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PODCAST

Local Matters Podcast

Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson

Local and state governments, though often overshadowed by federal government, have tremendous impact on our quality of life. This podcast provides a valuable service by educating people on how to improve their own quality of life through civic engagement. Various organizations encourage residents to register and vote, but it does not appear that anyone is showing voters how to make good decisions when they do. It feels akin to hiring someone for a job without reviewing the job description. Local

government

All Episodes

00:34:46

The Georgia Legislature and More with Senator Harold...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2026/01/14

State Senator Harold Jones joins us to discuss what is in store for the Georgia Legislature, and more broadly, Georgia elections in the ever critical year of 2026. We discuss the process to replace legislators who step down, the proposal to eliminate the state income tax, voting rights, healthcare, and whether the state will do anything about the proliferation of data centers. He also discusses why he is supporting former State Senator Jason Esteves for Governor.

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00:41:46

Can We Make Housing more Affordable?

Local Matters Podcast ·

2026/01/07

Dr. Jacquelyn McCray, an urban planner and Director at Baker Tilly Advisory Group LP, explains the complex factors driving housing unaffordability. She discussed how a lack of supply, vacant properties, rising building material costs, and reduced development incentives have contributed to the problem. Dr. McCray outlined strategies to address affordable housing, not the least of which involves collaboration between local governments, community residents, and developers. You may reach her at

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00:45:36

Out with the Old and In with the New

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/12/31

Host Janice Allen Jackson reviews the highlights of 2025, including our growth during the year and our status as one of the most shared podcasts on Spotify. She also applauds ProPublica for its role in holding instiutions accountable, most notably, their recent work, Sick in a Hospital Town. Finally, she discusses how important it is to be thankful, be safe, and be vigilant in preparation for the upcoming 2026 elections. Stay with Local Matters in 2026!

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00:42:28

Women, Accountability, Voter Suppresion and...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/12/24

Paula F. Casey is a journalist and podcaster. She chronicles the history and the importance of Tennessee in ensuring that women could place their stamp on civic engagement and democracy. We also ask how we can get more accountability in an era where traditional newspapers have been rendered powerless. Learn more about Ms. Casey at the following: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-casey-736110b/. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP3NoP1YjkuK9_aHhTUrAYA. Websites: www.theperfect36.com and

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00:47:53

2026: Polling, Political Parties, and Georgia

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/12/17

Beverly Myers Tarver, a lifetime student of politics, joins us to talk about the major elections happening in 2026. We touch on why so many people have declared an intent to run for Georgia Governor. Senator Ossof's chances to win reelection, and whether the recent victories of Democratic candidates for the Georgia Pubilc Service Commission are an indicator of a major shift.

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00:41:52

Our Safety Net Has Holes In It

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/12/10

Clarence H. Carter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, enlightens us on how the social safety net works for some and not for all. Too often, the system is a "hammock" that traps people in poverty, rather than a "trampoline" that helps people achieve self-sufficiency. The discussion explored current system inefficiencies and the need for restructuring, why there are so many programs, and how those programs aren't cohesive. "Our Safety Net Has Holes In It" is available on

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00:52:20

Do you Trust Government or Social Media?

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/12/03

Sam Toles, Founder of CiviSocial, reminds us of how social media has changed the game. We talk about how we now consume news, how social media can help organizations recruit employees, cybersecurity concerns, deep fakes, and how vulnerable adults are being scammed. We also tackle the most important of issues, which is building broad based community engagement. Sam's newest book is "The Social Media Playbook for Elected Officials." Learn more about Sam at https://civisocial.com/

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00:46:23

Demand Justice and Get It!

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/11/26

Courtney Teasley, a Tennessee lawyer, shares her journey into law and her work fighting against injustices in the criminal justice system. She addresses overcharging and inadequate representation by public defenders, systemic issues that disproportionately affect marginalized minorities, particularly African Americans, in the criminal justice system. Ms. Teasley stressed the need for proactive advocacy, community involvement in judicial elections, and the importance of understanding legal rights to

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00:45:52

Inside the Vision of Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/11/19

In this episode of the Local Matters podcast, we sit down with Dr. Malinda Cobb, the newly appointed superintendent of the Richmond County School System in Augusta, Georgia. From her roots in Saluda, SC to leading 48 schools and 29,000 students, Dr. Cobb shares how her journey as a classroom teacher shapes the way she leads today.

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00:29:38

How did that Happen? November 2025 Election results

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/11/12

The voters have spoken, and the races weren't close. Dr. Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard will join the Georgia Public Service Commission and Lonnie Wimberly will represent District 4 on the Augusta Commission. The pendulum swung toward the Democratic Party not just in Georgia, but in several other states; we explore why.

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00:34:33

Special Election for Augusta's District 4

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/10/26

Listen to Lonnie Wimberly and Tanya Barnhill-Turnley tell us why they have earned the vote of District 4's registered voters. They share their accomplishments and their aspirations. We also get their take on whether the Augusta Commission is irreparably divided.

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00:27:53

Testifying to Running: Peter Hubbard’s Next Step

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/10/23

Peter Hubbard has studied environmental issues and testified before the Georgia Public Service Commission. Learn who he is, why he wants to serve in this capacity, and what he would do if elected.

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00:28:42

Who is Running for Georgia Public Service Commission...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/10/08

Who is Running for Georgia Public Service Commission District 2? by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson

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00:34:40

Can Augusta Reduce Gun Violence? With Janice Allen...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/10/01

Can Augusta Reduce Gun Violence? With Janice Allen Jackson by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson

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00:40:18

Are There Enough Good People Seeking Public Office?

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/09/24

Eva Posner of Evinco Strategies shares lessons learned from assisting people who want to serve in elected office. We discuss imposter syndrome, body shaming, and other things that prevent women from seeking office. We also touch upon corruption, burnout, the discipline required to raise funds, and how good elected officials are fundamentally problem solvers who are determined to make a difference, particularly at the local level. We also ask the following question: Are there enough good people

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00:37:47

Why We are so Divided and What Can we do About It?

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/09/17

Shannon Watson is the Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle, where she provides civic education in an effort to demystify government. We explore the role of national politics, media, and human nature in ensuring continued division at al levels of government. Are there conflict engineers dictating this? Have we put up artificial barriers? Are there too many moral absolutes? What is the key to building better understanding? What can the average person to help us all get along

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00:54:34

Is Feeling Another's Pain the Route to Activism and...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/09/10

In this episode of Local Matters, we sit down with author, counselor, and lifelong activist Beth Green to unpack spiritual activism—and how empathy, accountability, and oneness can heal our politics and our daily lives. Beth shares her journey from atheist to spiritually guided counselor, what it means to be an empath, and why secrecy and ego keep us stuck. We also explore Christian nationalism, justice, and the practical tools she teaches for living with reality and supporting one another.

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00:45:27

Why Do Black Women Feel so Invisible While Pushing...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/09/03

Dr. Sherice Janaye Nelson, an author and researcher specializing in leadership and African diasporic politics, discussed her book "Visibly Invisible" which explores the contributions of Black women in the United States Congress. She shared her academic journey through HBCUs and her research on the Congressional Black Caucus, highlighting the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Black women in politics while noting their significant legislative impact and evolving representation while

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00:34:57

Civic Engagement, Excellence, Public Education, and...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/08/06

Dr. Randell Trammell of the Center for Civic Engagement talks about the Center's mission of educating young people about how important it is to learn how government works. We also discuss his bid to become Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, education funding, school/parent choice, state takeovers of local school systems, the Georgia Promise Scholarship, and the struggle to keep certified teachers in our classrooms. Learn more about him and his organizaton at georgiacivics.org/ and

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00:34:52

Richmond County School System at a Crossroads with...

Local Matters Podcast ·

2025/07/30

On August 12, the Richmond County Board of Education will decide who our next school superintendent is. Information about the two finalists, Dr. Malinda Cobb and Dr. Keith Simmons, is available on the school system's website. Host Janice Allen Jackson reviews the process, key data points illustrating the current status of the system, and her thoughts about what the school board should look for in a new leader. She also describes what a Strategic Waiver School System is, why Richmond County qualifies

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