Marietta Stories | Crazy cool stories from the community builders of Marietta, Georgia

Part 2 of Amy and John sitting down with Gary Leake! Great continuation of Marietta stories! 

Amy and John sat down with Gary Leake, owner of Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Firehouse Pub, located on the Marietta Square! Gary remiminsced about the history of Marietta, as well as how he got started in the bar business! Fascinating stories to listen to and this is only Part 1!! 

Amy and John sit down with newly retired Marietta Chief of Police, Marty Ferrell and Marietta Police Public Information Officer, Chuck McPhilamy. They discuss the police deparmtment's culture, need for more officers and their favorite events on the Marietta Square. They discuss all the great opportunities the department has for their officers. 

Amy and John sat down with Brent Rittersdorf, Realtor and Motivational Speaker. He discusses his time in the Marietta Business Association, his cohosting N.O.W. and his newest journey, 10 for 10! It's an awesome and uplifting, but thought provoking episode! Enjoy! 

Amy and John sat down with Matt from Marietta Melt Yard in this interview. Matt discussed his families Marietta history, his background in music in a band and how he makes Food Fun at his restaurant, Marietta Melt Yard on Whitlock Ave! Give it a listen and enjoy! 

Amy and John sat down with Shikera Cook in this episode. Shak, as she is loving known in the community, spoke about a lot of history from where she grew up in Marietta, Mentoring for Leadership program and Girls, Inc. This is a fantastic interview with a wonderful community leader! 

Amy and John sit down with Mentoring for Leadership founder and Dream Weaver, Beverly McAfee and Executive Director, Kristen Thompson. They discuss how this wonderful program got started, what they do and what their needs are. This is an excellent and informative interview, worth the listen! 

Amy and John talk with Stephanie Coston in this episode. You may know her face, but we get to know her and everything she is involved with on the Marietta Square! Very interesting!! 

In this episode, Amy and John sit down with Beth Graham. She talks about what it was like growing up in Marietta, teaching in Marietta and some differences between when she was growing up and now. It's a great get to know you episode! Enjoy!! 

Thomas shares a bit about his pharmacy in Marietta, Ga, along with the many other things he is involved with. We discuss Thomas winning the Marietta Citizen of the Year, Dancing with the Stars and his community work with McKenna Farms! 

Amy and John talk with Maggi Moss, from Marietta City's Parks and Rec Department to find out if it really is like the tv show, her favorite events, what event used to happen and doesn't anymore and much more! 

Amy and John sit down with former Councilmember Philip Goldstein. They learn about his tenure on the Council, his family's history with Marietta and a lot more great facts about him! 

Amy and John sit down with Tricia Patterson and learn more about her school, the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, how she became "all in", what she looks for in partners for her school and much more! 

Amy Reed and John Silvey have taken over as hosts of the Marietta Stories Podcast and want to introduce themselves to you!    They have some great interviews lined up with a twist at the end of each episode!     

Bill loves innovative art and when he saw Magnolia Heather's magnolia embroidery and fell in love. A day later, Heather sat down with Bill and explained how she started and grew her small business through a combination of art shows and instagram posts. She continues to experiment with her art and you can check her out on instagram magnoliaheather  and her website magnoliaheatherart.com!  

Samatha Hawkins of Cobb 911 contacted Bill because they need more people to answer calls. Working for 911 requires a unique set of skills and takes a while and help to learn them: whom to route the call to, how to help people and how to listen. Multitasking is required. Also, supporting the people that answer the tough calls through a peer network, all make one of the toughest jobs doable.   

Lisa Weinert and her business, RunFitYoga, can be found at the Marietta Square, Kennesaw Mountain and online.  She handles her business much like her career… with a focus on problem solving and exceeding goals. Lisa is a certified running coach, personal trainer and yoga instructor.   She transitioned from a corporate career to coach and built her business working mainly with women who have a desire to go after a goal. She is based out of Dynamic Spine and Sports Therapy on Mill St at the Square. But you can often encounter Lisa running on the trails at the mountain!  Connect with Lisa if you want to review your fitness plans at LisaRunFitYoga@comcast.net

Two interviews for the price of one! Bill first interviewed Jennifer Maxwell two years ago. Jennifer and her husband had just bought their dream farm and started their local business. Now Jennifer has expanded her blueberry bushes, has add art and has a baby due!  Shop Hippie Kids is the brain child of two sisters and Bill speaks to one, Kissie (from McKenzie) and explains her passion for clothes and the business they have built together. You will absolutely notice the VW van and the hip clothes when you come to the Marietta Artisan Market!

Antoinette Michelle watched her grandmother bake, not knowing that she would start a business when her husband, Shaun had health issues. Now they run the Sugar Muffins Bake Shop, named after their daughters nickname. You can find them at the Marietta Square Farmers Market and be sure to follow them on Instagram. http://www.sugarmuffinsbakeshop.com/  

A lot has changed for Buddy Finethy since Bill interviewed him in 2018. Buddy bought out his Hawg and Ale partners, his friend Big John took over the menu (and added soul and love) and Buddy found musicians to create a unique soundscape. All of these elements result in a unique Marietta community. COVID pushed them to the brink, but with the help of the community and some PPP loans, they are coming back even stronger.  Check out Buddy and Big John at the Hawg & Ale Smokehouse 25 Powder Springs Street.

Adrian Crutchfield's life changed with when: he was brought on stage and given a saxophone by Kenny G and when Prince told him to restart his solo career. Adrian is coming to Marietta Jazz and Jokes and plans on dancing and playing during his 11-19-21 concert. You do not want miss one of the best sax players on the planet as he comes to Marietta Jazz and Jokes !! PRINCE , LIONEL RICHIE , BETTE MIDLER , CEELO GREEN , have all had him on speed dial !! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marietta-jazz-and-jokes-featuring-former-prince-saxman-adrian-crutchfield-tickets-184378810987?aff=erelpanelorg  

Gabriela Anders' dad was famous in Argentina for his jazz arrangements. She loved jazz too, but grew her talent in new directions. She came to the US and developed her skills even more and was lucky to work with many great artists. Now she is coming to Marietta Jazz and Jokes on November 13th to share her music with us. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marietta-jazz-and-jokes-featuring-international-superstar-gabriella-anders-tickets-184334899647  

Blaine Clotfelter caches Bill up on the theatre and the new play, The Andrews Brothers. When one of the Andrews Sisters get chicken pox, three brothers take over and hilarity follows. Bill was there opening night and it was so good to unwind, surrounded by friends and watching grown men dressed up and singing their hearts out. The shows runs until 11-13-21. Don't miss out! https://mariettatheatre.com  

Bill speaks with the Dr. Thomas Olson of Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Atlanta, Alex Gutherie, Marietta native and star of The Voice, Alex Faas who coordinated the event, Jeannie Sandoval, a mom that lost her daughter Monica just 2 1/2 months ago and Kyle a 15 year old cancer survivor.  Donate and help this great cause! https://give.choa.org/site/TR/Events/ClickforKids?px=1096690&pg=personal&fr_id=1080

For 50 years, MUST Ministries has served Cobb and Cherokee Counties, even through COVID. Their biggest fundraiser, the Gobble Jog is back for 2021 and everyone should sign up.  Dr. Ike explains the mission and the impacts of CVOID and the future of MUST. You won't want to miss this important interview. Go to gobblejog.org to learn more!

Lara Ferreira loves concerts and campers and they combine elements of those loves along with a speakeasy vibe at the Red Door. Bill Nowicki and Paul Southern get the behind the scene tour including all the touches that bring folks to The Third Door every week. https://www.thethirddoor.net  

On my way to my interview with Brad Hawkins, the new director of the Aviation History and Technology Center, Doug Lester had to share some of his career. He is certainly proud of his 38 years Lockheed. The outdoor aviation museum has many planes that helped define not only Marietta's history starting in WW2, but world history.  Brad explains all that and gives you his story too...

Lindsey Coleman, Marietta native and lover of all things Marietta, bought the food tour company, runs the Ghost tours and the history tour too.  Bill spoke with the tour guide and the the customers of one of the Ghost tours. We all learned a lot and shared our love of Marietta. https://www.mariettafoodtours.com    

Chalktoberfest is back! Sally Macaulay is excited to present the biggest fundraiser for the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Beer tickets are still available and with over 80 artists, music and activities for the non-professional artists. October 9th and 10th!

Taylor Rambo became the executive director of the Georgia Symphony recently after a career built on learning and doing. He earned degrees in music business and entertainment and two masters and volunteered and worked helping non-profits excel. After COVID hit 2020, Taylor was furloughed in DC and decided to return to Marietta and restart. Now he brings his knowledge and energy to bring the symphony to the next level.  This is his story.

Amy Reed just took over the director job at the history museum and she has plans. Good thing her fried and co-worker, Christa McCay knows how to execute Amy's creative ideas. In their latest collaboration, Marietta 1899, Color Captured in Black and White,  Amy and Christa created a memorial day weekend in Marietta full of every day life.  I love what the future holds for the museum and so will you.

In this epic podcast (1 1/2 hours long), Andy Gaines traces his earliest memory of the Strand (3rd grade) to his shift from business major to what he calls his underwater basket weaving degree to Tyler Perry's studio to working out west and then back to Marietta and dealing with COVID.  Phew, no wonder it is so long!

Amie Burke's daughter Jaida came up with an idea for kids to do nice things in the community and KIDS (Kindness in Doing Service)  was born. Bill catches up with the group and members of the Cobb Police and later Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson as they prepare backpacks for kids returning to school. Everyone had a great time helping, see the pics on mariettastories.com Hee's their Website if you would like to help. https://kids-care2018.org  

Alexandra Beswick the Central Region Manager of the Cobb Library System gave Bill Nowicki a tour of the renovated Switzer Library. The improved library includes a maker space and redesigned Georgia Room among many other things.

Matt B Davis grew up in Marietta and had more fun vining for class clown than listening to his conservative parent's advice. Good thing he didn't. He couldn't stand trying to fit in.  He is now an entrepreneur and runs a company. Some of his old Marietta friends are miserable in their traditional jobs and think he might have had the last laugh.

What could be better than Marietta Stories and The Marietta Visitor Bureau Teaming together?  I can't think of anything.  Bill talks with Courtney Spiess the Executive Director of the Marietta Visitors Bureau!  

Ira Blumenthal is a Renaissance man. He has succeeded in the corporate world, but his passions run the gamut. From author of books to screenplays, to lacrosse coach to professional speaker, Ira keeps reinventing himself. However, he is most proud of the title of husband, father and grandfather. Ira shares his decades of wisdom and how to focus on the important parts of life.

Two magical musicians scheduled to play on Fountaines Lewis newest event: Gwen Hughes and Zach Wilson. Both have great stories and they preview the festival. Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marietta-international-music-festival-tickets-158151343927?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Gwen Hughes https://www.instagram.com/gwenhughesmusic/ Zach Wilson https://www.instagram.com/zachwkeyz/  

Kelly Halbach wanted to be a nurse to work three days a week. When that didn't work out, she went to something she knew: bartending. Bartending came natural and something is very good at and could pay the bills. She didn't give up on college and when she graduating from Kennesaw State, she bought Mulligan's. Now Kelly and her Mom (her Mom is the cook) make Mulligan's a place to hangout and create community.

Bill and Paul headed over to the Crooked Tree Cafe, a small, breakfast and lunch restaurant on Route 41. The Crooked Tree was recommended by the Marietta City FB Group. From the brisket to sweet tea smoked chicken to the biscuits and the homemade sauces, Paul and Bill could see why. Paul called the brisket "the best I have ever had." Bill agrees. Jeff Haeger has leveraged his many years of restaurant experience and created a menu that has helped navigate COVID, with the help of his landlord. All Bill knows is he had to go there for breakfast after editing the podcast, he had to go there for breakfast.  

Authentic Italian food, wine and great stories what makes for a better lunch than that? Well Bill, Heidi and Paul loved meeting Luigi Tartalione and his employees Madison and Vincent at Italia Mediterranean Grill on Cobb Parkway. We talk Mama, laundry and cooking as well as plenty of banter including watermelon planting pranks.

Paul Southern and Bill Nowicki are joined in their search for great hole in the wall restaurants by Paul's friend, Jim Tarvin. Jim is a frequent visitor to AJ's famous Seafood and Po' Boys at 2100 Roswell Road in Marietta. We sampled several dishes and especially enjoyed the 3 lbs of crawdads and key lime pie for dessert.  There was a good crowd all around enjoying what spring has to offer in Marietta!

Paul and Southern and Bill Nowicki head to Marietta Burger Bar for a great tasting, homemade meal. We spoke with a server who explained what her life during the pandemic. As a single mom she struggled as the restaurant lost patrons.  The great news is the owners took good care of her and helped her through the toughest parts. Still, customer numbers are down and they need help from the community. Hopefully folks will increase their tipping!

Tony Cruise grew up cooking and started working at Baby Tommy's 15 years ago when he restarted his life in Marietta after a divorce. Baby Tommy gave him the restaurant 5 years ago and Tony has worked pretty much non-stop ever since.  Tony puts in 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. On a typical Friday, he makes 200 pizzas and plans on keeping it that way for the future.  https://orderbabytommystogo.com/  

Raul Thomas is a survivor. He pivoted back to his first love --cooking--  after Marietta's Theatre in the Square experienced the COVID shutdown. Never shying away from a challenge, he rebuilt a food truck and started a restaurant and Bodega in Tucker, near Spaghetti Junction.  Paul Southern and Bill experience the cuisine that Raul first brought to Georgia back in the 90's. From octopus to pork to jerk chicken to plantains, from street to restaurant food, Raul is connected with the Caribbean culture he grew up with in NYC.

How many people know what they want to do at age 10? Well Brannen Temple did. He wanted to be a drummer and kept working, listening and learning. He became a sought after studio musician and has played with many of the greats from Chaka Chan to Janet Jackson to the Dixie Chicks.  What motivates him is the connection that is possible by putting aside your ego and creating true connection through trust, listening and love. He is coming to Marietta Jazz and Jokes. Come see him! http://jazzunderthestarsapril17th.eventbrite.com

Sabra Wood was on maternity leave as a flight attendant when she lost her supervisor on United Flight 93 on 9-11. Shaken, she decided to change careers into the corporate world. Then came the 2008 financial crisis.   A single mom with no immediate prospects, she settled in Marietta and began her journey as an entrepreneur and owner of the Red Eyed Mule.    This is her story.

Bill Nowicki and Paul Southern talk broken mics, lost badges and Josh's Chicago Hot dogs and Chicago beef. Josh bought the Taste of Chicago on Powder Springs Street from Carl and even though he is a descendant of an Old Marietta (OM) family.  He followed Carl's lead and recipes. You'll love the Chicago authentic foods as much as Paul and i did.

Mark and April run the Hunt House on White Circle in Marietta. Mark creativity cooks dishes inspired by locally sourced foods and brings in local bands to listen to when you eat. Paul Southern, Bill Nowicki and Heidi Roy (Bill's girlfriend) enjoy a Saturday night trying all the creative foods from the Hunt House. The crawfish Monica was to die for...

Marie grew up in Haiti and went to culinary school there. But it wasn't until she moved to Marietta, that she could realize her dream of creating authentic Haitian food right here. Paul and i tried everything from the beans and rice to goat to the crunch to the turkey and jerk chicken. While the cole slaw was pretty spicy, everything was delicious.  Marie of Marie's kitchen Beans and rice, conch, plantains, spicy cole slaw and special sauce