By Barbara Augsdorfer, editor for the Effingham Herald

Effingham Talks streamed its fourth episode Nov. 10, and already has garnered a steady following.

According to the hosts, Frank Norris and Tommy Morgan, the podcast is designed to be upbeat and positive. Guests on the show talk about what they or their organization or business does to make Effingham County a great place to live.

“There's so much negativity out there, so much false information. You got fake journalists out there (giving) false information, (and) bad information about people. There is so much negativity on Facebook,” said Effingham Talks cofounder Norris said. The goal of Effingham Talks is to give people who’ve had negative things posted about them on social media a chance to tell their side of the story.

“So, we said, you know what? What if we call back and we give a positive theme, kind of like a Paul Harvey kind of theme,” Norris said.

“We'll let y’all sit out there on Facebook and talk negative about everybody,” Norris added. “But then we're going to bring the people that you're talking negative about and give them a voice, (and) give them a chance to talk about the positive things they do.”

Now that they have the first few episodes completed and streaming, potential guests seem to be warming up to the idea.

“When we first started it, people were a little leery of coming on (the show),” said co-founder and host Morgan. “And I'm going to tell you part of the reason why: So many local politicians have gotten ambushed in (public) forums.” Each guest is given a list of questions before coming on the broadcast so they can prepare.

The first episode aired Oct. 6 with Effingham County School District Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford, Effingham County Commissioner Phil Keiffer; Andy Hudson, owner of Metal Clad Industries, and Pauline Shaw, founder and president of Effingham Navigators.

The podcast is currently on an alternating-week schedule that airs at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Links to all podcasts are available on the Effingham Talks Facebook page at bit.ly/3AycCK4. Each podcast lasts about an hour.

The podcasts are recorded at Stillwell Pines Event Venue in Springfield.

Guests on episodes 2 included Dee Moncrief, councilmember for the City of Springfield; Mike Gerwig, co-chairman of Guyton Planning and Zoning; Nick Springer, director of programs at Truetlen House; and Curtis Parker, owner of Firefighter Pressure Washing.

Episode 3 featured “women’s empowerment” and guests included Vera Jones, former Effingham County Commissioner and former Effingham County School Board Chairman; Jennifer Smith, city clerk of Springfield, Tamela Mydell, owner of Southern Kafé on 17 in Guyton; and Lydia Alderman, worthy advisor of the Effingham Rainbow Assembly.

In addition to always keeping the show positive, Norris said they aim to bring at least four different perspectives to the show – local government, education, small business, and nonprofits.

“We're promoting small business. (They can) let us know what they're doing in the community. And charitable organizations always need help,” Norris continued. “They can come on and tell us how they're positively impacting the community and what we can do to help them.”

Norris and Morgan want to help local nonprofits share their strengths reaching out to help community members in need.

“There's strength in the unity of organizations, because many organizations can solve one big problem,” Norris added. “And that's the other rallying call behind Effingham Talks. We're talking to all these organizations; and finding out, ‘What do you need?’ and then tying them into other organizations.”

 

Shining the light

And, Effingham Talks is working to shine even more light on everything good in the county … literally.

The podcast has teamed up with a local nonprofit to present, “The Navigator’s Lighted Christmas Parade” Dec. 7, beginning at 6 p.m. in Springfield.

“We wanted to rally behind an organization that touches the community, and we couldn’t think of anyone better than the Effingham Navigators,” Norris said.

“You know what it would do for these kids if we make them the premiere of a ‘Hallmark Christmas’ parade. They would be so excited. I've been with them on that ball field. I know how happy they get,” Norris said.

Norris believes the community will rally behind the Navigators.

“What a way to show your love for the community than to come together in a lighted Christmas parade and spend it with special needs children. And I think it’s going to really touch everyone’s heart,” Norris said.

Parade entrant applications are now being accepted and can be downloaded from the Effingham Navigators Facebook page. There is no entry fee, but drivers of vehicles must have a valid driver’s license and insurance. Applicants can download and complete the form, then email or fax back to the parade organizers. Every entrant must be lighted.

And now you know … the rest of the story.