In Episode 55, Trey sits down with Marshall “MB” McCart—editor of The Piedmont Chronicles, real estate instructor, and proud “citizen journalist”—for a candid tour through the messy middle of local life in the Georgia Piedmont. McCart traces the origins of his blog, why he rejects the “pundit” label, and how deep family roots keep him invested in Covington and Newton County. From rising property taxes and millage rates to traffic fixes that miss the mark, he connects dots between policy, pocketbooks, and quality of life—offering context you won’t get from a press release.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from hot topics, including the Rivian project and the Morgan County Six, home rule vs. state power, and how multifamily development, zoning decisions, and school funding collide with community priorities. McCart’s take isn’t about left vs. right; it’s about accountability, transparency, and keeping decisions close to the people they affect. If you care about how growth, governance, and everyday neighbors shape Newton County’s future, this episode is a must-listen.

Georgia Senator Brian Strickland (District 42) joins Trey Bailey on The Town Square Podcast for a candid conversation about his journey from Henry County farm life to the State Capitol — and now to his recently announced run for Attorney General of Georgia in 2026. Strickland reflects on how his family’s experience with eminent domain shaped his calling to the law, his early days in the General Assembly, and the lessons learned representing a diverse “purple” district that mirrors Georgia itself.

The discussion dives deep into the role of the Attorney General, Strickland’s legislative record on issues like fentanyl, tort reform, and first responder protections, and how faith and family ground his leadership. With honesty and humility, he lays out a vision for an Attorney General’s office that works for everyday Georgians — not partisan politics. This episode is both a personal story and a glimpse into Georgia’s political future.

In Episode 53 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Newton High School Head Football Coach Josh Skelton for an in-depth look at what it takes to lead a program in one of Georgia’s toughest regions. Skelton shares his journey from volunteer assistant to head coach, the origins of the Rams’ #OutworkEverybody culture, and his philosophy on building young men both on and off the field. Listeners will hear candid insights into the changing high school sports landscape—from NIL opportunities to year-round training—and how Newton is adapting to prepare its athletes for success in life, not just on game day.

With the 2025 season fast approaching, Skelton breaks down his roster, spotlighting standout leaders like quarterback Deron Benson and nationally recruited running back Kevin Hartsfield. He also discusses the importance of academic accountability, the excitement around Newton’s upcoming home stadium, and the unmatched intensity of the Newton–Eastside rivalry. Whether you’re a Rams fan, a Newton County neighbor, or just someone who loves the heart of high school football, this conversation delivers the passion, perspective, and community pride that make Friday nights under the lights so special.

Eastside High School head football coach Jay Cawthon joins The Town Square Podcast for a candid conversation about building a winning culture, developing young athletes, and preparing for another season under the Friday night lights. From balancing intense summer workouts with needed rest, to navigating Georgia’s sweltering heat and sudden downpours, Coach Cawthon shares how his staff keeps players safe, focused, and ready for the long season ahead. He highlights the standout veterans, the rising talents eager to make their mark, and the deep sense of pride that comes with wearing the green and white.

But this conversation goes beyond X’s and O’s. Coach Cawthon talks about “The Standard” that defines Eastside football—an expectation of excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community—and how that culture has sustained the program’s success for decades. We also look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the 2025 season, including a tough non-region schedule, region battles that determine playoff hopes, and the excitement of a future where each Newton County high school will have its own stadium. Whether you’re a lifelong Eagle fan or simply someone who values leadership and community pride, this episode is worth the listen.

In Episode 51 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Coach Spencer Fortson, head football coach of the Alcovy High School Tigers, for an energetic and inspiring conversation about football, leadership, and community. Coach Fortson shares how he’s building a culture of belief in South Newton County—on and off the field—by focusing on academics, player accountability, and year-round preparation. From a challenging summer without a home practice field to the excitement of a brand-new stadium coming soon, Fortson gives listeners an inside look at the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Tigers.

With the 2025 season’s motto, “Believe,” Fortson aims to unite his players, school, and community behind one vision. He highlights key returning players, talks about the tough early-season schedule, and explains why developing leaders matters just as much as winning games. Whether you’re a Newton County football fan or simply love stories of perseverance and culture change, this episode offers insight into what it takes to build a program that lasts—and a team that believes.

In Episode 50 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Christine Boggs, Executive Director of Willing Helpers Medical Clinic, for an inspiring conversation about faith-driven healthcare and community impact. Christine shares how the clinic—founded in a church basement—now delivers over $3.5 million in free medical care annually to uninsured and low-income residents of Newton County. With just six staff members and the help of over 20 volunteer providers, Willing Helpers offers primary care, prescription assistance, mental health referrals, spiritual support, and more—all with dignity and compassion.

This episode also highlights the clinic’s exciting next chapter: launching a free dental clinic to serve those who have nowhere else to turn for oral healthcare. From training nursing students in compassionate care to witnessing everyday miracles through divine provision, Christine’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets passion. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a potential volunteer, or just someone looking to be inspired, this episode is a must-listen.

In Episode 49 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Molly Melvin, Executive Director of the Newton Community Partnership, for a powerful and insightful conversation about youth empowerment, prevention work, and the often-invisible efforts that shape community health in Newton County. Molly shares how the Partnership—originally formed to address teen pregnancy—has evolved into a vital connector of agencies, schools, and families. With just two staff members, they lead initiatives around suicide prevention, early literacy, and substance misuse education while equipping young people through the Youth Action Team to be peer leaders and community advocates.

The episode dives deep into how prevention is interwoven with every issue facing families—from mental health to academic success—and how the Partnership’s focus on capacity building and collaboration makes a measurable difference. Molly also highlights the challenges of sustaining funding for prevention work, and she calls on listeners to get involved, share resources, and help expand the impact. It’s a hopeful yet realistic look at the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed but is essential to building a stronger, more connected Newton County.

In this powerful and timely episode of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with two legal professionals who are typically courtroom adversaries — District Attorney Randy McGinley and Defense Attorney Kamau Mason — to discuss a shared concern: the rising tide of gun violence among teens in Newton and Walton counties. With the backdrop of new Georgia legislation allowing 13 to 16-year-olds to be tried as adults for certain crimes, McGinley and Mason dive deep into what’s driving these trends, how the law is evolving, and what can be done to prevent more youth from falling into the criminal justice system.

What follows is a raw, honest, and unexpectedly hopeful conversation that highlights the critical role of community, mentorship, and parental involvement. The two men find common ground in their belief that early intervention, meaningful relationships, and strong role models — particularly for young boys — are key to changing the current trajectory. It’s a true “messy middle” conversation that models the kind of dialogue our divided communities desperately need.

In Episode 47 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Ted Cummings, Chairman of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and President of Onyx Media. From his journey growing up in Kingston, Jamaica to leading one of Newton County’s most influential business organizations, Ted shares how his company evolved from a reluctant startup into a global AV and media powerhouse. He offers behind-the-scenes stories from working with Coca-Cola, Volkswagen, and the Department of Defense, and reflects on his passion for serving local churches, building workforce pipelines, and mentoring young talent—some of whom start earning $25/hour as stagehands straight out of high school.

But the conversation goes deeper than business. Ted issues a bold challenge to the community: “Decide what the hell you want to be when you grow up.” He calls on Newton County to develop a clear identity rooted in Southern hospitality, reject the East vs. West divide, and embrace intentional, community-focused growth. As a leader shaping the Chamber’s new strategic plan, Ted champions public education, small business collaboration, and courageous leadership. His vision: a Newton County where neighbors do business with neighbors, industries invest in schools, and unity—not uniformity—drives the future forward.

In Episode 46 of The Town Square Podcast, Mayor Fleeta Baggett returns for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey. From her announcement to run for a second term to the city’s infrastructure challenges, Baggett delivers her trademark blend of straight talk and Southern wit. She discusses the city’s decision to move Covington’s Fourth of July celebration to July 3rd in response to last year’s public safety concerns, and gives listeners a deeper understanding of the controversial stormwater fee, emphasizing its necessity for long-overdue infrastructure improvements. Mayor Baggett also offers insight into Covington’s strategic planning efforts, the upcoming downtown development initiatives, and the challenges of leading with transparency in the age of online criticism.

The episode also explores some of the city’s most pressing social issues, including the disturbing rise in teen gun violence and the cultural shift in parenting, accountability, and community responsibility. Mayor Baggett doesn’t shy away from tough truths, expressing frustration with keyboard warriors and a lack of civic engagement, while calling for more face-to-face conversations and old-school courtesy. As always, the conversation strikes the podcast’s signature tone—serious but approachable, grounded in facts but laced with humor. Whether you’re a Covington resident or simply curious about what local leadership looks like up close, this episode is a must-listen.