Georgia On Your Mind

This week on Georgia On Your Mind, Chris Sharp sits down with brothers Matt and Jon Stinchcomb at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall to reflect on a journey defined by brotherhood, competition, and building something together at every stage. From their upbringing in Tucker, Georgia to dominating at Parkview High School, the Stinchcomb brothers share how their bond pushed them to elevate not only their own games, but the programs around them.That same drive carried them to University of Georgia, where they helped set the standard in the trenches through leadership, toughness, and accountability. They turned challenges into success at the highest level of college football. Matt went on to earn All-American honors, became an NFL first round pick (Oakland Raiders), and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, while Jon became a Super Bowl champion with the New Orleans Saints and now serves as the UGA color analyst for the Georgia Bulldog Radio Network.Together, they reflect on how competition strengthened their relationship, the responsibility of leaving programs better than they found them, and the lessons that continue to shape their impact on the next generation of athletes.

This week on Georgia On Your Mind, Geovana Oliveira sits down with Rebecca Ross at the Love Y’all Fest in Atlanta, Georgia, who shares her journey from college student to full-time fantasy author. She reflects on finding her path, from exploring different majors at UGA to trusting her instincts and pursuing her passion for storytelling.Rebecca talks about the challenges of her early career and shares how music, nature, and her life in the Appalachian foothills of Georgia inspire her worlds and characters. Rebecca also opens up about her experience with endometriosis, discussing advocacy, resilience, and how personal challenges have shaped the themes in her writing.

This week on Georgia On Your Mind, Maya Jarrell sits down with Chris Green at the Georgia Student Finance Commission office in Decatur, Georgia to discuss his journey from Athens native to President of the Commission. He reflects on how receiving the HOPE Scholarship shaped his opportunities, guided his education at the University of Georgia, and inspired him to dedicate his career to making higher education more accessible.Chris shares insights on leading initiatives like GEORGIA MATCH, supporting students who may never have considered college, and busting myths about financial aid. From navigating his own career path to shaping Georgia’s future talent pipeline, he offers a candid look at leadership, opportunity, and the impact of investing in students.

This week on Georgia On Your Mind, Chris Sharp sits down with Maritza McClendon at the Freeman Aquatic Center at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, Georgia to reflect on her remarkable journey from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the Olympic stage. Diagnosed with severe scoliosis at just seven years old, Maritza first entered the pool as a form of therapy and quickly discovered a passion that would shape the rest of her life. That passion propelled her to a historic career at the University of Georgia, where she became a 27-time All-American and 11-time NCAA champion before earning a spot on the United States Olympic Team and capturing a silver medal in the 400-meter freestyle relay at the 2004 Summer Olympics. In doing so, she made history as the first woman of color to make the U.S. Olympic swim team.In our conversation, Maritza reflects on the perseverance required to overcome challenges, including missing the Olympic team in 2000 before returning four years later to secure her place on the Olympic roster. She also discusses her mission beyond competition through Swim 1922, a program focused on expanding swimming education and water safety in underserved communities.

This week on Georgia On Your Mind, host Hailey Kwak sits down with Andy Pearson at The Roadhouse in Athens, Georgia to explore the creative philosophy behind one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic beverage brands in the country, Liquid Death. He reflects on the role of bold ideas and calculated risks in building Liquid Death, the brand’s commitment to reducing plastic waste, and how humor and irreverence became central to its marketing approach. Andy also shares lessons from earlier career risks, the value of mentorship, and how challenges, from creative stunts to endurance running, have shaped his perspective.

Georgia On Your Mind — Season 4, Episode 1 | Ivy Odom Season 4 of Georgia On Your Mind kicks off with a true Georgia success story. In Episode 1, host Grace Chandler sits down with Ivy Odom, Senior Lifestyle Editor at Southern Living, to talk about her roots and the experiences, people, and places that shaped her journey. From growing up cooking alongside her parents and grandmother to arriving at the University of Georgia with plans to become a home economics teacher, Ivy shares how one bold email to renowned Georgia food writer Rebecca Lang changed everything—leading to mentorship, cookbook development, and a pivot from education to consumer journalism.We dive into her time at UGA, culinary school, and Atlanta’s Empire State South, as well as her fellowship with Time Inc. Food Studios and eventual rise in Southern Living’s video space during the pandemic. Along the way, Ivy reflects on creating her debut cookbook, My Southern Kitchen, and the humble South Georgia chocolate layer cake that became a career-defining moment. This episode is all about trusting your instincts, honoring where you come from, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities.

This season, Georgia On Your Mind leaves the studio and hits the road. Our new concept, Dawgs On the Road, brings listeners closer to the action with on-site interviews and stories captured where they happen. From Georgia to across the country, we’re spotlighting UGA alumni, faculty, athletes, and students who are shaping industries, driving change, and strengthening communities.With natural sound, authentic voices, and Bulldog energy, Season Four continues the storytelling tradition of Georgia On Your Mind—but with a fresh twist that puts you right in the middle of it all. Tune in to hear the lasting impact of Georgia’s flagship institution through the people living it every day.

Host Beth Anne DeKeizer speaks with Eric Baker, Senior Creative Director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Creative. A Grady College Fellow, Emmy Award nominee, and recipient of the 2025 Grady Lifetime Achievement Award, Baker reflects on his journey from prop fabricator at Nickelodeon to working on the design teams building immersive worlds like Hogsmeade™, Diagon Alley™, and the newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™ at Universal Epic Universe.

Host Hope Thornton sat down with Dr. Denis Dumas, a leading researcher in creativity and education, to explore how creative intelligence is often misunderstood in traditional classrooms. Dumas shares how his research challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to learning and how tools like AI could help educators better identify and support creative students who think outside the box.

Host Hope Thornton sat down with Laura Whitaker, Executive Director of Extra Special People, to discuss her journey. Whitaker shares what it means to lead with purpose and how ESP creates joyful, inclusive spaces for children and young adults of all abilities.

Host Hank Tatum sits down with Rodd Cargill, a 2024 UGA 40 Under 40 honoree and Volunteer of the Year, to discuss the impact of mentorship and his involvement with the university after graduation. Cargill shares how he became an active volunteer, ultimately serving as president of the Black Alumni Leadership Council and as the Vice-Chair of the Terry College Young Alumni Board.

Host Syd Weigand speaks with Dr. Xiaorong Lin to explore the fascinating problem posed by a deadly strain of fungal infection and what her lab is doing to help. Dr. Lin discusses the founding of the Lin Lab, some recent breakthroughs in drug development, and the world’s first-ever fungal vaccine.

Host Beth Anne DeKeizer sits down with Dink NeSmith and Dr. Amanda Bright to explore the unique collaboration between the University of Georgia and the Oglethorpe Echo, a 151-year-old newspaper in Oglethorpe County. NeSmith discusses the origins of the news-academic partnership and how the Echo was saved from closing. Then, Dr. Bright details the role of the students producing each paper and what this collaboration might mean for dying newspapers across the country.

Host Hank Tatum sits down with the legendary Ernie Johnson Jr., an Emmy-winning broadcaster and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee. Most known for hosting TNT’s Inside the NBA, Johnson shares what he learned at the University of Georgia and the journey he took to get where he is today. Johnson also gives students advice that spans industries while reflecting on some of his best moments from a long and successful career.

From the New Media Institute at the University of Georgia comes the third season of the Georgia On Your Mind Podcast. Season 3, Built By Bulldogs, turns the spotlight on UGA  alumni and faculty, discovering how their time in Athens propelled them to successful careers and how they've shaped the state of Georgia beyond the UGA campus.

The University of Georgia is a national leader in university outreach. With eight different Public Service and Outreach units, faculty, staff and students in all of UGA's colleges are contributing to Georgia's prosperity. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of the projects that are impacting communities across the state.

Whales, robots and hurricanes. In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the groundbreaking research that's happening at UGA's Skidaway Island Institute of Oceanography.

Georgia is known for its peaches - but did you know the 'Peach State' actually produces more blueberries than peaches? At the University Georgia blueberries have been a subject of research for decades. In this episode, we're taking you to UGA's Blueberry Breeding Lab where students and professors are working to help blueberry plants thrive.

Right now, students at the University of Georgia are actively building satellites that will be launched into outer space. In this episode, we hear from UGA's Small Satellite Research Lab Director about developing and launching this innovative technology. He also talks about the meaning behind the mission and what's in store for the future.

Since 2005, the Archway Partnership has been providing public service and outreach to cities and towns across the state of Georgia. From economic development to health and welfare, Archway empowers communities to address long-standing development needs. In this episode, we take a look at how students, faculty and community leaders worked together to re-vamp downtown Hartwell, Georgia - transforming the area from an occasional stop for locals to 'Georgia's Downtown of the Year' in 2023.

The University of Georgia is driving many major statewide industries, but it's also fueling thousands of small businesses. In this episode, hear how UGA's Small Business Development Center is helping entrepreneurs all across Georgia find success in their financial endeavors. You'll hear from a former UGA student who fulfilled his dream of starting and operating a brewery, and you'll hear how a historic, family-owned candy company managed to re-brand and bring its factories back to life.

The Georgia On Your Mind podcast is back with a brand-new season. Season Two of the podcast takes a deeper dive into some of the unexplored ways the University of Georgia is leaving a big impact on the state.

Join the host and interviewers of the Georgia On Your Mind podcast as we discuss our favorite moments and parts of making Season 1 happen and what to expect in the next season! Visit our site on https://georgiaonyourmindpod.com/

Georgia has become one of the top destinations for filmmakers in recent years, with a thriving industry that has contributed billions of dollars to the state's economy. From the state's diverse range of landscapes to its tax incentives for filmmakers, Georgia has positioned itself to be a leader in the film production industry for years to come. Featuring Daniel Sattelmeyer (Head of Creative & Partner at Bark Bark Entertainment & Content Studio) and Dr. Jay Hamilton (Department Head of the UGA Entertainment & Media Studies Program), this episode explores the exciting world of film production in Georgia and the many ways in which this thriving industry is shaping the state's culture and economy.

Home to over 100 miles of coastline and the largest aquarium in the US, Georgia has good reason to dive deep into the realm of marine conservation. Featuring Dr. Kady Lyons (Research Scientist at the Georgia Aquarium) and Dr. Mark Risse (Director of the UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant), this episode dives deep into the unique challenges and opportunities Georgia faces in preserving this fragile ecosystem.

If there's one area we all know Georgia excels in, it's agriculture. Producing $69.4 billion in revenue every year and dedicating almost 10 million acres of land to production, it's no surprise that we are the leading producers of peanuts, blueberries, onions, and of course, peaches. Featuring Cassie Ann Kiggen (Chief Communications Officer of the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences) and Dr. Laura Perry Johnson (Associate Dean of Extension for the UGA College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences), this episode explores the vast agricultural industry immersed throughout the state and shows why the self-proclaimed peach state should be known for so much more.

We explore the state of the music industry in Georgia and the deep history that music has within the Peach State. We interview Mala Sharma (Founder of Georgia Music Partners) and David Barbe (Director of the UGA Music Business Certificate Program) to get an overview of the rich history and current opportunities that the music scene has to offer.

In this episode, we learn about the state of entrepreneurship and business within Georgia and how the University of Georgia empowers people to succeed. We talk to Kevin Planovsky (Founder of Vert Digital) and Shep Ogden (Founder of Offbeat Media) to get their insight on how they started their own businesses in Georgia. We also talk with Senior Business Consultant Michael Myers of UGA’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to get an inside look at the proactive ways that UGA promotes small business across the state of Georgia.

In this episode, we explore the sports tourism and entertainment industry of Georgia and the culture that surrounds it. Featured in this episode are Josh Brooks, the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics at the University of Georgia, and Tim Zulawski, the current President of Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment (AMBSE), which houses the Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta United. When we first interviewed Tim, he was the Chief Revenue Officer of AMBSE but has since been promoted to President. Join us as we discuss the culture of sports that surrounds the state of Georgia, and how the University of Georgia contributes to that environment.

From the New Media Institute at the University of Georgia comes the Georgia On Your Mind podcast, a series that explores the relationship between the state of Georgia and the university that lives within the heart of it. Each week, a new episode will dive into an area that the state excels in and how the University of Georgia acts as a major contributor to that success.