Tharon's Take

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon speaks with the leaders behind 404 Day, a grassroots movement that has become a defining cultural moment in Atlanta.The conversation explores how 404 Day started, what it represents for the city, and how it has grown into a celebration of community, culture, and connection. The group also discusses the challenges that come with growth — including authenticity, ownership, and ensuring that Atlanta creatives and communities continue to benefit.This episode offers a deeper look at the people and ideas behind one of Atlanta’s most unique cultural movements.

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon speaks with Brian McGowan, President of Centennial Yards, about the future of downtown Atlanta.The conversation centers around Centennial Yards and its role in transforming underutilized space into a more connected, vibrant part of the city. McGowan shares insight into the challenges and opportunities of large-scale development, and what it takes to create a downtown that works for both residents and visitors.They also explore broader themes around growth, infrastructure, and Atlanta’s evolving identity as a major city.

Onaje Henderson, managing partner at ZuCot Gallery, discusses Atlanta's evolving art scene, the economics of art collecting, and the importance of supporting Black-owned galleries. Henderson highlights the need for more black collectors and the challenges of validating Black art. He emphasizes the role of technology, such as virtual galleries and QR codes, in enhancing the gallery experience. Henderson also mentions the partnership with Microsoft, which improved Zucot's tech infrastructure. Henderson also calls for increased support for Black cultural institutions to elevate Atlanta's art reputation globally.

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon speaks with William Pate, President of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, about Atlanta’s growing reputation as a global destination for major events, tourism, and business.Pate shares why Atlanta continues to attract world-class events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Final Four, and what makes the city uniquely positioned to host visitors from around the world. From infrastructure and hotel capacity to transportation access and convention space, he explains the logistics that make Atlanta competitive on the global stage.The conversation also highlights what truly sets Atlanta apart — its people and the culture of hospitality that defines the city.This episode offers an inside look at how Atlanta is preparing for its next chapter as one of the world’s leading destinations for sports, tourism, and major events.

The Atlanta Hawks’ Magic City Monday collaboration sparked conversation across the city and around the country.In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon Johnson sits down with Nick Love, Atlanta marketing strategist and the voice behind the Monday Morning Marketing Meeting on Fanbase with Isaac Hayes, to discuss the cultural and marketing impact of the partnership between the Atlanta Hawks and Magic City when the Atlanta Hawks play the Orlando Magic on Monday March 16th. Nick, who has been deeply rooted in Atlanta’s music and entertainment scene — from working alongside Young Jeezy during the early days of his career to witnessing the era when DJs helped break records at Magic City — shares his perspective on why the collaboration resonated so strongly with the city.They also discuss Atlanta’s cultural influence, the intersection of sports and entertainment, and the national attention that followed comments from San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet and former Atlanta Hawks player Al Horford.If you enjoy conversations at the intersection of politics, arts, culture, and leadership, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow Tharon’s Take so you never miss an episode.

In this episode, Tharon speaks with Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council, about Atlanta’s emergence as a premier global sports city.Dan discusses what it takes to secure and execute major events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Final Four, and why Atlanta continues to win on the international stage. He shares insight into the behind-the-scenes strategy of event bidding, the importance of long-term infrastructure planning, and how moments like these can permanently elevate a city’s reputation.The conversation also touches on Dan’s personal journey, including the influence of his father, Florida State Hall of Famer Lee Corso, and how legacy, preparation, and leadership intersect in the world of sports.This episode offers a deeper look at what this historic window means for Atlanta — and what comes next.

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Shanti Das — legendary music executive, author, and founder of Silence the Shame.From her time at LaFace Records to working with the Dungeon Family, OutKast, Usher, and Prince, Shanti helped shape the sound and culture of Atlanta’s music movement. She shares what it was like to be at the center of that era and how the industry shaped her journey.But this conversation goes beyond music.Shanti opens up about the pressures of success, her personal mental health journey, and why she founded Silence the Shame to break stigma and spark honest conversations around mental wellness.This episode is about legacy, reinvention, and the courage to evolve.🎧 Watch the full episode and join the conversation.💛 Learn more about Silence the Shame and how you can support mental health advocacy. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of politics, arts, and culture.

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Andrew Saltzman of the Atlanta Hawks joins the show to discuss how the organization has made an impact beyond basketball.From launching the College Park Skyhawks and investing in downtown Atlanta to opening State Farm Arena as the largest polling place in the country during the 2020 election, this conversation highlights leadership, civic responsibility, and long-term vision.Saltzman also shares real advice for young professionals looking to build meaningful careers in sports and beyond.This episode is about more than wins and losses — it’s about building something that lasts.

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon takes a hard look at why Donald Trump continues to challenge his loss in Georgia’s 2020 election and how the recent FBI raid has once again put the state at the center of national attention.Tharon breaks down what happened in Fulton County, explains how election systems actually work, and calls out the misinformation that continues to confuse voters. He also shares why staying informed and engaged is critical to protecting the integrity of future elections.This episode is about accountability, facts, and what responsible civic participation looks like in Georgia today.

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Julie Bryant Kuykendall, Director of Feeding Georgia, for an honest conversation about hunger and food insecurity across the state.Julie shares what it looks like when one in five children face hunger, how families are impacted when SNAP benefits end, and how everyday setbacks — like illness, job loss, or transportation issues — can quickly push people into crisis. The discussion also highlights the power of community response and how individuals, organizations, and businesses can come together to make a difference.This episode is a reminder that hunger exists in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our communities — and that real change happens when people get involved.Now streaming. Learn more about how you can help through Feeding Georgia and your local food bank.

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with State Representative Eric Bell to talk about more than just lemon pepper wings — they explore how culture, memory, and policy intersect in Georgia.Rep. Bell explains why he introduced House Bill 1013 (HB1013), legislation that would designate lemon pepper as Georgia’s official chicken wing flavor. The discussion covers how this flavor became culturally significant in communities across the state, how the legislative process works, and what it takes for a bill to move through the General Assembly.This episode combines food, identity, and civics in a way that reflects both local culture and how everyday Georgians can engage with the policy process. Tune in to learn more about HB1013 and how ideas become law in Georgia.

This conversation with Peter Hubbard was recorded on January 7, prior to Georgia Power’s announcement at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues event regarding its plan to lower rates and expand data center investment in the state.In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Peter Hubbard of the Georgia Public Service Commission to discuss key issues shaping Georgia’s energy landscape — including data centers, power grid reliability, electricity rates, and how the PSC approaches decision-making.Hubbard explains how data centers interact with Georgia’s energy system, how the electrical grid is managed, and the policy considerations that guide decisions at the PSC. The discussion also touches on recent elections and how they may influence bipartisan dynamics within the Public Service Commission.This is a practical, informative conversation about how energy policy is made in Georgia and what it means for everyday ratepayers.

New year, new me — or maybe just a new mindset. In this episode of Tharon’s Take, we have a real conversation about New Year’s resolutions, goal setting, and how people actually follow through (or don’t) over time.Whether you’re big on resolutions, prefer a vision board, or skip the whole thing altogether, this episode is about reflection, honesty, and checking in — now and later in the year.

The Trae Young era in Atlanta appears to be over — and the reaction has been loud. In this mini episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon unpacks why the Hawks moved on from their franchise star, what Trae meant to the city, and what this decision says about the team’s future.Was this a smart reset, or did Atlanta just let go of its identity?

Atlanta Falcons fans are once again asking the same question: why does this keep happening? In this mini episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon breaks down the recurring issues that continue to hold the Falcons back — from leadership and long-term strategy to accountability and culture.This isn’t just about one bad season. It’s about a pattern. And until something changes, the results won’t either.

Tharon reflects on the recent march by Buddhist monks through Georgia and draws a powerful connection to the Civil Rights Movement, Congressman John Lewis, and the nonviolent teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.The moment highlights how peaceful protest continues to evolve while remaining grounded in history. What we’re witnessing isn’t new — it’s a modern application of strategies that have driven meaningful change for generations.

Ryan Wilson joins Tharon’s Take for a wide-ranging conversation on power, perception, and public trust in today’s political landscape.We break down how political optics influence decision-making, why public confidence in leadership continues to erode, and how strategy and performance often take precedence over outcomes in Washington. From government gridlock to credibility and accountability, this episode challenges listeners to look beyond the headlines and think critically about who benefits from today’s political dynamics.A candid, thoughtful discussion on leadership, responsibility, and the state of public trust.

In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Jayden Williams, the youngest African American mayor ever elected in Georgia history.From navigating leadership at a young age to redefining what modern politics looks like, Jayden talks about balance, responsibility, and staying grounded while running a city. The conversation moves easily from culture and community to real questions about power, representation, and what the next generation of leadership demands.This episode is proof that politics doesn’t have to be stiff to be serious — and that leadership can look different without losing substance.New episodes of Tharon’s Take drop weekly.Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

If you’ve spent any time in Georgia politics, you’ve been to Manuel’s Tavern. It’s a place where campaigns were born, debates were settled, and history was made over a cold drink.In this episode, I share the story of Manuel’s, the people who shaped it, and why this landmark remains a symbol of Atlanta’s political heartbeat.

Georgia is already gearing up for a high-stakes 2026 election year. In this episode, Tharon breaks down the key races to watch, the issues that will shape the ballot, and why Georgia continues to be one of the most influential states in American politics.From statewide contests to shifting voter dynamics, Tharon explains what’s coming, why it matters, and how it could impact everyday Georgians.New episodes drop weekly — tune in, share your thoughts, and stay ahead of the conversation.

The latest episode of Tharon's Take centers on a brawl during a high school football playoff game between Gainesville and Brunswick, where 34 Gainesville players were suspended. The fight escalated when teammates tried to intervene, leading to scheduling disruptions throughout the state. Tharon also discusses parents' concerns about sportsmanship, player safety, and the impact of suspensions on a team's performance.

Tharon breaks down his take on Marjorie Taylor Greene's exit from Congress and what might be next for the Congresswoman!

Tharon’s Take is where politics, arts, culture, and real life collide. Hosted by political strategist and commentator Tharon Johnson, the show brings unfiltered conversations with leaders, creators, and everyday voices. New episodes every week.