In the latest episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, Rep. Scott Hilton (R–Peachtree Corners) joins the show to break down the whirlwind final day of the 2025 Georgia legislative session.

We delve into the key bills that made it to Governor Kemp’s desk. Rep. Hilton offers insights into the legislative strategies and political dynamics that shaped these outcomes. We also discuss the dramatic walkout by Democratic legislators in protest of certain bills and the implications for future sessions.

Tune in for an in-depth analysis of Georgia's legislative process and the key issues that will impact the state's future.

Connect with Rep. Scott Hilton on Twitter @ScottHiltonGA

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast and Part 4 of our series on the 50th anniversary of 1975. On today’s episode we are headed to New Mexico where two young programmers announce their upstart new company – Microsoft.

When Bill Gates and Paul Allen launched a small software company in Albuquerque, they had no idea they were igniting a revolution that would reshape not just technology—but economics, education, and even politics.

We unpack how the founding of Microsoft reflected a broader shift in American innovation and ambition during the mid-70s. How did a startup on the edge of the desert signal a shift in power—from Washington and Wall Street to Silicon Valley and the world of code?

Join us as we connect the dots in a story of software, vision, and seismic change.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode representatives from Henry, Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties join the show to explore whether local party structures still hold influence in shaping elections, mobilizing voters, and driving policy.

Are county parties a relic of the past, or do they remain a crucial force in grassroots politics? How do they navigate challenges like shifting demographics, political polarization, and the rise of digital campaigning? Our guests offer their perspectives on the future of county GOP organizations in Georgia and beyond.

Tune in for a lively and insightful conversation about the state of local political engagement and what it means for our political futures.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this special Women’s History Month edition, our all-women panel takes the mic to celebrate the trailblazing women who have shaped politics—both in Georgia and beyond.

Each panelist shares the stories of the women who inspire them, from historical icons to contemporary leaders, and discusses their lasting impact on policy, representation, and the future of politics. Tune in for a lively and insightful conversation honoring the women who’ve paved the way and those who continue to break barriers today.

Listen to The State of Feminism, Part 1

Listen to The State of Feminism, Part 2

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Part 3 of our series on the 50th anniversary of 1975, the spotlight turns to the cult classic phenomenon: The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Hosts dive into the film’s enduring legacy and how it became a cultural touchstone for generations of fans.

Joining the conversation are Plaza Theatre owner Chris Escobar and film producer and sound mixer Aron Siegel, who share insights on the movie’s impact, the history of midnight screenings, and how the Plaza Theatre continues to keep the Rocky Horror tradition alive in Atlanta. From audience participation to the film’s lasting influence on pop culture, this episode is a love letter to the weird, wonderful world of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Get ready to do the Time Warp as we explore how a low-budget musical became a beloved institution and what it means to fans today.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! State House Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) joins the discussion to provide an insider's perspective on Crossover Day 2025, a pivotal moment in Georgia's legislative session.

As the Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, Rep. Martin offers his insights into the intense deliberations and key legislative actions that took place. The conversation delves into significant bills that successfully crossed over, including measures to cut the state income tax rate and issue tax refunds of up to $500 to residents, aligning with Governor Brian Kemp's priorities.

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legislative dynamics at play during this critical juncture in Georgia's lawmaking process.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with journalist Amritha Joseph to discuss her recent article for Appen Media covering the fiery town hall with U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick in Roswell, Georgia. We dive into the key takeaways from the event, including recent DOGE cuts and executive power under the Trump administration.

Beyond this specific town hall, we also explore the broader role of these public forums in American democracy. Are they an effective way for constituents to hold their representatives accountable, or have they become more about spectacle than substance? We break down the power—and the pitfalls—of town halls in today’s polarized political climate.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about transparency, representation, and the future of civic engagement.

Read Amritha’s reporting on Rep. McCormick’s town hall

Connect with Amritha on Twitter @Amrithaalladi

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode we dive into our 1975 series and turn our focus across the pond to the political rise of Margaret Thatcher.

Before she became Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Thatcher was a rising force in the Conservative Party, securing the party leadership in 1975 after a dramatic challenge to Edward Heath.

We’ll explore the political and economic climate that set the stage for her ascent, the key players who shaped her early career, and how her brand of conservatism began to take hold. What did her leadership victory mean for Britain and the world? And how did it foreshadow the sweeping changes she would later bring as Prime Minister?

Join us as we dive into this pivotal moment in Thatcher’s career and its lasting impact on global politics.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Today, we kick off Part 1 of our new mini-series, Breaking Away, exploring the municipalization of Sandy Springs.

Joining us to discuss the legislative efforts behind the city’s incorporation are former House Representative Wendell Willard and former Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley. Together, we take a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes work under the Gold Dome that made Sandy Springs a reality—an achievement that reshaped local governance in Georgia.

For decades, residents of this northern Fulton County community fought for the right to govern themselves, facing resistance from county officials and state lawmakers. Their 30-year struggle, driven by issues of taxation, representation, and local control, ultimately led to a political showdown with lasting implications.

In this episode, we’ll examine the political battles, grassroots activism, and key figures who turned the dream of incorporation into reality in 2005. But Sandy Springs’ story doesn’t end there—its success sparked a wave of new city formations across metro Atlanta, reshaping the state’s political and economic landscape.

How did one community’s determination change Georgia’s approach to local governance? And what lessons can be learned from their experience?

Join us as we unpack the history, controversy, and lasting impact of Sandy Springs’ journey to cityhood in Breaking Away.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we are joined by Georgia’s own Wendy Davis and Matthew Wilson to discuss new leadership for the Democratic National Committee.

Together, we dive into the newly elected officers, their backgrounds, and the visions they bring to the party. Wendy and Matthew offer exclusive insights into key moments from the convention, discuss the potential impact of leadership changes on upcoming elections, and share strategies for unifying the Democratic base in a pivotal political climate.

Whether you're a seasoned political junkie or just tuning into the national conversation, this episode provides a front-row seat to the future of the Democratic Party. Don't miss it! 🎙️

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

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