Bubba On the Lake: "When Bubba Met Betty..." Released: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of Bubba On the Lake, host Bill "Bubba" Bussey takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to the origins of his relationship with his wife, Betty Lou Bussey. Joined by Betty and a very special guest, Sue Marshall, who played a pivotal role in their love story, Bubba delves into high school memories, recounts humorous anecdotes, and reflects on the impact of their union over the years.

Meeting Sue Marshall

The episode begins with Bubba expressing immense gratitude towards Sue Marshall, the woman who introduced him to Betty. Sue shares her friendship with Betty and her role in bringing the two together.

[03:41] Host: "It is a lady that I owe a debt of gratitude that I don't know how I can ever pay you... the former Sue Green, now Sue Marshall."

High School Days and the Set-Up

Bubba narrates the circumstances under which Sue orchestrated his introduction to Betty. It was a cold winter night in 1982 during a basketball game at Pleasant Valley, where Bubba attended the city school, Jacksonville High School. Sue recounts how Bubba's friend Stephen was eager for him to find a girlfriend, leading to the initial setup.

[04:44] Host: "It was a cold winter night in 1982 as we traveled to Pleasant Valley for a basketball game..."

Sue explains that Stephen was the mastermind behind the matchmaking effort, encouraging Bubba to meet someone from Betty's circle.

The First Encounter

Bubba and Sue describe their first interactions, highlighting the awkward yet memorable moments. Bubba humorously recalls his dilated eyes from an eye exam during their first meeting.

[09:12] Host: "I went and had an eye exam that day, and I had my eyes dilated... I think that's the first time I met you."

Despite the initial awkwardness, the chemistry was undeniable. Bubba shares how their shared sense of humor and fun bonded them quickly.

[16:02] Host: "We laughed and cut up just like we do now."

Navigating Young Love

The conversation shifts to the early days of Bubba and Betty's relationship. Betty candidly discusses the pressures of impending responsibilities, like nursing school and career decisions, which Bubba navigated with humor and patience.

[19:14] Betty Lou Busse: "I was in nursing school... I just kind of needed to know. Am I getting married? Am I going to work?"

Bubba reflects on their decision to marry, attributing much of their success to Sue's intervention and guidance.

[19:22] Host: "It'll be 36 this summer if we make it that far."

Answering the Next Generation

Bubba and Betty engage with questions sent in by their children, Caitlin and Hunter. Caitlin's questions focus on Betty's high school days, prompting nostalgic and humorous responses from Sue.

[25:47] Host: "Caitlin's first question to you, Sue, about Betty. Was she as funny as she is now in high school?"

[26:22] Sue Marshall: "Oh, gosh, yes. For sure... She's just... That's how she has always been."

Cherished Memories and Anecdotes

The trio reminisces about memorable high school events, including Betty's accidental announcement of the "Alabama School for the Dead" and Bubba's infamous pontoon boat mishap.

[29:24] Betty Lou Busse: "I accidentally announced we were playing the Alabama School for the Dead."

[42:25] Host: "I was just thinking, this is embarrassing... floating through the air in a pontoon boat."

These stories not only highlight the humorous side of their past but also underscore the deep bond and enduring love between Bubba and Betty.

Tribute to Greg Warren

Towards the episode's conclusion, Bubba pays a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, Greg Warren, who was set to be a guest on a future episode. Bubba shares their shared history in radio and expresses his sorrow over Greg's passing.

[44:12] Host: "I lost a long lost friend this week. His name is Greg Warren... Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time."

Closing Reflections

Bubba wraps up the episode by reflecting on the importance of gratitude, love, and the unexpected ways friendships can shape one's life. He underscores the significance of Sue's role in their love story and emphasizes the blessings of everyday moments.

[50:34] Host: "God's greatest blessing and greatest miracle is if you're not praying for a miracle today... It's such a blessing each and every day. Let's just be thankful."

Notable Quotes

• [04:14] Betty Lou Busse: "We finally made this happen."
• [16:11] Betty Lou Busse: "I love the confidence that I had to just call and say, why didn't you call?"
• [19:32] Host: "It worked out. It is."
• [27:00] Host: "She's beautiful, she's blonde, she's funny, she walks on her tiptoes. I mean, who doesn't love that?"
• [44:18] Sue Marshall: "Hey, I'm just happy y'all are happy. That's all that matters."

Conclusion

"When Bubba Met Betty..." is a touching episode that celebrates love, friendship, and the serendipitous moments that bring people together. Through laughter, shared memories, and heartfelt gratitude, Bubba, Betty, and Sue remind listeners of the beauty of authentic connections and the enduring power of love stories nurtured over decades.

For more heartwarming stories and engaging conversations, subscribe to Bubba On the Lake and join the community celebrating people, places, and perspectives from Bubba's unique viewpoint.