In Episode 44 of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey sits down with Allen Martin, Downtown Coordinator, and Laura Sullivan, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Covington, for an engaging, wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of downtown Covington. From nostalgic stories of childhood adventures and band days to groundbreaking tourism data and economic development plans, this episode captures the heart and hustle behind Covington’s growth. The trio discusses how strategic film tourism, community-focused events, and smart city planning are turning Covington into a nationally recognized destination with over 774,000 unique visitors and \$130 million in visitor spending.

Listeners will learn about major upcoming projects like a new microbrewery, studio space, food hall, and the city’s ambitious Downtown Master Plan, all while enjoying the rich personality and humor of two local leaders deeply invested in their community. With shoutouts to the Covington Downtown Development Authority, Discover Covington, and the power of partnerships, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves the square, believes in smart growth, or just wants a peek into how Covington continues to thrive.

In Episode 43 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Scott Tredeau, founder and publisher of The Newton Community Magazine, for a heartfelt conversation about transformation—both personal and communal. With Gabriel Stovall out due to transportation issues, Trey leads a one-on-one discussion that covers everything from Scott’s recent Small Business of the Year award to the power of telling over 400 stories from across Newton County. Scott opens up about his early years of isolation, anxiety, and addiction, and how his recovery journey through Celebrate Recovery changed not just his life, but his approach to community, purpose, and storytelling.

Listeners will hear how The Newton Community Magazine evolved from a creative side project into a deeply meaningful platform that celebrates the diverse voices of Newton County. Scott shares how art, advocacy, and empathy intersect in the magazine’s design, editorial choices, and outreach efforts. Whether he’s talking about cover art that becomes fundraisers or the stories of misunderstood neighbors like Tony Pless, Scott reminds us that community begins with compassion—and that the messy middle is often where the best stories are born.

In Episode 42 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Gail Rothman, Executive Director of the Newton Education Foundation (NEF), for an enlightening conversation about the foundation’s impressive progress in supporting local schools. They discuss NEF’s achievements, including raising nearly half a million dollars through donations and the Georgia Peach Tax Credit, funding teacher grants, and launching the REAP literacy pilot program in Newton County schools. Gail also shares her journey as the author of Roadmap for Education Foundations, a practical guide aimed at helping communities build and grow their own education foundations.

This episode highlights the critical role that community-driven funding plays in public education, especially as state and federal contributions continue to fall short. Gail offers valuable insights on the power of nonprofits and the necessity of professional leadership to drive success. Whether you’re interested in supporting education in Newton County or learning about the intricacies of nonprofit work, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Judge Layla Zon, Superior Court Judge for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. The conversation dives into the vital work of the resource court and drug court, programs designed to provide rehabilitation and second chances for individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. Judge Zon shares inspiring success stories from the court, emphasizing the importance of accountability, holistic treatment, and community support in breaking the cycle of addiction and improving lives.

The episode also touches on Judge Zon's journey to the bench, her passion for justice, and the unique, collaborative approach of the resource courts that sets them apart from traditional legal proceedings. With a focus on healing and reintegration, these programs are not only transforming individuals but also saving taxpayer dollars and reducing recidivism. Tune in to hear about this crucial work and how it’s making a real difference in the Newton County community.

In Episode 40 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Abigail Coggin, the current Board Chair and District 5 Representative on the Newton County Board of Education. With 15 years of service, Abigail reflects on her time navigating the challenges of school funding, the tough decisions made during the recession, and the evolving needs of the school district. She shares her personal journey, including her family’s deep-rooted legacy in Newton County and the lessons learned throughout her tenure. In a surprising twist, Abigail announces that she will not seek re-election in 2026, marking a new chapter in her life.

Abigail also opens up about her upcoming transition to becoming the Executive Director of the Newton County Arts Association, where she plans to continue her service to the community through the arts. With a focus on educational and performing arts programs, Abigail highlights upcoming initiatives like summer camps and concert series that aim to foster creativity and bring the community together. This episode is filled with heartfelt reflections, personal stories, and a look at the bright future of both education and the arts in Newton County.

In Episode 39 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Lindsay Dycus, the Executive Director of Alcovy CASA, Inc., to discuss the vital work of child advocacy in Newton and Walton counties. Alcovy CASA trains and supports community volunteers to act as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children in foster care, ensuring they have a consistent, caring adult in their lives. Lindsay shares her journey in child welfare, the importance of consistency in volunteerism, and how CASA volunteers help reunite families and advocate for the best interests of children in the system.

This episode highlights the transformative power of advocacy, with real-life stories of how CASA has helped children find stability and healing in difficult circumstances. Lindsay also explains how CASA is funded and how listeners can get involved—whether through volunteering or donations—to continue making a difference in the lives of children in foster care. Tune in to learn more about how you can support this incredible organization and make a lasting impact on your community.

In Episode 38 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Jared Rutberg, the City Councilman for Covington's East Ward Post 3. Jared shares his fascinating journey from Black Hawk pilot in the U.S. Army to his current role in public office, providing unique insights into the city’s budget, infrastructure, and the challenges of local governance. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from Jared's personal experiences in the military and small business ownership to his passion for community development through better parks and recreation.

As an advocate for improving Covington, Jared discusses his vision for the city's future, focusing on key infrastructure projects like Floyd Street renovations and the Covington city square upgrades. The conversation also highlights Jared’s efforts to make the city's parks more accessible, including plans for a mountain biking course and expanded recreational facilities. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the practical challenges facing local leaders while also hearing about Jared's personal commitment to serving the community.

In Episode 37 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey have a candid and insightful conversation with Shakila Henderson-Baker, the District 3 representative on the Newton County Board of Education. Shakila, a longtime advocate for public education and mental health, shares her personal journey and her vision for the future of education in Newton County. As a mental health professional and board member, she discusses the importance of integrating mental health services into the school system and the challenges students face today, including trauma, stress, and absenteeism. Shakila also reflects on her leadership philosophy and how her personal mission to serve children and improve education drives her work.

Throughout this episode, Shakila dives deep into the complexities of balancing her roles as a mother, public servant, and advocate. She offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of public education, emphasizing the need for community involvement, equity, and access to opportunities. This episode highlights the power of persistence, the value of diverse perspectives, and the importance of staying true to one’s mission. Tune in for a powerful conversation about leadership, public service, and the future of our schools.

Episode 36: "The Chairman’s Vision: Lanier Sims Discusses Newton County's Growth, Diplomacy, and Community Leadership"

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Lanier Sims, Chairman of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), to dive deep into his leadership journey and vision for the future of Newton County. Known for his diplomatic approach and dedication to community development, Lanier shares insights on the growth of the county, his pivotal role in bringing major industries like Archer Aviation to the area, and his time leading the Chamber of Commerce. With a focus on "community first," Lanier’s philosophy is to ensure that growth benefits both businesses and residents alike, preserving the charm of our small town while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.

This engaging conversation explores Lanier’s strategy for quality development, the challenges of balancing politics and business, and the importance of building relationships across political divides. Whether you're curious about the economic landscape of Newton County or looking for inspiration from a local leader, this episode has it all. Click to read more and hear firsthand how Lanier Sims is shaping the future of our community with his commitment to unity and growth.

In Episode 35 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey is joined by Kurt Petersheim and Dr. Evan Posey for a deep dive into one of the most significant questions in history: Did Jesus really rise from the dead? With Gabriel Stovall absent due to his coverage of the Masters Tournament in Augusta, this episode explores the trustworthiness of the resurrection, examining historical evidence, biblical accounts, and its theological implications. Dr. Posey, an expert in apologetics, offers valuable insights into the textual evidence and the historical context that support the claim of the resurrection, while Kurt and Trey discuss how this event has shaped the Christian faith and transformed the lives of those who believe.

Through a "messy middle" conversation, the episode challenges listeners to think critically about the resurrection's truth and its impact on our lives today. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode offers a compelling exploration of the resurrection as both a historical event and a transformative moment for humanity. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that combines historical inquiry with personal faith, and join Trey, Kurt, and Dr. Posey as they explore the central claim of the Christian faith in a meaningful and engaging way.