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 32 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with District 3 Commissioner Stephanie Lindsey for a candid and laughter-filled conversation that explores the messy middle of race, politics, and community. The episode covers a range of important local topics, including Black History Month, the legacy of The Newton Six, and the challenges of navigating complex issues like House Bill 581. With plenty of humor and lighthearted moments, Stephanie opens up about her relationships with fellow commissioners, the impact of her district’s development, and the struggles of balancing outspoken advocacy with the perception of being an "angry Black woman."

This episode is a true reflection of what The Town Square Podcast is all about—engaging in tough but essential conversations while finding common ground through humor, honesty, and a shared commitment to building unity in Newton County. Get ready for plenty of laughs, some thought-provoking insights, and a deep dive into the challenges facing local politics today—all served with a dose of fun and realness.

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Harold Cooper, Newton County's County Manager. With a rich background in public service, Mr. Cooper shares insights into his role, emphasizing his Three "P's" of Leadership: People, Purpose, and Processes. He addresses challenges facing the county while highlighting his commitment to enhancing residents' quality of life. "No matter the resources, we will remain fiscally responsible and dedicated to serving our community." Tune in for an inspiring conversation!

As a leader known for her candidness and approachable style, Fleeta doesn’t shy away from discussing challenging topics, making for an engaging dialogue. Throughout the episode, we dive into the concept of next-level leadership, exploring what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose in today’s fast-paced world. Fleeta’s self-professed “loose tongue” leads to some memorable moments, as she shares her honest thoughts on local governance and the pressing issues facing the community.

One of the highlights of our conversation revolves around the recent firework debacle that ignited tensions on The Square. Fleeta details her perspective on the drama surrounding the divided City Council and her veto of a controversial decision, shedding light on the current state of affairs. With metaphorical fireworks flying around the discussion, the episode is packed with insights into how local politics can often mirror personal passions and community values.

In the latest episode ofThe Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey return to the mics to address the whirlwind of feedback following their bombshell interview with attorney Stephanie Lindsey. The previous episode left listeners buzzing, both online and around town, and now Gabriel and Trey are diving deep into the conversation it sparked.

Throughout the episode, they reflect on some of the local comments and share their honest responses, making this one of their most personal and authentic conversations yet. Just like the discussions you'd have at your local town square or barbershop, this episode is rooted in the kind of real talk that brings communities closer together.

Attorney Stephanie Lindsey’s conversation with Gabriel and Trey is as enlightening as it is candid. As she prepares to step into her potential new role, she opens up about a range of topics, including some of the more controversial aspects of her career and public life. Notably, the episode doesn’t shy away from addressing the ongoing federal indictment involving Lindsey and Chairman Marcello Banes. While details surrounding the indictment remain sensitive and complex, Lindsey speaks openly about her perspective on the situation, offering listeners an insider’s view into the legal and political intricacies at play.

Brent discusses his vision for the Tax Commissioner’s office and the local tag office, alongside a candid conversation about the challenges he faced during his campaign, including resistance due to not being a “native” of Newton County despite his qualifications.

Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey give a quick recap to the local primary and give some strategic advice on how to make your vote count in the runoff on Tuesday, June 18.

They continue their discussion about political binaries and how destructive that mentality can be for our nation and our local community of Newton County, GA.

And of course, the Donald Trump verdicts have them going back and forth about potentially electing a felon as President and how unprecedented this whole "mess" has become.

The challenge remains for Newton citizens to get to the polls and decide who will lead District 3 as the County Commissioner (Alana Sanders or Stephanie Lindsey) and who will lead the Newton County Tax Commissioners office (Brent Bennett or Avis Williams).