Macon It

In this episode of Macon It, we welcome back Stephen Adams, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, to pull back the curtain on one of the organizations shaping Macon's future. Stephen explains what the Industrial Authority actually does; from recruiting major industries and supporting the expansion of existing businesses to helping create the high-quality jobs that drive our local economy.

We also discuss how the Industrial Authority works alongside schools, local governments, and community partners to prepare the next generation of workers. That includes the newly launched Advanced Manufacturing Pathway, an innovative program connecting students with hands-on training and career opportunities in one of the region's fastest-growing industries.

Whether you've wondered how a company decides to locate in Macon or how today's students are preparing for tomorrow's careers, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and partnerships helping build Macon-Bibb's future.

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Emily Hopkins, Executive Director of Historic Macon, to explore how preserving historic homes and buildings helps preserve the stories of our community. Emily shares Historic Macon's mission to revitalize neighborhoods by protecting the places that make Macon unique and explains why preservation is about more than architecture, it's about people, culture, and community.

We also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Historic Macon's legendary Fall Flea Market, taking place October 2-4. Emily gives us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Macon's favorite traditions, where every purchase supports Historic Macon's preservation work and helps ensure our city's history continues to thrive for generations to come.

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Julia Morrison, Executive Director of the Piedmont Grand Opera House and the Robins Financial Capitol Theatre at Mercer University, to talk about the role the performing arts play in building a vibrant community.

Julia shares how these historic venues are creating welcoming spaces where everyone can experience the arts, whether it's your first show or your hundredth. We discuss why taking a chance on a performance you've never considered can lead to unforgettable experiences, and she gives us a preview of the exciting lineup of concerts, Broadway productions, Cirque performances, family shows, and more coming to Macon's stages.

Whether you're a lifelong theatergoer or someone who's never stepped foot in a space for the arts this episode might just inspire you to try something new.

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Natalie Allen, Recreation Programmer for Macon-Bibb County, to learn about the person behind many of the programs that bring our community together. From summer camps and after-school programs to Movies in the Park, adaptive recreation, fitness classes, and special events, Natalie helps create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn, and have fun.

We talk about the impact recreation has on building stronger neighborhoods, creating lifelong memories, and ensuring everyone has a place to belong. Whether you're looking for your child's next adventure or a new way to get involved in the community, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Macon-Bibb Recreation is enriching lives every day.

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims as students head back to the classroom for a new school year. We talk about his journey to Macon, the first week of school, and what drives his passion for making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Dr. Sims also shares why educating the next generation goes far beyond the classroom. From teachers and families to businesses, organizations, and neighbors, it takes an entire community showing up for our students. It’s a conversation about opportunity, encouragement, and what’s possible when Macon comes together to invest in its kids.

This special edition of Macon It, hosted by Chris Floore, takes you behind the scenes of one of the biggest projects in Macon-Bibb's history, the new Macon Arena.

Chris is joined by Will Christenbury of MFA Project Management and David Aiello of OVG to explore the vision and intentional design behind the arena as the community looks ahead to its groundbreaking. From architecture inspired by the Ocmulgee River and Macon's musical legacy to fan experience, flexibility, and community gathering spaces, every detail was designed with purpose. Learn how this next-generation venue will honor Macon's past while creating new opportunities for concerts, sporting events, conventions, and unforgettable memories for decades to come.

In this episode of Macon It, we're turning up the volume with a conversation about one of Macon's most beloved traditions, Bragg Jam. Joining us are current Bragg Jam President Olivia Walter, and former board members Everett Verner and Sean Pritchard. 

Together, we dive into the history of Bragg Jam, how it has evolved from a memorial concert into one of Macon's signature events, and what it takes to bring a citywide concert crawl to life. We also share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite memories, and why Bragg Jam continues to be a driving force for live music, local businesses, and Macon's creative culture.

Whether you're a longtime Bragg Jam fan or thinking about attending for the first time, this episode is your backstage pass to the people and passion behind the music.

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with the CEO of Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Krystal Crawford to talk about the impact Girl Scouts has on young girls across our community. While many people know Girl Scouts for their famous cookies, Krystal shares how the organization is about so much more — from building confidence and leadership skills to encouraging service, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

We talk about how Girl Scouts are preparing the next generation of leaders, empowering girls to make a difference in their communities, and creating opportunities that help them grow into strong, capable change-makers. It's a conversation about leadership, service, and the lasting impact of investing in our youth.

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Macon-Bibb County's Chief Information Officer, Tekquell Watson, to learn more about the person leading technology and innovation for our local government. A U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 25 years of experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and public service, Tekquell shares her journey to Macon and her vision for the future.

We also pull back the curtain on the County's Information Technology Department and the team that keeps everything running behind the scenes. From cybersecurity and digital services to smart city initiatives and improving government accessibility, Tekquell explains why technology plays such a critical role in serving our community and how Macon-Bibb is using innovation to build a more connected future.

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bill Causey, a longtime public servant and one of the driving forces behind many of Macon’s most beloved green spaces and trails. Even in retirement from Macon-Bibb County, Bill is still hard at work advocating for projects that connect people to nature, and to each other.

From helping pave roads and shape Macon’s water drainage systems early in his career to spearheading the growth of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, Bill has spent decades helping shape the way our community moves, gathers, and grows. We talk about the vision behind Macon’s trail system, the importance of public greenspace, and why creating pathways through the community is about much more than recreation, it’s about connection.