News Talk 94.1

What does it take to lead a school system while carrying the perspective of a former coach, teacher, and hometown student? In this episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Jason Hardy to explore his journey from Jackson County High School student to educator, coach, and now administrator for the district he once called home. He reflects on years spent coaching football at Tennessee Technological Univer...

Breaking down misconceptions can be just as important as advancing the science. In this episode, Drs. Emily Lee and Jennifer Mabry sit down with Amy Breedlove, Executive Chair of the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s, to discuss the realities of living with Parkinson’s Disease and the mission behind the organization. Founded by Brent Peterson after his own diagnosis ended a decades-long career i...

What happens when construction work turns into a calling to bring people together outdoors? In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Chris Crouch, owner of The Bean Pot Camp Ground, to talk about how he went from buying a distressed property while working in construction to building a welcoming space centered on family, hospitality, and outdoor fun. Chris shares what inspired him to open his...

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Jessica Childers, a Putnam County Middle School Math Specialist, to discuss her role supporting grades 5–8 across the school system. Jessica shares her journey from aspiring marine biologist to educator, and how she ultimately found her passion in mathematics education. She reflects on her day-to-day work coaching teachers, adapting to changing standards, and helping st...

From a two-room schoolhouse to two decades of military service, Harold Lough’s story is packed with grit, faith, and old-school determination. Harold joins George Halford to reflect on farm life, military memories, meeting his wife in uniform, and the perseverance that carried their family through decades of challenges. He also shares the legacy of the American Legion and why supporting veterans r...

In this episode of The Scene, Mark Creter sits down with musician and producer duo Alicia and Don Archer to explore Alicia’s journey into music—from picking up her first guitar at 16 to finding inspiration in artists like Jewel, Whitney Houston, and Ella Fitzgerald. Alicia shares her deeply personal creative process, her love of poetry, and how songwriting often flows onto the page in a matter of...

The past, present, and future of farming has become a large discussion point in the Upper Cumberland as of late. Family-owned farms, like the Browns', have long been the backbone of the Upper Cumberland. But what does the future hold for them, and what issues are they facing? Listen To The Today In The Upper Cumberland Podcast Today! The UC Now

In this episode, Brad Halfacre sits down with Ryan Higgins of Cedar Lake Camp to explore the rich history and mission behind the camp. Ryan shares how the property began as a struggling farm that was later transformed into a place of refuge for children during the Great Depression, eventually serving as an orphanage before becoming the camp it is today. He also discusses how Cedar Lake Camp now us...

A growing community brings opportunity—but it also brings new demands on the people sworn to protect it. In this episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Matt White of the Baxter Fire Department to discuss how dry weather, wildfire risk, and rapid local growth are shaping the department’s work in Baxter, Tennessee. From burn permits and volunteer recruitment to critical equipment upgrades and grant fun...

Healthcare doesn’t always happen in a hospital—sometimes, it comes right to your front door. In this episode, Amy McKenzie and Elaine Watkins of Quality Home Health join the conversation to break down what home health really looks like. Elaine shares her 30-year journey in the field, from starting as an LPN to leading clinical care, while Amy offers insight from her background in social work and p...

What does it look like when medical aesthetics meets education, innovation, and personal journey all in one place? In this episode, Luke Ramey talks with Trudy Hedgecough of Anew You, a medical aesthetics spa in Crossville, Tennessee that opened in March 2020, as she breaks down the wide range of services they offer—including ultrasound therapy, sound needling, and customized skin treatments for b...

A shift is happening in today’s classrooms—one that challenges how students learn and how educators lead. In this episode, Kevin Lewis, principal of Frank P. Brown Elementary, shares his perspective on the evolving role of education and leadership. He discusses the importance of staying student-focused, along with creative initiatives like “No Technology Tuesday,” designed to help students learn w...

Some stories don’t just inspire—they strengthen your faith. Marcia Mullins joins George Halford to share her remarkable journey through family, nursing, loss, healing, and the life-changing power of prayer. From surviving cancer to overcoming heartbreak, Marcia reflects on the moments that deepened her trust in God and shaped her path to the National Day of Prayer. When faith is tested, stories li...

On this episode of Today In The Upper Cumberland, join in for a discussion on paranormal activity. Ghost stories, ghost hunting, and everything in between, Brandon Mylan takes a deep dive into ghosts as a whole. He speaks on what they really are, and how they actually work. Listen To The Today In The Upper Cumberland Podcast Today! The UC Now

On this episode of the Inside Putnam County show, Host Shan Stout is joined by Shaun Scantland. They go through his history of serving Putnam County, and the variety of projects he has put on to help benefit the community. They go into detail on the next big project Scantland has been working on, and what you can expect moving forward! The UC Now

In this episode, Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout sit down with Adam Poe of the Cookeville–Putnam County Chamber of Commerce to discuss his work in regional economic development across the Upper Cumberland. Adam shares how he became involved with the Highlands Economic Partnership, a collaborative effort among surrounding counties to strengthen and grow the regional economy, and what a typical day lo...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Rick Brown of Wooden Treasures TN to explore how a late start in woodturning grew into a passion-driven craft. Rick shares how he taught himself using a lathe and online resources, eventually showcasing his work at local pop-up events. He reflects on the influence of his grandfather, the beauty found within natural wood grain, and why he chooses reclaimed wood...

In this episode, Sunny and Michelle join the conversation to highlight the upcoming Casting for Help and Hope Fishing Tournament, happening May 30th in support of the Children’s Advocacy Center. They discuss what anglers can expect on the lake, including the variety of fish species, as well as how the event is structured from check-in to competition. Sunny also shares insight into her forensic rol...

Hear from the candidates wanting to represent you in our Meet The Candidates series! Hear from candidates such as Randy Porter, who is running for re-election as Putnam County Mayor, and Kyle Goff who is running for White County Executive. Listen To Meet The Candidates Live Until Election Day On News Talk 94.1 At 12pm and Lite Rock 95.9 At 6pm! The UC Now

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...

Listen in to your White County Executive candidates Denny Wayne Robinson and Kyle Goff as they answer your questions! Listen To The UC Now Audio Podcast Today! The UC Now

Get to know the local candidates that are asking for your vote in the upcoming 2026 Elections! Listen To Meet The Candidates Live Until Election Day On News Talk 94.1 At 12pm and Lite Rock 95.9 At 6pm! The UC Now

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...

Listen in to your Putnam County Mayoral candidates Randy Porter and Wayne Nabors as they answer your questions! Listen To The UC Now Audio Podcast Today! The UC Now

Get to know the local candidates that are asking for your vote in the upcoming 2026 Elections! In the first half of the episode, hear from Van Buren Mayoral Candidate Barry Austin and Putnam County District 3 Commissioner Candidate Shane Bilbrey. In the second half of the episode, hear from Putnam County District 5 Commissioner Candidate Vinnie Faccinto. Listen To Meet The Candidates Live Until El...