In This Episode

This episode features in-depth conversations with Lisa Lemon of the Ocmulgee Mounds Association and Scott Mitchell of Macon Pride, exploring the cultural, historical, and community significance of local initiatives and indigenous heritage in Macon. Discover how these organizations are fostering inclusivity, education, and preservation throughout the year.

Featured Guest:

Lisa Lemon, Ocmulgee Mounds Association

Topics include:

• The history and significance of Ocmulgee Mounds and efforts to make it a national park
• Partnerships between the Ocmulgee Mounds Association and park rangers for education and preservation
• The role of indigenous storytelling and cultural programming in community engagement

Featured Guest:

Scott Mitchell, Macon Pride

Topics include:

• The evolution of Macon Pride from a one-day event to a year-round organization
• The importance of authentic representation and collaboration with the Muscogee Nation
• How local organizations support LGBTQ+ youth and foster safe spaces
• Community involvement opportunities and volunteer programs at local festivals
• The impact of cultural tourism on Macon's economy and identity
• The role of music and art in expressing community pride

Sound Bites
"We created a safe space for people who hadn't had one."
"What have you done today to make you feel proud?"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Macon Fall Festivals and Key Guests
02:00 The Significance of Ukmulgi Mounds and Its Supporters
03:50 Partnerships for Preservation and Education at the Park
04:55 Cultural Programming and Indigenous Storytelling
06:58 The Role of the Muscogee Nation in the Park's Revival
08:56 Community Engagement and Support Opportunities
10:47 The Future of Ukmulgi Mounds and Cultural Tourism
13:06 The Origins and Growth of Macon Pride
14:53 Community Impact and Youth Engagement in Pride
16:53 Supporting LGBTQ+ Communities Year-Round
19:04 Music, Pride, and Personal Stories of Connection
21:02 How Local Businesses and Allies Support Pride
23:16 Closing Remarks and Call to Support Local Organizations

Featured Music

• "Proud" — Heather Small
• "Best Days of My Life" — American Authors

Connect

Ocmulgee Mounds Association - https://www.ocmulgeemounds.org/
Macon Pride - https://www.maconpride.org/
StreamTheCreek - https://streamthecreek.com

Listen to more original podcasts:
StreamTheCreek.com

Follow Stream the Creek on social media for new episodes, local stories, and community conversations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share Ripple Makers with someone who loves Macon and believes in the power of community.

Genuinely Southern Whether through writing, broadcasting, or word-of-mouth, stories have always forged a connection between people and places. Nowhere else is this truer than in The South. Southern artist, influencer, speaker, and author Mark Ballard will weave stories of life in Macon, Georgia, and stories of the South. Tales told as only Mark can, will be interwoven with guest interviews and listener questions and requests.

In This Episode

In this episode, we’re getting outside and exploring how two Macon organizations are helping people move, connect, and experience their community in new ways. From the explosive growth of pickleball to creating safer streets for biking and walking, Macon Pickleball and Bike Walk Macon are improving quality of life while building stronger connections between people and place.

Featured Guest: John "JR" Roberts

Macon Pickleball

Topics include:

• Why pickleball has become one of America's fastest-growing sports
• The physical and social benefits that make the sport accessible to nearly everyone
• How Macon's pickleball community grew from local courts to a nationally recognized destination
• Rhythm & Rally and Macon's emergence as a major pickleball tournament destination
• How pickleball tournaments generate visitation and economic impact for Macon
• Ways newcomers can get involved with Macon Pickleball
• The annual Pinkest Pickleball Party on the Planet

Featured Guest: Kaylee Pruitt

Executive Director, Bike Walk Macon

Topics include:

• Bike Walk Macon's mission to make getting around without a car safer and more accessible
• Helping adults rediscover biking and become comfortable riding in an urban environment
• The importance of safe transportation options for Macon residents
• Macon Bike Party and opportunities for beginner and experienced cyclists
• Ten years of Open Streets Macon and transforming roadways into community spaces
• Connecting neighborhoods through biking, walking, rolling, and public transit
• Macon's expanding bike infrastructure and creative traffic-calming projects
• Big Bike Ride, Streets for All Fest, and Macon Bike Walk Month
• Advocating for permanent change and safer streets for everyone

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest overview
01:33 What is pickleball and why is it popular?
03:34 Common misconceptions about pickleball
04:02 History and growth of pickleball in Macon
05:27 Social benefits and community impact of pickleball
07:09 Economic benefits of hosting pickleball tournaments
08:41 Humor and community spirit in pickleball
09:52 Getting involved with Making Pickleball
11:14 Music and culture in community activities
12:46 Introduction to Bike Walk Macon
14:00 The mission and growth of Bike Walk Macon
15:04 Addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety in Macon
16:01 Open streets initiative and community connection
17:55 How to get involved with Bike Walk Macon
21:12 Advocacy, future goals, and community impact
22:19 Support and membership opportunities
23:09 Closing remarks and episode wrap-up

Featured Music

• "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" — Whitney Houston
• "Waiting Room" — Fugazi

Connect

Macon Pickleball Official Website - https://maconpickleball.org/
Bike Walk Macon Official Website - https://bikewalkmacon.com/
StreamTheCreek - https://streamthecreek.com

Listen to more original podcasts:
StreamTheCreek.com

Follow Stream the Creek on social media for new episodes, local stories, and community conversations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share Ripple Makers with someone who loves Macon and believes in the power of community.

Genuinely Southern Whether through writing, broadcasting, or word-of-mouth, stories have always forged a connection between people and places. Nowhere else is this truer than in The South. Southern artist, influencer, speaker, and author Mark Ballard will weave stories of life in Macon, Georgia, and stories of the South. Tales told as only Mark can, will be interwoven with guest interviews and listener questions and requests.

In This Episode

In this episode, we explore the vibrant arts scene in Macon, Georgia, highlighting organizations like the Macon Arts Alliance and 478 Creatives. Discover how these groups foster community, support local artists, and promote public art and murals that tell Macon's story.

Featured Guests: Erin Hawkins & Kara Heard

478 Creatives

Topics include:

• The role of visual arts and murals in community identity
• How 478 Creatives supports diverse artists and fosters collaboration

Featured Guest: Julie Wilkerson

Executive Director, Macon Arts Alliance

Topics include:

• The impact of public art festivals like the Macon Mural Festival
• Opportunities for community involvement in arts organizations
• The importance of supporting local art for economic and cultural growth

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ripple Makers and Macon's Creative Scene
01:15 The Importance of Visual Arts in Community Building
02:16 Macon's Identity Beyond Music: The Visual Arts
03:07 Meet the Creatives: 478 Creatives and Their Mission
04:20 The Role of Art in Community Cohesion and Economic Development
05:55 Future Goals of 478 Creatives and Connecting Artists
07:11 Annual Events and Opportunities to Support Local Art
09:01 What Makes Macon Unique as a Creative Hub
10:33 Lessons Learned as an Artist and Organizer
11:25 Music and Art: The Cultural Vibe of Macon
13:27 Introduction to the Macon Arts Alliance
14:07 The Role of the Arts Alliance in Macon’s Cultural Life
15:33 Diverse Art Forms Supported by the Arts Alliance
16:32 The Make a Mural Festival and Its Impact
17:27 Community Engagement Through Art Events
18:36 Future Visions for the Arts in Macon
19:48 How to Get Involved with the Arts Alliance
21:02 Music as a Reflection of Community Values
22:09 Closing Remarks and Appreciation for Macon’s Arts Scene

Featured Music

• "Dog Days of Summer" — Florence + the Machine
• "Friendship Train" — Gladys Knight & the Pips

Connect

Macon Arts Alliance Official Website - https://www.maconartsalliance.org/
StreamTheCreek - https://streamthecreek.com

Listen to more original podcasts:
StreamTheCreek.com

Follow Stream the Creek on social media for new episodes, local stories, and community conversations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share Ripple Makers with someone who loves Macon and believes in the power of community.

Genuinely Southern Whether through writing, broadcasting, or word-of-mouth, stories have always forged a connection between people and places. Nowhere else is this truer than in The South. Southern artist, influencer, speaker, and author Mark Ballard will weave stories of life in Macon, Georgia, and stories of the South. Tales told as only Mark can, will be interwoven with guest interviews and listener questions and requests.