Georgia On Your Mind — Season 4, Episode 1 | Ivy Odom

Season 4 of Georgia On Your Mind kicks off with a true Georgia success story. In Episode 1, host Grace Chandler sits down with Ivy Odom, Senior Lifestyle Editor at Southern Living, to talk about her roots and the experiences, people, and places that shaped her journey. From growing up cooking alongside her parents and grandmother to arriving at the University of Georgia with plans to become a home economics teacher, Ivy shares how one bold email to renowned Georgia food writer Rebecca Lang changed everything—leading to mentorship, cookbook development, and a pivot from education to consumer journalism.

We dive into her time at UGA, culinary school, and Atlanta’s Empire State South, as well as her fellowship with Time Inc. Food Studios and eventual rise in Southern Living’s video space during the pandemic. Along the way, Ivy reflects on creating her debut cookbook, My Southern Kitchen, and the humble South Georgia chocolate layer cake that became a career-defining moment. This episode is all about trusting your instincts, honoring where you come from, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities.

This season, Georgia On Your Mind leaves the studio and hits the road. Our new concept, Dawgs On the Road, brings listeners closer to the action with on-site interviews and stories captured where they happen. From Georgia to across the country, we’re spotlighting UGA alumni, faculty, athletes, and students who are shaping industries, driving change, and strengthening communities.

With natural sound, authentic voices, and Bulldog energy, Season Four continues the storytelling tradition of Georgia On Your Mind—but with a fresh twist that puts you right in the middle of it all. Tune in to hear the lasting impact of Georgia’s flagship institution through the people living it every day.

Host Beth Anne DeKeizer speaks with Eric Baker, Senior Creative Director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Creative. A Grady College Fellow, Emmy Award nominee, and recipient of the 2025 Grady Lifetime Achievement Award, Baker reflects on his journey from prop fabricator at Nickelodeon to working on the design teams building immersive worlds like Hogsmeade™, Diagon Alley™, and the newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™ at Universal Epic Universe.

Host Hope Thornton sat down with Dr. Denis Dumas, a leading researcher in creativity and education, to explore how creative intelligence is often misunderstood in traditional classrooms. Dumas shares how his research challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to learning and how tools like AI could help educators better identify and support creative students who think outside the box.

Host Hope Thornton sat down with Laura Whitaker, Executive Director of Extra Special People, to discuss her journey. Whitaker shares what it means to lead with purpose and how ESP creates joyful, inclusive spaces for children and young adults of all abilities.

Host Hank Tatum sits down with Rodd Cargill, a 2024 UGA 40 Under 40 honoree and Volunteer of the Year, to discuss the impact of mentorship and his involvement with the university after graduation. Cargill shares how he became an active volunteer, ultimately serving as president of the Black Alumni Leadership Council and as the Vice-Chair of the Terry College Young Alumni Board.

Host Syd Weigand speaks with Dr. Xiaorong Lin to explore the fascinating problem posed by a deadly strain of fungal infection and what her lab is doing to help. Dr. Lin discusses the founding of the Lin Lab, some recent breakthroughs in drug development, and the world’s first-ever fungal vaccine.

Host Beth Anne DeKeizer sits down with Dink NeSmith and Dr. Amanda Bright to explore the unique collaboration between the University of Georgia and the Oglethorpe Echo, a 151-year-old newspaper in Oglethorpe County. NeSmith discusses the origins of the news-academic partnership and how the Echo was saved from closing. Then, Dr. Bright details the role of the students producing each paper and what this collaboration might mean for dying newspapers across the country.