Local Matters Podcast

About Local Matters Podcast

Local and state governments, though often overshadowed by federal government, have tremendous impact on our quality of life. This podcast provides a valuable service by educating people on how to improve their own quality of life through civic engagement. Various organizations encourage residents to register and vote, but it does not appear that anyone is showing voters how to make good decisions when they do. It feels akin to hiring someone for a job without reviewing the job description. Local Matters changes that narrative by educating voters with short, clear, and unbiased civics lessons from a career local government professional, public speaker, and management consultant.

Publisher

Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson

Category

government

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Mar 2020

Latest episode

21 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

2 of 337 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Candidate Conversations: School Board District 9 with Venus Cain & Delvin Howard

   What does the future of Richmond County schools look like, and what will it take to help students succeed? In this episode, we hear from Venus Cain and Delvin T. Howard Sr., two candidates for the Richmond County Board of Education District 9 seat. Both share their perspectives on student achievement, school improvement, parental involvement, and the importance of supporting students inside and outside the classroom. Venus Cain discusses her experience on the Board of Education, including her priorities surrounding early literacy, school safety, career development opportunities, and continued improvements across the school system. Delvin T. Howard Sr. shares his perspective as a parent and community advocate, emphasizing tutoring, communication, accountability, and the importance of bringing families and schools together. These conversations give residents an opportunity to learn more about each candidate's background, priorities, and vision for Richmond County schools. Meet Venus Cain, Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Venus Cain is a U.S. Army veteran, mother, grandmother, and longtime community leader. She has served in several public service roles, including airport commissioner, PTA president, neighborhood president, and both vice president and president of the Richmond County Board of Education. After 30 years with the Department of Defense, she continues her involvement in education and community service. Delvin T. Howard Sr. is a lifelong Augusta resident, graduate of Richmond County public schools, local business owner, and father of two sons attending Richmond County schools. His experience includes serving in school council and PTO leadership roles at C.T. Walker Magnet School and Richmond County Technical Magnet School. He is also the co-founder of Blessing Our Community, an outreach initiative supporting Augusta residents. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

2. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Candidate Conversations: School Board District 3 with Carol J. Yancy, Kenyatta Brown, Janice Ramirez

   What are the candidates for Richmond County Board of Education District 3 proposing for the future of local schools? In Candidate Conversations: School Board District 3, Janice Allen Jackson welcomes Dr. Carol J. Yancy, Dr. Kenyatta Brown, and Janice Ramirez to discuss their priorities and plans for Richmond County schools ahead of the November 3, 2026 election. Each candidate shares her background, priorities, and approach to improving student achievement, supporting teachers, strengthening parent involvement, and addressing school safety. Hear their perspectives on the challenges facing Richmond County schools and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Dr. Carol J. Yancy is a veteran educator and educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in public education. Her career includes serving as a teacher, principal, education supervisor, and assessment coordinator. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Capella University and has dedicated her career to instructional leadership, student achievement, and supporting educators. A native of Augusta and graduate of T.W. Josey High School, Dr. Kenyatta Brown is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She serves in nursing education at Augusta University and in community behavioral healthcare. She also founded “Hey Queens,” a mentorship program focused on building confidence, leadership, and personal growth among young students. Janice Ramirez is a wife, mother of three, veteran, and longtime Augusta resident with children in Richmond County schools. As a parent advocate, she has spent years speaking up for students and families. She is running to bring a parent's perspective to the Board of Education, emphasizing accountability, communication, and ensuring families have a voice in decisions affecting their children's education. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

3. 

   12 Oct 2026

   What Needs to Change in Georgia's Public Schools? with Dr. Lydia Powell

   What changes could shape the future of Georgia's public schools? In this episode, Dr. Lydia Powell, a lifelong educator and Democratic candidate for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, discusses her decision to run for office and her priorities for Georgia's students, teachers, and families. With more than 26 years of experience in education, she shares her perspectives on school funding, early childhood education, rural educational opportunities, and standardized testing. Dr. Powell has dedicated her career to improving student achievement, strengthening public schools, and building partnerships between educators, families, and communities. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science Education from Florida A&M University, a Master's degree from Florida State University, and Specialist and Doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership from University of Sarasota. Throughout her career, Dr. Powell has served as a social studies teacher, special education teacher, and administrator in several Georgia school districts, including DeKalb, Henry, Clayton, and Fayette counties. She has also spent 11 years in educational leadership roles. Beyond the classroom, she has served on the Fayette County High School Principal's Advisory Council, the HOSA Advisory Board, and as a Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) President. She currently serves as Chair of the City of Fayetteville Ethics Board and as a Post Seat Holder for the Fayette County Democratic Party. Her priorities include expanding access to quality Pre-K programs, improving educational opportunities in rural Georgia, and reducing reliance on standardized testing. Guided by integrity, transparency, and service, Dr. Powell remains committed to supporting Georgia's students, families, and educators. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

Who has been a guest on Local Matters Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Seth Winterhalter
• Sheffie Robinson
• Rebecca Callis Mixson
• Patrick King II
• Rick Reinhard

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

6,497

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 73 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

82

Social presence

0

YouTube

74

Engagement

82

Questions about Local Matters Podcast