What if asking for help after having a baby was met with compassion instead of fear?

In this inspiring episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ sits down with Katie Douglas, Founder of Mother Up! Inc., to discuss her deeply personal journey through postpartum depression and the incredible nonprofit she is building to support mothers in crisis.

Katie shares how her own experience sparked a vision for something that doesn't currently exist in Virginia, a place where mothers can receive mental health treatment without being separated from their babies.

The conversation explores:

❤️ Katie's remarkable life journey and what brought her to Southwest Virginia

❤️ The powerful story behind the creation of Mother Up! Inc.

❤️ Why postpartum mental health deserves more attention and support

❤️ The organization's vision for a first-of-its-kind crisis center for mothers and infants

❤️ How the community can help through volunteering, fundraising, and spreading awareness

You'll also learn about Bricks & Blooms, Mother Up!'s upcoming family-friendly fundraiser, where the community can come together to help build something truly life-changing for local families.

This is more than a conversation about mental health—it's a conversation about hope, healing, and creating a community where no mother has to struggle alone.

💛 If you've ever known a new mom, love someone raising a family, or simply believe in supporting your community, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Learn more:

Purchase event tickets at www.givebutter.com/bricksandblooms

Silent auction at www.givebutter.com/bricksandbloomsauction

Silent auction is done digitally and all participants whether in person or on site, must register and bid online.

Facebook.com/motherupinc

founders@motherup.org

540-384-1952

Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz

Learn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/

If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com

🎶 The SML Songwriters Festival is bringing music, community, and giving back together at Smith Mountain Lake!

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ is joined by Doug Anderson, one of the key organizers behind the Smith Mountain Lake Songwriters Festival, to talk about the history, growth, and excitement surrounding this year’s festival.

Doug shares how the festival has grown into a major celebration of live music at the lake, attracting songwriters from across the country, including Nashville, New York, Ohio, Florida, California, and beyond. He also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the festival week, from the Open Mic Grand Finale at Mango’s to the weekend lineup of songwriter sessions, live performances, auctions, raffles, and community events.

This year’s festival supports two wonderful local charities: SML Good Neighbors and American Legion Post 62, making every song, every ticket, and every donation part of something bigger for the Smith Mountain Lake community.

PJ and Doug also highlight the incredible sponsors, volunteers, host families, local venues, and talented artists who make the festival possible, along with special performances, including headliner Brady Seals, co-founder of Little Texas.

Whether you love live music, local events, giving back, or simply celebrating everything that makes Smith Mountain Lake special, this episode is full of heart, history, and community buzz.

🎧 Listen now and get ready to support the SML Songwriters Festival!

Learn More About the SML Songwriters Festival: https://smlsongwriters.com

Follow the SML Songwriters Festival on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smlsongwriters

Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz

Learn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/

If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com

With this weekend marking Smith Mountain Lake’s 30th Annual Photography Contest & Show, we’re bringing back a special encore episode of the SML Buzz Podcast featuring Sheridan Brown, President of the Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council.

In this meaningful conversation, PJ Belle and Sheridan explore the heart of the local arts community—from Sheridan’s journey to Smith Mountain Lake to the incredible impact the Arts Council has made over the past 36 years. They also reflect on the significance of September 11th, the power of community connection, and how the arts continue to serve as a source of healing, inspiration, and unity.

You’ll hear about the wide range of programs the Arts Council supports—including music, theater, and visual arts—along with the importance of fundraising, youth scholarships, and community involvement in keeping these initiatives thriving.

Whether you’re an artist, supporter, or simply someone who loves this community, this episode is a reminder of how powerful the arts can be in bringing people together.

🎧 Tune in and celebrate the creative spirit of Smith Mountain Lake!

📍 Don’t Miss This Weekend’s Event:

30th Annual Photography Contest & Show

Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place

2500 Hardy Rd., Hardy, VA

📅 Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17

🏆 Awards Ceremony: Friday

🖼 Exhibit Hours:

• Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

• Sunday: 12 PM – 3 PM

FREE & Open to the Public

https://smithmountainartscouncil.com/photo-show

Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz

Learn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/

If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com