Clarksville Conversations with Charlie Koon

On this episode Congressman Matt Van Epps joins Charlie for a conversation regarding legislative updates and community advocacy in Clarksville, Tennessee. The discussion highlights the impact of redistricting on Montgomery County and the critical importance of supporting Fort Campbell through infrastructure improvements like water and wastewater management.  Van Epps explains his work on the Honor...

This episode features an interview with Tommy Bates and Jeremy Hoard, the top executives of Legends Bank, the only locally owned financial institution in Clarksville, Tennessee. The discussion highlights the leaders' unique professional backgrounds and the bank’s deep-seated commitment to community banking, which prioritizes local decision-making and personal relationships over corporate distance....

On this episode, Charlie speaks with Brent Nicholson, a successful entrepreneur and owner of multiple SERVPRO franchises. Nicholson discusses his local roots in Clarksville, reflecting on how his early experiences as a farmer instilled a strong work ethic and foundational business skills. Since entering the disaster restoration industry in 2011, he has expanded his operations across several states...

On this episode Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden and his Chief of Staff Lee Harrell provide an overview of the region's fiscal health and future development. The leaders highlight a newly passed budget that maintains the current property tax rate for a third consecutive year despite rising costs and significant infrastructure investments. Key priorities mentioned include the construction of new...

On this episode, Downtown Clarksville business owners, Jeff Robinson, Andrea Herrera and Darla Knight discuss the mounting frustrations surrounding downtown parking management and its impact on local commerce. The participants highlight a confusing hybrid system involving inconsistent apps and meters, noting that the downtown district is the only area in the city where visitors are forced to pay f...

This episode highlights the 20/10 mentorship program, a community-driven initiative in Clarksville, Montgomery County, designed to guide justice-involved youth toward a brighter future. Judge Ken Goble, Kimberly Wiggins and Edward Moss explain how the program provides juveniles with college-student mentors to help them visualize a life beyond the legal system. By offering exposure to higher educat...

This episode features an interview with Steve Conklin, the campus director of Herzing University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Conklin shares his personal journey from being a military brat and Air Force veteran to finding a second career in higher education. The conversation highlights the specific nursing programs offered at the Clarksville campus, ranging from LPN to doctoral levels, and emphasize...

On this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Charlie Koon talks with Leo Millan and Tonya Leszczak regarding the philanthropic work of the Millan Foundation. The discussion highlights the foundation's recent annual banquet and its commitment to fostering local and global partnerships with various nonprofit organizations. Rather than working in isolation, the foundation focuses on standing in the...

This podcast interview features Hadley Ott, a Clarksville native who discusses his professional background and his personal journey overcoming Crohn’s disease. After working in economic policy for the White House, Ott returned to Tennessee to publish his book, "Drug-Free Crohn's," which documents his transition from conventional medicine to functional health. He outlines a healing philosophy built...

The Clarksville Kiwanis Club focuses on community service and local youth development through its two signature annual events. The Reading Rodeo promotes literacy by distributing thousands of free books to third-grade students in Montgomery County, culminating in a massive gathering at a local arena. To fund these charitable efforts, the organization hosts a sanctioned professional rodeo in May, f...

This episode introduces Randy Davis, the new President of the newly rebranded Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital, as he discusses the facility's transition into the Vanderbilt Health system. Davis shares his blue-collar upbringing and medical background, emphasizing how his experience as a technician informs his collaborative, physician-led approach to administration. The discussion outlines a commit...

Professional wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett discusses his transition into a promotional leadership role for the Nashville Kats, an arena football team now playing in Clarksville, Tennessee. In this interview, Jarrett highlights his family's deep historical roots in Clarksville and his excitement about the city’s rapid growth and new F&M Bank Arena. He describes the high-speed nature of the spor...

On this episode of Clarksville Conversations , Charlie Koon sits down with hometown comedian DJ Pryor to break down a career that’s come full circle. From performing his first stand-up set as a teenager to now helping lead Joker’s Comedy House, Pryor shares how Clarksville shaped his voice and his mission. The conversation dives into the mechanics of stand-up, why physical comedy and real-time aud...

This episode features Brad Averitt and Ginna Holleman as they discuss the upcoming 42nd Annual Candlelight Ball, a premier fundraising gala for Austin Peay State University. The event, scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, aims to secure vital scholarship funds and operational support for various university departments. This year’s celebration adopts a Kentucky Derby th...

Former Tennessee Titans linebacker Avery Williamson joins Charlie Koon alongside Chris Colburn to share his journey from a cattle farm upbringing to the NFL, driven by discipline and a passion for defense. After retiring from football, Williamson shifted into entrepreneurship, launching Tennessee Crush Water Ice—an innovative frozen treat inspired by a trip to Philadelphia. The conversation highli...

Stacey Levine, Executive Director of the Tennessee River chapter of the American Red Cross, shares how her team supports Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and 12 surrounding counties through disaster relief, blood drives, and community programs. With a workforce powered 90% by volunteers, she highlights opportunities to get involved—from life-saving training to fundraising events like their upcoming gol...

Chris and Stephanie Travis, the husband-and-wife team behind Travis Electrical Service in Clarksville, share how they transitioned from careers in firefighting and education to building one of the region’s most respected electrical contracting companies. Guided by their Christian faith and a commitment to service, they discuss how their business philosophy blends entrepreneurship with community im...

In this podcast interview, military veteran and entrepreneur Gary Singleton shares the story behind launching Joker’s Comedy House and The Grill in Clarksville, Tennessee. After retiring from the military and working in real estate, Singleton recognized the city’s need for more live entertainment and converted a former restaurant into a full-service comedy venue. The club now hosts weekly improv s...

 In this episode, Austin Peay State University’s new Athletic Director, Jordan Harmon, sits down to share his journey from student-athlete to leading the Govs’ athletic department. Harmon talks about building strong ties with the Clarksville community, growing revenue, and creating a culture that values both winning and academic success. He reflects on the mentors and family who shaped his path an...

 In this episode, Congressman Matt Van Epps reflects on his journey from military service to representing Tennessee’s fast-growing communities. He explains how team building and structured processes guide his work in Congress, including on the Homeland Security and Science, Space, and Technology committees. Van Epps also discusses his advocacy for Fort Campbell, the role of local business support,...

Dawn Sanders-Garrett, Interim Director of the Clarksville Housing Authority, walks through the plan to redevelop Lincoln Homes and why it matters. She explains how federal RAD conversion and tax credits make the project possible, what demolition and rehabilitation will look like, and how the new development will modernize affordable housing without losing sight of the people who live there. The ep...

In this episode, Barry Sullivan and Chad Hunley of the Clarksville Jeep Crew share how a simple love of Jeeps has grown into one of the area’s most reliable grassroots support networks. Founded in 2019 and now more than 2,300 members strong, the volunteer group steps up during crises, most recently during the snow and ice storm, helping stranded drivers, transporting essential medical staff, and s...

On this episode Mark Riggins, General Manager of Clarksville Gas and Water, joins Charlie Koon to talk about some of the big projects in the works for CGW.  Those projects include a new natural gas pipeline from Kentucky that will provide Clarksville with a redundant supply of natural gas, a new app and more.

 In this episode, Mayor Wes Golden reflects on a period of rapid growth and key administrative milestones shaping Montgomery County as it looks ahead to 2026. He discusses major public safety advancements, including the launch of the county’s first paid fire department and the expansion of school resource officers. The conversation also explores significant infrastructure investments, road expansi...

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations , Josh Ward, Executive Director of the Clarksville–Montgomery County Industrial Development Board, breaks down the unprecedented economic expansion reshaping the region. Ward details Clarksville’s strategic shift toward high-tech manufacturing, spotlighting major investments such as Korea Zinc and LG Chem—projects expected to generate thousands of jobs...