Best WABE Podcasts (2025)

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

2d 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
CARE USA’s leader reveals impact of drastic international aid cuts by Trump Administration 50:00

13h 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
Credit Unions concerned for access to federal funds to aid communities; Play Fair ATL calls for human rights protections during World Cup 50:15

3d 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

4d 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

7d 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

7d 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

9d 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

3d 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

10d 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

10d 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

16d 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

16d 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

17d 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

12d 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

14d 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

21d 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

21d 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

23d 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

23d 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

24d 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

21d 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

27d 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

29d 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

30d 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

30d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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…

1
Georgia lawmaker calls for immediate action to help SNAP recipients; Human Rights Campaign doubles down on its mission; Remembering Henry County tennis coach Joeann Compton 50:00

1M ago50:00

50:00

Nearly 1.4 million Georgians rely on monthly SNAP benefits. As the federal government shutdown continues, President Donald Trump says the government will not fund SNAP benefits beyond this month, nor reimburse states that cover the cost. Meanwhile, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has also said the state is unable to do anything to help. Amid the unfold…

1
Political Breakfast Halloween special at Manuel's Tavern! 40:19

1M ago40:19

40:19

This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to do a wrap-up of the month's top political stories in Georgia: just a few days ahead of Election Day on November …

1
Moody's Analytics says Georgia nearing a recession 51:48

1M ago51:48

51:48

While economists have not declared a nationwide recession, new research from Moody's Analytics reveals many states are experiencing or are on the brink of a recession. Georgia, 21 other states and the District of Columbia are all being flagged. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talked with Moody's Analytics senior director, Adam Kamins. He talked more …

1
Shonda Rhimes on her hope for the future of storytelling; Public Religion Research Institute’s survey on nation’s political divide; What’s ahead for ONE Musicfest 50:15

2M ago50:15

50:15

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” the Public Religion Research Institute is going beyond the protests and rhetoric to understand just how deep America’s political divides are. We discussed their 16th annual American Values Survey with PRRI CEO Melissa Deckman. Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Private Practice, Bridgerto…

1
Frankenstein 51:39

1M ago51:39

51:39

You ever hear the one about the two headed dog that walked out of a soviet research center? Well, you’re about to! This week on Health Wanted we’re rounding out our Halloween series by talking about the closest we’ve come to a real-life Dr. Frankenstein through the weird history of transplants past, present, and future, and talking to author Mary R…

1
The risk of hospital closures in rural Georgia; SPIKE Studio inspiring next generation of architects, engineers, builders 50:06

2M ago50:06

50:06

Once the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, it triggered coverage cuts to Medicaid. For rural hospitals that treat large numbers of Medicaid recipients, that means less revenue. According to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, the loss of funds is putting as many as 20 rural hospitals at risk of closing in Georgia. Some h…

1
Journalist Asma Khalid on her new BBC show, MARTA Riders Speak Out, Fourth Annual CompassionCon 49:42

2M ago49:42

49:42

Asma Khalid's personal philosophy towards journalism is to be fair. She's carried that philosophy through a long career as a journalist for NPR, and now as the co-host of "The Global Story" on the BBC. On her new program, she wants to show the ripple effect of American politics on the international community. On today's "Closer Look with Rose Scott…

1
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation grapples with federal funding cuts; Remembering NPR’s Susan Stamberg 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation provides legal and other wraparound services to people facing stable housing challenges and intimate partner abuse. The Fulton County-based nonprofit, which places legal advocates and social workers in the courthouse and the communities to support survivors, has lost almost all its primary federal funding am…

1
Stacey Abrams emerges at Georgia's "No Kings Protest"-What Does that Signal for HER political future? 39:40

2M ago39:40

39:40

On this edition of Political Breakfast, we discuss the specter of the No Kings Protest in Atlanta. Thousands turned out and actually PEACEFULLY protested Trump-era politics. Many high-profile speakers addressed enthusiastic crowds. One in particular was two-time Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. She's been quiet lately. Does her taking…

1
"4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" with Savannah Sicurella, Atlanta Journal-Constitution 28:25

2M ago28:25

28:25

This week, our "4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" shines on Savannah Sicurella, the business entertainment reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Coolest Thing About Savannah: She was born with eleven fingers! Last Books She's Read: "Time of Desecration by Alberto Moravia and "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt Favorite Local Restaurant: Ja…

1
National Center for Civil and Human Rights expansion highlights Atlanta’s influence 47:27

2M ago47:27

47:27

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights has been closed since January 2025 for a major renovation that is nearly complete. The museum, which first opened in 2014, documents the stories of the civil rights movement and global human rights struggles. Now, the Atlanta-based cultural hub will include new east and west wings that house a café, se…

1
Vampires 51:30

2M ago51:30

51:30

Quick! Here’s a round of Kiss, Marry, Kill: Nosferatu, Lestat, and Count Chocula. This week on Health Wanted, we’re accessorizing with our best garlic necklaces and inviting everyone in to get up close and personal with the medical explanations for vampires. Plus, do COVID vaccines cause “turbo cancer?” What’s going on with the lawsuit saying some …

1
All eyes on Georgia Public Service Commission race as power bills climb 16:04

2M ago16:04

16:04

Two Republicans who sit on Georgia's Public Service Commission -- Tim Echols of District 2 and Fitz Johnson of District 3 — are being challenged by Democratic candidates Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard. It's a race that has gone under the radar: until now. All five seats are currently held by Republicans. So Democrats are stumping loudly about uti…

1
Survivor urges early breast cancer screening as cases rise among younger women; EATS set to close on Oct. 18 49:31

2M ago49:31

49:31

Research shows breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Data also reveals that in a group of eight women, one will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Additionally, there’s been a growing increase in the number of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pr…

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