Podcast Summary: Bubba On the Lake – Episode #40: Christmas Special 25

Host: Bill “Bubba” Bussey
Guests: DeMarco “Don Juan DeMarco” Williams, Hunter Bussey, Betty Lou Bussey
Release Date: December 19, 2025

Overview

This 40th episode of Bubba on the Lake is a festive Christmas special marking both the holiday season and a podcast milestone. Host Bill “Bubba” Bussey reflects on the year, shares gratitude for family, friends, and listeners, and welcomes conversations with former producer DeMarco "Don Juan DeMarco" Williams, son/producer Hunter Bussey, and wife Betty Lou Bussey. The episode takes listeners through hearty reminiscing, humorous stories, family traditions, sports talk, and a meaningful discussion on the true meaning of Christmas. The tone is warm, light-hearted, and brimming with gratitude.

Key Topics & Discussions

1. Reflections and Gratitude (00:34–08:22)

• Bubba opens with reflections on reaching episode #40, the goals set for the podcast, and plans to take a brief holiday break with family.
• Gratitude to sponsors, listeners, and his support network, referencing the challenging year (“…our little fun with our artificial knee that required three surgeries…and hopefully we’re on top of that.” [04:20]).
• Encourages listeners to subscribe and engage to help podcast visibility.

2. Special Guest: DeMarco "Don Juan DeMarco" Williams (10:06–31:48)

Reunion & Catch-up

• DeMarco joins for a heartfelt, humorous catch-up after a year apart.
• DeMarco shares about his multi-faceted career in Atlanta — now focused on behind-the-scenes TV production, fitness, occasional radio, and his “Dance Jam” classes.

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• On Getting Older:
  “I'm 48 … Sometimes you get so old, you're like, ‘How old am I?’” (DeMarco, 11:31)
  “You know, maybe that's the case for you. I'm going the other way.” (Bubba, 12:23)
• On Career Shifts:
  “I kinda miss radio, but now television has taken a bigger role in my professional career.” (DeMarco, 13:14)
• On Dance Jam & Fitness:
  “It blew up to be something that I had no clue that I’d still be doing today… a lot of people depend on me for their outlet of health and fitness.” (DeMarco, 16:54)
• Bubba jokes about “pop and locking” and the perils of aging knees.
• Joking about using the treadmill as a clothes rack:
  “I had one one time, but I thought it was for putting clothes on it.” (Bubba, 21:50)
• On Radio Show Memories:
  • Reminiscing about "Pigskin Roundup," the “golden plunger,” mystery meat, and the unmatched fun of their unique broadcasts.
  • “That was a chapter of my life where I had no clue where I was going…” (DeMarco, 18:57)
• Laughter about former intern Casio Kid’s rise to The Tonight Show and “UFO-Bigfoot” shock.
  “I couldn’t have been more shocked if a UFO had landed in my front yard. The door opened, and Bigfoot walked out.” (Steve Harrison, recounted by Bubba, 24:32)
• Discussion on lost touch with some old colleagues, noting many have big families now.

Personal & Life Updates

• DeMarco reflects on not being settled down and jokes about Dance Jam’s sizable “clientele.”
• Good-natured advice about caring for knees, the value of Epsom salt ("I got stock in that stuff now, man." [28:47]), and future reunion plans.

3. Quick College Football Playoff Chat with Hunter Bussey (33:58–44:50)

• Hunter joins Bubba for football play-off talk (first round matches: Alabama vs. Oklahoma, James Madison vs. Oregon, Tulane vs. Ole Miss, Miami vs. Texas).
• There’s laughter and analysis of matchups, injuries, and the unpredictability of college football.
• Both reflect on the fun of working together on their other podcast and live events, like the Lineville Christmas Parade.
• Banter about possibly moving to video podcasting (“Are y’all sure you want to see us? … we’re not really lookers here. Especially me.” Bubba, 41:02).
• A look ahead to 2026 for more sports, podcast innovations.

4. Christmas Traditions & Family Life with Betty Lou Bussey (47:40–61:21)

Decorating & Holiday Prep

• Betty shares details of her extensive Christmas decorations (“…a ton of Penny McAllister little figurines.” [47:54]) and the family’s three Christmas trees.
• Tips and funny stories about storing and assembling large trees, utilizing their home’s elevator ("…the real reason [for the elevator] was simply so Betty could roll Christmas trees in and out of the attic.” [51:20])
• Stories about Christmas parades, culinary traditions (Chex mix, Tetrazini, lasagna, steaks on Christmas Eve), and dealing with the challenges of the year.
• Humorous moments about paying the power bill with “Santa Bucks” and cooking disasters.

Notable Quotes:

• “I would rather be on the nice list than the naughty list, I guess.” (Betty, 54:21)
• “Our goal is next year, very simply: no surgeries and no sickness.” (Bubba, 51:17)

5. True Meaning of Christmas (56:57–61:21)

• Bubba and Betty recommend watching a recent Kevin Costner-narrated special on the nativity ("The First Christmas" or search "Kevin Costner Christmas" [57:22]).
• They reflect on historical/biblical accuracy about the nativity, Mary’s age, the difference between Christianity and other religions:
  “In other religions, … you have to work your way to God. In this case, God worked his way to us because we were unable to work our way to Him.” (Bubba, 59:27)
• Emphasize gratitude, the power of Christ’s sacrifice (“When he said ‘It’s finished,’… debt paid in full.” [60:01])
• Express thanks for “the journey, the blessings, the listeners.”

6. Closing Reflections and Plans for 2026 (64:09–end)

• Bubba wraps up with news of personal healing (“PICC line out, rehab starting…” [64:09]), optimism for the future, and a request for prayers.
• Reminds listeners to remember the reason for the season, support sponsors, and stay tuned for new adventures in 2026.
• Celebrates ranking in the top 2% of podcasts per PodTrack (impressive for a local/lifestyle podcast!).
• “We will talk to you again here soon, Lord willing, on Bubba on the Lake.” (65:59)

Memorable Quotes

• “That laugh goes across states.” – DeMarco Williams (12:43)
• “Nobody did it the way we did it…there’s nothing out there like that.” – DeMarco Williams (20:20)
• “Are y’all sure you want to see us? … we’re not really lookers here. Especially me.” – Bubba Bussey (41:02)
• “Our goal is next year, very simply: no surgeries and no sickness, knock on wood.” – Bubba Bussey (51:17)
• “In this case, God worked his way to us, because we were unable to work our way to Him.” – Bubba Bussey (59:27)

Notable Timestamps & Segments

• Reflections and Plans: 00:34–08:22
• DeMarco “Don Juan DeMarco” Williams Interview: 10:06–31:48
• Hunter Bussey – College Football Talk: 33:58–44:50
• Betty Lou Bussey – Decorating, Family, and Christmas Cooking: 47:40–61:21
• Faith, The Nativity Special, and Christmas Message: 56:57–61:21
• Year-end Reflections & 2026 Preview: 64:09–end

In the Spirit of the Show

Episode #40 is a heartfelt, funny, and genuinely warm Christmas special that threads together the joy (and trials) of family, the power of friendship, nostalgia for unique radio history, southern hospitality, and faith. Bubba’s charisma, combined with cameo family and friends, delivers a podcast that’s both entertaining and reassuring—reminding listeners of the things that really matter.

For more:

• Website: bubbaonthelake.com
• Contact: bubba@bubbaonthelake.com
• Voicemail: 308-BIG-LAKE

“Remember the true meaning of Christmas…it’ll help you get through it all, I promise you.” – Bubba Bussey (65:30)