Local Matters

Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Mistie Johnson from UCHRA as the organization celebrates an amazing 50 years of serving the Upper Cumberland. Mistie shares the wide range of programs and support services UCHRA offers to local communities—and how you might qualify for help. She encourages anyone who’s struggling to reach out, even if they’re unsure if they meet the requirements. Plus, she explains...

What do rodeo arenas, real estate, and running your own business have in common? For Clark Adcock—quite a lot. On this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Upper Cumberland native Clark Adcock of Adcock Auctioneer to talk about his unexpected journey into the auction world. From competing on a national championship rodeo team at University of Tennessee at Martin to traveling the Midwest as a prof...

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Emma Seagrave, fifth-grade teacher at Prescott South, softball coach, and self-proclaimed pickleball enthusiast. From playing junior college, Division I, and Division II softball to shaping young minds in the math classroom, Emma shares how athletics, mental health, and mentorship all connect in her teaching philosophy. Tune in as she talks about representation in women...

There’s a story behind every great teacher — and this one stretches from a farm in Avon South Dakota to a classroom right here in Cookeville Tennessee. George sits down with Sheila Jett, longtime North East Elementary teacher and member of the Christian Educators Group, as she shares how faith, family, and powerful mentors shaped her journey into education. From teaching abroad in the Czech Republ...

Fire Chief Rocky Dial joins Ben Rodgers to take us inside the front lines of emergency service in Livingston. From staffing challenges and vital EMT training to the high cost of fire apparatus and the importance of mutual aid across the Upper Cumberland, Dial shares what it really takes to keep a community safe. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about teamwork, resilience, and the future of lo...

Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with VP Patrick AbdelMessih and Joy McCameron from Birth Tissue Donation Services to talk about an incredible way new moms can make a life-changing impact. They share why birth tissue donation is especially important in rural areas like the Upper Cumberland and how it helps support healing through advanced medical grafts. Joy, a mother and donor herself, explains how qu...

Tiffany Anton sits down with Hayden Cassidy, founder of Kings Plumbing, to talk about building a business from the ground up — and yes, being in the “number one and number two” business. From starting as a 19-year-old apprentice in Louisiana to launching a full-service residential plumbing company, Hayden shares the mentors, family support, and long-term vision driving his success. Tune in as they...

Jeremy sits down with Cory Gleasman, Associate Professor of Computer Science Education at Tennessee Tech, to talk about the power of teaching and critical thinking in today’s world. Originally from Upstate New York, Cory shares how his passion for instruction began in an unexpected place—swim lessons—and grew into a career shaping future problem-solvers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about...

George Halford sits down with Bryant Presley, a former funeral home owner whose life has been shaped by faith, family, and decades of service. Born on Detroit’s east side before moving to Tennessee in 1971, Presley says he was “bit with the funeral bug” early on after working in a funeral home during school. He went on to manage several funeral homes across Kingsport and even purchased the old Coo...

From Honduras to Tennessee Tech, doctoral student Sahera Abumariam is making waves in the world of chemical engineering! With award-winning research on microplastics and a passion for environmental innovation, she’s turning big dreams into real-world impact. Hear her inspiring journey, her goals for the future, and how family and STEM brought her all the way to Cookeville! Listen To The Local Matt...

Stomach issues aren’t always “just an upset stomach.” Drs. Lee and Mabry talk with GI specialist Dr. Nichole Pisapia about IBS, warning signs to watch for, diet tips, and when colon cancer screenings should start—plus myth-busting you don’t want to miss. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany sits down with Brittany Phillips, the new owner of B Fit Women’s Studio, to talk about her inspiring journey of purchasing the business and giving it new life after hearing it was set to close. Brittany shares what makes her studio stand out from other women-centered fitness spaces, transforming it into more than just bungee classes—it’s a supportive wellness community. She explains the di...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Jeremy Wendt is joined by Jackie Vester, CTE Supervisor in Putnam County, to discuss how CTE is helping to connect students to career pathways. She talks about her journey to Cookeville, how she found a love for education, and what she has enjoyed most about her job. Jackie also speaks on programs like work-based learning, which allows students to work...

Behind every nurse is a lifetime of compassion, sacrifice, and service—and the Tennessee Nurses Honor Guard makes sure that legacy is never forgotten. George Halford sits down with Donna Sherrill and Barb Davis, two Upper Cumberland natives helping lead this meaningful nonprofit tribute organization founded in 2019. They share what inspired them to become nurses, how healthcare has evolved over th...

Ben Rodgers sits down with Jackson County Mayor Jim Morgan. We explore Jackson County's waste management and disposal, growth opportunities, water upgrades and more. Morgan highlights his personal story as well, sharing how he made his way to being Mayor of Jackson County, and what has helped him succeed all throughout his life. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Cancer prevention starts long before symptoms appear, and nurse practitioner Ben Aaron is here to explain how. In this episode, the doctors talk screenings, vaccines, and myths versus truth—plus how simple checkups can play a huge role in long-term health. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany sits down with Josie Cook, owner of Play Land Pals—an indoor playroom and cozy coffee shop built with both kids and parents in mind. After moving from California to Tennessee, Josie found her way to Smithville in search of true small-town community, and she’s created a welcoming space where children can play safely while adults can actually relax. She shares the inspiration behind the play...

Dr. Gray and Lindsey Roberts join Jeremy Wendt to shed some light on the global culinary program at Tennessee Tech. They discuss the blossoming of the program, and how it has taken shape over the very short time it has been offered to students. They discuss how exciting and fun the program has been, and their plans for making it even bigger and better in the near future. Listen To The Local Matter...

From front-porch wisdom to a book the internet couldn’t keep in stock—George Halford talks with Jeffery Crouch, author of Hillbilly Gospel. Jeffery shares the stories of his father, faith, loss, and the calling that led him to write a book now spreading by word of mouth. Listen to a powerful conversation about legacy, grief, and stories meant to live on. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Ben Rodgers sits down with Overton County Commissioner Patrick McCurdy. They explore his time in service to the Coast Guard, his journey to Overton County from his early years in Montana, and what he strives to accomplish as commissioner each and every day. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

The Winter months can be tough on mental health, and Drs. Lee and Mabry are unpacking why with Dr. Langford of Hope Springs Clinic. In this engaging conversation, they explore seasonal depression, holiday stress, and how accessible mental health care in the Upper Cumberland can make a real difference. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

When it comes to electrical work, quality and safety matter most. Tiffany Anton talks with Brian Larson of Larson Electrical Solutions about why hiring a licensed electrician is crucial, how he ensures every job is done right, and his hopes to teach the next generation of skilled trades in our area. Hear how Brian is powering homes safely and building a stronger community. Listen To The Local Matt...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Jeremy Wendt is joined by Trent Jones from STEMOVATE. He helped bring STEM education to Putnam County School Systems as a 4H Agent, and has lived a life full of spreading his knowledge in agriculture, stem, and 4H. He talks about what inspires him to give students insight about STEM and agricultural education, and how STEMOVATE will continue to give he...

George Halford sits down with Gannon Richesin, a Philadelphia, Tennessee native whose heart for service fuels both his ministry and community leadership. Gannon shares his path from Loudon High School to becoming a vocational minister and pastor of Three Rivers Church, as well as the director of Matthew 25 Ministries in Warren County, where he oversees impactful outreach—including their vital Warm...

Ben Rodgers sits down with Jackson County Commissioner Doug Stafford, a lifelong local whose roots run deep in Gainesboro. Doug shares his journey from working city trash trucks and spending two decades at Nielsen to serving on the county commission, reflecting on a lifetime of volunteerism that began at just 15 years old. He opens up about the tough realities of local government, including voting...