SML Buzz

What happens when someone looks at empty storefronts in downtown Bedford and decides it’s time to DO something about it? On this episode of SML Buzz, PJ sits down with Mark Pauley, founder and director of Bedford Groundwork, a new community-driven organization focused on bringing people together, turning ideas into action, and helping downtown Bedford thrive. Mark shares how Bedford Groundwork cam...

What does it take to make sure local children have food waiting for them when the school week ends? On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle sits down with Lynda Imirie of Food for Kids to talk about an incredible community effort that has grown from helping children at one local elementary school into a program serving students across multiple Bedford County schools. Food for Kids is cur...

Horses can do far more than take us for a ride, they can help build confidence, independence, strength, and skills that carry into everyday life. On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with Julia Lafond , program staff member and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with Tackfully Teamed , to talk about the organization’s therapeutic riding program and the impact it is mak...

There’s something special about a community coming together to help its neighbors, and few organizations represent that spirit better than Agape Center SML . On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with Brad and Christine Broughton , the new co-directors of Agape Center at Smith Mountain Lake, to talk about the organization’s mission, the hundreds of volunteers who keep it mov...

Grab your wine glass because one of Smith Mountain Lake’s biggest weekends of the year is almost here! 🍷🎶 In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ welcomes Jason Hodnett, General Manager of Mango’s Bar & Grill and The Copper Kettle , for a complete preview of the 2026 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival , happening September 26–27 at Bernard’s Landing . They’re talking wineries, distilleri...

The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is celebrating an incredible 35 years, and this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast takes you behind the scenes of one of the lake’s most anticipated annual events! PJ sits down with Liz Harrison, Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour , from one of this year’s featured properties, the spectacular 13,000-square-foot Wilson Home, “Suite...

Transportation can be something many of us take for granted, until getting to a doctor’s appointment, treatment or other essential destination becomes a challenge. On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, sponsored by PJ at the Lake, PJ sits down with Linda Brake, Program Manager for Bedford Ride through the Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living, to talk about a program that has been maki...

On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle welcomes Dr. Tonia Socha-Mower, Associate Director of Bernard Healthcare Center of Franklin County , for a conversation about community, healthcare, volunteerism, and one of Smith Mountain Lake’s favorite annual traditions, he Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour . Tonia shares her journey to Southwest Virginia and Smith Mountain Lake, her longti...

The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour showcases some incredible homes, but the real story is the incredible impact it makes throughout our community. In this special episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle kicks off a series of conversations highlighting the charities and organizations connected to the annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour. Joining PJ are Andrea Fanzler, Director of D...

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...