Talk of the Town with Dr. Harper: Recent Episodes
Vein Specialists of the South
Join Dr. Harper and his good friend, Philip Swicegood, as they explore the best of what Central Georgia has to offer! From the Christmas lights to the Macon Bacon, they are here to give you the inside scoop on what's happening in the heart of Georgia.
A coach can change a life. That’s one of the core values of the Macon RBI program, headed up by one of our long-time friends, Jeff Battcher. Through his own experience, Jeff discovered how important sports can be to developing life skills on and off the field. With his support, and the contributions of countless others, the Macon RBI program seeks to serve close to 400 Macon children. Learn more about this incredible organization on this episode of Talk of the Town!
The Pinkest Party on earth is only a few weeks away! Dr. Harper and Phillip Swicegood catch up with Hannah Theus, Marketing Director of the Cherry Blossom Festival, about all the new events, great live music and family fun coming this year.
Join us as we interview Macon music icon, Susan McDuffie! From training at renowned musical schools all over the country to teaching her children and grandchildren to love music, Susan McDuffie has always had an ear for a beautiful melody. She is an integral member of the Macon musical scene, having served on many boards, including serving as the President of the Macon Symphony Orchestra. Don’t miss this great conversation with a community champion!
On this episode of Talk of the Town...
Dr. Harper and Philip are getting in the holiday spirit with the most festive event of the season - Macon’s Christmas Light Extravaganza!🎄 Bryan Nichols, founder of the nationally-acclaimed light and music show, joins us to chat about some of his favorite memories from the last few years. He shares about the unique nature of the show and how your family can enjoy all Macon has to offer this Christmas!
On this episode of Talk of the Town, Dr. Harper is joined by Steve Daugherty, CEO of Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North. Together, they cover topics like Piedmont's investment into quality healthcare for rural communities, positive changes happening in Macon, and the development of future healthcare professionals!
Calling all Allman Brothers fans! Dr. Harper and Phillip are coming to you this week from the home of the Allman Brothers, The Big House! Executive Director and superfan Richard Brent shares the history of the home and how the music written in those rooms shaped the rock & roll genre. Plus, learn how the museum is bringing people from all over the world together, right here in Macon, Georgia!🍑
This inspiring episode highlights the United Way of Central Georgia, a transformative organization that is seeking to tackle the daunting issue of poverty in our region. This episode sheds light on the struggles of families facing homelessness and showcases how the United Way actively serves as a community philanthropic advisor, fostering educational initiatives that make a lasting impact. For those in need, the video encourages seeking help through their dedicated hotline, 211, ensuring no one is left behind in their journey towards a better future.
On this episode of Talk of the Town, Dave Pridemore, the Executive Director of Camp Grace, takes viewers on a journey into a transformative haven for at-risk children. With a rich history of serving 14,000 children since 2009, the camp offers an array of exhilarating experiences, ranging from thrilling field games and archery to heart-pounding adventures on giant swings and invigorating water activities. In the midst of all the excitement, campers also learn valuable life lessons about leadership and service and how they can be a blessing in the lives of those around them!
Moving Macon Forward has been Mayor Lester Miller's vision since his election in 2021. One of the most exciting ways he plans to do this is with the reimagining of the Macon Mall into a large amphitheater and event space, coming in March 2024. This remarkable facility not only boasts the world's largest indoor pickleball courts but also houses government offices, retailers and restaurants, setting the stage for a multifunctional space. With its expansive offerings, the Amphitheatre is poised to generate a significant economic impact, stimulating job creation and propelling Macon into a vibrant future! Learn all about it in this episode of Talk of the Town.
Jag Gholson shares the story of how his upcoming documentary, More Than Champions, came to be. More Than Champions uses sports to tell the accounts of several individuals who were challenged by the racial divide in schools in the 1960s. From a high school basketball team winning the first ever integrated state championship to the first African American student on Mercer's campus, More Than Champions shares stories of hope that are meant to inspire all.This episode is in loving memory of Larry 'Gator' Rivers.
Kelly Henry with the Georgia Farm Bureau tells Dr. Harper and Philip what exactly the farm bureau does to impact GA's largest industry - agriculture. From education to policy-making, Georgia Farm Bureau is committed to supporting the 42,000 farms in Georgia! Plus, we're settling the age old debate - how do you pronounce pecans?!
Wes Griffith, CEO of the Moonhanger Group, has his finger on the pulse of all the good things happening in downtown Macon. In this interview, Dr. Harper and Philip get his thoughts on the revitalization efforts that have been happening for many years, as well as talking about one of his newest projects, the Woodward Hotel. You don't want to miss this deep dive into where Macon has been, and where we're going on this episode of Talk of the Town!
We are so excited to bring you our latest episode of Talk of the Town - featuring the President and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent, Delvecchio Finley! From his time growing up in Atlanta to spending his undergraduate years at Emory University, Delvecchio realized a passion for making quality healthcare accessible for underserved communities. Join Dr. Harper and Philip as they discuss Atrium's rural healthcare initiatives, charitable contributions, and community offerings like the wellness center, nutritional counseling, and their Food As Medicine Market.
On this episode of Talk of the Town... Join Dr. Harper & Philip Swicegood from the oldest and grandest operating theater in Macon! The Grand Opera House is the home of Broadway in Central Georgia, along with being a vibrant assembly resource for the surrounding community. Discover the myths, legends, and beautiful history of this majestic landmark through this interview with director Julia Rubens.
Dr. Harper, joined by guest host and VSS CEO Phillips Jones, is coming to you from the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings. The Center's artistic director, Amy Moretti, & internationally-acclaimed violinist Robert McDuffie talk about how the Center got its start, the impact it has had on the symphony in Middle Georgia, and how their students are getting more than music education.
On this Talk of the Town episode, Dr. Harper and Philip Swicegood are joined by Arthur Sullivan, curator of the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins. The museum has been a landmark of the community for many years, serving as a bridge between people in the South and Robins Air Force Base. Listen to learn more about the museum's new exhibits and preservation efforts!
On this episode of Talk of the Town - Dr. Kenneth Harper & Philip Swicegood are coming to you from the historic Grant's Lounge in the heart of downtown Macon! They are joined by Jessica Walden - owner of Rock Candy Tours and daughter of legendary music purveyor (and 2003 Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee) Alan Walden. Jessica shares her passion for Macon's music history, and how she, alongside her husband, Jamie, turned that passion into a successful business with Rock Candy Tours!
Multi Grammy-nominated drummer and percussionist, Steve Moretti, talks about how Macon Pops brings the "energy of a rock concert with the finesse of an orchestra" to Macon. Plus, get an exclusive peek into the symphony's 2022 concert series!
You can learn more about this dynamic group at maconpops.com!
Dr. Harper and Philip are joined on this episode by Dsto Moore, one of Macon's premiere photographers! 📸 Dsto shares stories about growing up in Pleasant Hill, and how that community shaped his passion for storytelling. He also gives us some insight into his favorite projects, and what the name Dsto means to him. You don't want to miss it!
Dr. Harper and Philip check back in with Justin Andrews, Head of the Otis Redding Foundation and grandson of Otis himself, about the Foundation's new arts center and more! Listen to stories about Otis, goals of the foundation, and ways you can get involved.
Tune in to this extraordinary episode where Dr. Harper and Philip Swicegood interview "Renaissance Man", Chuck Leavell. They talk about how Chuck discovered his passion for music, his ties to Macon, and his time with the Allman Brothers & Rolling Stones. This is one episode you will NOT want to miss!
Think pink this month because the International Cherry Blossom Festival is just right around the corner and with us is Arah Adams to tell us more about all of the events throughout the month.
🍀Luck follows Dr. Harper and Phillip Swicegood as they interview Miriam Ponton Lewis from Visit Dublin and she talks about the Dublin Laurens St. Patrick's Festival. In this episode, they will go over the history of the festival, all the celebrations that happen during that month, and how you can come and support! Miriam will also talk about the different activities that happen in Dublin throughout the year like the Bon Temps Crawfish Festival and all the good spots for you to visit.
Dr. Harper and Phillips interview fellow Macon native, and member of the Sports Hall of Fame, Jeff Battcher. Tune in to Talk of the Town with Dr. Harper thisSaturday on Channel 41 to learn more about his commitment to service and all the different organizations in Middle Georgia that he is involved in- and how you can be a part of them too. From resource centers in downtown Macon to building basketball courts in Africa, you will not want to miss any of Jeff's amazing stories.
Have you ever wondered how many bulbs it takes to light Macon during Christmas? Tune in to Talk of the Town with Dr. Harper 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 on Channel 41, to find out what goes behind a project like the Christmas Light Extravaganza! Our guest, Bryan Nichols, will share the behind-the-scenes story on how the project was developed, and what new additions you can expect to see this Christmas.
Join Dr. Harper and Philip as they interview Mercer University's Senior Vice President, Larry Brumley. Mr. Brumley will explain the process behind the restoration of Capricorn Studios and Museum, as well as some inspirations that helped it become a reality.
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Join Dr. Harper and Philip as they interview Mercer University President, Dr. Bill Underwood. They discuss Mercer's restoration of Capricorn records, the class of 2025, and the legacy that Mercer has left on Macon.
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The Georgia National Fair is right around the corner and Dr. Harper and Philip are here to give you the inside scoop on this year's festivities! 🎡 🎠
Listen to learn more about the rides, concerts, animals, and more that you can expect at the Georgia National Fair in Perry from Oct. 7th-17th.
Dr. Harper and Philip are back with a very special guest on Talk of the Town, the Mayor of Macon, Georgia - Lester Miller. Listen now.
Dr. Harper and Philip interview Justin Andrews, Head of the Otis Redding Foundation and grandson of Otis himself, about how this music icon's vision lives on. Listen to stories about Otis, goals of the foundation, and ways you can get involved.
We're back with our first repeat guest, Bryan Nichols! We like to call Bryan "Mr. Downtown Macon" because he is always on at the forefront of new projects in Macon. Today, we're talking with Bryan about his latest project -- Macon Rocks. Watch as we get an inside look at downtown Macon's first indoor climbing gym - Macon Rocks.
We're back in downtown Macon at historic, Luther Williams Field, to interview the CEO of the Macon Bacon, Brandon Raphael. Join us as we learn more about all of the exciting events and activities you enjoy this summer with the Macon Bacon!
Dr. Harper and Philip interview the founder and clinical director of Spa Medical and The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery, Terri Harper. She just so happens to be Dr. Harper's wife and is passionate about seeing downtown Macon thrive. Listen to learn more about the newest plastic surgery practice in Macon and Central Georgia's only board-certified female plastic surgeon.