Local Matters

In this episode of Local Matters, host Ben Rodgers welcomes Cumberland County EMS Director Chris Miller for an inside look at the challenges and responsibilities of leading one of the region's most critical public safety agencies. Miller discusses how Emergency Medical Services responds to more than 15,000 calls each year, the impact of seasonal emergencies such as heat-related illnesses and incre...

In this episode of Local Matters, Drs. Mabry and Lee welcome psychiatric mental health nurse Nikki Taylor for an insightful discussion about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across every stage of life. Together they explore how ADHD extends far beyond childhood, why more adults are receiving diagnoses than ever before, and how symptoms can present differently in children, teens, and...

In this episode of Local Matters, host Tiffany Anton welcomes Luke Ramey of the Biz Foundry for a preview of the second annual Small Business & Entrepreneurship (SBE) Conference, one of the Upper Cumberland's premier events for entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders. Luke shares what attendees can expect from this year's conference, including nationally recognized keynote speaker Liz Boha...

What happens when you go from being a clinical scientist to being an educator? In this episode, Kim Goodpasture joins host Jeremy Wendt to discuss exactly this. She details her journey of becoming a clinical scientist and what eventually led her down the path of becoming an educator. She highlights her mission of leaving a good impact on her students and trying to inspire them to find their true p...

In this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes Cookeville criminal defense attorney, ordained pastor, and author Brett Knight for a deeply personal conversation about faith, addiction, redemption, and second chances. Brett shares his remarkable journey from growing up in poverty, serving in the military, and building a successful legal career to discovering a calling that transform...

In this episode of Local Matters, host Ben Rodgers sits down with Cookeville Police Chief Scott Winfrey for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, community policing, and the future of public safety in one of Tennessee's fastest-growing cities. Chief Winfrey reflects on his journey from growing up in Baxter to a decades-long career with the Cookeville Police Department, sharing how his expe...

Tick-borne illnesses are becoming an increasingly important health concern across Tennessee, especially in the Upper Cumberland, where outdoor recreation is part of everyday life. In this episode of Local Matters, Family Nurse Practitioner Michelle Kumm joins for an in-depth discussion on the growing risks associated with tick bites. They explore the warning signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatme...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Brian and Bridget Jones share the story of how a multi-generation family cattle farm evolved into one of the Upper Cumberland's most unique agritourism destinations. What began with a lifelong dream of raising Highland cattle has grown into Mill Creek Farms, where visitors experience agriculture in a hands-on way while learning about livestock, conserv...

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

In this fascinating episode, George Halford sits down with Tennessee Tech cybersecurity expert and former FBI cyber agent Regis Billings to explore a career that spans military service, national security, and higher education. Billings shares how growing up in White County, serving in the Air Force, and working on some of the nation's most complex cyber investigations shaped his perspective on lea...

In this episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Morgan White, the inaugural Tourism and Main Street Director for Livingston and Overton County, to discuss her vision for showcasing one of the Upper Cumberland's most unique communities. White shares how her background in tourism, community development, and nonprofit leadership prepared her for the role, while highlighting the importance of supporting l...

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