Matt Weber is the Dunwoody REALTOR with Real Broker who started the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast in 2018 with co-host Justin Dike, plus the Dunwoody Area Community Forum and restaurant review groups on Facebook. After nearly 300 episodes and more than 25,000 group members, he talks with Julia Frament of @MrAndMrsDunwoody about how it started and what’s next.
Julia Frament from @mrandmrsdunwoody asked to interview me for the podcast this week, so this episode is going to give you even more Matt than usual. It was fun reminiscing on the early days of What’s Up Dunwoody in 2018.
Seven years ago, we launched a podcast nobody listened to, and I started a couple of Facebook groups where I was the only one posting. They weren’t an overnight success, but we (along with podcast co-host Justin Dike) stuck with it. Eventually people started tuning into the pod. The Facebook groups took even longer to catch on, but little by little, the community started showing up and making them their own. They aren’t my groups anymore. Now they belong to the Dunwoody Area Community.
After nearly 300 podcast episodes and over 25,000 community group members, it’s wild to see what the brand has become. What’s Up Dunwoody started as a way for me to get to know the city, and somewhere along the way, it turned into something FOR the city.
What’s next for What’s Up Dunwoody? Staying ahead of the curve and doubling down on what’s next. I’m working on new ways to bring value to the community, including Custom GPTs built for locals, an AI mascot named Woody the Goldendoodle, lots of collaborations, and maybe even a newsletter that doesn’t suck. Thanks to everyone who’s been part of the story so far!
Listen on Apple Podcasts, and follow @MrAndMrsDunwoody.
How It Started
In 2018 I had just gotten my real estate license and realized I didn’t know enough about the city I wanted to help people move to. My brother-in-law, Justin Dike, and I grabbed some cheap mics, cracked a few beers and started recording.
At first it was two guys talking about the Dunwoody Crier. Then Heyward Wescott reached out, came on the show and handed me a list of people to interview, like Alan Mothner of the Dunwoody Nature Center and the guys from Moondog Growlers. After that, we never had to beg for guests. Turns out Dunwoody loves talking about Dunwoody. Here’s the full story of how the podcast started.
Guests I Will Never Forget
- Billy Kramer, who announced NFA Burger on our show first
- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, recorded at his office downtown
- GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry
- Jeff Henderson, my former pastor and author of Know What You’re For
- Chef Ford Fry
- Katja Ridderbusch, who featured us in Atlanta Magazine in December 2019
Voices We Have Lost
Some episodes mean even more now. Bev Wingate, the Mother of Dunwoody. Bob Lundsten, a longtime DHA leader who held city leaders accountable. And Gail Wescott, Heyward’s mom, who told us about seeing JFK and the Beatles in person. These recordings are oral history now.
Building Community on Facebook
I started the Dunwoody Area Community Forum in 2018 to share episodes, and for about a year I was mostly talking to myself. I stuck with it because I could see Facebook moving toward groups. Today it’s one of the main places Dunwoody shares news and recommendations, along with the Dunwoody Area Restaurant Review group.
A Day in the Life
I have no balance. It’s just everything. Real estate, pizza at Dogwood, editing episodes, kids’ soccer games, the Fourth of July Parade, Dunwoody Idol. No PR team, just me and a phone. My daily Instagram Story streak has been running since 2020.
I also lead the Rediscover Dunwoody trolley tour sometimes. For my 45th birthday, my wife came along and it turned into a party bus.
What’s Next for Matt Weber and What’s Up Dunwoody
- Custom GPTs built for Dunwoody residents
- Woody the Goldendoodle, an AI mascot
- Building whatsupdunwoody.com into a true one-stop shop for living in and moving to Dunwoody
- An email newsletter
- More help with editing and scheduling so I can focus on conversations
My Take
What’s Up Dunwoody started as a way for me to learn the city. Now it’s something for the city. Thanks to Julia for flipping the mic on me, and to Mr and Mrs Dunwoody for everything they do.
Thinking About Moving to Dunwoody?
I’d love to help. Read my Moving to Dunwoody guide, search Dunwoody homes for sale, or text me or call 404-502-8683.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matt Weber
Who is Matt Weber?
A Dunwoody REALTOR with Real Broker and the founder of What’s Up Dunwoody, the hyperlocal podcast and website he started in 2018.
When did What’s Up Dunwoody start?
In 2018, with Matt Weber and co-host Justin Dike.
What Facebook groups does Matt Weber run?
The Dunwoody Area Community Forum and the Dunwoody Area Restaurant Review group.
What is next for What’s Up Dunwoody?
Custom GPTs for locals, an AI mascot named Woody the Goldendoodle, an email newsletter and more local guides on whatsupdunwoody.com.