News Talk 94.1

Tessa Davis is joined by guest Johnny Blaze from UC Makerspace and Imagine Foundry. He discusses how the imagination in all of us drives the local business to be better every day, taking a deep dive into how the business plans to expand in the coming years. Blaze highlights the exciting creations and fun to be had at both UC Makerspace and Imagine Foundry, while also detailing the real world benef...

From science to sawdust, this artist found her passion in an unexpected place! Mark sits down with Alexandra Mavrikis, a resident artist at the Craft Center, as she reflects on her two-year journey and what comes next as her residency winds down. From building her first (not-so-perfect) table in Los Angeles to running a restoration business, Alexandra shares how woodworking completely reshaped her...

On this episode of the Today In The Upper Cumberland, the conversation is focused on justice and second chances. Director of the Hope Center (Jed Stevens) and Director of the House of David (Mark Honeycutt) go in depth on how the justice system works in the first place, while also detailing how others can receive second chances in life to begin anew. Listen To The Today In The Upper Cumberland Pod...

It’s not just about the finish line—it’s about the journey, the team, and every step in between. Brad sits down with Travis Shope and Jennifer Shope to talk about the growing cross country program at Cookeville High School Cross Country and their involvement with the Upper Cumberland Road Runners Club. With 13 boys and 9 girls on the team, they share how summer practices, team bonding, and even a...

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...

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

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...

Catch up on all the biggest Upper Cumberland stories from the week ending 04/12/26! For more in depth, detailed, and timely news, visit theucnow.com! Listen To The UC Now Audio Podcast Today!

It’s always nice to know what you’re about to spend money on, especially when it comes to buying your dream home. And that is where House of KnA come in. Andrew and Kelli Loftis of KnA Homes join the show to discuss their immersive and in-depth visual experiences designed to help customers bring their dream homes to life. They go into detail on the process of making the digital renders, what you c...

Fast-paced comedy, big personalities, and nonstop chaos—this show brings the laughs! Mark Creter sits down with Eleni Fragopoulos, director of Rumors at Tennessee Tech’s Backdoor Playhouse, to talk about bringing this high-energy production to life. From her journey into theater to balancing roles as a director, actress, and teacher, Eleni shares the passion behind her work and what makes this cas...

When passion meets purpose, it can shape a career— and an entire community. Jonathan Frank and co-host Susan Luna Hazlewood sit down with Sam Brooks, a two-time graduate of Tennessee Tech University, to talk about his decades-long impact on education and athletics in the Upper Cumberland. From teaching biology and coaching multiple sports at local high schools to his leadership role at Volunteer S...

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...

Catching up on your WILDCATS in action this season! Listen in as the Livingston Academy softball team takes on White County on April 7th, 2026! Listen To All Livingston Wildcats Games Live On 101.9 WLIV! 101.9/am 920 WLIV

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...

Catching up on your WILDCATS in action this season! Listen in as the Livingston Academy baseball team takes on Cumberland County on April 6th, 2026! Listen To All Livingston Wildcats Games Live On 101.9 WLIV! 101.9/am 920 WLIV

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...

Catch up on all the biggest Upper Cumberland news headlines for the week ending 04/05/2026! For more news and information as it happens, visit theucnow.com! Listen To The UC Now Audio Podcast Today!

For 28 years, the Appalachian Center for Craft has thrown open its doors — and this is the ONE day you can see this incredible campus in all of its glory! Mark chats with the talented Ashley Lusietto about the 28th Annual Celebration of Craft, her love of puppetry, and how art can tackle serious topics while keeping things lighthearted and powerful. From live demos and performances to galleries, f...

Some journeys don’t follow a straight path—but they lead exactly where they’re meant to. Jonathan Frank and co-host Susan Luna-Hazlewood sit down with Dr. Nancy Hamilton to explore her impactful journey through ministry, education, and public service. A two-time graduate of Tennessee Tech University, Dr. Hamilton shares how her experiences shaped her path to becoming a program director for college...

Justin Murdock, director of the management, utilization, and protection of water resources in the Tennessee Tech Center speaks on the protection of water. He goes into detail on how the center works to protect water and the benefits provided for the community. Listen To The Today In The Upper Cumberland Podcast Today!

Casting lines and building leaders—this team is reeling in more than just fish! Brad Halfacre talks with Dan DeLaCruz, head of the DeKalb County Fishing Team, and vice president Carly Thomas about the growth, grit, and goals behind their program. From young anglers just starting out to seasoned team leaders, they share what it takes to compete, mentor, and chase a shot at nationals. Carly also ope...