Bestselling author Gregory E. Lang—writer of Why a Daughter Needs a Dad and more than fifty books—joins host Rico Figliolini for a heartfelt, inspiring conversation on turning life into literature. Greg opens up about the cardboard box of memories that sparked his first book, the four-year grind and sixty-two rejections that preceded his breakthrough, and the simple business lesson that reframed his career: build income that isn’t tied to hours. From royalties to resilience, he shares how a father’s love became a perennial gift-book phenomenon and why storytelling can carry a family’s legacy across generations.

We also dig into the craft and the business: the shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing, how faith and counseling experience shape his work, and why writing for his grandchildren now drives his pace. Greg talks candidly about criticism, creative freedom, and his novel To Echo and Remain—plus what’s next. Resources mentioned: gregoryelang.com, Gregory E. Lang on Amazon, and his Goodreads page. If you need a shot of purpose (and a few practical playbooks for creative careers), this one’s for you.

Key takeaways

• The “box factory” mindset: create assets that earn beyond your time.
  
  
• Why a Daughter Needs a Dad started as a box of mementos—and became a perennial bestseller.
  
  
• Four years, 62 rejections: how persistence and the right publisher changed everything.
  
  
• Gift books as “seasonal perennials” (Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.) keep selling for years.
  
  
• Psychology and counseling informed Greg’s voice: compassionate, non-preachy, resonant.
  
  
• Social era reality: authors need platform; publishers expect a digital footprint.
  
  
• Why Greg self-publishes select Christian and children’s titles (speed, message fit, control).
  
  
• Royalties = “mailbox money”: not instant wealth, but genuine lifestyle freedom.
  
  
• Handling criticism without losing your center—and writing for the readers who love you.
  
  
• Legacy lens: writing now for grandchildren and future readers.

Timestamp: 
(00:00:01) Introductions and about Greg. 
(00:02:26) The inspiration—and necessity—behind his first book idea. 
(00:07:10) Turning personal moments into a global phenomenon. 
(00:10:12) From seasonal gift books to twenty-one appearances on The New York Times list. (00:15:02) How his psychology background shapes his storytelling. 
(00:17:03) Four years, sixty-two rejections, and the publisher who finally said yes. (00:19:16) The changing face of publishing and social media’s impact.
(00:22:24) Why he turned to self-publishing and faith-driven storytelling. 
(00:27:15) Navigating criticism and maintaining perspective. 
(00:31:22) Creating To Echo and Remain and the real events that inspired it. (00:37:32) Challenges of genre-shifting and modern publishing expectations. (00:39:56) Lessons from rejection and future projects in development. 
(00:44:39) Where to find Gregory E. Lang online and connect with his work. 


Resources:

Gregory E. Lang Website: gregoryelang.com
Amazon Author Page: Gregory E. Lang on Amazon 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/105758.Gregory_E_Lang 

DreamHack has become far more than just an esports tournament. It’s also a global celebration of gaming, creativity, and community. On this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini speaks with Shahin Zarrabi, Vice President of Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group, to explore how DreamHack continues to evolve as a platform for gamers, creators, and fans. From multimillion-dollar esports competitions to indie developer showcases and cosplay stages, Shahin shares how the festival keeps every visit fresh while honoring the traditions that long-time attendees love.

As DreamHack Atlanta 2025 approaches (October 31–November 2), Shahin reveals the challenges of programming for a fast-changing industry and the strategies his team uses to balance classic titles with the latest releases. More than just competition, DreamHack is about connections. Whether it’s streamers meeting their communities, parents gaming alongside kids, or international visitors experiencing the culture of Atlanta. At its heart, the festival unites people around shared passions and unforgettable moments.

Takeaways

• DreamHack is both a global esports powerhouse and a grassroots community hub.
• The festival balances new and classic games to reach both hardcore and casual players.
• Supporting indie developers and creators is central to DreamHack’s DNA.
• Fast-changing entertainment trends pose challenges for long-term event planning.
• DreamHack Atlanta 2025 will bring esports, cosplay, creator hubs, and more to the Georgia World Congress Center.

Timestamp: 
● (00:01:01) Introducing Shahin Zarrabi and DreamHack Atlanta 2025. 
● (00:02:35) Shahin’s career path and how it shaped his approach to festival design. 
● (00:05:04) Returning favorites and new highlights for DreamHack Atlanta.
● (00:07:42) Balancing classic games with new titles in multimillion-dollar tournaments. 
● (00:11:06) Keeping pace with fast-changing entertainment and gaming trends. 
● (00:13:30) Supporting indie developers and content creators at the festival. 
● (00:16:09) Cultural differences and growing DreamHack’s presence in the U.S. 
● (00:19:48) How DreamHack manages the technical and logistical demands of a global festival.
● (00:22:19) Live streaming vs. in-person experiences. 
● (00:23:57) Programs like the Siege College Fair and the Creator Program. ● (00:25:33) Merchandise and the new Pixel Grind collection. 
● (00:26:41) Welcoming international visitors to Atlanta. 
● (00:28:22) DreamHack’s ultimate mission: uniting people around a shared passion.

In this episode, we discuss the art and strategy of building partnerships that move beyond transactional sponsorships and into transformational collaborations. Rico Figliolini’s UrbanEBB guess, Cynthia Currence, is the author of Beyond Checks and Halos: Insights into Elevating Partnerships and Achieving the Improbable and brings decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including 18 years with the American Cancer Society.

Cynthia has helped organizations turn modest offers into multimillion-dollar agreements, proving that when nonprofits think and operate like businesses, they can unlock opportunities far greater than they imagined.From negotiating a $15 million corporate deal with Citibank to helping Feeding America scale from $20 million to $2 billion, Cynthia’s stories are a masterclass in identifying organizational assets, aligning with corporate needs, and protecting brand integrity. Whether you’re leading a national nonprofit or a small community-based organization, Cynthia’s approach shows that the right partnership can multiply both mission impact and business value.Five Key Takeaways

1. Think Like a Business – Nonprofits must identify, understand, and value their assets just as a for-profit would—and match them to the right corporate needs.
   
   
2. Scale with Strategy – The same questions and frameworks that work for billion-dollar organizations can be applied to local nonprofits for meaningful growth.
   
   
3. Prove the Value – Research and data can transform a modest licensing offer into a multimillion-dollar agreement by showing measurable ROI for corporate partners.
   
   
4. Protect the Brand – Establish clear criteria to ensure partnerships align with your mission and avoid reputational risks.
5. Trust is the Foundation – Strong, long-term collaborations require building genuine relationships where both parties feel safe sharing goals and challenges.

Timestamp:
(00:02:17) Cynthia’s career in nonprofit leadership and marketing strategy.
(00:06:47) Writing Beyond Checks and Halos—from idea to published book.
(00:13:37) Partner motivation and aligning with corporate ROI.
(00:17:30) Turning a 15-minute pitch into a $1.5 million deal.
(00:20:47) Case studies of successful and unsuccessful partnerships.
(00:24:50) How small nonprofits can apply these strategies locally.
(00:28:31) Feeding America’s transformation into a $2 billion organization.
(00:32:09) Setting criteria to protect your nonprofit’s brand.
(00:33:50) Speaking engagements, board trainings, and ways to connect with Cynthia.

In this thoughtful and often funny conversation, UrbanEBB podcast host Rico Figliolini sits down with Lo Patrick, a Peachtree Corners resident and author of The Floating Girls and The Night the River Wept and her latest book, Fast Boys and Pretty Girls. Lo shares how growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta, studying law, and navigating parenthood all shaped her path to becoming a Southern fiction writer.
 
👉 In this episode:
• Why she wrote 13 novels before getting published
• How grief, motherhood, and Southern life fuel her stories
• The reason she never outlines her books
• What it’s like writing flawed, real-life-inspired characters
• How she juggles writing while raising kids
 
Tune in now to hear Lo’s take on writing with heart, humor, and honesty.

Timestamp:
00:01:08 – Lo Patrick’s background and return to Georgia
00:02:44 – From law school to writing full-time
00:06:50 – The birth of The Floating Girls and publishing during COVID
00:10:03 – Themes of Southern identity and layered trauma
00:12:26 – The Night the River Wept: grief, God, and voice
00:16:39 – The real-world parallels in Lo’s stories
00:19:45 – Choosing flawed characters and morally gray ground
00:23:20 – Advice for aspiring writers and Southern storytellers

In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Chief Frank Trammer, Chief of Police for Stockbridge, Georgia, to explore the realities of building a police department from the ground up. With over 25 years in public safety—including roles at Atlanta PD, Sandy Springs, and Georgia Tech—Chief Trammer brings strategic clarity, deep community values, and a blueprint for modern law enforcement in rapidly growing cities.

Together, they discuss how Stockbridge launched its own police department in just nine months after a 50-year absence, overcoming recruitment challenges, supply chain delays, and startup logistics—while prioritizing culture, officer wellness, and community trust. This conversation dives into the “why” behind forming a city force, the hidden costs, and the long-term impact of getting it right from day one. Whether you're a city planner, resident, or curious citizen, this episode offers invaluable insight into creating a modern, community-focused police department from scratch.

Key Takeaways

1. Define Your “Why” Before Your “What”
   Chief Trammer emphasizes that cities should start with clear goals and community expectations before diving into operations or logistics.
2. Culture Over Credentials
   Hiring for character and cultural fit—not just experience—was central to Stockbridge’s successful recruitment and retention strategy.
3. Officer Wellness Is Public Safety
   A supportive work environment and generous benefits created a healthier, more responsive department—and helped attract over 1,200 applicants.
4. Smart Partnerships Pay Off
   Stockbridge leveraged regional partnerships for SWAT, drones, and crime centers to expand capabilities without overextending budget or staff.
5. Policing as an Investment, Not Just an Expense
   A city-run department is a long-term investment in safety, accountability, and local quality of life—and can redefine how a community connects with law enforcement.

In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini is joined by Billy Grogan, former Chief of Police in Dunwoody and now Senior VP at Sumter Local Government Consulting. With over 15 years of experience leading a nationally accredited department, Grogan recounts the high-stakes journey of launching Dunwoody’s police force in just 120 days—from policy creation and recruitment to integrating cutting-edge technology. He shares candid insights into the challenges and lessons learned in building a police department from the ground up.

Rico and Bill also discuss what Peachtree Corners should consider if it chooses to form its own police force, weighing the pros and cons of local control versus county-provided services. This episode offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of creating and sustaining a city-run police department—from staffing and budgeting to public trust and community impact.

Key Takeaways

1. Start Big, Not Small – Grogan warns that underestimating a city’s long-term policing needs at launch leads to costly, continual catch-up.
2. Technology is a Force Multiplier – Drones, body cams, and real-time crime centers now help cities like Dunwoody respond faster and smarter.
3. Recruiting Has Changed – Officer retention has become more difficult post-Ferguson and COVID, requiring stronger benefits and creative incentives like housing stipends.
4. Local Control Boosts Accountability – A city-run department serves its residents exclusively, fostering trust and deeper community ties.
5. Civilian Roles are Critical – Grogan emphasizes the importance of hiring non-sworn staff for support roles, freeing officers to focus on enforcement.

In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini chats with Vandana Aggarwal, VP of Operations at Aggarwal Real Estate, about the winding road from global consulting to family-run commercial real estate in Norcross, Georgia. With honesty, warmth, and insight, V shares how she went from working 80-hour weeks in corporate strategy to rediscovering clarity in the mountains of India—and ultimately, helping transform her family’s business into a community-driven real estate firm managing over 50 shopping centers.

The conversation weaves together themes of leadership, legacy, operational excellence, and the transformative power of both AI and yoga. This is another episode you won’t want to miss.

Bullet Points:

• Why Vandana left a high-powered consulting career to join her family business
• How hiking Kilimanjaro and studying yoga in the Himalayas changed her leadership mindset
• The operational overhaul she brought to Arragwal Real Estate to support growth
• What it’s like working side-by-side with your dad, siblings, and 700+ tenants
• How the company rebranded with intention and built a mission around “building communities as a community”
• Where AI is reshaping real estate—from lease drafting to property management—and where it still can’t compete with people
• Leadership succession planning with siblings at the helm
• The importance of clarity, calm, and conscious growth in both business and life

Timestamp:
00:00:00 – Introduction and sponsors: Vox Pop Uli & EV Remodeling
00:03:12 – From Georgia Tech to global consulting
00:04:23 – Leading strategy for Fortune 500 companies
00:06:11 – The role of vision alignment at the C-suite
00:08:01 – Sabbatical becomes family business overhaul
00:09:35 – Bringing operational excellence to a growing real estate firm
00:12:02 – A year of yoga, nature, and healing in India
00:17:03 – Hiking Kilimanjaro, testing limits, and expanding self-trust
00:18:52 – Navigating family dynamics inside a business
00:21:56 – Planning for leadership transition: siblings, strategy, succession
00:24:06 – Rebranding the business: from American Management to Arragwal Real Estate
00:26:33 – Where AI fits (and doesn’t) in real estate operations
00:30:04 – Legal, leasing, HR, and marketing efficiency with tech
00:31:01 – Community-focused retail and experiential shopping centers
00:32:00 – Reflections on AI, journalism, and digital trust
00:32:57 – Closing thoughts

In this deeply moving episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Katherine Lafourcade, Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce Atlanta, to talk about life, leadership, and the power of giving back. Katherine shares her unexpected journey from Europe to Georgia, her role in connecting French businesses to Atlanta’s thriving innovation scene, and a powerful personal story of her son’s battle with leukemia that inspired her mission to promote blood donation.
With candor, insight, and heart, this conversation reminds us of the value of community—and how even a small act, like donating blood, can change lives.
Resources:

• French-American Chamber of Commerce – Atlanta: https://www.facc-atlanta.com
• Blood Drive Registration (June 14, 2025): https://www.facc-atlanta.com/events/upcoming-events/e/event/blood-drive-june.html
• American Red Cross: https://www.redcrossblood.org

Takeaways:

• Why the French-American Chamber of Commerce relocated to Curiosity Lab in Peachtree Corners
• How Katherine transitioned from a global business background to nonprofit leadership
• The life-threatening diagnosis that changed everything for her family
• How her son Theo’s recovery from leukemia—and over 50 blood transfusions—inspired her to launch a community blood drive initiative
• Why World Blood Donor Day (June 14, 2025) is a meaningful opportunity for new and returning donors
• What it takes to host a Red Cross blood drive—and how you can help
• How giving blood could save up to three lives in under 15 minutes

Timestamp:
00:01:42 – Why the French-American Chamber relocated to Peachtree Corners
00:02:14 – Katherine’s transatlantic journey from England to France, Switzerland, and Georgia
00:06:02 – The chamber’s mission: helping French businesses land and grow in the U.S.
00:07:38 – Why French, British, and Irish nationals were banned from donating blood until 2023
00:10:01 – Katherine shares her son Theo’s leukemia diagnosis and critical care experience
00:13:03 – The severity of Theo’s condition and the ECMO machine that saved his life
00:16:00 – The frustration of being unable to donate blood as a parent
00:20:19 – The family’s move to the U.S. and continued treatment during COVID
00:21:44 – Theo’s dream of becoming a pediatric oncologist
00:22:21 – Launching local blood drives and how to get involved
00:24:09 – What it’s really like to donate blood: time, process, and tracking where it goes
00:28:05 – Tracking donations via the Red Cross app and building a culture of giving
00:29:19 – Where to sign up and what to expect on June 14, 2025

In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini speaks with Kyle Grob, CEO and founder of Peachtree Corners-based KGM Technologies, a precision manufacturing company specializing in firearm suppressors and expanding into medical device production. Kyle shares insights on growing a business during COVID-19, navigating ATF regulations, and how Georgia fosters innovation in manufacturing.The conversation also explores the future of skilled trades, the challenges of hiring motivated workers, and KGM’s commitment to workforce development through partnerships with vocational schools. Whether you’re interested in business growth, advanced manufacturing, or the evolving job market, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Key Takeaways & Highlights:

• Adapting to Change – How KGM transitioned from automotive and defense contracts to firearm suppressor manufacturing and medical devices.
• The Impact of ATF Regulations – Digital processing has drastically reduced wait times for suppressor purchases.
• Workforce Challenges – The decline of skilled trades and the difficulty of hiring motivated employees in manufacturing.
• Medical Technology Expansion – KGM’s role in producing stroke rehabilitation devices and scaling medical manufacturing.
• Networking & Diversification – The importance of industry connections in finding new opportunities.
• The Value of Trade Schools – How partnerships with Maxwell High School and other vocational programs are shaping the next generation of skilled workers.
• Patents & Innovation – KGM’s goal of filing at least one new patent every year.
• The Role of Suppressors – Their use in law enforcement, hunting, and protecting hearing health.