Local Matters

What starts with a spin of a globe can change your life forever. Ben Rodgers sits down with Ethan Hadley, President and CEO of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, to unpack a journey that spans across continents and careers. From teaching English and raising a family in Japan to leading economic development in one of the 14 counties that make up the Upper Cumberland, Hadley share...

A cancer diagnosis can bring uncertainty—but having the right support can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Emily Lee and Dr. Jennifer Mabry sit down with Beth Slatten of Cookeville Regional Medical Center to discuss the critical role of a lung nurse navigator. Beth shares how she helps guide patients through each step following a diagnosis, working to ease fear and provide clarity dur...

What starts as a conversation about property management turns into a look at how spaces are thoughtfully transformed for both living and celebration. In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Michele Wyatt of Homescape Signature Properties to discuss their mix of commercial and home rentals alongside their growing collection of wedding and event venues. With a background in nonprofit event pla...

From science classrooms to the principal’s office, sometimes the journey takes a few unexpected turns. Jeremy Wendt sits down with Principal James Cox of A.H. Roberts Elementary School to talk about his path from teaching biology and chemistry at York Institute to leading a school community. He shares how influential teachers shaped his career, how he’s navigating new P.E. and recess laws, and why...

What happens when faith, education, and compassion intersect in the fight to protect children? In this episode, George Halford sits down with Tracy Bucholz, Director of the Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center, to explore the experiences and values that have shaped her path into advocacy work. From her roots in a strong faith tradition and her time at Tennessee Tech—where she earned both her und...

In a situation where every second counts, who's in charge of answering the call? Host Ben Rodgers sits down with Josh Womack, Assistant Director and Public Information Officer for Putnam County 911, to pull back the curtain on emergency response. From communication towers and rapid response times to the reality of power outages and limited funding, Womack shares what it takes to keep the system ru...

What happens when compassion meets real, around-the-clock care for families in crisis? Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Meredith Vaughn and Shawn Hudson Detwiler of the Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic to share powerful stories of support, resilience, and community impact. From free services and 24-hour care to their unique Thrive program, they discuss how the clinic walks alongside mothers, fathers, a...

A struggling dairy farm doesn’t just survive—it evolves into one of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved agritourism destinations. In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Daniel McCulley of McCulley’s Amazin’ Acres to trace the journey from a small family operation to a thriving farm with 40+ attractions. From corn mazes and zip lines to Christmas trees and field trips, Daniel shares how innovati...

Behind every successful classroom is a system designed to support it. In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Diana Wood, PreK–4 curriculum supervisor for Putnam County Schools, to discuss the structure and strategy behind elementary education. Diana shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to educator and administrator, along with the responsibilities that come with supporting schools at a d...

From the fields of Rogersville to aiding in the guidance of thousands across the Upper Cumberland region, Amos Rogan’s life is all about service, leadership, and community. After more than 20 years with Averitt Express, he answered his calling to ministry and became Regional Director of Connections for Life Church, creating welcoming spaces and strong small groups across four campuses. He also ser...

Van Buren County is blending tradition with a fresh vision for the future! Ben Rodgers sits down with Chamber President Micca Davis to talk about her roots in the community and her role helping the county grow. She shares the history behind the famous Hot Dr. Pepper tradition and the upcoming Dr. Pepper Festival on December 5th. The conversation also touches on local attractions, events, and what’...

What if the key to preventing serious health issues starts with something as simple as balance? Jennifer Mabry and Emily Lee sit down with Dr. Brooklyn Apple of Tennessee Therapy and Balance Center to explore how physical therapy goes far beyond recovery and into prevention. From taking over the clinic in 2023 to expanding services that strengthen both body and brain, Dr. Apple breaks down what a...

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Sometimes the path you’re meant for finds you when you least expect it. Jeremy Wendt sits down with Beth Peek, principal of Northfield Elementary School, to talk about her 27-year journey in education—from starting in accounting and nursing to discovering her true passion in the classroom. Inspired by generations of educators in her family (even when she tried to carve her own path), Beth shares h...

Charles Jarrett’s life has been defined by perseverance, love, and giving back. From overcoming a childhood injury in Chattanooga to becoming a physician, Jarrett built a career on dedication and service. Later, as a devoted husband and caregiver to his wife, Rodema, he turned their story into a legacy. Through his book Bringing Up Aysha and the Rodema Bridge to Learning Scholarship, he’s helping...

From highway patrol to leading the force, Crossville Police Chief Jesse Brooks joins Ben Rodgers to share a powerful journey shaped by purpose, faith, and service. With 38 years on the road and now at the helm, Brooks opens up about leadership, lowering crime, and building a police department that feels like family. He dives into the realities of modern policing—from 911 calls to recruitment chall...

What does 50 years in primary care teach you about how we’re really living? In this insightful conversation, a longtime Cookeville physician reflects on decades of experience—from his training at the University of Tennessee in Memphis to building a practice rooted in community care. He shares why “a typical day in the clinic is atypical,” breaking down everything from generational health habits an...

From mowing lawns to moving mountains— Custom Care & Lawns has been built with heart and hard work. Tiffany sits down with Bill Davis of Custom Care Lawn & Tree, a company that’s grown from simple lawn care into a full-service operation over the past 20 years. Bill shares how his passion for helping people and providing jobs pushed him to expand, all while staying hands-on with his crew and leadin...

Ever wondered what the future of child developmnet looked like at Tennessee Tech? Jeremy Wendt sits down with Angie Smith, Director of the Child Development Lab at Tennessee Tech, to talk about her journey into education and the moment that sparked it all. With over 20 years in her role, Angie shares how play-based learning, a nature-driven environment, and real-world experience are shaping both y...

From small-town beginnings in McMinnville to a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force, James “Mickey” Gwyn’s journey is all about determination and heart. As a student, he helped spark change by leading efforts for his school’s first-ever Black History Week during a pivotal time in the mid 70's. He went on to become a Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, traveling the world and ment...

How do you create a space where every child and family feels seen, supported, and celebrated? Ben Rodgers sits down with Rachel Hof and Luke Elderidge to talk about Unique Cookeville, a free community event happening on April 11th designed neuro-divergent children and adults. From resource connections and hands-on activities to food, fun, and career opportunities, this event brings together 50 ven...

Keeping a community healthy takes more than doctors—it takes education, prevention, and partnership. Drs. Emily Lee and Jennifer Mabry sit down with Ashley Roberts and Rachael Nichols from the White County Health Department to talk about the vital work local health departments do to keep Tennesseans safe and informed. From nutrition education and disease prevention to supporting teachers and promo...

From hillside spring to bottle, this family business is pouring passion into every drop! Tiffany Anton sits down with Nelda and Elizabeth Riley of CJR Bottling in Pall Mall, where a hillside spring and a family vision have been flowing strong since 2001. Nelda shares how she balanced a 30-year career in education while building the business from the ground up, while Elizabeth reflects on joining t...

Great schools don’t just happen—they’re built by leaders who believe in their students. Jeremy Wendt sits down with Breeonna Wheeler, principal of Monterey High School, to talk about the journey that led her from a childhood dream of teaching to leading one of the community’s most active schools. Inspired by generations of educators in her family, Wheeler shares how kindness, mentorship, and stron...

George Halford sits down with Jason Murphy, a U.S. Air Force veteran whose return to Tennessee sparked the start of something unexpected. As a founding member of the Blood Bought Bikers, Jason shares how the group became less about the bikes and more about faith, community, and spreading God’s word. He also talks about the beginnings of Bend Church, his work with the Christian Motorcycle Associati...