DeKalb Talks Tourism

Today we sit down with Cristina Coca, Director of Tournament & Event Operations at Georgia Soccer. Cristina provided a behind the scenes look in the local soccer community as we dive into her career in sports, and what lead her to running events operations for Georgia Soccer. With the World Cup quickly approaching, we discuss how Georgia Soccer and the rest of the city can provide an enriching community experience for the world...

Today, we are joined by Delores Burgess, the Founder and Owner of The Brio Theater; a newly-opened performing arts space in the heart of Tucker, GA. Delores has a deep history of being a performer, from her start as an award-winning R&B artist, her work in public speaking and ministry, she has always done everything with 100% passion and determination. If you are in DeKalb County be sure to get tickets to Delores' one-woman sho...

In this episode, we sit down with David Oblas, Founder of NFC Fighting, and Anthony Smith, headlining fighter, to break down the origins of NFC Fighting, how combat sports have evolved since 2002, and what truly defines a successful fight night after more than two decades of promoting events.

He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into the overlooked details that bring each event to life. Anthony joins the conversation to discus...

In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte Cain, founder of Georgia’s first drone soccer league, and David Roberts, founder and president of U.S. Drone Soccer, to explore the fast-growing world of drone soccer and its impact on the next generation. Charlotte and David shares their journey into the sport and gives an inside look at how drone soccer works, from team dynamics to the skills students develop as they evolve into a...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Terry Cummings to celebrate his induction into the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County and reflect on the purpose-driven journey that led him there. Terry shares his background and career path, explaining how his commitment to mentorship and service aligned naturally with the mission of the organization. He discusses the kind of guidance he hopes to provide to young people—focusing on le...

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Sugar Bert Boxing to talk about how they joined forces and built a program rooted in discipline, opportunity, and heart. They break down the “Sugar Bert mentality,” what separates a good coach from a great one, and why working with young fighters keeps their passion for the sport alive. We also dive into how the rise of boxing content online is shaping today’s athl...

In this episode, we sit down with Karen Ceesay, President of SAG-AFTRA Atlanta, to talk about her journey into union leadership and the passion driving her work with Film Impact Georgia. She shares what brings major productions to Atlanta—from competitive tax incentives to its deep, diverse talent pool and versatile locations—and what truly sets the city apart as one of America’s leading filmmaking hubs. Karen ref...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Breyo, President and Chairman of the Board of 285 Lacrosse, to explore how the organization is growing the game and transforming communities across DeKalb County. Jason shares the heart behind 285 Lacrosse’s mission to expand access, opportunity, and character development through the sport, along with what personally inspired his involvement. We dive into the impact of the 2025 LaCROSSe...

Step inside Fernbank Museum like never before as we speak with Jena Alison, Communications Manager, about the curiosity, connection, and creativity that shape one of Atlanta’s most beloved science institutions. Jena shares her path to Fernbank and the story the museum aims to tell for visitors young and old—one rooted in connection across time, regions, cultures, animals, and life itself.  We explore how Fernb...

In this episode we got to sit down with Ming Han Chung and James Kim, the owners of Minhwa Spirits in Doraville. As Georgia’s first soju distillery—and recent award winners in San Francisco—they’re making waves in the craft spirits world! We talk about the history of soju, how Minhwa Spirits came to life, and what it’s been like building a distillery right here in DeKalb County. Plus, we got to try som...

In this episode, we sit down with James Maggard to talk about his path into the restaurant industry and what inspired his love for barbecue. James shares the story behind two local favorites, Local No. 7 and Ford’s BBQ, and how they’ve become staples in the community. We also dive into the importance of building a strong team and why his staff plays such a vital role in keeping the businesses thriving. If you love heari...

The C.H.E.F. Youth Culinary Conference brought together high school students and industry professionals to explore careers in the culinary and hospitality world. These interviews are from the first-ever conference, held in October 2025 in DeKalb. Students had the chance to participate in hands-on cooking demos, hear from professionals about real-world experiences, and learn about leadership, business skills, and career opportunitie...

The C.H.E.F. Youth Culinary Conference brought together high school students and industry professionals to explore careers in the culinary and hospitality world. These interviews are from the first-ever conference, held in October 2025 in DeKalb. Students had the chance to participate in hands-on cooking demos, hear from professionals about real-world experiences, and learn about leadership, business skills, and career opportunitie...

The C.H.E.F. Youth Culinary Conference brought together high school students and industry professionals to explore careers in the culinary and hospitality world. These interviews are from the first-ever conference, held in October 2025 in DeKalb. Students had the chance to participate in hands-on cooking demos, hear from professionals about real-world experiences, and learn about leadership, business skills, and career opportunitie...

The C.H.E.F. Youth Culinary Conference brought together high school students and industry professionals to explore careers in the culinary and hospitality world. These interviews are from the first-ever conference, held in October 2025 in DeKalb. Students had the chance to participate in hands-on cooking demos, hear from professionals about real-world experiences, and learn about leadership, business skills, and career opportunitie...

The C.H.E.F. Youth Culinary Conference brought together high school students and industry professionals to explore careers in the culinary and hospitality world. These interviews are from the first-ever conference, held in October 2025 in DeKalb. Students had the chance to participate in hands-on cooking demos, hear from professionals about real-world experiences, and learn about leadership, business skills, and career opportunitie...

The C.H.E.F. Youth Culinary Conference brought together high school students and industry professionals to explore careers in the culinary and hospitality world. These interviews are from the first-ever conference, held in October 2025 in DeKalb. Students had the chance to participate in hands-on cooking demos, hear from professionals about real-world experiences, and learn about leadership, business skills, and career opportunitie...

The C.H.E.F. Youth Culinary Conference brought together high school students and industry professionals to explore careers in the culinary and hospitality world. These interviews are from the first-ever conference, held in October 2025 in DeKalb. Students had the chance to participate in hands-on cooking demos, hear from professionals about real-world experiences, and learn about leadership, business skills, and career opportunitie...

In this episode we sit down with Shani and Jelani Linder, the owners of Granite House Lofts in Stone Mountain, GA. They share their personal backgrounds, walk us through the transformation of the historic granite building into a unique lodging space, and talk about their vision for the future of Stone Mountain.

If you love local stories, entrepreneurship, and community development, this episode is for you!

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