Macon It

Lighting Up Downtown: Macon’s Holiday Transformation

In this episode of Macon It, we sit down with Bryan Nichols, the mind and creative force behind the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza. Bryan shares how the (Christmas) light bulb first went on in his head for this idea, the huge amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing downtown to life each holiday season, and why Macon’s light show is unlike anything else in the country. We also talk through Bryan’s many contributions to Macon’s creative landscape and how his vision continues to shape the way our community celebrates together.

Thankful Hearts, Full Plates: The Power of a Full Pantry

In this episode of Macon It, we talk with Kathy McCollum, President & CEO of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, about the Food Bank’s beginnings and its vital role in serving our region. We also discuss Macon-Bibb County’s recent $150,000 commitment to fight food insecurity and what that investment means for families across our community.Learn more about the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank at https://mgcfb.org/

Walk It Like I Talk It: Pedestrian Safety in Macon-Bibb

Look both ways — and then tune in! This week we’re joined by Greg Brown from the Macon-Bibb County Pedestrian Safety Review Board to talk about how everyone plays a role in keeping our community safe. Whether you’re walking, biking, or behind the wheel, Greg shares updates, insights, and easy safety tips to help make every trip a safe one.

Where Vision Meets Community: The Knight Foundation in Macon

We’re talking big ideas and even bigger community impact. Lynn Murphey from the Knight Foundation joins us to share how their projects are transforming Macon — from the new Mercer School of Medicine downtown to the Emerging Cities Champions making a difference in our neighborhoods. This is what it looks like when a city invests in its own bright future.Learn more about The Knight Foundation here: https://knightfoundation.org/

Too Hot to Handle: The Firefighter Calendar That Broke the Internet

It started as a way to raise money and boost morale — now it's setting timelines (and comment sections) on fire. In this episode of Macon It, we’re joined by Fire Chief Shane Edwards and Captain Phillip Herndon to talk about the 2026 Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar that’s got the world swooning.
From international buzz to behind-the-scenes stories, hear how this sizzling project went viral, what it means for the community, and why this calendar is about a lot more than just good looks. 🔥📆👨‍🚒

Macon-Bibb is Paving the Way

Big things are happening beneath our wheels. County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett joins us to talk about Paving the Way, a historic investment in our infrastructure that’s setting the foundation for a smoother, stronger Macon-Bibb. With over 130 miles of roads slated for repaving, this initiative isn’t just about asphalt, it’s about progress, pride, and a better ride for everyone who calls Macon home. 🛣️💛

Prepared for Anything: Macon-Bibb at IEMC

In this episode of Macon It, we're joined by Robert McCord and Sophie Rosen from the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency to talk about a powerful week of training at FEMA's National Disaster & Emergency Management University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Alongside more than 40 partner organizations, the EMA team participated in real-time disaster simulations designed to test and strengthen our community's crisis response.
Sophie and Robert take us behind the scenes of the training: what they learned, how Macon-Bibb stacked up, and what new strategies they’re bringing home to better prepare our community for whatever may come. From floods to fires to full-scale emergencies, this episode is all about collaboration, communication, and keeping Macon-Bibb ready for anything.

Major Justice Reform: A Conversation with Mayor Lester Miller

Why don’t we just build a new jail? In this week’s episode, we learn it may be more complicated than that. Mayor Lester Miller sits down with our Macon It hosts to explain his newest major justice reform initiative that will help improve conditions in the jail and our community. He talks about what each of the six initiatives entail and who is working to make them happen.

Paws on the Ground: Inside Animal Services

In this episode of Macon It, we’re unleashing all the feels with Tracey Weathers, Shelter Manager of Bibb County Animal Services. From adorable puppies and playful kittens to some truly wild calls from the field, Tracey gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life in the shelter and the heart it takes to care for Bibb’s animals every day.
We also talk about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and how you can help through donations, volunteering, or (best of all) adoption.
🐶 Thinking about adopting? Now’s the perfect time! All adoption fees are waived for the month of June! You can meet your future furry friend and learn more at: bibbsheriff.us/animal-services

Where the Wilder Works Are

Ever wonder who’s mowing the medians, clearing dump sites, or jumping into action when a storm hits Macon-Bibb? Meet Tim Wilder, head of the Public Works Department; a team that tackles the dirty jobs to keep the community clean, safe, and running strong.
In this episode of Macon It, we dig into everything from blight removal to weed-eating wizardry, and how the department plays a crucial role in beautifying Bibb and responding to emergencies. It’s the story of hard work, heavy lifting, and a whole lot of heart; straight from where the Wilder works are.