Clarksville Conversations with Charlie Koon

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations , host Charlie Koon sits down with Michael Lankford, the newly appointed state representative for Tennessee’s District 75, for an in-depth conversation about his roots, his public service, and what comes next for Montgomery County. Lankford reflects on growing up in Clarksville and Montgomery County, sharing how his local upbringing shaped his perspecti...

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations , host Charlie Koon sits down with Congressman Matt Van Epps for an in-depth discussion about his rapid and unconventional path to Congress. Fresh off a special election victory, Van Epps describes the whirlwind transition into Washington and what it was like to step onto the House floor for the first time. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes lo...

Bill Marbet, Russ Plummer, Blake Monroe and Angie Brady join Charlie to talk about the TACA East-West All-Star Game, a prominent Tennessee high school football event hosted in Clarksville held at Austin Peay State University. Blake and Angie from Visit Clarksville explain how securing and maintaining this event demonstrates their commitment to relationship-based tourism, citing the importance of l...

This episode of Clarksville Conversations features two separate interviews with members of Christian rock bands who are performing on the upcoming Awakening Tour 2025. The first interview is with John Cooper from Skillet, who discusses his band's long history, their energetic hard rock style, and their positive faith, family, and freedom message. The second interview is with Darren Mulligan of We...

Charlie Koon and guest Pastor Mike Burnette talk about the upcoming 8th annual Turkeys for Troops event in Clarksville. The event, scheduled for Saturday November 22nd, provides free frozen turkeys to active-duty military, veterans, and their families as a gesture of appreciation. They talk about the origins and growth of the event, now too large for its initial location, and highlights the crucia...

In this inspiring episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Major General (Retired) Walt Lord and Edgar Maldonado from Austin Peay State University’s Military and Veterans Affairs division to explore the deep bond between APSU, Fort Campbell, and the region’s thriving military community. Together, they discuss why Clarksville is unlike other military towns and how APSU...

On this episode Charlie speaks with former professional bull rider and Clarksville native Cory Rasch. The conversation focuses on Rasch’s upcoming sanctioned Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event scheduled for November 8th at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee. Rasch shares details about his history growing up in the area, his professional bull riding career, and the extensive plannin...

Charlie Koon and co-host Ryan Ploeckelman talk to guest Debra Sutton from Manna Cafe Ministries. The discussion focuses on Combat Hunger, Manna Cafe’s annual food drive, which has been expanded to the entire month of October to address growing food insecurity in Clarksville and Montgomery County, particularly among military families and seniors. Manna Cafe, a Clarksville original charity in its 15...

On this episode, Mary Durrett, a lifelong resident of Clarksville, shares information about her Sasha Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding mental health therapy for the underserved, and her own health journey using functional medicine. Cliff Syner, a former Army flight medic, discusses why he settled in Clarksville, the origins of his nonprofit, Risen Wellness, and the principles of functi...

On this episode Charlie Coon, and guests Jay Albertia and Britney Campbell, discuss an upcoming charity event, The Legends Bank’s Game Changer Clay Shoot supporting Progressive Directions, a non-profit organization led by Jay Albertia that aids individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Middle and West Tennessee. Britney Campbell, representing Legends Bank, explains the ev...

On this episode Charlie chats with Cole Smith of the Nashville Predators. The main topics of the conversation center around Smith's background in hockey, including his start skating on a frozen lake in Minnesota and his eventual decision to pursue hockey over football, his strengths as a player who relies on work ethic and excels at the penalty kill, and his positive experience with the Predators...

On this episode Charlie is joined by Mayor Wes Golden of Montgomery County, and Bobby DeVoursney the CEO of the Nashville Kats Arena football team. The primary focus of the discussion is the major announcement that the Nashville Kats will officially relocate their next home season to Clarksville, Tennessee, starting in 2026, playing at the F&M Bank Arena. The participants emphasize the communi...

On this episode host Charlie Coon discusses the Clarksville Rotary Club with guests Betty Burchett and Jill Moore. The conversation centers on the club's impactful community work in Clarksville, Montgomery County, highlighting their long history of service projects such as Rotary Park, Heritage Park's splash pad, and the Buddy Ball Fields. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to an...

This episode of "Clarksville Conversations" features an interview with Major General David Gardner, the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell. General Gardner discusses his personal journey to military service, highlighting his early inspiration from West Point and the enduring camaraderie among his classmates. He emphasizes the unique and supportive rela...

This episode of Clarksville Conversations features an interview with Austin Peay State University (APSU) Football Coach Jeff Faris, following a significant upset victory over Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The conversation centers on the team's preparation and keys to their historic win, highlighting their confidence, lack of turnovers, strong third-down defense, and explosive plays. Co...

This episode features an interview with David Kells, the Chief Venues Officer for F&M Bank Arena and Bridgestone Arena, discussing the growth of Clarksville, Montgomery County, and the development of its entertainment scene. Kells shares his career journey in the live music industry, from internships to his current executive role, and highlights his experiences with memorable concerts and the...

On this episode Charlie chats with Dr. Michael Licari, President of Austin Peay State University. The discussion primarily focuses on the university's impressive growth in enrollment and facilities, highlighting new additions like the Health Professions building and a welcome center, and future plans such as an event center and a large Chick-fil-A. Dr. Licari also elaborates on Austin Peay's commi...

In an episode of "Clarksville Conversations," host Charlie Coon interviews Chief Michael Rios of Montgomery County Fire Service, who has nearly 23 years of experience in fire rescue. Chief Rios discusses the separation of the Fire Chief and EMA director roles due to the county's significant growth and increasing emergency needs. He outlines the department's plans to expand its paid staff, includin...

On this episode Charlie chats with Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder, the Director of Schools for Clarksville-Montgomery County. The discussion centers on various aspects of the school system's operations and future. Key topics include student growth and enrollment, the construction of new schools like Freedom Elementary, and the impact of federal budgets. Dr. Luna-Vedder also addresses staffing levels and rec...

On this episode Charlie chats with Nicholas Nicoletta, owner of Nicoletta's Catering and Takeaway. Throughout the conversation, Nicoletta discusses the origins and growth of his business, including his popular "takeaway" program and the expansion into other locations like Sango Bakery and Pleasant View. He shares insights into the daily operations, his signature menu items like pimento cheese and...

As a local Dentist, Kevin Kennedy Jr. knows a thing or two about Health Care in Clarksville.  He joins Charlie to talk about why it is so important for the community to rally behind Tri-Star and Ascension St. Thomas in their efforts to build new hospitals in Clarksville, and how we can get our voices heard. 

Govs Football Coach Jeff Faris stops by for a chat with Charlie about how the off season has gone for the Govs, and what fans can expect during his second season has Head Coach of Clarksville's Hometown Team.

David Whelan oversees planning, business development, network integration and more for HCA Healthcare's TriStar Division.  He joins Charlie on this episode to talk about why TriStar wants to build a new Hospital in Clarksville, and what this new Hospital will bring to the community.

Author, Speaker, Teacher, Veteran, Adjunct Professor, and Montgomery County Commissioner.  Get to know the incredible Dr. Rashidah Leverett on this episode.

Ascension Saint Thomas recently announced plans to build a new Hospital in Clarksville off of exit 11.  Ascension Saint Thomas President and CEO Fahad Tahir joins Charlie to talk about why they want to build in Clarksville, how the community can help make that happen, and what Clarksville can expect from the new Hospital.