Politically Georgia

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
undefined
Jun 23, 2025 • 32min

Balancing Acts and Ballot Hopes

Hosts Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell open the listener mailbag to tackle timely questions about political violence, fact-checking, and election rules in Georgia. Then, Greg Bluestein joins Patricia for an exclusive interview with State Sen. Steve Gooch, who discusses his bid for lieutenant governor, the impact of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” on Georgia’s budget, and his take on leading the Georgia Senate during a high-stakes election cycle.   Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 19, 2025 • 31min

Juneteenth: Finding Joy, Fueling Change

On this Juneteenth edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy explore the legacy of the holiday through conversations about resilience, advocacy and joy. Tia sits down with Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, to talk about her organization's policy priorities and how faith and justice intersect in her work. Then, Ernie Suggs joins to reflect on his AJC feature about Black joy as resistance, and the ways Black Georgians are choosing joy even amid political struggle and personal hardship.   Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 18, 2025 • 29min

Reckoning for Scott, Reconciliation in Congress

On today’s Washington Wednesday episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy examine U.S. Rep. David Scott’s bid for reelection amid mounting questions about his age, visibility, and ability to serve. With several challengers entering the Democratic primary — including Jasmine Clark, Emmanuel Jones and Everton Blair — the race for Georgia’s 13th District is heating up. Also in the episode, we explore changes in the “Big, Beautiful Bill” in Congress and how proposed budget cuts could affect clean energy, immigration, higher education, and Medicaid access in Georgia. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 17, 2025 • 30min

Politics, Protests, and a Firing

Hosts Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell cover the weekend’s military parade in D.C., Georgia’s “No Kings Day” protests, and how the recent assassinations of two Minnesota lawmakers have heightened security concerns for public officials in Georgia and across the country. Then, WRBL News 3’s Chuck Williams joins the show to explain the escalating political tension in Columbus, Georgia, where city leaders abruptly fired longtime city manager Isaiah Hugley — husband of House Democratic Leader Carolyn Hugley — just months before his planned retirement. The fallout has triggered legal questions and stirred public outcry. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 16, 2025 • 39min

Power Plays: Inside the PSC Race

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy spotlight one of Georgia’s most overlooked but impactful elections: the race for Public Service Commission. They speak with District 2 Republican incumbent candidate, Comissioner Tim Echols about Georgia Power rate hikes, Plant Vogtle, and the future of energy regulation. Then, Greg sits down with all three Democrats vying to challenge Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in Atlanta’s District 3. Peter Hubbard, Keisha Waites, and Robert Jones tackle big questions on voter turnout, electricity demand from data centers, and how to keep power affordable for Georgians. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 12, 2025 • 31min

Clark’s Challenge for Georgia’s 13th and No Kings Day 

On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy sit down with State Rep. Jasmine Clark, who’s challenging longtime Congressman David Scott in Georgia’s 13th District. Clark talks about why she thinks it’s time for a change, her background in public health, and how she plans to bring a more aggressive voice to Washington. Then, Tia Mitchell and Greg are joined by Jacob Thomas of Common Defense to discuss the upcoming “No Kings Day” protests and what the movement says about the state of American democracy. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 11, 2025 • 34min

Postal Delays and King’s Afghanistan Accusation

Hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy talk about Georgia’s persistent mail delays and the future of the Postal Service with Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union. Then, they unpack Insurance Commissioner John King’s claim that Senators Ossoff and Warnock ignored his pleas to help Afghan partners during the U.S. withdrawal—fact-checking what King said and where the story really stands. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 10, 2025 • 34min

Dooley, Greene, and Georgia’s GOP Future

On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy recap the Georgia GOP convention in Dalton—where talk of unity ran headlong into rumors, new contenders, and long-simmering divides. They unpack the surprising emergence of the son of former UGA football coach Vince Dolley, Derek Dooley, as a possible Senate candidate, and what Marjorie Taylor Greene had to say about a run for governor. Then, newly re-elected state GOP Chairman Josh McKoon joins to share his thoughts on unifying the party and the challenges ahead. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 9, 2025 • 28min

Cuts, Critiques, and Confusion in Georgia Politics

On this Monday Mailbag edition of Politically Georgia, host Greg Bluestein tackles your questions about the Trump administration’s proposed Medicaid cuts, the search for a Republican challenger to Senator Jon Ossoff, and the effects of federal budget reductions on Georgia’s colleges and universities. Producer Shane Backler brings the questions, and Greg has the answers.  Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Jun 6, 2025 • 28min

Israel’s Ambassador on War, Aid, and Diplomacy

On today’s special edition of Politically Georgia, host Greg Bluestein sits down with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter. The ambassador shares Israel’s perspective on the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and efforts to address civilian suffering.  Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app