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Episode 36
Kenny Leon
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Episode 36
Kenny Leon
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The show
The Monica Pearson Show
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The Monica Pearson Show

The Monica Pearson Show promises to delight, surprise, inform, and entertain.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta
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Episode 1

Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Discover a new side of Sanjay as CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent sits down with Monica for a conversation about his childhood, family and… the accordion.

Elle Duncan
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Episode 2

Elle Duncan

ESPN Sports Anchor and podcast host, Elle Duncan, joins Monica in a lively discussion about her work, her family, and the city that raised her.

Killer Mike
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Episode 3

Killer Mike

Monica goes deep with Killer Mike as they discuss their mutual love of Atlanta, how he got his name, and the meaning behind his “Michael” album.

Alton Brown
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Episode 4

Alton Brown

Monica serves up a delicious conversation with television host, Alton Brown—there’s plenty of quips, food facts, and surprises to go around.

Ms. Pat
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Episode 5

Ms. Pat

The hilarious Ms. Pat is no stranger to challenges. Sit back and get ready to laugh and cry through a conversation that is both heart-wrenching and side-splitting!

T.I.
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Episode 6

T.I.

The “King of the South” is certainly guilty of one thing: keeping Monica on her toes. He’s a rapper, father, philanthropist and entrepreneur. What can’t he do?

Payne Lindsey
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Episode 7

Payne Lindsey

You may not recognize his face, but you should know his voice. Monica and Payne discuss the world of podcasting… and UFOs. Are you a believer?

Lazy Betty
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Episode 8

Lazy Betty

The chefs of Atlanta restaurant Lazy Betty have been anything but lazy. Join Monica as she learns what it takes to earn the coveted Michelin Star.

Mary Kay Andrews
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Episode 9

Mary Kay Andrews

In this episode, Monica uncovers the real Mary Kay. While the NYTimes bestselling author writes behind her pen name, it’s clear this author has nothing to hide.

Kristian Bush
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Episode 10

Kristian Bush

Monica knows how to make a conversation sing — literally. Kristian Bush talks Sugarland, growing up in Appalachia and... Beyonce. And yes, he performs!

Chris Womack
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Episode 11

Chris Womack

As only 1 of 8 Black CEOs of a Fortune 500 company, Southern Company’s Christopher Womack sits down with Monica for a powerful conversation - pun intended.

Pastor Troy
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Episode 12

Pastor Troy

Pastor Troy has been an integral part of Atlanta’s rap landscape for decades and now he’s taking Monica to church.

Karin Slaughter
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Episode 13

Karin Slaughter

Bestselling author Karin Slaughter thrills audiences with her novels, but in this conversation, she has Monica laughing out loud.

Pinky Cole
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Episode 14

Pinky Cole

From selling vegan burgers out of a food truck to becoming the CEO of a plant-based empire worth millions, Pinky Cole tells Monica how she’s just warming up.

Brian Patrick Flynn
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Episode 15

Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn tackles lofty renovation projects, but in this lively conversation with Monica he shares plans for his biggest project yet - fatherhood!

Indigo Girls
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Episode 16

Indigo Girls

What does Monica have in common with the folk music duo Indigo Girls? They’ve all been delighting audiences and breaking barriers for decades.

Dominique and Jacob Wilkins
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Episode 17

Dominique and Jacob Wilkins

Atlanta basketball legend Dominique Wilkins sits down with Monica to share how he is raising the next generation’s human highlight reel—his son Jacob.

Shanti Das
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Episode 18

Shanti Das

Music industry veteran Shanti Das shares with Monica why she left her career working with the biggest names in music in search of a higher calling.

Jason Carter
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Episode 19

Jason Carter

The former state senator and gubernatorial candidate talks anything but politics. Jason shares stories of his famous family's touching legacy and what's next for the Carter family.

Tanisha Wright
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Episode 20

Tanisha Wright

The WNBA is more popular than ever. Atlanta Dream’s Tanisha Wright tells Monica how she gets the best out of her players and what’s next for the team.

Chuck Leavell, Part 1
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Episode 21

Chuck Leavell, Part 1

Musician Chuck Leavell has played alongside some of the most famous bands in rock and roll. Hear him share stories with Monica from his decades on the road.

Chuck Leavell, Part 2
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Episode 22

Chuck Leavell, Part 2

In Part 2 of our interview with Chuck Leavell, the rock legend talks to Monica about going out on the road with the Stones — and his second love, tree farming.

Katie Kirkpatrick
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Episode 23

Katie Kirkpatrick

Metro Atlanta Chamber President Katie Kirkpatrick shares with Monica how an engineering degree helps her solve problems and bring exciting things to Atlanta.

Blondie
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Episode 24

Blondie

For decades, exotic entertainer Blondie has been charming audiences at the Clermont Lounge. Will she ever stop her signature moves? Watch to find out.

Lonnie Johnson
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Episode 25

Lonnie Johnson

Lonnie Johnson is a decorated scientist who invented one of the most popular toys of all time–and he’s still inventing! Find out what he’s up to.

Hala Moddelmog
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Episode 26

Hala Moddelmog

Longtime business leader Hala Moddelmog has sold everything from fried chicken to the city of Atlanta. Hear her tell Monica why she’s not ready to retire.

Marty Kemp
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Episode 27

Marty Kemp

Marty Kemp has spent the last five years supporting her governor husband while also championing her own causes. Hear her tell Monica what she’s most proud of.

Dan Amos
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Episode 28

Dan Amos

AFLAC CEO Dan Amos is here to share what makes him an effective leader. Meet the man behind the famous duck and find out how Monica made him laugh out loud.

Burt Jones
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Episode 29

Burt Jones

From the football field to the state Senate, Lt. Governor Burt Jones has made a mark on his home state of Georgia, but watch to find out what his first job was.

Maria Taylor
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Episode 30

Maria Taylor

Before heading to Paris to cover the 2024 Summer Olympics, sports broadcaster Maria Taylor shares with Monica why she became a journalist … and not a doctor.

Dr. Helene D. Gayle
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Episode 31

Dr. Helene D. Gayle

As a physician and leader of several nonprofits, Dr. Helene D. Gayle has traveled the globe. Hear her tell Monica why she’s excited to be back in Atlanta.

Tony Conway
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Episode 32

Tony Conway

Party planner extraordinaire Tony Conway shares how he knew it was time to go out on his own and what it was like working with Tyler Perry and Oprah.

Nikema Williams
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Episode 33

Nikema Williams

Congresswoman Nikema Williams tells Monica she isn’t afraid of getting into good trouble, but she does have a hard time taking her own advice on social media.

Jeff Hullinger
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Episode 34

Jeff Hullinger

After 40 years of covering news and sports in Atlanta, the TV anchor has embarked on a journey combining his natural curiosity and love of history and the state of Georgia.

Angel Cabrera
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Episode 35

Angel Cabrera

Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera shares what it’s like to lead the university he graduated from and the part of his job that energizes him the most.

Kenny Leon
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Episode 36

Kenny Leon

Award-winning Broadway director Kenny Leon shares heartwarming stories from his exciting career on stage. He tells Monica why Atlanta will always be “home.”

About the show

Broadcast legend Monica Pearson has been a trusted voice in Atlanta for over four decades. And now, she’s joining the AJC to deliver her smart and entertaining perspective of the world around us. Newsmakers, groundbreakers, innovators and influencers sit down at her table for an intimate discussion.

About Monica

Monica Pearson, an iconic figure in Georgia broadcasting, continues her legacy as the beacon of insightful conversations on The Monica Pearson Show. For over three decades, Monica has been a guiding force in shaping Atlanta's media landscape, leaving an indelible mark as the first woman and minority to anchor the evening news in Atlanta.

Throughout her illustrious career at WSB-TV, Monica garnered over 33 Southern Regional and local Emmy Awards for her remarkable reporting, anchoring, and captivating work on "Closeups," her celebrity interview show. Her commitment to excellence has led to inductions into several esteemed halls of fame such as the National Association of Black Journalists and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters.

Monica's multifaceted endeavors extend beyond broadcasting. A celebrated emcee, motivational speaker, and educator, she shares her wisdom and experiences, inspiring audiences with her dynamic presence. Her involvement with philanthropic organizations like Meals on Wheels Atlanta and Go Red for Women illustrates her unwavering commitment to the local community and causes close to her heart.