Episode 65 of The Town Square Podcast is a deeply personal and reflective Thanksgiving conversation between Trey and Gabriel — their first hosts-only episode in months. Sitting at the table without guests, they look back at 65 episodes of messy-middle conversations that shaped Newton County’s civic dialogue. They revisit powerful moments with guests like Stephanie Lindsey, JaNice Van Ness, Serra Hall, Marshall McCart, and the DA/Defense Attorney youth gun violence duo—highlighting how honest, nuanced dialogue has helped move the county toward understanding rather than outrage.

This episode is part gratitude letter, part behind-the-scenes story, and part renewed mission statement. With emotional transparency, the hosts share how their backgrounds shaped their worldviews, how misinformation harms communities, and why long-form conversations remain vital. They also reflect on family, faith, survival, brotherhood, and the future of Newton County. Episode 65 is a Thanksgiving table full of honesty, humor, challenge, and hope — an invitation for the community to keep leaning into the messy middle together.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

In this Veterans Day edition of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey welcomes Capt. Bret Dunn—Newton County native, Marine Corps officer, attorney, and Republican candidate for Georgia Senate District 42. From the quiet streets of Mansfield to the yellow footprints of Quantico and the courtroom of Strauss & Dunn, Bret’s journey reveals how faith, family, and service have shaped his mission. He shares the lessons his Marine father taught him, his path through Mercer Law School and the U.S. Marine Corps, and what Veterans Day truly means to those who’ve worn the uniform.

Now back home as a partner attorney and community leader, Capt. Dunn opens up about humility, servant leadership, and why he believes the mission to serve never ends. He discusses his campaign values—defending life, supporting law enforcement, strengthening families, and restoring faith in public life—while offering a hopeful vision for the future of Newton County and Georgia Senate District 42. This inspiring conversation reminds us that real leadership begins not with titles, but with towels.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

In this week’s episode of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey sits down with Covington City Councilman Travis Moore (East Ward Post 2) for a candid conversation about two of the most talked-about issues in town—the city’s recent purchase of property from Cinelease/Three Ring Studios and the new ordinance banning for-profit cemetery tours. Amid Facebook rumors and public confusion, Moore breaks down what really happened, explaining how the $15 million Cinelease acquisition was funded through MEAG and the Municipal Competitive Trust—not taxpayer dollars—and why it will help streamline city utilities, save money, and improve efficiency.

The conversation also dives into the viral controversy over cemetery tours that led to heated debates about respect, history, and tourism. Moore, the only council member to vote “no” on the ordinance, shares why he believes the decision unfairly targets a small local business and sends the wrong message about Covington’s hospitality. Along the way, the discussion highlights Moore’s reputation for transparent communication, his advocacy for small businesses, and his vision for a thriving, welcoming downtown Covington.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

In Episode 62 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Rockdale County Chairwoman JaNice Van Ness to explore a story that bridges politics, purpose, and practical leadership. A former Georgia State Senator, founder of Peachtree Academy, and now Chair and CEO of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, Van Ness shares how her journey from Capitol Hill to the county courthouse has been shaped by faith, fiscal responsibility, and a passion for servant leadership. She discusses her surprising party switch, her approach to budgeting, and the growing need for community collaboration across county lines.

Whether she’s reducing millage rates, planting churches through her school, or playing pickleball to stay balanced, Van Ness demonstrates how local leaders can drive big change without losing sight of the people they serve. This episode offers a refreshing look at what it means to lead from the middle—where practical solutions matter more than political labels, and where faith and service are at the heart of every decision.

In Episode 61 of The Town Square Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III unveils Newton County Schools’ new Workforce Development Framework—a bold plan to connect students with real-world careers from kindergarten through 12th grade. Joined by Dr. Shannon Buff and Dr. Tim Schmitt, the conversation highlights how the district is reimagining education by building a K–12 pipeline of career exposure, exploration, and experience. The framework equips students with the clarity, skills, and confidence they need to thrive—whether they’re heading to college, technical school, or straight into the workforce.

More than a program, this framework represents a cultural shift—powered by partnerships with local industries, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Newton County Industrial Development Authority. From third graders learning soft skills to high schoolers earning certifications and dual enrollment credits, Newton County is becoming a model for what 21st-century public education can look like. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, community leaders, and anyone invested in the future of Newton County.

In Episode 60 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall welcome two behind-the-scenes heroes of Newton County: Claudia Minge, church facilitator at Covington First United Methodist Church and longtime coordinator of Change the World Day, and Margaret McDonald, Executive Director of Giving Hands Food Pantry. What begins as a conversation about a one-day event blossoms into a powerful testimony of what happens when a community chooses to serve together. Claudia shares the origin story of Change the World Day—born from a global Methodist challenge to serve outside the church walls—and how it’s evolved into a multifaceted community celebration offering health screenings, a service fair, free food and clothing, live music, and a strong dose of hope. Now in its 17th year, the event has become a staple of Newton County’s identity, not just for what it provides, but for how it brings people together across denominations, backgrounds, and needs.

Margaret adds a compelling layer to the conversation by describing the year-round impact of Giving Hands Food Pantry, which serves over 200 families weekly. From refrigerated box truck deliveries to volunteers helping shoppers “shop with dignity,” the pantry has become a vital lifeline for families navigating rising grocery costs and food insecurity. The annual Change the World Day is a high point for many who rely on the pantry, offering not just food, but resources, human connection, and a sense of celebration. Margaret and Claudia both echo a core theme: when people serve together, they are changed themselves. This episode is a love letter to community spirit, and a reminder that even in a county of over 125,000 people, we can still feel like a small town when we show up for each other.

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, co-host Trey Bailey sit down with Dr. Cody McNutt, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Covington, for a candid and compelling conversation about faith, leadership, and bold decision-making. Dr. McNutt opens up about the emotional and strategic journey behind First Baptist’s controversial decision to demolish its historic sanctuary—a space rich in memory but limited in future functionality. He shares how the church’s “Growing Together” campaign emerged not just as a building project but as a vision for deeper community engagement and Gospel-centered impact in a rapidly growing Newton County.

The conversation moves beyond bricks and mortar to tackle bigger questions about the role of the Church in today’s cultural landscape. Dr. McNutt reflects on the challenges of navigating public opinion, preserving sacred traditions, and leading a congregation toward future-forward ministry. He also discusses the church’s 5–10 year plan, their approach to outreach, and how pastors can stay rooted in calling while adapting to change. Whether you’re a person of faith, a community leader, or just someone who cares about the evolving story of Covington, this episode offers wisdom, transparency, and a refreshing look at the “messy middle” of modern church leadership.

In Episode 58 of The Town Square Podcast, we sit down with Ms. Taylor Moody, the 2024–2025 Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year and a Top 10 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist. Taylor shares her deeply personal journey from math major to ELA powerhouse, opening up about how a health crisis reshaped her career path and how early classroom heartbreak turned teaching into her life’s calling. With passion and authenticity, she discusses the power of literacy, the urgency of student mental health, and the transformational role teachers play in shaping young lives.

Listeners will be inspired by the real-world projects her students lead—from designing a CPR guidance mat to pitching a migraine relief patch to healthcare leaders—and the way she uses ELA to build confidence, connection, and critical thinking. Ms. Moody also offers practical advice for parents, educators, and community partners looking to support public education in meaningful ways. Her message is clear and timely: “You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.”

In Episode 57 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Scotty Scoggins, candidate for Covington City Council Post 3 West Ward. Scotty shares his vision for Covington through his four campaign pillars: Transparency, Affordability, Smart Growth, and Access to Decision-Making. From his deep community involvement, including leading events like the Vampire Run, to his past candidacy for the school board, Scotty brings a perspective rooted in civic service and local engagement.

This conversation goes beyond campaign talking points, exploring Scotty’s passion for creating opportunities where everyday citizens feel connected to decisions shaping Covington’s future. Trey and Gabriel guide a thoughtful discussion about responsible growth, preserving community values, and the challenges of balancing affordability with progress. Whether you’re a longtime resident or simply curious about local leadership, this episode offers a clear look at the heart of one candidate’s commitment to serving his neighbors.

Representative Tim Fleming of Georgia House District 114 joins Trey Bailey on The Town Square Podcast for a deep dive into politics, elections, and the future of Georgia. A lifelong Newton County resident, small business owner, and experienced public servant, Fleming shares his journey from being one of the youngest County Commissioners in the state to serving as Chief of Staff under then–Secretary of State Brian Kemp. Now in his fourth year under the Gold Dome, Fleming has announced his candidacy for Georgia Secretary of State—a role he knows intimately after nearly eight years inside that very office.

In this episode, Trey and Fleming unpack everything from how a bill really becomes law to the challenges of election security, voter access, and professional licensing. It’s part civics lesson, part campaign launch, and part hometown conversation. Whether you’re a political junkie, a Newton County neighbor, or simply curious about how state government shapes everyday life, this episode offers insights that matter to Georgia’s future.