Front Porch Chats

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , we hear from recent graduates of the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program from Taylor County as they reflect on a year of personal growth, leadership development, and discovering how they can make a lasting impact in their communities. Through EMPOWER, these students participated in hands-on learning experiences that helped them strengthen communication skills, b...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , we hear from recent graduates of the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program from Talbot County as they reflect on a year of growth, leadership development, and discovering new opportunities for their future. Through EMPOWER, these students gained hands-on experiences that helped them build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and better understand the impor...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , we sit down with recent graduates of the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program from Schley County High School as they reflect on a year of leadership growth, personal development, and discovering how they can make a difference in their communities. Through EMPOWER, these students were challenged to step outside their comfort zones, strengthen their communication s...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , we hear from recent graduates of the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program in Peach County as they reflect on a year filled with growth, discovery, and leadership development. These students share how EMPOWER helped them step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and better understand the role they can play in strengthening their communities. Through hand...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , we hear from recent graduates of the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program from Marion County as they reflect on a year of growth, learning, and stepping into leadership. These students share firsthand how the program helped them discover their strengths, build confidence, and better understand the role they can play in shaping their communities. From interactive...

In this episode, we take you inside one of the most essential—and demanding—careers in our community: the electrical lineworker. From restoring power after storms to keeping everyday life running smoothly, lineworkers are truly the backbone of reliable service. We sit down with one of Flint Energies’ own lineworkers to get a firsthand look at the profession. This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Y...

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of what it really takes to keep the power flowing every day. At an Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC), it’s not just about flipping a switch—it’s a coordinated effort between system operators and lineworkers working around the clock to serve their communities. Before a lineworker is ever dispatched, the process begins in system operations—the nerve cente...

In this episode, we share the heart behind one of Flint Energies’ most meaningful traditions— Linemen for Little Ones . For more than 20 years, this program has been a shining example of what it means to serve beyond the line. Lineman for Little Ones was created over two decades ago by Pamela Knight and Al Williams at Flint Energies with one simple but powerful purpose: to make sure children livin...

In this episode, we step into one of the most exciting traditions in the electric utility world—the lineman’s rodeo. It’s where skill, speed, and safety come together in a high-energy competition that showcases the very best of the lineworker profession. Held each May at Camp John Hope, the Georgia Lineman's Rodeo brings together lineworkers from across the state for a day of competition, cama...

This episode features a heartfelt reflection on a year-long youth leadership program. Flint Energies' Empower program includes seven rural counties in Central and Southwest Georgia, highlighting personal growth, community engagement, and future aspirations. Listeners will learn about the program's impact on soft skills, leadership, and community involvement as graduates from Macon County,...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , we sit down with recent graduates from Crawford County High School who just completed the Empower Youth Leadership Program . These students share how the program helped them build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover how they can make a difference in their communities. From learning how local organizations work to gaining real-world leadership...

In this episode, we cover the festivals and events listed below. We have linked websites and Facebook pages to make it a little easier for you to plan ahead. 🛍️ 🛍️ Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale — March 13–14, 2026 🌼 ⁠ Facebook page ⁠ : official social page for dates, updates, and community info about Georgia’s longest yard sale tradition. 🌸 International Cherry Blossom Festival — March 20–29,...

In this episode, we sit down with Alton Ford of Taylor County, Georgia, to talk about grassroots literacy efforts making a real impact—and how those efforts connect to the Georgia Strawberry Festival. We also spotlight Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and how the Flint Foundation proudly sponsors free book access for children ages newborn to five in Macon, Marion, Talbot, and Taylor Counties —he...

Creative learning meets real-world impact in this episode featuring the Full STEAM Ahead Grant from Flint Energies and the Flint Energies Foundation . Guest Holly Owen, a teacher at Tucker Elementary School in Perry, Georgia, shares how STEAM projects spark curiosity and engagement in and beyond the classroom. The Full STEAM Ahead program supports PreK–12 public and private schools in Flint Energi...

In this episode, we head to Thomaston, Georgia, to spotlight one of Flint Energies’ Rural Murals projects—and a unique partnership that helped bring it to life. This mural was created in collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Color the World program , blending local pride with student-led creativity to transform a downtown wall into a powerful reflection of community identity. More than pu...

In this episode, we travel to Buena Vista, Georgia, to highlight one of Flint Energies’ Rural Murals projects and the powerful story it tells about place, pride, and community identity. Buena Vista’s mural is more than public art—it’s a visual celebration of local history that has become a focal point downtown. We discuss how murals like this one help rural communities strengthen their sense of pl...

In this episode, we spotlight one of Flint Energies’ Rural Murals in Butler, Georgia, located in Taylor County, and explore how public art can spark real, lasting change in rural communities. What began as a mural quickly became a catalyst for downtown revitalization—bringing residents and visitors back to shop, dine, and gather in Butler’s historic downtown. We discuss how art creates a sense of...

Once a year, Flint Energies selects four outstanding high school students to represent the co-op as delegates on the Washington Youth Tour—an all-expenses-paid, week-long leadership experience in Washington, D.C. 🌟 Delegates travel alongside hundreds of students from across Georgia and 44 states , getting a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at our nation’s capital while building leadership skill...

Once a year, Flint Energies selects four outstanding high school students to represent the co-op as delegates on the Washington Youth Tour—an all-expenses-paid, week-long leadership experience in Washington, D.C. 🌟 Delegates travel alongside hundreds of students from across Georgia and 44 states , getting a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at our nation’s capital while building leadership skill...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , we look back on the Flint Energies Foundation’s 2025 Year in Review. This past year, more than $1.3 million in Operation Round Up® funds supported 147 organizations across 17 counties in Flint Energies' service territory, impacting education, public safety, nonprofits, and workforce development throughout Central and Southwest Georgia. Sign up for Operati...

In this episode of Front Porch Chats , host Natalie Bradley is joined by a few Flint Energies’ leaders, Jeremy Nelms (President/CEO), Marian McLemore (VP of Cooperative Communications), Rogie Roberson (VP of Member Solutions), and Blair Brown (Youth & Education Specialist). They discuss what makes electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) truly unique, focusing on the seven cooperative principle...

In this conversation, Flint Energies' Community Relations Specialist Natalie Bradley interviews Al Pearson about the history of Fort Valley High School and the efforts to memorialize its legacy through the Green Wave statue. They discuss the school's impact on the community, the challenges faced in preserving its history, and the collaborative efforts of alumni to create a lasting tribute. The con...

Join us as we delve into Flint Energies' Annual Review, celebrating a year of remarkable achievements and milestones. Discover how Flint Energies has powered communities, driven innovation, and set new standards in the energy sector. From groundbreaking projects to community initiatives, this episode offers an insightful look into the successes of Flint Energies. Tune in to learn more about th...

Host Natalie Bradley chats with Maggie Schuyler, President & CEO of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate the Chamber’s 70th anniversary. Learn how this vibrant organization has helped shape Perry, Georgia—from small business support and leadership programs to community growth and southern charm. Maggie shares her personal story, the Chamber’s biggest wins, and how they’re building...

In this conversation, Lindsay Lambert and Blair Brown discuss the Flint Energies Foundation Bright Ideas Grant, focusing on innovative teaching methods that combine chemistry and art. Lindsay shares her journey as a gifted chemistry teacher and her project, "The Chemistry of Color,'" which allows students to explore the intersection of science and art. The discussion highlights the i...