Donovan kicked off this Spooktober Tuesday with coffee, commentary, and a little common sense — from the price of owning a car in Georgia to calling out political nonsense in D.C.
☕ Segment Rundown:
1. Georgia Car Costs Are Scarier Than Ghosts:
Consumer Affairs ranked Georgia among the top 10 most expensive states for car ownership. Between gas, insurance, and repairs, Georgians are paying about $3,400 a year — 13% above the national average. Donovan broke down why his old Ford Explorer might be worth more in memories than money and offered some sage advice: if you’re 60, buy your “last car” new and ride it out till you’re 80.
2. Shutdown Shenanigans & Truth Checks:
The federal government shutdown rolls on, and Donovan dug into local and national angles. Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced relief for TSA workers at Hartsfield-Jackson — free parking, meal vouchers, and concession discounts until paychecks start flowing again.
Then came a deep dive into Rep. Austin Scott’s newsletter blaming Democrats for the shutdown. Donovan called out the right’s favorite talking point — that Dems want “free health care for undocumented immigrants” — as 100% false, explaining how it’s actually about continuing ACA subsidies to keep insurance affordable. His verdict: both parties play games, but the GOP’s narrative here is pure smoke and mirrors.
3. The Lighter Side — Bacon, Trunks, and Tom Cruise:
A wandering pig named “Petey” in Pennsylvania found a forever home after a month of running from county to county — prompting Donovan to admit that when he sees a pig, he sees bacon. He also tackled the “trunk-or-treat” trend — a Southern-born, church-approved, parking-lot Halloween that’s now a national pastime — and gave props to the South for making Halloween family-friendly and fun again.
Finally, the show closed with a Hollywood twist: Tom Cruise’s famous holiday cakes from Doan’s Bakery got recalled (undeclared wheat and milk). Donovan noted that common sense should tell you there’s wheat in a cake, but hey, the FDA has rules. No illnesses reported — so Jimmy Fallon and company can still count on their $100 coconut cake this Christmas.
🎧 Closing Thoughts:
Between fact-checks, bacon jokes, and weather forecasts, Donovan reminded listeners that The Morning Drip airs Tuesday and Thursday mornings on WRTO Radio Tift — caffeine optional, truth mandatory.