Sweet Tea & History: Recent Episodes
WALB Digital
Have you ever visited South Georgia? You may have driven through it, but have you ever actually stopped to see what's down here? If not, you may have no clue the sort of unique, fun, different and historical experiences you're missing out on. So, WALB's Krista Monk wants to introduce you to a little bit of our southern hospitality and charm, and share what makes South Georgia so uniquely different. So grab some sweet tea and listen to a bit of our southern history.
If you’re a foodie like myself, then you may genuinely appreciate that I saved this episode for the season finale of Sweet Tea & History. Farm-to-table really rose in popularity some years ago and one factory and restauranteur has taken that concept to heart. Jessica Little is a co-owner of Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville. It’s a cheese manufacturing facility that produces some delicious, award-winning cheeses right here in South Georgia. But it doesn’t stop there. Sweet Grass Dairy also has a restaurant in the heart of the Rose City and it’s called... The Cheese Shop. So if you want to know more about a cheesy South Georgia treasure, where you can buy the award-winning cheeses or just want to get a taste of Thomasville, make sure to listen to this week's episode of Sweet Tea & History.
War reenactments are pretty popular in the south. From all different decades, the U.S. has been the battleground for many conflicts. And to bring life to our history are the people who dedicate their time, effort and energy to knowing the details of the battles so they can bring them back to life. Whether you're in it for the opportunity to experience history first-hand, just want an excuse to go camping (albeit in historically accurate dwellings) or just want to see a battle up close, war reenactments offer a way for kids, teens and adults to see history up close and in person. And the reenactors love getting a chance to teach people about the way life was years ago. So join me in getting to know the people who help bring history to life on a battlefield in South Georgia's own backyard.
If you want, need or are looking for a weekend getaway, Lakeland is a great option in South Georgia! Banks Lake, the Milltown Murals, a butterfly garden and so much more. And the thing is, the city is right at the intersection of Highway 129, Route 221 and Highway 135. So if you've traveled through South Georgia, it's possible you've already driven through Lakeland. But if you weren't looking for all of the southern charm the city offers, you may have missed it. However, there's a lot to love about Lakeland whether you're a fan of classic cars, fishing at a beautiful Lake, enjoying the history and beauty of the Milltown murals or just looking for some homegrown products.
Life has changed a lot over time, especially with today’s modern conveniences, but have you ever wondered what life was like before the Technological and Industrial ages? Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s (ABAC) Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton offers the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the life of those who lived long before us. Come with me on a journey through time led by the museum's director, Garrett Boone, and a man who knows just about everything, Johnny Johnson. The two of them dive into the wonderful world of the museum from its events to its store to its hands-on immersive experiences during the time of our ancestors. So what's happening at the museum? What can you expect when you visit? And what makes it so uniquely sweet and interesting? Find out on this week's episode of Sweet Tea & history.
Since it’s the week of Halloween when this episode goes live, I thought an episode on ghost stories would be absolutely perfect! So, this week’s episode comes from Baker County, near Newton, on a road deemed by locals as “Seven Churches Road.” It was a dirt access road that was off of Hardup Road in Albany years ago, that has since grown over. However, while the road may be gone, the ghost stories from it live on. So, whether you like ghost stories, just want to hear about a couple of kids (who are both now adults) getting scared in the woods or are just feeling the Halloween vibe, then take some time to listen to this week’s episode of Sweet Tea & History!
Civil War veterans, both Union and Confederate, are buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Georgia, something you won't find just anywhere. But there's a reason why you'll find it in Fitzgerald. When it comes to having a unique history, Fitzgerald is rich with stories, but the most fascinating one may just be how the town was built. Founded by a Union soldier after the Civil War, the city itself is an example of what happens when people come together despite their differences. While some southerners may have been reluctant about giving Union soldiers land to build a city, the story ends with both Confederate and Union soldiers marching side-by-side in celebration. But why was a Union soldier looking to build a city in the heart of the south? What happened when tons of them started showing up in South Georgia? And how did everyone end up marching together? Find out on this week's episode of Sweet Tea & History.
Fitzgerald, Ga. is known for its chickens. Possibly because they aren't your average chickens but are actually a surviving bloodline of the Red Junglefowl that was brought over to the U.S. But it also may have something to do with the fact that they run free in the city and are protected under a city ordinance. And of course, there is the fact that the city is currently in the process of building the world's largest topiary chicken that will also be an Airbnb. So, the birds are most definitely a part of the town and are even celebrated every year with the Wild Chicken Festival. But they weren't always a city favorite and led to some pretty packed city commission meetings. So, how did they become a staple of Fitzgerald? Why were they brought to the U.S. in the first place? And how have they survived? Find out on this week's episode of Sweet Tea & History.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Phoebe Putney Health System President and CEO Scott Steiner. In the final episode of the podcast series, the two discussed how far Dougherty County and South Georgia have come since the beginning of the pandemic. They also talked about the vaccine, how many shots Phoebe has distributed and what the future looks like when it comes to the coronavirus. So, what does Steiner see as the next steps for Phoebe and the community? Find out in this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler about his extremely unique perspective on the pandemic. As the man responsible for handling those who have passed, he was also the one to manage the large number of people who died from COVID-19 when the county was one of the hardest-hit areas in the world. From having to manage more bodies than our morgue was built for, to having to explain to loved ones that the bodies of those who died couldn't be released until a COVID test had come back, to getting calls from people all over the world about how to manage during the pandemic, Fowler played a huge role when Dougherty County was hit so hard. So, how did he get through it? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krist Monk spoke with Greg Edwards, the district attorney for the Dougherty Judicial Circuit. The two discussed how the virus has backlogged cases, how his office is addressing the caseloads that continue to pile up and even the D.A.'s first interaction with COVID-19. So, just how many cases are still waiting to see their day in court? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Dougherty County EMS Director Sam Allen. When Albany was a hotspot for COVID, Sam's team was delivering patients to the ER as quickly as possible to keep up with the sheer volume. But despite the number of people needing EMS response, Sam and his crew were able to keep up. So what was it like for the frontline workers who were trying to treat COVID patients and get them to a hospital as quickly as possible? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Traveling Nurse Joanna Waggoner. Joanna is an ICU nurse who has been working the COVID floor, a mom of three, a student and so much more. She described her experience working in Albany at Phoebe, giving COVID-19 vaccine shots, being away from her family and juggling school at the same time. But how has being a COVID nurse who has been separated from her loved ones impacted Joanna? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Doretha Hamilton, a COVID-19 survivor with an amazing story of strength and overcoming. Doretha had beat breast cancer twice before she contracted coronavirus. With her faith in God, her prayer warriors, a few angels and her own will and strength, Doretha beat COVID-19 too. Now she wants to share her story to show how grateful she is. But what was her experience with COVID-19 and how is she doing now? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Martistene Williams, an Albany COVID survivor. Martistene spent about nine months recovering in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Now she's telling her story of how she feels and what she's still dealing with even after shaking the virus. So what does Martistene still deal with on a daily basis? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Amanda Manard, a fifth-grade teacher with Thomas County Schools. Amanda told Krista about the struggles of virtual learning, not being able to see her students face to face and trying to make sure her students didn't miss out by working from home. So, what was the hardest part and what kept her going through her struggles as she learned to navigate virtual education while teaching at the same time? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Joy Crosby, the assistant executive director for the Georgia Peanut Commission. While farmers and the peanut commission were impacted by the pandemic, peanuts and farmers were needed just as much, if not more than ever. Joy explains how the commission and farmers were impacted, how they adapted, but also, how peanuts were able to help with some of the food insecurity created by COVID-19. So how did Georgia peanuts come through in a huge way? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Laconyea Lynn, one of the first COVID-19 patients at Phoebe, and Traveling Nurse Kim Sloan, who helped treat Laconyea. In early March of 2020, Laconyea was brought to the hospital, intubated, treated for several medical conditions that arose as she battled the coronavirus. And by her side was one of several nurses, Kim. As nurses struggled to keep pace with Albany's early influx of COVID patients, Kim said Laconyea was her hope because every day she came into work, Laconyea was still in room 11, fighting for her life. During that time, Kim was one of the people telling Laconyea's son what was going on and keeping him informed on his mother's condition. When Laconyea woke up to a completely different world than she remembered, Kim explained what she had been doing as her nurse and that she was making sure her son knew what was going on. Now that Laconyea is out of the hospital, the two remain friends and talk frequently. But what were their individual experiences like and what's next for these two? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Pam and Larry Hagan of Terrell County. Larry was hospitalized in March of 2020, and he still hasn't been able to come home. He's spent the last year fighting for his life against COVID-19. Pam has also been fighting for Larry's life, but she's had to do it from a distance. Now, Larry is in rehab, working to rebuild the muscle lost while he battled the coronavirus. So, when will he and Pam finally be reunited? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Allison Tresner and Jake Massey, who are both second-year students at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in Moultrie, Ga. They discussed the curriculum and the impact of COVID-19 on their studies, as well as how the pandemic has affected their interest in studying medicine. So what's it like for medical students getting ready to start clinicals during a pandemic? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk sat down with WALB's Today in Georgia Anchor Emileigh Forrester. After a year of pandemic coverage, they've seen, covered and been through a lot. So what's it been like working in news during a pandemic, seeing our communities rally together to flatten the curve and getting through 365 days of COVID-19? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital's VP of Operations Will Peterson. He was a part of organizing Phoebe's COVID-19 vaccination process. He explains how vaccines are going at Phoebe, the concerns of vaccine shortages and the process of getting vaccinated from application to scheduling your second shot. So, what can you expect when you go to get the vaccine? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Terry Ho. He is the VP and one of the creators of the OrderEats app that is hooking up mom-and-pop restaurants with delivery services. The app has also helped to create jobs in the area as well as providing a service that came along at just the right time. OrderEats launched its delivery services in March of 2020 — just as the pandemic was ramping up, especially here in Albany, Georgia. But what exactly can the app provide local restauranteurs and consumers in the area? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
We're back! And this week, host Krista Monk sat down with Britny Wray. She's the owner of the brand new Broken Heart Bakery in downtown Albany Georgia. Britny developed a heart condition during the pandemic and was told she couldn't work until the doctors were able to figure out what's wrong and how to fix it. So, to make up for some of that income, she started selling freshly baked goods out of her home. What started off as a small side project eventually grew so big, she couldn't do it out of her home anymore. However, how could she juggle having three kids, all of which were doing virtual learning from home, taking care of and rehoming foster pets, and trying to keep herself and her family healthy in a pandemic as well as trying to start a new business? Find out on this week's episode of The Voices of COVID-19.
In the last episode of 2020, Host Krista Monk spoke with Dr. Ann Kimbrough about dealing with the financial crisis created by a pandemic that forced an economic shutdown. Many are struggling to pay bills and make ends meet. But is there help available? Find out what Dr. Kimbrough had to say about getting through these difficult financial times on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19. Also, stay tuned to the end of this episode to find out about the future of the podcast!
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Phoebe Putney Health System President and CEO Scott Steiner. The two discussed what it's been like for the hospital as it tries to prepare to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and offer shots to the community while also battling another surge in cases. While the prospect of a vaccine is a dash of hope, the community has to work together so it doesn't see the same number of cases it did earlier this year. So how are Steiner and his staff handling all of this? Find out on this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Psychotherapist Andy Martin. When looking at the effects of COVID-19, mental health is among the many things impacting people all over the world as social distancing, job loss and many other factors can cause mental stressors. So what can make it worse, and what might make it a little easier to manage? These are the questions Monk and Martin discuss in Episode 14 of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week Host Krista Monk spoke with Mandy Hall, the Emergency Room director for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Phoebe, based in Albany, Ga., saw a massive spike in cases right at the beginning of the pandemic as the city became one of the worst hotspots in the country based on per capita comparisons. So, what did it look like from the ER of the city's only hospital? Mandy explains what she and her staff experienced and what they continue to deal with on a daily basis in this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19 brought to you by WALB. If you would like to tell your story about how you've been impacted by COVID-19, you can send an email to podcast@walb.com.
This week, Host Krist Monk spoke with Tammy Parker, the author of "Maddie's New Normal." It's a book aimed at helping kids understand the changes in their day to day life brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The book, written by Parker who is a former Albany resident, was also illustrated by Terrell Academy junior, Addie Gilley. Find out what inspired Parker to write the book and what her plans are next in this week's episode of the Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk shares her conversation with Commissioner, Teacher and Pastor Jeremy Rich in Thomas County. With the many hats he wears, he offers a wide and in-depth perspective on the pandemic. He spoke with Krista about the struggles many have faced, but also the things he said this pandemic has shown us, both good and bad.
The dynamic duo is back at it again! Damon Arnold joins Host Krista Monk once more to discuss how WALB's Celebrate South Georgia Tour went. they also discussed their favorite things about some of the cities they visited and the future of the Voices of COVID-19 podcast. The show started as a partner to the Celebrate South Georgia Tour, but what will happen to the podcast now that the tour is over?
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Patricia Vickers, a Douglas woman who lost her husband, Jessie, in April. After being with Jessie for 30 years, Patricia had to say goodbye to the love of her life when he lost his battle with COVID-19 and died at a hospital in Savannah. Patricia courageously came on the air with us to explain her journey from the moment Jessie felt sick to the moment she was told he wasn't going to make it.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Chip Blalock, the executive director of the Sunbelt Ag Expo, which takes place every year in Moultrie. That is, until this year. While COVID-19 may have stopped them from hosting the massive event, it didn't stop them from continuing many of their traditions. Hear from Blalock on how the decision was made and what's been going on since they made the call to cancel the Expo amid the pandemic.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Vickie Suggs, the owner of S & F Events Company in Omega, Ga. Not only does she operate the event planning business, but she's running it with her family. So, just what and how much has changed for event planners? Suggs gives some insight into planning everything from birthday parties to weddings amid a pandemic.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Thomasville City Schools (TCS) Superintendent Ben Wiggins. After stepping in on Jan.1 to take the helm of TCS, he didn't have long before everything about running a school system changed. He explains how he, his staff and the students have handled the pandemic so far and what he's hoping to do next.
This week, Host Krista Monk spoke with Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock. He's seen his community through many disasters. And COVID-19 hasn't been any different, even after losing his wife to non-COVID related health issues. Despite his personal struggles, he's still caring for his county, overseeing the jail and doing his part to keep his staff safe. Find out what he said got him through so much in this episode of WALB's Voices of COVID-19.
This week, Host Krista Monk sat down with Maj. Richard McCorkle of the Americus Police Department. He offered his perspective on how the virus has affected officers and his family. McCorkle also gave insight on what it's been like for him to be an officer amid a pandemic.
This week, Host Krista Monk was joined by Nick Harden, the owner of Big Nick's, a BBQ, soul food and wings restaurant in Valdosta, Georgia. Big Nick himself was not only trying to keep his business going amid a pandemic, but he and his wife both contracted the virus. The two discuss everything from how Nick felt when he witnessed another patient die from COVID-19 while he was in the ICU, to bouncing back from the virus and finding a way to grow his business.
This week, Host Krista Monk sits down with Scott Steiner, the CEO and president of the Phoebe Putney Health System. They discuss everything from vaccines, coronavirus controversy and moments that moved Steiner as he helps manage a pandemic only one year after taking the helm at Phoebe.
This week WALB introduces its new podcast, The Voices of COVID-19. Meet your host, Krista Monk. Each week, she will introduce another person who has been impacted by the coronavirus and how they have worked to overcome the struggles the virus has brought on them. This week, Damon Arnold, an anchor and journalist for the station, explains his experience from a journalist's perspective covering COVID-19 and his Celebrate South Georgia Community Tour that will launch Thursday, Sept.10 on WALB News 10 at 5:30 p.m.