Podcasts about cobb energy centre

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 4th Publish Date:  April 4th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, April 4th and Happy Birthday to Robert Downey Jr. I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal KSU President Addresses Graduation Rates, Growth and DEI Rhett's Bill Helping Reintegrate Inmates headed to Kemp's Desk OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — April 4 - 6 Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oils All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: MONSTER JAM STORY 1: KSU President Addresses Graduation Rates, Growth and DEI Kennesaw State University President Dr. Kathy Schwaig is focused on improving graduation rates and enhancing student experiences as the university continues its rapid growth, now nearing 48,000 students. Key initiatives include expanding on-campus housing, such as the new $50M Summit II residence hall, and addressing infrastructure challenges like parking. KSU’s new strategic plan, "Taking Flight," emphasizes student success, research, and community engagement. Recent projects include a $60M STEM building and a robotics facility. Schwaig also highlighted efforts to support student organizations and adapt to changes in diversity policies, aiming to foster a supportive and engaging campus environment. STORY 2: Rhett's Bill Helping Reintegrate Inmates headed to Kemp's Desk Georgia Senate Bill 147, authored by Sen. Michael “Doc” Rhett, aims to ease reintegration for former inmates by requiring state correctional institutions to provide key documents like birth certificates, social security cards, work records, and vocational certifications upon request. The bill, unanimously passed and awaiting Gov. Kemp’s signature, seeks to reduce barriers to employment and lower Georgia’s 27% recidivism rate. Rhett, inspired by his work in homeless shelters, emphasized empowering individuals to reenter society successfully. This builds on prior legislation helping inmates obtain work records and driver’s licenses, further supporting their transition to becoming contributing citizens. STORY 3: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — April 4 - 6 This weekend in Atlanta is packed with events! The Braves kick off their 2025 home opener at Truist Park against the Marlins, featuring the Braves Walk, fireworks, giveaways, and kids' activities. Downtown Acworth hosts the Art Fest with artisan crafts, food, and a kid zone. The ATL Blues Festival at Cobb Energy Centre showcases top blues artists Sunday evening. Kennesaw’s Bunny Breakfast offers a family-friendly Easter celebration with pancakes and photo ops. For laughs, Comedy on the Square hits Marietta Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss out—tickets for many events are selling fast! We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  Break: Ingles Markets 4 STORY 4: Parade Cancelled for 49th Annual Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival The 49th annual Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival will take place April 12-13 in downtown Kennesaw, though the kickoff parade has been canceled due to low participation. The free, family-friendly event features over 200 craft booths, the Georgia Grown Member Village, and a Kid’s Zone. Entertainment includes the Ready Go Dog Show, acoustic music, puppetry performances, and live music by Scott Thompson near the Food Court, which will also stream the Masters Golf Tournament. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History anchors the festival, showcasing local history. STORY 5: 26th Annual Wellstar Grand Gala Raises $1.25M for Women’s Health The 26th Annual Wellstar Grand Gala raised $1.25 million to advance women’s health services, addressing disparities in maternal and cancer care. Held at The St. Regis Atlanta, the sold-out event featured 600 attendees, including Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins. Highlights included Wellstar’s Doula Program, improving maternal outcomes, and the Healthy Start initiative, bridging care gaps in rural Georgia. Dr. Michael Andrews received the Philanthropist of the Year award for his oncology advancements, while Jose “Mario” Castillo was honored as Caregiver of the Year for his dedication during Hurricane Helene. Proceeds will support Wellstar’s mission to improve women’s health outcomes. Break: MONSTER JAM And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oils We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: MONSTER JAM Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.monsterjam.com/en-us/ #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for March 26th Publish Date:  March 26th    Commercial: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, March 26th and Happy Birthday to Diana Ross ***03.26.25 - BIRTHDAY – DIANA ROSS*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Lawmakers decide to ban cellphones in public elementary and middle schools Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Series Returns For 2025 'We can't do our jobs': Some Cobb Servers Still Down After 'Unusual Activity' Spotted All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL STORY 1: Lawmakers decide to ban cellphones in public elementary and middle schools Starting next fall, Georgia's "Distraction-Free Education Act" will ban personal cellphone use in public elementary and middle schools, following overwhelming legislative support. The bill, awaiting Governor Brian Kemp's signature, requires students to lock up devices during school hours, with exceptions for medical or disability-related needs. The move addresses concerns about technology's impact on children, echoing global trends like bans in Australia and France. Proponents argue the ban reduces distractions and improves student well-being, while critics worry about communication during emergencies. Discussions may extend the ban to high schools in the future, reflecting ongoing debates about technology's role in education. STORY 2: Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Series Returns For 2025 The 2025 Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K series returns with four races on a fast, USATF-certified course through downtown Kennesaw and Swift-Cantrell Park. Part of the Fit City Kennesaw initiative, the series caters to competitive runners, beginners, and families, offering a festival-like atmosphere. Races start at Kennesaw First Baptist Church, with a one-mile fun run, 5K, and Tot Trot, followed by awards. The schedule includes races in April, June, September, and October, with early bird pricing and a custom gift for full-series registrants. Registration is open at raceroster.com, and more details are available at kennesawgrandprix.com. STORY 3: 'We can't do our jobs': Some Cobb Servers Still Down After 'Unusual Activity' Spotted Cobb County is grappling with server issues after detecting unusual activity, which officials hesitate to label as a "hack." Several servers were taken offline for maintenance, disrupting internet access, email, and online systems across county offices, including courts and police. Court filings and payments are being processed manually, and employees report limited communication about the situation. Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor advised bringing hard copies for upcoming hearings, while electronic payments remain paused. Officials hope to restore all servers today, but the disruptions have significantly impacted daily operations. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    Break: INGLES 1 STORY 4: Cobb Staff Wants 290 More Employees, $93 Million Boost in 2026 Budget Cobb County's proposed 2026 fiscal year budget includes a $92.7 million increase, largely driven by requests for 290 new full-time positions, down from last year’s 380. Key requests include 113 positions for the Sheriff’s Office as part of a $27 million budget and an $8.8 million increase for Cobb Police. Commissioner Keli Gambrill raised concerns about potential duplication of services. Public hearings on the budget and millage rate are scheduled for late June and July, with a final vote expected after the last hearing. Adjustments may be needed due to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. STORY 5: KSU Assistant Professor Receives National Honor for Mentorship in Oncology Nursing Kennesaw State University assistant professor Chinomso Nwozichi has received the prestigious Connie Henke Yarbro Excellence in Cancer Nursing Mentorship Award from the Oncology Nursing Foundation. Honored for his dedication to mentoring future oncology nurses, Nwozichi has made significant contributions to cancer care and education globally. Since joining KSU in 2023, he has published extensively, mentored undergraduate researchers, and advanced oncology nursing education as president of the Oncology Nursing Society of Nigeria. His work emphasizes evidence-based care, leadership, and advocacy, earning him recognition as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Break: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL STORY 6: Dobbins Names Kennesaw Mountain Senior Airman for a Day Kennesaw Mountain High School senior Joseph Owens, a former patient at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, was named Airman for a Day by the U.S. Air Force’s 700th Airlift Squadron. The event, part of a partnership with Children’s Healthcare, gave Joseph a hands-on experience at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, including fire rescue training, a mock traffic stop, and trying on pilot safety gear. Adopted from Uganda, Joseph overcame severe ear infections and hearing loss with years of treatment, culminating in restored hearing. Now planning to join the U.S. Marine Corps, Joseph said the experience motivates him for his future military career. STORY 7: Tommy Nobis Center Hosts 27th Annual Galaxy of Stars Luncheon The Tommy Nobis Center will host its 27th Annual Galaxy of Stars Luncheon on April 25 at the Cobb Energy Centre, celebrating individuals with disabilities and community leaders who support them. This year’s theme, "Empowered," underscores TNC’s mission to help individuals achieve their career goals. Honorees include Kim Menefee (Lifetime Achievement Award), Laura and Eric Hart (Community Champions Award), and Nolan Wilson (Rising Star Award). The event features an online auction starting April 4, with proceeds funding programs for youth and adults with disabilities. Cobb EMC Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor. Break: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.monsterjam.com/en-us #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor and comedian Ben Schwartz stops by before his upcoming improv comedy show at Cobb Energy Centre on March 15. Plus, filmmaker Jarrett Ray discusses his new documentary, “Displaced but Not Erased,” which screens at the DeKalb History Center on March 13.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for March 7th Publish Date:  March 7th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, March 7th and Happy Birthday to Bryan Cranston ***03.07.25 - BIRTHDAY – BRIAN CRANSTON*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb Drug Task Force Seizes $261K, Drugs, Guns in Bust Construction on New Austell Park Begins Next Week Kennesaw Greenlights $13.9M Public Safety Building Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cooking for picky toddlers All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: Ingles Markets 6 STORY 1: Cobb Drug Task Force Seizes $261K, Drugs, Guns in Bust The Marietta Cobb Smyrna Narcotics Task Force seized over $261,000 in cash, 867 grams of heroin, 39 grams of cocaine, five grams of fentanyl, marijuana, and five firearms in a major drug bust this week. The operation stemmed from a traffic stop and search warrant. The task force, a multi-agency group formed in 1980, investigates narcotics activity across Cobb County. Officials praised the collaboration for enhancing community safety. The investigation is ongoing, with no details about suspects released yet. STORY 2: Construction on New Austell Park Begins Next Week Construction begins next week on Austell's new Jefferson Street Park, a 10,000-square-foot greenspace replacing part of a strip mall parking lot downtown. The $250,000-$300,000 project will feature a pavilion, fire pit, cornhole area, community stage, and updated parking with sidewalks and landscaping. Funded by grants and sponsorships, the park aims to host events like seasonal markets and the city's annual Christmas tree lighting. Part of Austell's Downtown Livable Center Initiative, the project is set to finish by November, with a ribbon-cutting and holiday celebration planned for December. STORY 3: Kennesaw Greenlights $13.9M Public Safety Building The Kennesaw City Council approved a $13.9 million contract to build a new 25,000-square-foot police headquarters on Moon Station Road, addressing overcrowding at the current facility. Funded by SPLOST, stormwater reserves, and ARPA, the building will also house 911 staff and emergency operations. Construction, managed by Gay Construction, is expected to take 15 months. The council also approved a $282,900 contract with Patterson & Dewar Engineers for construction oversight, funded by SPLOST. Additional approvals included funding for sidewalks in Woodland Acres, stormwater pipe purchases, and a $127,750 contract for the 2025 Concert Series. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  Break: INGLES 7 STORY 4: Large-Screen TVs, Lockers, Landscaping Upgrades Coming to The Battery The Battery Atlanta is getting a series of upgrades ahead of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park. Enhancements include updated LED screens, expanded restrooms, new seating, interactive digital directories with emergency call buttons, redesigned landscaping, and updated walkways. Large TVs will be installed above Shake Shack and Good Game restaurants, ensuring fans can watch games. Additional updates include new seating and drink rails at Heritage Court and Battery Avenue, plus secure Binbox Lockers for personal items. While The Battery remains open during construction, temporary disruptions are expected. STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — March 7 - 9 This weekend in Cobb County offers a variety of events: - Atlanta Opera's "Macbeth" at Cobb Energy Centre, starring Michael Mayes and Sara Gartland, with showtimes Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $52. - Atlanta Home Show at Cobb Galleria Centre, featuring 175+ booths of home improvement ideas, running Friday through Sunday. General admission is $11. - "The Last Five Years" at the Strand Theatre, a two-person musical running Friday through Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. - Bubbles & Brews Craft Beverage Month, with tastings, live music, and prizes at local breweries all weekend. - "A Comedy of Errors" at the Strand Theatre, with its final show Friday at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 (21+ only). Break: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cooking for picky toddlers *** INGLES 1 (PICKY TODDLER) *** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 8 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for February 7th Publish Date:  February 7th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, February 7th and Happy Birthday to Garth Brooks ***02.07.25 - BIRTHDAY – GARTH BROOKS*** I’m Dan Ratcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Man Accused of Hit and Run While Fleeing Police in Stolen Mercedes Marietta Man to Appear on "The Price Is Right" in Honor of Grandmother Cobb Inmate Accused of Possessing a Shank Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL) STORY 1: Man Accused of Hit and Run While Fleeing Police in Stolen Mercedes Jeremiah Michael Mathurin, 24, of Auburn, was arrested after a hit-and-run incident on Jan. 30 in Marietta while fleeing police in a stolen 2020 Mercedes. Driving at 70-80 mph in a 35 mph zone, Mathurin ran a red light, collided with another vehicle, and fled on foot. Both vehicles were heavily damaged, and a Glock 19 was found in the Mercedes. Mathurin faces multiple charges, including theft, fleeing police, hit-and-run, and firearm possession during a crime. He was arrested that night and released on Feb. 1 on a $20,000 bond. STORY 2: Marietta Man to Appear on "The Price Is Right" in Honor of Grandmother Marietta resident Parker Branton, 30, fulfilled a lifelong dream on Thursday as he competed on “The Price Is Right,” honoring his late grandmother Judy, who inspired his love for the show. Growing up, Parker and his siblings watched the game show daily with Judy, who dreamed of attending a live taping. In fall 2024, Parker and his brother Sam traveled to California to fulfill that dream. Parker was selected to “come on down” during his first taping, an unforgettable moment he attributes to luck and his grandmother’s spirit. His episode aired Thursday at 11 a.m. on CBS and Paramount+. STORY 3: Cobb Inmate Accused of Possessing a Shank Emmanuel Torres Hernandez, 20, of Marietta, is accused of possessing a homemade weapon at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on Jan. 27. The three-inch sharpened weapon was discovered in an air vent in his cell, wrapped in a sticker bearing his name and ID number. Hernandez faces charges for possessing prohibited items and remains in custody without bond. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back  Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County) STORY 4: Cobb School Counselors Recognized for Outstanding Student Support Six Cobb schools earned top honors during National School Counseling Week for their exceptional programs, showcasing the theme “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.” Big Shanty Intermediate, Kemp Elementary, Hightower Trail Middle, Smitha Middle, Harrison High, and Walton High implemented innovative initiatives to boost student success. Highlights include Big Shanty’s 50% drop in discipline referrals through self-regulation lessons, Kemp’s 32% reduction via Morning Meetings, and Harrison’s 77% increase in passing rates for 9th-grade Hispanic students. These schools exemplify how strong counseling programs foster academic achievement, emotional growth, and positive school climates. STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — Feb. 7- 9 - Atlanta Ballet's "The Rite of Spring": Experience the world premiere this Friday-Sunday at Cobb Energy Centre. Choreographed by Claudia Schreier, it features Stravinsky’s iconic score and Russian folklore-inspired dances. Tickets: $28-$150. - GMDT’s Dancing with the Stars: This Saturday at The Strand Theatre, local celebrities perform to support GMDT’s 2025-2026 season. The show starts at 7 p.m., tickets start at $60. - "GHOST: The Musical": Catch the final weekend of this romantic thriller at Marietta Theatre Company, Friday-Sunday. Tickets: $28-$52, showtime at 8 p.m. - Big Game Bash: Watch the Super Bowl on a 32-foot screen at Live! at the Battery Atlanta this Sunday. Pre-game fun includes a DJ and giveaways. General admission: $10 (21+ only). - A Victorian Wedding Exhibit: Visit the William Root House Friday-Sunday to see a display of 1860s wedding artifacts. Admission: $6-$9. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Break: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting *** INGLES ASK LEAH 3 BUDGETING*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 8 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.cuofga.org www.drakerealty.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Dec 26th         Publish Date:  Dec 19th     Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  Today is Tuesday, December 26th, and Happy 59th Birthday to Metallica Drummer Lar Ulrich. ***12.26.23 – BIRTHDAY – LARS ULRICH*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Local Initiatives Spearhead Composting Efforts to Combat Holiday Induced Environmental Issues Essential Guide to Packing for Holiday Air Travel Navigating Peak and Off-Peak Driving Hours during Christmas and New Year's in Georgia Plus, Keith Ippolito's conversation with Dr. Ike Reighard from MUST Ministries. All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! BREAK: CU of GA  STORY 1: Composting Efforts to Combat Holiday Induced Environmental Issues Now that the Christmas gifts have been opened and Christmas dinner has been consumed, local initiatives and composting efforts are aiming to address environmental issues during the holidays. Americans contribute to a 25% increase in waste, totaling 25 million tons during the holidays. Gift-giving, driven by sales, leads to unnecessary purchases, creating more waste. Unwanted gifts add to the problem, with 53% of Americans receiving them. Wrapping paper alone generates 40 million tons of waste annually. Online shopping contributes to excessive packaging, totaling 85 million tons of paper products each year. Food waste is another challenge, with 305 million pounds wasted annually from the holidays. STORY 2: Holiday Air Travel Guide: What Can You Pack Navigating through airport security during the holiday season can be daunting. Here's a quick rundown of what you can bring on your flight. Solid food items are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. But TSA officers may need to inspect these at security checkpoints. Liquids and gels follow different rules. Wine and beer in unopened retail packaging are allowed. Declare them at check-in if in checked baggage and consider extra protection like freezer bags and bubble wrap. Golf clubs and bags can be checked in. For fishing equipment, check airline size limitations for carry-ons. Secure sharp tackle in checked bags. Bicycles have varying guidelines and fees, so consult your airline. Smaller instruments like guitars can be carried on, while larger ones must be checked in. All carry-on instruments may undergo security screening. Transporting weapons is allowed following TSA guidelines. Unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container can be checked in. For more information, contact the TSA. STORY 3: And Peak and Off-Peak Driving Hours for Christmas and New Year's in Georgia  The holiday season is upon us, and AAA predicts a record-breaking travel period in Georgia. An estimated 3.6 million Georgians are set to journey at least 50 miles between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1, 2024, a 2.8% rise from last year. The vast majority, about 3.3 million, will drive, while others will take to the skies. According to AAA's VP of Travel, Debbie Haas, this could be Georgia's busiest year-end holiday travel season on record. To avoid the rush, aim for travel before 10 a.m. from Dec. 26 to 30. Peak congestion times to avoid range from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Dec. 26 to 30. If you're driving on I-20 westbound from Augusta to Atlanta, be prepared - traffic could be 23% heavier than usual. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We'll be right back.  Break: ESOG STORY 4: She bought a colorful vase at Goodwill for $3.99. The rare piece sold at auction for $107,000 In an unexpected turn of events, a Virginia woman's $3.99 thrift store purchase turned into a $107,100 windfall. Jessica Vincent bought a colorful vase from a Goodwill store, not knowing it was part of the rare Pennelatte series by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa from the 1940s. The vase was auctioned at the Wright Auction House in Chicago to an anonymous private European collector. Vincent plans to use her unexpected earnings to install an HVAC system in her recently acquired farmhouse. This story serves as a vivid reminder that hidden treasures can indeed be found in the most unexpected places. STORY 5: EVENTS THIS WEEK Atlanta Ballet's unique rendition of "The Nutcracker" returns to the Cobb Energy Centre, delighting audiences with an innovative blend of traditional stagecraft and modern technology. This reimagined classic is set to enchant viewers at 2pm today. In other entertainment news, Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Baby is set to celebrate his birthday in style with his third annual birthday bash at State Farm Arena on December 27th. Fans can secure their spots to this star-studded event via Ticketmaster.com. Finally, Cirque du Soleil brings its latest spectacle, ECHO, to the Big Top at Atlantic Station. The show, starting at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, delves into themes of evolution and interconnectedness through breathtaking acrobatics, expressive poetry, and innovative technology. ECHO not only pushes the boundaries of performance art but also prompts audiences to reflect on their role in the world. We'll be back in a moment  Break: DRAKE – INGLES 3 STORY 6: And now here is Keith Ippolito's conversation with Dr. Ike Reighard from MUST Ministries. STORY 7: Break: Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.   Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: henssler.com ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com esogrepair.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26.GDP Script/ Top Stories for Dec 26th    Publish Date:  Dec 20th    HENSSLER 15 From the Henssler Financial Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 26th and Happy 59th Birthday to Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich ***12.26.23 – BIRTHDAY – LARS ULRICH*** I'm Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia. Local Initiatives Spearhead Composting Efforts to Combat Holiday Induced Environmental Issues Essential Guide to Packing for Holiday Air Travel Navigating Peak and Off-Peak Driving Hours during Christmas and New Year's in Georgia Plus, my conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on vitamin C. All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: PEGGY SLAPPY   STORY 1: Composting Efforts to Combat Holiday Induced Environmental Issues Now that the Christmas gifts have been opened and Christmas dinner has been consumed, local initiatives and composting efforts are aiming to address environmental issues during the holidays. Americans contribute to a 25% increase in waste, totaling 25 million tons during the holidays. Gift-giving, driven by sales, leads to unnecessary purchases, creating more waste. Unwanted gifts add to the problem, with 53% of Americans receiving them. Wrapping paper alone generates 40 million tons of waste annually. Online shopping contributes to excessive packaging, totaling 85 million tons of paper products each year. Food waste is another challenge, with 305 million pounds wasted annually from the holidays. STORY 2: Holiday Air Travel Guide: What Can You Pack Navigating through airport security during the holiday season can be daunting. Here's a quick rundown of what you can bring on your flight. Solid food items are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. But TSA officers may need to inspect these at security checkpoints. Liquids and gels follow different rules. Wine and beer in unopened retail packaging are allowed. Declare them at check-in if in checked baggage and consider extra protection like freezer bags and bubble wrap. Golf clubs and bags can be checked in. For fishing equipment, check airline size limitations for carry-ons. Secure sharp tackle in checked bags. Bicycles have varying guidelines and fees, so consult your airline. Smaller instruments like guitars can be carried on, while larger ones must be checked in. All carry-on instruments may undergo security screening. Transporting weapons is allowed following TSA guidelines. Unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container can be checked in. For more information, contact the TSA. STORY 3: Peak and Off-Peak Driving Hours for Christmas and New Year's in Georgia The holiday season is upon us, and AAA predicts a record-breaking travel period in Georgia. An estimated 3.6 million Georgians are set to journey at least 50 miles between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1, 2024, a 2.8% rise from last year. The vast majority, about 3.3 million, will drive, while others will take to the skies. According to AAA's VP of Travel, Debbie Haas, this could be Georgia's busiest year-end holiday travel season on record. To avoid the rush, aim for travel before 10 a.m. from Dec. 26 to 30. Peak congestion times to avoid range from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Dec. 26 to 30. If you're driving on I-20 westbound from Augusta to Atlanta, be prepared - traffic could be 23% heavier than usual. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back Break 2: M.O.G. – TOM WAGES – INGLES 2   STORY 4: She bought a colorful vase at Goodwill for $3.99. The rare piece sold at auction for $107,000 In an unexpected turn of events, a Virginia woman's $3.99 thrift store purchase turned into a $107,100 windfall. Jessica Vincent bought a colorful vase from a Goodwill store, not knowing it was part of the rare Pennelatte series by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa from the 1940s. The vase was auctioned at the Wright Auction House in Chicago to an anonymous private European collector. Vincent plans to use her unexpected earnings to install an HVAC system in her recently acquired farmhouse. This story serves as a vivid reminder that hidden treasures can indeed be found in the most unexpected places. STORY 5: EVENTS THIS WEEK Atlanta Ballet's unique rendition of "The Nutcracker" returns to the Cobb Energy Centre, delighting audiences with an innovative blend of traditional stagecraft and modern technology. This reimagined classic is set to enchant viewers at 2pm today. In other entertainment news, Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Baby is set to celebrate his birthday in style with his third annual birthday bash at State Farm Arena on December 27th. Fans can secure their spots to this star-studded event via Ticketmaster.com. Finally, Cirque du Soleil brings its latest spectacle, ECHO, to the Big Top at Atlantic Station. The show, starting at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, delves into themes of evolution and interconnectedness through breathtaking acrobatics, expressive poetry, and innovative technology. ECHO not only pushes the boundaries of performance art but also prompts audiences to reflect on their role in the world.   We'll be back in a moment.   Break 3: GCPS – DTL – ESOG   STORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH And now here is my conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on vitamin C.   STORY 7: LEAH MCGRATH ***LEAH MCGRATH INERVIEW***   We'll have final thoughts after this.   Break 4: JACKSON EMC – Henssler 60   Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at Gwinnettdailypost.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: henssler.com ingles-markets.com wagesfuneralhome.com psponline.com esogrepair.com mallofgeorgiachryslerdodgejeep.com downtownlawrencevillega.com jacksonemc.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 26th       Publish Date: December 20th     Henssler :15  From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Tuesday, December 26th, and Happy 56TH Birthday to Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. ***12.26.23 – BIRTHDAY – LARS ULRICH*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Local Initiatives Spearhead Composting Efforts to Combat Holiday Induced Environmental Issues Essential Guide to Packing for Holiday Air Travel Navigating Peak and Off-Peak Driving Hours during Christmas and New Year's in Georgia Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss vitamin C. We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: CU of GA STORY 1: Composting Efforts to Combat Holiday Induced Environmental Issues Now that the Christmas gifts have been opened and Christmas dinner has been consumed, local initiatives and composting efforts are aiming to address environmental issues during the holidays. Americans contribute to a 25% increase in waste, totaling 25 million tons during the holidays. Gift-giving, driven by sales, leads to unnecessary purchases, creating more waste. Unwanted gifts add to the problem, with 53% of Americans receiving them. Wrapping paper alone generates 40 million tons of waste annually. Online shopping contributes to excessive packaging, totaling 85 million tons of paper products each year. Food waste is another challenge, with 305 million pounds wasted annually from the holidays. STORY 2: Holiday Air Travel Guide: What Can You Pack Navigating through airport security during the holiday season can be daunting. Here's a quick rundown of what you can bring on your flight. Solid food items are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. But TSA officers may need to inspect these at security checkpoints. Liquids and gels follow different rules. Wine and beer in unopened retail packaging are allowed. Declare them at check-in if in checked baggage and consider extra protection like freezer bags and bubble wrap. Golf clubs and bags can be checked in. For fishing equipment, check airline size limitations for carry-ons. Secure sharp tackle in checked bags. Bicycles have varying guidelines and fees, so consult your airline. Smaller instruments like guitars can be carried on, while larger ones must be checked in. All carry-on instruments may undergo security screening. Transporting weapons is allowed following TSA guidelines. Unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container can be checked in. For more information, contact the TSA. STORY 3: Peak and Off-Peak Driving Hours for Christmas and New Year's in Georgia The holiday season is upon us, and AAA predicts a record-breaking travel period in Georgia. An estimated 3.6 million Georgians are set to journey at least 50 miles between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1, 2024, a 2.8% rise from last year. The vast majority, about 3.3 million, will drive, while others will take to the skies. According to AAA's VP of Travel, Debbie Haas, this could be Georgia's busiest year-end holiday travel season on record. To avoid the rush, aim for travel before 10 a.m. from Dec. 26 to 30. Peak congestion times to avoid range from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Dec. 26 to 30. If you're driving on I-20 westbound from Augusta to Atlanta, be prepared - traffic could be 23% heavier than usual. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.  Back in a moment  Break: DRAKE – ESOG STORY 4: She bought a colorful vase at Goodwill for $3.99. The rare piece sold at auction for $107,000 In an unexpected turn of events, a Virginia woman's $3.99 thrift store purchase turned into a $107,100 windfall. Jessica Vincent bought a colorful vase from a Goodwill store, not knowing it was part of the rare Pennelatte series by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa from the 1940s. The vase was auctioned at the Wright Auction House in Chicago to an anonymous private European collector. Vincent plans to use her unexpected earnings to install an HVAC system in her recently acquired farmhouse. This story serves as a vivid reminder that hidden treasures can indeed be found in the most unexpected places. STORY 5: EVENTS THIS WEEK Atlanta Ballet's unique rendition of "The Nutcracker" returns to the Cobb Energy Centre, delighting audiences with an innovative blend of traditional stagecraft and modern technology. This reimagined classic is set to enchant viewers at 2pm today. In other entertainment news, Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Baby is set to celebrate his birthday in style with his third annual birthday bash at State Farm Arena on December 27th. Fans can secure their spots to this star-studded event via Ticketmaster.com. Finally, Cirque du Soleil brings its latest spectacle, ECHO, to the Big Top at Atlantic Station. The show, starting at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, delves into themes of evolution and interconnectedness through breathtaking acrobatics, expressive poetry, and innovative technology. ECHO not only pushes the boundaries of performance art but also prompts audiences to reflect on their role in the world. Commercial: HELLER LAW – INGLES 6 STORY 6: INGLES - LEAH And now here is Bruce Jenkins' conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on vitamin C. STORY 7: LEAH INTERVIEW We'll have closing comments after this.  COMMERCIAL: Henssler 60  SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for listening to today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. . If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are what we do.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: henssler.com ingles-markets.com jeffhellerlaw.com drakerealty.com esogrepair.com mallofgeorgiachryslerdodgejeep.com cherokeechamber.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside has become one of the genre's most consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta. Whiteside is also a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee and four-time nominee for the Smooth Jazz Network's Best Artist Award. That distinction is well-deserved, as the Atlanta-based musician, songwriter, and vocalist have become one of very few women players to excel in the male-dominated instrumental sphere, garnering eight consecutive Top Ten Billboard airplay singles by 2022. And she's done it as an independent artist, releasing projects on Randis Music, the label she founded with her husband, producer, and composer Dennis Johnson. Her most recent full-length project, 2022's Thrill Ride, is her sixth career album to date and it lives up to its title, demonstrating Whiteside's breathtaking virtuosity and melodic skills on a thrilling journey through a landscape of dynamic grooves. The project features eight songs, which are largely produced by her longtime collaborators Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin. Other producers include Chris “Big Dog” Davis on the sexy update of Stevie Wonder's “Don't You Worry Bout A Thing,” and James Lloyd of the veteran group Pieces Of A Dream, who contributes “A Toast At Sunset” as writer and keyboardist as well. Her third single from the project, “Full Court Press,” is a smooth and sexy groove co-written by Whiteside with the team of Johnson and Baldwin, who produced, and featured guitarist Phil Hamilton and drummer Rich Harrison, also known as the artist RAH. Whiteside's previous single was the title track, “Thrill Ride,” which was also written and produced by Johnson, Baldwin, and Whiteside, and features guitarist Hamilton and drummer RAH. The single peaked at No. 1 on five radio charts, including the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart, Mediabase, the Smooth Jazz Network, Radiowave and Groove Jazz Music. Her previous single from the set, “Off The Cuff,” not only peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay chart, where it spent 17 weeks, but it also earned her the Jazz Music Awards nomination that she ultimately won. In addition to her projects, Whiteside has been a busy collaborator. Over the last two years, the native New Yorker also charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay chart for her collaboration with Kim Scott's 2022 remake of Ashford & Simpson's 1978 mega-hit, “I'm Every Woman” along with Althea René, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. Whiteside also co-wrote Bob Baldwin's top-charting hit, “B Positive,” with production partners Dennis Johnson and Baldwin. Additionally, she is featured on “This Time Around” with contemporary jazz artist Jarez, from his latest project, J Funk City. In 2022, she appeared on two tracks, “Seven Eight” and “Solo,” on veteran jazz drummer Billy Cobham's new album, Drum'N'Voice Vol. 5. Whiteside has continued to delight fans and critics alike with her engaging, upbeat melodies and exhilarating flute playing. Tunes like “Thrill Ride,” “Off The Cuff,” “JJ's Strut,” “Reminiscing,” “Jam It,” “Early Arrival,” “See You At The Get Down,” and the Billboard No. 1 “Corey's Bop” have burnished her reputation. But while Whiteside has made her mark fusing inspired flute melodies and breathtaking solos with hip upbeat grooves, she gained her musical acumen by training as a classical flutist. Originally from Mount Vernon, New York, Whiteside played drums, piano, and violin in elementary school before a desire to be in the marching band put the flute in her hand at age 8. “They had this thing called Band Day where all the public schools would march in a parade through Mount Vernon. I said, ‘Oh. I need to be in this parade.'” There were no violins in the marching band, so Whiteside was offered the flute. “I did not want to play the flute. And it took me about a week to get a sound out of it,” she says. But once young Whiteside locked onto the instrument, she immediately focused on what kind of music she wanted to play but was steered into a more traditional path. “My parents got me a private teacher. I said to my teacher, ‘Okay, I want to do jazz.' And he was like, ‘No, you're going to play classical,'” Whiteside recalls. “‘I don't want to play classical.' ‘Well, you can play jazz later, but you need to get your foundation in classical music.' Once again, I was being forced into something, but I started playing and I started getting good at it, and I started to like it.” The young flute player got good and got serious. She participated in Mount Vernon High School's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU-influenced marching bands), entered multiple musical competitions – some with cash prizes – and won. Members of the National Association of Negro Musicians mentored her, many of whom held positions as opera singers, orchestrators, music directors, and instrumentalists in classical music at a time when African Americans were still not often included. She also participated in the NAACP's ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) competitions for young people, where she won both regional and national titles in two different years. With these distinctions under her belt, Whiteside went on to the Cleveland Conservatory of Music, where she was one of just six African American students. When she transferred to the highly competitive HARID Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, she discovered she was now the only one. After receiving so much encouragement and mentoring during her high school years, this was a culture shock. “I was on my own, there was no support, there was nobody I could go and talk to,” Whiteside explains. “On top of that, just being in a classical conservatory, it's cutthroat, it's competitive, it's hardcore. A lot is expected of you, and everybody's trying to go after the same five or six openings.” The pressure to perform was intense and her motivation for that life started to wane. During her senior year-end performance, for which she was to play a well-rehearsed, 20-minute flute concerto, Whiteside went blank halfway through. Offered the opportunity to start again, Whiteside realized she was at a turning point and instead walked out. Influenced by such diverse flute masters as jazz-classical player Hubert Laws, the late Latin jazz artist Dave Valentin, and the French classical flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal, Whiteside received rigorous musical training that prepared her to play in the most prestigious symphony orchestras in the world, but after graduation, Whiteside admits she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. Back home in Mount Vernon, she attended a show at a local jazz club where keyboardist, producer, and composer Bob Baldwin was headlining. While watching, Whiteside says she had an epiphany: “I was sitting up front and I said, ‘Oh my God. This is what I want to do.' ” After the show, she introduced herself to Baldwin. “I told him, ‘Look I'm a classical musician but I want to make the transition to jazz. Do you have any advice for me? And we talked for a while and he pretty much took me under his wing, right then and there,” Whiteside explains. “And two days later, I went to a studio in Yonkers, and it turned into my first non-classical studio session.” Whiteside performed a Stevie Wonder tune for Baldwin and studio owner Dennis Johnson, who later became her husband. “I played a Stevie Wonder tune, and they're like, ‘Hey, we need some flute on this jingle for [New York smooth jazz station] CD 101.9.' And I did that, and from there Bob taught me how to make that transition from classical to jazz, and Dennis showed me the ins and outs of audio recording and using computers to compose music.” Since then, Johnson and Baldwin have become Whiteside's frequent songwriting collaborators. Whiteside instantly began her successful foray into the contemporary soul-jazz sphere. After launching the Randis Music label in 2007 with her husband Johnson, she collaborated with Johnson and Baldwin again on her 2007 release Class Axe, 2012's Evolve, 2014's Quantum Drive, 2017's Troublemaker, and 2020's five-track EP Five Up Top. She also teamed with popular saxophonist Kim Waters for the 2017 release Early Arrival. She has collaborated on tracks with several artists including Marion Meadows, Patrice Rushen, Tom Brown, Walter Beasley, Melba Moore, Chieli Minucci, Frank McComb, and others. She has also been a popular performer at the Berks Jazz Fest, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, the Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival in Spain, and the Capital Jazz Super Cruise. Meanwhile, Whiteside and her husband Dennis Johnson made the jump from New York to Atlanta when it became clear that Atlanta offered a more attractive lifestyle. Further, digital technology has made it easy to produce and distribute music from anywhere. “Atlanta is like a hub,” Whiteside explains. “You can get to so many different places relatively quickly from Atlanta. For the first time, we were able to get to New Orleans, Nashville, Houston, the Carolinas, and all over Florida without having to fly, and every place we went, we experienced new musical influences.” Whiteside has also maintained a career as a tech consultant and her role as a mother of two. In late 2020, Whiteside added another title to her list of accomplishments: Radio personality. Spotted at a show by David Linton, a former label executive and current program director of Atlanta's station, Jazz 91.9 WCLK, Whiteside was offered the opportunity to audition as a host. She now holds down the popular No. 1 Saturday morning show “Saturday with Ragan Whiteside, ” another role she has grown to enjoy. With so many professional balls to juggle, and the concert industry opening back up, Ragan Whiteside can lay claim to life as a contemporary jazz star as one big “Thrill Ride.” In this episode, Ragan shares her background, education, and musical journey. If you enjoyed this episode please make sure to subscribe, follow, rate, and/or review this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, ect. Connect with us on all social media platforms and at www.improvexchange.com

Heading into the 2023 traditional state wrestling championships at the Macon Coliseum, Cobb County had three wrestlers who were trying to win back-to-back titles. As of this past weekend, Hillgrove's Zion Rutledge, Kennesaw Mountain's Genevieve An and Lassiter's May Prado can now call themselves two-time state champions. After a bye in the first round, Rutledge, wrestling at 215 pounds, pinned Mountain View's Lex Hennebaul in the first period, beat North Cobb's with an 11-4 decision in the semifinals and then pinned South Forsyth's Cole Williams in the third period of the championship match to claim the title. Rutledge dominated the championship match, as he was up 11-3 in points when the fall occurred. An had been upset in the girls sectional tournament and finished third, and that may have provided enough incentive to take it to another level at state. In four matches in the 170-pound division she recorded four pins, which included two in the first period -- her opening match and then again in the final.  In the championship match, Mia Bernacki of Effingham County lasted only 1:31 into the match before An overpowered her to defend her championship. Prado followed a similar path. After a bye in the first round, she defended her title by recording three straight pins. Only the championship match made it past the first round. Prado was up 11-2 when she finished off Monroe Area's Te'yarah Lett in the second period, 3:47 into the match. In all Cobb came away with seven state champions, two runners-up and three third-place finishers. For a list of champions and top 3 finishers, please check out MDJ Online dot com. Comedian, actor and producer Joe Gatto is bringing shenanigans and antics to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Thursday for his "Night of Comedy" tour. The former "Impractical Jokers" star, best known for his decade-long career in making America laugh, is on the road for his 40-city solo tour. From childhood stories as a Staten Island native to the realities of fatherhood, Gatto said attendees will hear it all. In December 2021, Gatto announced on social media that he was leaving "Impractical Jokers" for personal reasons.  Those who haven't seen truTV's hit TV show "Impractical Jokers", Gatto and his three childhood best friends Brian "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray and Sal Vulcano challenge each other to perform outlandish dares in public. Since 2011, the hidden camera prank show chronicled the comedy troupe's overt interactions with strangers. Aside from Gatto's comedy tour, he also co-hosts the "Two Cool Moms" podcast with stand-up comedian Steve Byrne. Joe Gatto's "Night of Comedy" show at the  Cobb Galleria Performing Arts Centre will start Thursday  at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, head over to Cobb Energy Centre dot com. The Atlanta Braves announced Friday the Gwinnett Stripers' coaching staff for the 2023 season, and joining the club will be former Pope standout Stevie Wilkerson. The 31-year-old Wilkerson, a Roswell native,  enters his first season with both Gwinnett and the Braves organization as he makes his professional coaching debut. Selected by Baltimore in the eighth round of the 2014 draft out of Clemson University, he played seven seasons in the Orioles organization from 2014-21, including 166 Major League games from 2018-21. Last season Stevie played for the Guadalajara Mariachis of the Mexican League, while also doing a brief stint with the Chicago Dogs of the American Association of Pro Baseball while on loan. With just over a month until the Mableton cityhood elections, south Cobb residents at a town hall Thursday night continued to complain they have more questions than answers about the fledgling city. The county-hosted event was the second town hall on cityhood in the last month, drawing a smaller, less rowdy crowd than a January meeting hosted by state Rep. David Wilkerson, D-Powder Springs. That was perhaps due to the billing of the event, pitched as a general question and answer session on Mableton rather than a rallying cry for the de-annexation movement. Still, de-annexation from the city continued to be a theme, with some residents calling for an outright do-over of the November referendum in which cityhood passed with 53% of the vote. Lisa Cupid, chairwoman of the Cobb Board of Commissioners, and Commissioner Monique Sheffield, who co-hosted the event, suggested they shared in the disgruntlement with the process. Thursday's event came the day after the county announced Governor Brian Kemp will not appoint a transition committee to lead talks with the county before the council is seated. Asked why Kemp made that decision, Cupid shrugged and said that's for him to answer. County Manager Jackie McMorris told the MDJ that without a transition committee, the county at present has no point of contact for the new city. The composition of the Cobb Board of Health  heard from Rachel Franklin, CDPH director of epidemiology on Thursday, about the state of various diseases in the county, including a concerning rise in congenital syphilis. Rachel Franklin told the board bad news about congenital syphilis and tuberculosis, but good news when it comes to flu, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) and COVID-19. Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant person passes on her infection to their baby. Syphilis is curable with antibiotics. But if not detected, it can cause lasting damage. When passed from mothers to infants, it can cause babies to have a low birth weight, or result in stillbirth. Prior to 2021, there were a “couple dozen” cases statewide. In 2021, 93 babies were born with syphilis, Franklin said. About a dozen of those were in Cobb and Douglas counties, resulting in two stillbirths. The infections are especially affecting Hispanic and African-American populations, mostly due to a lack of pre-natal care. The Board of Commissioners recently allocated $3.67 million to a CDPH program, partnering with Wellstar, to provide prenatal care to uninsured women. The syphilis issue is part of a larger trend in increasing transmission of sexually transmitted infections, per Franklin. Areas in Cobb with higher HIV rates also see higher syphilis rates. Franklin added that her staff was alarmed to see, for the first time in more than 15 years, cases of young teen girls with primary and secondary syphilis. The board discussed working with community groups to spread awareness of the issue, and provide recommendations on preventing infection. Franklin said that tuberculosis is “not slowing down either.” CDPH has seen five cases this year. In 2022, there were 18 cases in Cobb. CDPH is working on identifying resources to help people who are infected. At least four red-tailed hawks, two red-bellied woodpeckers, and one difficult-to-spot brown creeper visited Smith-Gilbert Gardens on Saturday, where birding enthusiasts were ready with binoculars to spot them during the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. The international event is organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society and Birds Canada during which anyone can submit data from their own bird watching. The data is used, according to the event's website, to “help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.” The bird count is held over four days every February. This year, the count began Friday and continued through Yesterday. Smith-Gilbert Gardens, off Pine Mountain Road in Kennesaw, joined the international citizen science event Friday and Saturday by providing guided tours and bird identification tools to visitors. Participants, most of them avid birders, walked around the garden grounds, listening, watching, and recording their findings on their phones. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com              See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Caro of the Cobb Galleria and Tom Rowland of the Cobb Energy Centre join the show today. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.          Email bgdoughnut22@gmailcom for your chance to win a $15 gift card from Dough in the Box https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lewis Black stops by ahead of his Saturday show at Cobb Energy Centre. Plus, the co-founders of Ballethnic Dance Company share the story behind "The Leopard Tale," coming this weekend to the Alliance Theater. And our series "Speaking of the Arts" features experimental ethnographer Artemus Jenkins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian David Spade joined Dukes & Bell to talk about finally being back in Atlanta to do a show tonight at Cobb Energy Centre, his thoughts on the Chris Rock-Will Smith fallout from the Oscars plus his new series that is out.

The former Marietta Flea Market land was sold to MiRus, LLC for development of their headquarters; the Cobb Energy Centre and Galleria reported a $1.4 million loss in a pandemic effected year; And look out for these lane closures around the county this weekend.  #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.             Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group on 12-2-2021 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Atlanta Opera’s mission is to build the major international opera company Atlanta deserves, with a vision to reimagine opera. Founded in 1979, The Atlanta Opera celebrates its 40th anniversary in the 2019-20 season. The Opera works with world-renowned singers, conductors, directors, and designers who seek to enhance the art form. Under the leadership of internationally recognized stage director and Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, The Atlanta Opera expanded from three to four mainstage productions at Cobb Energy Centre and launched the acclaimed Discoveries series. In recent years, the company was recognized by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as part of its “Best of 2015” awards; it was nominated for an International Opera Award in 2016; and it won ArtsATL’s 2019 Luminary Award for Community Engagement, recognizing its successful Veterans Program in partnership with The Home Depot Foundation.

Tom Rowland, Director of Marketing, Sponsorships and Programming, Cobb Energy Centre by Lou Weiland

In this episode, host Shane Harrison and music writer AJC music reporter Melissa Ruggieri share the summer concerts, festivals and shows coming soon in the Atlanta area. With a variety of indoor and outdoor events, farewell tours and reimagined festivals, there's plenty to choose from across genres over the next few months. As always, Harrison shares things to do in and around Atlanta in the next 10 days, including the Blairsville Scottish Festival and The Lightning Thief musical at Cobb Energy Centre.

Today's Around Atlanta episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio showcases the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, happening February 6 through February 26 all over the city. Co-Chair of the Film Evaluation Committee Hazel Gold joins co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick to discuss the film festival and its diverse offerings. In addition to her vital role at Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF), Gold is a professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Emory University. She is also a core faculty member and interim director at the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies. Her experience outside of AJFF influences her work with the festival through the familiarity of film analysis and history. As a professor, she is very comfortable with communication, discussions and establishing a respectful dialogue among groups on people. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, beginning February 6 and continuing through February 26, offers audiences a wide range of viewing options. Everything from personal narratives, unconventional perspectives and documentaries, to comedies, dramas and more will be on display. Click here to see the full lineup and official schedule. With the help of the American Jewish Committee, the festival began in 2000 and welcomed around 1,500 attendees. Today, the festival has grown into something much bigger, welcoming over 50,000 guests from all over the world each year, both Jewish and non-Jewish. The film festival is famous for its showing of diverse films over the course of a few weeks. However, year-round the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is active throughout the community and on college campuses, hosting additional screenings and festivities. This year's festival will host a collection of international and independent screenings from more than 20 countries. The film festival extends to seven different venues throughout Atlanta, so wherever you are, you can catch a screening at the Cobb Energy Centre, Regal Perimeter Pointe, Regal Atlantic Station, UA Tara Cinemas and the Woodruff Arts Center. This year, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs has been added to the list of highlighted venues. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is not only the largest film festival in Atlanta but the world. With over 700 submissions, Gold mentions that one of the most interesting challenges of her position is putting together the final program and narrowing down the selection of films that will be featured. Tune into the show with the podcast link above as Gold details many of the diverse films being featured during the festival and she also talks about a few of her favorites! The popular festival offers an expansive experience that takes audiences on a journey around the world through film. Audiences will experience the full effect of the films, as there is an expert related to the content of each film at every show. For more information on speakers, guests, films and more, visit www.AJFF.org. A special thank you to Jackson EMC for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio.  Jackson EMC offers homebuyers peace of mind and lower bills with its certified Right Choice™ home program.  Right Choice homes are built to be energy efficient and sustainable with improved indoor air quality, convenience and comfort. For more information on Right Choice homes and Jackson EMC, visit https://RightChoice.JacksonEMC.com. Please subscribe to Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio on iTunes. If you like this week's show, be sure to rate it. The “Around Atlanta” segment, sponsored by Denim Marketing, airs on Thursdays and is designed to showcase the best of metro Atlanta – the communities, attractions and special events that make this city great. To submit your event, community or attraction to the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form here.  

Allow a few seconds for buffering.Yahoo! player or right click HERE to download | Launch pop-up playerArt's Comments: "When I heard history was being made so close to home, I had to go down and document what happened."Despite being accused of rape by close to 40 women, Bill Cosby performed a concert for his Far from Finished  tour at the Cobb Energy Centre. Though it's called Far from Finished, this is the only date of the last eight that wasn't canceled or indefinitely postponed!"Gloria Allred, who you've no doubt seen on various national news shows, was on site. I got audio from Allred as well as one of the alleged victims, Kaya Thompson, her mother, and the protest organizer, Julie Mastrine of Care2.""Though I've worked professionally as a small town reporter in the past, I haven't done news in years, and I wasn't on the scene officially as a 'reporter,' per se, but an interested citizen and documentarian of some of the history of my city. I was also pleasantly surprised that when I told the people under 30 that I wasn't with a network, I was just a podcaster, their interest in speaking to me didn't wane. In fact they said they loved podcasts and were very enthusiastic."Hope you learn and enjoy." 26 minutes.LINKS: AJC: Protestors May Greet CosbyWSJ: Bill Cosby's Return to TV Canceled Use the little white buttons below to share this with the people you know.

Listeners and denizens of North Georgia, the Chinese performance art group Shen Yun (http://www.shenyun.com) will be performing next weekend (12/25-12/27) at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta (www.cobbenergycentre.com)! This is an interview with Mary Silver, one of Shen Yun's hardworking volunteers. Mary educates and entertains about the history of the Shen Yun group (and what they reveal about the history of China through song and dance), as well as the orchestra that accompanies them at concerts. You'll hear about about the international and stateside renown that Shen Yun has, and her own introduction to them. There is a sharp purpose to song and dance of Shen Yun, and Mary sheds light on it, and what audiences (with Oscar-nominated directors and actresses) have gotten out of it. If this sounds like something of interest either to you or someone you know who's possessed of a keen interest in Chinese/Asian culture, please share this interview with them, and keep an eye (or two) for the next Shen Yun show near you. Their 2014 season will commence in Houston, Texas, and they'll be in Georgia for a show in Augusta next March. Enjoy! (Special thanks go out to Mary, Jennifer, and Joy Zhou of the Shen Yun family!)

LouddMouth Radio spotlights the 4 Time NAACP Award winning hit stage play "Da Kink In My Hair" by Trey Anthony that was featured at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Ga Sept. 6-8 2013. Listen in as we talk to Actress Terry Henry, as well as audience responses to the play and much more! http://www.dakinkinmyhair.com/