In this powerful episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ sits down with Vicki Gardner for a conversation that is raw, honest, and deeply human.

Vicki is the author of Survival Has Consequences: Shot and Left to Die, a Survivor’s Story, a gripping account of surviving a planned assassination. She was shot and left for dead, the only survivor of a live television interview turned double murder.

But this story goes far beyond survival.

Vicki shares the long road that followed: painful surgeries, a broken and frustrating legal system, and the invisible psychological scars that never fully disappear. At its emotional core, this is a story about consequences, and the relentless fight to reclaim a meaningful life.

Rejecting the label of “victim,” Vicki opens up about the daily, often quiet choices that kept her moving forward: finding humor, leaning on community, choosing gratitude over bitterness, and accepting a “new normal” while still fully living inside it.

This is an unforgettable conversation about resilience, strength, and hope — and a reminder of the power of the human spirit when life is irrevocably changed.

Connect with Vicki:

👉 https://www.facebook.com/vicki.gardner3

Buy your copy of SURVIVAL HAS CONSEQUENCES:

👉 https://a.co/d/9ZwjtIq

Have a guest suggestion for the SML Buzz Podcast?

Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134

Learn more about the properties PJ has available:

👉 PJatTheLake.com

When you’re ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134

You’ll be glad you did!

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ sits down with Joey Donovant, founder of SML Gives Inc., to share how a deep love for Smith Mountain Lake turned into a powerful mission to fight hunger and end poverty across our community.

Joey talks about his journey from nonprofit work in Durham, North Carolina, to landing full-time at the “jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains” and seeing firsthand the needs of homebound, food-insecure neighbors in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties. Unlike traditional pantries, SML Gives focuses on the people who can’t get to a pantry at all—seniors, those facing illness, and neighbors living alone in rural areas. Through partnerships with organizations like Lake Christian Ministries and Stepping Stone Mission, SML Gives delivers food directly to their doors… and just as importantly, brings human connection.

Joey and PJ also spotlight the biggest fundraiser of the year: the SML Gives Holiday Benefit at Magnum Point Marina on Saturday, December 13, 2025, starting at 5:30 PM. Guests will enjoy a gourmet steak or salmon dinner prepared by the teams from Napoli by the Lake and Napoli Cowboy, with food provided by US Foods, entertainment by Sound Dog Productions, drink tickets included, a silent auction, 50/50 raffles, prizes, and a few surprise guests, maybe even one from the North Pole. 🎅

Whether you live at the lake full-time, visit often, or just love this community from afar, this conversation is a reminder that it truly takes a village, and that your support can put real meals on real tables this holiday season and beyond.

Learn more & get involved:

🌐 Website: smlgivesinc.org

📞 Call or text Joey: 919-432-3078 (on call 24/7 for SML Gives)

🛒 Donate or learn about food drop-off locations via smlgivesinc.org

🎟️ Holiday Benefit Tickets: online at smlgivesinc.org or in person at Detour Dental and Magnum Point Marina

If you have suggestions for guests for the SML Buzz Podcast, message PJ Belle on Facebook or call her at 540-525-0134.

Learn more about the properties that PJ has available by visiting her website, PJatTheLake.com and When you are ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134. You will be glad you did!

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle sits down with Bedford County Commissioner Edgar Tuck—on his birthday, no less—to talk about how Bedford County is growing, evolving, and staying true to its roots.

From expanding broadband access across the region to managing growth along Route 122, improving local infrastructure, and addressing key community needs like landfill management and school renovations, Edgar shares updates that impact every corner of the county. He also gives listeners a look ahead at exciting new residential and commercial developments—including major projects that could be game-changers for the Smith Mountain Lake area.

Plus, you’ll hear a few fun throwbacks to 80s rock concerts and life on a fifth-generation family farm. This episode is packed with insight, laughter, and a true sense of community pride.

Learn more about Bedford County: https://www.bedfordcountyva.gov/

Contact Edgar: eTuck@BedfordCountyVA.gov

If you have suggestions for guests for the SML Buzz Podcast, message PJ Belle on Facebook or call her at 540-525-0134.

Learn more about the properties that PJ has available by visiting her website, PJatTheLake.com and When you are ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134. You will be glad you did!