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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
12 hours ago
12 hours ago
Podcast 293 – Moondog Grows From Dunwoody Growlers to Chamblee Dog Friendly Pub – Tommy Burda
Moondog Growlers holds a special place in my heart. It was the first on-location interview Justin and I ever recorded back in the early podcast days. Fast forward to today and owners Tommy and Felicia Burda have spread that same welcoming Dunwoody vibe to Chamblee with Moondog Pub & Grub. Tommy swore he would never open a restaurant, but then he spotted the perfect building behind Whole Foods along the Rail Trail. Now Moondog Pub & Grub is serving up Wisconsin cheese curds, prime rib Saturdays, and a brunch that makes you want to linger all afternoon. The place feels like an extension of the neighborhood, with dogs napping on the patio, friends catching up over bourbon flights, families dropping by on a bike ride, and live music from local favorites like the Mike Veal Band and The Gregory Marshall Roth Band filling the room most nights. It is everything locals love about Moondog Growlers, just with a full kitchen and even more space to kick back and feel at home.
https://whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-293-moondog-grows-from-dunwoody-growlers-to-chamblees-dog-friendly-pub-grub-tommy-burda/
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
👙 Summer JCC memberships.
whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc
📍 Find local businesses.
🏠 Homes for sale.
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Podcast 292 – How a Podcast and a Couple Facebook Groups Built a Digital Community in Dunwoody – Matt Weber
Julia Frament from @mrandmrsdunwoody asked to interview me for the podcast this week, so this episode is going to give you even more Matt than usual. It was fun reminiscing on the early days of What’s Up Dunwoody in 2018.
Seven years ago, we launched a podcast nobody listened to, and I started a couple of Facebook groups where I was the only one posting. They weren't an overnight success, but we (along with podcast co-host Justin Dike) stuck with it. Eventually people started tuning into the pod. The Facebook groups took even longer to catch on, but little by little, the community started showing up and making them their own. They aren't my groups anymore. Now they belong to the Dunwoody Area Community.
After nearly 300 podcast episodes and over 25,000 community group members, it’s wild to see what the brand has become. What’s Up Dunwoody started as a way for me to get to know the city, and somewhere along the way, it turned into something FOR the city.
What’s next for What’s Up Dunwoody? Staying ahead of the curve and doubling down on what’s next. I’m working on new ways to bring value to the community, including Custom GPTs built for locals, an AI mascot named Woody the Goldendoodle, lots of collaborations, and maybe even a newsletter that doesn’t suck. Thanks to everyone who’s been part of the story so far!
Saturday Jun 21, 2025
Saturday Jun 21, 2025
Podcast 291 – Discover Dunwoody’s Website Makeover and Club World Cup Comes to Atlanta – Mark Galvin
Dunwoody just got a digital upgrade. Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody joins to show off their new website, designed to make finding events, booking hotels, and exploring the city way easier. It’s brighter, faster, and loaded with fresh content including blogs, local guides, and a search tool that actually works.
Mark breaks down how hotel taxes fund the whole thing and why that matters for both residents and visitors. Plus, he talks about Dunwoody’s growing social media game, fueled by a young, creative team putting local spots in the spotlight.
This Sunday, June 23, Dunwoody hosts “Viva la Copa” at Ashford Lane from noon to 11 p.m. It’s a free event with Club World Cup matches on the big screen, live music, food vendors, games, and local soccer guests. Discover Dunwoody and Passion Soccer Academy are teaming up to support Hispanic youth through soccer programs and tourism. It’s the kind of event that brings the whole community together.
https://whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-291-discover-dunwoodys-website-makeover-and-club-world-cup-comes-to-atlanta-mark-galvin/
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
🏠 Find homes for sale.
🚎 ReDiscover Dunwoody tour.
👙 Summer JCC memberships.
whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc
📍 Find local businesses.
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Podcast 290 – Leadership Perimeter Sparks a Journey to Dunwoody City Hall – Catherine Lautenbacher
Catherine Lautenbacher never saw herself running for office. But after years of leading the Leadership Perimeter program, she found herself pulled into public service. Now representing District 1 on Dunwoody City Council, Catherine focuses on community safety, connectivity, and building up future leaders.
She shares what she has experienced over the last four years and reflects on the moments that stood out during her time on the council. Public safety is at the top of that list. Catherine explains how Dunwoody police are using drones to respond more quickly and assess situations from above before officers even arrive. The city has also built a high-tech command center with live video feeds that help manage emergencies, traffic, and major events like the Fourth of July parade. It’s about being proactive, not just reactive, and she’s proud to see Dunwoody leading the way.
She also continues to mentor the next generation through Leadership Perimeter and remains a strong advocate for making Dunwoody more walkable, one sidewalk at a time.
https://whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-290-leadership-perimeter-sparks-a-journey-to-dunwoody-city-hall-catherine-lautenbacher/
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
🏠 Find homes for sale.
🚎 ReDiscover Dunwoody tour.
👙 Summer JCC memberships.
whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc
📍 Find local businesses.
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Podcast 289 – How Dunwoody Oktoberfest Starts With the 4th of July Parade – Denice Dudley & Katie Prellwitz
Dunwoody’s favorite fall festival is kicking marketing off early this year. Denice Dudley, the lead organizer of Dunwoody Oktoberfest 2025, and main sponsor Katie Prellwitz from Leverage Communications are using the city’s biggest summer stage, the 4th of July Parade, to build buzz for the September celebration.
Oktoberfest is returning to the grounds of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church on September 27 with beer, music, food, and fun. They’re also introducing a new 20-foot inflatable mascot, and the community gets to name it. It’s part of a playful campaign to get locals involved early and often. Proceeds from the festival benefit Malachi’s Storehouse and Anchor Place, two neighborhood gems that serve with heart. If your business wants to sponsor Oktoberfest, now’s the time. Early sponsors get July 4th exposure and a front-row seat to Dunwoody’s newest fall tradition.
Learn more and become a sponsor: whatsupdunwoody.com/oktoberfest
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
👙 Summer JCC memberships.
whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc
📍 Find local businesses.
🏠 Homes for sale.
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Podcast 288 – Smart Branding and Apartment Density Transformed Chamblee Over the Last Decade – Van Pappas
Chamblee has rebranded, reimagined, and revitalized itself. Van Pappas shares how smart city planning and a bold branding push turned an industrial corridor into one of North DeKalb’s hottest areas. The key? Apartment density, a clear identity, and big community pride. Van was there from the start, on the branding committee that helped bring the iconic red Chamblee sign to Peachtree Boulevard. He explains how signage isn't just decoration, it is declaration.
Van also dives into starting his Chamblee Area Restaurant Review Facebook Group during Covid, and growing it nearly as large as my Dunwoody version. What began as a way to support struggling restaurants became a digital town square, where locals post reviews and swap recommendations.
The Chamblee Rail Trail is more than a sidewalk. Van breaks down how the trail is expanding to connect key parts of the city and tie into a larger regional network. With plans to link Chamblee to Doraville’s Assembly development, Brookhaven’s greenways, and eventually the BeltLine, the trail is redefining how locals experience the city, without ever getting in a car.
Learn more about Van: oxygenfinancial.com/van-pappas
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
👙 Summer JCC memberships.
whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc
📍 Find local businesses.
🏠 Homes for sale.
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Saturday May 17, 2025
Saturday May 17, 2025
Podcast 287 – Steel Gateway Signs and Matt’s Sold-Out Trolley Tour – Mark Galvin with Discover Dunwoody
Matt’s birthday trolley tour has already sold out! If you want to Rediscover Dunwoody, you’ll have to hop on next month’s ride. Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody joins Matt to talk about everything popping up around town—starting with those new steel gateway signs. He breaks down who paid for them, why they matter, and what they mean for the city’s future. The whole episode is really about what’s new.
Did you know High Street will eventually be even larger than Avalon? It’s gearing up to welcome Rosetta Bakery, Hampton Social, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, Varuni Napoli, and Alo Yoga. Over at Campus 244, CT Cantina & Taqueria is drawing crowds with its chef-driven menu and hidden gem, Tierra Coffee. Stäge Kitchen & Bar is coming soon with upscale seafood, steak, and sushi. And Ashford Place is getting a big refresh with Stone Age Korean Steakhouse and Desi District moving in.
If you live in Dunwoody—or just love watching it grow—this episode is packed with what’s next.
whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-287-steel-gateway-signs-and-matts-sold-out-trolley-tour-mark-galvin-with-discover-dunwoody/
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
👙 Summer JCC memberships.
whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc
📍 Find local businesses.
🏠 Homes for sale.
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
Podcast 286 – Empowering Patients During Cancer Treatment with myFriendMD – Dr. Sarah Friend
Dunwoody’s Dr. Sarah Friend is bringing something new to cancer care. Through her virtual service myFriendMD, she gives breast cancer patients and their families what the medical system often cannot. Time, clarity, and emotional support. With over a decade of experience including years at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute she now helps patients slow down, ask better questions, and take control of their treatment journey.
Her coaching model is built for the space between appointments. The part where fear sets in, questions build, and Google becomes your worst enemy. Dr. Friend steps in when patients need more than facts. They need perspective. They need to feel heard. You get to ask questions one through four during your doctor visit. She helps with questions five through twenty. The ones that matter just as much, but rarely get answered.
Know someone facing breast cancer or walking beside someone who is? Visit myFriendMD.com
https://whatsupdunwoody.com/podcast-286-empowering-patients-during-cancer-treatment-with-myfriendmd-dr-sarah-friend/
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
📍 Find local businesses.
🏠 Homes for sale.
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation.
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Podcast 285 – How $37M Has Transformed the JCC Into Dunwoody’s Summer Destination – MJCCA CEO Jared Powers
Summer in Dunwoody has a new heartbeat, and it’s the MJCCA. CEO Jared Powers, who grew up riding his bike to the J and later rose from camp counselor to CEO, shares how the 52-acre campus became the city’s ultimate summer destination. Backed by a $37 million investment that upgraded both the Dunwoody campus and Camp Barney Medintz, the transformation has been bold, intentional, and community-focused.
The JCC offers elite day camps, a resort-style aquatic center, and a nationally recognized 15-court pickleball complex. Whether you're diving into splash pads, relaxing poolside, or grabbing a drink above the courts, there’s something for everyone. And yes, it’s open to everyone, even if you aren’t Jewish. The MJCCA welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds, ages, and beliefs. It’s more than a gym or camp. It’s where Dunwoody summers come alive.
Explore camps: whatsupdunwoody.com/jcamps
Join for the summer: whatsupdunwoody.com/jcc
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
📍 Find local businesses.
🏠 Homes for sale.
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation here.
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Podcast 284 – Dunwoody’s Hottest New Restaurants and Hidden Music Spots - Mark Galvin - Discover Dunwoody
Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody breaks down the local hot spots, from live music at Parkwoods and Louisiana Bistro to murder mystery dinner theater at the Marriott. Plus: what’s holding back burger chains from moving to Dunwoody—and why locals are leaning into the no-drive-through lifestyle. Cuddlefish is now rolling sushi and brewing specialty coffee at High Street, while Steak & Grace brings a fresh take on upscale dining to the Village. CT Taqueria lights up Campus 244 with bold Tex-Mex and a clever coffee concept. Whether you’re living in Dunwoody or just hungry for something new, this episode has you covered.
What’s Up Dunwoody Links:
📅 Local events around the city.
whatsupdunwoody.com/events
🍔 Dunwoody restaurant guide.
whatsupdunwoody.com/food
📍 Find local businesses.
whatsupdunwoody.com/local
🏠 Homes for sale.
whatsupdunwoody.com/homes
🇺🇸 Participate in the Parade.
whatsupdunwoody.com/parade
🛎️ Book a hotel staycation here.
whatsupdunwoody.com/hotels
🦷 Best orthodontist in town.
whatsupdunwoody.com/village
🙋♂️ Get to know Matt.
whatsupdunwoody.com/matt
🎧 All the podcast episodes.
whatsupdunwoody.com/podcasts
📖 Origin story of the podcast.
whatsupdunwoody.com/origins
👕 What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
whatsupdunwoody.com/merch