Ever wondered how our Gainesville! Who Knew?  podcast actually comes together? In this special Behind the Scenes episode, we take you through our entire creative process—from that first spark of an idea to the final polished episode you hear.

We'll show you how we decide which stories deserve to be told, track down the perfect people to interview, dive deep into research to ask questions that really matter, and then bring it all together in the recording and editing process. It's messy, it's fascinating, and it's a labor of love for our hometown.

While you can still enjoy this audio version, we’re excited to bring you into our world visually and show you what really goes into uncovering Hall County's forgotten history.

This is our first episode as Gainesville! Who Knew? transitions to YouTube!   You can watch the episode on our website: gainesvillewhoknew.com or on YouTube .  We hope you enjoy it.  Let us know.

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We've wrapped up Season One of Gainesville Who Knew! Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey exploring the hidden stories and fascinating history of Gainesville

We're taking a short hiatus while we work on an exciting next step— Stay tuned for updates and the launch and Season Two. We'll be back soon with more untold stories from our community!

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Ever wonder what one of the Civil War's most controversial generals would say if you could sit down and talk with him today? In this episode of Gainesville Who Knew, we fire up the time machine to interview General James Longstreet—Confederate commander, friend of Ulysses S. Grant, and the man who spent his final years right here in Gainesville, Georgia.

After the war, Longstreet’s life took unexpected turns. But perhaps none more surprising than his transformation from Lee's "Old War Horse" into a Republican who worked alongside his former enemy Grant, a decision that made him one of the most hated men in the South.

Join the conversation as we explore why Longstreet ended up in Gainesville, what he really thought about that fateful third day at Gettysburg, and how a Confederate general became an unlikely advocate for reconciliation. It's a story of friendship, controversy, and second chances that connects directly to our local history.

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Step back in time to Gainesville's golden age of hospitality with Jeff Pierce, curator of the Historic Piedmont Hotel and James Longstreet Museum. After an extensive renovation, this architectural gem has reopened its doors, revealing the stories of when it served as the social and commercial heart of Northeast Georgia in the late 1800s.

In this episode, Jeff shares what made the Piedmont Hotel the place to be during its heyday from the 1870s through 1900 – from the luxuries that set it apart to the notable guests who passed through its doors. Discover the fascinating connection between the hotel and Confederate General James Longstreet, who made Gainesville his home after the Civil War.

Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind Gainesville's historic buildings, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a beautifully preserved piece of our community's past. The museum is now open for tours – come hear why this landmark deserves a spot on your must-visit list.

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In this thrilling conclusion to our Tommy Aaron series, Gainesville's own golf legend takes us inside his crowning achievement—winning the 1973 Masters Tournament as the first native Georgian to capture the green jacket

But the story isn't just about the victory itself. Tommy reveals how his wife’s recent surgery and complications meant he hadn't had much time to prepare or play before the tournament making his come-from-behind win even more remarkable.

Don't miss this intimate look at one of golf's most memorable underdog stories, told by the champion himself. Tommy Aaron's 1973 Masters victory remains a defining moment in Georgia golf history and a source of pride for Gainesville.

Don't forget—you can catch up on Parts 1 and 2 if you missed them!

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Join us as we celebrate Gainesville's recognition as Georgia's Downtown of the Year! We sit down with Nicole Parham, Main Street Manager, and Rusty Ligon, Community & Economic Development Director, to explore the remarkable transformation of downtown Gainesville and what's next for our city.

Discover the strategies and community dedication that earned Gainesville this prestigious honor, from historic preservation to creating vibrant public spaces. Then dive into the exciting plans for the Midland area revitalization—learn how downtown's success is being applied to transform this corridor into Gainesville's next thriving neighborhood.

Whether you're a longtime resident, business owner, or simply curious about smart urban development, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how our community is building a brighter future.

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What is SPLOST IX and why should Gainesville residents care? On November 4th, Hall County voters will decide whether to renew the 1% sales tax that has funded  infrastructure projects including parks, trails, libraries, public safety facilities and road improvements since 1985.  We break down the ballot question and explain what's at stake for our community and help you make an informed decision.

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When 8-year-old Kendle passed away from Aicardia, her mother Kristi Baggarly faced an unimaginable loss. But instead of retreating into grief, Kristi chose to honor her daughter's memory in a way that would bring joy to others - creating Kendle's Krew and their annual Krazy Kickball Tournament.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Kristi to hear how a mother's love transformed heartbreak into hope, building a community tradition that has touched hundreds of lives in Gainesville. We also speak with Jana Hutson, Principal of Sisu, about how local organizations have embraced this special event and what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

This is the story of how one little girl's spirit continues to bring people together, proving that sometimes the most beautiful legacies are born from the deepest love. It's a reminder of the incredible resilience of the human heart and the power of community to turn tragedy into triumph.

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Do you ever wonder about the person behind the legend. In this intimate second episode with golf legend Tommy Aaron, we go beyond the Masters green jacket to discover the man behind the champion. Born and raised in Gainesville, Tommy Aaron is a true hometown treasure who has remained deeply connected to his roots throughout his remarkable journey

Discover the incredible personal story of a self-taught golfer who learned the game by reading everything he could find about the sport , all while growing up in a town that didn't even have a golf course.

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In this special mini episode, hosts Lauren Price and Andy Waterman down with Bruce Leyton for an intimate conversation about our unexpected journey into podcasting. Originally recorded for the latest Wisdom Project 2030 kickoff session, this candid interview dives into their backgrounds, experiences, and the "what made us think we could do this?" moment that led to creating Gainesville! Who Knew?

Hear the personal stories, career paths, and life experiences that gave them the confidence (or courage!) to pick up microphones and start sharing Gainesville's hidden stories with the world. From initial doubts to discovering their podcasting voices, this behind-the-scenes conversation reveals how two community members transformed their curiosity about local history and connections into a beloved podcast that captures the essence of what makes our area special.

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