Today’s episode is your boarding pass to a journey that’s about so much more than just booking a trip! It’s about discovering why we travel, how it transforms us, and how a thoughtfully planned journey can become a truly life-changing experience.

I’m joined by Frank & Courtney Adkinson, the team behind Luxury Outdoor Travel—a boutique travel company that’s redefining what it means to explore the world with purpose, style, and heart. Whether you’re dreaming of a culinary cruise through the Mediterranean, a reset adventure on a faraway mountain, or a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, they specialize in crafting experiences that go far beyond the click-and-book routine.

We’ll talk about the hidden value of working with a travel advisor, exciting trends in global travel, and the powerful difference between simply seeing the world—and experiencing it fully. You’ll also hear expert travel tips, stories from the road, and a few hard truths about what online booking sites won’t tell you.

So wherever you are, sit back and imagine the places you’ve always wanted to go. Because this episode might just be the inspiration that gets you there.

Todays Guest:

Frank & Courtney Adkinson

Luxury Outdoor Travel

Website: https://luxoutdoortravel.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 706-816-2778

Sponsors:

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

We continue our discussion from last week with Representative Trey Rhodes. Today’s guest is someone who helps shape the laws that shape our lives; both here at home and across the state of Georgia.

Representative Trey Rhodes is here to tell us about what happened in the 2025 legislative session under the Gold Dome, and he’s joining us to break it all down. From education reforms to economic development, tort reform to healthcare access, this session was packed with major issues that affect every Georgian, and Trey was right in the middle of it!

And for everyone in our area wondering about the Highway 44 road widening project, yes, we’re talking about that too! Trey gives us the latest updates, timelines, and what it means for growth and traffic here at the lake. Did anyone say roundabouts? And it sounds like we'll all need a little extra dose of patience.

In this episode, we’ll dig into the wins, the challenges, and the conversations that didn’t necessarily make the headlines, but matter deeply to folks right here in our community. We’ll also talk about what it means to represent a district like ours, how bipartisan progress still happens, and what he sees coming next for Georgia.

Whether you're into politics or just want to better understand how state decisions impact your everyday life, this is a behind-the-scenes conversation you won’t want to miss.

Todays Guest:

State Representative Trey Rhodes

Email: [email protected]

Capital Office Phone: 404-656-5099

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

Today’s guest is someone who helps shape the laws that shape our lives; both here at home and across the state of Georgia.

Representative Trey Rhodes is here to tell us about what happened in the 2025 legislative session under the Gold Dome, and he’s joining us to break it all down. From education reforms to economic development, tort reform to healthcare access, this session was packed with major issues that affect every Georgian, and Trey was right in the middle of it!

And for everyone in our area wondering about the Highway 44 road widening project, yes, we’re talking about that too! Trey gives us the latest updates, timelines, and what it means for growth and traffic here at the lake. Did anyone say roundabouts? And it sounds like we'll all need a little extra dose of patience.

In this episode, we’ll dig into the wins, the challenges, and the conversations that didn’t necessarily make the headlines, but matter deeply to folks right here in our community. We’ll also talk about what it means to represent a district like ours, how bipartisan progress still happens, and what he sees coming next for Georgia.

Whether you're into politics or just want to better understand how state decisions impact your everyday life, this is a behind-the-scenes conversation you won’t want to miss.

Todays Guest:

State Representative Trey Rhodes

Email: [email protected]

Capital Office Phone: 404-656-5099

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

Continuing from last week, today’s episode is all about wellness—from the inside out—and a brand-new spot that’s about to change the way we sip, snack, and start our mornings, and afternoons, here in Lake Country.

My guest is Margaret Bermudez, a master of nutrition with a passion for helping others feel their best through food, education, and holistic care. She’s part of the team at IV Wellness Solutions, where science meets self-care—but today, she’s here to share something brand new.

Margaret and Lisa Tubbs, are in the final stages of launching Compassion Café, a unique coffee and tea shop with a healthy, organic twist. Think clean ingredients, functional flavors, and a warm, welcoming space where wellness meets community. If you’ve ever wondered whether your morning latte could actually be good for you—this is the episode for you.

We’ll talk about how nutrition impacts everything from energy to mood, some surprising truths most people don’t know about what they eat, and why she believes coffee culture can be a gateway to better health.

So grab your favorite cup and get comfortable—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Todays Guest:

Margaret Bermudez - Compassion Cafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576619874708

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

Today’s episode is all about wellness—from the inside out—and a brand-new spot that’s about to change the way we sip, snack, and start our mornings, and afternoons, here in Lake Country.

My guest is Margaret Bermudez, a master of nutrition with a passion for helping others feel their best through food, education, and holistic care. She’s part of the team at IV Wellness Solutions, where science meets self-care—but today, she’s here to share something brand new.

Margaret and Lisa Tubbs, are in the final stages of launching Compassion Café, a unique coffee and tea shop with a healthy, organic twist. Think clean ingredients, functional flavors, and a warm, welcoming space where wellness meets community. If you’ve ever wondered whether your morning latte could actually be good for you—this is the episode for you.

We’ll talk about how nutrition impacts everything from energy to mood, some surprising truths most people don’t know about what they eat, and why she believes coffee culture can be a gateway to better health.

So grab your favorite cup and get comfortable—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Todays Guest:

Margaret Bermudez - Compassion Cafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576619874708

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

You’ve probably heard the rumors, but you want to know what’s REALLY happening at the former Bone Island Grill location...

Today on the show, we’re welcoming back a familiar voice—and he’s bringing some big, exciting news to the Lake Country!

You already know Gary Sofen as the owner of the popular Lake Oconee Bistro, a staple in our local dining scene. But now, he’s setting his sights on the water—literally. Gary has just purchased the former Bone Island Grill property, a once-beloved boat-up restaurant that’s been sitting quiet for years… until now.

Today, we’ll dive into Gary’s bold new vision for reviving and reinventing the space. What kind of restaurant is he bringing to the lakefront? What will the menu look like? And how is he planning to create a destination that’s as welcoming to boaters as it is to patrons arriving by car?

We’ll talk concept, culture, construction—and get a sneak peek at how the two restaurants will be able to work together, while still maintaining their unique vibe. Whether you’re a foodie, a lake lover, or just curious about what’s coming next to our corner of Georgia, you won’t want to miss this one!

Todays Guest:

Gary Sofen - Owner

Bistro Website: https://www.lakeoconeebistro.com/

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

Today, I’m excited to introduce a guest who brings a unique blend of business acumen, community spirit, and a passion for sports: Corey Schachter.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Corey has called Georgia home for eight years and has lived at the Lake for the last four years. His move to the lake was driven by a desire to "simulate living on vacation" after his family grew unexpectedly to include five young children, the youngest being twins!

Professionally, Corey owns and manages an automotive warranty company headquartered just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Beyond his primary business, Corey has taken on an incredibly unique project here at the lake: he owns and manages the Lake Oconee “Wild Things” baseball team. Inspired by a low-cost, family-friendly baseball experience he witnessed in Buffalo, he sought to bring a similar community activity to Lake Oconee. He acquired the “Wild Things" team in the middle of last season and relocated them to the Lake Oconee area. The team plays its home games at Lake Oconee Academy's baseball field, which boasts a turf field. A unique aspect of their league is that players use wooden bats. Corey emphasizes that the games offer "serious baseball" for young collegiate athletes aspiring to play at higher levels, with scouts attending games and past players having moved on to minor league teams.

The team also features a celebrity announcer, "Lake Life Larry" Wax, who brings extra energy and family-friendly antics between innings. Corey is deeply committed to ensuring the team provides a positive experience, both for the players (many of whom are hosted by local families) and for the community, aiming for family-friendly entertainment and engagement.

Todays Guest:

Corey Schachter -

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574032801024

Website: https://lakeoconeewildthings.com/

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

Today, we continue talking with a guest who brings a wealth of knowledge and a fascinating career journey to our conversation: Mark Engel.

Mark is originally from Minnesota, though he grew up in Park Forest, a suburb of Chicago, famously developed for World War II military families.... His extensive background in journalism began early, working at radio stations during high school and college. He then transitioned into broadcast news, starting in cable in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, before moving to TV stations in Knoxville and Asheville, North Carolina.

Mark's career truly blossomed in Atlanta, where he worked at WAGA (Channel 5) for a dozen years as a reporter and anchor, and later at WSB-TV, ultimately serving as a news director. He was at the forefront of major events, covering the return of American hostages from Iran in 1981, the World's Fair in Knoxville, and even helping secure and cover the Olympics for Atlanta.... Mark was also instrumental in the launch of the Georgia Lottery, designing and producing its live drawing shows.

After his time in local news, Mark spent over 12 years at CNN, where he held a critical role on "the row." In this position, he and a small team had the authority to approve scripts from correspondents worldwide, ensuring fairness, balance, and factual accuracy, often dealing with breaking news and intense situations.

Upon retiring to the Lake area in 2013, Mark couldn't stay away from journalism for long. He freelanced for the Lake Oconee News for 12 years and now runs "Under the Radar" on Next Door, a vital initiative to inform local citizens about upcoming county meetings and development plans, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Let’s welcome Mark as he shares his insights on the evolving landscape of news, local community issues, and much more!

Todays Guest:

Mark Engel -

Information: Log onto NextDoor - search for Mark Engel and/or Under The Radar

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

Today, we're honored to have a guest who brings a wealth of knowledge and a fascinating career journey to our conversation: Mark Engel.

Mark is originally from Minnesota, though he grew up in Park Forest, a suburb of Chicago, famously developed for World War II military families.... His extensive background in journalism began early, working at radio stations during high school and college. He then transitioned into broadcast news, starting in cable in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, before moving to TV stations in Knoxville and Asheville, North Carolina.

Mark's career truly blossomed in Atlanta, where he worked at WAGA (Channel 5) for a dozen years as a reporter and anchor, and later at WSB-TV, ultimately serving as a news director. He was at the forefront of major events, covering the return of American hostages from Iran in 1981, the World's Fair in Knoxville, and even helping secure and cover the Olympics for Atlanta.... Mark was also instrumental in the launch of the Georgia Lottery, designing and producing its live drawing shows.

After his time in local news, Mark spent over 12 years at CNN, where he held a critical role on "the row." In this position, he and a small team had the authority to approve scripts from correspondents worldwide, ensuring fairness, balance, and factual accuracy, often dealing with breaking news and intense situations.

Upon retiring to the Lake area in 2013, Mark couldn't stay away from journalism for long. He freelanced for the Lake Oconee News for 12 years and now runs "Under the Radar" on Next Door, a vital initiative to inform local citizens about upcoming county meetings and development plans, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Let’s welcome Mark as he shares his insights on the evolving landscape of news, local community issues, and much more!

Todays Guest:

Mark Engel -

Information: Log onto NextDoor - search for Mark Engel and/or Under The Radar

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/

Today we continue our conversation on community and public service with Paul Van Haute.

Paul grew up just outside the Philadelphia area, where he attended Villanova University, part of a long family tradition. He later had a career in the military which he describes as "awesome"! He served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, 21st Chemical Company.... He was stationed on a remote, one-square-mile island in the middle of the Pacific, dealing with chemical agents. Paul made 72 jumps during his military career, though his last jump unfortunately resulted in an injury that led to 70 operations!

After his military service and a career as a sales engineer, Paul transitioned into public work, earning a Master's in Public Administration from Kennesaw. He even served as mayor of Holly Springs, Georgia, where he focused on improving zoning and addressing community issues, helping the town grow significantly.

Since January 2010, Paul has been serving as the County Manager for Putnam County, overseeing 300 employees and working daily for the over 20,000 citizens. Under his leadership, the county has become financially envied by others similar in size, proactively managing infrastructure, like roads, and dealing with several major challenges. He's also been instrumental in exploring some innovative road materials, which promises roads that are "as hard as concrete, if not harder" and can last 20 or more years.... Paul is committed to strong city-county relations, fostering mutual respect and honest discussions.

Paul brings a unique blend of experience and dedication to his role, viewing his team as a "second family" focused on the mission of serving the community. We're excited to hear more about his insights and experience.

Todays Guest:

Paul Van Haute - Putnam County Manager

Website: https://www.putnamcountyga.us/

Address: 117 Putnam Drive; Eatonton, GA 31024

Phone: 706-485-5826

Sponsors:

ProSouth Services

https://prosouthservices.com/

Tim Broyles State Farm

https://mydowntownagency.com/Habitat for Humanity of Putnam

Reynolds Community Radio

https://reynoldscommunityradio.com/