Lure of the Lake

This is a continuation of last week's episode with my guest Alan Hardwick. Alan is a man whose life journey has taken him from youth ministry to elite law enforcement, from guiding teenagers searching for direction to protecting one of the most high-profile leaders in the state of Georgia. Alan served with the Georgia State Patrol and was part of Governor Brian Kemp’s security detail — a role that...

My guest today is Alan Hardwick, a man whose life journey has taken him from youth ministry to elite law enforcement, from guiding teenagers searching for direction to protecting one of the most high-profile leaders in the state of Georgia. Alan served with the Georgia State Patrol and was part of Governor Brian Kemp’s security detail — a role that demands constant vigilance, calm under pressure,...

Today’s episode is a continuation of our last episode: a discussion about leadership under pressure, service over time, and what it means to guide a community through both calm waters and storms. My guest is Eric Arena, who served as Putnam County School Superintendent for more than a decade, a period marked by rapid growth, economic uncertainty, and one of the most disruptive events in modern edu...

Today’s episode is about leadership under pressure, service over time, and what it means to guide a community through both calm waters and storms. My guest is Eric Arena, who served as Putnam County School Superintendent for more than a decade, a period marked by rapid growth, economic uncertainty, and one of the most disruptive events in modern education history: COVID. During Eric’s tenure, Putn...

Today we are continuing our deep dive into the world of fitness, resilience, and the powerful impact of a community’s well-being. My guest is James Derrick, owner of Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit, a place that’s become more than a gym, it’s a gathering point for families, athletes, and everyday people who want to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. James has built a fitness e...

Today we are diving into the world of fitness, resilience, and the powerful impact of a community’s well-being. My guest is James Derrick, owner of Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit, a place that’s become more than a gym, it’s a gathering point for families, athletes, and everyday people who want to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. James has built a fitness environment that’s...

Today’s show will be a bit different. As I prepare to travel to Turning Point USA Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, I thought it appropriate to publish this episode; to honor a man who believed deeply in America’s promise—and whose life became a call to action. Charlie Kirk: A Legacy That Lives On. Charlie was more than a voice; he was a movement-maker at just 18 years old, when he founded Turning...

Today’s episode continues last week's conversation with Jason Blankenship, Vice President of the Better Business Bureau, and we’re talking about something that affects everyone — scams. They come by phone, by text, by email, and sometimes even right to your doorstep. And they’re getting smarter, slicker, and harder to spot. We’ll dive into the newest tricks scammers are using to steal your money a...

Today’s episode is one you’ll definitely want to listen to — and maybe even share with someone you care about. I’m joined by Jason Blankenship, Vice President of the Better Business Bureau, and we’re talking about something that affects everyone — scams. They come by phone, by text, by email, and sometimes even right to your doorstep. And they’re getting smarter, slicker, and harder to spot. We’ll...

Today’s episode is all about something we often take for granted, the ability to communicate: to speak, to share, to connect. My guest, Kay Jones, has spent more than 40 years as a speech therapist, helping people of all ages rediscover their voices and their confidence after challenges that made communication difficult. From children learning their first clear words to adults recovering from stro...

Today’s show takes us into one of the most unique and inspiring ministries you’ll ever hear about, a group that’s taking the message of Jesus far beyond the church walls and into the places where people who need Him are! My guest is Josh Willcuts, the founder of Jesus in a Bar, a faith movement and band built on a simple but powerful belief: there’s no place Jesus wouldn’t go to share His love. Fr...

Today’s episode takes us inside a world most people never think about but should: personal security and executive protection. I’m joined by Matthew Cantero, owner of Elite Personal Protection, a veteran-owned company that specializes in keeping people safe, whether they’re traveling across town, across the country, or across the world. From secure transportation and private travel escorts to execu...

Today’s episode is one of those stories that reminds you just how powerful friendship and community can be. I’m joined by two incredible women — Patty Jackson and Rachel Borregard, from an inspiring local organization called On Our Own, or simply the OOO’s as most of you know them. What started as a small circle of women supporting each other through life’s challenges has grown into a thriving net...

Today’s episode is about building more than just houses — it’s about building hope, community, and a brighter future in Putnam County. I’m joined by Murali and Katherine from Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County, and they’re back with some truly exciting updates. We’ll talk about the upcoming Building Hope Gala, a night that combines fun, generosity, and impact in a way only Habitat can deliver....

Today I’m joined by the brilliant minds behind MODO Ventures, a company that’s not just embracing the future of technology — they’re building it. These guys are engineers, innovators, and full-on tech adventurers who live at the intersection of AI, robotics, automation, and emerging tech. But this isn’t your typical business interview. We’re throwing open the doors to a free-flowing, curiosity-dri...

Today I’m joined by the brilliant minds behind MODO Ventures, a company that’s not just embracing the future of technology — they’re building it. These guys are engineers, innovators, and full-on tech adventurers who live at the intersection of AI, robotics, automation, and emerging tech. But this isn’t your typical business interview. We’re throwing open the doors to a free-flowing, curiosity-dri...

Today’s episode shines a light on one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in our community, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. I’m thrilled to welcome their new Executive Director, Allyn Rippin, a passionate leader with a powerful story of returning to the Lake Country to make a real difference. We’ll dive into Allyn’s personal journey: what brought her home, what led her to take on this inaug...

Welcome to part two of this special episode of Lure of the Lake. Today’s episode is your boarding pass to a journey that’s about so much more than just booking a trip! It’s about discovering why we travel, how it transforms us, and how a thoughtfully planned journey can become a truly life-changing experience. I’m joined by Frank & Courtney Adkinson, the team behind Luxury Outdoor Travel—a bou...

Today’s episode is your boarding pass to a journey that’s about so much more than just booking a trip! It’s about discovering why we travel, how it transforms us, and how a thoughtfully planned journey can become a truly life-changing experience. I’m joined by Frank & Courtney Adkinson, the team behind Luxury Outdoor Travel—a boutique travel company that’s redefining what it means to explore t...

We continue our discussion from last week with Representative Trey Rhodes. Today’s guest is someone who helps shape the laws that shape our lives; both here at home and across the state of Georgia. Representative Trey Rhodes is here to tell us about what happened in the 2025 legislative session under the Gold Dome, and he’s joining us to break it all down. From education reforms to economic develo...

Today’s guest is someone who helps shape the laws that shape our lives; both here at home and across the state of Georgia. Representative Trey Rhodes is here to tell us about what happened in the 2025 legislative session under the Gold Dome, and he’s joining us to break it all down. From education reforms to economic development, tort reform to healthcare access, this session was packed with major...

Continuing from last week, today’s episode is all about wellness—from the inside out—and a brand-new spot that’s about to change the way we sip, snack, and start our mornings, and afternoons, here in Lake Country. My guest is Margaret Bermudez, a master of nutrition with a passion for helping others feel their best through food, education, and holistic care. She’s part of the team at IV Wellness S...

Today’s episode is all about wellness—from the inside out—and a brand-new spot that’s about to change the way we sip, snack, and start our mornings, and afternoons, here in Lake Country. My guest is Margaret Bermudez, a master of nutrition with a passion for helping others feel their best through food, education, and holistic care. She’s part of the team at IV Wellness Solutions, where science mee...

You’ve probably heard the rumors, but you want to know what’s REALLY happening at the former Bone Island Grill location... Today on the show, we’re welcoming back a familiar voice—and he’s bringing some big, exciting news to the Lake Country! You already know Gary Sofen as the owner of the popular Lake Oconee Bistro, a staple in our local dining scene. But now, he’s setting his sights on the water...

Today, I’m excited to introduce a guest who brings a unique blend of business acumen, community spirit, and a passion for sports: Corey Schachter. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Corey has called Georgia home for eight years and has lived at the Lake for the last four years. His move to the lake was driven by a desire to "simulate living on vacation" after his family grew unexpectedly to includ...