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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

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
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

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
283 – Why Dunwoody Needs the DHA Now More Than Ever – Tim Brown
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Podcast 283 – Why Dunwoody Needs the DHA Now More Than Ever – Tim Brown
Before Dunwoody had a city council, it had the DHA. For decades, the Dunwoody Homeowners Association was the most organized and influential voice in town. It helped shape development, block unwanted commercial growth, and give residents a say in what happened next. Now, Tim Brown is stepping back into leadership with renewed energy after a challenging year. He shares why the DHA still matters, how Dunwoody is evolving, and how the organization will be there to stand up for you when it counts. Check out the DHA website to learn what a $40 membership means for the community and why it should matter more than a meal at Tim’s favorite spot, Joey D’s Steakhouse.
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

Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Podcast 282 – 25 Years After the Tornado and the Legacy of Lemonade Days – Kathy Florence and Hope Follmer
After a tornado ripped through Dunwoody in 1998, neighbors came together to replant, rebuild, and reconnect. What started as a tree-planting campaign grew into something lasting—Lemonade Days, the city’s biggest celebration of resilience and community. Now in its 25th year, the festival continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Hope Follmer, who directs the festival for the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, and Kathy Florence, Communications Manager for the City and a former Honorary Miss Lemonade Days, have helped shape this milestone year. From carnival rides and food trucks to new features like chalk art, legacy lanyards, and local bands performing at the new Band Shell, 2025 feels like a perfect blend of nostalgia and new energy. While I won’t be emceeing Dunwoody Idol this year, the heartbeat of the festival is stronger than ever. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or you’re new to town, this is the week that reminds you of that small town feel we love.
🗓️ April 23–27 at Brook Run Park
🌐 More info: whatsupdunwoody.com/LemonadeDays
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

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Podcast 281 - How Dunwoody Entrepreneurs Are Staying Connected - Adam Forrand - Greater Perimeter Chamber
Are you growing a business in Dunwoody? Then this conversation is for you. Adam Forrand outlines how the Greater Perimeter Chamber supports entrepreneurs through meaningful connections, strategic guidance, and local influence. Membership offers far more than networking—it’s access to real resources that help you grow. Learn how Chamber Advantage empowers teams and why joining now could be your smartest move in 2025.
Please support our sponsors: Village Orthodontics and Discover Dunwoody
Local events around the city.
The best orthodontist in town.
Search homes in Dunwoody.
Get to know Matt.
Find local businesses.
What’s Up Dunwoody merch.
Book a hotel staycation.

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Podcast 280 - What Dunwoody Parents Must Know About College Admissions - Brian Eufinger - Edison Prep
Back by popular demand, Brian Eufinger from Edison Prep joins me to break down everything Dunwoody parents need to know about college admissions—especially if (like me) your child is still in middle school. I wanted this conversation now, not later, because I know how confusing the process can be. Brian shares exactly when to start, what most families get wrong, and how to plan for scholarships and success. If you’re looking for real answers, local insight, and expert advice you can trust, this episode delivers.