Genuinely Southern

Before the books, television, radio and decorating, Mark Ballard was a South Macon kid who drew on anything he could find. In this episode of Genuinely Southern, Mark tells the story of becoming “The Artist.” It begins with a third-grade teacher who recognized his talent and a mother determined to find a way to pay for art lessons. Enter Hauser Smith—a demanding, classically trained teacher who taught young Mark charcoal, oils and, most importantly, discipline. Those lessons eventually carried him from Macon to the Atlanta College of Art and back home again. Along the way: nude models, a life-changing family crisis, Macon’s early Cherry Blossom Festival and the persistence required to turn talent into a career.It’s the story of the people, places and unexpected moments that helped a little boy who loved to draw become “The Artist.”In this episode:The third-grade teacher who first recognized Mark’s artistic talent How his mother found a way to make private art lessons possible  Meeting Hauser Smith—and learning discipline the hard way  Why eight-year-old Mark’s pine cone made the adult students jealous  Leaving Macon for the Atlanta College of Art  A family crisis that brought Mark back home  Finding his place in Macon’s emerging art scene  How the Cherry Blossom Festival helped open an unexpected door  Why persistence and discipline mattered just as much as talent in becoming “The Artist”Chapters00:00  Welcome to Genuinely Southern02:15  The Teacher Who Saw Something04:23 Meet Hauser Smith05:14  The Eight-Year-Old & the Pine Cone06:51  Learning Discipline09:31  Off to Art School10:49  Mark Meets the Atlanta Art World12:22  A Life-Changing Phone Call14:50  Coming Home to Macon15:43  Cherry Blossoms & Opportunity18:11  A Painting Opens a Door19:30  Persistence Pays Off21:19  When Fate Clicks In24:10  Becoming “The Artist” This episode is brought to you in partnership with Carlyle Place at Home - Inclusive, Interactive Retirement Living Without Moving

How exactly do you explain a love story that begins with a toddler in a diaper, takes a detour through church musicals, the Georgia State Fair and Atlanta disco, and ends with a wedding in one of Macon’s grandest historic homes? Mark Ballard welcomes a particularly special guest to Genuinely Southern: his wife, Deborah. Together, they finally answer one of the questions they’re asked most often—“How did y’all meet?”The answer requires going way back.It's funny. It's tender. It's occasionally outrageous. In other words, it's Genuinely Southern.In this episode:The first time Mark and Deborah met—and Mark's questionable wardrobeGrowing up together in MaconChurch productions, sweetheart banquets and hauling a trunk full of sandMemories of Macon's old Georgia State FairDeborah's prophetic comment about MarkLove and loss at ChristmasCaviar, disco and a night at Atlanta's LimelightWhy Mark's professors noticed Deborah before Mark didDeciding to get married on the drive from Athens to MaconBecoming one of the first couples married at the historic Hay HouseAnd the final verdict on whether Deborah really is a “cougar”Chapters00:00  Welcome to Genuinely Southern00:54  Meet Deborah Ballard: “How Did Y’all Meet?”01:19  It All Started When Mark Was Two04:09  Church Kids, Sweetheart Banquets & a Truckload of Sand06:25  Growing Up at the Georgia State Fair09:40  The “Big One” & Their Church Variety Show Years11:32  Mark Attended Deborah’s First Wedding13:04  A Baby, Thanksgiving & Some Serious Foreshadowing15:01  A Christmas That Changed Everything17:52  Art School, Macon & a Friendship Grows Closer18:30  Caviar and a Night at the Limelight20:32  Mark Goes to “Sodom and Gomorrah”21:48  When Mark’s Art Professors Noticed Deborah23:12  “You Wanna Get Married?”24:15  A Cougar, a Gigolo & Some Concerned Families24:35  Getting Married at Macon’s Hay House27:32  Wedding Vows & 44 Years Later28:24  Would They Do It All Again?28:59  Closing: More Southern Stories to Come This episode is brought to you in partnership with Carlyle Place at Home - Inclusive, Interactive Retirement Living Without Moving

Mark Ballard shares stories about his dogs and the deep bond they share, illustrating how pets are cherished family members in the South. This episode explores the joys, challenges, and unforgettable moments of pet ownership.Key TopicsPets are considered family members in the South, often with deep emotional bonds.Memorable stories highlight the importance of rescue and caring for animals.The emotional impact of losing a pet is profound and often commemorated in unique ways.Pets provide comfort and companionship, especially during times of grief or recovery.Community and family play a vital role in pet care and remembrance.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Southern pet culture and Mark's stories01:55 The story of Babette and her special bond with Mark's family03:51 Babette's death and the humorous yet heartfelt trip to the mountains06:09 The arrival of Jean Pierre and the importance of grooming routines07:58 Rescue dog Georgie and the decision to adopt a rescue pet09:47 Georgie's adventures, training, and eventual passing14:00 The return of Bandit and the special place he holds in the family18:04 Bandit's personality, adventures, and the bond with Libby20:10 Reflections on pets as family and closing thoughts This episode is brought to you in partnership with Carlyle Place at Home - Inclusive, Interactive Retirement Living Without Moving

Mark Ballard shares heartfelt stories from his childhood in Macon, Georgia, illustrating the rich culture, family values, and personal growth that shaped his life and work.Key TopicsSouthern childhood memoriesFamily and community in the SouthCreative pursuits inspired by upbringingLessons learned from family and churchHumorous and heartfelt childhood storiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Mark Ballard and the Genuinely Southern Podcast00:28 Growing up in Macon, Georgia, during the holidays01:23 Childhood birthday stories and family traditions02:15 Early influences: family, church, and community04:06 Learning to cook and garden with Granny05:58 The love of hot peppers and gardening07:20 Childhood creativity: plays, backdrops, and school projects11:02 The Cub Scout adventure and dog bite incident12:23 Mother’s quick thinking and the dog search15:40 Deciding to leave Cub Scouts and parental support16:04 Early artistic talents and school achievements17:26 Winning the Sitting Bull contest and first newspaper photo19:21 Christmas traditions and creative decorations21:36 Full circle moments: creating for Foresters22:33 Lessons on perfectionism and childhood memories23:52 Mother’s influence and childhood adventures24:49 Mother’s legacy of imagination and reaching for the stars25:44 Closing remarks and gratitude This episode is brought to you in partnership with Carlyle Place at Home - Inclusive, Interactive Retirement Living Without Moving

In this episode, Mark Ballard interviews Chuck Leavell, a renowned musician with a rich history in the music industry and a deep connection to the South. They discuss Chuck's early musical influences, career milestones, and his passion for preserving natural lands and community heritage.Key TopicsChuck Leavell's early musical influences and learning to play pianoThe impact of Ray Charles on Chuck's career decisionChuck's experience with Capricorn Records and the Southern music sceneHis involvement with the Rolling Stones and other legendary artistsThe revival of Capricorn Studios and its significance to MaconChuck's passion for land conservation and outdoor activitiesBalancing a music career with environmental advocacyThe importance of community and family in his life TakeawaysPassion and focus are essential to turning a hobby into a career.Diverse musical influences enrich an artist's versatility.Reviving historic music studios preserves cultural legacy.Balancing artistic pursuits with environmental stewardship enhances life.Community and family roots provide strength and inspiration.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chuck Leavell and his Southern roots01:56 Chuck's early musical influences and learning piano03:53 The moment Chuck decided to pursue music as a career05:59 Experience with Ray Charles and its impact08:58 Joining Capricorn Records and the Southern music scene12:09 Meeting the Allman Brothers and the Macon music community14:56 Chuck's involvement with the Rolling Stones17:58 Revival of Capricorn Studios and its cultural significance21:55 Balancing a music career with land conservation and outdoor life26:12 Family, land, and community in Twiggs County30:03 Chuck's ongoing musical performances and projects32:59 Closing thoughts and appreciation for community ResourcesCapricorn Studios - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capricorn_RecordsChuck Leavell - The Tree Man Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example This episode is brought to you in partnership with Carlyle Place at Home - Inclusive, Interactive Retirement Living Without Moving