My Morning Cup

Matt Rasmussen originally wanted to be an archeologist (thanks, Indiana Jones!) or a forester, but after settling into engineering in college, he never looked back and has had a wildly successful career with the Tennessee Valley Authority.    In this episode, Matt shares his many steps up the corporate ladder and what makes someone stay at one company for 22 years. He also gives the inside scoop o...

Dr. Jordan is not a “pulpit pastor” - he’s active in the community. He’s the pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church and some will tell you he is the pastor of Chattanooga. He founded an anti-violence program called Stop the Madness, which combatted the crack epidemic in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1992. Now, Stop the Madness is a national non-profit.   In this episode, we discuss gratitude, finding inner...

Charles Wood is a self-proclaimed “class clown” turned salesman. Despite an unstable childhood, he’s built a solid career in Economic Development.    In this episode, we discuss how backpacking through Central America changed his perspective on life and his pit stops in Mobile, College Station, and Pensacola before arriving in Chattanooga 12 years ago. Plus, how he’s steering the Chamber towards E...

With a passion for music and comedy, no wonder Eric Foster became an on-air personality for a radio station!   In this episode, Eric shares his process for writing his stand-up acts, how he got started in radio, and what it’s like to donate a kidney?!   Eric is the Program Director and an on-air personality for Brewer Media Group. You can learn more about him here .   My Morning Cup is hosted by M...

Most people would get tired of traveling if they lived in 7 states during their childhood, but it only grew Sybil Topil’s love of seeing new places.   In this episode, we discuss her role of “putting Chattanooga on the map,” her resourcefulness that helped her find jobs in France and Nashville, how introverts can create a persona for networking, and the challenges that come along with a cancer dia...

This week’s guest needs no introduction! Everyone knows his political story, from mid-size city mayor to US Senator and Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. How did he get there? In this episode, we discuss his early career days on construction sites, the formation of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, and the importance of having bold visions.   Bob Corker has owned several businesses and...

This week my good friends, Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn, return to My Morning Cup to turn the tables on me. I open myself up to their invasive questioning.   Was my plan to be a broadcaster or did I stumble into the industry? Why did I start the My Morning Cup podcast? And, of course, what would I tell my 25 year old self that is important for a happy life? I hope you take 40 minutes to enjoy the con...

This week, we’re doing things a bit differently on the podcast! We look back on the past year to celebrate the first anniversary of My Morning Cup.    In this episode, we discuss the unexpected themes that emerged, what happens behind the scenes to bring the podcast to life, and what’s in store for 2024.    Stay tuned for the entire episode to hear an exciting announcement and be sure to subscribe...

You may know this week’s guest as the “Chaplain of the Streets” - AKA Father Dale Hall, an Anglican Priest who has dedicated his life to serving the homeless.    In this episode, Father Dale shares the path that led him to the Chatt Foundation, what a day in the life of a Chaplain looks like, and how *everyone* is much closer to being homeless than we’d care to admit.   Dale Hall is the Chaplain a...

Candy Johnson has a “non-traditional” career path which started with aspirations to become a famous supermodel. She won Miss Barbizon in 1994 but after becoming a single mom she decided to go to college instead. She earned her degree as a single mom and went on to get her Masters.   In this episode, Candy shares how she learned to deal with rejection, how moving to Chattanooga from the Nashville a...

Growing up, Tracy wanted to be a psychologist, but different opportunities arose and she found herself with a career in the healthcare industry. After starting and selling her business, she made her way to Chattanooga as CEO of Hospice of Chattanooga.   In this episode, Tracy dispels myths about hospice, answers how healthy Chattanooga is (or rather, how unhealthy it is), and explains which trait...

How many people can say they had a revelation to pursue a specific career? Not many, but Mark Reeves can, and it happened in a movie theater parking lot, of all places.   In this episode, Mark shares how teaching led him to the TSSAA, what the TSSAA *really* is, and why you always need to be yourself. Plus, why you should attend the Blue Cross Bowl later this week!   Mark is the Executive Director...

The story of CPR Wrap is not as simple as a good idea; it’s a product of hard work and many sacrifices. In this episode, Felicia shares why not all money is good money, how she once turned down a million-dollar offer for her product, and why she includes her health as a KPI in her business.   Felicia is the Founder and CEO of CPR Wrap. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here and you can watch he...

Most people are lucky to have one or two mentors, but Karen Shostak has been fortunate to have five throughout her career. In this episode, we discuss the lessons she’s learned from those mentors, a traumatic event that shifted her perspective on life, and why the best opportunities come to those in the peripheral.   Karen is the Deputy Director of Parks and Outdoors with Hamilton County. You can...

Donna McConnico has had a “circuitous” career, which started when she changed her college major five times, graduated, and then decided to go to seminary school instead. In this episode, we discuss her love of learning and helping others, why Signal Centers is so important to Chattanooga, and even how she met Elvis three times.   Donna has been the CEO of Signal Centers since 2005. You can connect...

Jay Dale is one of the few people who chose a career after graduating college and stuck with it. In this episode, we reflect on his path through every position in banking that led him to be Market President for the bank with the #1 market share in Chattanooga.    We also discuss his impressive bourbon collection, and why he is “obnoxiously” proud of Chattanooga and a self-proclaimed UTC Super Fan....

Kris and Mandy Simmons join the podcast this week to be the first-ever double guest feature on My Morning Cup! In this episode, we talk about the paths that led them together professionally and personally, what it’s *really* like to work with your spouse, and how to successfully scale a company to a national level.    Plus, Kris shares what movie surprisingly inspired him to pursue a career in vid...

Very few people know exactly what they want to be when they grow up - but Vance Travis did. He knew he wanted to be an architect, but his plans were put on hold when he was drafted into the military. After six years in the Army, he started his architecture career, working his way up and making connections before eventually starting his own firm.   Vance was the President and Owner of THW Architect...

Mark McKnight always dreamed of owning an outdoor store, but dreams change, as was the case for Mark several times in his career. In this episode, we discuss how he got comfortable with those dreams changing, why simply showing up is the best thing you can do, and what the future framework of Reflection Riding holds.   He also shares about the time he “broke” Twitter, and how he took Rock/Creek’s...

Tiffanie Robinson had a West Coast Dream to work for an ad agency, and yet, life’s twists and turns led her to real estate development and she now leads a $100 million asset group.   In this episode, we discuss how taking a step back can sometimes propel your career forward, what to do if you think “don’t belong” in a seat around the table, and why you should surround yourself with people who chal...

With a passion for theater and an English degree, Jim Kennedy followed his brother to Chattanooga in 1974 to work at the Baylor School. He had no idea that decision would lead him to be a part of organizations like Miller Reid Advertising, River City Company, the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Chamber of Commerce.    In this episode, we discuss how Jim had a seat at the t...

From running the halls of the Capitol building at 5 years old to being elected the youngest Mayor in Hamilton County’s history, Mayor Weston Wamp has lived an interesting life in the public eye.    In this episode, we talk about architecture running in the family bloodline and how designing and drawing alleviates the stress that comes with the mayor’s job, who his most influential mentors are, how...

If anyone knows about “Service Above Self,” it’s John Germ. He’s been a member of Rotary since 1976 and was the President of Rotary International in 2016, which governs over 46,000 clubs around the world. Not to mention he was a member of the JCs and on many board rosters.   Professionally, John was the CEO and Board Chair for Campbell & Associates, an engineering firm.   In this episode, we d...

DeJuan Jordan has always had a passion for helping others, but after experiencing a life-changing moment at the age of 12, she realized how much of an impact she could truly have.   In this episode, DeJuan shares about the power of words, the importance of doing things that scare you, and how she lives her life with intentionality.   DeJuan is the Co-CEO of LAUNCH Chattanooga and Founder/CEO of Th...

Stephanie Stuckey is a third-generation family member of Stuckey’s stores, which dotted highways and interstates throughout the southeast. They represented a clean, safe place to fuel up, take a break and stock up on pecan log rolls. When the business was sold to outside interests, Stephanie pursued her law degree and a career in the public sector. During this time, the Stuckey’s brand and their s...