In This Episode What gives a city its soul? The people who show up, dream big, preserve its stories, and work together to make a difference. In this special mid-season edition of Ripple Makers, hosts Charles Davis and Susie Cowan revisit some of their favorite conversations from the first half of the season, celebrating the individuals and organizations making waves across Macon, Georgia. From preserving Macon's legendary music history and championing the arts to expanding accessibility, strengthening neighborhoods, protecting historic landmarks, and building spaces where everyone belongs, this highlight reel reminds us that a thriving community doesn't happen by accident. Along the way, discover surprising stories, memorable moments, a few laughs, and the inspiring people whose passion continues to shape Macon's future. Featured Guests: Music, Culture & Creativity Justin Andrews — Otis Redding Foundation: Carrying forward Otis Redding's legacy through music, education, and opportunities for young people.Richard Brent — The Big House Museum: Sharing the history, personalities, and unforgettable stories behind the Allman Brothers Band's legendary Macon home.Olivia Walters — Bragg Jam: Celebrating how a music festival can create connections, build community, and welcome newcomers.Jim Crisp — Macon Film Festival: Recalling the memorable story of how Burt Reynolds came to Macon for a special screening of Deliverance.Erin Hawkins & Kara Heard — 478 Creatives: Empowering local artists through collaboration, professional development, and creative entrepreneurship.Julie Wilkerson — Macon Arts Alliance: Connecting artists and audiences while making the arts accessible to the entire community.Recreation, Mobility & Natural Heritage John "JR" Roberts — Macon Pickleball: Exploring the physical and social benefits of one of America's fastest-growing sports.Kaylee Pruitt — Bike Walk Macon: Creating safer, more accessible streets and encouraging people to experience Macon beyond the driver's seat.Lisa Lemon — Ocmulgee Mounds Association: Preserving and sharing the extraordinary cultural and natural heritage of Ocmulgee Mounds.Neighborhoods, Preservation & Community Ivey Hall — Habitat for Humanity: Building more than houses by helping families establish stability and create lasting legacies.Emily Hopkins — Historic Macon Foundation: Protecting Macon's architectural character, celebrating preservation, and highlighting the beloved Historic Macon Flea Market.Scott Mitchell — Macon Pride: Sharing the grassroots beginnings of Macon Pride and the importance of creating welcoming spaces for the community.Topics include: The people and organizations making a lasting difference in MaconPreserving Macon's musical, artistic, and cultural legacyHow festivals, museums, and public art strengthen community connectionsSupporting local nonprofits and the people who lead themCreating opportunities for youth, artists, families, and residentsExpanding accessibility, recreation, and quality of lifeThe importance of preserving historic places and community storiesBuilding belonging, celebrating diversity, and encouraging collaborationWhy the soul of a city comes from the people who care enough to make it betterChapters00:09 Welcome to Ripple Makers: The Mid-Season Recap00:30 Susie's Biggest Discoveries About Macon01:25 Justin Andrews: Carrying Forward the Otis Redding Legacy03:41 Richard Brent: Stories from The Big House Museum05:15 Olivia Walters: Finding Community Through Bragg Jam07:05 Jim Crisp: Burt Reynolds & the Macon Film Festival08:22 478 Creatives: Empowering Macon's Artists09:57 Julie Wilkerson: Bringing People Together Through Art11:25 JR Roberts: The Pickleball Phenomenon13:35 Kaylee Pruitt: Building a More Accessible Macon15:20 Lisa Lemon: Celebrating Ocmulgee Mounds17:10 Ivey Hall: Building Homes and Lasting Legacies19:18 Emily Hopkins: Preserving Macon's Historic Character20:55 Scott Mitchell: The Story Behind Macon Pride23:15 Reflections on the People Making Waves in Macon23:59 Featured Music: "Soul of This Town" — Oliver Wood25:07 Closing Remarks & What's Next for Ripple Makers Featured Music "Soul of This Town" — Oliver WoodConnect Otis Redding Foundation – https://otisreddingfoundation.org/ The Big House Museum – https://thebighousemuseum.com/ Bragg Jam – https://braggjam.org/ Macon Film Festival – https://maconfilmfestival.com/ Macon Arts Alliance – https://maconartsalliance.org/ Bike Walk Macon – https://bikewalkmacon.com/ Historic Macon Foundation – https://historicmacon.org/ StreamTheCreek - https://streamthecreek.com Catch Up Before the Season Continues! There's more to Macon's story, and we're just getting started. Catch up on the first half of Ripple Makers and discover the full conversations behind these memorable moments. Then stay tuned as Charles and Susie introduce even more people making waves across Middle Georgia. Listen to more original podcasts:StreamTheCreek.com Follow Stream the Creek on social media for new episodes, local stories, and community conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share Ripple Makers with someone who loves Macon and believes in the power of community. Because it takes more than a place to make a community. It takes people willing to make waves. Genuinely Southern Whether through writing, broadcasting, or word-of-mouth, stories have always forged a connection between people and places. Nowhere else is this truer than in The South. Southern artist, influencer, speaker, and author Mark Ballard will weave stories of life in Macon, Georgia, and stories of the South. Tales told as only Mark can, will be interwoven with guest interviews and listener questions and requests. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★