Take On The Lake

We Sat Down With the Developer: A Data Center, 3D Printed Homes, & A 2,000 Acre Master-Planned Community

The conversation around data centers, opportunity zones, and large-scale development at the Lake has gotten loud—and fast. So we did what we do: invited the developer to come talk about it. In this episode, Blake Hodits walks through his proposed 2,000-acre master-planned community near Camdenton—what it is, what it isn’t, how it doesn't have to include a data center... and how all the pieces fit together. Blake is equal parts dreamer, tech guy, and systems engineer. And that all comes across in this marathon of an interview. We cover: * The role of a potential data center * Why this project is much bigger than one single component * 3D-printed homes and other unconventional ideas * Water, power, and infrastructure questions * Why he didn't reveal his plans sooner (and whether he regrets it) * Where things actually stand right now Whether you’re for it, against it, or just trying to understand it—this is a chance to hear directly from the person behind the proposal.

Digging In On Data Centers: What Are The Biggest Questions Everyone's Asking? | Ep 39

In this episode, I begin with an apology and clarification on a recent video that... well, just didn't land quite right. Then we jump into the questions people are asking about data centers, in the aftermath of a frenzied week in Camden County related to this topic. I lay out the background (what happened last week), and the biggest questions/concerns people have about them.

Missing Tax Dollars & The Truth About Jeff City Politics | Ep 38 w/ Ike Skelton

Where's the money? In this episode of Take On The Lake, Camden County Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton joins me for a wide-ranging conversation on local government, state politics, and the decisions that impact taxpayers every day. We get into: * Ameren’s reported $6 billion profit—and what that means for consumers * How tax dollars are allocated (and where they sometimes don’t go) * The realities of Jefferson City politics and how decisions actually get made * Infrastructure challenges, budgeting, and transparency at the county level Whether you follow politics closely or not, this conversation offers a clearer look at how systems work behind the scenes—and why it matters. Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Follow LakeExpo for more stories from the Lake of the Ozarks #LakeOfTheOzarks #MissouriPolitics #Ameren #Taxes #LocalGovernment #JeffersonCity

Missouri's Insane Antisemitism Bill | Ep 37

Halt! It's the speech police! The Missouri legislature just passed a bill that bans antisemitic speech in public schools and colleges/universities across the state. They keep forgetting Orwell's writings weren't supposed to be a playbook. Here's why the bill is awful, and how their justification for it makes zero sense.

He Went to Prison 7 Times… Now He Helps Others Stay Free | Ep. 36 w/ Chris Sanders

Most people at the Lake of the Ozarks have never heard of this place. But for the past 25 years Lighthouse Mission has helped more than 1,000 men transition out of prison, rebuild their lives, and rediscover purpose—and it’s happening right here in the Lake of the Ozarks community. In this episode, I sit down with Chris Sanders, the Program Director at Lighthouse Mission. Chris went to prison 7 times before his life completely changed. This is a raw one. Chris shares his story of failure, redemption, faith, and second chances. Topics: What it’s really like getting out of prison How Lighthouse Mission works Why structure (no phone, no car) matters The moment that changed Chris’s life forever If you enjoy stories like this, share it with someone who needs to hear it. — Lake of the Ozarks ️ Take On The Lake by LakeExpo Got a guest idea? Message us on Facebook @TakeontheLake