Season 7 of the Georgia Politics Podcast kicks off with a comprehensive preview of the upcoming legislative session at the Georgia Capitol.

State Rep. Scott Hilton joins the show for an in-depth conversation about what lawmakers will face under the Gold Dome in the weeks ahead. The discussion covers major budget priorities, tax policy debates and other issues expected to dominate the session. Hilton also weighs in on shifting party dynamics and the broader national political climate could shape decision-making at the state level.

The episode takes a closer look at Gov. Brian Kemp's agenda and areas of potential bipartisan agreement. Hilton shares insight into the behind-the-scenes mechanics of the Legislature, what early signals to watch for as bills move — or stall — and how these decisions could affect communities across Georgia.

Whether you follow Georgia politics closely or are looking for a clear roadmap of what's ahead, this season premiere sets the stage for the debates, personalities and power struggles that will define the year at the Capitol.

Connect with Rep. Hilton HERE

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! R. William Johnstone joins the who for an in-depth conversation about his new book examining the life and legacy of former U.S. Sen. Wyche Fowler, one of the most consequential — and now often overlooked — figures in modern Georgia politics.

Johnstone walks listeners through Fowler's rise from state politics to Washington, detailing the relationships, legislative battles, and political instincts that defined his career.

The discussion places Fowler's tenure in the broader context of a Georgia Democratic Party at a crossroads, as the state moved from one-party dominance toward the competitive and polarized environment that exists today. Johnstone explains why Fowler's 1992 Senate race became a national flashpoint, how his approach to governance reflected a different era of politics, and what lessons his career still offers for candidates and voters alike.

Along the way, the panel digs into the research behind the book, memorable moments from Fowler's time in office, and why revisiting his story helps make sense of Georgia's political evolution over the past half-century.

You can purchase Wyche Fowler: A Political Life in Georgia, Congress, and Abroad HERE

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 final episode of 2025 for The Georgia Politics Podcast! The panel takes a fast-paced, end-of-year look back at the moments that defined Georgia and national politics — McLaughlin Group–style.

From elections and court fights to policy clashes under the Gold Dome and in Washington, the panel delivers sharp takes, quick hits, and bold judgments on what mattered most, who gained ground, who lost it, and what it all means heading into the new year.

Expect a little prognosticating and no shortage of hot takes as Georgia's — and the country's — political year goes under the microscope.

Thank you for continuing to listen to and support the show! We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year. See you in 2026!

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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

It's 1975 again - one last time - as Craig and Professor Stone conclude their special mini-series revisiting the notable events of 1975, 50 years later.

After spending almost a year unpacking the moments that mattered, they reflect on what fascinated them most, what hasn't aged well, and which stories continue to resonate decades later.

The conversation moves beyond timelines and facts, as Craig and Professor Stone share what they personally liked, what they didn't, and how their perspectives evolved over the course of the series. From politics and pop culture to social change and forgotten footnotes, this final episode ties together the themes of 1975 while offering fresh insight into why the year still matters today. It's a thoughtful, candid wrap-up that brings the mini-series to a close with context, critique and reflection.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

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! This week, we honor the life, art, and impact of Rob Reiner - the filmmaker whose work helped define modern American cinema.

We reflect on Rob's journey from sitcom star to visionary director of beloved classics like This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, and A Few Good Men — films that continue to resonate across generations. We'll explore his storytelling craft, why his films connected so powerfully with audiences, and how he used his voice both on screen and off to champion social causes and civic engagement.

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

Twenty-five years after Bush v. Gore reshaped American politics, The Georgia Politics Podcast welcomes three guests who witnessed the chaos firsthand.

Former Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, political strategist BJ Van Gundy, and elections attorney Doug Chalmers all three traveled to Florida in 2000 to assist with the historic recount that ultimately determined the presidency. In this episode, they revisit those intense days and weeks on the ground—what they saw, what went wrong, how the legal battle unfolded, and what lessons still resonate today.

From hanging chads to courtroom drama, this conversation offers a rare, firsthand look at a pivotal moment in modern political history.

Tune in for candid stories, insider perspective, and a discussion about how Bush v. Gore continues to shape elections and election law in 2025.

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! This week, we dive into three seismic political shakeups reshaping Georgia and the national landscape.

First, we unpack Marjorie Taylor Greene's stunning announcement that she'll resign from Congress on January 5, 2026. We explore what her departure means for GOP power dynamics, who might emerge to fill the vacancy, and how her public break with Donald Trump could reverberate through the MAGA movement — as well as what she might be positioning herself for next.

Then, we break down the December 2 municipal election results: Mary Robichaux unseats Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson in a closely watched runoff, while in Sandy Springs, Rusty Paul coasts to a fourth term. We look at what these outcomes signal for suburban political trends across the region, including that unexpected Tennessee special angle.

Finally, we examine the dismissal of the Fulton County racketeering case against Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants. With special prosecutor Pete Skandalakis concluding the evidence couldn't support a RICO conviction — and suggesting federal authorities may be better suited to pursue any remaining issues — Georgia's last active 2020-election case comes to an abrupt end. We dig into what this means for accountability, taxpayer exposure under Georgia's new legal-fee law, whether the case could ever be revived, and how this decision may influence public trust in election and judicial systems nationwide.

A packed episode, full of context, clarity, and big questions that linger long after the headlines fade. Tune in.

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 we're back with our cornucopia episode for Part 15 of our mini-series, exploring five pivotal events from this turbulent year.

We begin with the haunting story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the massive Great Lakes freighter that vanished beneath the waves of Lake Superior, sparking investigations, folklore, and one of the most enduring maritime mysteries in American history.

From there, we turn to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Justice William O. Douglas, the longest-serving justice in history, stepped down after more than three decades on the bench. His retirement closed a chapter of sweeping judicial influence and opened the door to a new era in constitutional law.

Across the Atlantic, Spain faced a turning point of its own with the death of Francisco Franco, the dictator who ruled for nearly 40 years. His passing set in motion the country's transition toward democracy—an uncertain and delicate transformation that reshaped Europe.

We also revisit the political drama of the "Halloween Massacre," the sweeping reshuffle within the Ford administration that altered the trajectory of the presidency, reshaped national security leadership, and left Washington insiders stunned.

Finally, we lighten things up with a cultural milestone: the launch of Good Morning America, a morning show experiment that grew into a broadcast institution, influencing the rhythms of American mornings for decades.

Join us as we explore the stories behind these events, the people at the center of them, and the broader forces that made 1975 a year worth revisiting.

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