Local Matters

On this episode of Local Matters Health Matters, hosts Drs. Mabry & Lee are joined by local family physician Dr. Ernie Buchanan of Upper Cumberland Family Physicians and Peter Richards, a third-year medical student at LMU, to separate health facts from social media fiction. They discuss the science behind GLP-1 weight loss medications, high-protein diets, intermittent fasting, continuous glucose m...

In this heartwarming episode, Taylor and Dylan Roberts, owners of Roberts Five Farm in Sparta, join the show to share the remarkable story behind one of the Upper Cumberland's most beloved seasonal destinations. What began as an unexpected idea sparked during a work trip overseas has grown into a thriving flower farm built on faith, family, and perseverance. The couple discusses the challenges of...

In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Jonathan Davis, the new Headmaster of Highland Rim Academy, to discuss his first year leading the school and his vision for its future. Davis shares his journey from educator and coach to school administrator, explains the principles behind classical Christian education, and discusses how Highland Rim is preparing students to become lifelong learners, c...

In this heartfelt episode, George Halford sits down with Tena Rogers, whose remarkable life journey spans adoption, faith, family, and a successful career in the country music industry. Tena shares the extraordinary story of being adopted as an infant after a difficult start in life, explaining how the unconditional love of her adoptive parents shaped her future and fueled her passion for advocati...

In this powerful episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Ryan Henry of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, whose own journey from addiction, incarceration, and homelessness to recovery has inspired a mission of helping others rebuild their lives. Ryan shares how his personal experiences led him to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and explains how UCHRA's UC Recovery program connects...

In this exciting episode of the Local Matters podcast, the owner of Ugly Mug Bar and Grill, Brad Taylor, reflects on the restaurant’s first year in business and the lessons he’s learned about entrepreneurship, leadership, and serving a small community. Brad discusses building the Spencer restaurant from the ground up, creating a menu focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and establishing...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Cookeville High School senior Creed Hardison to discuss his remarkable journey in student leadership, media production, and public service. Hardison shares his experience serving as executive producer of Cav Connect TV, being elected 2026 Tennessee Boys State Governor, and balancing academics, athletics, and entrepreneurship while preparing for a future...

In this engaging episode, George Halford sits down with Tennessee Tech professor and Putnam County Poet Laureate Aaron Hoover to discuss the power of poetry, storytelling, and the arts in shaping both individuals and communities. Hoover reflects on the life experiences that inspired her writing, from growing up near Three Mile Island to living in New York City during the September 11 attacks, and...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Tennessee Technological University President Philip Oldham joins host Ben Rodgers to detail what's in store for the future of TTU. Oldham starts off by shedding some light on his journey to becoming President of Tennessee Tech, and what led him down this path to presidency. In addition to shedding some light on his journey, Oldham also makes sure to hi...

In this informative Health Matters episode, Drs. Jennifer Mabry and Emily Lee sit down with wound care nurse practitioner Marcy Little to discuss why proper wound care is about much more than treating the injury itself. Little explains the difference between acute and chronic wounds, why conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, and nutrition play a critical role in healing, and when it's time t...

Helping bring a community together through coffee is Anna Dunn's mission. And on this episode of the Local Matters podcast, she joins Luke Ramey to discuss how her local business 'Soul Craft Coffee' is helping. From detailing the journey she went on with the shop, to highlighting what's in store for the future, Dunn shares it all. In addition to this, she also offers insights into new menu items,...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Upperman High School Teacher of the Year Leann Walker to discuss her journey from non-traditional college student to award-winning special education teacher. Walker shares what drew her to a CDC classroom, how real-world learning experiences help prepare students for life beyond high school, and why building relationships is at the heart of effective tea...

Winningham Cemetery is known for its' vast historical presence and unique feeling it offers. On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Kay Winningham joins the show to speak on the past, present, and future of Winningham Cemetery. She highlights the sweeping of the graves and Decoration Day as a tradition, as well as detailing the aspects that makes the cemetery so beautiful. Overall, Kay talk...

Victoria Ray joins Ben Rodgers on this episode of Local Matters to discuss how the Housing Authority protects and serves the UC community of homeowners and buyers. Ray also highlights how they help people keep their homes, the variety of loans and resources available to help in the process of aiding, and more! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Heidi Clopton joins Drs. Mabry & Lee to shine a light on her journey as a child therapist. She talks about her early beginnings and where she first found her love for helping others, as well as her recent years and the trends she has seen in young children. She touches on family involvement in children and the integral role of it. Listen To The Local M...

Bringing healthier options to Jamestown has been Leann Smith's goal for a while, and she joins Luke Ramey to discuss how she's doing it. Owner and operator of Native Provisions, Leann's goal was to bring healthier diet choices to Jamestown that are delicious, affordable, and fun all around! With the community being the focus of this goal, Smith hopes to continue achieving this goal every day! List...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Putnam County Board Of Education Representative Kim Cravens highlights some of the big changes in education as of late. She talks about the improvements made in limiting phone/technology usage in schools, as well as a shift from students favoring blue collar and trade routes opposed to a collegiate one. To end the show, Cravens shines a light on the fu...

As one of Cookeville's most iconic restaurants continues to thrive almost twenty years after being bought, Blue Hensley joins George Halford to discuss the many things keeping it going. From putting family and faith first, honoring the customers' opinions, and hoping to continue growing as a business, Hensley details it all! In addition to this, Hensley also highlights what is in store for the fut...

Are you properly caring for your best friends? On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Jennifer Hutchinson-Tracy of the Putnam Animal Shelter joins Ben Rodgers to share some proper tips for animal care and protection. As well as proper animal care tips, Jennifer speaks on what it's like working for an animal shelter, and her journey into the animal business. Listen To The Local Matters Podca...

From new advancements in technology and trends that could negatively affect your child, Tracy Bucholz joins Drs. Mabry & Lee to discuss it all. She highlights the scary rise in technology and screen time, and how it negatively affects young children's development. She offers many solutions and areas of aid that parents could implement into their child's daily life. As well as technology negatively...

After transforming one of Cookeville's oldest buildings into a beautiful new pizzeria, Gene Hayenga joins Luke Ramey to discuss all things Gene's Pizzeria. They dive into Gene's journey into the restaurant business, as well as what inspired him along the way. In addition to this, Gene highlights the variety of menu items and cozy bar atmosphere; highlighting how Gene's Pizzeria is more than just a...

Preparing students for their future is the number one goal of every school district. And on this episode of the Local Matters podcast, host Jeremy Wendt is joined by Adam West of Putnam County School Systems as they discuss school services offered for student advancement. They break down the Future Ready Program offered by Putnam County, highlighting the benefits they have seen from the program. I...

As the future draws closer, what can the Upper Cumberland expect to see out of itself? To answer this question, former Chamber of Commerce member Thom Robinson joins host George Halford to discuss this. In addition to speaking on what the future holds for the Upper Cumberland, Robinson also shines a light on his many career achievements accomplished from a mixture of hard work, dedication, and fai...

Patrick Cripps joins Ben Rodgers on this episode of the Local Matters podcast to highlight many of the changes happening in and around the DeKalb County school system. As Director of Schools, Cripps is tasked with handling the ever-changing landscape of education and the various challenges that go along with it. As education changes and evolves constantly, what are the steps DeKalb County is takin...

Putting your child on the right path is a tough task, and one that many parents struggle with. On today's episode of Local Matters, Drs. Mabry & Lee are joined by Malissa Mayberry as she helps give information regarding child advocacy. Mayberry shares the importance of getting your child a head start in health, detailing how vital it is for them down the road and the habits they can acquire along...