Épisodes

  • Giving Thanks in the Messy Middle: What 65 Episodes Have Taught Us About Unity, Humanity, and Newton County-Episode 65

    Giving Thanks in the Messy Middle: What 65 Episodes Have Taught Us About Unity, Humanity, and Newton County-Episode 65
    Nov 18 2025
    As 2025 winds toward Thanksgiving and the holiday season settles over Newton County, something feels especially meaningful about this particular episode of The Town Square Podcast. For the first time in months, it’s just the two of us — Trey and Gabriel — back at the table, returning to the roots of what launched this show in the first place: storytelling, tough conversations, humility, grace, and a deep belief that our community is better when we choose unity over uniformity.This wasn’t just another episode.It was a pause.A breath.A moment to reflect on 65 candid, sometimes messy, always meaningful conversations with leaders, influencers, contrarians, thinkers, servants, and everyday Newtonians who give their best to this place we love.This episode is our Thanksgiving table — a long, heartfelt conversation filled with gratitude, honesty, humor, reflection, and even some tears. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come, how much we’ve learned, and how much we still want to accomplish together.What follows is a full exploration of the themes, stories, and heart behind Episode 65.Back to Day One: Why We Started This PodcastBefore the first microphone was plugged in, before the first episode aired, before the first guest sat across from us, we had a simple question:“How do we create a space where people in Newton County can disagree without disrespect?”This began because we watched neighbors talk past each other online.We watched conversations break down into insults rather than ideas.We watched people assume the worst about people they’d never even spoken to.And we knew there had to be a better way.The messy middle — the space between extremes — is where most people actually live. It’s where complexity lives. It’s where the truth usually lives. But it’s also the space our culture avoids, because the middle requires humility. It requires letting go of absolute certainty. It requires listening long enough to learn something new.This podcast started as an experiment:Could we create a platform where real conversations — nuanced, layered, human conversations — were possible?Sixty-five episodes later, the answer is yes… and then some.Humbling Growth: A Community That Was Ready for ThisWe didn’t expect the response.Not the thousands of downloads.Not the messages.Not the people who stop us in the grocery store.Not the guests who walk in nervous and walk out relieved.Newton County was hungry for civil discourse, hungry for depth, hungry for context, hungry for a reprieve from the algorithm-driven extremes that dominate our feeds.As Gabriel said in this episode:“It’s humbling to watch people finally feel like there’s a place to have these conversations — a place where people can humanize politics again.”Long-form conversations make room for nuance.Nuance makes room for empathy.Empathy makes room for connection.Connection makes room for solutions.That’s the heartbeat of the show.Why the Messy Middle MattersThe messy middle is not comfortable.It’s not neat.It’s not easy.Being in the middle means you have to acknowledge that your side — your comfort zone — might have blind spots. It means recognizing that someone else, someone raised differently, someone shaped by a different neighborhood or childhood or church or trauma, may see the world differently… and may still have something true to say.In Episode 65, we reflected on what we’ve seen:People willing to share perspectives they rarely get to articulatePeople with opposing worldviews discovering shared humanityPeople who disagree learning to disagree without dehumanizingPeople willing to “sit in the tension” rather than run from itThe messy middle isn’t the absence of conflict — it’s the transformation of conflict into conversation.Episode Highlights: Conversations That Defined Who We AreWe spent a good portion of this episode looking back at some of the most quintessential Town Square conversations — the ones that best represent what we long to do.Here are some of the standouts we discussed:Stephanie Lindsey — Courage in the Heat of ControversyWhen Newton County’s political climate hit a boiling point, Attorney Stephanie Lindsey walked into our studio with indictments swirling around her name. She sat down, face-to-face, and said:“Here’s my perspective. Here’s my experience. Here’s my truth.”No filters.No rehearsed lines.No political posturing.That’s the messy middle. And it took guts.Marshall McCart — A Different Lens, Same CommunityMarshall brought a completely different worldview — politically, culturally, journalistically — and shared it with calmness, self-awareness, and curiosity.Two very different guests.Two very different perspectives.Same table.Same willingness to talk.Same messy middle.Serra Hall — Cutting Through Economic Development MythsPeople often assume economic development leaders only want “more chicken restaurants” or fast food chains. Serra ...
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    52 min
  • Capt. Bret Dunn: From Marine Corps Discipline to Georgia Senate Duty – Episode 64

    Capt. Bret Dunn: From Marine Corps Discipline to Georgia Senate Duty – Episode 64
    Nov 11 2025
    A Mansfield Native, Marine Captain, and Mission-Driven Attorney Steps Forward to ServeOn this special Veterans Day edition of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey sits down with Captain Bret Dunn, a Newton County native whose life story reads like a roadmap of service, faith, and conviction. Dunn grew up between Oak Hill and Mansfield, graduated from Alcovy High School in 2013, earned his law degree from Mercer University, and went on to serve as a U.S. Marine Corps officer—eventually becoming a defense counsel at Parris Island.Now a partner at Strauss & Dunn Law Firm and the Republican candidate for Georgia Senate District 42, Capt. Dunn brings his military discipline, courtroom experience, and faith-driven values into a new kind of battlefield: public service.In this hour-long conversation, Trey and Bret explore his journey from Mansfield to Quantico, from defending Marines to defending Georgians, and from carrying a rifle to carrying a calling. The uniform may be off, but as he says, “the mission is still the same.”Growing Up Southern StrongBret Dunn’s story begins in Mansfield, Georgia—a “Mayberry-style” small town where neighbors wave, manners matter, and your reputation follows you through every front porch.Raised between his mother’s home in Mansfield and his father’s house in the Oak Hill area, Bret learned discipline early. His father, Jackie Dunn, served as a Marine before spending 37 years as a police captain in Conyers. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor symbol was a constant presence in their home, as was the sound of “Yes sir” and “No ma’am.”“Those little things—manners, respect, accountability—laid the foundation for something much bigger,” Bret recalls. “You didn’t say yeah or nah in my house. You said yes sir or no sir.”A proud product of the Newton County School System, Bret attended Oak Hill Elementary, Veterans Middle, and graduated from Alcovy High School’s Class of 2013. His formative years in Newton County shaped his work ethic and small-town values—qualities he says have never left him, even as his path took him into some of the world’s toughest environments.Answering the Call: From Mercer to the MarinesLike many who grow up under the shadow of the American flag, Bret knew service was in his future—but he wasn’t always sure how.After earning his undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, he felt a tug toward military service. Yet when he first tried to enter the Marine Corps in 2015, the timing wasn’t right. Fitness and recruitment standards were high amid federal budget cuts, and Bret found himself temporarily shut out.But as he says, “Every time I tried to do something that God didn’t want me to do, I failed at it.”Instead, a Marine Corps officer encouraged him to consider law. That conversation changed everything. Bret enrolled at Mercer University’s School of Law in Macon, joining a long line of “Bears” who have shaped Georgia’s judiciary—including Judge Sammy Ozburn, Judge John Ott, and former Governor Nathan Deal.Between his second and third year of law school, Bret entered Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico. On June 1, 2019, he stepped onto the famous yellow footprints that have tested generations of Marines. Ten weeks later, he earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant.“I came home from Quantico on a Saturday,” he remembers, “and by Monday morning, I was back in evidence class at Mercer. One day I’m doing pushups in the Virginia humidity; two days later I’m highlighting case law.”After passing the Georgia Bar Exam on his first try, Bret received orders to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, where he would serve as a Defense Counsel—representing Marines in courts-martial, administrative hearings, and boards of inquiry. Over time, he rose to the rank of Captain, blending his love of justice with the Marine ethos of “Semper Fidelis”—Always Faithful.Veterans Day: Honoring Service and SacrificeIt’s fitting that Episode 64 airs on Veterans Day, a holiday that carries deep meaning for Capt. Dunn.“Memorial Day is for those who gave their lives,” he says. “Veterans Day is for those who served and came home. The best thing anyone can do for a veteran is to simply say thank you—and to pray for them.”Bret speaks candidly about the invisible wounds of war, about the friends who came home from Iraq and Afghanistan only to struggle with loss and disillusionment.“There are folks right here in our community who are still hurting,” he says. “A simple thank you might be what keeps them going another day.”From Court Martial to Courtroom: A Calling to DefendToday, Capt. Dunn wears a different kind of uniform: a suit and tie. But his mission remains the same.At Strauss & Dunn Law Firm, he represents clients in criminal and civil cases throughout Georgia—and still defends service members when called upon.“When King...
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    1 h et 6 min
  • Travis Moore: Clearing the Air on Cinelease and Cemetery Controversy – Episode 63

    Travis Moore: Clearing the Air on Cinelease and Cemetery Controversy – Episode 63
    Nov 4 2025
    Introduction: When Facebook Turns into City HallEvery community has those moments when social media explodes and rumors outpace reality. For Covington, Georgia, that moment came when the city council voted to purchase property from Cinelease/Three Ring Studios—a move that set keyboards ablaze across Newton County. Many residents wondered: Was the city bailing out the studio? Was this another taxpayer burden?So this week on The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey sat down with Travis Moore, East Ward Post 2 Councilman, to get the story straight from the source. Moore is known for his transparency, his calm on social media, and his willingness to explain city decisions in plain language.This conversation also dove into another hot-button issue: the new ordinance banning for-profit cemetery tours in Covington. After a video went viral, emotions ran high, accusations flew, and Moore once again found himself clarifying facts online—and ultimately casting the council’s lone “no” vote.In true Town Square fashion, Trey and Travis unpacked both stories in the “messy middle,” where nuance replaces outrage and facts matter more than Facebook.Setting the Scene: A Councilman Who Actually CommunicatesBefore tackling controversy, Trey opened with appreciation. In an era when public officials often hide behind press releases, Moore has built a reputation for directly communicating with citizens after each council meeting.“You’re setting the bar for how we should communicate as public servants,” Trey told him.Moore laughed, modestly noting that he just likes to “be out there with the folks.” Whether it’s concerts, movie nights, or ribbon cuttings, he’s visible—and online, he’s transparent. After every meeting, he posts the highlights, summarizes the votes, and explains his reasoning.It’s the kind of grassroots accountability residents say they want—and the kind that probably explains why his Facebook posts often calm storms before they turn into political hurricanes.The Cinelease Purchase: What Really HappenedThe Need for ConsolidationAt the heart of the Cinelease story wasn’t Hollywood drama—it was logistics.Covington’s utility departments were scattered all over town: electric trucks here, gas meters rented from a warehouse off Cook Road, poles and transformers stored elsewhere. It was inefficient, costly, and frustrating.“We needed to consolidate,” Moore explained. “Get all our materials, trucks, and departments in one place.”So the city put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find property suitable for a centralized utilities complex. Several options surfaced, but the Cinelease/Three Ring property—roughly 20 acres with two 36,000-square-foot buildings—offered the most space for the same price as smaller alternatives.The $15 Million Price TagThe agreed purchase price hovered around $15 to $16 million. As soon as that figure hit the local paper, the Facebook comment sections caught fire. The narrative? The city was using tax dollars to bail out a struggling studio it once helped attract.“I could see the tar being heated up,” Moore said with a grin. “We needed to cool the temperature down.”So he jumped online and clarified the facts.No, It Wasn’t Paid with Taxpayer MoneyThe purchase did not use property-tax funds or utility-rate hikes. Instead, it was financed through MEAG Power—the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia—and the Municipal Competitive Trust, commonly called the MCT fund.Here’s the short version:Covington buys wholesale electricity from MEAG.Each year, MEAG reconciles its budget. If it collected more than it spent, cities get a refund.Covington has historically received money back.Rather than spend it, the city deposited those refunds into the MCT Trust—a kind of utility savings account.“It’s not baked into the city’s annual budget,” Moore explained. “We didn’t raise rates or dip into taxpayer funds. We used money already saved for utility needs.”That trust can only be used for utility-related projects, such as infrastructure or debt service. In this case, the purchase perfectly fit that criteria.Why This Property Made SenseThe new complex will:Eliminate monthly rent for the warehouse on Cook Road.Speed up response times for outages by housing crews and materials together.Improve safety and inventory control with fencing, lighting, and cameras.Provide a modern, efficient base for Covington’s utility departments.Construction and relocation are slated to wrap by April or May 2026, saving taxpayers money while improving service delivery.“It just makes things more efficient,” Moore said. “You’ll see faster repairs, fewer delays, and less wasted time.”That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes decision that rarely trends online—but makes a real difference when the lights go out during a storm.The Cemetery Ordinance: Respect, Revenue, and RumorsHow It StartedThen came controversy #2...
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    45 min
  • JaNice Van Ness: Faith, Finances & Fixing Rockdale from the Middle-Episode 62

    JaNice Van Ness: Faith, Finances & Fixing Rockdale from the Middle-Episode 62
    Oct 28 2025
    In Episode 62 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall venture beyond Newton County to highlight the incredible story of a neighboring leader: JaNice Van Ness, Chair and CEO of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners. A seasoned public servant, former Georgia State Senator, and founder of Peachtree Academy, JaNice brings a rare blend of faith, fiscal responsibility, and unapologetic pragmatism to the often-polarized world of politics. This conversation touches on everything from her surprising political shift, her entrepreneurial roots, and the economic and spiritual heartbeat of Rockdale County.📈 From Capitol Hill to the Courthouse: A Life of ServiceWith a degree in Political Science and International Relations from Auburn University, JaNice’s story began far from Rockdale—on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where she interned and later worked for U.S. Senators Alan Dixon and Howell Heflin. That experience lit a spark for service but also revealed that calling didn’t always come with a sustainable paycheck. Returning home to Georgia, JaNice entered the world of education and business, which eventually led to her founding Peachtree Academy—a Christian school now serving families from pre-K through 12th grade with multiple campuses.Her public service career began with a Rockdale County Commission seat in 2005, followed by a successful election to the Georgia State Senate (District 43), representing Rockdale, Newton, and DeKalb counties. A deeply relational campaigner, she prioritized meeting people where they were—often at grocery stores and community events.📝 Political Labels, Real-World LeadershipIn one of the podcast’s most candid moments, JaNice shares her reasoning behind switching political parties—moving from Republican to Democrat—and how that move wasn’t about ideology, but community impact. She explains:“A pothole is a pothole—there’s no Republican or Democrat version of that.”Her campaign slogan, “Clean Up the Mess, Vote Van Ness,” reflects her centrist approach. She doesn’t fit neatly into a partisan box, and she prefers it that way. Her focus is simple: responsible budgeting, lower taxes, public safety, and community well-being.💲 Budgeting Like It’s PersonalRockdale County’s budget nearly doubled in 10 years—from $58 million in 2014 to $123 million today. As a business owner and former finance committee member, JaNice brings a fiscal discipline that’s often missing in politics.She led efforts to: - Roll back the county’s millage rate from 18.68 to 18.282 - Conduct deep internal reviews of vehicle fleet spending - Empower citizens via a Financial Oversight Committee - Increase pay for first responders and public safety staffVan Ness sees herself as a steward of the community’s tax dollars—focused on outcomes, not just programs. “Some government jobs feel more like employment programs,” she quips, “but we’ve got to stay outcome-focused.”✨ Faith, Family & Peachtree AcademyJaNice’s business, Peachtree Academy, began as a passion for quality Christian education. Over time, it grew into a multi-campus private school and early childhood center. But she’s quick to say that her mission isn’t elitism—it’s service.“We’re not in an elitist environment. We’re a community of families who prioritize education.”Peachtree Academy is also a launching ground for local churches, with seven church plants launched from its campuses over the years. JaNice sees spiritual and educational growth as intertwined and believes the local church is a crucial part of any healthy community.🤝 Bridging Counties, Building CommunityWith Rockdale and Newton Counties often sharing economic, educational, and cultural challenges, JaNice emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration. Whether it’s economic development (like supplier growth from the Rivian project), local churches, nonprofits, or shared infrastructure concerns, she believes the future is about “good neighbors across county lines.”⚖️ Redefining Leadership: From Candy Striper to County CEOHer leadership story is grounded in real-life service. She began volunteering as a candy striper at Rockdale Hospital and shelving books at Nancy Guinn Library. That foundation led to her now holding one of the highest offices in the county—Chair and CEO of Rockdale County. She’s now passionate about grooming the next generation of servant leaders, launching new citizen advisory boards and dreaming of a “So You Want to Serve?” forum for aspiring civic leaders.“Don’t just win. Serve.”🎾 Pickleball & PurposeWhen she’s not leading commission meetings or mentoring community leaders, JaNice recharges on the pickleball court. The county is even expanding pickleball facilities to keep up with demand—a small but powerful example of her community-centered leadership style.💬 Want to Contact Chairwoman Van Ness?· ...
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    54 min
  • Claudia Minge & Margaret McDonald: Change the World Day—Serving Newton County Together—Episode 60

    Claudia Minge & Margaret McDonald: Change the World Day—Serving Newton County Together—Episode 60
    Oct 14 2025
    Local unity with boots on the ground. In this week’s episode of The Town Square Podcast, Trey and Gabriel sit down with Claudia Minge of Covington First United Methodist Church and Margaret McDonald, Executive Director of Giving Hands Food Pantry. Together, they unpack one of the most joy-filled, service-driven traditions in our community: Change The World Day—coming Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, on the Covington First UMC campus (Conyers St., near the Square).If you’ve never been, think massive community service fair + fall festival + resource clinic + free food + gifts of grace—all in one place, all in one afternoon, all free. It’s the perfect picture of our podcast’s heartbeat: unity, not uniformity—the messy middle made practical.Episode SnapshotWhat: Change The World Day—Newton County’s signature serve-together eventWhen: Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 • 11:00 AM – 2:00 PMWhere: Covington First United Methodist Church campus (Conyers St., near the Square)Why it matters: One day to rally the whole community around compassion, connection, and practical help, while spotlighting year-round ministries like Giving Hands Food PantryCost: FREE for attendees. Nothing is sold. Everything is offered as a gift.“Change the World” started as a challenge—now it’s a Newton County traditionSeventeen years ago, an email landed in Claudia’s inbox—a United Methodist challenge inspired by pastor/author Mike Slaughter’s book Change the World: “Take ministry outside the walls for one day.” Covington First UMC grabbed the baton, learned from year one, and moved the event to Fall to better serve our local rhythm.From there, it grew—on purpose. Instead of one project, Claudia and a small team imagined a multi-faceted serve daythat could meet real needs, showcase local help, and spark partnerships that last all year. Today, churches, civic groups, nonprofits, schools, health providers, and local businesses flood the campus—each bringing a piece of the puzzle. As Claudia says, “We’re better together.”What you’ll experience on Oct 25Easy parking & shuttles. Volunteer golf-cart drivers scoop up guests from surrounding parking areas and drop you right at the action.Front Campus: Community Service Fair + Fall FunResource booths from health providers, counselors, civic clubs, schools, recreation, and local businessesOn-site health services (historically including the Health Department, Piedmont Newton, and Willing Helpers): BP/glucose checks, vaccines & screeningsLive music from the front steps “stage”Free food stations (multiple partner groups pitch in—think sliders, wings, popcorn, iced coffee, and more)Zero cost, zero sales—100% hospitalityBack Campus: “Gifts of Grace”Giving Hands Food Pantry big-tent “market” with grocery carts so families can shop a curated path of shelf-stable goods and fresh produce (sourced via Atlanta Community Food Bank)Warm clothing (racks and racks—adults and kids), blankets, socks, gloves, winter caps, diapers, and hygiene/health kitsFree haircuts and on-site partners who can connect guests to follow-up resourcesGolf carts help guests get groceries and goods back to their cars“It’s the happiest day—smiles, hugs, conversations everywhere. You see community.” —ClaudiaWhy this day unifies Newton CountyChange The World Day dissolves the usual lines—denominational, organizational, even “who hosts what.” Claudia is crystal-clear: Covington First UMC simply hosts because the campus can handle the footprint; the entire communitymakes the day work. Groups wear their own swag—you’ll see a sea of shirts from dozens of churches, clubs, teams, schools, and nonprofits. It’s visual unity—one campus, many colors, one mission.Part of the secret sauce? Networking. For many leaders, CTWD is the one day they’re all in the same place, forging new connections that become co-ops, referrals, and joint projects for the other 364 days.The year-round engine: Giving Hands Food PantryChange The World Day amplifies the daily work of Giving Hands Food Pantry—and Margaret’s team is humming:Serving ~200 families every weekOffice hours: Tue–Thu, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (there’s always something happening behind the scenes)Fresh produce + grocery staples through partner donations and ACFBVolunteers welcome for morning “stock & prep” shifts or afternoon “guest support & loading” shiftsNew 16’ refrigerated box truck (no CDL required) to pick up store donations—drivers needed!“People leave with dignity—and good food. Volunteers go home tired in the best way.” —MargaretGet involved: givinghandsfoodpantry.orgSign up to volunteer, donate, or join the newsletter. (They also list opportunities via Hands On Atlanta.)How to plug in (before, during, and after)Right now (before Oct 25):Host a 2-week food drive at your church, school, ...
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    50 min
  • Dr. Cody McNutt: Why First Baptist Chose Demolition to Preserve Its Mission—Episode 59

    Dr. Cody McNutt: Why First Baptist Chose Demolition to Preserve Its Mission—Episode 59
    Oct 7 2025
    The story behind “the church that disappeared overnight”If you’ve driven the Covington Square lately and wondered, “Where did that historic white-columned church go?”—this episode is for you. Dr. Cody McNutt, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Covington, sits down with Trey to walk us—calmly and carefully—through the why, the how, and the what’s-next of FBC’s decision to demolish its 120-year-old sanctuary and rebuild on the same block.This is more than a construction update. It’s an honest conversation about history, stewardship, theology, hospitality, accessibility, and unity—and why the FBC leadership concluded that the best way to honor a 200-year presence in Newton County was to create space to grow together for the next 100.“Church buildings come and go and are almost like garments cast off in their season when they no longer suit the congregation.” — Covington News, c.1910, quoted by Dr. McNuttNot a 200-year-old building—a 200-year-old churchFirst Baptist Covington (founded in 1823) is nearly as old as Covington itself. Over two centuries, the congregation has worshipped at multiple locations around the Square, eventually purchasing the corner of Floyd & Elm in the early 1900s. The sanctuary we all remember opened around 1910. And like most long-lived churches, the facility went through several significant alterations:The original reddish-brown brick exterior (not white), topped by a dome later removed due to leaks.Mid-century expansions that blew out the rear wall, added a balcony, and painted over intricate architectural details.An annex and education building that helped ministry thrive but also made the campus feel like a downtown hospital—add-on upon add-on—with maze-like wayfinding and difficult access.Put simply, the sanctuary many of us loved was the building’s third or fourth iteration. What it symbolized was historic; what it provided—capacity, accessibility, and unity—no longer matched the church’s mission.The long road to a hard decisionThis wasn’t sudden. According to Dr. McNutt, FBC voted more than 25 years ago to remain downtown rather than relocate, precisely because they wanted to be “in the city for the city.” When Cody arrived, the church was worshiping in three services (traditional and contemporary) in order to accommodate growth. It “worked,” but it also siloed one congregation into multiple congregations, robbing FBC of the spiritual chemistry that comes from singing, praying, baptizing, and taking the Lord’s Supper together.Beginning in 2019, the church engaged in prayer, teaching, and planning that came to focus on four convictions:Worship unity – If possible, gather one church, one room on the Lord’s Day.Hospitality – Design for “come early, stay late” community life, with intuitive, dignifying wayfinding and gathering space.Accessibility & safety – Bring the entire campus to modern codes and ADA standards (no more “sneak past the pulpit to find a restroom”).Longevity – Build for generations, not just for now.FBC engaged architects who specialize in historic, landlocked churches. Could they keep the sanctuary and still achieve those aims? They explored it. The math—on capacity, structure, compliance, and circulation—wouldn’t work. Preserving the mission meant replacing the building.“We didn’t wake up wanting to tear down a historic structure. I love history. But our call is to shepherd people—not protect paint.” — Dr. McNuttThe congregation discussed, prayed, and voted (FBC is congregationally governed). The decision was overwhelminglyin favor—not unanimous, but decisive. Tellingly, many of the longtime members who said, “It will hurt to see it go,”were first to give financially to the new project. They knew their children and grandchildren need a church that’s spiritually alive and structurally ready for the next century.Rebuilding the past to serve the futureIf you’ve seen renderings and thought, “No steeple? Looks like a courthouse?”—a few clarifications:There hasn’t been a steeple for decades.The new design is not modernist. It is historically faithful to the 1906–1910 façade—with authentic arches, keystones, coins, and window profiles—recreated in detail to honor the block’s architectural vocabulary.The façade is re-centered on the block for better symmetry and presence on Floyd Street.Inside, expect a reverent sanctuary (not a black-box concert hall), with the infrastructure to support excellent sound, lighting, and media—while keeping the feel of a historic Baptist worship space.The lobby will become a true commons—the kind of place where people linger after worship, meet new friends, and move easily to discipleship spaces.Oh, and restrooms? Plentiful, obvious, and accessible—without crossing in front of the preacher.A theology of space: why unity shaped ...
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    59 min
  • Ms. Taylor Moody: From Math Major to Master Teacher—NCS Teacher of the Year on Literacy, Mental Health, and Real-World Learning — Episode 58

    Ms. Taylor Moody: From Math Major to Master Teacher—NCS Teacher of the Year on Literacy, Mental Health, and Real-World Learning — Episode 58
    Sep 30 2025
    A Teacher of the Year Who Never Planned to Teach“All right, well, welcome to the Town Square Podcast today. We are joined by the 2024–2025 Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year, Ms. Taylor Moody.” From that first line, it’s clear this conversation was going to be special. Co-hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey welcomed a guest whose story has already inspired students, teachers and families across Newton County—and whose influence is now being felt statewide.Ms. Moody holds a rare combination of humility and momentum. In just six years in the classroom, she was named NCS Teacher of the Year and advanced to the Top 10 finalists for Georgia Teacher of the Year. She also serves on district and state advisory groups to help shape the future of ELA standards and teacher voice in Georgia. Yet, as she told us, none of this was part of her original plan.“I’m a first-generation college graduate. I equated success with money, so I started at UGA as a math major and thought I’d be a real estate lawyer.”Then life happened.The Detour That Became a CallingIn college, Taylor experienced a sudden health crisis—fluid building behind her eyes that led to vision loss and migraines. The treatments slowed everything down. Reading and writing felt different. Processing emotions was harder. She needed tutoring, leaned into creative writing, and published poems born out of that season.“I began to see the power of literacy. I wanted to be on the other side of it—helping students who feel the way I felt: unable, stuck, uncertain—discover what reading and writing can do to heal, express, and empower.”She switched majors to English Education and then faced an unthinkable early-career hardship—losing two students to suicide within two weeks.“College prepared me to teach English. It did not prepare me for that. My mom said, ‘You have to decide—this is beyond grading and lesson plans.’ That’s when teaching became my ministry.”From that moment forward, Ms. Moody wasn’t just teaching ELA standards; she was teaching human beings.From Math Brain to ELA Heart—Why That Combo WorksMost people either love math or English. Taylor is fluent in both. That makes her especially effective with STEM-minded students who doubt they’ll ever love literature.“I tell them I started as a math major. It gives me credibility with the STEM kids. But I needed a classroom where 25 different answers could be right if you can support your thinking. I wanted students to experience learning that’s adventurous, expressive, opinionated, and deeply human.”Her math background also brings structure and systems thinking to the way she designs projects. Which leads us to…Project-Based Learning That Solves Real ProblemsTaylor is a champion of project-based learning (PBL) that merges ELA standards with real-world outcomes. Students don’t just analyze texts or write essays—they design solutions with measurable community impact, collaborate with engineering and healthcare pathways, and present their work to real experts.“Quick Save CPR” — Student Innovation Takes the StageIn Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition, one of her student teams designed Quick Save CPR, a guided mat that lays over a patient and prompts the rescuer through correct compressions. It lights up to show hand placement, provides rhythm cues (think “Stayin’ Alive”), and changes color feedback if you’re pushing too hard or not hard enough—solving a common failure point in community CPR response.They connected their innovation to a local problem—ambulance delays and community response anxiety—and worked with engineering instructors to code and prototype the device.“People think they know CPR until the moment they need it. Anxiety spikes, technique fades. The mat coaches you in real time.”The team earned state-level recognition and was named Youth of the Year in Newton County.A Migraine Patch—And a State WinThe next year, her class identified overuse of OTC pain meds as a community issue—especially the risks of ibuprofen/acetaminophen reliance. A new team designed a headache patch concept to stimulate a nerve pathway behind the neck to relieve migraines—like a targeted neuromodulation approach.They earned State Winner honors and invited Piedmont’s Chief Medical Officer to mentor their work. He offered this simple advice: if they can fully realize the mechanism and conduct validation, file a patent.“These are 17-year-olds building solutions with professionals. That’s the promise of public education when it’s done right.”Why PBL Fits ELAMs. Moody weaves reading, writing, rhetoric, research, and communication skills into every stage—proposal writing, literature reviews, technical writing, multimodal presentations, and reflective argumentation. Along the way, students learn feedback cycles, iteration, resilience, and audience ...
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    46 min
  • Scotty Scoggins: A Vampire Run, A Run for City Council, and the Messy Middle Mindset – Episode 57

    Scotty Scoggins: A Vampire Run, A Run for City Council, and the Messy Middle Mindset – Episode 57
    Sep 16 2025
    The Town Square Podcast is leveling up! Episode 57 is not only a meaningful conversation with community leader Scotty Scoggins—it’s also our first-ever video podcast, now streaming on YouTube. Hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sat down with Scotty to talk about his community involvement, the growth of the Vampire Run 5K, his campaign for Covington City Council West Ward, and his philosophy of leadership that fits squarely in our podcast’s mission: creating unity, not uniformity.Whether you’re watching on YouTube or listening on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, this episode delivers insight, laughter, and the kind of “messy middle” conversation that makes The Town Square Podcast a vital space for Newton County and beyond.Meet Scotty Scoggins: A Life Shaped by ServiceScotty’s story begins in Chamblee, Georgia, where his father coached Pop Warner football for nearly three decades. His dad wasn’t just a coach—he was a mentor, a volunteer, and even recognized as Ronald Reagan’s Volunteer of the Year for the Southeast. Scotty grew up on the sidelines of championship teams, learning that life is about doing a few things really well, paying attention to details, and serving others.Those lessons carried him into adulthood, where he’s worn many hats: accountant, community volunteer, school board candidate, library board member, and most recently, founder of The Vampire Run 5K and now Covington City Council candidate.The Vampire Run: Putting the Fun in FundraisingScotty’s passion project, the Vampire Run 5K, was born out of personal tragedy. In 2014, his mother passed away from acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To honor her memory and support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Scotty laced up his running shoes. What started as a personal fitness journey quickly grew into a movement.In 2020, with traditional races canceled during the pandemic, Scotty launched the first Vampire Run. The theme was simple but brilliant: blood cancer sucks, and vampires suck blood. Set in Covington—the filming home of The Vampire Diaries—the run merged fitness, fandom, and fundraising.Year 1: 78 participantsYear 2: 182 participantsYear 3: 256 participantsYear 4: 450 participantsYear 5 (2025 projection): 600–700 runnersThe race is unlike any other. Runners and walkers alike enjoy photo stops at Vampire Diaries filming locations, appearances by Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers along the route, costume contests, and a Founders Day parade float restored by volunteers. It’s less about finish times and more about fun, community, and fundraising.To date, the Vampire Run has raised tens of thousands of dollars for LLS. As Scotty says, “We put the fun in fundraising.”From Gwinnett to Covington: Lessons in Politics and CommunityThis isn’t Scotty’s first foray into public service. In the 1990s, he ran for Gwinnett County School Board, narrowly missing a runoff. That campaign led to an appointment to the library board, where his advocacy for parental oversight of materials sparked countywide debates and even appearances on talk radio shows.Scotty admits he’s not afraid to stir the pot when necessary. But over time, his approach has shifted from partisan politics to practical problem-solving. “Local politics isn’t about politics,” he told Trey and Gabriel. “If you can’t pay your water bill, it doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat or Republican—you still can’t pay your water bill. The question is: how do we fix that?”Running for Covington City Council: The West Ward CampaignScotty first ran for Covington City Council (West Ward) in a previous election, earning an impressive 43% of the vote—much higher than typical for newcomers in that race. He attributes that to one simple strategy: knocking on doors, listening to people, and showing up.His platform focuses on four key priorities:Transparency – Making government decisions easier to understand and more accessible.Affordability – Ensuring residents can keep up with rising utility costs and housing.Smart Growth – Learning from Metro Atlanta’s mistakes in overdevelopment.Access to Decision-Making – Creating more ways for residents to be heard without requiring them to attend 10 a.m. weekday meetings.Scotty emphasizes that being a good neighbor is at the core of his campaign. “We should be helping each other out,” he says. “Those with means should be helping those without. That’s what community is.”The Messy Middle PhilosophyWhat makes Scotty a perfect guest for The Town Square Podcast is his messy middle mindset. He resists political labels, embraces conversation across divides, and believes the truth is often found somewhere between extremes.He recalls his days in college organizing bipartisan “Political Awareness Society” meetups in pubs, where students from both parties put topics in a jar and debated them over food and drinks. Today, he still carries that spirit.“The ...
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    1 h et 6 min