Explore Lake Murray Country: Your Guide to Come Alive in the Jewel of South Carolina

Capital City/Lake Murray Country
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There’s so much living to be done, especially in the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region! Explore Lake Murray Country is a podcast built around one grand, meaningful, enriching invitation— “Come Alive!” Join us as we hear fun, uplifting and unique stories about living life to the fullest from Palmetto State locals who call Capital City/Lake Murray Country home. There’s endless adventure out there to be found — what are you waiting for?!

  1. MAY 13

    28: Revolutionary Roots – Tarleton’s Tea Table (A 250th Anniversary Series)

    Welcome to the Explore Lake Murray Country Podcast: Your Guide to Come Alive in the Jewel of South Carolina. As the nation approaches the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolutionary War, Explore Lake Murray Country continues a special series uncovering the stories that shaped our region. In this episode of Revolutionary Roots, host Kelly Hughes is joined by noted Newberry historian Ernie Shealy to explore one of the area’s most intriguing legends—Tarleton’s Tea Table. Known for his fierce and often brutal tactics, British officer Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton left a lasting impression on the Southern Campaign. But in Newberry, a surprising story endures: one where local women invited the infamous commander to an outdoor tea, delaying British troop movements and, perhaps, altering the course of events in their own quiet way. Ernie Shealy dives into the origins of this story, examining the line between documented history and local folklore while highlighting the important role everyday citizens played during the Revolutionary War. The conversation also explores the site known today as Tarleton’s Tea Tables and how stories like this continue to shape Newberry’s identity. Listeners will also learn more about The Newberry Museum and its efforts to preserve and share these local legends, along with a preview of upcoming opportunities to experience Tarleton’s story firsthand through guided tours. This episode continues the journey through Lake Murray Country’s Revolutionary past, told through the people, places, and stories that still resonate today. Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    31 min

  2. APR 22

    27: Chasing Bass and Building a Brand: Christian Greico’s Story

    In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Christian Greico, a professional bass angler on the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and content creator based in Chapin, SC — right in the heart of Lake Murray Country. At just 27, Christian has already racked up 3 career wins, 15 Top 10 finishes, and over $269,000 in career earnings across 92 MLF events. But the story doesn't start there. Christian parlayed a $5,000 prize from catching a tagged bass into his entry fee for his rookie Pro Circuit season — and won a tournament that very year. Listeners will hear about the journey from young angler to professional competitor, what it's really like to travel the country chasing bass for a living, how Christian has built a YouTube following documenting every step of his fishing career, and what life looks like now as a husband to his wife Mary Lindsey and soon-to-be dad. It's a story of passion, grit, and coming alive on the water right here in Lake Murray Country.

    36 min

  3. FEB 18

    26: Revolutionary Roots: Emily Geiger (A 250th Anniversary Series)

    As the nation approaches the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolutionary War, Explore Lake Murray Country begins a special series uncovering the stories that shaped our region. In this first episode of Revolutionary Roots, host Kelly Hughes is joined by Andy Thomas, Curator of the Cayce Historical Museum, to share the remarkable story of Emily Geiger, a young woman whose courage helped change the course of the war in South Carolina. In 1781, Geiger was entrusted with a secret message from General Nathanael Greene to General Thomas Sumter. When she was captured by British forces at Fort Granby, legend holds that she memorized the message and destroyed the original to protect its contents, allowing her to continue her mission and later deliver it verbally after her release. Andy Thomas places Geiger’s story within the larger historical context of Fort Granby, a strategic British outpost along the Congaree River that changed hands multiple times during the war. The episode also explores the site’s transformation over time, from military fort to family home, and highlights notable artifacts now on display at the Cayce Historical Museum, including a tea table linked to Lord Cornwallis and an extensive collection of indigenous artifacts that reflect the complex alliances of the Revolutionary era. This episode marks the beginning of a journey through Lake Murray Country’s Revolutionary past, told through the people, places, and stories that still resonate today.

    19 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    25: Bringing Lexington County’s History to Life with JR Fennell

    In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with J.R. Fennell, Director of the Lexington County Museum and Chairperson of the Lexington County 250th Committee. Originally from Walterboro, SC, J.R. has served as museum director since 2007. With a master’s in public history and a certificate in museum management from the University of South Carolina, he has dedicated his career to preserving and sharing the history of Lexington County and the Dutch Fork. Listeners will hear about the museum’s role in the community, the work of the 250th Committee as Lexington prepares to commemorate America’s Revolutionary past, and how J.R. and his team are expanding research into African-American history and genealogy. J.R. also shares upcoming events and opportunities to engage with the museum, offering new ways for residents and visitors alike to connect with the county’s rich heritage. ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    32 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    24: Giving Back Through Holiday Magic with the Junior League of Columbia

    In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Allison Horne, Co-Chair of the Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market, and Casey Pash, President of the Junior League of Columbia (JLC). They chat about how this beloved Columbia holiday tradition brings people together every December—and how it powers JLC’s mission to support women’s leadership and improve the lives of children and families across the Midlands. Allison and Casey pull back the curtain on what it takes to plan the Market, what’s new this year (think gift wrapping and more than 100 unique merchants!), and how the event helps fund hands-on service projects and training opportunities for hundreds of local volunteers. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of South Carolina’s favorite holiday events—and discover how every ticket sold helps make a real difference in the community. Columbia Holiday Market ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    23 min

  6. 10/29/2025

    23: All the Lake Fun Rolled Into One with Matt Lyons

    In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Matt Lyons, owner of Carefree Boat Club Lake Murray, Lake Life Marine, and Lake Murray Resort. After moving from the Midwest just four years ago, Matt has become a central figure in shaping how locals and newcomers alike experience the lake. From offering hassle-free boating through Carefree Boat Club to creating memorable getaways at Lake Murray Resort and expanding with Lake Life Marine, Matt shares his vision for bringing “all the lake fun rolled into one.” Listeners will hear how his businesses support the Lake Murray community, his passion for connecting people to the water, and what’s next for this ever-growing local entrepreneur. Carefree Boat Club of Lake Murray ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    31 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    22: Serving Up Southern Flavor at Roy’s Grille with Chef Chris Williams

    In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Chef Chris Williams, owner of Roy’s Grille and celebrated South Carolina Chef Ambassador. Chef Chris shares his journey from small-town beginnings in Olar, SC, to building one of the Midlands’ most beloved restaurants. He talks about the inspiration behind Roy’s Grille, his commitment to scratch-made southern cooking, and his experiences competing on the national stage at the World Food Championships. Listeners will hear about the role of food in the community, what makes Lake Murray Country’s culinary scene unique, and what’s next for Chef Chris as he represents the region in 2025. Roy’s Grille ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    53 min

  8. 09/18/2025

    21: Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future with Historic Columbia

    In this episode of Explore Lake Murray Country, host Kelly Hughes sits down with Suzanne Brooks of Historic Columbia, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the Midlands’ rich history. Suzanne shares her journey into the world of preservation, the unique experiences visitors can have at Historic Columbia’s house museums and gardens, and the importance of telling inclusive stories about our past. From guided tours to immersive events, listeners will learn how Historic Columbia brings history to life and keeps it relevant today. Suzanne also highlights upcoming events that give locals and visitors alike the chance to connect with Columbia’s heritage in new ways. Historic Columbia ⁠Check out our blog post about this episode!⁠ Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠adam@thebrandrevolt.com⁠.

    30 min
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About

There’s so much living to be done, especially in the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region! Explore Lake Murray Country is a podcast built around one grand, meaningful, enriching invitation— “Come Alive!” Join us as we hear fun, uplifting and unique stories about living life to the fullest from Palmetto State locals who call Capital City/Lake Murray Country home. There’s endless adventure out there to be found — what are you waiting for?!

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