Doug Hooker, the executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission, recently announced that he’s retiring in March of 2022. Hooker joins “Closer Look” to discuss Atlanta’s changing economic infrastructure, his career and what lies ahead for him and the commission. Plus, Ben Breit, a public affairs representative at Airbnb, discusses Summer of Responsible Travel, an 8-point plan to help hosts and guests stay safe amid the pandemic as travel returns and the demand for short-term home rentals increase during the summer.

<a href="https://atlantaregional.org/whats-next-atl/articles/5-qs-for-arc-executive-director-doug-hooker-who-plans-to-retire-next-year/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Doug Hooker, the executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission,</a> recently announced that he’s retiring in March of 2022. Hooker joins “Closer Look” to discuss Atlanta’s changing economic infrastructure, his career and what lies ahead for him and the commission. Plus, Ben Breit, a public affairs representative at Airbnb, discusses <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-launches-summer-of-responsible-travel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Summer of Responsible Travel</a>, an 8-point plan to help hosts and guests stay safe amid the pandemic as travel returns and the demand for short-term home rentals increase during the summer.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

Closer Look with Rose Scott

🔊 WABE Podcasts > News, Politics, Health

Executive Director Of The Atlanta Regional Commission Plans To Retire; Airbnb Announces New Plan To Keep Hosts & Guests Safe Amid Pandemic

Andra Hall went from selling a few cupcake orders while earning $9 an hour at a hotel to building Cami Cakes Cupcakes, a thriving bakery brand that eventually expanded to nine locations. After more than a decade of growth and success, her life took a sharp turn as she navigated a series of major challenges; the COVID‑19 pandemic, a divorce, and a diagnosis of triple‑negative breast cancer. In this episode of Closer Look,  Andra talks about navigating through all of these challenges and how joy has been redefined. 

Andra Hall went from selling a few cupcake orders while earning $9 an hour at a hotel to building Cami Cakes Cupcakes, a thriving bakery brand that eventually expanded to nine locations. After more than a decade of growth and success, her life took a sharp turn as she navigated a series of major challenges; the COVID‑19 pandemic, a divorce, and a diagnosis of triple‑negative breast cancer. In this episode of Closer Look,&nbsp; Andra talks about navigating through all of these challenges and how joy has been redefined.&nbsp;

Cupcakes, Crisis, and a Comeback

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” it’s our annual live broadcast from Dragon Con! We mark 40 years of the epic pop culture event and 250 years of America by asking how creative storytelling. imagined characters and worlds have helped shape our world today. We’re joined for this fun, fascinating, and unpredictable conversation by:

 

TODAY’S GUESTS:

Yaya Han, cosplay designer and author

Pat Henry, co-founder of Dragon Con

Jo Garland, Dragon Con spokesperson

Tawny Newsome, actor, writer and comedian who stars in “Star Trek: Lower Decks”

Adam Hawkins, Director of Outreach and Emergency Services at HOPE Atlanta

Ed Hall, science-fiction author

Dan Whisenhunt, journalist, Decaturish

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; it&rsquo;s our annual live broadcast from <a href="https://www.dragoncon.org/">Dragon Con</a>! We mark 40 years of the epic pop culture event and 250 years of America by asking how creative storytelling. imagined characters and worlds have helped shape our world today. We&rsquo;re joined for this fun, fascinating, and unpredictable conversation by:
&nbsp;
TODAY&rsquo;S GUESTS:
<a href="https://www.yayahan.com/">Yaya Han</a>, cosplay designer and author
Pat Henry, co-founder of Dragon Con
Jo Garland, Dragon Con spokesperson
<a href="https://www.tawnynewsome.com/">Tawny Newsome</a>, actor, writer and comedian who stars in &ldquo;Star Trek: Lower Decks&rdquo;
Adam Hawkins, Director of Outreach and Emergency Services at <a href="https://hopeatlanta.org/who-we-are/">HOPE Atlanta</a>
<a href="https://www.artpapers.org/people/ed-hall/">Ed Hall</a>, science-fiction author
<a href="https://www.decaturish.com/users/profile/dan%20whisenhunt/">Dan Whisenhunt</a>, journalist, Decaturish

Closer Look at Dragon Con 2026: 40 Years of Fandom and America at 250

On a special edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms. Bottoms addresses questions about her tenure as Atlanta mayor, including key decisions made under her leadership. She also reflects on how her four years in office along with her work in the Biden administration are guiding her approach to governing the state if elected as Georgia’s 84th governor.

 

The discussion covers several major issues: expanding resources for Georgia growers and producers, improving access to healthcare for rural communities, and tackling affordability challenges across the state. Bottoms also responds to campaign attacks from her opponent, Republican Rick Jackson, and outlines the communities she is continuing to engage as the midterm election approaches.

On a special edition of &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>,&rdquo; host Rose Scott sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate <a href="https://www.wabe.org/keisha-lance-bottoms/">Keisha Lance Bottoms</a>. Bottoms addresses questions about her tenure as Atlanta mayor, including key decisions made under her leadership. She also reflects on how her four years in office along with her work in the Biden administration are guiding her approach to governing the state if elected as <a href="https://www.wabe.org/georgia-governor-race/">Georgia&rsquo;s 84th governor</a>.
&nbsp;
The discussion covers several major issues: expanding resources for Georgia growers and producers, improving access to healthcare for rural communities, and tackling affordability challenges across the state. Bottoms also responds to campaign attacks from her opponent, Republican Rick Jackson, and outlines the communities she is continuing to engage as the midterm election approaches.

Executive Director Of The Atlanta Regional Commission Plans To Retire; Airbnb Announces New Plan To Keep Hosts & Guests Safe Amid Pandemic

In 1 playlist(s)

Closer Look with Rose Scott

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips