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Three Podcasts to Tune Into, Broadcasting from Peachtree Corners
Podcasts have become an ever-popular form of entertainment to communicate exciting ideas, with 32% of Americans listening to a podcast in the last month according to Edison Research 2019. Several budding talents in the Peachtree Corners area have begun to star in, produce and edit their own podcasts.
We’re spotlighting three local podcasts — and we hope our readers give them a listen.
The Nick Rodriguez Podcast
Plenty of young men feel that they have passion for and insight into the great world of sports, but few have the presence and foresight to generate a compelling podcast like The Nick Rodriguez Podcast.
Nick Rodriguez began his self-titled project late last year, concentrating on providing one-on-one interviews with people excelling in the sports industry. He and his guests dive deep into their careers, learning how they became so successful.
“I had a lot of great relationships that really helped me to experience the behind the scenes world of podcasting,” Rodriguez said. “Being able to create something and find your next guest is always exciting. Each guest brings something different to the table.”
What makes his podcast unique is that he covers sports on the business end as well as from the athlete’s point of view. He talks to people from many angles of the arena, from media personalities and administrators to players.
When asked about some of the best interviews he could remember, he mentioned Maya McClendon, a former college volleyball player for University of Louisville and Arizona State. “She is doing amazing work, a major advocate for mental health in athletes and people in general,” Rodriguez said.
Jonathan Dwyer, Atlanta native and former Georgia Tech running back currently on the Pittsburg Steelsers roster, also proved to be a memorable interview. “It was a great conversation. I learned more about him and why he chose Georgia Tech,” Rodriguez said.
He added that he hopes to cover more diversity as well as higher-level athletes and players to expand the podcast’s reach and appeal. Hand and hand with that, The Nick Rodriguez Podcast will be releasing merchandise officially in November, with two different types of t-shirts.
For more on The Nick Rodriguez Podcast, visit nickrodriguezpodcast.com or listen on Spotify, Tune In and other major podcasting platforms.
Product Genius with Tiffany Krumins
To say that this “Mom Genius” is a force to be reckoned with would be a mild interpretation. Tiffany Krumins’ first claim to fame comes from her 2009 appearance on the inaugural episode of Shark Tank, the beloved ABC business incubator program. At that time, she presented Ava the Elephant, “…a patented singing medicine dispenser to take the fear and anxiety out of medicine time,” according to her website, tiffanykrumins.com.
After the whirlwind success of that product, which can now be purchased at buybuyBaby and countless other favorite retailers, Krumins has turned her attention to empowering others to be creative and informed.
She founded Mom Genius, an early stage incubator for inventors and entrepreneurs that assists them in product development and brand awareness. Though the Mom Genius incubator operates in Alpharetta, Ga., Krumins produces her Product Genius with Tiffany Krumins podcast out of Atlanta Technology Park in Peachtree Corners. She has recorded it for over three years now.
“I had countless Shark Tank fans reach out for advice. I found that even when I tried to consult, there just weren’t enough hours in the day,” Krumins said. “While being interviewed on another podcast, the host suggested that I start my own. I wasn’t interested, as I don’t really love the sound of my own voice. But I realized the value in being able to share nuggets of product development wisdom with a much bigger audience, for free.”
Krumins enjoys sharing from her experiences and wealth of knowledge — not just from her journey, but also from her podcast partners. Noah McNeely, an engineer from Product Quickstart, has contributed immensely to the Product Genius podcast, as well as Fulfillment Strategies International (FSI). FSI works with many of “the big guys” as a fulfillment center in Atlanta, but also supports entrepreneurs — a rare client range.
The podcast almost always covers product development topics, and Krumins said she often likes to cover the challenges facing other entrepreneurs. “I think we can all learn from each other’s mistakes. We don’t just cheer people on, we cover the hard things and real-talk about what it means to launch a successful product,” she said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted Krumins to sometimes discuss pivots that entrepreneurs might take around obstacles. She said she “highly recommends other product developers streamline their supply channels due to what we have seen with COVID-19.”
In the future, Krumins hopes to take on an additional podcast partner who has relevant insights into the product development landscape that the podcast has not previously explored.
To follow Tiffany Krumins, tune into her podcast on iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and most other podcast streaming sites.
Bears, Birds, and Brews
For those seeking a unique and lighthearted sports podcast, Birds, Bears, and Brews delivers. The podcast features all things related to the Chicago Bears, the Atlanta Falcons and, of course, beer!
Hosts Asif Lakhani and Nabeel Lalani try a different beer each episode. They also recap and preview each team’s most recent and upcoming games, as well as discuss other trending topics in the sports world. Birds, Bears, and Brews will be rounding up to its third year in circulation by October.
Childhood friends Lakhani and Lalani share a deep love for sports that shines through in their broadcasts. “The irony is that while we were both born in Chicago, Nabeel is loyal to their teams while I am a huge Atlanta sports fan,” Lakhani said. “Our personalities mesh well together too, but there can be some difficulties there as well, so it often makes for compelling conversations.”
After Lakhani began his role as Marketing and Operations Manager at Atlanta Tech Park in 2018, the dream of hosting a sports podcast with his old friend Lalani finally made sense. They started creating full shows at Atlanta Tech Park, though it took a while to develop their signature style.
“I went to school for journalism at the University of Missouri, so media and communications is literally my thing,” Lakhani explained. “The [podcasting] trend really took off a few years ago, and Nabeel and I launched our show just before everyone else launched theirs, it feels like. The process to conceptualize it took a few months, and the actual execution took a few tries the first go-around, but we got the hang of it eventually.”
Along the way, the dynamic duo has had the opportunity to speak with some impressive guests, including Greg Schaffer, creator of Brews Brothers on Netflix, and Nabil Karim, an on-air personality for ESPN.
And don’t forget the beer! They also feature local beer influencers and brewers. The podcast partners have made a point, during this time, to highlight small-to-medium businesses and breweries to show their support.
Though the sports landscape has changed drastically since the coronavirus outbreak, Bears, Birds, and Brews stays relevant with sports news updates and discussions on how sports and related businesses are adapting strategies and policies.
The future for the podcast looks as bright as a tailgate grill. The podcast partners’ most immediate hope is that a complete and safe football season can be covered from now until the Super Bowl in February 2021. Ideally, local Atlanta and Chicago sport stories, athletes and personalities will also get some airtime, in addition to other interesting folks in the craft beer and sports arenas.
To keep up with Bears, Birds, and Brews, tune in on Apple Podcasts, Listen Notes and other podcast streaming platforms.
Peachtree Corners resident, Alex Everett traveled to Italy this past September — not as a tourist but as an athlete. The 28-year-old accountant and liver transplant survivor, served as goalkeeper on Team USA as they competed in the first-ever Transplant Football World Cup.
The event — part of the larger World Transplant Games — promoted giving the gift of life through a week of connection and sportsmanship, showcasing how people with organ transplants can live a normal, active life.
“I first heard about the US Transplant World Cup team a few years ago through a social media post,” said Alex. “The first Transplant World Cup was originally going to take place in 2022 but was postponed due to the uncertainty around international travel and COVID. Fast forward to 2024 and Team USA had an interest meeting via Zoom to discuss details about the tournament and fielding the American team.”
Team USA
All together, they had 14 people from around the United States (hailing from Georgia, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, California and Hawaii) join the team, which traveled to Cervia, Italy in September to compete.
“There were 10 other countries that were represented in the World Cup, and we were split into two groups, one of five and one of six,” Alex explained.
“It was an incredible experience representing the US at an international level, competing against other transplant recipients from around the world. We not only were able to share our passion for soccer but also our stories of transplantation and what obstacles we had to overcome to be where we were.”
Coming together to compete
Team USA played well in their matches but placed 9th out of the 11 teams. Because players came from all over the country to join the team, they hadn’t had the opportunity to practice together — or even meet in person — before the tournament started.
“The first time we met face to face and kick a ball as a team was our first game against France,” said Alex. “While that outcome was not what we wanted, we progressively got better as the tournament went on. Eventually ending with a win in a penalty shoot-out against Wales and a normal time win in our final game against Northern Ireland.”
“It was an incredible experience, and I would highly recommend anyone who’s involved with transplantation to reach out and get involved with not only Team USA but also with the Transplant Games of America (TGA), which is an Olympic-style competition for people who have received transplants or living donors,” he added.
Most states in the US have their own TGA team, including one here in Georgia.
World Transplant Games 2025
The next World Transplant Games will be held in Dresden, Germany on August 17-24, 2025.
Over six days, athletes and teams from 60 countries will meet to compete in 17 different sports. The US Team is excited to be part of it again and are currently looking for more players interested in taking part.
Leave a lasting legacy
Alex is also involved with the Peachtree Corners-based organization LifeLink® of Georgia, a division of the LifeLink® Foundation.
Established over 40 years ago, the foundation’s mission is to inspire new organ donor registrations and celebrate those who have decided to save lives as a registered organ, eye or tissue donor. The mission is carried out locally through education programs and community awareness campaigns.
Earlier this year, LifeLink of Georgia launched The Infinity Campaign, a state-wide educational effort aimed at motivating and registering new organ donors. The campaign is represented by the infinity symbol, to demonstrate the lasting impact of organ and tissue donation.
About LifeLink of Georgia
LifeLink of Georgia partners with hospitals to support and guide families as they establish their loved one’s legacy through organ and tissue donation.
They carry out the decisions of registered donors or their families and honor the life of each donor by providing organs and tissue for transplant to as many patients as possible.
In 2023, 457 men, women and children gifted a legacy of life through organ donation with LifeLink of Georgia, yet there are still nearly 3,000 patients in the state awaiting an organ transplant and thousands more that could benefit from tissue transplantation.
“When you become an organ donor, your life story continues through the lives you save, ensuring that your legacy lives on indefinitely,” says Katie Payne, executive director, LifeLink of Georgia. “Life is an invaluable treasure, a lesson we learn anew each day from our donor families. Thanks to their generosity, LifeLink of Georgia saves thousands of lives every year, and we are deeply honored to continue this extraordinary mission.”
The Infinity Campaign
The Infinity Campaign features a series of real stories from registered donors, each telling what inspired them to register and emphasizing the effect this decision has on saving lives. By sharing these stories, LifeLink aims to motivate more people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and spread the message of hope and life.
“The decision to become a donor was deeply personal. It is an opportunity to give the ultimate gift — the gift of life,” said Adán Bean. “I get to continue to tell the story for others, be a little bit of ink in their pen and help them write what they want to write.”
As part of the launch, LifeLink has created the website mystorycontinues.com, which spotlights stories from donors and recipients and offers innovative tools, including the opportunity to upload a photo to share your support and spread the word on social media about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
Become a donor
Being a donor is an incredible way for individuals to make a difference and have an impact on the lives of others. One organ, eye and tissue donor can potentially save or improve the lives of more than 75 people.
The need for organ and tissue donors is greater now than ever, given the growing numbers of people on transplant wait lists and increasing numbers of people with diabetes and kidney disease.
Currently, there are about 3,000 people in Georgia on the organ transplant list and thousands more on the tissue transplant list.
There are several simple ways to register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor:
- Visit mystorycontinues.com and sign up today.
- Register when renewing or receiving a driver’s license or identification card at the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
- Register when obtaining a hunting or fishing license through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
For more about LifeLink of Georgia, visit lifelinkfoundation.org/our-story/#llgeorgia.
New experiences await at this season’s Walk Through Bethlehem
An annual must-see holiday event, Walk Through Bethlehem, presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church, will take place over three evenings, December 13–15.
With 1,200 luminaries, Simpsonwood Park is transformed into Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers and witness a live nativity.
Visitors can also enjoy a fire with stories from shepherds, pet live animals and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus.
Before your journey ends, enjoy a photo opportunity with a Roman Guard and hot chocolate and cookies.
The details
Walk Through Bethlehem transforms several acres of Simpsonwood Park into Bethlehem Village on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers, witness a live nativity and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus.
The special holiday event is presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church with the help of more than 300 community volunteers.
What to expect
- 1,200 luminaries welcoming guests to Bethlehem
- Live camels and Roman guards at Bethlehem’s entrance
- Shopkeepers in costume interacting with guests
- Interactive village with more than 12 individual shops
- Animal petting area with donkeys, sheep and more
- Shepherds sharing stories around a fire
- Live nativity with wisemen bringing gifts
- Attendees donating canned goods to Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
- Attendees enjoying hot chocolate and cookies
Make plans to attend
Dates and hours
- Friday, December 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Simpsonwood Park, 4511 Jones Bridge Cir NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
FREE admission; accepting canned food donations for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries.
For more information, visit simpsonwoodumc.org/walk-through-bethlehem.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 to the United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County) at their Business After Hours networking event in November.
The local organization was chosen by PCBA’s Outreach Committee because of their commitment to providing assistance and bettering the lives of children within the community.
United Way of Greater Atlanta
The mission of United Way of Greater Atlanta is to engage and bring together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families and individuals in local communities.
“Greater Atlanta is one of the most vibrant regions in the country, but the region has significant barriers to realizing its potential in the future because of its continued ranking at the bottom of the list of metro areas in income mobility,” stated Vanessa Roussell, United Way senior director of corporate relations.
“Children born in low-income households have only a 4% chance of getting out of poverty in their lifetime,” she continued. “We at United Way of Greater Atlanta don’t like those odds. Our work is about changing them so that children — regardless of where they’re born — have the chance to realize their potential and build lives that sustain themselves, their families and their communities.
Assessing needs within the county
The organization’s goal is to help every child unlock their full potential, by improving education, healthcare, resources and economic mobility in the communities where they live. Their “every child program” includes every child in Gwinnett.
Based on the 2023 census track for Gwinnett County, 94,308 people living in Gwinnett County are at risk, particularly in and around Sugar Hill/Buford, Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Lilburn and Snellville. The highest-need residents are located in the I-85 corridor, mainly around Duluth, Norcross and Lilburn.
Giving back to support the community
“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $500 to United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County),” said PCBA President, Lisa Proctor. “Our outreach committee and board are committed to supporting our community, and investing in the well-being of the children in our community aligns with our core principles. We know that our dollars will be targeted to help those at highest risk … We are glad to have the local Gwinnett chapter located right in our community.”
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at their monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the community organizations and their programs.
Over the past 12 years, the PCBA has awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors and donated in excess of $165,500 back into the community.
About Peachtree Corners Business Association
“Where businesses come to grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.
The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.
For more information visit peachtreecornersba.com.
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Final Restaurants Announced for New Politan Row Food Hall at The Forum
The High Museum to Showcase “Thinking Eye, Seeing Mind”
Fun for All Ages: The Neighborhood Christmas Train 2024 Experience
Life in Motion: The Gift of Organ Donation Fuels Active Lives for Recipients
Furkids Wraps Up Successful Year with Open House Event and More
The Dec/Jan Issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine is Out Now
Shaping Peachtree Corners: New Vision for the Central Business District [Podcast]
Take A Walk Back in Time For The Holidays
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
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The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
