Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we celebrate a landmark moment in television history — the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live.

On October 11, 1975, the show that would redefine live comedy premiered on NBC, hosted by George Carlin with musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian. From that first night, the blend of sketches, music and fearless satire became a cultural phenomenon that shaped American humor for generations.

In this episode, we look back at how Lorne Michaels and the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" created a format unlike anything else on TV. We revisit the sketches and cast members who became household names, the moments that shocked and delighted audiences, and the musical performances that defined eras. We also explore how SNL has adapted through five decades of political change, pop culture shifts and new generations of comedians, all while keeping its live-wire spirit intact.

As NBC marks the occasion with specials, documentaries and fan events, we take our own trip through fifty years of laughter, risk-taking, and cultural commentary. Whether you've watched every episode since the '70s or discovered SNL through YouTube clips, this episode is a celebration of the show's enduring impact — and the magic of hearing those words once again: "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1975 again, and in this episode we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Public Law 94-106, the landmark legislation signed by President Gerald Ford that allowed women to enter the U.S. service academies for the first time in history.

We are joined by Lt. Col. Carol Barkalow, a trailblazer and member of the very first class of female cadets at West Point. Lt. Col. Barkalow shares her unique perspective on the passage of the law, the cultural and institutional challenges she faced as one of the first women at the academy, and the camaraderie and resilience that defined her experience.

She also reflects on what it meant to graduate as part of this pioneering class and how her time at the academy shaped her life and career as a female soldier in a historically male-dominated military.

Listeners will gain insight into a transformative moment in U.S. military history, the courage of the women who broke barriers, and the ongoing impact of Public Law 94-106 on future generations. This episode is both a celebration of progress and a candid look at the struggles and triumphs that accompanied this historic change.

Click here to purchase Lt. Col. Barkalow's book In the Men's House: An Inside Account of Life in the Army by One of West Point's First

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We continue our candidate profile series with Atlanta City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond, who is seeking re-election to his Post 1 At-Large seat.

Bond, a veteran public servant with deep roots in Atlanta politics, joins the show to reflect on his decades of service and the lessons he's learned through years of navigating city government.

In this conversation, Bond discusses the major issues shaping Atlanta's future — from public safety, infrastructure, and transparency in government. He shares his perspective on how to balance growth with equity, what it takes to keep Atlanta's neighborhoods connected and safe, and why experience matters in local leadership.

Listeners will gain insight into Bond's approach to collaboration, his views on accountability, and his hopes for the city he's spent a lifetime serving.

Click here to connect with Councilman Bond or to learn more about his campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

The Georgia Politics Podcast continues its 2025 Candidate Profile series with Andy Bauman, a three term Sandy Springs City Council member now running for mayor.

In this in-depth conversation, Bauman shares his perspective on the city's most pressing issues — from responsible growth and transportation infrastructure to housing affordability, public safety, and maintaining the unique character that defines Sandy Springs.

Bauman discusses his record of public service and the lessons he's learned from over a decade on the City Council, including how to balance competing interests and find common ground in a fast-growing city. He also talks about what inspired him to step into the mayoral race, how he hopes to strengthen community engagement, and why local leadership matters more than ever.

Whether you're a Sandy Springs resident or simply interested in how local governments navigate change, this episode offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping one of metro Atlanta's most dynamic cities.

Click here to connect with Andy or learn more about his campaign

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

The Georgia Politics Podcast continues its Candidate Profile series with a conversation featuring Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson, who is running for re-election.

In this in-depth discussion, Mayor Wilson reflects on his first term in office — from the accomplishments he's most proud of to the challenges that tested his administration and the lessons learned along the way.

We dive into Wilson's approach to leadership, decision-making, and community building as Roswell continues to evolve as one of North Fulton's most dynamic cities. The mayor shares insights on his priorities for a second term, including city infrastructure, responsible growth, and fiscal management.

Whether you're a Roswell resident, a North Fulton voter, or simply interested in how local governments shape Georgia's political landscape, this episode offers an inside look at Mayor Wilson's record, his re-election platform, and his vision for Roswell's future.

Click here to connect with Mayor Wilson or learn more about his campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we continue our candidate profile series with Sam Foster, candidate for mayor of Marietta.

With Election Day approaching, voters are learning more about the choices that will shape the city's future — and Foster joins the show to share his vision, priorities, and motivations for running.

Foster discusses his background and what first inspired him to step into public service. The conversation covers key issues facing residents, including addressing infrastructure and transportation challenges, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that public safety remains a top priority.

He also offers his perspective on how to strengthen civic engagement and restore trust in local government. Whether you're a Marietta voter or simply interested in local leadership across Georgia, this episode provides valuable insight into the people shaping our communities.

Click here to connect with Sam or learn more about his campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On this episode, we welcome longtime Johns Creek resident and community advocate Arthur Holst, who joins the show to make the case for the proposed performing arts center that voters will decide on this November.

As Election Day approaches, Johns Creek residents are weighing a bond referendum that would fund the construction of a new performing arts center — a project that has sparked significant debate about cost, vision, and the city's priorities. Holst, one of the leading voices supporting the initiative, lays out why he believes the arts center represents a transformative investment in the city's future.

In our conversation, we explore the potential economic and cultural benefits of the project and how the arts center fits into Johns Creek's long-term goals for community development and identity. Holst also addresses common concerns raised by opponents and explains why he thinks this is the right moment for Johns Creek to take a bold step toward becoming a true destination for the arts in North Fulton.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We continue our Candidate Profile series with Roswell City Council candidate Jennifer Phillippi.

In this in-depth conversation, Phillippi shares her background, what inspired her to run for office, and the experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership. The discussion explores key issues facing Roswell — as well as her ideas for strengthening community engagement and transparency in local government.

Tune in to hear how Phillippi plans to address residents' top concerns and guide Roswell's growth in a way that reflects its values and future aspirations.

Click here to connect with Jennifer or to learn more about her campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We continue our Candidate Profile series with an in-depth interview featuring Roswell mayoral candidate Steve Dorvee.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dorvee shares his perspective on growth and development, and how to preserve Roswell's unique character amid rapid change. He also talks about what inspired him to run, his approach to leadership, and how he plans to bring the community together around common goals.

Tune in for an insightful look at one of the key races in North Fulton as The Georgia Politics Podcast continues its mission to connect listeners with the candidates shaping Georgia's local government.

Click here to connect with Steve or learn more about his campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we continue our 2025 candidate profile series with a conversation featuring Sandy Springs City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Jody Reichel.

As one of the most closely watched local elections in metro Atlanta, the Sandy Springs mayor's race has drawn significant attention for its potential to shape the city's growth, development, and identity over the next decade.

Reichel shares how her experience on the City Council has informed her priorities on issues like developtment, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility. She also discusses her approach to community engagement, housing and zoning challenges, and maintaining the quality of life that has made Sandy Springs one of Georgia's most desirable places to live.

Whether you're a resident following the race closely or simply interested in how local leaders tackle big-city challenges, this episode offers an inside look at the ideas and motivations driving one of the region's key municipal contests.

Click here to connect with Jody or to find out more about her campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol