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Tharon’s Take is where politics, arts and culture meets real life. Hosted by political strategist and commentator Tharon Johnson (Biden 2020, Obama 2012, Founder of Paramount Consulting), this weekly podcast brings candid conversations with political leaders, well-known entrepreneurs, culture shapers, and everyday working people.
Instead of talking at the audience, Tharon talks with them. Each episode breaks down what’s happening in the political landscape in a way that’s clear, nuanced, and enjoyable to listen to. Expect thoughtful questions, a little controversy, humor, and real storytelling — not soundbites.
Whether you’ve followed Tharon’s work for years or you’re just trying to make sense of the world around you, this show gives you the insight you need to understand power, policy, and the people who shape both.
New episodes drop weekly.
18 Episodes
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In this episode, Tharon speaks with Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council, about Atlanta’s emergence as a premier global sports city. Dan discusses what it takes to secure and execute major events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Final Four, and why Atlanta continues to win on the international stage. He shares insight into the behind-the-scenes strategy of event bidding, the importance of long-term infrastructure planning, and how moments like these can permanently eleva...
In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Shanti Das — legendary music executive, author, and founder of Silence the Shame. From her time at LaFace Records to working with the Dungeon Family, OutKast, Usher, and Prince, Shanti helped shape the sound and culture of Atlanta’s music movement. She shares what it was like to be at the center of that era and how the industry shaped her journey. But this conversation goes beyond music. Shanti opens up about the pressures of success, he...
In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Andrew Saltzman of the Atlanta Hawks joins the show to discuss how the organization has made an impact beyond basketball. From launching the College Park Skyhawks and investing in downtown Atlanta to opening State Farm Arena as the largest polling place in the country during the 2020 election, this conversation highlights leadership, civic responsibility, and long-term vision. Saltzman also shares real advice for young professionals looking to build meaning...
In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon takes a hard look at why Donald Trump continues to challenge his loss in Georgia’s 2020 election and how the recent FBI raid has once again put the state at the center of national attention. Tharon breaks down what happened in Fulton County, explains how election systems actually work, and calls out the misinformation that continues to confuse voters. He also shares why staying informed and engaged is critical to protecting the integrity of future elec...
In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Julie Bryant Kuykendall, Director of Feeding Georgia, for an honest conversation about hunger and food insecurity across the state. Julie shares what it looks like when one in five children face hunger, how families are impacted when SNAP benefits end, and how everyday setbacks — like illness, job loss, or transportation issues — can quickly push people into crisis. The discussion also highlights the power of community response and how ...
In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with State Representative Eric Bell to talk about more than just lemon pepper wings — they explore how culture, memory, and policy intersect in Georgia. Rep. Bell explains why he introduced House Bill 1013 (HB1013), legislation that would designate lemon pepper as Georgia’s official chicken wing flavor. The discussion covers how this flavor became culturally significant in communities across the state, how the legislative process works, and w...
This conversation with Peter Hubbard was recorded on January 7, prior to Georgia Power’s announcement at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues event regarding its plan to lower rates and expand data center investment in the state. In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Peter Hubbard of the Georgia Public Service Commission to discuss key issues shaping Georgia’s energy landscape — including data centers, power grid reliability, electricity rates, and how the PSC ...
New year, new me — or maybe just a new mindset. In this episode of Tharon’s Take, we have a real conversation about New Year’s resolutions, goal setting, and how people actually follow through (or don’t) over time. Whether you’re big on resolutions, prefer a vision board, or skip the whole thing altogether, this episode is about reflection, honesty, and checking in — now and later in the year.
The Trae Young era in Atlanta appears to be over — and the reaction has been loud. In this mini episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon unpacks why the Hawks moved on from their franchise star, what Trae meant to the city, and what this decision says about the team’s future. Was this a smart reset, or did Atlanta just let go of its identity?
Atlanta Falcons fans are once again asking the same question: why does this keep happening? In this mini episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon breaks down the recurring issues that continue to hold the Falcons back — from leadership and long-term strategy to accountability and culture. This isn’t just about one bad season. It’s about a pattern. And until something changes, the results won’t either.
Tharon reflects on the recent march by Buddhist monks through Georgia and draws a powerful connection to the Civil Rights Movement, Congressman John Lewis, and the nonviolent teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The moment highlights how peaceful protest continues to evolve while remaining grounded in history. What we’re witnessing isn’t new — it’s a modern application of strategies that have driven meaningful change for generations.
Ryan Wilson joins Tharon’s Take for a wide-ranging conversation on power, perception, and public trust in today’s political landscape. We break down how political optics influence decision-making, why public confidence in leadership continues to erode, and how strategy and performance often take precedence over outcomes in Washington. From government gridlock to credibility and accountability, this episode challenges listeners to look beyond the headlines and think critically about who benefi...
In this episode of Tharon’s Take, Tharon sits down with Jayden Williams, the youngest African American mayor ever elected in Georgia history. From navigating leadership at a young age to redefining what modern politics looks like, Jayden talks about balance, responsibility, and staying grounded while running a city. The conversation moves easily from culture and community to real questions about power, representation, and what the next generation of leadership demands. This episode is proof t...
If you’ve spent any time in Georgia politics, you’ve been to Manuel’s Tavern. It’s a place where campaigns were born, debates were settled, and history was made over a cold drink. In this episode, I share the story of Manuel’s, the people who shaped it, and why this landmark remains a symbol of Atlanta’s political heartbeat.
Georgia is already gearing up for a high-stakes 2026 election year. In this episode, Tharon breaks down the key races to watch, the issues that will shape the ballot, and why Georgia continues to be one of the most influential states in American politics. From statewide contests to shifting voter dynamics, Tharon explains what’s coming, why it matters, and how it could impact everyday Georgians. New episodes drop weekly — tune in, share your thoughts, and stay ahead of the conversation.
The latest episode of Tharon's Take centers on a brawl during a high school football playoff game between Gainesville and Brunswick, where 34 Gainesville players were suspended. The fight escalated when teammates tried to intervene, leading to scheduling disruptions throughout the state. Tharon also discusses parents' concerns about sportsmanship, player safety, and the impact of suspensions on a team's performance.
Tharon breaks down his take on Marjorie Taylor Greene's exit from Congress and what might be next for the Congresswoman!
Tharon’s Take is where politics, arts, culture, and real life collide. Hosted by political strategist and commentator Tharon Johnson, the show brings unfiltered conversations with leaders, creators, and everyday voices. New episodes every week.
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