PODCAST · government
Local Matters Podcast
by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson
Local and state governments, though often overshadowed by federal government, have tremendous impact on our quality of life. This podcast provides a valuable service by educating people on how to improve their own quality of life through civic engagement. Various organizations encourage residents to register and vote, but it does not appear that anyone is showing voters how to make good decisions when they do. It feels akin to hiring someone for a job without reviewing the job description. Local Matters changes that narrative by educating voters with short, clear, and unbiased civics lessons from a career local government professional, public speaker, and management consultant.
Episodes
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Candidate Conversations: School Board District 3 with Carol J. Yancy, Kenyatta Brown, Janice Ramirez
What are the candidates for Richmond County Board of Education District 3 proposing for the future of local schools? In Candidate Conversations: School Board District 3, Janice Allen Jackson welcomes Dr. Carol J. Yancy, Dr. Kenyatta Brown, and Janice Ramirez to discuss their priorities and plans...
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Candidate Conversations: State School Superintendent with Dr. Lydia Powell
What changes could shape the future of Georgia's public schools? In this episode, Dr. Lydia Powell, a lifelong educator and Democratic candidate for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, discusses her decision to run for office and her priorities for Georgia's students, teachers, and families....
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Candidate Conversations: Lisa Martin, School Board District 7
Lisa Martin shares why she is seeking a seat on the Richmond County Board of Education and discusses the issues she believes deserve attention in local schools. From student achievement and school safety to parent involvement, accountability, and communication, she explains the experiences and...
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Trust through Transparency with Evan Meyer
How can better communication help rebuild trust in government? Evan Meyer shares how technology, transparency, and civic engagement can make government more accessible and effective while helping residents better understand how to get involved and make an impact in their communities. Evan is a…
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Building Safer Communities Through Trust with Chief Michael Pickett
Chief Michael Pickett shares his journey into law enforcement and his approach to creating safer communities in Birmingham, Alabama. From building trust between officers and residents to crime prevention, community partnerships, and youth engagement, he explains why effective policing requires…
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How AI Is Transforming Local Government Customer Service with Bratton Riley of Citibot
Janice Allen Jackson welcomes Citibot Co-Founder and CEO Bratton Riley back to Local Matters Podcast of Georgia for a conversation about AI, customer service, accessibility, employee morale, and public trust. Bratton explains how Citibot helps government agencies communicate with residents…
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When Doctors Get It Wrong with Ellen Lubensky
In this episode of Local Matters, Janice Allen Jackson sits down with Ellen Lubinsky, an attorney and mental health advocate, to discuss her experiences with psychiatric treatment and her push for greater informed consent and patient choice. They explore psychiatric medications and withdrawal…
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When Enslaved People Became Currency During the Revolution| Dr Sean Gallagher
What role did slavery play in the American Revolution? In this episode of Local Matters, Dr. Sean Gallagher explores the experiences of enslaved people during the Revolutionary War, including the fight for freedom, slave confiscation, forced labor, and the formation of maroon communities. Dr....
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Data Centers, Public Trust & the Future of Local Government | Mark Bowers
How can local governments rebuild trust with their communities? In this episode of Local Matters, Janice Allen Jackson sits down with Mark Bowers to discuss public participation, government transparency, and the growing debate surrounding data centers. They explore how better communication and...
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"Only My Face Was Smiling" Breaking the Cycle of Secrecy with Denise Benz
Author Denise Benz opens up about growing up in a home that looked perfect from the outside but hid abuse and secrecy behind closed doors. She talks about the courage it took to finally speak her truth, why "what happens in this house stays in this house" keeps people trapped, and how she...
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Ambitious Optimism with Neil Thanedar
Neil Thanedar is a nonprofit leader and activist who started his career as a scientist, founder, and angel investor. His three startups are now worth over $100 million. He is executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a nonpartisan nonprofit fighting dark money in Michigan...
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The Question We're Not Asking About Domestic Violence with Liz Ortenburger
Liz Ortenburger is the CEO of SafeNest, Nevada’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit addressing domestic and sexual violence, and a thought leader reshaping how the world understands, prevents, and responds to abuse. For more than two decades, Liz has been at the forefront of advocacy for...
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Data Centers 101 with Amy Sharma
Amy Sharma, PhD, is Executive Director of Science for Georgia, a nonprofit that bridges the gap between scientists and the public through training, outreach, and advocating for the responsible use of science in public policy. Currently she is working with a coalition of coalitions focused on...
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Is Local Government Really Failing? with David Martin
Dave Martin is the host and producer of The Good Government Show. For the past five years, he has talked with mayors, county commissioners, and leaders across federal and local government about projects, public service, and how government works for all of us. Before launching the show, Dave…
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Did Garnett Johnson Lose the Mayor's Office or Did Steve Kendrick Win It? With Janice Allen Jackson
In this episode, Janice Allen Jackson breaks down the recent Augusta mayoral runoff election, examining the results, voter turnout, campaign strategies, and the key factors that shaped the outcome. Was this election more about Garnett Johnson losing support, or Steve Kendrick building a winning...
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Choices for District 12 Democrats with Traci George & Ceretta Smith
Traci knows that honor cannot stop at ceremony—it must be reflected in how government shows up for families long after the speeches are over. That lived experience defines her mission: to bring our respect H.O.M.E. For Traci, “home” is not a slogan. It is what families are supposed to…
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Choices for District 12 Democrats with Traci George & Ceretta Smith
Traci knows that honor cannot stop at ceremony—it must be reflected in how government shows up for families long after the speeches are over. That lived experience defines her mission: to bring our respect H.O.M.E. For Traci, “home” is not a slogan. It is what families are supposed to…
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Runoff Election 2026 | The Finale: Vote with Garnett Johnson & Steven Brian Kendrick
Garnett Johnson is the 85th Mayor of the City of Augusta and a small business owner. An Augusta native, he is proud graduate of George P. Butler High School and Augusta University with a degree in Business Administration. Appointed by Governor Brian Kemp, Garnett serves on the Georgia Department…
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Dana Barrett on Protecting Georgia's Elections & Voting Rights
Meet Dana Barrett, Fulton County Commissioner and Democratic candidate for Georgia Secretary of State. Dana Barrett is a Fulton County Commissioner and Democratic candidate for Georgia Secretary of State. As a Fulton County Commissioner representing Georgia's largest county, Barrett has been on…
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35 years of the Laney Museum with Toni Dean
Toni Dean is the programs manager at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center in Augusta, GA. She has a communications background, having worked in radio, print and television. She spent several years in television as a production manager for two national broadcasts, PBS...
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2026 Election Recap | The Conversation After the Votes with Janice Allen Jackson
In this episode, we recap the 2026 election across the CSRA and take a closer look at the races and decisions that shaped this election cycle. We discuss major mayoral races, district-by-district outcomes, and examine voter turnout and what the level of participation may reveal about community...
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The District 6 Race with Tamika Bean
Tamika Bean ,community leader, entrepreneur, and lifelong public servant dedicated to serving the people of South Augusta. With over two decades of experience in public service, small business ownership, youth mentorship, public health, and community outreach, Tamika has built her life around one...
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District 8 Augusta Commission Race with Michael Cioffi & Evett Williams
In this episode we feature Michael Cioffi and Evett Williams, candidates for District 8, Augusta–Richmond County Commission. Michael Cioffi is a lifelong Augusta resident and candidate for District 8. He and his wife built their first home in South Richmond County at age 21 and have spent more…
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District 12 Race with Tori Branum, Chris Stephens, Traci George, Brianna Woodson, & Ceretta Smith
Tori Branum is a Marine veteran and firearms instructor running for Congress in Georgia’s 12th District. After serving her country, she’s now focused on securing the border, strengthening national security, supporting veterans and farmers, and bringing accountability to Washington. Chris Stephens...
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A Full Breakdown of All Ballot Races with Janice Allen Jackson
In this solo episode, Janice Allen Jackson breaks down all the races on the ballot, offering insight and context to help voters better understand what’s at stake ahead of election day. This episode is designed to inform and empower the community by making local elections more accessible and…
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Conversation with District 4 Candidates with Lonnie Wimberly & Alvin Mason
Lonnie Wimberly – A retired Command Sergeant Major with 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, Wimberly enlisted in 1972 and rose through the ranks to senior leadership. He served as Fort Gordon’s Garrison Command Sergeant Major, overseeing major activations, redeployments, and…
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Superior Court Judge Candidates with Attorney Alexia Payne & Judge Ashley Wright
Meet both candidates. Attorney Alexia Davis Payne has spent her legal career serving Burke and Richmond Counties. Originally from Texas, she attended Baylor University on an academic and athletic scholarship before earning her juris doctor from Tulane University. Since 2006, she has served the...
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Road to the Mayor’s Office with Eric Gaines, Dr. Lori Myles, and Steven Kendrick
Our Augusta mayor candidate special brings together three voices shaping the future of the city: Eric Gaines, Dr. Lori Myles, and Steven Brian Kendrick. Eric Gaines is a U.S. military veteran, real estate investor, father of two, and community advocate focused on transparency, accountability, and...
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Augusta District 2 Race with Stacy Pulliam & Corey Johnson Sr.
Stacy Pulliam is a dedicated mom of six, follower of Christ, business owner, and Augusta Richmond County District 2 Commissioner. She is Finance Committee Chair, serves on the Public Safety Committee, and is an ex officio member of Destination Augusta and the Augusta Arts Council. Stacy is the...
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Georgia Public Service Commission District 5 Candidate Angelia Pressley
Meet Angelia Pressley. For over 20 years, she has worked at the intersection of business and sustainability, partnering with leading organizations like The Kroger Company, Publix, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola and State Farm, bringing a strong understanding of both environmental impact and the...
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Inside the District 10 Race with Ben Hasan & Wayne Guifoyle
Inside the District 10 Race, get an exclusive look at the candidates shaping the future of Augusta’s District 10. From community priorities to leadership visions, we dive into what drives these leaders and how they plan to make a difference. Ben Hasan is a proud native of Augusta. He is married...
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Democrat? Republican? Independent! With Chad Peace
Chad Peace of the Independent Voter Project joins us to talk about how systemic reform can result in less political polarization. We tackle the issue of whether party labels are helpful or hurtful for voters, and whether younger voters want to engage in a partisan process. We also talk about the...
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Making Life Affordable with Titus Nichols
Titus Nichols, Army Reservist, attorney, and Morehouse graduate, is running for Georgia State House District 34. We discussed how our legislature can address a variety of issues to make life more affordable. Topics include Medicaid Expansion, child care subsidies, the growing threat of corporate...
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Citizens can Win with Karin Parham
Karin Parham is the CEO and founder of the Freedom to Read Coalition of Columbia County, where she works to protect intellectual freedom and ensure public access to diverse literature in local libraries and schools. A former U.S. Army officer, she brings a strong background in leadership,...
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State House 130 Candidates Part 2 with Thomas McAdams & LaFawn Pinkney-Mealing
Thomas McAdams is a lifelong resident of Augusta who has witnessed the community’s growth firsthand. A devoted husband, father of five with another on the way, and spiritual mentor to many, he serves as Chief Administrative Officer for a local Christian service center, helping strengthen...
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State House 130 Candidates with Karen Gordon, David Carson, & Sheila Clark Nelson
Karen L. Gordon is a media entrepreneur, urban agriculture advocate, and community builder with over 20 years of experience in media, arts, and economic development. She is the Publisher of Urban Pro Weekly, highlighting Black business, politics, arts, and community issues in Augusta, Georgia…
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Don't ignore Rural Georgia! with Keith McCants
Don't ignore Rural Georgia! with Keith McCants by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson
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Sacred Ground: Black Southwest Georgia with Clennon L. King
Clennon L. King is a journalist, historian, and documentary filmmaker. He is also a descendant of influential Georgians who shaped the history and politics of our state. He discusses how Albany became the hub of southwest Georgia, how blacks gained influence, and how the region's past shapes what...
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The Paradox of Public Leadership
Dr. Marc-Antonie Cooper is Assistant City Manager of South Fulton, GA and a career public servant. He has added the title of author, as he just released "Unabridged: The Paradox of Public Leadership."We touch on why public service is not easy, how it tests your patience, and more importantly, how...
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The Georgia Legislature and More with Senator Harold Jones
State Senator Harold Jones joins us to discuss what is in store for the Georgia Legislature, and more broadly, Georgia elections in the ever critical year of 2026. We discuss the process to replace legislators who step down, the proposal to eliminate the state income tax, voting rights…
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Can We Make Housing more Affordable? With Jacquelyn McCray
Dr. Jacquelyn McCray, an urban planner and Director at Baker Tilly Advisory Group LP, explains the complex factors driving housing unaffordability. She discussed how a lack of supply, vacant properties, rising building material costs, and reduced development incentives have contributed to the...
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Out with the Old and In with the New
Host Janice Allen Jackson reviews the highlights of 2025, including our growth during the year and our status as one of the most shared podcasts on Spotify. She also applauds ProPublica for its role in holding instiutions accountable, most notably, their recent work, Sick in a Hospital Town....
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Women, Accountability, Voter Suppresion and Progressive Politics with Paula Casey
Paula F. Casey is a journalist and podcaster. She chronicles the history and the importance of Tennessee in ensuring that women could place their stamp on civic engagement and democracy. We also ask how we can get more accountability in an era where traditional newspapers have been rendered...
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2026: Polling, Political Parties, and Georgia with Beverly Myers Tarver
Beverly Myers Tarver, a lifetime student of politics, joins us to talk about the major elections happening in 2026. We touch on why so many people have declared an intent to run for Georgia Governor. Senator Ossof's chances to win reelection, and whether the recent victories of Democratic...
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Our Safety Net Has Holes In It with Clarence Henry Carter
Clarence H. Carter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, enlightens us on how the social safety net works for some and not for all. Too often, the system is a "hammock" that traps people in poverty, rather than a "trampoline" that helps people achieve self-sufficiency. The...
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Do you Trust Government or Social Media? With Sam Toles
Sam Toles, Founder of CiviSocial, reminds us of how social media has changed the game. We talk about how we now consume news, how social media can help organizations recruit employees, cybersecurity concerns, deep fakes, and how vulnerable adults are being scammed. We also tackle the most…
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Demand Justice and Get It! With Courtney Teasley
Courtney Teasley, a Tennessee lawyer, shares her journey into law and her work fighting against injustices in the criminal justice system. She addresses overcharging and inadequate representation by public defenders, systemic issues that disproportionately affect marginalized minorities,...
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Inside the Vision of Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb | Richmond County Schools
In this episode of the Local Matters podcast, we sit down with Dr. Malinda Cobb, the newly appointed superintendent of the Richmond County School System in Augusta, Georgia. From her roots in Saluda, SC to leading 48 schools and 29,000 students, Dr. Cobb shares how her journey as a classroom...
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How did that Happen? November 2025 Election results
The voters have spoken, and the races weren't close. Dr. Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard will join the Georgia Public Service Commission and Lonnie Wimberly will represent District 4 on the Augusta Commission. The pendulum swung toward the Democratic Party not just in Georgia, but in several…
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Special Election for Augusta's District 4 With Lonnie Wimberly & Tanya Turnley
Listen to Lonnie Wimberly and Tanya Barnhill-Turnley tell us why they have earned the vote of District 4's registered voters. They share their accomplishments and their aspirations. We also get their take on whether the Augusta Commission is irreparably divided.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Local and state governments, though often overshadowed by federal government, have tremendous impact on our quality of life. This podcast provides a valuable service by educating people on how to improve their own quality of life through civic engagement. Various organizations encourage residents to register and vote, but it does not appear that anyone is showing voters how to make good decisions when they do. It feels akin to hiring someone for a job without reviewing the job description. Local Matters changes that narrative by educating voters with short, clear, and unbiased civics lessons from a career local government professional, public speaker, and management consultant.
HOSTED BY
Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Local Matters Podcast have?
Local Matters Podcast currently has 335 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Local Matters Podcast about?
Local and state governments, though often overshadowed by federal government, have tremendous impact on our quality of life. This podcast provides a valuable service by educating people on how to improve their own quality of life through civic engagement. Various organizations encourage residents...
How often does Local Matters Podcast release new episodes?
Local Matters Podcast publishes regularly with 335 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Local Matters Podcast?
You can listen to Local Matters Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Local Matters Podcast?
Local Matters Podcast is created and hosted by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson.
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