SML Buzz

Some conversations deserve to be heard more than once. This week on the SML Buzz Podcast , we're bringing back one of our most powerful and unforgettable conversations as an Encore Presentation . PJ sits down with Vicki Gardner , author of Survival Has Consequences: Shot and Left to Die , to share the incredible story of surviving a targeted assassination that claimed the lives of two others durin...

What if asking for help after having a baby was met with compassion instead of fear? In this inspiring episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ sits down with Katie Douglas , Founder of Mother Up! Inc. , to discuss her deeply personal journey through postpartum depression and the incredible nonprofit she is building to support mothers in crisis. Katie shares how her own experience sparked a vision for...

🎶 The SML Songwriters Festival is bringing music, community, and giving back together at Smith Mountain Lake! In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ is joined by Doug Anderson , one of the key organizers behind the Smith Mountain Lake Songwriters Festival , to talk about the history, growth, and excitement surrounding this year’s festival. Doug shares how the festival has grown into a major...

With this weekend marking Smith Mountain Lake’s 30th Annual Photography Contest & Show, we’re bringing back a special encore episode of the SML Buzz Podcast featuring Sheridan Brown, President of the Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council. In this meaningful conversation, PJ Belle and Sheridan explore the heart of the local arts community—from Sheridan’s journey to Smith Mountain Lake to the incredi...

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ sits down with Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue President Frank Geovannello to talk about the incredible work happening right here on our lake. From its founding in 1975 to today’s fleet of specialized fireboats, this 100% volunteer organization plays a critical role in protecting over 20,000 acres of water and 500 miles of shorelin...

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , host PJ Belle sits down with Heather Alto , Executive Director of the Central Virginia Business Coalition, for an energetic and insightful conversation about supporting local businesses and building stronger communities. Heather shares her journey from Lynchburg to the Smith Mountain Lake region and her passion for connecting people with the incredible bus...

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with community advocate Tabitha Collison to talk about the upcoming SML Gives Day happening March 18, 2026 — a powerful 24-hour giving event that supports nonprofits across Franklin and Bedford County . This year, 50 nonprofits are participating with a collective goal of raising $300,000 for organizations serving our Smith Mountain Lake...

In this powerful episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ sits down with Vicki Gardner for a conversation that is raw, honest, and deeply human. Vicki is the author of Survival Has Consequences: Shot and Left to Die, a Survivor’s Story , a gripping account of surviving a planned assassination. She was shot and left for dead, the only survivor of a live television interview turned double murder. But th...

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ sits down with Joey Donovant, founder of SML Gives Inc., to share how a deep love for Smith Mountain Lake turned into a powerful mission to fight hunger and end poverty across our community. Joey talks about his journey from nonprofit work in Durham, North Carolina, to landing full-time at the “jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains” and seeing firsthand the...

In this episode of the  SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with Bedford County Commissioner  Edgar Tuck —on his birthday, no less—to talk about how Bedford County is growing, evolving, and staying true to its roots. From expanding broadband access across the region to managing growth along Route 122, improving local infrastructure, and addressing key community needs like landfill mana...

In this episode of  The SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle welcomes  Bryce Martin , Executive Director of the  Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake , for an inspiring conversation about how local service can create big impact. Bryce shares the long and meaningful history of Rotary — a global network of over  34,000 clubs  built on the motto  “Service Above Self.”  He dive...

🎙️ SML Buzz Podcast – Episode with Vicki Brooks In this inspiring episode of  SML Buzz , PJ Belle sits down with  Vicki Brooks , founder of the  Smith Mountain Lake Cancer Support Foundation . Vicki shares her powerful personal journey as a breast cancer warrior, from diagnosis and treatment to her decision to give back to the community. What started as an idea for a luncheon quickl...

In this engaging conversation, PJ is joined by Liz Harrison, Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Homes Tour to discuss the upcoming Charity Home Tour, highlighting the exciting new features, the impact on local charities, and the importance of community involvement. Liz shares details about the homes on the tour, innovative designs, and the unique themes that make each home special. They...

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, host PJBelle reflects on the significance of September 11th and its impact on the community. The conversation with Sheridan Brown, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council, explores her journey to the area, the vibrant arts community, and the various programs and events that the council supports. They discuss the importance of fundraising, upcoming...

In this encore episode of  SML Buzz with PJ Belle , you meet  Celeste Bailey , owner of Hawaii Fluid Art at Smith Mountain Lake. Celeste shares her journey from vacationer to full-time resident, and how her love for creativity led her to open an interactive art studio where anyone—from children to grandparents—can discover the joy of poured paint, resin art, and more. From summer kids ca...

In this conversation, Jane Winters, Executive Director of Lake Christian Ministries, shares her journey and the impactful work of the organization in the Smith Mountain Lake community. The discussion covers the various programs and services offered, the challenges faced by families in need, and the importance of community engagement and volunteerism. Jane highlights upcoming events and fundraising...

In this episode of The SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with  Matt Karris , President of the Board of Directors for the Smith Mountain Lake Center, to talk about his inspiring journey from New York City to the calm beauty of Smith Mountain Lake. Matt shares how a vacation home turned into a permanent move during the pandemic, the serendipitous family connections that brought him clo...

Summary In this encore episode of SML Buzz, PJ Belle is joined by Brent Hisey and Carla Essray of Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Brent and Carla highlight the importance of outdoor activities for children, and the various events and volunteer work that strengthen community ties around Smith Mountain Lake. They highlight educational programs at the state park and share insights on futur...

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ talks with Carol Young and Morgan Jamison from Healing Strides of Virginia. They discuss the transformative power of equine therapy and the  therapeutic benefits of horses for individuals with various challenges. Carol and Morgan also share their personal stories and the importance of community support. The episode also highlights upcoming events an...

Summary In this episode of SML Buzz, PJ Belle interviews Karen Jones, the Director of the Agape Center of Smith Mountain Lake. They discuss Karen's journey to the lake, her involvement with the Agape Center, and the significant impact the center has on the community. The conversation highlights the various fundraising efforts, the history and growth of the Agape Center, and the outreach programs t...

This episode of the SML Buzz Podcast welcomes Vicki Gardner, longtime Smith Mountain Lake resident, business leader, and survivor of the 2015 on-air shooting that shocked the nation.  Vicki shares her journey from upstate New York to influential positions in local tourism and business, including her transformative work as Executive Director of the SML Chamber of Commerce. She recounts the har...

In this engaging conversation, PJ and Jen Rowland discuss Jen's journey from being a licensed counselor to a leadership consultant. They explore the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the development of Jen's new book 'Chasing Wide Open', and her passion for helping leaders grow. The conversation also touches on community engagement and upcoming events in the Smith Mountain Lake area. 🐝...

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, Lorie Smith, Vice-Chair of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors joins PJ Belle to talk about the current and future developments in and around the Westlake Area of Smith Mountain Lake. Lori Smith’s Background & Connection to Smith Mountain Lake Lori and her family have lived at Smith Mountain Lake for about 13 years, moving from Waynesboro in the Sh...

In this encore episode of SML Buzz, host PJ Bell interviews Angela Sherfield, the manager of Mango's at Smith Mountain Lake. Angela shares her journey from Virginia Beach to managing a popular local restaurant, discussing her extensive experience in the service industry. The conversation highlights various community events hosted by Mango's, including charity competitions and music festivals. Ange...

This episode of SML Buzz, hosted by PJ Belle, spotlights Ruth Simonet, board member of ONE Forest School, located near Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. The conversation begins with technical hiccups and lighthearted banter about names and personal backgrounds, setting a friendly and informal tone for the show. About One Forest School One Forest School is a nonprofit educational organization founded...