Lure of the Lake

Robbie King
  • 4.9 (36)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Lake Oconee, Georgia, located halfway between Augusta and Atlanta, is a man-made paradise with incredible beauty that makes it a great vacation destination for people of all ages. More than that, though, it's a community for those that are looking for a peaceful life filled with nature and beauty. I, myself, am a member of that community. I moved to Reynolds in 2020 and started to hear the incredible stories of its residents. Join me, now, as we take a plunge into some fascinating stories of the many well-lived lives of our community and learn why they were Lured to the Lake.

  1. 3d ago

    A Hero Comes Home: The Hiram Little Story (Part 2) - The Hero Eatonton Gave America

    Today's episode is a continuation of last week's discussion with Marshall Little and Kevin Tomson Hooper. Some stories are too important to be forgotten. And sometimes, it takes a community coming together to ensure that one of its own finally receives the recognition he deserves. Hiram Little was born in Eatonton in 1919. He would go on to serve his country as one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, joining a group of courageous Black servicemen who fought not only America’s enemies abroad, but also prejudice and segregation within the very military they had volunteered to serve. As a member of the 477th Bombardment Group, Hiram helped train other airmen and participated in the historic Freeman Field protest, an act of peaceful resistance that helped bring about the eventual integration of the United States Armed Forces. But his service was only one chapter in an extraordinary life. Hiram supported civil-rights and voter-registration efforts, graduated from Morehouse College, became one of Atlanta’s first African American postal supervisors, and remained devoted to learning and serving others throughout his life. Today, Hiram Little’s story is coming home. On September 30, an imposing eight-foot statue honoring him will be unveiled at the Veterans Wall of Honor Park in downtown Eatonton. Created by internationally renowned sculptor Basil Watson, the monument will ensure that future generations see not only the likeness of Hiram Little, but also the courage, dignity, and quiet determination for which he stood. In this episode, I speak with Hiram’s son, Marshall Little, about the father behind the history, the man his family knew, loved, and admired. We are also joined by Kevin Tomson Hooper, who has led the effort to raise the funding, build community support, and transform this long-overdue tribute from an idea into a lasting reality. This is the story of a son, a soldier, a pioneer, and an American hero. It is also the story of a community reclaiming an important part of its own history. Hiram Little left Eatonton and helped change America. Now, in a very special way, he is coming home. Guest: Marshall Little - Hiram Little’s son Websites: Hiram Little Memorial Statue: https://theartisansvillage.org/hiram-little/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

  2. Sep 11

    A Hero Comes Home: The Hiram Little Story - The Hero Eatonton Gave America

    Some stories are too important to be forgotten. And sometimes, it takes a community coming together to ensure that one of its own finally receives the recognition he deserves. Hiram Little was born in Eatonton in 1919. He would go on to serve his country as one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, joining a group of courageous Black servicemen who fought not only America’s enemies abroad, but also prejudice and segregation within the very military they had volunteered to serve. As a member of the 477th Bombardment Group, Hiram helped train other airmen and participated in the historic Freeman Field protest, an act of peaceful resistance that helped bring about the eventual integration of the United States Armed Forces. But his service was only one chapter in an extraordinary life. Hiram supported civil-rights and voter-registration efforts, graduated from Morehouse College, became one of Atlanta’s first African American postal supervisors, and remained devoted to learning and serving others throughout his life. Today, Hiram Little’s story is coming home. On September 30, an imposing eight-foot statue honoring him will be unveiled at the Veterans Wall of Honor Park in downtown Eatonton. Created by internationally renowned sculptor Basil Watson, the monument will ensure that future generations see not only the likeness of Hiram Little, but also the courage, dignity, and quiet determination for which he stood. In this episode, I speak with Hiram’s son, Marshall Little, about the father behind the history, the man his family knew, loved, and admired. We are also joined by Kevin Tomson Hooper, who has led the effort to raise the funding, build community support, and transform this long-overdue tribute from an idea into a lasting reality. This is the story of a son, a soldier, a pioneer, and an American hero. It is also the story of a community reclaiming an important part of its own history. Hiram Little left Eatonton and helped change America. Now, in a very special way, he is coming home. Guest: Marshall Little - Hiram Little’s son Websites: Hiram Little Memorial Statue: https://theartisansvillage.org/hiram-little/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

  3. Sep 5

    "Clean Eating Without The Confusion" (Part 2) - The Truth About Gut Health, Food Labels & Making Better Choices With Cathi Chandler

    Today's episode is a continuation of last week's discussion with Cathi Chandler. Walk into almost any grocery store today and you’ll find shelves filled with products promising to be natural, organic, clean, heart-healthy, gluten-free, or somehow capable of changing your life before breakfast! But which of those claims really matter? What does “clean eating” actually mean? And how can we make healthier choices without turning every trip to the grocery store into a science project? Today’s guest is Cathi Chandler, a holistic nutritionist and herbalist with a passion for helping people better understand the connection between food, gut health, energy, inflammation, and overall well-being. Many people around the Lake Country already know Cathi through The Station, where she and her husband, Chandler, offer carefully sourced organic coffee, olive oils, vinegars, spices, and other products chosen with both flavor and health in mind. Now, through her new business, Harmony Holistic, Cathi is expanding that mission with personalized nutrition counseling, herbalism, and holistic wellness support. In our conversation, we explore gluten-free eating, the gut microbiome, misleading food labels, responsible detox practices, healthy aging, and the small changes that can make a meaningful difference over time. This is not a conversation about achieving a perfect diet, because perfection is exhausting. It is about becoming more informed, more intentional, and better equipped to make choices that help us feel and live our best. So, pour yourself a good cup of coffee, properly sourced of course, and enjoy my engaging conversation with Cathi. Guest: Cathi Chandler Websites: The Station: https://www.thestationga.com/ Address: 1010 Parkside Commons; Suite 103; Greensboro, GA Phone: 706-991-1890 Harmony Holistic: https://mysite.vagaro.com/harmonyholistic1/home Address: 921 Harmony Road; Suite 10; Eatonton, GA Phone: 706-818-8166 Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

  4. Aug 28

    "Clean Eating Without The Confusion" - The Truth About Gut Health, Food Labels & Making Better Choices With Cathi Chandler

    Walk into almost any grocery store today and you’ll find shelves filled with products promising to be natural, organic, clean, heart-healthy, gluten-free, or somehow capable of changing your life before breakfast! But which of those claims really matter? What does “clean eating” actually mean? And how can we make healthier choices without turning every trip to the grocery store into a science project? Today’s guest is Cathi Chandler, a holistic nutritionist and herbalist with a passion for helping people better understand the connection between food, gut health, energy, inflammation, and overall well-being. Many people around the Lake Country already know Cathi through The Station, where she and her husband, Chandler, offer carefully sourced organic coffee, olive oils, vinegars, spices, and other products chosen with both flavor and health in mind. Now, through her new business, Harmony Holistic, Cathi is expanding that mission with personalized nutrition counseling, herbalism, and holistic wellness support. In our conversation, we explore gluten-free eating, the gut microbiome, misleading food labels, responsible detox practices, healthy aging, and the small changes that can make a meaningful difference over time. This is not a conversation about achieving a perfect diet, because perfection is exhausting. It is about becoming more informed, more intentional, and better equipped to make choices that help us feel and live our best. So, pour yourself a good cup of coffee, properly sourced of course, and enjoy my engaging conversation with Cathi. Guest: Cathi Chandler Websites: The Station: https://www.thestationga.com/ Address: 1010 Parkside Commons; Suite 103; Greensboro, GA Phone: 706-991-1890 Harmony Holistic: https://mysite.vagaro.com/harmonyholistic1/home Address: 921 Harmony Road; Suite 10; Eatonton, GA Phone: 706-818-8166 Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

  5. Aug 21

    A Healthier Future for the Lake: Stonish Pierce’s Vision for St. Mary’s

    When we think about what makes a community a wonderful place to live, we often talk about its natural beauty, its schools, its businesses, and, especially here, life around the lake. But few things matter more to a growing community than knowing excellent healthcare is available when and where we need it. Today’s guest is helping shape the future of healthcare across our region. Stonish Pierce is President and CEO of Trinity Health Georgia, which includes St. Mary’s Health Care System and St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital. Under his leadership, St. Mary’s is making a significant investment in the people and communities it serves, including a $45.6 million expansion of Good Samaritan Hospital. But this story is about much more than a larger building. It is about expanding access to care, bringing more services closer to home, preparing for the continued growth of the Lake Country, and ensuring that our local healthcare system is ready to serve us for generations to come. In our conversation, Stonish shares the vision behind that investment, the advantages of combining strong local relationships with the resources of Trinity Health, and the leadership challenges, and opportunities, facing healthcare today. At some point, nearly every family in our community will depend upon the people and services we are discussing in this episode. That makes this conversation not only timely, but deeply personal. So let’s look beyond the hospital walls and explore what it takes to build a healthier future for the Lake Country in this engaging conversation with Stonish Pierce! Guest: Stonish Pierce - President & CEO Trinity Health Georgia/St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital System Websites: St. Mary’s Healthcare System: https://www.stmaryshealthcaresystem.org/ Trinity Health Care: https://www.trinity-health.org/ St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital: https://www.stmaryshealthcaresystem.org/location/st-marys-good-samaritan-hospital-ga Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

  6. Aug 14

    "Still In The Game" - Destiny McClendon's Journey From College Athlete To Champion For "The Boy's & Girls Club"

    Today’s guest knows a thing or two about teamwork, discipline, and showing up when it matters. Destiny McClendon was a standout college basketball player, and now she’s bringing that same competitive spirit, energy, and leadership back to the Lake Country community in a very different way. Destiny serves at the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, working alongside her father, Stacy McClendon, to help create opportunities, encouragement, and a stronger future for young people across our area. And while basketball is certainly part of her story, this conversation is really about what happens after the final buzzer, when the lessons learned through sports, education, mentors, and family begin to shape the way you serve others. We’ll talk about Destiny’s journey as an athlete, the people who helped influence her along the way, what brought her into the Boys & Girls Club mission, and what she’s seeing firsthand in the lives of kids who simply need a safe place, a little encouragement, and someone willing to believe in them. We’ll also explore what it’s like working side by side with her dad, because apparently one competitive McClendon in the building simply wasn’t enough. This is a conversation about potential, purpose, and the difference one caring adult can make in the life of a young person. You’re going to enjoy getting to know Destiny McClendon. Guest: Destiny McClendon - Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Phone: 706-474-3916 Address: 1471 ML King Jr. Drive; Greensboro, GA Website: https://www.bgcncg.com/pnc Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

  7. Aug 7

    Feeding Hope - Service Above Self - Bill Bonnington on Second Harvest - One of Lake's Country's Most Impactful Outreach Programs

    When most people think about Lake Country, they picture beautiful sunsets, sparkling water, championship golf courses, and a community that's growing and thriving. But like every community, there's another story, one that isn't always visible. It's the story of families quietly wondering how they'll put enough food on the table. It's the story of grandparents raising grandchildren on a fixed income. It's the story of hardworking people who, because of an unexpected illness, job loss, or simply the rising cost of living, find themselves needing a helping hand. The good news is... they're not alone. Every month, something remarkable happens right here in our community. Long before most of us are enjoying our Saturday morning, a dedicated group of volunteers comes together with one simple purpose: to make sure their neighbors have enough to eat. It's called Second Harvest, and while thousands of pounds of food are distributed, what they're really delivering is something much greater: hope, dignity, and the reassuring reminder that this community cares. My guest today is Bill Bonnington, a longtime Rotarian and one of the leaders behind this incredible outreach. We'll talk about his own journey of service, the hidden reality of food insecurity in our community, and why Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" is much more than just words, it's something lived out month after month by volunteers who simply want to make a difference. Whether you've volunteered before, have wondered how Second Harvest works, or simply want to hear a story that reminds us of the very best in people, you're going to enjoy this conversation. Because at the end of the day, a strong community isn't measured by the wealth of its few... It's measured by how well it cares for those who need it most. Guest: Bill Bonnington - Second Harvest Website: https://secondharvestga.com/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

  8. Jul 31

    "The Pulse of Putnam" - A Conversation With Tog Goss, CEO of Putnam General Hospital

    When you move to a community, there are certain questions you naturally ask. Where are the best restaurants? What are the best schools? Where do I find a good mechanic? And perhaps one of the most important questions of all... "Tell me about your hospital." Because a community hospital says a great deal about a community itself. Today, we're going behind the scenes at Putnam General Hospital with its new CEO, Thomas "Tog" Goss. As you'll hear today, Tog brings more than experience. He brings a vision. A vision of a hospital that embraces innovation, invests in cutting-edge technology, empowers its employees, and continues to expand the quality of care available in Putnam County. It's a conversation about leadership... innovation... and taking care of a community. Guest: Thomas “Tog” Goss, CEO Address: 101 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton, GA 30124 Phone: 706-485-2711 Website: https://www.putnamgeneral.com/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

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4.9
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Lake Oconee, Georgia, located halfway between Augusta and Atlanta, is a man-made paradise with incredible beauty that makes it a great vacation destination for people of all ages. More than that, though, it's a community for those that are looking for a peaceful life filled with nature and beauty. I, myself, am a member of that community. I moved to Reynolds in 2020 and started to hear the incredible stories of its residents. Join me, now, as we take a plunge into some fascinating stories of the many well-lived lives of our community and learn why they were Lured to the Lake.

Information

  • Creator
    Robbie King
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Lure of the Lake

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