The Decaturish Download

Bill King covered the Southern and Georgia music scenes from 1976 to 1986, writing about a broad range of acts that included classic rock, new wave, country outlaws, mainstream Nashville, soul music, modern R&B and disco, and even a little gospel. Bill King joined the Decaturish Download this week to discuss his new book and his adventures covering some of the biggest names in music. 

Political consultant Fredrick Hicks and local advocate Marjorie Hall discussed the May 19 election results and what they mean for DeKalb County and Georgia.

The May 19 election is less than two weeks away. Local writers Steve Bradshaw and George Chidi joined the Decaturish Download to share their predictions and insights about what we'll see on Election Day.

Decatur Mayor Tony Powers joined the Decaturish Download to talk about what's going on in the city and to answer questions from our listeners. 

Ankit Govan, co-founder of the developer Dream Capital, and AJC consumer-brands reporter Amy Wenk discuss the new Decatur hotel project and other development news.

DeKalb County Commission District 7's incumbent candidate LaDena Bolton faces Democratic challengers Jacqueline Adams and Oneka Willabus. To see our forum coverage and candidate Q&As, visit decaturish.com/voter_guide/

DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined the Decaturish Download to talk about ICE enforcement, data centers and more. 

DeKalb County Commission District 3's incumbent candidate Nicole Massiah faces Democratic challengers Jakequeline "Jake" Walls, Keyanna Jones Moore and Tommy Travis. Republican Anita Bass Smith will face the primary winner in November.

State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver talked about the recent Legislative session, housing and also answers viewer questions.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joined the April 2 edition of the Decaturish Download Podcast. She discussed House Bill 369, which makes some elections in the metro Atlanta area nonpartisan. She also discussed public safety, including the county's new Real Time Crime Center. 

DeKalb County Board of Education District 2's incumbent candidate Whitney McGinniss faces a challenge from teacher Charlie McAdoo II and financial advisor Ruth Goldstein. McGinniss and McAdoo answered questions during this 60 minute candiate forum.

The Decatur Early Childhood Learning Center project remains mired in questions and controversy. Two Decatur residents, Leah Humphries and Jess Cino, have been among the most vocal advocates of transparency surrounding this project.

On March 22, Decaturish.com held a virtual candidate forum for candidates running in the DeKalb County Baord of Education District 4 race. The candidates are: TRACY L. BRISSON, SONJA PAYNE SZUBSKI, ALISON CUNDIFF, JAMISON E. MURPHY and CREW S. HEIMER

George, King and Steve join the Decaturish Download to talk about the news and topics impacting DeKalb County, Ga.

Student Assignment Project committee member David Felfoldi and Rockbridge Coalition Chair Lance Hammonds joined the Decaturish Download show to discuss their views regarding a proposal to close 27 schools. Education Reporter Jim Bass also shared the latest updates on the school closure discussion.

Isadora Pennington, editor of Arts ATL and president of the Avondale Arts Alliance, caught us up on the latest cultural happenings in DeKalb County and beyond.

It's an interesting time to be a Democratic member of Congress. Hank Johnson has represented Georgia's fourth congressional district since 2007. He joined the Decaturish Download this week to answer listener questions and address topics like funding for ICE, the Affordable Care Act and more. 

Decatur Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Fronk joined the Decaturish download to talk library security, affordable housing, the ECLC and more.

DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry answers our questions about his resolution asking ICE to leave DeKalb County.

Brian Allen, vice chair of the Libertarian Party of Georgia and Brian Ramirez, co-chair of the Atlanta Democratic Socialists of America, join the Decaturish Download to talk about Minneapolis and other big stories in the news.

Weather watch: DeKalb County Public Safety Director Darnell Fullum joins the Decaturish Download for an update about the winter storm.

DeKalb County Schools has been rocked again after its former superintendent, who is already under federal indictment, was arrested after allegedly choking his wife during an argument. Superintendent Devon Horton's indictment and subsequent resignation led to numerous questions about the board's judgment in hiring him. Our guests for this episode are Verdaillia Turner, President of the Georgia Federation of Teachers, and Tracy Brisson, a former teacher who is a DeKalb Schools parent. She recently started writing about education on Substack.

Jessica Cino with Save Decatur Schools and Education Reporter Jim Bass answer your questions about school closures and a proposed early childhood learning center in City Schools of Decatur

State Senator Kim Jackson joined this week's edition of the Decaturish Download to talk about the upcoming legislative session. Topics included the Minneapolis ICE shooting incident, the recent indictments of Democratic state legislators, and a preview of the upcoming legislative session. 

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joins The Decaturish Download for an in-depth conversation about leadership, local government and the issues shaping DeKalb County. From navigating growth and infrastructure challenges to public safety, housing and community priorities, Cochran-Johnson discusses her vision for the county and what residents should expect in the year ahead. The interview offers insight into how decisions at the county level directly affect life across Decatur and DeKalb — and what's next for one of metro Atlanta's most diverse communities.

Mayor Patti Garrett was elected to the #DecaturGA city commission in 2009 and has served as the city's mayor since 2016. On this episode of the Decaturish Download, she's reflecting on her time as mayor and where the city is headed.

DeKalb County District 1 Commissioner Robert Patrick joined the Decaturish Download to talk about data centers, AI, the DeKalb Peachtree Airport, and more. The Decaturish DL airs every Thursday at 7 p.m. on YouTube and Facebook Live. Visit and support Decaturish online at HERE

Welcome to The Decaturish Download! This week, we are joined by Emory professor David Schweidel, an AI and marketing expert, to help readers navigate this complex topic. Visit and support Decaturish online at HERE

In the premiere episode of Decaturish's new weekly streaming show and podcast, host Dan Whisenhunt sits down with journalist George Chidi for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the stories shaping DeKalb County. Chidi brings his trademark insight to the biggest headlines of the week, offering context, analysis and the on-the-ground perspective that has made his reporting essential to readers across the region. Together, Whisenhunt and Chidi explore how local issues connect to broader national trends, why certain stories matter more than they appear, and what it takes to cover communities with honesty and depth. It's a thoughtful, energetic kickoff that sets the tone for a show built on real conversation, real reporting and a commitment to elevating the news that impacts people most.  Connect with George on Bluesky, HERE Visit and support Decaturish online at HERE