Podcasts

District 4 Commissioner Marlene Fosque hosts Better Together with Commissioner Fosque, where she shares ideas and discusses issues impacting Gwinnett County with an array of special guests. Whether you are commuting to the office or taking a walk around the block before logging in at home, tune in to the latest episode, premiering bi-weekly on your favorite podcast app.

Episode 20: Buford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Downs (listen, watch)

Commissioner Fosque and Buford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Downs discuss how the school system is navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and the formula behind being ranked Georgia's top school district. Also, Kareem Briscoe from the Gwinnett Voter Registration and Elections Division, encourages citizens to serve their community and earn extra money as a Gwinnett County Poll Official for the upcoming 2022 Elections! Learn more at GwinnettCountyElections.com.


Episode 19: District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III (listen, watch)

In this episode, Commissioner Fosque sits down with District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III for an insightful discussion about issues impacting residents and businesses in District 3. Also, she shares her personal vaccine story. Vaccines are a powerful tool to fight COVID-19, and all residents over the age of 12 are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more by visiting ListenToGwinnettMoms.com. 

Episode 18: Community Outreach Director Shaunieka Taste (listen, watch)

After a short summer break, Commissioner Fosque kicks off new episodes of Better Together with Gwinnett Community Outreach Director Shaunieka Taste. The two discuss signature outreach programs and engagement events. Also, Officer Michael Parker, from the Gwinnett Police Department, shares announcements about Halloween safety and a save the date for the County's annual Veterans Day ceremony happening on November 11.

Episode 17: A Conversation with Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (listen, watch)

Commissioner Fosque closes out the first season of Better Together with U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux, who represents Georgia's 7th congressional district which includes most of Gwinnett County. They discuss federal legislation impacting Gwinnett residents including the Paycheck Protection Program, child tax credit, and upcoming infrastructure legislation. Also, Shannon Candler, Gwinnett County Grants Director, shares information about Project RESET 2.0 and other resources for residents impacted by COVID-19.

Episode 16: A Conversation with Gwinnett’s District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson (listen, watch)

In this episode, Commissioner Fosque sits down with Gwinnett's District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson to discuss her first 100 days in office and her role as the district attorney for one of Georgia's largest judicial circuits. Also, Uzma Khan, the District Attorney's Victim Witness Program Director, shares information about services for victims of crime.

Episode 15: A Conversation with District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku (listen, watch)

In this episode, Commissioner Fosque joins District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku to discuss his priorities for District 2 and more.  Also, Sarah Park, Program Coordinator  for Gwinnett Community Outreach, shares how the County will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

Episode 14: COVID-19 Vaccines 101 with Dr. Audrey Arona (listen, watch)

Hear COVID-19 vaccine information from an expert! Listen to Commissioner Fosque's conversation with Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Health Departments Director Dr. Audrey Arona as they discuss COVID-19 vaccines and more. Also, Terrell Davis from Gwinnett County's Communications Division shares news about ListenToGwinnettMoms.com.

Episode 13: Gwinnett's Juvenile Court with Judge Nhan-Ai Simms (listen, watch)

Interested in the Juvenile Court system? Listen to Commissioner Fosque's conversation with Juvenile Court Judge Nhan-Ai (Young-Eye) Simms as they discuss initiatives designed to lower juvenile detention and recidivism rates, plus more.  Also, Melanie Chung from Gwinnett Solid Waste Management shares news about Gwinnett's Earth Day event and tips on recycling right this spring! 

Episode 12: Gwinnett Fire & Emergency Services celebrates 50 years of service (listen, watch)

Commissioner Fosque is joined by Gwinnett Fire Chief Russell Knick for a look back at Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services' 50 years of service and more. Also, Lieutenant Donald Strother shares a reminder about an important task to add to your spring cleaning to-do list. 

Episode 11: A Conversation with District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden (listen, watch)

Commissioner Fosque had the opportunity to sit down with her colleague, District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden, to discuss his background and plans for District 1. Plus, hear from Sheila Fowler with Community Services about the new InGwinnett publication.

Episode 10: A Conversation with Regina Miller (listen, watch)

In this episode, Commissioner Fosque invited Gwinnett Health and Human Services Director Regina Miller for a discussion about how the County has adapted its senior services during the pandemic. Plus, hear from Muriam Nafees with Volunteer Gwinnett about ways you can give back through volunteering.

Episode 9: A Conversation with Everton Blair Jr. (listen, watch)

Commissioner Fosque continues celebrating Black History Month with Gwinnett County Public School's first African American school board member, Everton Blair Jr. Since the podcast recording, Everton has become the Chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Education. The two discuss becoming a "first," how Gwinnett County Public Schools are navigating COVID-19, and more.  Also, Destiny O’Loughlin, outreach coordinator for Gwinnett County Transit, shares information about the Gwinnett Stuff-A-Bus donation drive and The Impact of John Lewis virtual tribute program.

Episode 8: A Conversation with Judge Ronda Colvin Leary (listen, watch)

Commissioner Fosque celebrates Black History Month with Gwinnett's first African American judge, State Court Judge Ronda Colvin Leary. The two discuss becoming a "first," how the courts adapted to COVID-19, alternative sentencing, and more. Also, in this episode Gwinnett Community Outreach Director Shaunieka Taylor shares information about how to apply for the upcoming classes of Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy and Gwinnett Youth Commission.

Episode 7: A Conversation with Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson (listen, watch)

On this episode,  Commissioner Fosque speaks with Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson about her history-making role and vision for Gwinnett County. Also, Andrew Hickey from Gwinnett Water Resources shares tips on how to prevent a home water emergency during freezing temperatures.

Episode 6: A Conversation with Charlotte J. Nash (listen, watch)

In this episode, Commissioner Fosque speaks with former Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte J. Nash about her decades of service to Gwinnett residents. Also, Aspen Brown from Live Healthy Gwinnett shares tips to develop healthy habits in the new year!

Episode 5: Gwinnett Police Citizens Advisory Board (listen, watch)

This week, Commissioner Fosque invited Gwinnett County Police Chief Brett West for a discussion about the proposed Gwinnett Police Citizens Advisory Board. Also, Melanie Chung from Gwinnett Solid Waste Management shares tips and opportunities for recycling this holiday season.

Episode 4: Project RESET (listen, watch)

In this episode, Chief Magistrate Judge Kristina Hammer Blum and HomeFirst Gwinnett Director Matt Elder join Commissioner Fosque to discuss Project RESET, a CARES Act-funded eviction prevention program intended to support tenants facing financial hardship caused by COVID-19. Also, Russell Royal, fiscal analysis manager for Gwinnett County, shares an update on the County's 2021 proposed budget.

Episode 3: Economic Development (listen, watch)

In this episode, Commissioner Fosque sits down with Shantell Wilson, economic development manager for Business Outreach with Gwinnett County, to discuss Gwinnett's business landscape. Also, Corporal Selena Francis from the Gwinnett County Police Department shares holiday shopping safety tips and more important messages.

Episode 2: Community Policing (listen, watch)

In this episode, Commissioner Fosque sits down with Deputy Chief J.D. McClure and Major Michelle Anglin from the Gwinnett County Police Department to discuss community policing in Gwinnett. In addition, Gil Osmer, Assistant Fire Marshal at Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services, shares fire safety tips ahead of the holidays and more important announcements.

Episode 1: HomeFirst Gwinnett (listen, watch)

It’s our inaugural episode! Commissioner Fosque sits down with Matthew Elder,director of HomeFirst Gwinnett to discuss homelessness and precarious housing situations in our county. Sylvia Goalen, a project coordinator in our Department of Transportation, gives her personal connection to Hispanic Heritage Month and shares some important announcements.