Shows
Talkin' MaconMacon's Terminal Station with Jami GaudetMacon's Terminal Station, built in 1916, has transformed from a bustling railroad terminal that welcomed more than 100 trains each day to a beautifully-restored event venue that has been home to numerous film and television productions. Jami Gaudet, Public Information Officer for Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority, joins us on this episode to discuss the Terminal's history and to share stories about the film and television productions that have called the Terminal home over the years.
2025-07-281h 15
Talkin' MaconBragg JamBragg Jam, Macon's annual concert crawl is Saturday, July 26. The event brings dozens of performers from across the country to seven venues in downtown Macon for a day of concerts and community. This year's headliners are American Aquarium and SUSTO. The schedule also features Muddy's Mystery Shows, which are secret shows in new and unique venues in downtown. This episode features a conversation with Olivia Walter, the President of the Bragg Jam Board of Directors. Olivia provides a history of Bragg Jam and highlights some of the bands and additional activities occurring during this year's festival.
2025-07-2136 min
Talkin' MaconStacy J - Playwright of "If You Loved Me"Stacy Harrell, better known as Stacy J, is a playwright, actress, choreographer and producer. She is bringing her stage play, "If You Loved Me" to Macon's Douglass Theatre on July 19. Shows are 2pm and 6pm, and tickets are available at www.douglasstheatre.org. On this episode, Stacy talks about the play and her own experiences both on and off stage.
2025-07-0729 min
Talkin' MaconThe Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot - 1 Year Anniversary "Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot" was filmed in Macon and Middle Georgia, and premiered on July 4, 2024. In recognition of the anniversary of its release, we are sharing the conversation with three local actresses - Rena Laster, Sandra Jarrett, and Della Golden - who were featured in the film. They spoke about the the film, its important mission, and their experiences on set. The film is available from Angel Studios. It was Inspired by the powerful true story of Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church...
2025-06-3044 min
Talkin' MaconDr. Shelton Land - Douglass TheatreDr. Shelton Land is the Executive Director of the Douglass Theatre in Macon. The Douglass Theatre has been an important part of Macon's history since it was opened in 1921. Dr. Land discusses the beginnings of the Douglass, highlights some of the performers who have graced the stage, and highlights what the future looks like for one of Macon's - and one of America's - great theatres. We talked about his education in social work and how that informs his approach to theater. Plus he previews the upcoming season for his beloved Washington Commanders. More information about the...
2025-06-2348 min
Talkin' MaconSteven Collins - Layers BakerySteven & Reia Collins, owners of Layers bakery in Macon have created a near cult following for their delicious cakes, cookies, and other desserts. They recently took a family trip to New York City to explore and to conduct research for items they can bring back to the community. Layers brings visitors from the surrounding area for their strawberry crunch cake, the pecan pie cheesecake, the blueberry cheesecake cookies, and the ten layer chocolate cake. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Steven and I discussed the beginning days of Layers, the couple's motivations for creating delicious...
2025-06-1658 min
Talkin' MaconJay Markwalter - Georgia Tourism Jay Markwalter is the Statewide Tourism Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. In this role, he leads the Department’s Tourism Division, working collaboratively with state leadership and industry partners statewide to drive the continued growth and economic impact of tourism in Georgia. He leads a Regional Tourism team dedicated to tourism industry relations, oversees the state’s nine Visitor Information Centers committed to serving travelers, and works in close partnership with the Department’s Marketing and Communications team to ensure marketing programs are developed in collaboration with Georgia’s travel and hospitality industry.Jay is a Sav...
2025-06-0952 min
Talkin' MaconLiz Fabian - The Most Trusted Journalist in Middle GeorgiaLiz Fabian is an award-winning multimedia journalist who has been on the front lines of the headlines in Macon and Central Georgia for 40 years. Liz has worked at every one of Macon's television stations, the Macon Telegraph, and now the Center for Collaborative Journalism. Liz worked for the fledgling Weather Channel, and was the first reporter sent out into a hurricane to cover the storm.She is involved in Macon in both her work and personal life, and was dubbed "the most trusted journalist in all of Middle Georgia" by her broadcast peers.
2025-06-0254 min
Talkin' MaconTalkin' Macon ItWhat a fun crossover episode with the other Macon podcast, "Macon It." I had the chance to sit down with Olivia Walter and Edna Adams with Macon-Bibb County. Like Voltron, we brought individual powers together to form the ultimate Macon podcast. We talked about living in Macon, designed the perfect day in Macon, and talked about what we love about our community.
2025-05-271h 10
Macon ItTalkin' Macon It: When Podcasts CollideIn this podcast crossover event, we’re talking all things tourism, storytelling, and how to plan the perfect day in Macon. Aaron Buzza of Talkin’ Macon and Visit Macon joins us to share his top picks for must-see spots, can’t-miss meals, and why Macon keeps people coming back. Whether you're showing your best friend around or just rediscovering your hometown, this episode gives you the ultimate playbook.
2025-05-271h 10
Talkin' MaconJoe Finkelstein Joe Finkelstein has lived in Macon for 24 years and is an AI educator, columnist, and public speaker. He is also active in a variety of local organizations, causes and pickleball leagues. This wide-ranging conversations weaves from the Philadelphia Eagles to pickleball to use of AI for travel planning. For more information about Joe's work with AI, visit his website - askaijoe.com. Photo credit: ChatGPT
2025-05-1955 min
Talkin' MaconBrad WilliamsBrad Williams is presently on his Growth Spurt Tour, and is coming to the Macon City Auditorium on May 31. We had the opportunity to talk about his comedy, being a dad, his extensive travels, and even taxidermy. This was a fun and funny conversation. Expect a high-energy show here or wherever you have the opportunity to see Brad on the road.Tickets for the show are available at maconcentreplex.org.Follow Brad at bradwilliamscomedy.com or find him on Instagram = @bradwilliamscomic.
2025-05-1240 min
Talkin' MaconMayor Lester MillerMayor Lester Miller's dynamic leadership has brought a spotlight to Macon-Bibb County, and he's working each day to make the community a great place for residents and visitors alike. This episode features a fun and wide-ranging conversation, covering a variety of topics including his leadership and accomplishments, his vision for his second term in office, blowing up a building, the National Park, streets and sidewalks, music, and even baseball.Cover photo courtesy: Lester Miller for Mayor Facebook
2025-05-0540 min
Talkin' MaconIan Karmel & Kazoo World RecordMacon will be attempting to set a new world record for the LARGEST KAZOO ENSEMBLE on March 28. Following the record-setting attempt, we will be featuring music from Diamond Dogs and stand-up comedy from Emmy Award winner Ian Karmel. Ian is the host of the "All Fantasy Everything" podcast. His memoir, "T-Shirt Swim Club" is a best seller. His brand new stand-up special, "Comfort Beyond God's Foresight" is available now on YouTube. Everyone is welcome for the event. Tickets are just $5, and more information is available by visiting www.visitmacon.org/kazoo.Follow Ian on social...
2025-03-1052 min
Talkin' MaconMacon Movie DraftIn honor of the 97th Academy Awards, we wanted to talk movies. Specifically, we wanted to talk about movies (and TV shows and commercials) that have filmed in Macon. Because there are too many to list, we decided to fantasy draft our favorites with some friends.For more information about all the productions that have filmed here in Macon, check out www.maconfilmcommission.com and www.visitmacon.org. Also, the Tour Macon app has a guided tour with additional information about the productions that have spent time in Macon.
2025-02-241h 16
Talkin' MaconMacon Christmas Light Extravaganza with Bryan NicholsThe Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza is an award-winning event and attraction entering its 8th year. We sat down with Bryan Nichols whose vision created the Extravaganza and whose work includes overseeing installation of more than one million lights in Downtown Macon. The Extravaganza begins Friday, November 29 with a live concert featuring Macon Pops and runs through January 5, 2025. There are shows every night of the week at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm. Each weekend in December features visits with Santa and carriage rides along with additional special activities. And on December 21, live reindeer will be on site for photos.More information...
2024-11-2559 min
Talkin' MaconRobert McDuffie - Violin VirtuosoEmmy Award-winning violinist Robert McDuffie was born in Macon and trained at Juilliard. He has performed worldwide as a soloist with some of the most premier orchestras in the world including the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics; the Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Toronto and Jerusalem Symphonies; and all of the major orchestras in Australia.This wide-ranging conversation covers McDuffie's early violin education; the invitation he received to start the McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University; "A Night of Georgia Music" for which he won an Emmy Award; the violin he plays; and the Macon-Mercer Symphony...
2024-10-0853 min
Talkin' MaconNewton Collier - Macon Music Icon & HistorianWe've heard the name Newton (Newt) Collier several times over the first 19 episodes, and today we have the opportunity to hear from the musical icon and music historian himself. Collier grew up in Macon and began his musical journey on the piano. He picked up the trumpet at age 10, and after graduating high school, toured internationally with Sam and Dave. He also performed with Clarence Carter, Percy Sledge and many, many more. Collier's musical career connected him with many other musicians who came through Macon, and his knowledge of Macon's musical history is incredibly vast, and this...
2024-10-071h 04
Talkin' MaconCarrie Genzel - Acting, Mental Health & Macon BeyondContent advisory: This episode contains discussion about anxiety, depression and suicide.Carrie Genzel has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including Watchmen, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, The Walking Dead, Supernatural and All My Children. She is presently writing and developing unscripted shows for production as well as working with Visit Macon as host of the new "Macon Beyond" series.Carrie is mental health advocate, having launched the blog State of Slay, and working as a member of the advisory board for Attitudes in Reverse, an organization that provides anti-bullying and suicide prevention programming...
2024-09-301h 05
Talkin' MaconShane Buerster - Z Beans CoffeeShane Buerster is founder and CEO of Z Beans Coffee. As a student at Mercer University, a trip to Ecuador led him to a friendship and now business partnership with Arturo Penarreta, the tour guide for that mission trip. Shane shares the journey from student to entrepreneur in this episode, and shares how Z Beans has created a way for Ecuadorian farmers to export coffee, create sustainability, and earn more than fair trade prices. For additional information about Z Beans, visit www.zbeanscoffee.com and follow Z Beans social media - Z Beans Coffee on...
2024-09-231h 06
Talkin' MaconDavid Aiello - Macon Coliseum, Auditorium & Atrium Health AmphitheaterDavid Aiello is GM of the Macon Centreplex (Coliseum, Auditorium, and Atrium Health Amphitheater). He discusses venue management, opening up a brand new building, show routing, and how many steps he and his team take during the day Macon is hosting a show at one of the venues he manages. We also find out more about strange requests he's seen on artists' riders.More information, including ticketing information, for the venues we discuss is available at www.maconcentreplex.org
2024-09-1640 min
Talkin' MaconScott Mitchell Scott Mitchell is one of Downtown Macon's most ardent supporters since 2015. He owns two businesses - The Bohemian Den and Sweet Eleanor's Divine Desserts - and has served on the Main Street Board of Directors, helped create the downtown Hype Team, and has been a huge supporter of other businesses. He helped create Macon Pride and is the President of the Macon Pride Board. Scott was Macon-Bibb Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Leader of the Year in 2022, and The Bohemian Den won the OUT Georgia Business Alliance Small Business of the Year that same year. On this...
2024-09-0951 min
Talkin' MaconMichael O'LearyThis episode was originally posted May 17, 2024. We are reposing this episode to ensure it is available on all platforms. Michael O'Leary is an Emmy-nominated actor who spent more than 20 years portraying Dr. Rick Bauer on Guiding Light. O'Leary was the Grand Marshal of the 2019 International Cherry Blossom Festival parade in Macon, Georgia. In October 2023, O'Leary brought his play Breathing Under Dirt to Macon for a premiere staged reading.
2024-09-0254 min
Talkin' MaconDr. Ilyon WooThis episode was originally posted June 3, 2024. We are reposing this episode to ensure it is available on all platforms.Dr. Ilyon Woo is the 2024 Pulitzer Prize Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author of Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom. The book chronicles the epic journey to freedom taken in 1848 by an enslaved, married couple, Ellen and William Craft. Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom was honored as one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, People Magazine, Smithsonian and was recognized by Oprah...
2024-09-0243 min
Talkin' MaconMatt Chamberlin - Macon Movie discussionMatt Chamberlin started in the film industry as Jerry Bruckheimer's personal assistant. He joined the locations world after that, and has worked on productions like A Man in Full, Will Trent, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween, Sleepy Hollow, Sully, Collateral, Must Love Dogs, Spider-Man 3, and Modern Family. His work on Zombieland: Double Tap, Hillbilly Elegy, and The First Lady brought him to Macon. We discuss filming in Macon, how films and television shows find locations, the process for picking those locations, and how properties can make themselves available.
2024-08-2635 min
Talkin' MaconGrey HensonMacon-native Grey Henson is an actor, dancer and singer. He originated the role of Damian Hubbard in the Broadway production of Mean Girls, a role that earned him a nomination for a 2018 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. He has also played Elder McKinley in both the Broadway and U.S. National Touring productions of The Book of Mormon. Henson started acting and dancing as a young child in Macon at Macon Little Theatre, Theatre Macon, and Madison's School of Dance. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University. Henson has...
2024-08-1949 min
Talkin' MaconMacon Restaurant Fantasy DraftWe're changing the format up a little bit this week. Food is essential, and when people travel, local restaurants are a great way for them to get to know the community they're visiting. In order to highlight some of the great places in Macon to eat, I invited my buddies Charles Davis and Spencer Hawkins in to fantasy draft Macon restaurants.We talked about BBQ restaurants, fine dining options, places for quick eats, desserts and even threw in a couple of wild card selections. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and is not intended to...
2024-08-1259 min
Talkin' MaconLisa LoveLisa Love is a Macon and Georgia music historian, expert, and fan. Her career has involved work with the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Georgia Music Foundation. Lisa helped create the Macon Music Revue and is working to preserve the state's music history, provide opportunities for students to participate in music education, and promote Georgia's music communities.
2024-08-0546 min
Talkin' MaconSteve Moretti - Macon PopsSteve Moretti is the co-founder, President and CEO of the Macon Pops. He is also a drummer/percussionist and producer. Moretti is a two-time Grammy Award nominee, Juno nominee and Telly Award winner. Moretti appears in the 2014 Clint Eastwood Film "Jersey Boys."Macon Pops has been entertaining Macon (and beyond) for more than 10 years with concerts that feature music by artists well-known to audiences. The upcoming Macon Pops season will showcase music from The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Funk hits, and sing-alongs. The Macon Pops also provides the soundtrack to the award-winning Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza.
2024-07-2955 min
Talkin' MaconJustin AndrewsJustin Andrews, grandson of the legendary Otis Redding, is Director of Special Projects and Outreach at the Otis Redding Foundation. Justin's work with the Foundation focuses on event planning, leading student activities and camps, creating the Foundation's Otis Redding branded merchandise. Justin talks about his grandfather's legacy, the Foundation's camps, and the music industry. More information about the Otis Redding Foundation can be found at https://www.otisreddingfoundation.org/
2024-07-2247 min
Talkin' MaconSeth ClarkSeth Clark is Executive Director of Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative (ONPPI) and Mayor Pro Tem of Macon-Bibb County. The conversation includes information about the plans to make the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park the nation's newest National Park.More information about that effort is available at www.ocmulgeepark.org
2024-07-1554 min
Talkin' MaconBell Biv DeVoe & Toad the Wet SprocketBell Biv DeVoe and Toad the Wet Sprocket have shows coming up in Macon! This episode features both Ricky Bell from BBD and Dean Dinning from Toad. We have wide-ranging conversations about their shows, the bands' histories, and even basketball. Bell Biv DeVoe will be in Macon on July 20, and Toad the Wet Sprocket (along with Barenaked Ladies) will be here October 25.More information about these shows, and many others, can be found at www.maconcentreplex.org.
2024-07-0844 min
Talkin' MaconDavid LucasDavid Lucas is from Macon. He started acting at age 9, appearing in plays at Macon Little Theatre and Theatre Macon. He appeared on "MTV Yo Momma" while still in high school. He relocated to Hollywood and in addition to performing standup comedy, he has written for several television shows and specials. David is a "Kill Tony" Hall of Famer and is currently headlining a tour. More information and tour dates are available at www.davidlucascomedy.com.
2024-07-0136 min
Talkin' MaconThe Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot"The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot" was filmed in Macon and Middle Georgia and premieres worldwide on July 4. Three local actresses - Rena Laster, Sandra Jarrett, and Della Golden - who were featured in the film join us this week to discuss the film, its mission and message and their experiences on set. More information about the film here: https://www.angel.com/movies/sound-of-hope-the-story-of-possum-trot
2024-06-2444 min
Talkin' MaconEmily HopkinsMacon was recently named a "Great American Main Street." Macon's Main Street Manager and Vice President of External Affairs for NewTown Macon, Emily Hopkins joins the show to discuss the award and the activities that led to that award. Check out www.newtownmacon.com for more information about all the great things happening in Downtown Macon.
2024-06-1746 min
Talkin' MaconCharles DavisCharles Davis is co-host of "Creekside Mornings" on 100.9 The Creek FM and lead singer of the Macon Music Revue, performing every Wednesday night at historic Grant's Lounge in Downtown Macon. He is an actor who has performed on numerous stages throughout Macon and Middle Georgia. Davis recently sang backup vocals on six songs for The War and Treaty during the recording session for their new album, Lover's Game (out now).
2024-06-101h 03
Talkin' MaconDr. Ilyon WooDr. Ilyon Woo is the 2024 Pulitzer Prize Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author of Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom. The book chronicles the epic journey to freedom taken in 1848 by an enslaved, married couple, Ellen and William Craft. Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom was honored as one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, People Magazine, Smithsonian and was recognized by Oprah Daily as one of the "Best Conversation-Starting Books of 2023."
2024-06-0343 minTalkin' MaconBrandon RaphaelBrandon Raphael is the President of the Macon Bacon, the college wood bat baseball team in Macon, Georgia. The Macon Bacon have become one of the most recognizable brands in all of sports. Brandon discusses the team, what fans can expect when they attend games, and some of his fondest baseball memories.
2024-05-2752 min
Talkin' MaconMichael O'LearyMichael O'Leary is an Emmy-nominated actor who spent more than 20 years portraying Dr. Rick Bauer on Guiding Light. O'Leary was the Grand Marshal of the 2019 International Cherry Blossom Festival parade in Macon, Georgia. In October 2023, O'Leary brought his play Breathing Under Dirt to Macon for a premiere staged reading.
2024-05-1754 min
We Love the HypeWe Love the Hype: Aaron Buzza of Visit MaconThis episode is with Aaron Buzza of Visit Macon. We talked about everything from Jason Aldean to Otis Redding to even the oddest place that Aaron has movie location scouted.
Host and creator Molly Wilkins's professional website can be found here: www.hellomollywilkins.com/.
Instagram @lovemollykate, Facebook @lovemollykate.
Special thanks to the Love, Molly Kate sponsors Advanced Dental Arts, Katie Berg at Mayo Hill Law, El Sombrero Restaurant on Forsyth Road in Macon Georgia, and Tripple.Social.
Show music is Drop the Tapes by Track Tribe fr...
2023-10-1827 min
That's a Job? Podcast with Nate Clayberg004. Aaron Buzza's Adventure: Radio Sales, Sports Tourism, Film/ TV Tourism, Tourism DirectorIn this episode, we get to know Aaron Buzza. We go back to my days in college athletics at the University of Northern Iowa and his role in sports tourism. He relocated his family from Iowa to Macon, Georgia to attract people through sports and Film & TV production to that area. We get to learn more about the job behind the scenes when it comes to bringing people to visit a community. Even Ron Howard and his clementines..The links to reference from this episode: Waterloo CVB Visit Macon Wartburg College Aaron on Linkedin Aaron on Twi...
2022-02-2634 min
Experience The BuzzNO. 17 -- TOPH + MAX BUZZARD | The Banter Bro's Sports PodcastSend us a textPart of the goal of this particular podcast was to promote the Banter Bro's Sports Podcast hosted by Toph + Max Buzzard. You figured out quickly that they are indeed my boys. The promoting took place in the beginning and we even had a mini BANTER session at the end, but what I didn't expect was the amazing conversation we had in between. It was absolutely priceless. As a dad, this was truly a gift that I am happy to share with you. Every family can and should...
2021-03-092h 02