SML Buzz

Hosted by Grove Street FM

Leisure Health Fitness

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

About the show

SML BUZZ is a podcast focusing on the people that make Smith Mountain Lake thrive! Each week we’re joined by community leaders, business owners and residents that make Smith Mountain Lake the special place we all know and love. Join the Voice of Smith Mountain Lake, PJ Belle, each week as she brings listeners the people, places and events that make Smith Mountain Lake the place everyone wants to live!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 2, 202619 min

Changing Lives Through Horses: Tackfully Teamed & the SML Charity Home Tour

Horses can do far more than take us for a ride, they can help build confidence, independence, strength, and skills that carry into everyday life. On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with Julia Lafond , program staff member and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with Tackfully Teamed , to talk about the organization’s therapeutic riding program and the impact it is making throughout the community. Julia shares how Tackfully Teamed works with nearly 35–40 participants each week, using horsemanship and riding skills to help participants develop valuable life skills beyond the barn. She also talks about the horses that make the program possible, the volunteers and interns who help keep everything moving, and the many ways the community can get involved. The conversation also turns to the 35th Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour , where Tackfully Teamed is connected with the beautiful Sycamore Heritage Home in Penhook . PJ and Julia preview the approximately 5,500-square-foot waterfront home, its modern coastal style, unique guest spaces, and the generations of family history reflected throughout the property. Plus, learn more about volunteer opportunities, internships, community partnerships, upcoming Tackfully Teamed events, and how you can support the organization. https://www.tackfullyteamed.com/ Learn more and purchase tickets to the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: https://smlcharityhometour.com 🎙️ SML Buzz Podcast: sharing the people, organizations, events, and stories that make the Smith Mountain Lake community special. The SML Buzz Podcast is sponsored by PJ at the Lake / PJ Belle . BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! https://www.pjatthelake.com

September 29, 202623 min

SML BUZZ: Agape, Community & the SML Charity Home Tour | Brad & Christine Broughton

There’s something special about a community coming together to help its neighbors, and few organizations represent that spirit better than Agape Center SML . On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with Brad and Christine Broughton , the new co-directors of Agape Center at Smith Mountain Lake, to talk about the organization’s mission, the hundreds of volunteers who keep it moving, and the many ways Agape serves families throughout Bedford and Franklin counties. Brad and Christine share their journey to Smith Mountain Lake, how they became involved with Agape, and what makes the organization’s approach to helping neighbors so unique. From food, clothing and household necessities to mentoring, furniture, firewood and programs designed to help families break cycles of poverty, Agape’s impact reaches far beyond what many people realize. Then the conversation turns to the 35th Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, October 9–11 , where Agape is partnering with the spectacular Schifferly Home . Sitting on approximately 1.4 acres with incredible water views, beautiful landscaping, contemporary and classic design influences, and plenty of unique features, it promises to be one of this year’s must-see homes. They also discuss volunteer opportunities during the Home Tour, accessibility considerations for the Schifferly Home, and how you can become involved with Agape throughout the year. Learn more about Agape Center SML and volunteer opportunities at AgapeCenterSML.org . Learn more about The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour and Purchase Your Tickets: https://smlcharityhometour.com 🎙️ SML Buzz is sponsored by PJ at the Lake 🏡 BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! 📞 540-525-0134 https://www.pjatthelake.com

September 22, 202629 min

SML Buzz: The Ultimate Guide to the 2026 SML Wine Festival with Jason Hodnett

Grab your wine glass because one of Smith Mountain Lake’s biggest weekends of the year is almost here! 🍷🎶 In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ welcomes Jason Hodnett, General Manager of Mango’s Bar & Grill and The Copper Kettle , for a complete preview of the 2026 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival , happening September 26–27 at Bernard’s Landing . They’re talking wineries, distilleries, live music, food, vendors, tickets, parking, the VIP experience, what to bring, festival traditions and everything first-time visitors need to know. Jason also explains the important community impact behind the celebration. The Wine Festival supports local nonprofit organizations through Hook, Lines & Singers , with more than 100 volunteers helping bring the weekend together. Plus, hear about this year’s music lineup, the Copper Kettle’s VIP menu, improvements to parking and transportation, Jason’s favorite Virginia wines and memories from nearly four decades of SML Wine Festival history. Whether this will be your first SML Wine Festival or your annual tradition , this episode will get you ready for an incredible weekend at the lake. 🎟️ September 26–27, 2026: https://smlwinefestival.com 📍 Bernard’s Landing | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia 🕚 Gates open at 11 AM And don’t forget to visit the SML Buzz / PJ at the Lake tent during the festival! SML Buzz is sponsored by PJ at the Lake. https://www.pjatthelake.com 💃🏻 BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! 📞 540-525-0134

September 15, 202628 min

SML Buzz & The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: 35 Years of Homes, Heart & Giving at Smith Mountain Lake

The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is celebrating an incredible 35 years, and this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast takes you behind the scenes of one of the lake’s most anticipated annual events! PJ sits down with Liz Harrison, Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour , from one of this year’s featured properties, the spectacular 13,000-square-foot Wilson Home, “Suite View.” Liz shares what makes the 2026 tour so special, including an incredible collection of eight featured properties showcasing everything from luxury lake living and global influences to a modular home, beautiful renovations, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired property, and even the tour’s first-ever Bourbon Barn and speakeasy! But the Home Tour is about far more than beautiful homes. Over its 35-year history, the event has distributed approximately $4.88 million to local charities serving communities surrounding Smith Mountain Lake. Even more impressive, more than $750,000 has been distributed since 2022 alone , with organizers hoping this year’s event could push that five-year total past the $1 million mark . PJ and Liz also talk about: • The stories and inspiration behind this year’s featured homes • The local charities benefiting from the tour • The special Raise a Glass for Charity wine tasting and auction • Unique auction items and experiences • What visitors need to know about tickets • Lake levels and whether guests will be able to arrive by boat • The volunteers, homeowners, sponsors and businesses who make the event possible Whether you love beautiful homes, Smith Mountain Lake living, supporting local nonprofits — or all three — this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎟️ Get your tickets and learn more: https://smlcharityhometour.com/ 🏡 And stay connected with PJ for more Smith Mountain Lake news, events, real estate and community stories at PJAtTheLake.com . BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE!

September 3, 202620 min

SML Buzz: 25 Years of Helping Bedford County Get There | Linda Brake & Bedford Ride

Transportation can be something many of us take for granted, until getting to a doctor’s appointment, treatment or other essential destination becomes a challenge. On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, sponsored by PJ at the Lake, PJ sits down with Linda Brake, Program Manager for Bedford Ride through the Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living, to talk about a program that has been making a difference throughout Bedford County for 25 years. Linda has been part of Bedford Ride for nearly 23 of those years and shares how the program provides non-emergency medical transportation for older adults, people with disabilities and veterans who may not otherwise have reliable transportation. PJ and Linda also discuss Bedford Ride’s involvement in the 35th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, where the organization will host the Cameron Home, a beautiful 4,300-square-foot, three-story lake home and the first modular home ever featured on the tour. They also cover ways the community can get involved, from volunteering and supporting Bedford Ride to participating in the Smith Mountain Lake Civitan Club’s annual charity golf tournament benefiting several local nonprofits. It’s another great reminder of what makes the Smith Mountain Lake and Bedford communities special: people stepping up, giving their time and helping their neighbors. Listen in and learn more about Bedford Ride, the Charity Home Tour and the people working every day to make our community stronger. Learn more about Bedford Ride on their website: https://bedfordride-cvacl.org/ Purchase Tickets to the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: https://smlcharityhometour.com/ Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 . Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate at https://www.pjatthelake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ Belle! 540-525-0134 💃🏻 You'll Be Glad You Did!

August 25, 202621 min

SML Buzz Podcast: Community, Care & the Charity Home Tour with Dr. Tonia Socha-Mower of Bernard Healthcare Center

On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle welcomes Dr. Tonia Socha-Mower, Associate Director of Bernard Healthcare Center of Franklin County , for a conversation about community, healthcare, volunteerism, and one of Smith Mountain Lake’s favorite annual traditions, he Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour . Tonia shares her journey to Southwest Virginia and Smith Mountain Lake, her longtime work in public health, and the important role Bernard Healthcare plays in providing medical services and support to uninsured individuals throughout Franklin County and the surrounding communities. The conversation also gives listeners a special preview of the spectacular Benda Home , one of the featured homes on this year’s Charity Home Tour. From distinctive architecture and internationally collected pieces to a beautiful compass inlay representing Smith Mountain Lake, the home promises plenty for tour-goers to discover. PJ and Tonia also discuss how proceeds from the Charity Home Tour directly benefit local organizations, why Bernard Healthcare’s participation is so important, and the growing need for volunteers both during the tour and at the clinic itself. If you love Smith Mountain Lake, beautiful homes, and seeing the community come together for a meaningful cause, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎙️ In this episode: The mission and community impact of Bernard Healthcare Center Tonia’s background in healthcare and public health A preview of the Benda Home What visitors can expect during the SML Charity Home Tour How Charity Home Tour proceeds support local organizations Volunteer opportunities with Bernard Healthcare and the tour Why access to healthcare remains an important issue throughout the region Learn more about Bernard Healthcare and volunteer opportunities at BernardHealthcare.com . And be sure to make plans for the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, October 9–11 , with Raise the Glass on October 7 . You can learn more here: https://smlcharityhometour.com/ Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 . Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate at https://www.pjatthelake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ Belle! 540-525-0134 💃🏻

August 11, 202625 min

SML Buzz: Behind the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: Supporting Our Community

The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour showcases some incredible homes, but the real story is the incredible impact it makes throughout our community. In this special episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle kicks off a series of conversations highlighting the charities and organizations connected to the annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour. Joining PJ are Andrea Fanzler, Director of Development for the Franklin County YMCA; Alicia Reid, Manager of the Franklin County YMCA; and Frank Geovannello of Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue. They talk about the people, programs and missions that make these organizations so important to the Smith Mountain Lake community, from youth programs and water safety to programs for older adults, emergency response on the lake and much more. You’ll also hear more about the upcoming Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, the spectacular Wilson property featured on this year’s tour, volunteering, and how supporting the Home Tour ultimately helps support organizations doing important work right here in our community. And somehow… trapeze yoga enters the conversation. 😂 You’ll have to listen to understand that one! PJ at the Lake is proud to be a multiple Platinum Sponsor of the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour and proud to help shine a spotlight on the people and organizations making Smith Mountain Lake such a special place to call home. Learn more about the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: https://smlcharityhometour.com Visit the Franklin County YMCA: https://www.franklincountyymca.org Find out more about the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue: https://www.smlmfr.com Know someone who would make a great guest on the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 . Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate at https://www.pjatthelake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ Belle! 540-525-0134 💃🏻 You'll be glad you did!

July 9, 202628 min

SML Buzz Encore: Vicki Gardner's Incredible Story of Survival, Strength & Hope

Some conversations deserve to be heard more than once. This week on the SML Buzz Podcast , we're bringing back one of our most powerful and unforgettable conversations as an Encore Presentation . PJ sits down with Vicki Gardner , author of Survival Has Consequences: Shot and Left to Die , to share the incredible story of surviving a targeted assassination that claimed the lives of two others during a live television interview. But this episode isn't simply about what happened that day. It's about what came afterward. Vicki speaks candidly about the physical recovery, emotional healing, the challenges of navigating the legal system, and the lifelong impact trauma leaves behind. Most importantly, she shares how she refused to let tragedy define her life. Her message of resilience, faith, gratitude, humor, and perseverance continues to inspire everyone who hears it. Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this remarkable conversation, you'll walk away reminded that even life's darkest moments cannot extinguish the strength of the human spirit. Connect with Vicki Gardner: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/vicki.gardner3 Get your copy of Survival Has Consequences: Shot and Left to Die : 👉 https://a.co/d/9ZwjtIq Know someone who would make a great guest on the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 . Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate at https://www.pjatthelake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ Belle! 540-525-0134 💃🏻 You'll be glad you did!

June 18, 202629 min

From Postpartum Struggles to Purpose: How Mother Up! Is Changing Lives

What if asking for help after having a baby was met with compassion instead of fear? In this inspiring episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ sits down with Katie Douglas , Founder of Mother Up! Inc. , to discuss her deeply personal journey through postpartum depression and the incredible nonprofit she is building to support mothers in crisis. Katie shares how her own experience sparked a vision for something that doesn't currently exist in Virginia, a place where mothers can receive mental health treatment without being separated from their babies. The conversation explores: ❤️ Katie's remarkable life journey and what brought her to Southwest Virginia ❤️ The powerful story behind the creation of Mother Up! Inc. ❤️ Why postpartum mental health deserves more attention and support ❤️ The organization's vision for a first-of-its-kind crisis center for mothers and infants ❤️ How the community can help through volunteering, fundraising, and spreading awareness You'll also learn about Bricks & Blooms , Mother Up!'s upcoming family-friendly fundraiser, where the community can come together to help build something truly life-changing for local families. This is more than a conversation about mental health—it's a conversation about hope, healing, and creating a community where no mother has to struggle alone. 💛 If you've ever known a new mom, love someone raising a family, or simply believe in supporting your community, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more: Purchase event tickets at www.givebutter.com/bricksandblooms Silent auction at www.givebutter.com/bricksandbloomsauction Silent auction is done digitally and all participants whether in person or on site, must register and bid online. Facebook.com/motherupinc founders@motherup.org 540-384-1952 Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz Learn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com

June 10, 202625 min

SML Songwriters Festival: Music, Community & Giving Back

🎶 The SML Songwriters Festival is bringing music, community, and giving back together at Smith Mountain Lake! In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ is joined by Doug Anderson , one of the key organizers behind the Smith Mountain Lake Songwriters Festival , to talk about the history, growth, and excitement surrounding this year’s festival. Doug shares how the festival has grown into a major celebration of live music at the lake, attracting songwriters from across the country, including Nashville, New York, Ohio, Florida, California, and beyond. He also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the festival week, from the Open Mic Grand Finale at Mango’s to the weekend lineup of songwriter sessions, live performances, auctions, raffles, and community events. This year’s festival supports two wonderful local charities: SML Good Neighbors and American Legion Post 62 , making every song, every ticket, and every donation part of something bigger for the Smith Mountain Lake community. PJ and Doug also highlight the incredible sponsors, volunteers, host families, local venues, and talented artists who make the festival possible, along with special performances, including headliner Brady Seals , co-founder of Little Texas. Whether you love live music, local events, giving back, or simply celebrating everything that makes Smith Mountain Lake special, this episode is full of heart, history, and community buzz. 🎧 Listen now and get ready to support the SML Songwriters Festival! Learn More About the SML Songwriters Festival: https://smlsongwriters.com Follow the SML Songwriters Festival on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smlsongwriters Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz Learn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing