What’s Up Dunwoody

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The What’s Up Dunwoody podcast is your insider’s guide to all things Dunwoody, GA. Hosted by Matthew Weber, it features interviews with local leaders, business owners, and community members who make Dunwoody unique. From events and news to hidden gems, the podcast keeps residents and newcomers connected to the latest happenings in the city. Whether you’re living in or moving to Dunwoody, tune in for engaging stories and hyperlocal insights that celebrate the best of our community!

Episodes

7 days ago

327 - How to Get Involved in Dunwoody’s Nonprofits - Catherine Lautenbacher & Beth Lehman

7 days ago

Podcast 327 - How to Get Involved in Dunwoody’s Nonprofits - Catherine Lautenbacher & Beth Lehman

Catherine Lautenbacher and Beth Lehman are back on the podcast with something new to Dunwoody. A volunteer fair. On Friday, May 1st, the First Annual Perimeter Community Volunteer Fair is happening at Dunwoody United Methodist Church from 10am to 1pm, and if you've been meaning to get more involved in your community, this is your entry point.

Here's something that might surprise you. Catherine did a quick count and Dunwoody alone has at least 34 nonprofits, and every single one of them is looking for help. The problem has never been a shortage of opportunities. It's been knowing where to find them. Beth organized this fair as her Leadership Perimeter class project specifically for people who want to give back but haven't figured out where they fit yet.

The fair brings 12 to 15 local organizations under one roof, from well-known names like the Community Assistance Center to Sandy Springs Youth Sports. You can walk in not knowing what you want to do and walk out with a real commitment. Head to igottavolunteer.com to see who's coming, and show up to see how you can help.

Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-327

Saturday Apr 25, 2026

326 - Why World-Class Chefs Keep Showing Up to Cook in Dunwoody - Billy Kramer

Saturday Apr 25, 2026

Podcast 326 - Why World-Class Chefs Keep Showing Up to Cook in Dunwoody - Billy Kramer

The Burger Benefit is back for one final year, with chefs like George Motz, Vinnie Cimino, Kevin Rathbun, and Freddy Money cooking one-day-only burgers at NFA Dunwoody on May 3rd. Every ticket dollar goes directly to the Giving Kitchen, and tickets just went on sale today.

We also got deep into the Dunwoody restaurant scene. Forty-one restaurants opened here last year, and Billy made a strong case for why Dunwoody is a unicorn compared to every other market he looked at for expansion. We talked about what the Giving Kitchen actually does for food service workers in crisis, and why Billy is now permanently donating a quarter from every NFA burger sold.

If you have never been to the Burger Benefit, this is the one to go to. It is the last one ever, the lineup is the best it has ever been, and the cause could not be more worthy. Grab your tickets at https://givingkitchen.org/events/the-final-burger-benefit-presented-by-georgia-natural-gas/ before they are gone.

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Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-326

Thursday Apr 16, 2026

325 – How to Spot and Stop the Scams Hitting Dunwoody Right Now – Dale Cardwell

Thursday Apr 16, 2026

Podcast 325 – How to Spot and Stop the Scams Hitting Dunwoody Right Now – Dale Cardwell

People in our community are losing thousands to fake job offers, government grant schemes, and AI voices impersonating family members. Most don't see it coming until it's too late.

Dale Cardwell has spent his whole life protecting people across the Top End of Atlanta. He's lived in this community for 25 years, and after three decades as an investigative journalist exposing fraud and corruption, he built TrustDale and launched his podcast, Trust Issues, specifically to help people avoid getting scammed. He's genuinely invested in making sure his neighbors don't get taken advantage of.

But Dale's story goes deeper. He broke some of Atlanta's biggest investigations — the Derwin Brown assassination, Linda Schrenko's embezzlement scheme, the corruption that forced Jacquelyn Barrett out as Fulton County Sheriff. For 25 years in Dunwoody, he's been the guy who digs into what's really going on.

Full episode summary lives here: whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-325

Wednesday Mar 25, 2026

324 – High Street Expansion, Perimeter Mall Updates, and Kroger Gas

Wednesday Mar 25, 2026

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.

Tuesday Mar 24, 2026

323 – What Dunwoody Parents Need to Know Before the March 26 DHS Meeting – Andrew Ziffer

Tuesday Mar 24, 2026

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!

Friday Mar 06, 2026

322 – Dunwoody High Reopens Its Renovated Theater with Little Women – Amanda Lower

Friday Mar 06, 2026

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.
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🔥 Local events around the city.
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🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
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🏠 Homes for sale.
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🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
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🏈 Bring it home campaign.
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🚎 Dunwoody trolley tour.
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📍 Find local businesses.
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🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.
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📫 Join our email list.
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⚽️ Get to know Matt.
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🦸🏻‍♂️ Origin story of the podcast.
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👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
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Tuesday Mar 03, 2026

321 – How Morty’s Expansion and {S}table Are Reshaping Funwoody – Mitchell Abes

Tuesday Mar 03, 2026

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

Thursday Feb 19, 2026

320 – Coach Tez and the Rise of Dunwoody Girls Flag Football – Montez Swinney

Thursday Feb 19, 2026

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.

Sunday Feb 15, 2026

319 – The Feeney Legacy Project and Why You Should Always Call 911 – Lia Armistead

Sunday Feb 15, 2026

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

Tuesday Feb 03, 2026

318 – What Brings People to Dunwoody – Mark Galvin - Discover Dunwoody

Tuesday Feb 03, 2026

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