from Donald Trump 26:10

1M ago26:10

26:10

On this edition of Political Breakfast, we talk about the very public rift between President Donald Trump, and Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene -- who Trump now calls Marjorie "Traitor" Greene. Greene said on CNN this week that she wants to "put down the knives in politics" and is rethinking her past divisive antics. What do Democratic …

1
Historical impact of slavery and black mental health; Working Families Party talks consequences of government shutdown 51:06

1M ago51:06

51:06

Diana Martha Louis is an assistant professor of women’s and gender studies at the University of Michigan. In her new book, Louis seeks to reframe some of the historical stories about Black people and mental health in the 19th century. The book is titled “Colored Insane: Slavery, Asylums, and the Politics of Mental Health in the 19th Century.” Combi…

1
OOPS- Q and A only 13:47

1M ago13:47

13:47

Formula recall. What to do if you need to buy health insurance on the ACA market place? What’s the status of Long COVID research? Do COVID infections in pregnancy cause autism? Are we getting enough protein? Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted See o…

1
Georgia governor's race poll shows Keisha Lance Bottoms is top choice for Democrats, Burt Jones leads on GOP side 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

A new AJC poll shows former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is dominating early in the 2026 Georgia governor's race on the Democratic side. Behind her, is former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. On the Republican side, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones leads, with the endorsement from President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger…

1
Georgia advocates cite major concerns on special education funding cuts: Justice Department denies funding for immigrant survivors of crime 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

More than 7 million children across the United States depend on special education services, which school districts now refer to as exceptional children’s services. But recent cuts to the Department of Education are taking more resources away from the historically underfunded programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To …

1
Veterans helping others after life-changing experiences; Veterans Empowerment Organization assisting veterans transition out of homelessness 48:23

2M ago48:23

48:23

Veterans Sazha Ramos and Ignacio Montoya both experienced traumatic injuries that had a significant impact on their lives. For Ramos, it led her to an addiction to pain medications. For Montoya, a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. But after facing their challenges, both are using their journeys to assist other veterans. Fo…

1
Georgians feel the sting of the shutdown, Atlanta's airport clogged with flight cancellations 24:32

2M ago24:32

24:32

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the federal government shutdown may be nearing an end, but it hasn't happened just yet. A key vote took place in Washington but Georgia's two Democratic U.S. Senators were NOT on board with the majority. Why not? Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson weigh-in with host …

1
Freedom University continues educating undocumented students amid aggressive immigration crackdown; New comic tells the history of Black resistance 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

It’s been 15 years since the Georgia Board of Regents adopted a policy that banned undocumented students from receiving in-state tuition rates, as well as banned them from attending the state's top five public universities. We hear from Dr. Emiko Soltis, the executive director of Freedom University, and Kathy, an undocumented student, about the uni…

1
Longevity Science 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

After a month of Halloween-themed shows, everyone is probably a little tired of talking about dying. Finally, it’s time to start LIVING. Maybe FOREVER. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow is looking at the field of longevity science to see how close we are to cheating death, and what’s still in the realm of fantasy. Laurel also sits dow…

1
Election season wrap-up, Georgia Republicans say outcome "not what we hoped for" 7:49

2M ago7:49

7:49

On today's Political Breakfast, we talk about some of the most hotly contested races in this November's election across metro Atlanta, and Georgia's only statewide race. Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson break down the Georgia Public Service Commission results and their national implications with host, Li…

1
Analysis of Georgia 2025 Elections; Hip-hop innovators OutKast to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 49:06

2M ago49:06

49:06

Tuesday night’s elections in Georgia are among those that captured national attention. For the first time in nearly two decades, Democrats flipped two Republican held seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. On today’s “Closer Look,” we speak to a roundtable of journalists and a political science professor who give their take on local and na…

1
CARE’s Hurricane Melissa Response; Nonprofits expand food, job relief efforts amid government shutdown; “Natchez” examines dual perception of antebellum tourism 49:12

2M ago49:12

49:12

Emergency relief and recovery efforts are underway in the Caribbean following widespread destruction of Hurricane Melissa. At least 67 people are dead, in addition to the billions of dollars in damages. One of the organizations on the ground providing aid is CARE, a global humanitarian nonprofit that's based in Atlanta. We hear from Jonathan Aroget…

1
It's Election Day in Georgia! 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

It's time for Political Breakfast's Election Day coverage -- but before you listen, if you haven't yet, get to your precinct before the polls close! The PSC has five elected members who have final say over Georgia Power’s rates and plans for making electricity. All five are currently held by Republicans. Two seats are being challenged by Democrats.…

1
Prostate cancer diagnosis furthers Atlanta man’s advocacy; Doctor continues to provide access to affordable healthcare in Clay County 48:15

2M ago48:15

48:15

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Data also suggests there are huge racial disparities when it comes to prostate cancer diagnoses, treatment, and outcomes. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Reggie Hicks, the executive producer of the documentary film and host of the podcast…

1
Action Pact agency to suspend food, educational services due to government shutdown; Bookstore in the back of a hearse delivers scary stories 50:05

2M ago50:05

50:05

Action Pact is one of four Head Start programs affected by the federal government shutdown in Georgia. More than 500 children and their families in southeast Georgia rely on Action Pact for food, educational services, and employment resources. However, due to the halt in federal funds, Executive Director Diane Rogers says they’ll have to stop provi…

1
The Black Death 51:12

2M ago51:12

51:12

Put on your favorite medieval tavern playlist, check yourself for signs of pestilence, and bring out your dead. This week on Health Wanted, we’re rounding out our month of Halloween horrors by talking about the original plague: THE PLAGUE. We’ll also be talking with medical entomologist Dr. Adelaide Miarinjara about battling plague in Madagascar. P…

1
Local organizations on the dire need for food assistance; Atlanta leaders unite to defend DEI amid federal attacks 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

Local organizations are urgently responding to help Georgians who will soon be without federal assistance for food. More than 1.4 million Georgians will lose their benefits when the nation’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program stops issuing funds this Saturday due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. “Closer Look” program host Rose Sco…

1
Reverend advocates to reshape how faith organizations respond to domestic violence; Congresswoman Nikema Williams on ending shutdown, funding SNAP program 51:34

2M ago51:34

51:34

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline reveals, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 or older have experienced domestic violence. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Reverend Raushanah N. Butler, a Doctor of Ministry student and the director of alumni engagement for the Ca…