In Episode 34 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Coach Jawan Bailey, the head coach of the Newton High School Lady Rams, who recently led the team to a 6A State Championship. Coach Bailey reflects on his journey from Josey High School in Augusta to Newton High, sharing the challenges he faced during a tough start to his first season and the key decisions that led to his team's remarkable turnaround. He discusses the personal and professional struggles he overcame, his coaching philosophy rooted in faith and family, and how he turned the Lady Rams into champions in just two years.

This episode offers a candid look at Coach Bailey’s leadership, resilience, and long-term vision for the program. From the importance of academics and community involvement to the competitive nature of coaching in metro Atlanta, Coach Bailey provides valuable insights into building a successful team both on and off the court. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and how he continues to shape the future of Newton High girls basketball.

Episode 33: "Next Gen Leadership with Zayvion Sheppard: A Conversation with Newton County’s Future Leader"

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Zayvion Sheppard, a rising leader in Newton County and the youngest-ever Student Body President at Georgia State University. Zayvion shares his inspiring journey of leadership, mentorship, and community service, including his work with the Young Democrats of Newton County (YDNC) and his nonprofit, For Atlanta By Atlanta (FABA). From opposing harmful legislation like House Bill 581 to tackling poverty in Atlanta, Zay’s passion for social impact and public service shines through. He talks about his vision for the future of Newton County and how young voices like his can shape the policies that will impact the next generation.

This episode highlights the potential of the next generation of leaders in Newton County. Zay’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership, mentorship, and community engagement are key to building a brighter future. Whether it’s advocating for education, economic empowerment, or creating opportunities for change, Zay’s dedication to making a difference is sure to inspire. Tune in to hear more about how Zay is leading the charge for positive change in Newton County and beyond.

In Episode 31 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Dr. Duke Bradley, the Superintendent of Newton County Schools, for a candid discussion about his first year leading the district. Dr. Bradley shares his perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the school system, touching on everything from student resilience to mental health services and the impact of recent legislation on local education. He also highlights the importance of community collaboration in shaping the future of education and offers insights into how Newton County Schools is fostering student success despite the many obstacles facing public education today.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Bradley reflects on his journey from leading schools in Georgia, South Carolina, and beyond, to his current role in Newton County. He discusses the district’s focus on student well-being, the importance of supporting underperforming schools, and the power of resilience in students who overcome significant challenges. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, optimism, and the steps being taken to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive in school and in life.

In this heartwarming episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey are joined by US Special Olympian Cole Goering and his dedicated coach, LaTrelle Cawthon. Coach Cawthon, who also serves as the Adapted Physical Education Teacher and Special Olympics Coordinator for Newton County Schools, shares her passion for supporting athletes with special needs. Together, they discuss Cole’s inspiring journey to the 2025 Special Olympics Winter Games in Turin, Italy, where he will compete as a member of the US Alpine Skiing team. This conversation is a powerful reminder of determination, community, and the importance of support in achieving big dreams.

Listeners will also hear about Cole’s upcoming role as a Grand Marshal for the Lion’s Club Covington Christmas Parade on Dec. 7th, and how they can support him through the Cakes & Cookies for Cole fundraiser at the Mistletoe Market later that evening. With a goal of raising $20,000 to cover the costs of Cole's trip, Gabriel and Trey urge everyone to donate to Cole's GoFundMe page and help make this Special Olympian’s dream a reality. Don't miss this uplifting conversation and the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause!