Bubba On the Lake – Episode #20: A Visit With Lori Manak, and "The Voice" Mike Paris
Release Date: July 3, 2025
In Episode #20 of Bubba On the Lake, host Bill Bubba Bussey delves into nostalgic and insightful conversations with two esteemed guests: Lori Manak, a longtime friend from their college radio days, and Mike Paris, the legendary "Voice of the Gamecocks." This episode, titled "A Visit With Lori Manak, and 'The Voice' Mike Paris," seamlessly blends personal anecdotes, professional insights, and heartfelt reflections, offering listeners a rich tapestry of experiences from the worlds of broadcasting and sports.
Reconnecting with Lori Manak
Timestamp: [10:37]
The episode opens with Bill warmly welcoming Lori Manak, highlighting her diverse broadcasting background under various names, including Shannon Stevens during her tenure at Magic 96 in Birmingham. Their longstanding friendship traces back to their college radio days, where Lori was one of the first people Bill met, setting the stage for a deep and engaging conversation.
Notable Quote:
"We were all very dedicated to what we did. Like you said, we didn't, you know, we'd stay on the air 12 hours if that meant keeping that station on the air." — Lori Manak [11:34]
Lori fondly reminisces about their time at the college radio station, recounting humorous and memorable moments such as experimenting with backmasking Beatles songs and dealing with quirky coworkers like Terry Jo Spradlin, who once attempted to amuse the team by placing his bare bottom on a window to crack Lori up.
Notable Quote:
"We just kept on going and went out of the parking lot. It was wonderful... if we could have had cell phones and taken pictures, well, there'd been some good memes out of that." — Bill Bubba Bussey [64:58]
Their discussions also touch upon the evolution of radio technology, highlighting the shift from manual reel-to-reel editing to today's digital conveniences. Lori emphasizes the camaraderie and genuine fun they shared, underscoring the station's role in launching numerous successful careers.
Notable Quote:
"We just were just ourselves and just had so much fun, you know, living life to its fullest." — Lori Manak [12:36]
The conversation takes a personal turn as Lori shares a surprising discovery about her family – finding a triplet sister through a DNA test, adding depth to her life's narrative and illustrating the unexpected paths life can take.
Honoring Mike Paris – The Voice of the Gamecocks
Timestamp: [37:24]
Transitioning from nostalgia to sports broadcasting, Bill introduces Mike Paris, a revered figure in Jacksonville State University's athletic community. With an impressive tenure spanning over four decades, Mike has become synonymous with Gamecocks sports, bringing passion and expertise to every broadcast.
Notable Quote:
"And the fact you get to go and do ball games, that has to be kind of cool." — Bill Bubba Bussey [38:29]
Mike reflects on his memorable moments, including the unforgettable 1985 basketball championship where Melvin Allen hit a critical half-court shot, a moment Bill vividly recalls witnessing. Their shared memories underscore the emotional highs of sports broadcasting, capturing the essence of live sports excitement.
Notable Quote:
"We had melon Allen hits a shot just over the half court line to win the game. And I remember riding where I was at the time. You were putting me there. The excitement, that was a great memory for me." — Bill Bubba Bussey [46:44]
The duo delves into significant games, such as the 1989 national championship snow game against James Madison, where unexpected weather conditions played a pivotal role. Mike elaborates on the challenges and strategic adjustments made during that frosty showdown, highlighting the unpredictability of live sports.
Notable Quote:
"They thought they were going to win, oh, we were going to win a national championship today. And we end up losing three to nothing." — Paul Paris [41:05]
Mike also shares insights into the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, from the early days of extensive manual preparations to modern-day digital conveniences. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, especially with the introduction of the transfer portal, which has transformed team dynamics and player rosters.
Notable Quote:
"Cause with our team from year to year, all the guys coming back and there wasn't a whole lot of turnover except for the seniors. And now sometimes, at least the last few years, it seems like it's a whole new team every year." — Mike Paris [60:41]
Behind the Mic: Preparing for the Game
Timestamp: [57:44]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Mike Paris's meticulous preparation for game broadcasts. He outlines his comprehensive approach, which involves scrutinizing game notes, analyzing opponent statistics, and staying updated with the latest sports information provided by the Jacksonville State sports information team.
Notable Quote:
"I'll usually start most of the time, game play out on Saturday, I'll start Sunday afternoon doing some stuff, you know, on us, so to speak, Jack State and looking at the opponent and then, you know, cranking into full gear." — Mike Paris [60:41]
Mike discusses the challenges posed by the modern transfer portal, which has increased player movement and introduced new variables to his preparation routine. Despite these changes, his dedication remains unwavering, ensuring that every broadcast is both informative and engaging for listeners.
Final Thoughts and Reflections
Timestamp: [67:10]
As the episode draws to a close, Bill expresses his gratitude towards both Lori and Mike for their time and invaluable contributions. He reflects on the enduring nature of their friendships and professional relationships, underscoring the importance of community and shared experiences in both broadcasting and sports.
Notable Quote:
"We're very honored to have you at Jacksonville State University. We'll be back in just a minute." — Bill Bubba Bussey [67:10]
The episode concludes with warm sentiments, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the rich histories and personal stories shared by Lori Manak and Mike Paris.
Conclusion
Episode #20 of Bubba On the Lake masterfully intertwines personal memoirs with professional narratives, offering a captivating listen for both longtime fans and newcomers. Through heartfelt conversations with Lori Manak and Mike Paris, Bill Bubba Bussey not only honors the past but also celebrates the enduring spirit of community, friendship, and dedication that defines both the broadcasting and sports worlds.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- "We were all very dedicated to what we did... staying on air for 12 hours." — Lori Manak [11:34]
- "We just were just ourselves and just had so much fun." — Lori Manak [12:36]
- "We just kept on going and went out of the parking lot..." — Bill Bubba Bussey [64:58]
- "We had melon Allen hits a shot just over the half court..." — Bill Bubba Bussey [46:44]
- "They thought they were going to win... we end up losing three to nothing." — Paul Paris [41:05]
- "Cause with our team from year to year, all the guys coming back..." — Mike Paris [60:41]
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Episode #20, providing a comprehensive overview while highlighting the key moments and memorable quotes that define the episode's rich narrative.