What’s Up Dunwoody

Podcast 324 – High Street Expansion, Perimeter Mall Updates, and Kroger Gas Dunwoody is having a moment, and you can feel it in the steady wave of new businesses, fresh concepts, and cranes in the sky. Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody connects the dots on what’s changing around the Perimeter area, and why it all matters for locals. The High Street project is bigger than most people realize, stretching farther than expected and shaping up to rival Avalon with a strong focus on restaurants, retail, and walkability. Add in names like Varuni Napoli, Krua Thai, and Patrones, and you can feel the food scene leveling up fast. Even spots near the office corridors are coming back to life. Over at Perimeter Mall, a major food court relocation and new retail like Aritzia signal long-term confidence. Throw in fun concepts like Bunker Golf and a growing lineup of events, and progress in Dunwoody just keeps getting better.

Podcast 323 – What Dunwoody Parents Need to Know Before the March 26 DHS Meeting – Andrew Ziffer Thursday, March 26th at Dunwoody High School is shaping up to be one of the most important nights for local parents in quite some time. A 6pm meeting gives Dunwoody residents a chance to weigh in on school redistricting plans that could reshape our community. DeKalb School Board member Andrew Ziffer breaks down what’s driving the conversation. The district has thousands of empty seats overall. Dunwoody elementary schools follow that trend, yet Dunwoody High School is overcrowded. The goal is simple but tough: use existing space better with minimal disruption to the elementary schools neighbors love. Vanderlyn and Kingsley seem to be at the center of closure discussions, and Chesnut for expansion. Be sure to show up Thursday night and make your voice heard!

Podcast 322 – Dunwoody High Reopens Its Renovated Theater with Little Women – Amanda Lower Dunwoody High School’s newly renovated theater is stepping into the spotlight with the Broadway musical Little Women. Director of Theatre Amanda Lower explains how the upgrade is transforming the Wildcat Theatre program and giving students hands-on experience with professional-level lighting and sound. A new LED lighting system lets students control stage color and mood digitally instead of swapping old-school gels, creating a more polished show while teaching real technical theater skills. Amanda also shares how classes like acting, improv, technical theater, and public speaking help students build confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Beyond the stage, the Dunwoody High speech team is also finding success in competitions around metro Atlanta. Opening night Friday includes a special gala celebrating the renovated theater, complete with refreshments and a short video showing off the new lighting and sound system. It’s a big moment for arts education in Dunwoody. Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-322 What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 321 – How Morty’s Expansion and {S}table Are Reshaping Funwoody – Mitchell Abes Mitchell Abes shares how a few unexpected opportunities in Dunwoody Village allowed the Funwoody team to think bigger. When extra space suddenly became available, they did not hesitate. Walls were pushed back and new concepts took shape, creating fresh momentum near Perimeter Mall. {S}table is opening soon in the former Steak and Grace space with a modern Southern menu designed for real life in Dunwoody. Think fried chicken, rich comfort flavors, and a space that works just as well for brunch as it does for date night. Just steps away, Morty’s expanded its footprint, added the Smokehouse Stage, and now hosts trivia on Wednesdays, karaoke on select Thursdays, and Dueling Pianos every Friday and Saturday starting March 6. Then there is Green Eggs and Kegs on April 18, the “best party in the burbs.” From 1 to 5 pm, the courtyard and parking lot fills with 30 restaurants, 50 drink sponsors, and live music from 770’s and Family Truckster, all benefiting Breakthrough T1D. It is the kind of event that reminds you why Dunwoody feels like home. Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-321 What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 320 – Coach Tez and the Rise of Dunwoody Girls Flag Football – Montez Swinney Dunwoody girls flag football has taken off in a big way, and Coach Tez is right at the center of it. Montez Swinney has helped turn Dunwoody girls flag football into one of the most talked about programs on campus, all rooted in one clear belief: FAMILY. He launched the team during COVID with just 22 girls and a vision. Now more than 100 athletes try out each year. The program includes multiple levels, a growing feeder system, and a region championship banner to prove the work is paying off. Coach Tez was even named Coach of the Year, but ask him and he will point back to discipline, preparation, and accountability. His teams study film. They correct mistakes. They show up for each other. He also leads the girls lacrosse team at Dunwoody High, and many of the same athletes switch jerseys each season, carrying that same standard from fall flag football to spring lacrosse. And that connection shows. The girls compete hard for each other, but they also compete hard for a coach who loves them like FAMILY.

Podcast 319 – The Feeney Legacy Project and Why You Should Always Call 911 – Lia Armistead Lia Armistead shares the story behind the Feeney Legacy Project, born from a tragic loss that might have had a different outcome. After her brother experienced cardiac arrest, the person with him hesitated to call 911 out of fear of getting in trouble. That delay mattered. Now her family is working to make sure more people understand Georgia’s 911 Amnesty laws and know they are protected when they make that call. The message is simple. Call 911. Then start chest compressions immediately until paramedics arrive. The annual Feeney 5K at Brook Run Park brings that mission to life. It is an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier, but it is also built for families, walkers, and anyone who wants to support something meaningful. Mad Italian is also hosting a month-long fundraiser to rally local support. Learn more: feeneylegacyproject.org Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-319 What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 318 – What Brings People to Dunwoody – Mark Galvin - Discover Dunwoody Dunwoody's buzzing, and Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody is here with the latest scoop. From croissants to laser tag, this episode covers what’s hot, what’s coming, and why locals are loving it. Rosetta Bakery and Varuni Napoli are coming to High Street—Rosetta brings buttery pastries and a European vibe, while Varuni goes all-in on authenticity with a custom-built oven straight from Naples. Over at Campus 244, CT Cantina & Taqueria gets a classy neighbor with Stäge Kitchen & Bar, and Big Play ATL is officially a hit with the community. Discover Dunwoody is the city’s hype team, making sure locals and visitors see the best of what Dunwoody has to offer. Mark Galvin leads a sharp crew who focus on what makes the city feel like home. From livestreams like Dunwoody Dialogues to smart, local-first branding, they keep Dunwoody front and center. With roots in tourism and digital strategy, the team’s momentum is building fast. Explore more: whatsupdunwoody.com/events Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-318 What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 317 – Atlanta’s World Cup Moment Will Change Soccer Forever – Neil McNab, President of Georgia Soccer Who better to talk about soccer’s next big moment than Neil McNab? He’s the President of Georgia Soccer and the man who helped bring organized soccer to Dunwoody as Executive Director of Rush Union. The 2026 World Cup is headed to Atlanta, and if history repeats itself, the sport is about to surge. After the 1994 tournament, youth participation in the U.S. jumped 20%. The city has already proven it’s a soccer hotspot, with Atlanta United’s record-breaking attendance and a new NWSL women’s pro team launching in 2028. There’s going to be a lot of kids in Atlanta falling in love with the beautiful game. Georgia Soccer wants to make sure all the new players inspired by the World Cup have a place to play. That means scaling access, improving coaching, and building lasting infrastructure that supports the game for generations to come. Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-317 What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 316 – Burnout, Branding, and Building Something Better for Patients in Dunwoody – Dr. Dhaval R. Desai After 15 years as a hospital leader, Dr. Dhaval Desai stepped away from burnout and bureaucracy. He left the system to focus on people, not paperwork. His new home, Atlanta Internists, follows a Direct Primary Care model—no insurance middlemen, no rushed appointments, just time, access, and care that actually feels like care. His memoir, Burning Out on the COVID Front Lines, shares a raw, personal look at medicine, fatherhood, and resilience. His podcast, Seen in Full, features honest conversations with other professionals navigating burnout and identity. And through it all, he’s been putting himself out there and building a brand in interviews and on social media—all based around showing up, listening longer, and making care more human. More on Dr. Desai: www.dhavaldesaimd.com Atlanta Internists: www.theatlantainternists.com

Podcast 315 – Meet Dunwoody’s Student Visionaries of the Year: Cure Chasers – Grayson Myddleton and Bramley Gordon Grayson Myddleton and Bramley Gordon, both sophomores at Dunwoody High, are leading the city’s first-ever Student Visionaries of the Year team: the Cure Chasers. With a $56,000 fundraising goal for Blood Cancer United, they’ve rallied 20+ local students to give back in a big way. Their mission is personal. They both have seen how devastating cancer can be, and that’s what fuels their commitment. But what they’re gaining along the way might be just as powerful. Grayson and Bramley have stepped into roles that demand public speaking, team leadership, and nonprofit strategy. The Student Visionaries program isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a full-on crash course in confidence and communication. They even picked up some podcast experience along the way. https://pages.lls.org/svoy/ga/svoyatlanta26/TeamCureChaser

Podcast 314 – Pop-Ups, Ice Skating, and Holiday HQ in Dunwoody – Mark Galvin with Discover Dunwoody Holiday HQ is Discover Dunwoody’s seasonal campaign to bring the magic of the holidays to every corner of our city. It rounds up light shows, pop-up bars, restaurant specials, and local shopping—all in one easy-to-use site with QR codes posted around town. In this festive episode, Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody joins podcast host Matt Weber to break down why Dunwoody’s earning the title of Atlanta’s Holiday Headquarters. They chat about ice skating at High Street, the glow-up at Brook Run Park, festive trolley tours, and new shopping gems around Perimeter Mall and State Farm. Look out for trendy toy pop-ups like Gatcha and Pop Mart, where collectible capsule toys and surprise figurines like Labubu and Sonny Angels are drawing big crowds. Plus, shoutouts to local favorites like Louisiana Bistro, Yao, and Mikata. From free group bookings to community wins like the whiskey raffle, there’s a lot going right in Dunwoody. And it’s just the beginning. Website: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-314

Podcast 313 – Big Play ATL Opens This Week with Food, Games, and Fun for All Ages – Valerie Inglesby Big Play ATL finally opens its doors this week, and Dunwoody locals are ready. This all-in-one entertainment center has been months in the making, and it shows. Who's ready for bowling, laser tag, mini golf, a full arcade, and a real restaurant, all under one roof?! They also own the shopping center, and just this week re-signed CVS to a fresh lease. Locals were buzzing that CVS might shut down, but that rumor’s officially squashed. CVS will be around for a few more years, and that shopping center will be exciting again. Inside, Woody's Sports Bar gives off grown-up energy with velvet drapes, a chef-driven menu, and craft cocktails. But Big Play has fun for the whole family. From ValoArena’s immersive gameplay to birthday-ready party rooms and mid-week specials like $2 Tuesdays, this place was built for all ages. It's already booking up fast for holiday parties, team outings, and after-school hangouts. Website: whatsupdunwoody.com/bigplay Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-313 What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🎅🏼 Your holiday headquarters. whatsupdunwoody.com/holidays 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 312 – How Dunwoody High Counselors Support Every Student – Luke Ingram and Denise Spain Dunwoody High might be a big school, but it doesn’t feel that way once you meet the counselors. With my son Micah heading there next year from Cornerstone Christian Academy, I wanted to learn what makes the transition smoother—for him and for other families coming from private schools. So I sat down with counselors Luke Ingram and Denise Spain. They walked me through how five full-time counselors guide students all four years, helping with everything from AP schedules and college apps to mental health and slip-on shoes. Dunwoody High reflects the real diversity of our city, and this team makes sure every student feels seen and supported. Whether you’re new to the public school system or just want to understand how things work these days, this episode is a great place to start. Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-312 What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🎅🏼 Your holiday headquarters. whatsupdunwoody.com/holidays 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 311 – Why ATL Eyecare Feels More Like Family Than a Clinic – Dr. Tommy Koepke and Mary Anne Langman ATL Eyecare was built for Dunwoody by people who know and love this community. Dr. Tommy Koepke and his sister-in-law Mary Anne Langman built a clinic that puts relationships first and delivers care that actually feels like care. With Tommy's wife Laura managing operations, this local trio is raising the bar for how eye care gets done. This isn’t your average big box experience. Every patient gets one-on-one time with Dr. Tommy, using the kind of high-tech tools usually reserved for specialists. Whether it's catching keratoconus like mine, treating glaucoma, or just helping your kid see the board better, they’ve built a clinic that covers it all without losing the neighborly touch. Located in the Williamsburg Shopping Center (with Chick-fil-A and E 48th Street Market), ATL Eyecare blends medical precision with local love. It's personal, it's professional, and it's exactly what Dunwoody needed. Book a visit: whatsupdunwoody.com/ATLeyecare View on the Website: Whatsupdunwoody.com/311 What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🎅🏼 Your holiday headquarters. whatsupdunwoody.com/holidays 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch

Podcast 310 – Dunwoody’s Bring It Home Campaign and the DHS Stadium Everyone’s Talking About – Coach Tom Bass Friday nights in Dunwoody are about to feel different. Principal and longtime coach Tom Bass joins the show to share how the Bring It Home Campaign is giving Dunwoody High the stadium it’s always deserved, boosting community pride and student spirit. The project will add 2,000 new seats, real restrooms, concessions, and a modern press box, giving the Wildcats a true home-field that they've never had before. Bass explains how one very special Dunwoody alum helped start the push, and how the campaign will bring the plan across the finish line. This is more than a stadium upgrade; it’s a statement about what Dunwoody stands for—community, tradition, and pride. From honoring Coach Mike Nash’s legacy to creating a safe, walkable place for families to gather, the campaign celebrates everything that makes Dunwoody special. It’s the heart of the community—neighbors connecting, kids dreaming, and the Wildcats finally playing at home. Learn more and join the movement at whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome Website: https://whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-310-dunwoodys-bring-it-home-campaign-and-the-dhs-stadium-everyones-talking-about-coach-tom-bass/ What’s Up Dunwoody Links: 🎧 All the podcast episodes. whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts 🔥 Local events around the city. whatsupdunwoody.com/events 🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide. whatsupdunwoody.com/food 🏠 Homes for sale. whatsupdunwoody.com/homes 🦷 Best orthodontist in town. whatsupdunwoody.com/village 🏈 Bring it home campaign. whatsupdunwoody.com/bringithome 🎅🏼 Your holiday headquarters. whatsupdunwoody.com/holidays 🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour. whatsupdunwoody.com/tour 📍 Find local businesses. whatsupdunwoody.com/local 🛎️ Book a hotel staycation. whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels 📫 Join our email list. whatsupdunwoody.com/email ⚽️ Get to know Matt. whatsupdunwoody.com/matt 🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast. whatsupdunwoody.com/origins 👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch. whatsupdunwoody.com/merch