Lure of the Lake

Robbie King

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

    The Crunchy Shop - "Going Crunchy Without Going Crazy" - Claudia & Taylor Malcolm

    Walk through almost any store today and you will see products described as natural, clean, green, organic, non-toxic, and good for the planet. The labels sound reassuring, but what do those words really mean, and how can we make healthier choices without replacing everything in our homes? Today’s guests believe natural living should be practical, approachable, and built one thoughtful decision at a time. Claudia & Taylor Malcolm are the owners of The Crunchy Shop, a family-owned apothecary, refillery, and natural-wellness store here in the Lake Country. What began as Claudia’s own commitment to creating a healthier home has grown into a welcoming destination where people can find carefully selected products, trusted information, and plenty of encouragement, without judgment or pressure. In this episode, Claudia & Taylor share the story behind The Crunchy Shop and take us inside its remarkable Herb Room, Refill Bar, and Custom Perfume Bar. We also explore natural personal-care and household products, locally raised meats, misleading marketing claims, and the simple changes that can make the greatest difference. And stay with us until the end, because Claudia will build a “Crunchy Starter Kit” for anyone who wants to create a healthier home without becoming overwhelmed, or needing to take out a loan! Whether you are already committed to natural living or you are simply wondering what “crunchy” actually means, this conversation will help you shop more confidently, ask better questions, and find a realistic place to begin. Guests: Claudia & Taylor Malcolm Website: https://thecrunchyshop.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resendedesignmarketing/ Address: 921 Harmony Road; Eatonton, GA 31024 Phone: 706-817-2030 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. Oct 9

    Paul Casola (Part 2) - Before, After & "The Space Between" - A Conversation About Tragedy, Faith, Forgiveness, and Hope

    Today's episode is a continuation of last week's discussion. How well do we really know the people we think we know? I have known Paul Casola for nearly fifteen years. We worked together, stayed in touch after our lives took different paths, later discovered that we had both moved to the Lake Country, and occasionally even ran into one another at church. I knew Paul as a successful business leader, a man of faith, a devoted family man, and someone blessed with a wonderfully natural sense of humor. Then, just a few weeks ago, I learned that Paul had written a book, and discovered there was an extraordinary part of his life I had never known. His new book, The Space Between: A Reluctant Memoir, reaches back nearly twenty years to an unthinkable event that changed Paul and his family forever. But this is not simply a story about tragedy. It is about everything that follows, the shock, the anger, the questions, the complicated work of forgiveness, and the long, untidy journey toward a life that can never be the same, but can still hold meaning, laughter, faith, and hope. Today, we meet the Paul Casola I knew, and discover the remarkable story he was quietly carrying all along. Guest: Paul Casola Website: https://www.thelittlepointbookshop.com/product/the-space-between-a-reluctant-memoir/MSF6BBITHB2YN4ATPN3QFV4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pcasola/posts/i-am-both-excited-and-a-little-reluctant-to-share-that-a-project-more-than-20-ye/10242100280466236/ 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. Oct 2

    Paul Casola - Before, After & "The Space Between" - A Conversation About Tragedy, Faith, Forgiveness, and Hope

    How well do we really know the people we think we know? I have known Paul Casola for nearly fifteen years. We worked together, stayed in touch after our lives took different paths, later discovered that we had both moved to the Lake Country, and occasionally even ran into one another at church. I knew Paul as a successful business leader, a man of faith, a devoted family man, and someone blessed with a wonderfully natural sense of humor. Then, just a few weeks ago, I learned that Paul had written a book, and discovered there was an extraordinary part of his life I had never known. His new book, The Space Between: A Reluctant Memoir, reaches back nearly twenty years to an unthinkable event that changed Paul and his family forever. But this is not simply a story about tragedy. It is about everything that follows, the shock, the anger, the questions, the complicated work of forgiveness, and the long, untidy journey toward a life that can never be the same, but can still hold meaning, laughter, faith, and hope. Today, we meet the Paul Casola I knew, and discover the remarkable story he was quietly carrying all along. Guest: Paul Casola Website: https://www.thelittlepointbookshop.com/product/the-space-between-a-reluctant-memoir/MSF6BBITHB2YN4ATPN3QFV4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pcasola/posts/i-am-both-excited-and-a-little-reluctant-to-share-that-a-project-more-than-20-ye/10242100280466236/ 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. Sep 25

    "The Show (and the Spirit), Must Go On!" The Plaza Arts Center With Dr. Susan Usry & Lou Benjamin

    What if I told you that, right in the heart of Eatonton, there is a beautifully restored historic building that welcomes tens of thousands of people each year, and contains a 500-seat theatre with exceptional acoustics, first-class productions, and truly no bad seat in the house? For those who have experienced the Plaza Arts Center, you already know what a remarkable place it is. For those who have not, today’s episode may have you wondering what took you so long. The Plaza began as the Eatonton School, built in 1916 and used to educate generations of local students. After an ambitious restoration that required nearly a decade of vision, fundraising, leadership, and persistence, the building reopened in 2008 as one of the cultural treasures of Eatonton and Georgia’s Lake Country. But the Plaza is much more than a beautiful theatre. It is a place where national entertainers share the stage with local performers; where children discover their creativity; where history is preserved; and where our community gathers for concerts, plays, classes, celebrations, and special events. My first guest is Dr. Susan Usry, Executive Director of the Plaza Arts Center. Susan shares the extraordinary story of how the Plaza came to be, everything happening within its walls today, and why the arts are so important to the strength and identity of a community. We are also joined by my friend Lou Benjamin, who is appearing in the upcoming production of Noël Coward’s classic comedy, Blithe Spirit. It is a wonderfully clever story involving a novelist, a séance that goes spectacularly wrong, a deceased wife who refuses to remain deceased, and enough marital confusion to make the living question whether the dead might have the easier arrangement. Lou gives us a peek behind the curtain at the cast, rehearsals, and hilarity audiences can expect, without revealing too many of the ghostly surprises. This episode is a story about history, creativity, community, and the extraordinary people who bring a stage to life. So take your seat, remember, there isn’t a bad one in the house, and enjoy my conversation with Susan Usry and Lou Benjamin. Guests: Dr. Susan Usry & Lou Benjamin Website: https://plazacenter.org/ Address: 305 N. Madison Avenue; Eatonton, GA Phone: 706-923-1655 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. Sep 18

    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/

  6. 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/

  7. 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/

  8. 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/

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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
    224
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Lure of the Lake

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