Inside the Box

On this episode Hans sits down with Jason Howard and Cathy Murphy of the Summit Conceling Center to discuss an upcoming townall host by the center and the City of Milton at its city hall. The event is designed to raise awareness of the growing epidemic of suicides in the country and Georgia, but especially in affluent suburbia. Cathy and Jason talk about how to recognize early signs for suicide and what can be done to prevent it. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, get help immediately. Call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line 1-800-715-4225 or visit mygcal.com, where you can find an agency in your area that may help.   Suicide, A Community Conversation (townhall) Sep 10, 2019, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Milton City Hall The City of Milton, in partnership with the Summit Counseling Center, is hosting a community conversation at Milton City Hall to discuss suicide prevention. This important community conversation will include an expert panel of parents, counselors, medical experts, and youth leaders.    Important Resources  Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) 1-800-715-4225 For immediate access to routine or crisis services 24/7/365.   My GCAL App The app will allow youth to call, text, or chat with GCAL 24/7/365.   Trusted Adult Training Signs of Suicide “Trusted Adult” Workshop Sunday, September 22nd, 5:00PM City Hall – Community Place, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton

Hans is joined in studio by three people that have been instrumental in making the work of the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA possible over the years. Roger Wise, Jimmy Moore and Elwyn Gaissert discuss what it took to bring a new YMCA "north of the river" in Atlanta for the first time in the early '80s, the process for developing its brick and mortar structure, and the people involved along the way. It is a show about dedication, the importance of community service above self.   Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/DbJBzTUtAoc

On the show this week is Jeff Graham, the Executive Director of Georgia Equality. He and Hans talk about the HIV epidemic in Atlanta, hate crime bills, trans people in the military - and much more!  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WEuw-FAuB0E Follow Georgia Equality on Twitter @GAEquality or online at www.georgiaequality.org. Follow Inside the Box podcast on Twitter @insidetheboxpod.

Joining Hans on the show this week is US Senator Johnny Isakson, the senior Senator from Georgia and Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. They talk all things national security – from his recent trip to Iraq, escalating tensions in Iran, and trade wars with China. Visit the Senator’s official website HERE Watch the episode HERE Follow Senator Isakson on Twitter @SenatorIsakson Follow Inside the Box podcast on Twitter @insidetheboxpod  

Joining Hans on the show this week is Professor Carolyn Bourdeaux, a Democratic candidate for Georgia's 7th Congressional District to discuss her 2020 race, student loans, health care and more! Watch the episode HERE  Find out more about Carolyn's campaign HERE Follow us @insidetheboxpod 

Joining Hans on the show this week is Alpharetta City Councilman Jason Binder to discuss the recently proposed Safe Hotels Ordinance. Councilman Binder talks about how he originally thought of the idea, why he thinks it's important, and what effect he thinks it might have on crime in the city of Alpharetta. To learn more about the ordinance or to contact Jason directly, click HERE. Listen to the North Fulton Serves podcast, HERE. Donate to the 2019 Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA campaign HERE.

The Appen Family was invited to give a presentation on the history of Appen Media Group and their take on the future of local news at their church, Alpharetta Presbyterian, which has been hosting a speaking series called Community Conversations. 

Joining Hans on the show this week is Brian Patton, a commercial real estate expert in the north Metro Atlanta area who gives his take on trends in the industry, why Alpharetta continues to buck the trend, his thoughts on a potential bubble and much more.

Craig Kidd, Chief of Staff for Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker and First Vice Chair for the Fulton County Republican Party joins Hans on the show this week to talk all things Johns Creek - including traffic, Mayor Bodker's tenure, a potential Johns Creek city center and the city's recent election of Democrats to the state legislature. 

Preston Thompson, the campaign manager for Representative Elect Mary Robichaux, joins the show to talk about their upset victory over incumbent Representative Doctor Betty Price. Will metro Atlanta politics continue to trend blue? How will recently elected Democrats forge their own path under a Brian Kemp governorship? Preston answers all of these questions and more in a behind the scenes peak into local politics and running a campaign. Follow Preston on Twitter: @PSton3

Alpharetta Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Rev. Caitlin Phillips and congregation member Derek Scheidt join the show to talk about the church’s recent push to attract people of all walks of life through its “ACCEPTANCE” marketing efforts. Caitlin and Derek talk about why this is important and what it means for the church to be a safe place for people in desperate need of one. 

On the show this week, Mary Robichaux, the Democratic candidate for House District 48 joins the show to discuss her platform, how she as a healthcare professional looks to make an impact on Georgia politics, and the state of the governor's race. 

Black Box reporter Pat Fox jumps on the phone to discuss his most recent article detailing two North Fulton mayors, Alpharetta's Jim Gilvin and Johns Creek's Mike Bodker, issues with the composition of the governing authority for metro Atlanta's newest transit authority - the ATL.

Krish Bralley joins the show this week to talk about his campaign platform and his challenge to the incumbent Republican representative from Alpharetta. He talks about his desire to bring the electric car tax credit back, Medicaid expansion, early childhood education and more.

Ellyn Jeager, the Democratic nominee for Georgia State Senate District 56 race, joins Hans on the show to discuss the issues and why she decided to make the jump into the political arena. They discuss anything from guns in school to why mental health is such an important part of her platform.

Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood joins Hans on the podcast to talk about the city’s inception, highlights along the way, and what’s next. They discuss what sparked the Mayor’s interest in politics and some of the more surprising (and funny) stories about being a rookie politician leading a brand new city. Crabapple Fest, October 6th 2018, 10 am-5 pm cityofmiltonga.us/events/1269/crabapple-fest

On this week’s episode incumbent Senator John Albers joins the show to cover a wide range of topics, including what has changed for him since he was first elected in 2009, how we win the ware against opioid addiction and sex trafficking, and what efforts he is personally leading to keep Georgia’s schools safe.

Angelika Kausche is the Democratic candidate for House District 50 in Georgia, which represents Johns Creek in the state legislature. On the show, Hans asks her about where she stands on the issues, her background as a female immigrant running in an era where we are seeing a record number of women entering the political arena, and they discuss a few of the current political topics on the national scene.

Former Congressman John Barrow and the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State, John Barrow, joins Hans on the show this week to discuss the Barrow history in Georgia, gerrymandering, and the importance of the Secretary of State’s role in a state’s politics.

Returning to the show this week are Alpharetta City Councilman Ben Burnett and political consultant with New Prospect Strategies, Eamon Keegan. After doing a rundown of the major contests for Georgia’s statewide elections and the race for Georgia’s 6th Congressional district, everyone gives a bold prediction for future politics, including an off the radar pick for the Democratic nominee for the 2020 Presidential race.

On this episode of Inside the Box, Hans introduces listeners to Carson Cook, Appen Media Group and Black Box investigations newest reporter. Carson is focused on news for the City of Johns Creek and Fulton County government in addition to her role on the Black Box team. They talk about life as a young reporter doing community news in 2018 – the good, the bad and the ugly. To contact Carson, email her at carson@appenmediagroup.com Listen to the Pod With the Wind podcast, here: northfulton.com/podcasts/podwiththewind

Joining Hans on the show this week is the Republican candidate for governor of Georgia, and its current Secretary of State, Brian Kemp. They cover a wide range of topics including marijuana legislation in the state, guns, and immigration reform.

This is a preview episode of the Inside the Box interview with Georgia Republican candidate for Governor, Brian Kemp. The full interview will be released on Tuesday, August 14th.

Joining Hans on the show this week is the Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia, and the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, Stacey Abrams. They cover a wide range of topics, including Medicaid expansion, Georgia’s growing diversity, and November’s general election. Should Abrams win, she would be the first black Governor of Georgia and the nation’s first black female Governor.

This is a preview episode of the Inside the Box interview with Georgia Democratic candidate for Governor, Stacey Abrams. The full interview will be released on Thursday, July 26th.

Michael Van Osch of Georgia Ensemble Theatre joins Hans on the show to talk about why theater and the arts are so important to a local community. Over the course of the last 25 years, the Georgia Ensemble Theatre has welcomed hundreds of thousands of people through its doors to experience a show and be with their friends and family. But, as Michael points out, if you look beyond the show, theater is about a lot more than entertainment.   To buy tickets to an upcoming Georgia Ensemble Theatre performance or to become a patron, visit www.get.org.

Joining Hans on the show this week is New York Knicks starting center Enes Kanter, a Turkish citizen who has had a lot to say about Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan. Recently, the Turkish government issued an arrest warrant for Kanter and revoked his passport after Kanter made parallels of Erdogan’s regime to Hitler. Kanter talks about how he has used his platform in the NBA to shed light on the degradation of democracy in his home country and explain to Americans why they should care.

On June 28, 2018 a gunman entered the Capital Gazette newsroom and opened fire, killing 5 people. Here at Appen Media Group on the Inside the Box podcast, we honored them the best way we know how. Support local journalism.

Hafsa Girdap was on a summer vacation with her son in Florida when a coup to overthrow the Erdogan regime began in Turkey. Afraid to go back home, she witnessed from afar as hundreds of journalists, judges and prosecutors were jailed. Turkey, a Middle Eastern country and American ally, has seen a continued assault on its nation’s institutions. Hafsa shares her story and thoughts on what hope Turkey has left for saving its democracy. From June 30 to July 6, Set Them Free will host a photo exhibition “What if You Were in My Shoes” at the Milton library through partnership with the Atlantic Institute. The exhibition, whose art director is Emin Demiral, aims to raise awareness on the tragic forced-migration stories from Turkey. More than 50 photos, of which the background stories are written by formerly detained women, are displayed along with an introductory video.

Hosts Hans Appen, Kathleen Sturgeon and Julia Grochowski trekked down to Jekyll Island for the annual conference for the Georgia Press Association. As any good podcasters do, of course they brought all of their podcasting equipment with them! When they ran into friend of the pod Kyle Wingfield they pulled him aside and had a great conversation centered around politics, journalism and predictions for November's Georgia elections.

In the second installment of the Black Box series Marijuana’s Hazy Boundaries, reporter Joe Parker spoke to Johns Creek City Councilman Chris Coughlin about his initiative to decriminalize marijuana within Johns Creek city limits. We had him on the podcast to tell us more about why this is important to him and how close it really is to becoming a reality.

The election cycle kicked off in Georgia after the May 22nd primaries and maybe no one was busier than Eamon Keegan, political consultant and Principal of New Prospect Strategies. After managing the successful campaigns of Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, Councilwoman Karen Richard, Councilman John Hipes, and Board of Education member Katie Reeves, Keegan sat down for an interview on the Inside the Box pod to talk about what it takes to run a successful campaign, predictions for the November midterms, and to give some advice to anyone who might be thinking about working in the political arena.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald ruled against the Trump Administration in a suit filed by Columbia University over the president’s practice of blocking Twitter users. The university argued that American citizens have the right to be free to express their views to elected officials. Blocking users on a social media website simply because their views run counter to the president’s is undemocratic, the suit argued. Black Box reporter Kathleen Sturgeon talked with the Legal Director for the ACLU of Georgia, Sean J. Young, to talk about what local implications there might be as a result of the ruling.  Read: U.S. Judge: Elected officials may not block on social media Read: Censoring constituents online gains popularity

On May 22nd, elections were held across the country and in North Fulton there were quite a few contested races. Inside the Box host Hans Appen recaps some of the highlights and reminds listeners of dates for upcoming elections.

On Wednesday May 16th at Alpharetta City Hall, Alpharetta-Roswell Herald hosted the final candidate forum for Alpharetta Mayor and Council Posts 3 and 4. Moderated by Herald reporter Pat Fox and Black Box Publisher Hans Appen, the candidates cover a wide variety of topics important to the Alpharetta community. Voting is Tuesday May 22nd. To find your polling station click on this link: https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do

For over a decade now, north Metro Atlanta has seen a slew of new cities emerge with the additions of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Milton. Some residents of the southeast portion of Forsyth County have been lobbying for years for the creation of their own city – Sharon Springs. After a ballot initiative was approved to give its residents a say in the issue on a referendum on the May 22 ballot, there has been a lot of back and forth on the pros and cons of incorporating as Forsyth County’s second city. Two of those potential residents, Brian Francis (pro) and Charlie Smith (con) join the show to discuss what they see as the pluses and minuses of incorporating.

The US Department of Commerce recently announced tariffs on imported newsprint coming into the United States. Printers, publishers and paper suppliers employ more than 600,000 people in the United States. Those jobs support millions of additional, primarily good paying jobs in small businesses across the country. Jerry Edwards of the Edwards Group, a family of communications, printing, radio and web companies, joins the show to talk about exactly why these tariffs are being implemented and what it means for the economy and news media. To help fight these tariffs and ensure your right to information, contact your members of congress and ask them to help: US Senator Johnny Isakson – (202) 224-3643 US Senator David Perdue – (202) 228-1031 US Congressman Rob Woodall (GA07) – (202) 225-4272 US Congresswoman Karen Handel (GA06) - (202) 225-4501 Live outside of North Atlanta? Enter your address here to sign the petition to STOP newspaper tariffs: www.stopnewsprinttariffs.org/join-the-coalition News Media Alliance: newsmediaalliance.org

Black Box reporter joins the show to talk about the launch of his latest project 'Marijuana's hazy boundaries', which will take a deep dive into the legislation, challenges presented to local law enforcement agencies and the drug’s use at the national and state level, as well as its impact in North Fulton and Forsyth County.  In the first installment, 'The evolution of marijuana', Joe takes a look at what has changed about marijuana in the last 10-20 years and why it's increasingly difficult for local law enforcement to identify the drug. To read the full article, click here: https://www.northfulton.com/black_box/the-evolution-of-marijuana/article_f22b1a52-47c6-11e8-9071-671f5175a380.html

Alpharetta Councilman Jason Binder sat down with us to talk about why he is looking to make changes to Alpharetta's code of ethics and his process for deciding what needs to be included in those changes. We also discuss his entry into local politics and the issue that he says helped him find his voice as an elected official - the downtown parking deck debates of 2016. READ: Ethics vote stalls in Alpharetta https://www.northfulton.com/alpharetta_roswell/ethics-vote-stalls-in-alpharetta/article_fb37b3e8-4317-11e8-9f57-6f83b4c94fed.html

Kathleen Sturgeon returns to the podcast to tell us about her latest contribution to Black Box, detailing the growing trend of elected officials blocking constituents from viewing their social media pages. We discuss its constitutionality and what exactly current law says an official should and shouldn't do online. Later in the show we are joined by the ACLU of Georgia's Legal Director, Sean J. Young, to discuss a letter he sent to State Senator John Albers requesting that he "unblock" nine citizens that had been barred from viewing the politician's accounts and posts. To read the full Black Box article "Censoring constituents online gains popularity", click here: https://www.northfulton.com/black_box/censoring-constituents-online-gains-popularity/article_3f730538-3ea1-11e8-86ed-07a29e440074.html

Former Alpharetta City Councilman and current candidate for Mayor, Chris Owens, sits down with us to talk about his experiences on Council as the last elected official to serve with both Mayor Arthur Letchas and David Belle Isle, what campaigning is like in a special election and what he envisions for the next generation of Alpharetta's leaders.

Dozens of parcels in Alpharetta slipped past tax assessments last year, leaving the city, the county and Fulton Schools with no way to collect tens – possibly hundreds – of thousands of dollars owed in taxes. The properties, both commercial and residential, are primarily associated with recent development in the city. They were removed from the tax rolls when the Fulton County Assessor’s Office changed their status to “deactivated” because their lots were reconfigured. We sat down with the reporter who broke the story, Pat Fox, to give us the story behind the story.

On March 13, 2018 Cambridge High School sophomores Leah Capamaccio and Lily Parzych were silenced while expressing their views on gun violence at an organized rally of students just weeks after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Administrators said the event was intended to memorialize the lives lost at Stoneman Douglas High School, but some students feel they were unjustly silenced. Here is their story. 

Alpharetta's newest member of its city council, Ben Burnett, covers a wide range of topics from transparency in government, citizen activism, and his active role on Twitter. We learn about what compels someone to become interested in running for office, the hurdles along the way, and the surprises once you get there. We also touch on his Twitter beef with Atlanta mega-developer Mark Toro and Senator John Albers' bill to cap tax assessment increases.