Local Matters

Ben Rodgers sits down with Van Buren County Sheriff Michael Brock, whose path to law enforcement is anything but traditional. From growing up between California and the Upper Cumberland to working his way up through manufacturing, Brock found his true calling at age 36—entering the police academy and stepping into a role he describes as “a God thing.” He shares how faith, community, and mentorship...

Dr. Lee sits down with third-generation chiropractor Erica Sussex-Grant of Allgood Health Chiropractic to talk spinal health, movement, and whole-body wellness. Erica shares her journey to Algood after COVID, breaks down the science behind chiropractic care, and explains why spinal health matters from “the womb to the tomb.” The conversation tackles common pain issues, posture problems, myths abou...

Step inside the world of Jordan Creek Farm as Tiffany Anton talks with owner and instructor Victoria Wallace—who moved 16 horses and an entire dream from Illinois to Tennessee. Victoria shares how she built her business from backyard lessons to a thriving farm focused on safety, education, and community. From Tiny Tots classes to Poetry with Ponies and nursing home visits, her programs inspire con...

Two educators, one incredible legacy. In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Findlay Elementary Principal Rebecca Ryan and kindergarten teacher Rhonda Girdley, who has been shaping young minds for an astonishing 50 years. Rhonda reflects on her lifelong passion for teaching, the evolution of education, and how teamwork among teachers makes all the difference. Rebecca shares her unexpected pa...

George Halford sits down with Brandon Hall, a proud Nashville native whose Tennessee roots run deep. Brandon opens up about his upbringing, his time at Tennessee Tech, and the 30-year marriage he lovingly calls a “God wink.” With warmth and authenticity, he reflects on how faith and family have guided his journey and inspired his commitment to serving others. Listeners will also hear how his passi...

Ben Rodgers sits down with Baxter Fire Chief Matt White, a Cookeville native who has spent 37 years in emergency services after unexpectedly falling into the field he now loves. Matt shares how growing up in a family of EMTs—and a push from his older brother—led him from working as a mechanic and in a body parts store to volunteering with Putnam County and eventually going full-time in the fire se...

Dr. Lee sits down with Dr. Chris Archer of Interstate Health, an expert in orthopedic care. Dr. Archer shares his extensive background in orthopedics, his work as a nurse practitioner, and his experience treating patients through Tier 1. He breaks down the risk factors for osteoarthritis, explaining why it is more common in women, how genetics and athletic activity play a role, and why/ how factor...

Tiffany Anton sits down with Bryan Mowery, owner of the new West Side restaurant ChillBilly’s and longtime restaurateur behind Michigan’s Four Rack Barbeque. Bryan shares how his journey from Michigan to Cookeville—and back again—ultimately led him and his wife to open their second restaurant right in Cookeville’s Historic West Side. He talks about his background in marketing, what inspired him to...

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Teri Anderson, a lifelong educator and board member for the Imagination Station Library. Teri shares her 39-year journey in education—from teaching kindergarten and serving as assistant superintendent of curriculum at Upperman High School to rediscovering her love for working directly with children. She opens up about her personal battles, her deep connection to the Ima...

This week, George Halford sits down with Ryan Higgins from Cedar Lake Camp to talk about faith, redemption, and the power of creating joy for kids. Originally from De Queen, Arkansas, Ryan opens up about his early struggles with alcohol, the lessons learned along the way, and how a return to faith led him to his calling in youth ministry. He shares how Cedar Lake Camp uses fun to shine God’s light...

Ben Rodgers sits down with John Deane of the Jackson County and Gainesboro Chambers of Commerce, who shares his journey from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. to building a life and multiple businesses in Granville, Tennessee. John talks about meeting his wife, their careers in medical research and healthcare, and the unexpected leap from hospitals to hospitality as owners of Wildwood Resort and Mari...

Drs. Lee welcomes Connie Garrett from Choice Health Network for a World AIDS Day conversation that cuts through stigma and brings clarity to HIV education. Originally from Celina, Connie draws on her eight years of experience serving eight counties to explain the difference between HIV and AIDS, how the virus is transmitted, and why awareness month matters. She outlines the free, non-medical suppo...

Tiffany Anton sits down with Josh Wanamaker, musician and co-owner of Flat Foot Records, McMinnville’s newly opened local record store located just steps from the historic Park Theatre on Main Street. Josh shares the inspiration behind opening the shop, his favorite places to hunt for vinyl, and what sets Flat Foot Records apart—from its unique mix of music memorabilia to the way different social...

Host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Penny Meadows, Director of LBJNC Head Start, to talk about how early education is changing lives across the region. Penny shares her journey from volunteering as a Head Start parent in Crawford to leading the program that now serves 80 children in four Upper Cumberland communities—Livingston, Byrdstown, Jamestown, and Cookeville. She reflects on the program’s rich...

Narcan trainer and recovery advocate Justin Cantrell joins us to share his remarkable journey from childhood trauma and addiction to nearly a decade of sobriety and service. Born and raised in DeKalb County, Justin opens up about his struggles with substance use, incarceration, and faith—and how those experiences now fuel his passion for saving lives across the Upper Cumberland. As a member of the...

Brad Halfacre sits down with Michael Hodge from Pickett CCC Memorial State Park to explore what makes it one of Tennessee’s treasured International Dark Sky Parks. Michael explains why winter skies are clearer, which constellations shine brightest this time of year, and dives into the science behind what we see overhead. He also previews the December 14th meteor shower and shares the best places i...

Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Commissioner Jonathan A.D. Williams, whose journey from Chicago to the Marine Corps to Cookeville shaped a lifelong commitment to service. Williams shares how his upbringing, military career, and years in law enforcement inspired his passion for local government and community leadership. Now a barber and the representative for District 1, he talks road infr...

Dr. Lee sits down with Nurse Practitioner Stacie Rothfus for National Influenza Vaccination Week, an annual December spotlight on flu prevention. Stacie shares her journey from urgent care to her work as both a Tennessee Tech NP and a hospitalist at Cookeville Regional. She breaks down why education on influenza—and especially the vaccine—is critical. From common symptoms to the complications that...

Tiffany Anton sits down with Vickie Pelamati and Karen Ritchie of The Lovely Find Tea Room, a charming Granville getaway dedicated to preserving the traditional English tea experience. Vickie, the owner, shares how purchasing a small house after her husband’s passing inspired her vision for a tea room, while Karen, the manager, explains her love for classic English Tea Time and how that passion tu...

In this episode host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dr. Michael Littrell from Tennessee Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences. Together, they talk about how technology—and even artificial intelligence—is changing the way future educators learn and teach. Dr. Wendt reflects on his own Cookeville roots, growing up in a blue-collar family and working with his dad to wire the Tech campus, and ho...

George Halford sits down with Morgan Abston, Public Information Officer for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, to talk about family, service, and community. As the daughter and granddaughter of longtime law enforcement officers — including former Sheriff Jerry “Pa” Abston — Morgan shares how their legacies shaped her path. She opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her father, the deep comm...

Ben Rodgers sits down with Bryan Arms, the Executive Director of Tourism for Pickett County, to talk about his first year in the role and his deep roots in the community. Bryan shares his journey from growing up on “Slob Knob” and playing on Pickett County High School’s 1999 state championship basketball team, to studying civil engineering at Tech and spending 30 years at Perdue Farms before its c...

In this informative episode, Dr. Lee sits down with Dana Karlowski, CEO of Dr. John’s Medical Solutions, to shed light on Sleep Apnea Awareness. Dana breaks down the difference between obstructive and central sleep apnea, explains how to recognize when snoring may signal a more serious issue, and outlines the key symptoms to watch for. She also shares important statistics about how factors like et...

Tiffany Anton talks with Robbie and Darrell Jackson of Jackson Moving, a Cookeville-based moving company serving the Upper Cumberland since 2006. Darrell shares how what started as helping a friend move grew into a thriving local business with repeat clients and a trusted reputation. They discuss their busiest times of year, how they hire a reliable team—including a female mover to help clients fe...

Jeremy Wendt talks with Mel Presley, principal of Park View Elementary, about her journey in education and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Mel shares how her passion for teaching and her dedication to students led her from the classroom to the principal’s office. She reflects on what makes Park View special, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and the importance of creating a positi...