Bubba On the Lake: Episode Summary Episode Title: Tech, The Boat Show and Gene Hallman Returns!
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host: Bill "Bubba" Bussey
Guests: Stuart Brockwell (Technologist, Surge Technologies), Gene Hallman (Mr. Sports)
Co-Host: Betty Lou Bussey

1. Welcome and Episode Overview

Bubba kicks off the episode from the Mellow Yellow studio, expressing gratitude to listeners and highlighting the busy nature of the week. He mentions the inclusion of Betty Lou Bussey and teases the topics to be covered, including a tech segment and the return of Gene Hallman.

• Quote:
  Bubba (00:44): “Welcome back. We're in the Mellow Yellow studio. We have a very busy show.”

2. Tech Talk with Stuart Brockwell

Bubba introduces the first segment featuring Stuart Brockwell, a technologist from Surge Technologies. Stuart delves into several pressing technology topics:

a. Tesla's Self-Driving Developments

Stuart discusses Tesla's advancements towards unsupervised full self-driving capabilities, set to launch in June in Austin, Texas, and San Francisco. He explains Tesla's unique end-to-end neural network approach, relying solely on vision-based systems without lasers or scanners.

• Quote:
  Stuart Brockwell (08:41): “They're moving toward that unsupervised full autonomy... they don’t use lasers or scanners. It’s mostly software.”

• Quote:
  Stuart (10:28): “I would trust it if it’s implemented the right way. And I think Tesla’s doing it properly.”

b. Windows 11 Upgrades and Concerns

Stuart addresses Microsoft's retirement of Windows 10 and the mandatory shift to Windows 11, which now requires cloud subscriptions. He expresses concerns over privacy, security, and the lack of workarounds previously available to users.

• Quote:
  Stuart (15:49): “They are mandating cloud subscriptions for every PC user that uses Windows... it's very weird.”

c. Starlink’s Performance and Expansion

Stuart provides an update on Starlink's internet services, highlighting impressive download speeds in various regions and the ongoing expansion of their satellite network. He also mentions upcoming second-generation satellites that promise to significantly boost speeds.

• Quote:
  Stuart (18:47): “Every single one I’ve installed, I’ve never gotten a complaint. The speeds have been excellent.”

• Quote:
  Stuart (20:43): “In Mentone, Alabama... we’re getting down out there between 2 and 300Mbps up and download, which is excellent.”

3. Special Guest Appearance: Gene Hallman

Gene Hallman, affectionately known as Mr. Sports, joins Bubba to discuss the upcoming premier golf tournament in the Southeast. Gene shares insights into the tournament’s history, charitable contributions, and the star-studded lineup of participants.

a. Tournament Details and Charity Work

Gene elaborates on the 33rd edition of the tournament, emphasizing its impact on charities, particularly Children's Hospital, to which $22 million has been donated over the years. He highlights the event’s growth in corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, and celebrity participation.

• Quote:
  Gene Hallman (28:22): “$22 million to charity, with Children's being the biggest beneficiary of these funds.”

b. Celebrity Participants and Pro Am Highlights

Gene lists notable celebrities and professional golfers attending the Pro Am, including Riley Greene, Jamie Johnson, Tommy Tuberville, Charles Barkley, Bo Jackson, and Condoleezza Rice. He reflects on their contributions and the unique atmosphere they bring to the tournament.

• Quote:
  Gene (31:04): “We've got Riley Greene... Coach Tommy Tuberville... Charles Barkley, Bo Jackson, Condoleezza Rice.”

c. Personal Anecdotes and Event Success

Gene shares memorable moments from past tournaments, such as Bubba’s interactions with Charles Barkley and his consistent participation despite challenges. He expresses confidence in the event's success this year.

• Quote:
  Gene (35:07): “He still put up with all the hazing he got because of his poor golf game. And now he's a pretty doggone good player.”

4. Anecdotes and Personal Updates with Betty Lou

Following Gene’s appearance, Bubba engages in a lighthearted conversation with his wife, Betty Lou Bussey, sharing personal stories and updates:

a. Boat Show Experiences

Bubba and Betty discuss the recent boat show, which was relocated to Ridge Marina at Lake Martin due to construction at Willow Point. They recount the adverse weather conditions, including a sudden storm that forced them to rush home in a golf cart, leading to Betty getting wet.

• Quote:
  Bubba (43:45): “The storm front Hit. And it went from 0 to 60 real quick, and we basically was running for our life.”

b. Bubba’s Foot Injury

Bubba reveals his ongoing Achilles tendon issues, which have sidelined him from participating in the Pro Am. He humorously reflects on the challenges of aging and maintaining an active lifestyle.

• Quote:
  Bubba (47:03): “Getting around right now is trouble for me.”

c. Sleep Number Bed and Personal Dynamics

The couple shares a playful exchange about their Sleep Number bed preferences, highlighting their differing temperature settings to accommodate Bubba’s cold feet and Betty’s warmth.

• Quote:
  Betty (46:34): “You are hot, but no, I am always burning up.”

5. Closing Remarks and Future Plans

In the concluding segment, Bubba thanks his guests—Stuart Brockwell and Gene Hallman—and his co-host, Betty Lou. He teases upcoming interviews with Greg Sykes, the athletic director at Jacksonville State, and hints at discussing his own involvement with Jack State. Bubba encourages listeners to subscribe, send messages, and follow the podcast on social media platforms.

• Quote:
  Bubba (57:53): “We have several really good interviews coming up... we want you to follow us on all the social media pages.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bubba (00:44): “Welcome back. We're in the Mellow Yellow studio. We have a very busy show.”
• Stuart (08:41): “They’re moving toward that unsupervised full autonomy... they don’t use lasers or scanners. It’s mostly software.”
• Stuart (15:49): “They are mandating cloud subscriptions for every PC user that uses Windows... it’s very weird.”
• Gene (28:22): “$22 million to charity, with Children's being the biggest beneficiary of these funds.”
• Gene (31:04): “We've got Riley Greene... Coach Tommy Tuberville... Charles Barkley, Bo Jackson, Condoleezza Rice.”
• Bubba (43:45): “The storm front Hit. And it went from 0 to 60 real quick, and we basically was running for our life.”
• Bubba (47:03): “Getting around right now is trouble for me.”
• Betty (46:34): “You are hot, but no, I am always burning up.”
• Bubba (57:53): “We have several really good interviews coming up... we want you to follow us on all the social media pages.”

Conclusion

This episode of Bubba On the Lake masterfully blends technology insights with community and personal stories. Stuart Brockwell provides valuable perspectives on current tech trends, while Gene Hallman enriches the conversation with details about the charitable golf tournament and its star participants. The personal anecdotes shared by Bubba and Betty Lou add a relatable and engaging touch, making the episode both informative and entertaining for listeners.

Listeners are left anticipating future episodes, which promise more expert interviews, community highlights, and personal stories from Bubba’s life on the lake.