Welcome to Classic City Rewind! Where we uncover the people, places and events that have shaped Athens, GA. I'm your host, Lesley Platek!
What started as a young girl with an 8-millimeter camera in 1960s Atlanta has become something much bigger—a mission to preserve the stories that make Athens, Georgia extraordinary. When my parents chose to buy a movie camera instead of a couch, they taught me something profound: the only way to stop time is to film it.
After moving to Athens in 1992 with a three-year-old son, a three-day-old daughter, and a car packed with dreams, I discovered this wasn't just another college town. This was home. From teaching tennis at Athens Country Club to creating life documentaries, from competing in the Ironman World Championships to becoming vice president at Grandfather Mountain, every experience led me back to one truth—stories matter.
Classic City Rewind was born from this passion. It's my way of giving back to the community that shaped my family and honoring the voices that built this incredible place we call home.
In this inaugural episode, you'll discover why preserving our community's history isn't just about looking backward—it's about creating a foundation for future generations. From the woods behind my childhood home in Atlanta where Civil War battles once raged to the emotional speeches at Athens Country Club's 100th anniversary, these moments connect us across time.
Every Tuesday, we'll sit down with Athens' most influential voices—historians, business owners, local legends, and neighbors who made quiet but lasting impacts. This season features incredible guests like Charlotte Johnson, Lauren Smith, Dan Aldridge, Gene Dixon, and Peter Dale, each sharing stories that shaped our city's character.
Whether you've lived here forever or just discovered Athens, this podcast is your invitation to rediscover what makes our community so special and timeless. Because the past isn't just history—it's the heartbeat of the community we call home.
