Explore Lake Murray Country Podcast
Welcome to the Explore Lake Murray Country Podcast
Your Guide to Come Alive in the Jewel of South Carolina
For more information about the region explore LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-Jewel
SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY | SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS
Episode 1
Come Alive in Lake Murray Country
Miriam Atria, President & CEO of Capital City/Lake Murray Country, joins host Kelly Hughes on the first episode of the Explore Lake Murray Country Podcast! Miriam discusses her 40-plus-year history with the organization and how she grew Capital City/Lake Murray Country into the tourism destination it is today.
Episode 2
Experiencing Nature in Congaree National Park
In Episode 2, Jon Manchester, the Chief of Visitor Services at Congaree National Park, joins Kelly to talk about this hidden jewel in SC. Tune in for a look at the history of Congaree that dates back to way before the park’s establishment. Jon also details the various attractions and events offered at the park, like the firefly synchronization, and shares some valuable advice for potential visitors.
Episode 3
Take A Walk on the Wild Side at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
In Episode 3, Tommy Stringfellow, the president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, joins Kelly to give a rundown of everything you can experience at Riverbanks, including the newly opened Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center. Tommy also talks about the new “Wild Lights” experience at the Zoo this winter, where you can discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature.
Episode 4
Paint The Town with Artist Michael Geddings
In Episode 4, Kelly sits down with Michael Geddings, a local mural and portrait artist in the area. Tune in to hear about Michael’s history with art and what its creation means to him. Michael also details his process when creating murals and portraits as well as his involvement in the colorful Cayce Arts District.
Episode 5
Make Waves with Palmetto Outdoor
In Episode 5, Palmetto Outdoor owner Michael Mayo sits down with Kelly to talk about why he started his company and his passionate mission to get people outside in nature. Michael also talks about the different tours that he offers and what to expect when you book a trip with Palmetto Outdoor.
Episode 6
Party With A Purpose at Taste of Lake Murray
In Episode 6, Vickie Davis, Senior VP of Special Events & Funding at Capital City/Lake Murray Country, joins Kelly to give a rundown and history of the annual Taste of Lake Murray fundraiser for the 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray. Tune in to learn about Vickie’s background, her involvement in the fundraiser, and the sentiment of these events to our local community and the village of volunteers it takes to put on the event.
Episode 7
Turn Up the Heat at the Southeastern BBQ Showdown
In Episode 7, Kelly is joined by Chef Brian Duffy and Olympian Mark Henry, who are celebrity judges at the Southeastern BBQ Showdown in Columbia, SC. Chef Duffy, known for his appearances on Food Network and Spike TV’s Bar Rescue, shares his background, his love for The Band Alabama, how he met co-judge Mark Henry and the secrets to a perfect plate of barbecue. Later in the show, Mark Henry, an Olympic weightlifter and former wrestler, talks about his journey into weightlifting and cooking, and reveals his favorite barbecue dish.
Episode 8
Bird is the Word with John Tjaarda
In Episode 8, local birder John Tjaarda joins Kelly and talks about how he became a “bird nerd”. He also gives the scoop on the different bird species you can find in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, his favorite bird species and the different bird walks he hosts.
Episode 9
Aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray with Captain Rick Crout
In Episode 9, Captain Rick Crout, one of the co-owners of the Spirit of Lake Murray, joins Kelly to talk about the different charters you can take, such as sunset cruises, watching the Purple Martins and renting out the ship for different events.
Episode 10
Hooked on Lake Murray with Davy Hite
In Episode 10, Davy Hite, a decorated professional angler and Bassmaster sportscaster, joins Kelly to discuss how growing up on Lake Murray formed his passion for fishing and his successful career as a professional angler. Davy also dives into some of his favorite things about fishing on Lake Murray and what makes it a fun fishing destination.
Episode 11
One Bite at a Time with Two Gals and a Fork Food Tours
In Episode 11, Janet Jordan and Gloria Freeman of Two Gals and a Fork Food Tours, join Kelly to celebrate their 10 year anniversary of offering food tours in the area and talk about how their business came to be.
Episode 12
Behind the Curtain at Newberry Opera House
In Episode 12, Kelly sits down with Anne Pinckney Smith, Executive Director of the Newberry Opera House, to discuss its impact on Newberry’s arts scene, the recent refresh of this historic venue, and legendary performers like Willie Nelson and Chubby Checker who have graced its stage.
Episode 13
Helping Hands to Leading Plans with Mayor Sloan Griffin III
In Episode 13, Kelly chats with Sloan Griffin III, Mayor of the Town of Blythewood, where he shares his journey from disaster relief to local leadership, favorite local eateries, and his vision for the town’s future.
Episode 14
Finding Your Green Thumb with The Columbia Garden Club
In Episode 14, Kelly chats with Stephanie Cordum, the President of The Columbia Garden Club, where she discusses the history of the club, its mission and how people can join. She also briefly talks about her history with gardening and the beginning of her membership in the Columbia Garden Club, as well as events the club is responsible for throughout the year.