Scott Tredeau: From Isolation to Impact — The Story Behind The Newton Community Magazine - Episode 43
Welcome to another episode of The Town Square Podcast, where we aim for unity, not uniformity, by having authentic conversations in the messy middle. In Episode 43, host Trey Bailey flies solo while Gabriel Stovall is sidelined with transportation issues. But the conversation doesn’t miss a beat, thanks to our inspiring guest: Scott Tredeau, founder and publisher of The Newton Community Magazine.
This episode is more than just a celebration of a magazine. It’s a raw, honest, and redemptive story of personal transformation, artistic purpose, and community storytelling.
Small Business of the Year — A Big Moment for Community
Trey kicks things off with a round of congratulations as Scott and his wife Meredith were recently awarded Small Business of the Year by the Newton Chamber of Commerce. With over 600 member businesses, this recognition is no small feat. Scott humbly recounts the surreal moment and reflects on how far he’s come since moving to Newton County 15+ years ago as a self-described recluse, battling anxiety and alcoholism.
“To be honored like that… I still think, 'Did you mean to call my name?' It’s wild,” Scott shares.
But that moment wasn’t just about recognition. It was a reflection of the fruit borne from years of deep recovery and genuine community involvement. It reminded him of how a once anti-community mindset transformed into an advocacy for others who feel unseen or misunderstood.
The Power of Story: Newton Community Magazine
Originally started in 2018 as a "fun project" by a graphic designer with a love for publications, The Newton Community Magazine quickly evolved into something much deeper.
"It got bigger than me with the very first issue," Scott says. That inaugural story featured the Betts family and their tragic loss of a son due to an accidental shooting. "That moment marked the shift. It wasn't a hobby anymore."
Since then, the magazine has published over 400 stories, each one carefully crafted to reflect the diversity, pain, beauty, and complexity of Newton County. From heartfelt features on mental health to charming highlights on bamboo gardens, every story is a thread in the rich tapestry of the community.
Why "Community" Matters
Trey and Scott dig into the name of the magazine. Not The Newton Magazine. It's The Newton Community Magazine for a reason. That word "community" isn’t just branding. It’s the mission. It’s the heartbeat.
Scott says, "Our community is made of 125,000 individual stories. Each one matters. And when we share those stories, something beautiful happens. We stop passing people on the street. We start seeing them."
Visual Excellence: The Design and Art of Storytelling
The conversation dives into the aesthetics and technical choices behind the magazine. From the tactile weight of the paper to the art-driven cover design, everything about the magazine is intentional.
The magazine is perfect bound, not stapled.
Every cover is a unique work of art, never featuring people but always reflecting the community.
Most photography is captured by Mickey Turpin, who also publishes We Are Henry magazine.
Recent covers include a robin watercolor by artist Scott Fuss and a painting of a historic store in Starsville. These pieces don’t just decorate the cover—they are donated for fundraising purposes, further weaving the magazine into the fabric of the community.
Highlight Stories: Tony Pless and the Dixie Mafia Connection
When asked about his favorite story, Scott doesn’t hesitate. Tony Pless, a heavily tattooed, leather-jacketed man with ties to the infamous Dixie Mafia, stood out.
"I pulled over one day just to meet him. Took a photo. Years later, I turned it into a piece of art and found out who he was. He’s got a wild story. Drugs, jail, recovery, faith... now he works for Ludacris. You can’t make this stuff up."
It’s stories like Tony’s that affirm Scott’s calling to make space for voices on the margins—and they challenge the listener to reconsider what redemption looks like.
A Magazine That Ministers
One unique section of the magazine is "Grace and Truth," a recurring column written by local pastors. The magazine also regularly features recipes from diverse cultural backgrounds and works to highlight underrepresented voices.
Scott explains, "I think of the magazine like a community table. Everyone brings something different to it. When we gather around the stories, we all get richer."
Recovery in Parallel
Scott gets deeply personal in this episode, sharing how The Newton Community Magazine and his journey through recovery began in parallel.
"I thought I was dying from anxiety at a stoplight. I realized in that moment: I might be the problem."
He found Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program, right down the street from his church. Six and a half years later, he hasn’t touched alcohol or cigarettes, his marriage is stronger, and his faith has become central to his identity.
"I used to look at my family playing in the driveway and think, 'This would be better if I were drunk.' Now I look at them and think, 'This is perfect just the way it is.'"
Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night at 7:00 PM at Eastridge Church in Covington.
Navigating Triggers, Building Tools
Scott discusses real-world challenges like the temptation to reenter a liquor store. "I walked in to drop off magazines and the smell hit me. I wasn't going to relapse, but I knew that was a warning sign. So I called my sponsor. I named it. That took the power out of it."
His recovery toolkit includes daily scripture reading, prayer, journaling, and self-assessment using gauges (God, sunlight, sleep, social connection, exercise, and nutrition). He uses a green/yellow/red system to identify areas needing attention.
Final Thoughts: The Work is Never Done
Scott shares a beautiful reminder: "I started off alone. Even with a wife and kids, I felt empty. But through God and recovery, that hole has been filled. Not by people, but by purpose."
His encouragement? "You don’t have to be perfect to start. Just be in the process."
Want to Share Your Story?
Visit TheNewtonCommunity.com to read stories, find distribution locations, or submit your own story idea. Scott and his team want to hear from you.
Episode Sponsor: Angel Pitts, United Bank Wealth Management
Contact Angel Pitts
United Bank Wealth Management Advisor
Covington & Madison, GA
Phone: 770-412-4932
Website: www.accessunited.com
Angel Pitts and United Bank Wealth Management believe in building lasting relationships that go beyond investments.
Disclosures: Wealth Management Services are not FDIC insured, not bank guaranteed, may lose value, are not a bank deposit, and are not insured by any federal government agency.
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