Marshall McCart of The Piedmont Chronicles returns to The Town Square Podcast for a candid conversation about political burnout, the growing number of voters who feel politically homeless, and his belief that “the messy middle is the majority.” He and Trey examine the liberty-versus-security tradeoff surrounding Flock license plate readers, debate permanent standard time, and consider how homeownership and economic opportunity shape trust in American institutions.

The episode also takes a lively turn through Covington and Newton County music history—from Led Zeppelin and Steely Dan to Southern Freight, Rocketboy, Fox Hill Road, and a memorable 1996 farm show. Marshall closes with the reason he has not given up: faith, good people, and the hope of leaving something better for the next generation.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

In Episode 55, Trey sits down with Marshall “MB” McCart—editor of The Piedmont Chronicles, real estate instructor, and proud “citizen journalist”—for a candid tour through the messy middle of local life in the Georgia Piedmont. McCart traces the origins of his blog, why he rejects the “pundit” label, and how deep family roots keep him invested in Covington and Newton County. From rising property taxes and millage rates to traffic fixes that miss the mark, he connects dots between policy, pocketbooks, and quality of life—offering context you won’t get from a press release.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from hot topics, including the Rivian project and the Morgan County Six, home rule vs. state power, and how multifamily development, zoning decisions, and school funding collide with community priorities. McCart’s take isn’t about left vs. right; it’s about accountability, transparency, and keeping decisions close to the people they affect. If you care about how growth, governance, and everyday neighbors shape Newton County’s future, this episode is a must-listen.