Local Matters

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Angela Skiles of Skiles Family Farm joins Tiffany Anton to shine a light on the beauty of local farms. She shares what goes into a farm that grows grapes to create a variety of wines and juices, as well as the process of growing flowers for bouquet production. How long does it take from start to finish? How much effort and craftsmanship is put into the...

On this jam-packed episode of the Local Matters podcast, Matt Craighead, McKenna Bridges, and Abby Shoal join for a conversation on the opportunities in agriculture and how it impacts everything. They highlight the importance of programs like FFA for children and teenagers alike, along with how the younger Upper Cumberland population has been leaning towards FFA more and more over the years. Liste...

In this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes Diane Alenitsch of the Military Memorial Museum of Upper Cumberland for a fascinating conversation about preserving the stories of the men and women who have served our country. A U.S. Army veteran and longtime military spouse, Diane shares her personal journey from Long Island to the Upper Cumberland, explaining how a lifetime connect...

Outdoor recreation, community connection, and quality of life all come together in this episode of Local Matters as host Ben Rodgers welcomes Liz Wilkinson of the Tennessee Central Rail Trail. Liz shares how her journey from Tennessee Tech student to social worker, nonprofit volunteer, and passionate cyclist ultimately led her to help advance one of the Upper Cumberland's most exciting community p...

Hearing loss is something that can happen to anyone and can negatively affect your life. On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Dr. Sam Floren of Upper Cumberland ENT joins Drs. Mabry and Lee to help speak on preventing hearing loss and treatment. He explains what can cause hearing loss, the different types of hearing loss, and the impact it can have if left untreated for long periods of ti...

During this episode of Local Matters, Emisha Gay joins Tiffany Anton as they discuss the exciting business of Zoned Out Gaming Lounge and how they're focused on bringing fun to the community! Gay highlights their initial start and how they got into the business before moving on to explain what they offer. From modern to retro gaming, a large area filled with a variety of billiards tables and dart...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, three professors/students from Tennessee Tech join Jeremy Wendt to take a deep dive into all things animal science and agriculture. They explain the historic significance of agriculture in our world, and how it has taken massive strides forward to become more streamlined. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

In this heartwarming episode, George Halford sits down with magician, comedian, ventriloquist, and educator Dave Mitchell to explore a lifetime of entertaining audiences while inspiring young people through creativity, humor, and faith. Mitchell shares how childhood mentors sparked his passion for magic, how his career evolved into educational school assemblies and historical performances as Benja...

In this episode of Local Matters, host Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter for an in-depth look at the county's newly approved fiscal year budget. They break down how the certified tax rate was calculated following the countywide property reappraisal, why the budget was approved without a tax increase, and what it means for property owners across Putnam County. The conversa...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Cliff Venters and Erika Campbell of the Cookeville Fire Department join Drs. Mabry and Lee to speak on the various mental health initiatives they have to help the community. From how the fire department acts in the field to help others, to the impact a call can have on a patient's well-being, they detail everything. What mental health resources are ava...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, owners of Meg's Bread Meghan Borland & Luke Yoder join Tiffany Anton to shine a light on the business! They tell their story of how they got into the business, sharing how despite the waves being choppy, they were still able to successfully navigate it. They detail what's to come for the business, how they plan on expanding, and what loyal customers ca...

As more and more focus is put into students being prepared for their next step forward, Lane Ward joins Jeremy Wendt to really highlight the process of it all. He dives into what fields of study CTE offers, as well as his current role as Career Technical Education Director. They cover career exploration labs and their benefits for students, as well as how CTE can be a useful tool for students to a...

In this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes writer, researcher, and local historian Laura Clemons for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, history, and the people who have shaped the Upper Cumberland. Laura reflects on her journey from growing up in Florida to finding a lifelong home in Cookeville, where a passion for writing and history led to a distinguished career doc...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Laura Clemons joins George Halford to highlight local Cookeville history and storytelling. She begins by speaking about her journey as a writer at Tennessee Tech, and how she found a passion for history along the way. She ends off by detailing the books she has written and highlights the upcoming projects she has written about the Cookeville area's ric...

In this episode of Local Matters, host Ben Rodgers sits down with Overton County Executive Stephen Barlow for a candid conversation reflecting on his four years of public service and the projects that have shaped the future of Overton County. Barlow discusses the challenges of attracting new businesses, including his efforts to recruit a grocery store and hotel, while highlighting major accomplish...

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 part two of this special Local Matters episode, Drs. Mabry and Lee are once again joined by Dr. Ernie Buchanan of Upper Cumberland Family Practice and Lincoln Memorial University medical student Peter Richards to continue separating fact from fiction on today's biggest health and wellness trends. This episode shifts the focus to the fitness gadgets, recovery techniques, wearable technology, and...

In this episode of Local Matters, host Tiffany Anton welcomes Tyler Buck, owner and operator of the Cookeville and Algood Baskin-Robbins locations, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and building a business with purpose. Tyler shares how a part-time job scooping ice cream as a teenager turned into becoming the youngest person to purchase a Baskin-Robbins franchise, and how he's...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, hear from Dr. Kristen Trent as she details why teaching literacy is so important. She explains what the 2+2 Program is, what purpose it serves in the local community, and the integral role the Literacy Association of Tennessee plays in helping the next generation reach literacy. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes longtime Cookeville High School Career and Technical Education instructor Randy Mansell for a conversation about the life-changing impact of skilled trades and workforce education. Drawing from decades of experience in construction, farming, and the classroom, Mansell reflects on his journey from working alongside his father in the fam...

In this episode of Local Matters, host Ben Rodgers welcomes Maxine Frazier, director of the Cookeville Senior Center, for an inspiring conversation about creating opportunities that help older adults remain active, connected, and engaged. Drawing on a lifetime of service as an educator, court reporter, school board member, and community leader, Frazier shares how the Senior Center has grown into a...

In this episode of Local Matters, Drs. Mabry and Lee are joined by licensed professional counselor Abby Fowler of Wildly Curative Counseling for an encouraging conversation about helping children navigate big emotions and build emotional resilience. Abby explains why feelings like frustration, disappointment, anxiety, and anger are a normal part of childhood development, and how parents can help c...

In this episode of Local Matters, host Tiffany Anton welcomes Heidi Clopton, founder of the Dream Cooperative, for an inspiring conversation about creating opportunities for individuals with special needs and strengthening the Upper Cumberland through collaboration. Heidi shares how nearly three decades as an occupational therapist inspired her to launch the nonprofit after recognizing the need fo...

Dr. Jennifer Meadows joins Jeremy Wendt on this episode of the Local Matters podcast to highlight STEM. She details her journey working in STEM centers and STEM education, covering a variety of initiatives she began such as the lending library and her STEM Teacher Program. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

In this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes Upper Cumberland Development District historian Mark Dudley for a fascinating journey through the people, places, and events that have shaped the Upper Cumberland. Drawing on a lifetime of studying the region's past, Dudley shares how growing up in Jackson County, a family rooted in storytelling, and a passion for history led him to pr...