As America marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there’s celebration, reflection, and for many people, some difficult questions. Who gets included in the American story? Have we lived up to the promises written into our founding documents? And is patriotism something to reclaim, redefine or reject? My guest today says the American Revolution isn’t just history ... it’s unfinished business. Thomas Richards Jr. is a historian, educator and author of The Unfinished Business of 1776: Why the American Revolution Never Ended. In the book, he argues that the struggle over freedom, equality, opportunity and who America is for didn’t end in 1776—it continues today. This conversation may challenge some assumptions and invite us to look at our history—and our future—with fresh eyes.

We have two very special conversations to share. First, as we move toward Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday celebration, we’re revisiting one of the most quoted—and perhaps least understood—documents in our nation’s history. You know the words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” But what did the authors of the Declaration of Independence actually mean? What promises did the document make—and who was left outside those promises? And nearly 250 years later, what responsibility do we have to understand our founding ideals in full context? My guest today is Katie Kennedy, American history professor and author of The Declaration Decoded: A Guide to the Document That Inspired Our Nation. Her new book takes readers sentence by sentence through the Declaration of Independence—exploring rights, freedoms, government, and the grievances that launched a revolution. Today we’ll talk about the document itself, what history classes often leave out, and why understanding our history—completely and honestly—may matter now more than ever. Next, again as our nation prepares to mark 250 years of independence, there’s a lot of conversation about history—how we remember it, who tells it, and what stories survive. When we think about veterans, we often think about service, sacrifice, and major moments in history. But behind every battle and every uniform is a person and a story.

One Georgia-based nonprofit has made it its mission to make sure those voices are never lost.

For nearly 25 years, Witness to War Foundation has traveled the country recording the personal oral histories of combat veterans—preserving memories for families, historians, and future generations. Joining me today is Emily Carley, director of Witness to War Foundation.

Summer is supposed to be the season of escape — vacations, family road trips, reunions and making memories. But for many people, getting away can bring something unexpected: stress, overwhelm and anxiety. From crowded airports and delayed flights to fear of flying, overpacked itineraries and financial pressure, travel can trigger emotions that make it hard to relax at all. Today we’re talking about why travel anxiety is more common than people realize — and what we can do to make travel healthier, calmer and more enjoyable. Joining us is Dr. Phillip Yam, psychiatrist with Serenity Mental Health Centers in Atlanta. We’ll discuss the psychology behind travel stress, practical coping tools and how to recognize when anxiety may be something more serious

A wedding lasts a day. A marriage, if we’re fortunate, lasts a lifetime. But somewhere between the flowers, the first dance, the seating charts and the perfectly posed photos… there are stories guests never see. Quiet moments. Big emotions. Family dynamics. Last-minute saves. Unexpected tears. And sometimes, lessons about love that have nothing to do with centerpieces. My guest today is Jade Lason. She has spent more than twenty-five years helping couples navigate one of life’s most meaningful—and occasionally chaotic milestones. From Atlanta to destination celebrations around the world, she has become known as ‘The Wedding Whisperer.’ Now she’s sharing what she’s learned in her debut book, Whispers of a Wedding Planner, a candid look behind the veil at weddings, relationships, resilience, and what it truly means to create moments that last. Next, Father’s Day is about more than gifts and cookouts. At its best, it’s about legacy, community and the people who help bring us together. This week on Perspectives, we talk about the return of Family Food Fest Atlanta — a Father’s Day tradition that celebrates food, family and the fathers and father figures who help strengthen our communities. This year’s event also carries special meaning as organizers continue to honor the vision and legacy of founder Diane Larché while building for the future. Joining me are pastry chef Kevin Ashford, Family Food Fest Atlanta Operations Manager Jeremy Cormier, and veteran chef Chester Miller. We talk about food as connection, what it takes to keep a community tradition alive, and why bringing people together around a table can sometimes do more than feed an appetite — it can feed a community.

There are movies we watch… and then there are stories that stay with us. For more than two decades, audiences have laughed with them, argued about them, rooted for them, and maybe even seen pieces of themselves in them. The friendships, the romance, the ambition, the mistakes, and the complicated, beautiful work of growing up and growing older. From the original film to television and now into a brand-new chapter, our next guest has continued to invite us into one of the most enduring friend groups in modern storytelling. Filmmaker, writer, and director Malcolm D. Lee joins us today to talk about bringing The Best Man universe into a new season of life through his latest book—catching up with these beloved characters as they navigate midlife, relationships, change, and what comes after happily ever after.

Today we’re talking about food, culture, community, and a creative new way to experience Atlanta. Two sisters have turned a love for storytelling and dining into something interactive and intentional. Their company, Clues & Culture, takes guests on a self-guided culinary journey through Atlanta neighborhoods, using curated clues to lead people to Black-owned restaurants and hidden gems across the city. It’s part food experience, part cultural exploration, and part celebration of community connection.

Imagine walking away from a marriage with less than twenty dollars in your pocket and somehow finding the courage to rebuild not just your finances, but your entire identity. My guest today did exactly that. Lainika E. Johnson turned one of the lowest moments of her life into the foundation for a thriving business in an industry where few expected her to succeed. Today, she’s recognized as a leader in sustainability and waste reduction, proving that setbacks do not have to define your future. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, purpose, and power. Lainika E. Johnson, is founder of Eco in the City, sustainability expert, entrepreneur, and a powerful example of what can happen when resilience meets purpose. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most difficult chapters of our lives become the very foundation for our greatest growth. You can learn more about her work and mission online at Eco in the City.

It’s a decision that takes just minutes, but has the power to save and transform lives for years to come. Across Georgia, thousands of people are waiting for a second chance, for healing, for hope. And that hope often begins with a simple “yes” to organ, tissue, and eye donation. But for many, questions remain. What does it really mean to be a donor? Who does it help? And why is the need so urgent right now? Today we’re joined by two leaders on the front lines of this life-saving work: Dr. Clark Kensinger with the Piedmont Transplant Institute and Hope Weed of LifeLink of Georgia. Together, they’ll help us understand the impact of donation, the milestone anniversary of a groundbreaking donor care unit here in Atlanta, and what each of us can do to make a difference.

Sometimes the most powerful stories begin with a simple question: Who are you, and where have you been? For journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan, that question came after adopting her beagle, Hammy a gentle dog who had spent nearly four years inside a research laboratory. What started as curiosity about one dog’s past quickly opened the door to a much larger and more complicated world one where millions of animals are still used each year in research, testing, and education.

In her book, Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research, Kaplan takes us behind laboratory doors, introducing us to the people on all sides of this issue researchers, activists, veterinarians, and lawmakers while also piecing together the story of Hammy himself. It’s part investigation… part love story… and ultimately, a thoughtful look at the relationship between humans and the animals we both cherish and rely on.

It’s decision season for thousands of students and families across our community. The acceptance letters are in… the choices are narrowing… and now comes the question that can feel just as overwhelming as getting in—how do we pay for college? For many families, the process is filled with emotion, pressure, and uncertainty. Do you choose the dream school? The affordable one? And is there a way to do both—without taking on a lifetime of debt? On today's show we’re talking about a smarter path forward—one that blends strategy, purpose, and financial reality. My guest is Shellee Howard, Founder and CEO of College Ready, an award-winning college admissions and financial strategist who has helped families earn more than 80 million dollars in scholarships.