Macon Atlanta with Brent

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox📖 Read more about this episode:👉 https://www.maconatlanta.com/ 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:---🎙️ About the EpisodeIn this episode, Brent talks with Jane Mills — a long-time franchise owner of The Little Gym, whose two decades of experience offer an honest, inspiring look at the ups and downs of small business ownership.---⭐ Featured Guest: Jane Mills About the Guest:Jane Mills is a franchisee of The Little Gym, owning kids’ gymnastics gyms The Little Gym of Smyrna and The Little Gym of Decatur. She bought The Little Gym of Smyrna from its original owner after starting as Gym Director, and has since had a 20-year ownership journey that has landed her in The Little Gym Hall of Fame.Connect with Jane:📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thelittlegymofsmyrna/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/tlgdecaturga/---🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives.Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing, and using business as a force for good.Connect with Brent:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/--- 📺 About the ShowMacon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.---👍 If you enjoyed the podcast, please like, comment, and leave a 5-star review to help others discover the show.You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback or ideas — we’d love to hear from you 🙏---⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Jane Mills and The Little Gym Story01:05 – Buying the Smyrna Location at 2502:34 – Making It Happen: From Gym Director to Owner03:41 – Early Lessons in Ownership05:03 – From Employee to Franchise Owner05:56 – Growing, Scaling, and Finding Balance08:19 – The Little Gym Landscape in Atlanta09:58 – Leadership Evolution and Delegation12:22 – Family, Balance, and Life as a Business Owner13:23 – The Changing Atlanta Kids Landscape14:09 – Pros and Cons of Small Business Ownership16:21 – Unexpected Moments & Learning on the Go17:36 – Navigating the Pandemic and Keeping the Business Alive20:37 – Lessons from Surviving Crises21:51 – Advice for Aspiring Small Business Owners23:17 – The “Unsexy Business” Myth and Social Media Narratives24:43 – The Rewards and Challenges of Ownership26:09 – 20 Years of Impact: Families, Kids, and Community28:21 – Managing Teams, Responsibility, and Burnout30:00 – The Constant Presence of a Small Business Owner31:28 – The Little Gym’s 50-Year Legacy and Enduring Heart34:09 – Competition, Curriculum, and Staying Relevant37:36 – Gymnastics as Full-Body Development for Kids39:00 – What Babies Actually Do in Gymnastics Classes41:07 – Misconceptions About Gymnastics and “Real” Programs43:18 – Child-Led Learning and the Power of Exploration46:02 – Letting Kids Be Kids: The Freedom to Explore48:20 – Screen-Free Spaces and Modern Parenting50:04 – The Future of The Little Gym and Its Next 10 Years51:57 – What The Little Gym Means to Atlanta Families53:00 – Closing Thoughts and Gratitude---

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com📖 Read more about this episode on: https://www.maconatlanta.com🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gsz6Fd6Nt64[ABOUT THE EPISODE]⭐ Featured Guests: Maya Lemberg and Scott Houston[ABOUT THE GUESTS]Maya Lemberg is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and co-founder of Sol Dance, devoted to helping others feel at home in their bodies and live in alignment with their soul's truth. With 20 years of experience in the healing arts, she blends psychotherapy, somatics, yoga, dance, expressive arts, and Earth-based spirituality into a trauma-informed, heart-centered approach. As a ceremonial facilitator, yogi, and vocalist, Maya creates sacred spaces where individuals and groups can feel, heal, and reconnect with themselves.Scott Houston is a classically trained musician, lifelong dancer, and accredited 5Rhythms teacher who has spent nearly 15 years using dance as a healing modality. As Co-Founder, Director, and Resident DJ of Sol Dance, he creates transformative events rooted in embodiment, sound, and community. Known for his dynamic and intuitive approach to music, Scott weaves dancefloors through every emotional and energetic layer—from stillness to ecstatic release and deep reflection.Connect with Maya and Scott:Website: https://soldancemovement.comWebsite: https://emergehealing.comInstagram: @soldancemovementInstagram: @thescotthoustonInstagram: @emerge.healing🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing, and using business as a force for good.Connect With Brent:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/📺 About the Show:Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.---If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.---Chapters:0:00 Introduction0:49 Leadership Through Sol Dance3:03 Pre-Event Preparation4:48 The Creative Process9:07 Community Energy Example11:42 What is Ecstatic Dance?19:06 Why They Love Sol Dance25:01 Origin Stories Begin26:00 Scott's Journey32:14 Maya's Role and Meeting35:29 Building the Enterprise41:14 Spiritual Partnership48:23 The Need for Sacred Movement57:02 Cultivating Spiritual Underground1:02:12 Finding Your Spiritual People1:14:00 Generational Healing1:15:08 Final Messages1:17:49 Closing#MaconAtlanta #Podcast

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/📖 Read more about this episode on: https://www.maconatlanta.com🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5BKnknrfxlAABOUT THE EPISODE⭐ Featured Guest: Gene KansasGene Kansas is an award-winning historic preservationist, real estate developer, storyteller, and author based in Atlanta. He's the founder of Gene Kansas | Commercial Real Estate, a firm dedicated to culturally connecting people and place by building up history, not over it www.genekansas.com.Gene is also the founder of Constellations, a culturally-based workspace in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood www.constellations.community. He is the author of Civil Sights (University of Georgia Press, February 2025), a definitive history of Sweet Auburn and the civil rights movement www.civilsights.com.He was the creator and host of the award-winning Sidewalk Radio for five seasons on Atlanta’s AM 1690. Gene has received numerous accolades including the 2016 Ivan Allen Jr. Legacy Award from Georgia Tech and the 2016 Alonzo F. Herndon Business Award.Gene holds a BS in Entrepreneurship from University of Arizona and an MS in Digital Media from Georgia Tech, where he now serves as Advisory Board Member and Vice Chair of the Ivan Allen College.Connect with Gene Kansas:Instagram: www.instagram.com/gene\_kansas/Instagram (Civil Sights): www.instagram.com/civilsights/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gene-kansas-54844b2/🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing, and using business as a force for good.Connect With Brent:Instagram: www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo\_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/Twitter/X: www.x.com/MaconAtlanta/Facebook: www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?\_rdr/📺 About the Show:Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction and Welcome1:31 - Gene's Background: Entrepreneur, Developer, Author3:00 - Moving to Atlanta: A Junior Year Decision5:27 - Atlanta's Evolution: From '95 Olympics to Today's Opportunities7:14 - The Inspiration Behind "Civil Sites"10:53 - Historic Preservation as Business Strategy13:53 - The Research Process: 8 Years and 10,000+ Pages16:32 - The Team Behind the Book: Four Different Editors18:33 - Balancing Real Estate Business with Writing19:38 - Defining Success: Getting Books to Students22:07 - Heron's Restaurant: The Complexity of Integration24:36 - Being a White Author of Civil Rights History26:08 - Reception and Impact Since Publication27:08 - Book Format: Making History Accessible31:24 - Geographic Structure and Landmark Mix32:26 - Personal Growth Through the Passion Project33:27 - Closing and Book Recommendation#MaconAtlanta #Podcast

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Mq5SiHKkU48⭐ Featured Guest: Heather FortnerHeather is the CEO of SignatureFD, an integrated wealth management firm with offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina. During her twenty-year tenure at SignatureFD, Heather has executed strategies that have grown SignatureFD's AUM from $250M to more than $9.1B. Her ability to combine strategic oversight in alignment with financial goals and enterprise risk mitigation has led the firm to maintain enterprise valuations, annual growth rates and client retention rates that consistently exceed industry averages. Beyond operational expertise, Heather leverages her graduate degree in professional counseling to help uncover and connect people's passions and talents to build teams that deliver excellent and inspiring client experiences. Heather is a nationally recognized thought leader and is widely sought after for her expertise. Her belief that every person has a purpose in life, which wealth properly aligned can help support, is the cornerstone of SignatureFD's client promise, Net Worthwhile®.Connect with Heather:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SIGNATUREFD_WEALTH/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherfortner/Company: https://signaturefd.com/🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing, and using business as a force for good.Connect With Brent:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/📺 About the Show:Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction and overview of the episode00:00:45 - Current economic landscape and wealth transfer00:01:04 - Heather's approach to macro-economic changes00:03:41 - Heather's background and early life00:04:08 - Career journey in financial services00:05:30 - Finding purpose and avoiding boredom00:06:48 - Philosophy on "net worthwhile" approach00:08:44 - Role of advisors in wealth management00:10:03 - Personal money anxieties and handling them00:12:16 - Growth from 250 million to 9 billion in assets00:12:56 - Prioritizing people and wellbeing in business00:14:25 - Maintaining independence and purpose in decision-making00:15:44 - Perspective on AI and technological innovation00:17:34 - Importance of human connection amidst technology00:19:21 - Concerns about younger generations and technology00:21:54 - Discussion on the great wealth transfer00:23:08 - Women's role in wealth transfer decisions00:24:32 - Challenges for the "sandwich generation"00:26:52 - Personal experience with family financial conversations00:28:18 - Advice on having difficult wealth succession conversations00:29:49 - Book recommendations and resources00:30:32 - Hopes for Atlanta's future - education focus00:31:14 - Closing remarks

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/snqxmYkQV18

⭐ Featured Guest: Kashi Sehgal is the founder of Retaaza, a hyperlocal food distributor working with Georgia farmers to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh, local food. With a background in technology, Kashi applies innovative approaches to solve systemic issues in our food system, connecting farmers directly with businesses and communities while operating as a B Corp committed to social impact.Connect with Kashi:Instagram: @kashisehgalYouTube: @retaazaTwitter/X: @kashisehgalFacebook: @retaazacoLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/retaazaWebsite: retaaza.com🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing, and using business as a force for good.Connect With Brent:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/📺 About the Show:Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to Macon Atlanta Podcast0:54 - Current challenges facing Georgia farmers1:31 - Understanding food waste and tariff impacts3:00 - Funding cuts affecting the food system4:12 - How bad is the current situation for farmers?5:11 - How Retaaza started during the pandemic7:11 - The economic impact of 40% food waste7:58 - Retaaza's three-part mission8:52 - Community markets and food access programs9:58 - Paying farmers fair prices for "rescue" produce11:26 - Being the sales and marketing arm for farmers12:47 - Working with Georgia's farming community13:16 - Seasonal eating versus year-round expectations15:21 - Root causes of food waste16:17 - The five truckloads citrus example17:55 - Weather, labor, and other causes of food waste19:20 - Market failures and contract enforcement challenges20:40 - Is the farming industry naturally consolidating?21:34 - Programs to help farmers improve their skills22:24 - What motivates Kashi to work in food systems24:09 - Parallels between farming and education systems25:33 - How technology can help reduce food waste27:03 - Strategic focus through partnerships29:24 - Corporate wellness and "Produce as a Benefit" program31:02 - Innovative pricing models for farmers32:06 - The farmers market rescue program34:32 - Connecting consumers back to their food sources35:32 - Procurement policy reform as the key solution36:45 - Hope for Atlanta's food ecosystem37:52 - Favorite Atlanta restaurants for local food39:05 - Closing thoughts and call to action#MaconAtlanta #Podcast #FoodWaste #GeorgiaAgriculture #LocalFood #Sustainability

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/📖 Read more about this episode on: https://www.maconatlanta.com/ [LINK]🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify: [LINK]🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5wPCQfYdyzY[ABOUT THE EPISODE]In this thought-provoking episode, Brent explores the intersection of Christianity and psychedelic healing with Hunt Priest. They discuss Hunt's transformative experiences during a Johns Hopkins psilocybin study, how these encounters deepened his spiritual practice, and why he believes psychedelics can be integrated into Christian traditions as healing tools. Hunt shares insights on making psychedelic healing more accessible and equitable, while addressing common misconceptions Christians might have about these substances.⭐ Featured Guest: Hunt Priest, Executive Director and Founder of Ligare - A Christian Psychedelic Society. Hunt is a former Episcopal priest who, after a profound mystical experience during a psilocybin research study at Johns Hopkins, founded Ligare to help Christians explore psychedelic healing within a religious context.Connect with Hunt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunt-priest-9a40242b/🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing, and using business as a force for good.Connect With Brent:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/📺 About the Show:Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Hunt Priest and Ligare02:35 - Hunt's ideal church model incorporating psychedelics06:06 - Hunt's background and journey to ministry07:12 - Participation in Johns Hopkins psilocybin study10:34 - Hunt's mystical experiences during the study15:29 - How the experience transformed his priesthood18:31 - Founding Ligare to bridge psychedelics and Christianity21:20 - Defining traditional psychedelic use23:14 - Overlap between mystical Christianity and psychedelic healing26:38 - The church's current relationship with psychedelics29:01 - Christian scholarship on psychedelics30:32 - Common misconceptions Christians have about psychedelics34:34 - Who might benefit from psychedelic experiences39:23 - Making thoughtful decisions after psychedelic experiences44:32 - Different types of psychedelics explained50:58 - Access and equity issues in psychedelic healing55:30 - AI, technology, and spirituality as tools for human flourishing01:02:07 - What church leaders should understand about psychedelics01:05:34 - Lightning round: What happens when we die01:06:26 - Recommended resources for Christians interested in psychedelics01:07:00 - More about Ligare and how to get involved01:08:44 - Closing thoughts on technology for human flourishing

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: www.maconatlanta.com

🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lS-4DvOtijM

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⭐ Featured Guest: Asata Reid

Asata Reid is a chef, author, and public health advocate dedicated to making nutrition education accessible to all. She is the founder of Life Chef, a culinary education service focused on healthy cooking for all stages of life, and the President of Feed the People Co., a nonprofit tackling food access and affordability. With nearly two decades of experience as a chef and health educator, Asata currently supports Healthy Living programs at Kaiser Permanente and has developed recipes for Small Bites Adventure Club, a hands-on food education initiative. She is also the author of How to Feed a Kid: A Parent’s Guide, a practical resource for parents navigating mealtime challenges.

Connect with Asata Reid

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefasata/

Website: https://www.smallbites.club/

Small Bites Adventure Club: https://www.instagram.com/smallbitesclub/

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🎙️ Host: Brent Macon

Brent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with well-being and using business as a force for good.

Connect With Brent:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/

Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/

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📺 About the Show:

Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring conversation with Atlanta innovators and community builders. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving, especially in the AI era.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review, like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in! 🙏

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Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Chef Asata Reid

03:13 - Small Bites Adventure Club: Teaching kids about fresh produce

04:24 - The gap between our food and nutritional needs

05:46 - The importance of local, sustainable farming

06:45 - How stress affects food choices and health

08:50 - Managing stress and self-care practices

10:40 - Balancing multiple projects while maintaining health

12:49 - The five essentials: food, water, sleep, nature, connection

13:52 - Small Bites Adventure Club and raising veggie-ready kids

16:34 - How adults contribute to picky eating behaviors

19:36 - Portion sizes and children's eating patterns

22:36 - Teachers' response to Small Bites program

24:46 - The importance of veggie readiness certification

26:31 - Strategies for preventing picky eating

30:31 - How to manage beige food preferences in children

33:52 - Setting a pattern for macronutrients in children's diets

35:41 - Meal planning for busy families

38:33 - Rearranging your home food environment

40:30 - Small tweaks with significant impact for family meals

43:31 - Helping children who only eat a few types of foods

45:38 - Food choices during different developmental stages

48:31 - Making food education a family hobby

51:13 - Addressing your own relationship with food

54:51 - Food systems, policy, and public health concerns

57:41 - Practical steps toward healthier eating

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox [https://www.maconatlanta.com/]🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vdpuWqtrvRY---ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of Macon Atlanta, Brent Macon sits down with Matthew McCurdy, Executive Director and Co-Founder of BLKHLTH, to discuss public health, racial disparities in healthcare, and how structural racism impacts Black communities. ---⭐ Featured Guest: Matthew McCurdy, MPH About the Guest:Matthew McCurdy is a dedicated public health practitioner focused on creating innovative solutions to improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities. As the Executive Director and Co-Founder of BLKHLTH, he leads initiatives aimed at dismantling racism and improving Black health outcomes. Originally from Atlanta, Matthew holds degrees from Georgia State University and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. Connect with Matthew McCurdy:Instagram: [@blkhlth](https://www.instagram.com/blkhlth/?hl=en) LinkedIn: [Matthew McCurdy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewxmccurdy/) ---🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with well-being and using business as a force for good.Connect With Brent:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/---📺 About the Show:Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.---If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.---Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Making Atlanta Podcast00:00:22 - Defining Public Health: "Everything is Public Health"00:01:20 - The Journey to Founding Black Health00:02:29 - Police Violence as a Public Health Issue00:03:53 - Racism as a Structural Health Issue00:05:57 - Black Health's Business Model and Partners00:07:20 - Success Stories vs. Ineffective Approaches00:08:55 - Challenging Victim-Blaming in Public Health00:10:01 - Advil Partnership and Healthcare Education00:11:38 - Defining Success in Public Health Work00:14:34 - Equal Life Expectancy as The Ultimate Goal00:15:38 - A Message to Well-Intentioned White Moderates00:17:54 - Imagining a Future with Equitable Health00:20:30 - Discussion on Privatization vs. Public Resources00:23:21 - Community Resources and Economic Barriers00:25:10 - Alternative Avenues for Creating Impact00:27:39 - Historical Intersection of Anti-Communism and Racism00:29:46 - American Capitalism as Racialized Capitalism00:32:37 - The Problem of Civic Disengagement00:34:39 - Personal Approach to Systemic Change00:36:46 - Building Connection Through Truth and Responsibility00:39:29 - Establishing Care and Finding Impactful Levers00:41:38 - Personal Agency vs. Systemic Factors00:45:44 - Government's Role in Population Health00:49:40 - Closing Thoughts: Restructuring Relationships#MaconAtlanta #Podcast #PublicHealth #BLKHLTH #Atlanta #HealthcareEquity

In this episode, we explore one of Atlanta's most ambitious urban renewal projects with Jack Cebe, Director of 'The Stitch'. Learn how this transformative project aims to cap the Downtown Connector with a park, heal historical divisions, and create new opportunities for affordable housing and community connection in downtown Atlanta.📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: [https://www.maconatlanta.com/]🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube: [https://youtu.be/i-EMgDLMU4s]--⭐ Featured Guest: Jack CebeJack Cebe is the Director of The Stitch at the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, leading the charge to reconnect neighborhoods divided by the Downtown Connector. The Stitch is an ambitious urban renewal project that will create a park over the highway, spurring thousands of affordable housing units, new mixed-use development, and an estimated $9 billion in economic impact for Atlanta. A landscape architect and civil engineer, Jack brings deep expertise in coalition-building and urban planning, ensuring that The Stitch not only reshapes the city's skyline but also its future. Connect with Jack Cebe:LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackcebe/]🔗 Learn more about The Stitch: [thestitchatl.com]--🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with inspiring individuals about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing and using business as a force for good.Connect With Brent:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/- Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr--📺 About the Show: Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving. --- If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review, like, and comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏. --- Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Making Atlanta & Jack Cebe00:42 - What is The Stitch? Project Overview04:07 - Federal Funding & First Phase Details05:39 - Transportation & Community Access Plans07:34 - The Stitch as the "Buckle" of the Beltline08:02 - Historical Context & Downtown Development12:02 - History of Buttermilk Bottoms Community14:21 - Community Engagement & Listening Sessions15:38 - Park Size & Comparison to O4W Park17:57 - Community-Focused Park Programming20:24 - Engineering Challenges & Project Timeline24:11 - Project Success & Management Strategy26:06 - Economic Impact Analysis30:53 - Housing & Affordability Goals34:35 - Construction Timeline & World Cup Considerations37:11 - Vision for The Stitch's Future Impact39:14 - Closing Remarks#MaconAtlanta #Podcast #TheStitch

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.maconatlanta.com/