Bull Gap Journal

Bull Gap Journal

Robert Holmes, a retired Air Force Brigadier General and seasoned veteran, invites you into the heart of his experiences through captivating interviews and engaging dialogues in the pages of the award-winning Bull Gap Journal. Hailing from Alabama, Bob returned to his roots, settling near the Talladega National Forest after years of service. He recalls adventures in the woods as a youth and an adult particularly in a rugged spot known as the 'Bull Gap,' which hold a special place in his heart, shaping his life view. With more than three decades of service alongside the nation's sons and daughters, Bob gleaned profound insights into resilience, teamwork, and the invaluable lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks. He holds deep appreciation for those who guided him along his journey, fostering his growth as a leader and a learner. Drawing inspiration from the rugged Bull Gap, Bob offers a treasury of anecdotes and wisdom in the Bull Gap Journal, inviting us to explore life, leadership, and common sense with a fresh perspective. Encouraging a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to making a positive impact, Bob's journal serves as a beacon for personal growth and transformation. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and embrace the opportunity to become the best version of yourself alongside Bob's insightful guidance. Bull Gap Journal won the 2024 Alabama Broadcasters Association’s Best in Broadcasting ABBY Award for Best Small Market Public Affairs Program further bolstering its position as a difference-maker on topics important to Alabamians.

Episode 46 – Why Do I Bother?

Dec 16, 2025
Listen to the latest Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes as he wrestles with the quiet, heavy question so many of us carry but rarely voice – "Why do I bother?"

Episode 45 – What Hank Would Say Today

Nov 25, 2025
Listen to the latest Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes as he reflects on the hillbilly poet’s timeless wisdom, reminding us that in a world full of noise and confrontation, true connection comes not from shouting louder but from quiet truth, open hearts, and learning to listen again.

Episode 44 – Dr. Matt Hubbard

Nov 04, 2025
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and Dr. Matt Hubbard, the newly-elected Mayor of Sylacauga, as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 43 – Lucas Garrard

Oct 28, 2025
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and Lucas Garrard, a ninth grader at Enterprise High School and the Alabama State Inaugural Civics Bee Champion, as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 42 – Dolly Parton

Sep 30, 2025
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and RadioAlabama’s David McCurley as the two talk about Dolly Parton and the massive impact she has had on country music.

Episode 41 – Vince Gill

Aug 26, 2025
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and RadioAlabama's David McCurley as the two discuss Vince Gill's talent, his impact on country music, and his reverence for the military and its veterans. 

Episode 40 – Dignity

Jul 08, 2025
Listen to the latest Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes as he recalls fiery early lessons in leadership and discovers that true strength lies not in authority, but in treating others with dignity. 

Episode 39 – Hank and Ben

Jun 17, 2025
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes as he honors Hank Williams Sr. and his late friend Ben – two men bound by heartache, honesty, and the kind of truth you don’t fake.

Episode 38 – Chasin' Jackrabbits

May 20, 2025
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes where he compares hunting after frivolous goals or rewards to that of "Chasin' Jackrabbits."

Episode 37 – John Kemp

Apr 29, 2025
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and John Kemp, President and CEO of the Lakeshore Foundation, as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 35 – J. Chad Jones

Apr 01, 2025
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and J. Chad Jones, the President and CEO of First Bank of Alabama, as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 33 – Forgiveness

Feb 18, 2025
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes where he talks about forgiveness and not letting the burden of a grudge weigh you down.

Episode 31 – Unbreakable

Nov 26, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes where he discusses a friend's trials and tribulations overcoming Hurricane Helene. 

Episode 29 – Remembering 9/11

Sep 10, 2024
Listen to this special entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and David McCurley, KiX 100.3 Morning Show Host, as the two talk about the events that transpired on September 11, 2001 and discuss the sacrifices so many made that are honored every year on Patriot Day.

Episode 27 - Nancy Dickson, Chief Operating Officer of the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and Nancy Dickson, Chief Operating Officer of the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE), as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 25 - Camilla Friday, Miss Sylacauga’s Outstanding Teen 2024

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and Camilla Friday, recent Sylacauga High School (SHS) graduate as Co-Salutatorian and Miss Sylacauga’s Outstanding Teen 2024, as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 23 - Isaac Jennings, Organizational Manager of the East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and Isaac Jennings, the Organizational Manager of the East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub (EARTH), as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 21 - Jesse Cleveland, former educator & Mayor of Sylacauga from 1996-2000

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes and special guest Jesse Cleveland, former educator and the Mayor of Sylacauga from 1996-2000, as the duo discuss Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 19 - State Rep. Ben Robbins (R) of Alabama’s District 33

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes and special guest, State Rep. Ben Robbins (R) of Alabama’s District 33, as the two talk about Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.  

Episode 17 - Alana Centilli, President of Dovetail Landing

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and Alana Centilli, the President of Dovetail Landing, as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 15 - Chief Master Sgt. William Markham of the U.S. Air Force (Retired)

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and retired Chief Master Sgt. William Markham of the U.S. Air Force as the two discuss all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 13 - Master Sgt. Erica Denty of the Army National Guard

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to the latest entry into the Bull Gap Journal featuring host Robert Holmes and Master Sgt. Erica Denty of the Army National Guard as the two discuss all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 11 - Michael Brannon, Executive Vice President of RadioAlabama

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes and special guest Michael Brannon, the Executive Vice President of RadioAlabama, as the two talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 9 - Ryan Coleman, Owner and Lead Architect of Difference Architecture

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes and special guest Ryan Coleman, the Owner and Lead Architect of Difference Architecture, as the pair talk about all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 7 - Ryan Scoble, former collegiate lacrosse player at Mercyhurst University

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes and special guest Ryan Scoble, former collegiate lacrosse player at Mercyhurst University, as the pair talk about Scoble’s life journey, his path to receiving a heart transplant, and all things pertaining to Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 5 - Chris Smelley, Head Football Coach of the Sylacauga Aggies

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with host Robert Holmes and special guest Chris Smelley, the new Head Football Coach of the Sylacauga Aggies, as the combo discuss Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 3 - Dan Harrell, award-winning country and Christian music record producer

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal entry with special guest Dan Harrell, a business executive from Nashville. Harrell, an award-winning country and Christian music record producer, visits with longtime friend and host Robert Holmes as the two discuss Life, Leadership, and Common Sense.

Episode 1 - Thad Forester

Jul 31, 2024
Listen to this Bull Gap Journal interview with special guest Thad Forester as he talks about the life and legacy of his brother Mark Forester who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010.