The Atlanta Story podcast features meaningful stories of Atlanta’s builders, creators, and entrepreneurs. In this episode  sits down with  and  Pease of the .&nbsp; &nbsp; Born and raised in Atlanta, Kyle Pease never let being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy get in the way of living a normal life. Baseball, wrestling, and swimming were some of the many activities Kyle and his two brothers all grew up doing. As his older brother, Brent, started competing in triathlons, Kyle asked him: “Can people in a wheelchair do triathlons?” The answer was a resounding “Yes!” Since then, Kyle and Brent have run triathlons, marathons, and more. The climax was crossing the finish line in Kona -- the SuperBowl of triathlons. In today’s episode, Kyle and Brent share insights into perseverance, training, growing awareness around athletes with disabilities, and more.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Atlanta Story is put together by the folks at  -- and we can’t wait to share some of the personalities behind the brand. Atlanta Ventures invests in entrepreneurs through community, content, and capital -- most notably through our  with companies like Greenzie and Intown Golf Club. We believe the best entrepreneurs learn from other great artists in different fields. &nbsp; In this episode, we discuss…  The emotions and the process of Kyle and Brent Pease overcoming the Super Bowl of Triathlons. (1:07) The rhythm of racing and how they coach each other. (4:16) The mental preparation and training for triathlons. (7:36) How Brent got into running triathlons in the first place. (9:45) How Kyle first got involved with triathlons. (10:43) How Kyle and Brent approached the idea of enduring a triathlon. (12:26) What is relentless determination and can it be taught? (13:57) Different programs and growing awareness in Atlanta over the past decade, as well as how they promote awareness and community building. (16:00) The process behind training for a triathlon and writing a book. (18:16) The grand vision of the Kyle Pease Foundation. (20:32) How Brent and Kyle will continue to push the boundaries of triathlons. (23:20) Where Kyle and Brent get their inspiration from. (25:25) Where they like to train in Atlanta, where are their secret spots, and which trail they enjoy the most! (27:54) How people can get involved in the Kyle Pease Foundation. (29:51) Why Atlanta, and what has Atlanta done for them. (31:40)  &nbsp; Resources discussed in this episode:  Kyle and Brent’s book: &nbsp; &nbsp; How you can get involved:&nbsp; Visit  if you’re interested in learning more about Atlanta Ventures and the Studio.&nbsp; &nbsp; Where you can find us: Website:  Twitter:  Instagram:  YouTube:  Subscribe to the newsletter .

Episode 7 | Kyle and Brent Pease

The Atlanta Story podcast features meaningful stories of Atlanta’s builders, creators, and entrepreneurs. In this episode  sits down with , CEO of . Tharon is a former campaign manager turned political strategist and in today’s episode we talk about the strategies he implemented for Mayor Kasim Reed’s come from behind win. We also discuss leadership insights about Congressman John Lewis from Tharon’s perspective. And of course, we talk about all things Atlanta and what it takes to build a company in the city today.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Atlanta Story is put together by the folks at  -- and we can’t wait to share some of the personalities behind the brand. Atlanta Ventures invests in entrepreneurs through community, content, and capital -- most notably through our  with companies like Greenzie and Intown Golf Club. We believe the best entrepreneurs learn from other great artists in different fields. &nbsp; In this episode, we discuss…  Tharon’s campaign manager days, specifically for Mayor Kasim Reed in 2009, and what strategies he implemented to win the election. (2:03) Paramount Consulting Group just hosted its second anniversary. We discuss where Tharon learned his style of consensus building. (16:30) “The middle is wide open.” What does that mean at a national level? (26:03) &nbsp;How does today's fragmented messaging affect getting the word out?(30:00) Stories of Congressman John Lewis. (32:28) The future of Atlanta from a demographics perspective and trends seen. (36:24) The next two to five years for Georgia. (42:35)  &nbsp; How you can get involved:&nbsp; Visit atlantaventures.com/studio if you’re interested in learning more about Atlanta Ventures and the Studio.&nbsp; &nbsp; Where you can find us (social media) Website: atlstory.com Twitter:  Instagram:  YouTube:  Subscribe to the newsletter .

Episode 2 | Tharon Johnson

The Atlanta Story podcast features meaningful stories of Atlanta’s builders, creators, and entrepreneurs. In this episode Jon Birdsong sits down with  to talk about the genesis story behind his restaurant, the constant back and forth between chef and entrepreneur, and the decisions he made along the way to create some of Atlanta’s best food. &nbsp; The Atlanta Story is put together by the folks at . Atlanta Ventures invests in entrepreneurs through community, content, and capital -- most notably through our  with companies like Greenzie and Intown Golf Club. We believe the best entrepreneurs learn from other great artists in different fields. &nbsp; In this episode, we discuss…  Ron’s origin story.&nbsp; Ron’s creative process from idea to execution of opening a restaurant in Atlanta&nbsp; Learnings from Ron’s time at Le Bernardin.&nbsp; What makes a great chef.&nbsp; What inspired the  menu and the evolution of the menu today...and in the future.&nbsp; How does a top chef balance family life while building such incredible art.&nbsp; What's ahead regarding the 3-10 year vision.  &nbsp; How you can get involved:&nbsp; Visit atlantaventures.com/studio if you’re interested in learning more about Atlanta Ventures and the Studio.&nbsp; &nbsp; Where you can find us (social media) Website: atlstory.com Twitter:  Instagram:  YouTube:  Subscribe to the newsletter .

Episode 3 | Ron Hsu

The Atlanta Story podcast features meaningful stories of Atlanta’s builders, creators, and entrepreneurs. In this episode  shares the vision of the podcast and why Atlanta Ventures has launched into the podcast space.&nbsp; Sponsor information: The Atlanta Story is put together by the folks at  -- and we can’t wait to share some of the personalities behind the brand. Atlanta Ventures invests in entrepreneurs through community, content, and capital -- most notably through our  with companies like Greenzie and Intown Golf Club. We believe the best entrepreneurs learn from other great artists in different fields. Important announcement! You can stay up to date on all of our podcast videos, extra photos and insight at AtlStory.com &nbsp; In this short episode, we discuss…  What The Atlanta Story is. (0:05) Why we believe now is the right time for a podcast like this. (0:33) The Atlanta Story is put together by the folks at Atlanta Ventures. (0:45)&nbsp; In the upcoming weeks, look for some wonderful interviews with some interesting people coming soon. Subscribe on your preferred platform! (1:13)  &nbsp; How you can get involved:&nbsp; Visit atlantaventures.com/studio if you’re interested in learning more about Atlanta Ventures and the Studio.&nbsp; &nbsp; Where you can find us: Website:  Twitter:  Instagram:  YouTube:  Subscribe to the newsletter .

Episode 1 | Launch

In this episode  sits down with , CEO of the &nbsp; Hala was born and raised in Georgia and began her career as a financial analyst at Arby’s Restaurant Group. Over the years, she scaled the corporate ladder and busted glass ceilings becoming the first woman to lead an international restaurant company as the President of Church’s Chicken. Hala transitioned back to the first company she worked for, Arby’s, but this time as President and CEO. Over the past 6 years she’s led the Metro Atlanta Chamber through unprecedented growth. We talk about how a Chamber can drive real value, initiatives she would have prioritized earlier, and of course leadership stories along the way.&nbsp; The Atlanta Story is put together by the folks at  -- and we can’t wait to share some of the personalities behind the brand. Atlanta Ventures invests in entrepreneurs through community, content, and capital -- most notably through our  with companies like Greenzie and Intown Golf Club. We believe the best entrepreneurs learn from other great artists in different fields. In this episode, we discuss…  What are the strategic pillars of the Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO? (2:30) What makes a successful Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO? (4:00)&nbsp; How did Hala find and decide on the Metro Atlanta Chamber role? (5:32) When Hala first started, how did she want to make her mark on the MAC? (7:15) Why and how is Atlanta’s Chamber more impactful than other chambers across the country? (8:30)&nbsp; Is Atlanta still “The City Too Busy to Hate?” (10:32) When Hala became the first female leader of an international restaurant group, was it acknowledged as a ground breaking accomplishment or an accomplishment that didn’t garner special attention? (12:15)&nbsp; What specific leadership style led Hala to the C-Suite? (13:25) How does an Atlanta Metro Chamber CEO recruit successfully? (15:10)&nbsp; What makes a successful public-private partnership? (17:30)&nbsp; What are the 2-3 initiatives that must continue at MAC for it to maintain its success? (19:21) What would Hala have done differently six years ago knowing what she knows now? (20:20) Hala talks about her childhood and how her career led to business. (24:10) What advice does Hala have for graduating seniors today? (26:50) Hala shares some of the highs and lows of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. (28:00) What is Atlanta going to do to fix its traffic problem? (30:10) What are some of the initiatives she is most proud of? (32:50) How do local sports affect the city’s brand and momentum? (35:10) What’s Hala’s favorite restaurant in town? (37:10) Why Atlanta and what has Atlanta done for Hala? (37:30)&nbsp;    How you can get involved:&nbsp; Visit  if you’re interested in learning more about Atlanta Ventures and the Studio.&nbsp; &nbsp; Where you can find us: Website: www.atlstory.com Twitter:  Instagram:  YouTube:  Subscribe to the newsletter .