What’s Up Dunwoody

Podcast 293 – Moondog Grows From Dunwoody Growlers to Chamblee Dog Friendly Pub – Tommy Burda

Moondog Growlers holds a special place in my heart. It was the first on-location interview Justin and I ever recorded back in the early podcast days. Fast forward to today and owners Tommy and Felicia Burda have spread that same welcoming Dunwoody vibe to Chamblee with Moondog Pub & Grub. Tommy swore he would never open a restaurant,...

Podcast 292 – How a Podcast and a Couple Facebook Groups Built a Digital Community in Dunwoody – Matt Weber

Julia Frament from @mrandmrsdunwoody asked to interview me for the podcast this week, so this episode is going to give you even more Matt than usual. It was fun reminiscing on the early days of What’s Up Dunwoody in 2018.

Seven years ago, we launched a podcast nobody listened to, and I started a couple of Facebook groups ...

Podcast 291 – Discover Dunwoody’s Website Makeover and Club World Cup Comes to Atlanta – Mark Galvin

Dunwoody just got a digital upgrade. Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody joins to show off their new website, designed to make finding events, booking hotels, and exploring the city way easier. It’s brighter, faster, and loaded with fresh content including blogs, local guides, and a search tool that actually works.

Mark breaks do...

Podcast 290 – Leadership Perimeter Sparks a Journey to Dunwoody City Hall – Catherine Lautenbacher

Catherine Lautenbacher never saw herself running for office. But after years of leading the Leadership Perimeter program, she found herself pulled into public service. Now representing District 1 on Dunwoody City Council, Catherine focuses on community safety, connectivity, and building up future leaders.

She shares what she has e...

Podcast 289 – How Dunwoody Oktoberfest Starts With the 4th of July Parade – Denice Dudley & Katie Prellwitz

Dunwoody’s favorite fall festival is kicking marketing off early this year. Denice Dudley, the lead organizer of Dunwoody Oktoberfest 2025, and main sponsor Katie Prellwitz from Leverage Communications are using the city’s biggest summer stage, the 4th of July Parade, to build buzz for the September celebration.

Oktob...

Podcast 288 – Smart Branding and Apartment Density Transformed Chamblee Over the Last Decade – Van Pappas

Chamblee has rebranded, reimagined, and revitalized itself. Van Pappas shares how smart city planning and a bold branding push turned an industrial corridor into one of North DeKalb’s hottest areas. The key? Apartment density, a clear identity, and big community pride. Van was there from the start, on the branding committee t...

Podcast 287 – Steel Gateway Signs and Matt’s Sold-Out Trolley Tour – Mark Galvin with Discover Dunwoody

Matt’s birthday trolley tour has already sold out! If you want to Rediscover Dunwoody, you’ll have to hop on next month’s ride. Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody joins Matt to talk about everything popping up around town—starting with those new steel gateway signs. He breaks down who paid for them, why they matter, and what they...

Podcast 286 – Empowering Patients During Cancer Treatment with myFriendMD – Dr. Sarah Friend

Dunwoody’s Dr. Sarah Friend is bringing something new to cancer care. Through her virtual service myFriendMD, she gives breast cancer patients and their families what the medical system often cannot. Time, clarity, and emotional support. With over a decade of experience including years at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute she now helps patie...

Podcast 285 – How $37M Has Transformed the JCC Into Dunwoody’s Summer Destination – MJCCA CEO Jared Powers

Summer in Dunwoody has a new heartbeat, and it’s the MJCCA. CEO Jared Powers, who grew up riding his bike to the J and later rose from camp counselor to CEO, shares how the 52-acre campus became the city’s ultimate summer destination. Backed by a $37 million investment that upgraded both the Dunwoody campus and Camp Barney M...

Podcast 284 – Dunwoody’s Hottest New Restaurants and Hidden Music Spots - Mark Galvin - Discover Dunwoody

Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody breaks down the local hot spots, from live music at Parkwoods and Louisiana Bistro to murder mystery dinner theater at the Marriott. Plus: what’s holding back burger chains from moving to Dunwoody—and why locals are leaning into the no-drive-through ...

Podcast 283 – Why Dunwoody Needs the DHA Now More Than Ever – Tim Brown

Before Dunwoody had a city council, it had the DHA. For decades, the Dunwoody Homeowners Association was the most organized and influential voice in town. It helped shape development, block unwanted commercial growth, and give residents a say in what happened next. Now, Tim Brown is stepping back into leadership with ...

Podcast 282 – 25 Years After the Tornado and the Legacy of Lemonade Days – Kathy Florence and Hope Follmer

After a tornado ripped through Dunwoody in 1998, neighbors came together to replant, rebuild, and reconnect. What started as a tree-planting campaign grew into something lasting—Lemonade Days, the city’s biggest celebration of resilience and community. Now in its 25th year, the festi...

Podcast 281 - How Dunwoody Entrepreneurs Are Staying Connected - Adam Forrand - Greater Perimeter Chamber

Are you growing a business in Dunwoody? Then this conversation is for you. Adam Forrand outlines how the Greater Perimeter Chamber supports entrepreneurs through meaningful connections, strategic guidance, and local influence. Membership offers far more than networking—it’s access to ...

Podcast 280 - What Dunwoody Parents Must Know About College Admissions - Brian Eufinger - Edison Prep

Back by popular demand, Brian Eufinger from Edison Prep joins me to break down everything Dunwoody parents need to know about college admissions—especially if (like me) your child is still in middle school. I wanted this conversation now, not later, because I know how confusing the proces...

Podcast 279 - The Movement Making Dunwoody More Active and Connected - Lauren Sok

From leading fitness events to driving positive change in the Dunwoody Village, Lauren Sok is all about community connection. Through Active Dunwoody, she’s inspiring people of all ages to stay active and support local businesses. As part of the Dunwoody Village Business Merchants Alliance and Create Dunwood...

Podcast 278 – From Brewing IPAs in Dunwoody to Selling THC on the Beltline - Allen Porter and Greg Gordon - THChill

Allen Porter built Dunwoody’s first brewery, Porter Brew & Que, before recently making a bold move into THC-infused beverages with THChill. Now, he’s expanding onto the Atlanta Beltline, transforming the way people drink with AI-powered innovation. Alongside hometown her...

Podcast 277 – The Unfiltered Truth About Liver Disease – Beth Lehman – Liver Life Walk at Brook Run Park

Beth Lehman’s battle with alcoholism and liver cancer nearly cost her life, but a transplant saved her. Now she’s on a mission to raise awareness with the Liver Life Walk Atlanta on April 12th at Brook Run Park. This walk, not a run, ensuring everyone can participate. Beth shares the u...

Podcast 276 – Tacos, Burgers, and So Much Ice Cream Coming Soon – Mark Galvin – Discover Dunwoody

Ice cream spots are popping up all over town! Good Vibes is bringing a retro ice cream and soda shop to Funwoody, while Van Leeuwen is set to open at Park Place. Rosetta Bakery will soon debut its second Atlanta location, adding to High Street’s growing lineup, which also includes Cuttlefish,...

Four shows. Four restaurants. ALL SOLD OUT! The first-ever Dunwoody Village Comedy Festival is taking over Marlow’s Tavern, Vintage Pizzeria, Bar{n}, and Chupito’s Azteca Grille this weekend! With Laughing Skull and Create Dunwoody behind the scenes, this event is bringing top stand-up acts straight to Dunwoody Village. Marshall has shaped Atlanta’s comedy scene by launching careers, mentoring talent, and curating top...