Bubba On the Lake - Episode #47: Cole Cubelic, Orlando Hamcation Update ft. Robby Spurr, Betty Bussey
Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Bill “Bubba” Bussey
Guests: Cole Cubelic, Robby Spurr, Betty Lou Bussey
Episode Overview
In this lively episode of "Bubba On the Lake," host Bill "Bubba" Bussey brings his trademark Southern storytelling and wit to a show that’s all about people, places, and perspectives—with a big dose of fun. Bubba welcomes ESPN’s Cole Cubelic for an in-depth interview on sports and broadcasting, checks in with Robby Spurr for an on-the-ground update from Orlando’s massive “Hamcation” ham radio festival, and wraps up with a candid, light-hearted chat with his wife, Betty Lou Bussey, about travel, pets, and home life. There are stories of accidental life-saving podcasts, tongue twisters about “anaphylactic shock,” and reflections on community, pets, and gratitude.
1. Bubba's Life-Saving Podcast Moment & Tick Awareness
[00:00] – [13:59]
Key Points
- Bubba opens the show reflecting on a lost (and hilarious) podcast segment where he struggled to pronounce “anaphylactic shock” and blames the technical glitch on divine intervention.
- He tells a story about a couple he met at Honey’s Cafe in Lineville, AL, who credited Bubba’s earlier podcast (with Richard Shinn) for saving the husband’s life after a severe allergic reaction (Alpha Gal Syndrome from a tick bite).
- Bubba explains Alpha Gal: a tick-induced red meat allergy, offering background for listeners about the tick’s name, symptoms, and how it’s diagnosed.
- He reminds listeners about tick safety ahead of summer, giving practical “Bubba” tips on clothing and repellents.
Notable Quotes
- “You saved my husband’s life… She just starts screaming, ‘Alpha Gal! Check him for Alpha Gal! Rick and Bubba said to.’” – Bubba [06:47]
- “If you tell me I can’t have meat, wow, we got a problem.” – Bubba [10:37]
- “I always tuck my pants legs into my boot. Granted, not a big fashion statement, but it will keep ticks from crawling up your leg.” – Bubba [12:17]
2. Auburn’s Big Run & Community Events
[13:40] – [15:37]
Key Points
- Bubba previews the Russell Forest Run (10k/5k), which benefits Alexander City schools and features a “world-famous grits bar.”
- Brief shoutouts to local sponsors and information on how to register.
3. FEATURE INTERVIEW: Cole Cubelic of ESPN and Jocks 94.5
[16:49] – [39:57]
Cole’s Journey from Homewood to ESPN
Early Life and Football Dreams
- Background: Grew up in Homewood, Birmingham. Played football at Homewood High, mentored by “Alabama high school legend” Bob Newton.
- Recruitment: Discusses SEC football dreams, torn ACL in 9th grade, and how Terry Bowden at Auburn gave him a scholarship when others dropped out.
- “My goal was to play SEC football. That’s what I wanted to do.” — Cole [19:35]
Path to Sports Radio
- Initial Struggles: Entered pharmaceutical sales post-college, due to limited sports media opportunities at the time.
- Hustle: Landed first radio show by pitching it directly to a station owner—if he could sell ads.
- “That would be great. You can have it if you can sell it… Like, it’s that easy. And then I realized it really wasn’t.” – Cole [22:51]
- Persistence: Juggled multiple day jobs while pursuing his passion, faced financial insecurity, but kept at it.
- Big Lesson: “My mom said, ‘That’s great, I’m happy for you. But you need a day job.’ And I needed to hear that.” – Cole [24:16]
Media Career & ESPN Leap
- Transition: Shifted from radio to TV through Auburn Network, then moved on to calling games for CSS, Sun Belt, and finally ESPN.
- “I looked at it like, hey, this is just like football. I need to get reps at this to be good… If I want to do this full time, I need reps.” – Cole [29:12]
On Awards, Co-Hosting, and Life Balance
- Awards: Morning Show with Greg McElroy has received multiple honors from Barrett Sports Media.
- Dynamic with Greg: Competitive but collaborative.
- “He challenges me to be better… And there are things that he knows better than I do, and that bothers me. So I want to try to be better than him at those things.” – Cole [17:31]
- Work/Life Balance: Credits his supportive wife for making it possible to juggle ESPN, radio, and family.
- “If you don’t have somebody like her, it’s going to be tough for you to find your way.” – Cole [32:03]
- Working Remotely: COVID changed how sports radio operates; now hosts radio shows remotely when traveling for TV gigs.
Auburn Football Insight
- On Auburn’s Current State:
- “I think they can win some games… You bring in players that have been there with you before, that knew your system, that knew your expectations… That gives you a really nice starting point.” – Cole [36:55]
- Comments on Auburn’s recent struggles with offensive linemen, optimism around new recruits, coaches.
- “There’s no way [the new coach] looks at that tape and says ‘we’re going to ride with these guys and win nine, ten games.’” – Cole [39:02]
4. Orlando Hamcation: “Ham Fest” Field Report with Robby Spurr (GigaParts)
[42:08] – [48:47]
Hamcation Highlights
- Atmosphere: Orlando Hamcation draws about 20,000 attendees; GigaParts has a major presence with robust display and “mystery boxes.”
- “Oh, it’s good. Probably 20,000 people over the weekend. It’s a good opportunity for us to get in front of our customers.” – Robby Spurr [42:57]
- Product Focus: Ham radio remains key, but crossover with other tech like lasers, 3D printing, “maker” culture.
- “It’s interesting how much crossover there is with all our customers… Many are into 3D printing and other maker stuff.” – Robby [44:11]
- E-Commerce & In-Person Value: Most sales happen online; shows are invaluable for in-person connections and feedback.
The Ham Radio Spirit and Origin Stories
- Robbie’s Introduction: Inspired by a 5th-grade teacher’s demonstration (“autopatch”), got licensed in the ’90s, feeds his tech appetite through hobby.
- “Anything you have wireless, you can thank a ham. That’s where the technology started.” – Robby [47:18]
- Emerging Tech: “Meshtastic” allows off-grid digital communication—no license needed—which excites many in the community.
Fun Tidbits
- Robby is also a pilot, early adopter of electric cars, and jokes with Bubba about how Teslas might evade deer better than humans.
- “That’s like another world… It’s even better now. Why don’t you have one yet?” – Robby [47:57]
- Bubba: “I’m going to put one of these cow scoopers like trains used to have on the front of my vehicles.” [48:24]
5. Betty Bussey’s Home Corner: Family, Pets & High School Reunions
[51:14] – [67:47]
Everyday Humor and Updates from Lake Life
- The “Anaphylactic” Episode Revisited: Bubba seeks help from Betty on pronouncing “anaphylactic shock”—several hilarious attempts and playful scolding.
- “I was hung up. I mean, Betty, you couldn’t have got me out of that with a tow truck!” – Bubba [53:07]
- Recipe Corner: Listeners want Betty’s chicken noodle soup recipe—promise to share soon.
Home, Pets, and Personal Stories
- Pet Update: Dog Ruby has improved after a scary autoimmune disease and costly treatment—Betty gives the medical rundown.
- "She's doing much better... She had to get a transfusion." – Betty Lou [60:01]
- Reflections on Animal Love: Bubba calls Betty "the closest thing to Ellie May Clampett"; they share memories about pet rabbits and rescue stories.
- Reunion Musings: Betty jokes about organizing her high school class of '85 reunion and the surprise of former classmates at her athletic pursuits.
Soulful Musings & Gratefulness
- On Blessings:
- “If you’re listening to this podcast, you’re blessed beyond belief… I’m glad that God is much more patient than I would be with all of us, you know?” – Bubba [64:07]
Marriage Banter/Comic Relief
- Jokes about cleaning, downsizing after moving to the lake, and who’s responsible for bathroom clutter—Betty teases Bubba about a failed organizational effort.
- “Betty does this thing… You listen. You’re smoking hot. Okay, I can say that.” – Bubba [67:06]
6. Closing Thoughts
[69:33] – [End]
- Bubba signs off with gratitude for his guests and listeners, reminding everyone to subscribe and be “tick aware” as spring arrives.
- “Not too many hosts will stumble around trying to say ‘aphylactic.’ But that’s what you get here.” – Bubba [69:33]
- Friendly reminders about events, sponsors, and faith.
- “God loves you and so do we.” – Bubba [71:00]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------|---------------| | Bubba’s Tick/Alpha Gal Story | 00:00–13:59 | | Russell Forest Run Announcement | 13:40–15:37 | | FEATURE: Cole Cubelic Interview | 16:49–39:57 | | Hamcation Report w/ Robby Spurr | 42:08–48:47 | | Betty Lou Bussey Segment | 51:14–67:47 | | Closing and Sign-Off | 69:33–End |
Memorable Quotes
- “You saved my husband’s life… She just starts screaming, ‘Alpha Gal! Check him for Alpha Gal! Rick and Bubba said to.’” – Bubba [06:47]
- “If you tell me I can’t have meat, wow, we got a problem.” – Bubba [10:37]
- “My mom said, ‘That’s great, I’m happy for you. But you need a day job.’ And I needed to hear that.” – Cole Cubelic [24:16]
- “If you don’t have somebody like her, it’s going to be tough for you to find your way.” – Cole on his wife’s support [32:03]
- “Anything you have wireless, you can thank a ham. That’s where the technology started.” – Robby Spurr [47:18]
- “You couldn't have got me out of that with a tow truck!” – Bubba on his pronunciation battle [53:07]
- “God loves you and so do we.” – Bubba [71:00]
Episode Tone and Takeaways
- The show is a blend of heartfelt community stories, sports and tech insights, local flavor, and family humor—with plenty of Southern warmth and a dash of self-deprecation.
- Bubba’s open, convivial manner sets the tone; conversations are candid, encouraging, and full of gratitude.
- Listeners walk away entertained and informed, with relatable life lessons, practical safety tips (especially regarding ticks!), and a reminder to appreciate life's blessings—be it a good meal, a loyal pet, or a loving spouse.