GEORGIA FOLK AND FARM LIFE - We sure had ourselves a big time at the Fall 2025 Georgia Folk and Farm Life Gathering and Story Revival! From the opening prayer to the last laugh around the tables, the afternoon was filled with fellowship, food, stories, and song. It was one of those days that reminds us why this community matters so much—neighbors coming together, sharing their gifts, and lifting each other up.

And if you couldn’t be there in person, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. You can listen in to the podcast version of our Story Revival right now, and relive the fun as if you were sitting right there on the front row!

#georgiafolkandfarmlife #georgia #ruralgeorgia

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GEORGIA RADIO – Country music has always had a way of telling the hard stories, and Makenzie Phipps isn't shying away from that legacy. Her brand-new single, “Love Me Sober,” released this April, dives headfirst into the heartbreak and heavy reality of addiction’s toll on love—and it’s already striking a chord with folks far and wide.

Makenzie joined our own Matt Jolley for an interview recently. You can listen to the full conversation by clicking the link below—don’t miss it!

With a voice as genuine as a front porch chat and lyrics that cut straight to the core, “Love Me Sober” paints a raw portrait of a woman caught in a cycle of hope and hurt. “I wish I was your bourbon glass,” she sings, “I’d be close to your fingertips.” It’s poetry, pure and painful, wrapped in a melody that lingers like a memory you can’t shake.

The song’s message isn’t just artistic—it’s urgent. Alcohol abuse continues to be a heartbreaking issue across the country, tied to over 178,000 deaths a year. Phipps, through her powerful storytelling, shines a spotlight on the kind of pain that too often gets swept under the rug.

“I love writing songs that have deep meanings to them,” Phipps says. “If this song is able to help someone through difficult times, then that means more to me than any award in the world.” That’s the kind of artist we can get behind.

Makenzie’s already racked up millions of views with her heartfelt acoustic covers of classics like “Travelin’ Soldier” and “Amazing Grace.” She’s been featured everywhere from Whiskey Riff to Forbes to Taste of Country—and her momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Catch her on tour throughout Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and beyond—dates are filling up fast. And whether you see her live or stream “Love Me Sober” from your favorite platform, one thing’s for sure: Makenzie Phipps is a voice worth listening to.

🎵 Click here to listen to “Love Me Sober”📻 Hear Matt Jolley’s interview with Makenzie📅 Tour dates and more at makenziephippsmusic.com

Stay tuned to GeorgiaRadio.com for more Good Company and Great Country.

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GEORGIA RADIO - If you love a good book and a great conversation, then you won’t want to miss Terah Shelton Harris sitting down with Matt Jolley on Georgia Radio. Terah, the author of One Summer in Savannah and her latest release, Long After We Are Gone, is making waves in the literary world with her heartfelt storytelling, and now she’s bringing her insights to the airwaves.

On the show, Terah and Matt talk about everything from the inspiration behind her latest novel to the magic of small-town bookstores and the joy of meeting readers face-to-face. And speaking of meeting readers, you can catch Terah in person at the Carrollton BookFest, where she’ll be sharing her journey as a writer and signing books for fans.

The Carrollton BookFest, set in the heart of West Georgia, is a must-visit for book lovers. It’s where storytelling comes to life, and with Terah on the lineup, it’s sure to be a highlight of the festival. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her work, this is your chance to hear firsthand about the stories that have captured so many hearts.

So, take a listen to the conversation on Georgia Radio, then do yourself a favor—grab a copy of Long After We Are Gone and support this fantastic Southern author. You’ll be glad you did!

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GEORGIA RADIO - If you've ever dreamed of writing a children's book—one that captures young hearts and stands the test of time—then you won’t want to miss the Carrollton Bookfest this year. And even better, you can get a sneak peek into what makes a children’s book truly marketable when celebrated author Lola Schaefer joins us on Georgia Radio ahead of the festival!

Lola Schaefer, the brilliant mind behind more than 280 published children’s books, is bringing her expertise to the Carrollton Bookfest on April 4th with a special Master Class titled The Craft of Writing a Marketable Children’s Book.Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned storyteller, this daylong session promises to be packed with wisdom, hands-on exercises, and plenty of laughter.

From developing a marketable idea to crafting compelling plots, dialogue, and that all-important “read-again quality,” Lola will guide attendees through the nuances of writing for children. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to catch an editor’s eye—and heart—this is your chance to find out.

We’re thrilled to welcome Lola to Georgia Radio, where she’ll be sharing insights about her writing journey, what to expect from her Master Class, and why the Carrollton Bookfest is a must-attend event for book lovers and writers alike. Be sure to tune in and hear from one of the best in the business!

Want to learn more? Visit CarrolltonBookfest.com for festival details, and explore Lola’s incredible work at lolaschaefer.com. See you at the Bookfest!

#carrolltonbookfest #lolascaefer #georgiaradio #georgiaauthors

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GEORGIA RADIO - Springtime in Georgia brings not just blooming dogwoods and warm breezes but also the much-anticipated Carrollton Bookfest. This year, GeorgiaRadio.com is thrilled to highlight a special Master Class designed for aspiring and seasoned authors alike.

Award-winning authors George Weinstein and Kim Conrey will take the stage with Paths to Publication, an in-depth session covering the three primary routes to getting published: traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. With nearly 40 years of combined experience, these industry veterans will break down the challenges and rewards of each path, helping writers navigate the best course for their books.

Matt Jolley of Georgia Radio will welcome George Weinstein onto his show ahead of the festival to discuss the Master Class and share valuable insights. Listeners can tune in to hear Weinstein discuss the realities of the publishing industry, the importance of a strong pitch, and the strategies authors can use to successfully bring their stories to market.

Participants in the Master Class are encouraged to bring along key materials for critique, including a sample query letter, a concise book pitch, comparable titles, and a draft book blurb. The session will be hands-on, providing practical advice and tailored feedback to help attendees refine their publishing strategies. There will also be dedicated time for Q&A, ensuring that every writer leaves with clear next steps.

As the Carrollton Bookfest approaches, excitement is building for this opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry. Whether you're aiming for bookstore shelves or looking to self-publish with confidence, Paths to Publicationoffers the guidance you need. Be sure to tune in to GeorgiaRadio.com for an exclusive conversation with George Weinstein and join the literary celebration at the festival!

QUICK LINK: https://www.carrolltonbookfest.com/events

QUICK LINK: https://www.georgeweinstein.com/

#georgiaradio #georgeweinstein #carrolltonbookfest

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GEORGIA RADIO - Folks, today’s a big day for country music fans. We’re dusting off some real-deal, honky-tonk gold as George Jones – The Lost Nashville Sessions finally sees the light of day! This long-lost collection of 16 newly mastered tracks is available now, and we had none other than Nancy Jones on Georgia Radio to tell the story behind it.

If you love classic country—real country—then you already know George Jones wasn’t just a singer; he was a storyteller, a man who poured his heart into every note. But like any legend, there are always stories left untold, song recordings left unheard. That’s exactly what this album brings to the table—hidden gems from The Possum himself, recorded during his peak in Nashville and now, at long last, ready for the world.

Nancy Jones, George’s widow and keeper of his legacy, sat down with us to share how these lost sessions came to be, what made these recordings so special, and why they deserve a place in every fan’s collection. Hearing her talk about George’s voice, his passion, and the magic of these tracks—well, it’ll make you want to drop everything and take a listen.

And the best part? You don’t have to wait. The Lost Nashville Sessions is available TODAY, March 21st. So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, tune in to Nancy’s interview on Georgia Radio, and then go grab your copy. This is one you won’t want to miss.

🎶 Take a listen, buy the album, and keep real country music alive! 🎶

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/gtqyPlS

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GEORGIA RADIO - Every now and then, a song comes along that catches folks off guard in the best way possible. Robby Johnson’s latest single, Thank God It's Friday, does just that. What starts as a heartfelt love song quickly takes a turn, revealing that the real romance isn’t with a person—it’s with an ice-cold Friday night brew.

This brilliantly crafted anthem is sure to have listeners grinning as they catch on to the twist. With a catchy melody and lyrics that walk the line between sentimental and downright clever, Thank God It’s Friday is set to become a weekend favorite.

Be sure to tune in to Georgia Radio on February 12th at noon Eastern to hear the song played in full. And if you want the inside scoop on how it all came together, catch our exclusive interview with Robby Johnson on the podcast afterward. One thing’s for sure—this one’s bound to be a hit.

QUICK LINK: https://www.robby-johnson.com

#georgiaradio #mygeorgiaradio #thankgoditsfriday #robbyjohnsonmusic

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Carrollton Bookfest Preview: Elyse Wheeler Chats with Georgia Radio’s Matt Jolley

This Thursday, January 23rd, at 12 noon, tune in as Matt Jolley, host of Georgia Radio, interviews editor Elyse Wheeler about the exciting plans for this year’s Carrollton Bookfest.

The Carrollton Bookfest is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event, with a stellar lineup of speakers, workshops, and opportunities for book clubs to connect with their favorite authors. The festival promises an inspiring mix of panels, signings, and discussions, creating the perfect atmosphere for readers and writers alike.

Whether you’re an avid reader or part of a book club looking for your next literary outing, this year’s Bookfest has something special in store. Catch Matt and Elyse’s conversation to learn more about the event, and be sure to visit CarrolltonBookFest.com for full details, including schedules, tickets, and featured guests.

Mark your calendar—Carrollton Bookfest celebrates The Power of Story.

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GEORGIA RADIO – Tune in on Monday, January 20th, at 12 PM ET, as the celebrated, multi-award-winning southern author Bren McClain takes to the Georgia Radio airwaves. Known for her poignant storytelling and critically acclaimed works, Bren will discuss her upcoming Master Prose Class at the 2025 Carrollton Book Fest.

With numerous accolades under her belt, including the esteemed Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction, Bren’s mastery of the written word has cemented her place among the South’s literary greats. Now, she’s sharing her expertise with aspiring writers in a highly interactive, day-long workshop designed to elevate their craft.

Bren's goal is for each participant to leave not only with fresh insight into their work but also with that all-important fire to get back to the page.

A Workshop for Serious Writers

The Master Prose Class is limited to just 12 participants, making the application process highly competitive. Writers are invited to submit 1,000 words (preferably from the beginning of their manuscript) by February 17, 2025. Submissions must be anonymous to ensure fair evaluation.

The $25 submission fee, payable through EventBrite, is non-refundable but will be applied toward the class fee of $100 if selected.

What to Expect

In the morning, participants will engage in guided feedback sessions to uncover the strengths of their prose. The afternoon will be dedicated to hands-on revising or creating new material, ensuring that every attendee walks away with actionable insights and tangible progress.

Selected participants will be notified by March 2, 2025, and must submit a longer piece (up to 2,500 words) by March 16, 2025, for group distribution.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

This is a rare chance to learn from one of the South’s most distinguished literary voices. Tune in to Georgia Radio on Monday, January 20th, to hear Bren McClain share insights about her craft, her love of teaching, and what attendees can expect from her Master Prose Class.

For submission details and more information, email [email protected].

QUICK LINK: https://www.brenmcclain.com

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GEORGIA RADIO - This week on Georgia Radio with Matt Jolley, we’re sittin’ down with John Hensley, a true Georgia guy and U.S. Army veteran of the Iraq War who’s now making waves as a singer-songwriter. John’s celebrating the release of his brand-new single, "Better Be Tough," a track that packs a punch and speaks to the grit and heart it takes to keep going through life’s toughest moments.

In this episode, you’ll hear all about John’s journey—from his time serving our country to finding his voice in country music right here in Georgia. He’s been making a name for himself with his recent EP and is quickly becoming a favorite across the Peach State.

So grab a seat and get to know John as he shares stories from the road, the heart behind his music, and what’s next for this rising star.

Tune in now and be sure to download the FREE My Georgia Radio app for iPhone and Android to listen anytime, anywhere, and catch all our great shows!

QUICK LINK: https://linktr.ee/Jhensley1443?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZRR4Nd2KZuhU5nnMwHNoreTHArzRNXI3JTpu9zNiPwU37Bt6BCqfb3uSQ_aem_SRrvolB4fwdqiFBYJKq_CQ

**Download the app and don’t miss out on the music and stories that make Georgia shine!**

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