Podcast 312 – How Dunwoody High Counselors Support Every Student – Luke Ingram and Denise Spain

Dunwoody High might be a big school, but it doesn’t feel that way once you meet the counselors. With my son Micah heading there next year from Cornerstone Christian Academy, I wanted to learn what makes the transition smoother—for him and for other families coming from private schools. So I sat down with counselors Luke Ingram and Denise Spain.

They walked me through how five full-time counselors guide students all four years, helping with everything from AP schedules and college apps to mental health and slip-on shoes. Dunwoody High reflects the real diversity of our city, and this team makes sure every student feels seen and supported.

Whether you’re new to the public school system or just want to understand how things work these days, this episode is a great place to start.

Full episode summary lives here: 

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Podcast 311 – Why ATL Eyecare Feels More Like Family Than a Clinic – Dr. Tommy Koepke and Mary Anne Langman

This isn’t your average big box experience. Every patient gets one-on-one time with Dr. Tommy, using the kind of high-tech tools usually reserved for specialists. Whether it's catching keratoconus like mine, treating glaucoma, or just helping your kid see the board better, they’ve built a clinic that covers it all without losing the neighborly touch.

Located in the Williamsburg Shopping Center (with Chick-fil-A and E 48th Street Market), ATL Eyecare blends medical precision with local love. It's personal, it's professional, and it's exactly what Dunwoody needed.

Book a visit: whatsupdunwoody.com/ATLeyecare

View on the Website: Whatsupdunwoody.com/311

Podcast 310 – Dunwoody’s Bring It Home Campaign and the DHS Stadium Everyone’s Talking About – Coach Tom Bass

Bass explains how one very special Dunwoody alum helped start the push, and how the campaign will bring the plan across the finish line. This is more than a stadium upgrade; it’s a statement about what Dunwoody stands for—community, tradition, and pride.

From honoring Coach Mike Nash’s legacy to creating a safe, walkable place for families to gather, the campaign celebrates everything that makes Dunwoody special. It’s the heart of the community—neighbors connecting, kids dreaming, and the Wildcats finally playing at home.

Learn more and join the movement at whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome

Website:

I stepped into the lab last week and went through the full assessment, learning exactly what I need to work on to keep playing competitive soccer into my 50s. Daniel measured how much power I generate off each leg when I jump and broke down why one of my quads isn’t pulling its weight. Seeing my numbers side by side was eye-opening. If you’ve got even a small imbalance or old injury, he’ll find it. And then he’ll give you a plan to fix it.

Whether you’re a parent wondering if your kid is ready to return from an ACL injury, or just trying to survive over-40 soccer without pulling a hammy, this episode is worth a listen.

Website:

Podcast 309 – Dunwoody’s Comeback Clinic for Soccer Dads and Teen Athletes – Daniel Bodkin

I stepped into the lab last week and went through the full assessment, learning exactly what I need to work on to keep playing competitive soccer into my 50s. Daniel measured how much power I generate off each leg when I jump and broke down why one of my quads isn’t pulling its weight. Seeing my numbers side by side was eye-opening. If you’ve got even a small imbalance or old injury, he’ll find it. And then he’ll give you a plan to fix it.

Whether you’re a parent wondering if your kid is ready to return from an ACL injury, or just trying to survive over-40 soccer without pulling a hammy, this episode is worth a listen.

Website:

Podcast 308 – Why Light Up Dunwoody Moved to the Donaldson-Bannister Farm – Jimmy Economos and Tim Brown

Expect over 80 performers, crafts from Spruill Center to decorate the tree, free Santa pics (with the Santa David), and live music from the Dunwoody High School Marching Band. The band will also be raising money for the Bring It Home campaign to finally give DHS a true home stadium.

We also recap the 2025 Candidate Forum, another DHA event. Thanks to EEP Events stepping in with pro-level sound, lights, and live-streaming at Stage Door Theatre, the night went off without a hitch. It gave neighbors a chance to hear directly from candidates and set the bar high for an old tradition with a new digital spin. With DHA, Rough Draft, Stage Door, and EEP teaming up, the forum is poised to become another can't-miss event on the local calendar.

Website:

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Podcast 307 – Local Businesses Team Up to Launch the Sounds of Dunwoody – Nida Mudd & Miguel Romero

Sounds of Dunwoody is turning the Shops of Dunwoody into a live music stage this Saturday, October 18th. From 3–10 PM, you’ll catch student bands from Dunwoody High and Mount Vernon School, rock covers from PDL Atlanta, and a headlining set from the high-energy Francisco Vidal Band. They’re airing the Georgia vs. Ole Miss game at 3:30, so bring a blanket, grab takeout, and settle in for an all-day community hangout.

The idea started with Nida Mudd, owner of Judy & Grace Boutique, who wanted to bring Alive in Roswell-style energy to Dunwoody. Her new boutique has quickly become a local favorite for stylish women over 50, offering timeless pieces and specializing in mother-of-the-bride dresses. Nida teamed up with Miguel Romero from Taqueria Los Hermanos, who was already turning the Shops of Dunwoody into a live music spot. Word got out and more local businesses stepped in, community organizations sponsored, and the first annual Sounds of Dunwoody comes to life this Saturday.

Website:

https://whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-307-local-businesses-team-up-to-launch-the-sounds-of-dunwoody-nida-mudd-miguel-romero/

What’s Up Dunwoody Links:

🎧 All the podcast episodes.

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🔥 Local events around the city.

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🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.

whatsupdunwoody.com/food

🏠 Homes for sale.

whatsupdunwoody.com/homes

🦷 Best orthodontist in town.

whatsupdunwoody.com/village

🏈 Bring it home campaign.

whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome

🎅🏼 Your holiday headquarters.

whatsupdunwoody.com/holidays

🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour.

whatsupdunwoody.com/tour

📍 Find local businesses.

whatsupdunwoody.com/local

🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.

whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels

📫 Join our email list.

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⚽️ Get to know Matt.

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🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast.

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Podcast 306 – Start Your Personalized Health Journey with Real Data – Ravi Kahan – TY HealthSpan

Dunwoody has a new health hub coming, and it’s flipping the script on wellness. TY HealthSpan, launched by local entrepreneur Ravi Kahan, mixes high-tech testing with real-life coaching, all under one roof. This place gives you a full snapshot of your health with DEXA, VO2 Max, and RMR scans. But the real magic happens after the data. You get to choose your next step: go solo with your results, or team up with one of their vetted practitioners in fitness, nutrition, therapy, or more. TY HealthSpan (which stands for Transform Your HealthSpan) puts the power in your hands. It’s a personalized roadmap, built around your goals, your timeline, and your “why.”

Ravi’s own transformation from exhausted to energized sparked the idea. He built what he wished had existed when he needed it most, and now Dunwoody gets to benefit. Whether you're trying to lose weight, gain strength, or just play longer with your grandkids, this is your chance to take control of your healthspan, your way.

👉 Want to get in early and claim special pre-opening rates?

Join the waitlist now: tyhealthspan.com/scan

👉 Are you a wellness practitioner?

Learn more and apply to join the TY HealthSpan team: tyhealthspan.com/application

Website:

https://whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-306-start-your-personalized-health-journey-with-real-data-ravi-kahan-ty-healthspan/

What’s Up Dunwoody Links:

🎧 All the podcast episodes.

whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts

🔥 Local events around the city.

whatsupdunwoody.com/events

🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.

whatsupdunwoody.com/food

🏠 Homes for sale.

whatsupdunwoody.com/homes

🦷 Best orthodontist in town.

whatsupdunwoody.com/village

🏈 DHS Wildcat football.

whatsupdunwoody.com/football

🎅🏼 Your holiday headquarters.

whatsupdunwoody.com/holidays

🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour.

whatsupdunwoody.com/tour

📍 Find local businesses.

whatsupdunwoody.com/local

🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.

whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels

📫 Join our email list.

whatsupdunwoody.com/email

⚽️ Get to know Matt.

whatsupdunwoody.com/matt

🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast.

whatsupdunwoody.com/origins

👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.

whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 305 – How Saint Luke’s Pumpkin Patch Powers Dunwoody Robotics – Emmy Knight & Paige Holliman

The Pumpkin Patch at Saint Luke’s isn’t just a fall photo op. It’s the main fundraiser for Dunwoody High’s Wildcat5e Robotics team. Student leader Emmy Knight and parent volunteer Paige Holliman explain how this small but mighty team builds 100+ pound robots and competes across Georgia, all powered by community support.

Every October, thousands of pumpkins take over the lot at 1978 Mount Vernon Road. Families come for the face painting, bounce house, yard games, and sand art. They stick around for the friendly vibe and a peek downstairs, where the team is hard at work. Visitors can watch the robot in progress and even try driving a demo bot.

With prices that won’t break the bank and plenty of extras to keep kids busy, it’s an easy stop that supports local students doing big things. It’s also a great way to spark curiosity in young engineers who want to see what robotics is all about. Whether you’re new to Dunwoody or just looking for a reason to swing by, this is one fall tradition that gives back.

Open daily 11 to 7 through Halloween.

Website:

https://whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-305-how-saint-lukes-pumpkin-patch-powers-dunwoody-robotics-emmy-knight-paige-holliman/

What’s Up Dunwoody Links:

🎧 All the podcast episodes.

whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts

🔥 Local events around the city.

whatsupdunwoody.com/events

🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.

whatsupdunwoody.com/food

🏠 Homes for sale.

whatsupdunwoody.com/homes

🦷 Best orthodontist in town.

whatsupdunwoody.com/village

🏈 DHS Wildcat football.

whatsupdunwoody.com/football

🎅🏼 Your holiday headquarters.

whatsupdunwoody.com/holidays

🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour.

whatsupdunwoody.com/tour

📍 Find local businesses.

whatsupdunwoody.com/local

🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.

whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels

📫 Join our email list.

whatsupdunwoody.com/email

⚽️ Get to know Matt.

whatsupdunwoody.com/matt

🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast.

whatsupdunwoody.com/origins

👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.

whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 304 – Spirits for Spruill and the AMPLIFY Mural Selection – Alan Mothner

Spruill Center for the Arts is turning heads again with craft cocktails, public art, and serious community energy. CEO Alan Mothner returns to talk about Spirits for Spruill, the gallery’s fall celebration happening October 25. The big reveal is the 6th AMPLIFY mural, selected from 157 national submissions. This year’s finalists—Christina Kwan, Danae Antoine, and Chloe Alexander—bring color, culture, and serious talent to the side of the historic Smokehouse along Ashford Dunwoody Road.

Expect more than art. Spirits for Spruill features tastings from top Georgia distilleries, bites from ZaZa’s Kitchen, and live music by local favorite Magno. Alan also shares how Spruill has grown into a cultural anchor in Dunwoody, offering everything from toddler art to free yoga in the courtyard. A record $108,000 in scholarships has already been awarded in 2025, and the new strategic plan hints at renovations, artist studios, and even more public art.

It’s art with heart, right in the center of Dunwoody.

Find out more about the Spirits for Spruill event here: www.spruillarts.org/amplify/

What’s Up Dunwoody Links:

🎧 All the podcast episodes.

whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts

🔥 Local events around the city.

whatsupdunwoody.com/events

🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.

whatsupdunwoody.com/food

🏠 Homes for sale.

whatsupdunwoody.com/homes

🦷 Best orthodontist in town.

whatsupdunwoody.com/village

🏈 DHS Wildcat football.

whatsupdunwoody.com/football

🎅🏼 Your holiday headquarters.

whatsupdunwoody.com/holidays

🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour.

whatsupdunwoody.com/tour

📍 Find local businesses.

whatsupdunwoody.com/local

🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.

whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels

📫 Join our email list.

whatsupdunwoody.com/email

⚽️ Get to know Matt.

whatsupdunwoody.com/matt

🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast.

whatsupdunwoody.com/origins

👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.

whatsupdunwoody.com/merch