Reelfoot Forward: Recent Episodes
Reelfoot Forward
Recorded during a day devoted to celebrating Black history, freedom, resilience and cultural achievement, this conversation explores the people and experiences that shaped McCloud's extraordinary career, the realities of the music business and what it means to look back on a life that connects a small town in West Tennessee to a transformative chapter in American music history.This episode is sponsored by Higher Ground Coffee Company and Vantage Coffee Roasters.
Willy Bearden is a filmmaker, photographer, author, producer, musician and Southern storyteller whose work has helped preserve and interpret the culture, characters and history of Memphis, the Mississippi Delta and the Midsouth. In this episode, Bearden shares how growing up in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, surrounded by natural storytellers, shaped the way he sees the world. He talks about studying education, working as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher, and eventually finding his way into film through Memphis’ Motion Picture Laboratory (MPL), where he learned the technical and artistic skills that launched his career. The conversation explores Bearden’s decision to leave a comfortable path and start his own production company in 1987, first creating corporate videos and conventions before moving into documentaries, public television and museum storytelling. He discusses projects connected to the blues, cotton, Overton Park, the Elvis Presley Birthplace, the Cotton Museum and other places where Southern history comes alive every day for visitors. Bearden also reflects on his memoir, “Mississippi Hippie: A Life in 49 Pieces,” and the experiences, people and places that inspired him to turn the camera on his own life. It’s a conversation about creativity, courage, history, memory, storytelling and the value of taking a leap before you feel completely ready. This episode is sponsored by Thompson CAT Machinery Rentals of Union City, Tennessee.
With warmth, humor and sharp observation, Glass revisits growing up in McKenzie, Tennessee, and captures the people, places and everyday moments that shaped her childhood in a rural community. Glass shares how years of storytelling eventually became a book, why self-publishing made sense for her, and what it felt like to hold the finished memoir in her hands. She also reflects on the surprisingly universal response readers have had to the book, even when they’ve never set foot in McKenzie. This episode is sponsored by Thompson CAT Machinery Rentals.
On this episode, we talk with Kentucky author Susan Geveden Fisher, whose novels draw deeply from memories of family, rural life and the places that shaped those who came of age in the 1970s. Susan grew up in Graves County, Kentucky, where she experienced cruising through town with close friends, eight-track cassettes, church socials and visits to Columbus-Belmont State Park where parents actually met. Fittingly, that was recently the location of one of the book launch events for her seventh novel, “Bluff Road.” Susan shares how the quarantines of the COVID-19 pandemic led her to rediscover a passion for writing, which resulted in her first book, “You Just Said the Perfect Thing to Me.” She provides a behind-the-scenes look at self-publishing on Amazon and finding readers through social media and regional events. It’s a conversation about believing in yourself, jumping into the unknown and using the stories of ordinary people and familiar places to connect with readers in a powerful way.
On this episode, Houston Kelly, a 20-year-old country and soul singer and student at UT Martin, shares details of his recent experience on NBC’s The Voice.He talks about the long road to The Voice, including three audition attempts, the emotional timing of receiving his callback on the day of his grandfather’s funeral and the unforgettable moment Kelly Clarkson turned her chair during his Blind Audition performance of “Walking in Memphis.”The conversation also explores Houston’s Memphis roots, his love of country and soul music, his faith, his experience in Los Angeles and the business side of being an independent artist. He also discusses managing his own bookings and social media, keeping control of his original songs and his plans to grow a strong regional following while finishing his ag business degree at UT Martin.It’s a conversation about talent, perseverance, family, faith and what it means to chase a dream while staying grounded in West Tennessee.
Reelfoot Forward” features a conversation with Curb Records country singer-songwriter Mo Pitney. On July 3, 2026, he will headline the final night of Discovery Park of America’s Rhythm on the Rails concert series and kick off the museum and heritage park’s America 250 celebration. Pitney shares his journey from growing up near Rockford, Illinois, in a family rooted in gospel, country and bluegrass music to moving to Nashville at 18, where he ultimately found success in the music industry. He discusses his early record deals, his eventual home at Curb Records, his Grand Ole Opry debut and the artists who shaped his sound, including Johnny Cash, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Jimmy Martin and Bill Monroe. The conversation also explores Pitney’s current creative season, including his bluegrass project “Cherokee Pioneer,” recorded in Johnny Cash’s cabin; his new album, “The Outskirts of Town”; and “Fiddle Around,” a song inspired by his wife, Emily, and her return to playing fiddle. Pitney also talks about their new TikTok Live performances; his YouTube channel, “Wood Feathers and Fur,” which follows his family’s bowhunting adventures; and his work with Rahab House, a nonprofit he and Emily co-founded to provide rescue, refuge and restoration for survivors of human trafficking. Pitney also offers a preview of his July 3 performance at Discovery Park, where he will perform with his full country band and later return for a more intimate acoustic set with Emily on fiddle and Pitney on guitar. It’s a conversation about traditional bluegrass and country music, faith, family, heritage, the outdoors and the power of songs that tell a story. More: Mo Pitney at Rhythm on the Rails/America 250 Kick-off, Friday night, July 3, 2026 MpPitney.com Mo Pitney - Old Home Place (Official Music Video) Mo Pitney - Fiddle Around (Official Lyric Video) Pitney Meyer - Cherokee Pioneer (Making The Album) Wood Feathers And Fur
In this episode, Morgan Siebert, owner and executive director of the Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois shares how her father, Jim Hambrick, built one of the world’s largest Superman collections from a childhood lunchbox into a museum with more than 75,000 artifacts. She discusses carrying on his legacy, connecting with fans through social media, working with Warner Bros. and DC on movie promotions and helping Metropolis grow as the “Home of Superman.” The conversation also explores the museum’s impact on tourism, the annual Superman Celebration and Morgan’s ideas for future exhibits, murals, photo opportunities and traveling exhibits.This episode is sponsored by Thompson Machinery CAT Rentals.
In this episode, Kim Bearden, executive director of Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis shares how a search for a journalism job led her to Elmwood in 1998 and how the cemetery became what she now describes as her second home.Founded in 1852, Elmwood is the oldest active cemetery in Memphis and holds the stories of roughly 80,000 people. Bearden discusses the cemetery’s role in preserving Memphis history, from yellow fever victims and Civil War burials to musicians, writers, civic leaders and everyday Memphians whose lives reflect the city’s complicated past.The conversation also explores the practical work of running a historic cemetery, including monument preservation, tree care, records, tours, events and long-term planning as Elmwood looks ahead to a future with less available burial space. Bearden explains the meaning behind symbols found on Victorian monuments, shares stories of some of Elmwood’s notable burials and discusses how historic cemeteries can help communities understand memory, grief, faith and the history of its people.This episode is sponsored by Premier Primary Care of Union City, Tenn.
In this episode, Scott talks with Jordan Campbell, founder of Campbell’s Family Entertainment in Union City. Campbell grew up in Obion County, graduated from Obion County Central High School and studied engineering at the University of Tennessee at Martin. His interest in magic began in elementary school after he watched a YouTube tutorial and taught himself a trick. Later, with encouragement from mentor Larry Mink, he booked his first magic show and began turning a personal interest into a business.Campbell discusses how he built his business by offering comedy magic shows, balloon animals and entertainment packages for birthdays, schools, festivals, company picnics and other family events. He also talks about the practical side of being a performer, including learning new tricks, promoting himself, contacting schools and organizations and adapting his show for different audiences. The conversation also looks ahead to his goals, including expanding into larger stage illusions and exploring opportunities through the amusement and attractions industry.This episode is brought to you by Premier Primary Care.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.To learn more, visit: campbellsfamilyentertainment.com.
Episode 226: Senad Agusi: Reviving Union City’s Historic TheatreIn this episode of Reelfoot Forward, meet Senad Agusi, an architectural designer and engineer who has traveled from Australia to help bring new life to one of Union City’s historic landmarks. Senad discusses the renovation of the Masquerade Theatre, formerly the Capitol Theatre, and the careful balance between preserving a nearly century-old building while updating it to meet modern safety, accessibility and performance standards.From uncovering pieces of the theatre’s past to designing improvements that will shape its future, Senad shares how architecture, engineering and community collaboration are helping transform this historic space into a revitalized performing arts destination for West Tennessee.This episode is brought to you by Main Street Union City.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.To learn more, visit www.ucmasqueradetheatre.com
What does it take to build a thriving arts community?In this episode, Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, shares his story of how one man’s background in television, advertising and promotion evolved into a decades-long mission to support artists and expand access to the visual arts across West Tennessee.Belz shares how he went from working behind the scenes in media and entertainment marketing to organizing major art shows and founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists succeed both creatively and professionally. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Art in the Loop, a free annual festival that brings together dozens of artists, live demonstrations and classical music for thousands of attendees each spring.If you care about creativity, community and the power of the arts to inspire and transform, this episode offers both insight and practical ideas for getting involved.What does it take to build a thriving arts community in a place where resources are limited but creativity is not? In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, host Scott Williams sits down with Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, to explore how one man’s background in television, advertising and promotion evolved into a decades-long mission to support artists and expand access to the visual arts across Memphis and West Tennessee. Belz shares how he went from working behind the scenes in media and entertainment marketing to organizing major art shows and founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists succeed both creatively and professionally. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Art in the Loop, a free annual festival that brings together dozens of artists, live demonstrations and classical music for thousands of attendees each spring. The conversation goes beyond events to examine why art matters, especially in smaller and rural communities. Belz makes the case that art is not just decoration, but education, craftsmanship and economic opportunity. Along the way, Scott and Greg uncover shared connections in Memphis media and reflect on the people and experiences that shaped their paths. If you care about creativity, community and the power of the arts to inspire and transform, this episode offers both insight and practical ideas for getting involved.
Plan a visit to the Tennessee State MuseumTennessee Voice, American Stories: 95 Counties Road TripTennessee America 50This episode is sponsored by The Citizens Bank.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
In this episode, the conversation turns to one of the most significant commemorations of our lifetime: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Carrie Tipton, Ph.D., coordinator of Tennessee’s America 250 commemoration, discusses the many ways the state is preparing to mark this historic milestone. Tipton explains the national America 250 initiative and Tennessee’s approach to telling its own story through the theme “Tennessee: The Original Frontier.” From grant programs supporting local history projects to exhibitions, events, and educational initiatives across the state, she shares how communities of all sizes are being encouraged to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and consider what the next 250 years might hold. The episode also highlights how Discovery Park of America is bringing Tennessee America 250 to life through exhibitions, performances, living history, and public programs throughout 2026. This episode is sponsored by The Citizens Bank.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
Episode 222: Thomas Batchelor and Fred Bloom: From Tennessee to The AlamoIn this episode of Reelfoot Forward, Interpretive Ranger Thomas H. Batchelor and historic interpreter Fred Bloom of David Crockett Birthplace State Park join the conversation to explore the real life, legacy and enduring legend of David Crockett, one of Tennessee’s most iconic figures. The discussion comes at a pivotal moment for the park. Hurricane Helene devastated the site in 2024, destroying interpretive spaces, the reconstructed farmstead and monuments along the Nolichucky River. The team there has since been reimagining how to connect people to Crockett’s story and rebuild a network of stewards who care about preserving his legacy.Out of that opportunity comes The Alamo Pilgrimage, a weeklong journey retracing Crockett’s path from Tennessee through Arkansas and into Texas, culminating at the Alamo for the 190th anniversary of the battle. Traveling in a mobile homestead, the crew will visit key historic sites, share live educational content and document the journey in real time, all while building regional partnerships and elevating the authentic Crockett story beyond myth and folklore. As a symbolic gesture, they will present a stone from Crockett’s birthplace cabin to the Alamo, reinforcing the connection between these historic landscapes.From separating fact from fiction to examining Crockett’s political career, migration across Tennessee and global popularity, this episode offers both history and hope, showing how digital storytelling, collaboration and community engagement can help carry the Crockett story from the banks of the Nolichucky River to the walls of the Alamo and into a new generation.More:David Crockett State Park on FacebookVisit David Crockett State ParkDavid Crockett at Discovery Park of AmericaThe Alamo 190 SaluteThis episode of Reelfoot Forward is sponsored by McDonalds and McWorth Management.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
This episode features a conversation with Kevin and Stacie Herrell, the husband-and-wife team behind Higher Ground Coffee Company and Vantage Coffee Roasters. They share how a love of great coffee turned into a nearly 20-year journey of building a specialty coffee business in Union City and Martin. The Herrells reflect on the challenges and rewards of running a hometown business, the importance of local partnerships, and how coffee shops have become gathering places that help strengthen a community. From learning the craft of roasting quality beans to adapting to changing tastes and trends, this conversation offers inspiration for anyone in business today.This episode is sponsored by The Citizens Bank.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Mandy Hinson, a familiar voice and face to many in the region from her years at West Tennessee PBS, shares her personal journey from growing up in South Fulton to navigating early college struggles, modeling in Atlanta, and even working behind the scenes during the 1996 Olympic Games. Those experiences eventually led her back home to complete her degree and begin a long and meaningful career in public media, where she spent nearly two decades connecting communities through storytelling and fundraising.Today, Mandy serves in community and donor relations at St. John’s Community Services, where she helps support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as families facing housing and food insecurity. She talks about the organization’s person-centered approach, their food and clothing pantry, and the powerful impact of community partnerships in West Tennessee. It’s a conversation about second chances, finding your calling, and the people and places that shape a life of service.
On this episode Dr. Dexter Davis, sports management professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, shares his journey from coaching and athletic administration to academia, and how that path led to building one of the most exciting experiential learning opportunities in collegiate sports — sending students to work behind the scenes at the NFL Super Bowl. Discover how the student program has grown from a handful of participants to a national cohort representing dozens of colleges, and what day-to-day responsibilities students take on during Super Bowl week — from event operations and hospitality to customer service to supporting major brands. Dr. Davis breaks down the careful selection process, the life skills students gain, and powerful success stories of alumni who leveraged the experience into amazing careers. Along the way, Dr. Davis shares the value of hands-on sports management education, the impact of rural institutions and what this year’s trip means for UT Martin students heading to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers.To financially support the Super Bowl program at UT Martin, visit give.utm.edu and select the College of Business and Global Affairs Gift Fund. Note the designation of this gift is to support the CBGA Super Bowl Experience.This episode is sponsored by McDonald's and McWorth Management.
Associates, joins us for a fascinating conversation about the world of land surveying—past, present and future.With deep Tennessee roots and over 25 years in the field, Young offers a behind-the-scenes look at how surveyors shape the landscapes we live in, from cutting-edge GPS tools to centuries-old compasses and Gunter’s chains. Listeners will discover how early surveyors like James Winchester helped define state boundaries—and why understanding history remains essential to the profession today.Young also shares insights into Tennessee’s unique land systems, modern property disputes, and how AI might one day help decode long-lost records and handwritten deeds. Whether you’re a history buff, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the ground beneath your feet, this episode delivers a compelling journey across time and terrain.
which will be on display in the Southern Artist Showcase Gallery. The exhibition will include prints by celebrated Tennessee artist David Wright, whose paintings of early settlers, frontier life and America’s expansion offer a vivid visual journey through the nation’s formative years.Another major highlight of Discovery Park’s Tennessee America 250 programming discussed in the episode is the Celebrating 250 Years of Independence event July 3–4, 2026. On Friday, July 3, country music artist Mo Pitney will headline a free outdoor concert as part of Discovery Park’s Rhythm on the Rails series.Whether you’re a longtime member, a first-time visitor or simply curious about how a regional museum plans for the future, this episode offers a candid, informative look at how Discovery Park continues to evolve while staying rooted in the stories of West Tennessee and the Reelfoot Lake region.This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.
On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Stephanie Riley, founder of B3 Creative Agency in Jackson, Tennessee, shares her journey from early graphic design training and freelance work in college at UT Martin to starting — and successfully growing — two advertising agencies in West Tennessee.The conversation traces the evolution of graphic design from traditional tools like rub-on type and amberlith to today’s digital platforms, along with the power of networking, chamber involvement, and small-town relationships in building a sustainable business. Stephanie also discusses her passion for team culture, mentoring young creatives, and why she believes smaller communities like Jackson offer unmatched opportunities for connection and impact.Listeners will also hear about Stephanie’s work promoting live music in West Tennessee through initiatives like Jackson Hidden Tracks, the Blue Suede Rockabilly Weekend honoring Carl Perkins, and collaborations with local musicians and educators. From advertising and design to music and community-building, this episode highlights how creativity thrives in rural places when people invest where they live.This episode is sponsored by Main Street, Union City.
On this episode, Sarah Campbell Drury, vice president of fine and decorative arts at Case Auctions, shares her journey from a career in television news to becoming one of Tennessee’s leading appraisers, known for uncovering rare books, documents, antiques and Southern historical treasures.With stories that range from authenticating overlooked family heirlooms to identifying high-value pieces hidden in plain sight, Sarah offers a fascinating look into how provenance, research and a trained eye bring history to life. She also shares how Case Auctions expanded globally during the pandemic through online bidding platforms, now attracting thousands of collectors from more than 30 countries.Whether you love antiques, Southern history or simply a good story about unexpected discoveries, this episode shines a light on the art of appraisals and auctions and the thrill of connecting people with the objects that shaped our past.This episode is sponsored by Main Street, Union City.
This episode features Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, musician, educator and director of the music program at the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee. From his first Apple IIe computer to earning a PhD in music, Dr. Tubbs shares his journey through the evolving world of music education and technology.Listeners will hear how his childhood fascination with sound turned into a lifelong passion for teaching and performing, and how he’s helping shape the next generation of musicians in West Tennessee. The conversation also explores the power of community in supporting live music—from the JAMS (Jackson Area Music Society) Facebook page that connects thousands of local music lovers each week, to opportunities for student performances at Discovery Park of America.Whether you’re a lifelong musician, an educator or just someone who loves a good story about creativity and persistence, this episode strikes the right chord.This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.
In this episode, the tables are turned as Zac sits down with Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams and senior director of exhibits and collections Jennifer Wildes for a behind-the-scenes conversation about their shared passion for history, storytelling and the museum experience. Jennifer served as editor of Scott’s latest biography, "Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis." Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in Memphis to helping build Discovery Park alongside founder Robert Kirkland, reflecting on her years curating artifacts and designing exhibits that inspire. Scott discusses his career path from Graceland to the Newseum to Discovery Park, his process as an author, and his new book. Together, they explore the fascinating story of early Memphis, the life and legacy of Marcus Winchester, and the importance of preserving and sharing Tennessee’s rich history for future generations.
In this episode, Tyler Ford, Vice President of Workforce at Tennessee Achieves, the nonprofit organization behind the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small town in Illinois to working at Walt Disney World and eventually helping shape the future of Tennessee’s workforce through mentorship and education. Listeners will learn how Tennessee Achieves connects students to opportunity by pairing scholarships with hands-on mentor support—especially for first-generation and rural students. Tyler discusses the life-changing power of internships, the importance of community involvement, and how volunteers across the state are helping students access higher education and career pathways. With an impressive 84.7% of Tennessee Achieves graduates staying in-state and contributing to an $18.9 billion economic impact, this episode shines a light on how mentorship can transform both lives and communities. This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.
In this episode, Kasey, executive director of Northwest Tennessee Tourism, takes listeners on a verbal tour of some of the people, places and waterways that define this nine-county region. From the formation of Reelfoot Lake during the New Madrid earthquakes to the stories of the first settlers and the region’s thriving small towns, Kasey, Scott and Zac discuss what makes Northwest Tennessee a hidden treasure for travelers. Listeners will also discover can’t-miss attractions, unique festivals and the best local diners and dives. Whether you love history, outdoor adventures or small-town hospitality, this episode paints a vivid portrait of our corner of Tennessee. This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm and Lawn.
In this episode, we step into the ring with Greg “The Golden Boy” Anthony, professional wrestler, promoter, and community leader behind Pro Wrestling Mid South. With more than two decades in the ring, Greg has worked with some of the industry’s most iconic names and now runs one of the busiest wrestling promotions in the country hosting weekly family-friendly shows in Ripley and Dyersburg, Tennessee.In this episode, Anthony shares his journey from watching wrestling on his grandmother’s knee to winning the NWA National Heavyweight Championship, and how he’s using his platform to build something much bigger than just a show. From merchandise strategy to community outreach, Greg shares how faith, family, and storytelling continue to drive his success inside and outside the ring.This episode is available on SoundCloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other podcast platforms.
The Calvert City Drive-In first opened in the 1950s and entertained families for decades until closing after the 2021 season, following the passing of longtime owner Ruth Evelyn Harrington. In 2023, Seth and Tabitha Manea purchased the property and reopened the drive-in, keeping its famous burgers and vintage charm alive for a new generation.In this episode, Seth shares the story of their journey, from honoring the Harrington family’s legacy to learning the ropes of the drive-in business and reconnecting the community with this beloved summertime tradition.This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm & Lawn.
In this episode, Jeni Veal, outdoor tourism development manager at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Bob Ford, executive director of the Hatchie River Conservancy, discuss the launch of the new Guide to Birding in Tennessee. This free statewide resource highlights birdwatching destinations across all 95 counties, along with seasonal tips, festivals and conservation practices.They explore how birding supports tourism, outdoor recreation and local economies. With 96 million Americans participating in birdwatching each year, the guide helps position Tennessee as a top destination for birders of all experience levels.
In this special Elvis Week episode, acclaimed music historian Peter Guralnick joins us to discuss his new book, "The Colonel and the King," a deeply researched portrait of the complex relationship between Elvis Presley and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Guralnick, author of the definitive two-volume Elvis biography (Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love), offers new insight drawn from thousands of letters and documents never before made public.In addition to stories of his early meetings with Colonel Tom Parker and others from the world of Elvis Presley, Guralnick shares his experiences researching and writing about early rock ’n’ roll, blues, country and soul in the American South.
In this episode, we spend some time with veteran journalist and newspaper editor Victor Parkins, a leading voice in rural journalism and the longtime editor and publisher of the Milan Mirror-Exchange. Victor shares his journey in the newspaper business, from growing up in a family-run newsroom founded by his father, Bob Parkins, to expanding a regional publishing company that now includes newspapers in multiple West Tennessee communities.As local journalism faces shifting media landscapes and economic challenges, Victor offers a clear-eyed perspective on why community newspapers still matter. He discusses the unique role rural papers play in preserving local culture, keeping citizens informed, and maintaining trust in an era of national media skepticism. Victor also talks about adapting to digital platforms, reaching younger readers, and his company’s recent acquisition of The Fayette Falcon.Whether you’re a lifelong newspaper reader or someone curious about how journalism is evolving in small towns, this episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, legacy, and the enduring importance of local news.This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm & Lawn.
Dr. Matthew Stafford, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and distinguished academic, has spent his career shaping leaders, building innovative education programs, and defending American values—both in uniform and in the classroom. With six academic degrees and nearly 30 years of service—including roles like Chief Learning Officer for Air Education and Training Command, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Air University, and Dean of Faculty at the Federal Executive Institute—Dr. Stafford has helped guide military and civilian professionals across the globe. Now based in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he continues to share his expertise with the public.In this episode, you’ll hear about his unlikely path from “lousy student” to Ph.D., his views on civic engagement in today’s America, and why he believes small-town conversations may hold the key to big national challenges.Dr. Stafford is presenting a free, four-part community education series titled “U.S. Values and the Constitution” at McIver’s Grant Public Library in Dyersburg, where he will explore the philosophical and historical foundations of American democracy. The series will be held each Thursday evening from September 11 to October 2, 2025, and requires advance registration.
This inspiring episode features Lorraine Jones, founder and executive director of the Hometown Walk of Hope, a non-profit cancer agency that has raised more than $3.9 million to support cancer patients in rural West Tennessee. Lorraine shares her journey from growing up in rural West Virginia to leading wellness initiatives in Obion County for more than three decades. A passionate community leader, speaker, and podcast host of It’s All Good!, Lorraine offers insights on faith, purpose, and the power of service. Discover how she’s motivating others—especially women—to live joyfully through life’s challenges and find meaning in giving back.
Dr. Nassar Nassar is founder and CEO of Savant Learning Systems and Virtual Academy. Based in Martin, Tennessee, Dr. Nassar is a visionary leader and entrepreneur who has transformed the way training is delivered to public safety professionals across the country.In this episode, Dr. Nassar shares his journey from launching a tech startup in a rural town to leading a company with national reach. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of building a business outside a major metro area, the importance of mentorship and team culture, and the leadership principles that have guided his success. A passionate advocate for community development, Dr. Nassar also talks about his support for local initiatives and how his love of travel continues to shape his perspective as a business leader.This episode is sponsored by ATA.
In this episode, you’ll discover the story of Eric Sanford, founder and co-owner of Reelfoot Brewing Company. Originally from Milwaukee, Eric brought his passion for small batch brewing to Northwest Tennessee, first opening in Trimble before expanding to a new location in the heart of downtown Union City. Eric shares the inspiration behind his move, the challenges of launching a brewery in a small town, and the role craft beer can play in revitalizing communities. You’ll hear how Reelfoot Brewing is creating a space where families and friends gather, local businesses collaborate and visitors experience the unique flavors of Tennessee brewing.
“Surviving Reelfoot” is a locally grown reality competition inspired by Survivor that has captured the imagination of fans around the world. What began in 2014 with 11 friends in a backyard has evolved into a full-scale, eight-day game set on a 300-acre property near Reelfoot Lake. With cast members from four countries and over a million views on their most recent season, Surviving Reelfoot has become a standout in the world of “live reality games.” In this episode, Amos Smith of South Fulton, Kentucky and Pete Morgan of Hornbeak, Tennessee, the creators behind the game, take us behind the scenes and reveal some of the secrets to their impressive success. Amos shares how growing up on Reelfoot Lake and nearly making it onto Survivor led him to create his own version right at home, while Pete reflects on their journey from modest beginnings to recent inclusion in an upcoming documentary produced by a former Survivor 42 contestant. The two talk about game design, community support, and how a tight-knit crew of past participants and volunteers keeps the Reelfoot flame alive year after year. This episode celebrates the creative spirit, determination and local pride that turned a backyard idea into a reality game with international reach.In the episode, Pete Morgan also reflects on their location of season three, where a peccary fossil was once dug up. That fossil now resides in Discovery Park of America’s Natural History Gallery, displayed alongside other Ice Age specimens in Dinosaur Hall.For more about Surviving Reelfoot, visit their Facebook page or YouTube channel.
The latest exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum, “Eight Days in Dayton: 100 Years of the Scopes Trial,” will be on display June 24–October 12, 2025. It offers a rich, immersive journey through the State of Tennessee v. John T. Scopes, one of the most iconic legal and cultural events in American history. In this episode, the museum’s chief curator, Richard White, and K-12 education manager, Christopher Grisham, share details about the trial, discuss what makes this such a pivotal moment in Tennessee history, and take listeners behind the scenes of the planning and implementation of the exhibit and the educational tools that accompany it.The exhibit centers on the 1925 Scopes Trial in Dayton, Tennessee, where John T. Scopes, a Dayton high school teacher, was prosecuted under Tennessee’s Butler Act for teaching human evolution—a law that prohibited denying biblical creation in public schools. Framed as a challenge to the constitutionality of the law, the trial was staged to ignite both legal and social debate over science versus religion. At the time, it was considered the trial of the century. The exhibit brings the courtroom battles to life and features photographs, tintypes, daguerreotypes, and enlarged press images of Scopes, Darrow, Bryan, and the Dayton community. Visitors will also find authentic courtroom furnishings from the trial, alongside the original microphone used for live radio transmission, the biology textbook Scopes used to teach evolution at Rhea County High School and the table and chairs from Robinson's Drugstore where local civic and business leaders met in May 1925 to hatch the idea of challenging the Butler Act in court. Archival trial documents and an engaging audiovisual history guide visitors through the unfolding drama and its aftermath.This episode is brought to you by The Citizens Bank.
Brent Callicott is a self-made “weatherologist” from Union City, Tennessee, and the trusted voice behind Brent’s Weather Page on Facebook.In this episode, he shares how a childhood fascination with storms and a little nudge from his wife and daughter sparked what would become one of Northwest Tennessee’s most-followed weather resources. With more than 13,000 followers and no formal training, Brent has built a community by delivering clear, compassionate weather updates.Whether it’s a snow day, heat wave or severe storm warning, Brent is the messenger that locals trust.This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm & Lawn.
Discovery Park of America recently served as the venue for Podalyst, a daylong podcasting workshop hosted by AAF West Tennessee. The event brought together a dynamic mix of podcast hosts, business professionals, creatives and aspiring podcasters interested in the power of audio storytelling.During the workshop, attendees stepped in front of the camera with Adelsberger Marketing to share advice and ideas on podcasting.In this episode, you’ll hear their favorite tips, current go-to podcasts and the dream shows they’d launch if success were guaranteed.This episode is sponsored by AAF West Tennessee.
American singer and songwriter Jacob Tolliver was raised on classic rock and roll blasting from his grandmother’s radio. After a spontaneous rendition of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” on a dusty hardware store upright piano went viral, a star was born. At 19, Tolliver was hired as the understudy—and soon the principal—to play Jerry Lee Lewis in the Las Vegas production of the Tony-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet, giving him three years of eight-shows-a-week schooling in rock and roll showmanship.In this episode, Tolliver shares his inspirational story and how his friendship with Jerry Lee Lewis and other rock ‘n’ roll notables has shaped his life and career.
This spring marked the 160th anniversary of the worst maritime disaster in United States history. The Sultana left Memphis on April 27, 1865, carrying three times the number of passengers for which it was designed. Tragedy struck later that evening when the boilers ruptured, causing the steamer to explode. Many were killed immediately in the blast, while others were crushed or died from burns, hypothermia or drowning. Of the approximately 2,400 people on board, about 1,800 died.Retired Memphis lawyer and author Jerry Potter, who literally wrote the book on the Sultana, joins us to share the story of the disaster and its aftermath. Potter spent more than 20 years combing through archives and thousands of pages of documents to discover what happened and why. In 1992, he published “The Sultana Tragedy: America’s Greatest Maritime Disaster,” which is still widely considered the definitive book on the subject.Potter has also been working with others to expand The Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion, Arkansas, to better tell the story. The new 17,000-square-foot museum will feature a partial model of the steamboat, a theater, a research library and more.This episode is brought to you by NWTN Tourism.
Brandon Nassar is the owner of CRAVE, a go-to spot in Martin, TN, for flavorful, high-protein meals that fuel your day without weighing you down. He has a culinary journey that took him all the way to Dubai for school—and ultimately brought him back to Northwest Tennessee with a vision to create a place where healthy food could also be crave-worthy.Reviews of Crave include: “Simply put, EAT HERE,” “This place is awesome,” and “Delicious, healthy food that actually fills you up.”In this episode, discover how Brandon’s international culinary training inspired the unique menu at CRAVE, why he chose Martin for his restaurant’s home and what it takes to build a health-focused business that still tastes delicious and fulfilling.
Abi Hellmich is a Union City native who has always been deeply connected to her community and its creative scene. After graduating from MTSU, she spent time working at Walt Disney World before launching her own production company in Nashville, handling lighting, sound and AV for high-profile events. While in Nashville, she also started a side business painting pet portraits—an experience that rekindled her passion for creating art.Eventually, she returned to her hometown, where she has served as the marketing director at Kizer Pharmacy. Her longtime dream was to create a space in Union City where others could enjoy and explore art. She had originally set her sights on opening a studio by fall 2025—but on New Year’s Day, she saw the perfect building in downtown Union City and knew it was time.In this episode, Abi shares how her creative journey has evolved and why building an artistic space in her hometown means so much to her.This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm and Lawn
MSG Doug Wonacott is a decorated Special Operations Flight Medic with over two decades of service in the U.S. Army. Enlisting in 2000, he completed 15 combat deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after surviving a helicopter shoot-down in Iraq. As the Regiment Senior Medic for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the "Night Stalkers," Wonacott played a pivotal role in high-risk missions supporting elite forces such as the Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and Delta Force. In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 Military Expo on Saturday, March 15, Wonacott shares his powerful story of resilience and leadership. He discusses his experiences on the battlefield, the challenges he faced and his ongoing dedication to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the military. Tune in to gain insight into the life of a soldier committed to saving lives and advocating for the well-being of his fellow service members.This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm & Lawn.
On Saturday evening, March 8, 2025, Discovery Park of America honored four individuals who, like the museum and heritage park, inspire others to see beyond. Proceeds from the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards benefit the Kirkland Scholarship Fund, providing free admission for student groups to Discovery Park. The event was attended by a sold-out crowd from around the country, celebrating honorees Lt. Col. Bernard House, director of ROTC battalions at Murray State University and the University of Tennessee at Martin; Dr. Nassar Nassar, founder and CEO of Savant Learning Systems & Virtual Academy; Betty Ann Tanner, community organizer and non-profit advocate and Darryl Worley, award-winning country music singer-songwriter. This year’s awards gala was emceed by Sonya Gavankar-McKay, an award-winning communications expert and television host. In this episode, listen in as we pay tribute to our winners and shine a spotlight on Discovery Park’s mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond.
Each year, Discovery Park of America’s Southern Artist Showcase highlights a unique artist with roots in the region. This year, metal sculptor Dave Dunn brings his Reelfoot Critters collection to life, blending movement, whimsy and storytelling through welded found, repurposed and new metal objects. Inspired by summers spent with family in Hickman, Kentucky—on the banks of the Mississippi River and at Reelfoot Lake—his work captures the essence of the wildlife and landscapes that shaped his childhood.In this episode, recorded during the opening reception on February 27, 2025, Discovery Park's senior director of exhibits and collections, Jennifer Wildes, conducts a brief interview and Q&A with Dunn. He shares the inspiration behind Reelfoot Critters, his creative process, and insights into his distinctive style. Listen in to discover how Dunn transforms metal into expressive sculptures, infusing a sense of place and nostalgia into each piece.
Dr. Stephen McBride is the director of career development at the University of Tennessee Southern, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the futures of students. With a background that bridges agriculture, education and professional development, Dr. McBride brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Purdue University, where he supported more than 5,000 graduate students. In this episode, Dr. McBride shares his insights on career planning, networking and student success. He reflects on his own academic journey—from working in the insurance industry to returning to school for advanced degrees—and offers practical advice for those looking to navigate their career paths. With a belief in honoring the "past to uphold and future to mold," he discusses how understanding one’s roots can help shape a meaningful and impactful career. This episode is brought to you by First Choice Farm & Lawn.
Lt. Col. Bernard House is a distinguished U.S. Army officer, decorated with honors like the Bronze Star (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal (with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster). In addition to his military career, he serves as a professor of military science at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he also directs the ROTC battalions at both UT Martin and Murray State University. Lt. Col. House is also an honoree at the upcoming 2025 Discovery Awards.In this episode, Lt. Col. House reflects on his inspiring journey from growing up in the small town of Lexa, Arkansas, to rising through the ranks in the U.S. Army. He discusses his leadership experiences in diverse roles, including as a company fire support officer in Germany, paladin platoon leader in Kosovo, and battalion operations officer in Afghanistan.Lt. Col. House offers invaluable leadership insights—relevant not just for those in the military, but also for professionals in the private sector. This episode is sponsored by Final Flight Outfitters.
Sonya Gavankar-McKay is the emcee of the 2025 Discovery Awards. She is a spokesperson, television and podcast host, filmmaker and social multi-media content creator. She can be seen hosting programs and giving commentary on everything from hard news to cooking shows on ABC and CBS affiliates, PBS, QVC and even the Puppy Bowl. She is currently a director at Axiom Space, the leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure.In this episode she shares her journey from journalism to public relations, some behind-the-scenes stories from her years working at the Newseum and more about Axiom Space's fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, launching from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This episode is sponsored by Final Flight Outfitters.
Betty Ann Tanner has spent years at the intersection of Tennessee tradition and national politics. Her husband, John Tanner, served as the U.S. representative for Tennessee's 8th congressional district from 1989 until 2011. Betty Ann’s journey has taken her from small-town roots to the heart of Washington, D.C. With an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Betty Ann became more than just a political spouse—she is a key force behind the scenes, balancing life in the nation’s capital while staying deeply engaged in her West Tennessee community. Whether hosting dignitaries, championing local causes, or offering candid insights into the ever-changing political landscape, she has does it all with humor, warmth, and unmistakable Southern grace. In this episode, Betty Ann, a 2025 Discovery Award honoree, shares stories from her time in D.C., her experiences with some of the biggest names in American politics, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Melinda Meador is an attorney with a passion for history. The Gleason, Tennessee native has served as felony prosecutor for the Obion County office of the 27th Judicial District Attorney; as a judicial clerk, assistant district attorney and criminal defense lawyer on the Texas Court of Appeals; and in several leadership positions at the FDIC's headquarters Washington D.C. Today she is in private practice with the firm of Lowe, Yeager & Brown PLLC. Meador’s family was among the original settlers of Weakley County, and she lives on a farm that has been in her family for 195 years. In this episode, Meador provides details from “Strange Fruit: The Forgotten Lynchings of Northwest Tennessee and Southwestern Kentucky, 1869-1931,” the thesis for her 2021 master’s in American history from Murray State University. This episode is sponsored by Jerry Ward Autoplex.
Patrick Bishop, an assistant professor in the Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems at the University of Tennessee at Martin, joins us to answer all our burning questions about artificial intelligence. In this episode, we explore what AI really is, how it has been used for many years, practical applications for daily life and the ethical issues surrounding its use. This episode is sponsored by Jerry Ward Autoplex.
Historian Jeff Sellers, director of education at the Tennessee State Museum and the state capitol, has compiled images from archives and private collections to showcase the history of the Tennessee State Capitol. He also introduces us to the individuals who have breathed life into what has become known as the people's house. This episode is sponsored by Jerry Ward Autoplex.
The 2024 Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference was held in Obion County, Tennessee, in the beautiful Reelfoot Lake region in the northwest corner of the state. In this panel discussion, hosted by Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams during the conference, three Tennessee tourism superstars took attendees behind the scenes of their own rural destinations and shared their inspiration for success. Listen in as Williams discovers how the magic is made with: Sonia Outlaw-Clark, executive director of Visit Brownsville and director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center; Randall Clemons, one of the founders of the Wilson County Tennessee State Fair and a leader of Historic Granville, Tennessee’s Mayberry Town; and Brian May, founder of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary’s museum, theater, gift shop, distillery and bottling facility, restaurant, concert venue, event center, and, of course, historic prison tours.This episode is sponsored by Excel Boats.
Josh Collins is the founder and CEO of Main Street Mentor, a purpose-built organization serving the critical yet underserved Main Street, Chamber, and tourism economies of America’s most beloved places. With more than 25 years of experience in tourism and marketing, Collins has been a trusted guide and strategic partner for some of Tennessee’s favorite destinations. In this episode, you’ll discover his inspiration for starting a small business, tips and tricks for those who want to make things happen in their industries, and ways destinations in rural communities can grow and expand their customer base.More about Main Street Mentor.This episode is sponsored by Excel Boats.
Berkley Bryant, the reigning Miss South Carolina Volunteer, captured the prestigious title of Miss Volunteer America 2025. The organization honors young women who demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work. Bryant was selected because she embodies and exemplifies the values of service, compassion and leadership. As Miss Volunteer America 2025, she assumes the role of national ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and national brand ambassador for The Salvation Army. She is a 23-year-old honor graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a minor in biological sciences. While at Clemson, she received Palmetto Fellows and National Society of Collegiate Scholars recognition. In this episode, she shares her inspiration for entering the competition and what she has discovered along the way.This episode is sponsored by Excel Boats.
Ross Houghton is the marketing manager for Visit Brownsville, the destination marketing organization that promotes Haywood County, Tennessee. It’s the home of Billy Tripp’s Mindfield, award-winning barbecue, the Hatchie River, the blues of Sleepy John Estes, and the birthplace of Tina Turner. In this episode, Houghton shares how a little boy from Bulgaria grew up in West Tennessee, then traveled to more than 25 countries as an ambassador with Up with People, an organization with the mission of preparing youth to succeed as global citizens, employees, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. He also shares how travel and tourism inspired him to take on his current role, letting people know all the amazing things to see and do in his hometown.More about Visit Brownsville.This episode is sponsored by Excel Boats.
Cole Bizwell, a fourth-generation towboater from Rives, Tennessee, is carrying on a family legacy on the Mississippi River as a senior deckhand with Ingram Barge Company. Although he initially set out to pursue a career in aviation, the COVID-19 pandemic led him to reevaluate his path. When he stepped on a towboat for the first time, he knew instantly it was where he was meant to be. In this episode, Cole reflects on following in the footsteps of his grandfather and great-grandfather and shares how he’s using social media to document his experiences on the river. You can follow more of his journey on TikTok for a firsthand glimpse into work life on the Mississippi.
Tennessee’s regional library system is composed of nine multi-county regions—named for major local rivers— serving 211 small and medium-sized public libraries throughout the state. Jenny Gillihan is executive director of the Obion River Regional Library, serving nine counties in Northwest Tennessee where she and her team provide access to a wide range of educational, cultural, and informational services. In this episode, Gillihan shares more about her path to the library, her passion for sharing a love of reading and the rewards of living and working in rural communities.This episode is sponsored by Jarred Mayo: Allstate Insurance.
Brooke Simmons is an agtrepreneur from Hickman, Kentucky who has incorporated her family’s farm into numerous businesses. The most recent is First Love Farms featuring pick-your-own-flowers, a pumpkin patch and more. In this episode, Simmons what it was like growing up on a farm outside Hickman, her inspiration for starting new businesses and some of the tips and tricks she’s learned along the way. This episode is sponsored by the Hatchie River Conservancy.
A row of buttercups growing along a fence row at her new house in Newbern, Tennessee inspired Jessica Duncan to create her very first small business, Lily’s Garden. Her pick-your-own flower farm began with an idea she then nurtured by spending months of research and then trial and error in the garden that continues today. In this episode, she shares what she’s discovered while literally getting her hands dirty starting an agribusiness in her small town, and how Lily’s Garden has impacted her life and career. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.
Derek Giffin is a fifth-generation farmer who, alongside his wife Micayla, runs Giffin Farms in Union City, Tennessee. The Giffins manage over 1,000 acres, growing corn, soybeans, wheat and hay on land that has been in the family for over a century. To create a more sustainable operation, they added cattle, and their innovative farming techniques have cut the land, water and energy required to produce healthy beef by 50%. In this episode, Derek shares his journey of farming on a Tennessee Century Farm and the steps they’ve taken to adapt and thrive in the modern agricultural landscape. We also discuss their involvement in the Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers program that led to their “Achievement Award” in 2022. Derek reflects on the importance of keeping farming traditions alive while incorporating new approaches to sustainability for future generations.This episode is sponsored by Jarred Mayo: Allstate Insurance.
Bill Gray is an educator, real estate guru, auctioneer and much more. The Gray family has been in the auction and real estate business since 1950. Bill has been licensed in the business since 1979 and has carried on the values and skills he learned from his father ever since. Aside from his professional work, Bill has also become a collector of unique artifacts, including items that once belonged to famed lawman Buford Pusser. Bill retired from teaching after 43 1/2 years at South Fulton Middle and High School, but he remains active in the real estate and auction world.In this episode, Bill shares more about the history of the Twin Cities community and the annual Twin Cities Banana Festival, which celebrates the cities' railroad heritage and the historical role they played in transporting bananas north from New Orleans. We also take a trip to the Twin City Railroad Museum to visit Darren Doss and learn more about the museum's preservation efforts and the importance of the railroad to the community.
Fulton Winery, located in Fulton, Kentucky, is a proud veteran-owned small farm winery and wine bar, specializing in sweet, fruit-flavored wines. Owned and operated by father-son duo Roger and Prentice Colson, the winery currently offers 13 distinct flavors and provides a welcoming space for wine lovers to enjoy a glass, try a sample flight, or take home a growler.In this episode, we explore what brought Roger and Prentice to the small Western Kentucky town and the inspiration behind turning their passion for winemaking into a business. From Roger’s early memories of his father making wine to the Colsons’ journey of opening their own winery, we’ll dive into how this family legacy has come full circle.
Al Santos is the founder and Head Singer of Ottertrail, a celebrated Southern style drum group that has played a vital role in the Native American powwow world and beyond. With Ottertrail, Al has won a Grammy, performed at major events across the country and appeared in the final episode of the Marvel series Echo on Disney+. Most recently, you can see him and Ottertrail in the powwow scene of the Apple TV movie Fancy Dance, where Al also composed all of the powwow music, further cementing his influence in both the powwow and entertainment worlds. In addition to his musical contributions, Al has also made his mark in professional wrestling entertainment as “The Arab Legend” Al Farat. In this episode, Al shares his journey from the powwow grounds to the big screen, and he gives us a glimpse into his dual life as a professional wrestler. He also talks about his upcoming role as emcee at Discovery Park of America’s 2024 Northwest Tennessee Native American Educational Powwow and what it means to bring this event to the community. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.
Jason Reeves is the curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson, Tennessee. His influence can be found in landscapes across the region in the form of distinct plant combinations and his signature garden art. Through his popular Facebook page, Reeves takes followers on virtual trips to experience gardens of all types around the country. In this episode, he shares his personal story of how he discovered a passion for plants and he provides valuable tips for landscapers and gardeners who want to make the most of their gardens.This episode is sponsored by the Hatchie River Conservancy.
Wildlife biologist Bob Ford is executive director of The Hatchie River Conservancy, a West Tennessee organization with the mission of conserving and sustaining the natural integrity and the scenic beauty of the Hatchie State Scenic River and its watershed. The Hatchie River is the longest free-flowing tributary of the lower Mississippi River; it harbors the largest forested floodplain remaining in Tennessee and is the only river in the state that is designated as a State Scenic River in its entirety. As Ford shares in this episode, many see the Hatchie as a restorative, soul-nourishing sanctuary—a sacred place to feel connected to something larger than themselves. It is an ancient, beautiful, biologically rich, uniquely wild river that courses its way through six counties in West Tennessee. Ford also shares a bit of the history of past efforts to protect the Hatchie along with conservation initiatives taking place today led by The Hatchie River Conservancy and others. This episode is sponsored by Moustos Pasta & Grill.
The Davy Crockett Hunting Club is a waterfowl hunting club in Northwest Tennessee. It began in the 1940’s when respected duck hunt guide and chief clerk of Union City’s Davy Crockett Hotel, Ralph Morton, came up with the idea of forming a club for the many hunters that came to the region each year to hunt. The hunting exploits, innumerable anecdotes, tales, accounts, truths and fabrications about the club have become the stuff of Tennessee legend. Morton’s vision and his passion to share the sport of waterfowl hunting with others has evolved into one of the oldest and most respected hunting clubs in the nation. Jon Nesbitt, who began hunting with the club as a young boy, has been researching and writing about the history of the club along with the joys and challenges experienced through the years by those who enjoy the sport in West Tennessee. In this episode, he shares his personal story, a bit more about the club and how he went about gathering memorabilia, research materials and personal stories about the club. In Discovery Park’s new, permanent exhibit, “Duck, Duck, Goose: Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway,” discover how a combination of federal land protections and private land conservation unites the government, landowners, hunters, scientists, conservationists and other nature lovers to protect and restore waterfowl populations and the land needed for them to thrive. This episode is sponsored by The Hatchie River Conservancy.
In 1954, twelve-year-old Jerry Schilling wandered into a Memphis touch football game, only to discover that his team was quarterbacked by nineteen-year-old Elvis Presley. Elvis was still an unknown, but his first record, "That’s All Right," had just debuted on Dewey Phillips’ popular WHBQ radio show "Red, Hot & Blue." That chance encounter with the future King of Rock ‘n’ Roll began an adventure for Schilling that continues to this day. In this episode, Schilling, who later became a successful talent manager, shares stories of how Elvis’s friendship has been an inspiration his life and career. Then, Alicia Dean, from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. joins to provide a behind-the-scenes look at Graceland and Elvis Week today. Jerry Schilling’s book, “Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley,” is available on Amazon.com. This episode is sponsored by the Hatchie River Conservancy.
Kirstan Blanchard is a social media influencer from Symsonia, Kentucky. During the 2020 pandemic, Blanchard took advantage of her time in quarantine to launch a successful lifestyle blog. She has since grown her following on TikTok to over 21,000 and over 26,000 on Instagram. Kirstan uses her platform as an online lifestyle brand centered around affordable fashion, mental health awareness and cultivating confidence. Blanchard recently stopped by Discovery Park as a guest for an AAF West Tennessee event. In this episode, she shares some tips and tricks of creating an online community, lessons learned while creating content and more. This episode is sponsored by the Hatchie River Conservancy.
Grant Saum has dedicated his career and life to agriculture, driven by a deep-seated passion for multiple sectors of the field. Saum is the co-owner of Saum Show Stock of Ramer, Tennessee and is the owner of Reelfoot Meat Company of Union City, Tennessee. His love for the show ring started at a very young age and has continued into adulthood as he works to inspire the next generation of sheep lovers and showmen. As the Mid-South Regional Communications Manager for the Cotton Board, Saum ensures that stakeholders throughout the mid-south are informed about the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. In this episode, we discuss Grant's love for animals and the everyday work he does for the "Fabric of Our Lives."This episode is sponsored by Moustos Pasta & Grill.
Ted Franklin Belue, a 2021 winner of the Western Writers of America’s prestigious Spur Award, has written numerous books including “Finding Daniel Boone,” “The Hunters of Kentucky” and “The Long Hunt.” He edited two Boone biographies, including Lyman Draper’s landmark “Life of Daniel Boone”—the classic reference on Boone and trans-Appalachian Long Hunters—and published more than 100 essays in trade and scholarly publications. He has served as consultant/commentator for the INSP Network’s “Wild Americans” and Outdoor Channel’s “SHOOTING USA,” History Channel (doubling on-screen in various 18th century guises), A&E, BBC, NBC, and NPR. He “survived” the French and Indian War as a Hollywood extra in “The Last of the Mohicans.” In this episode, Belue shares more about the inspiration for his passion for American history, long hunters and early settlers like Daniel Boone.This episode is brought to you by Leaders Credit Union.
Martin, Tennessee native Brady Weldon is a man of many hats. Minister, consultant, author and life-coach to name a few. Brady has helped start a few churches and sits on the board of several. He’s learned a lot during his 35 years of ministry, but one of his greatest discoveries was realizing he could impact people in the areas of both faith and creativity. In this episode, we take a journey back to Brady’s long West Tennessee line of entrepreneurship and helping others, as well as his journey back to another passion of his, music. Another hat on the bald head of Brady Weldon is the hat of a musician. Though this hobby was put to the side for many years, Roy Barberi of the Roy Band finally got the mic for singing back in Brady’s hand. Roy Band is Nashville’s live tribute to the best in 1980s hard rock, pop-rock and glam rock music. Brady Weldon often lives up to the nickname he earned in Nashville, Rock ‘n’ Roll Reverend, and joins them on stage. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.
John Watkins has been planting seeds and watching them grow at Discovery Park since the 50-acre heritage park was first built in an empty field more than a decade ago. In this episode, he shares stories of his earliest meetings with Robert Kirkland where Discovery Park’s founder laid out his vision for the landscaping. Watkins also provides details about the future plans for the new Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion, the vineyards and the upcoming All American Selections Display Garden. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.
Chef Dylan Costantino has prepared meals in kitchens from Colorado to Mackinac Island to Nashville. Here in Northwest Tennessee, we’re lucky he’s now calling Paris home. Costantino is the executive chef at the Lodge at Paris Landing State Park in Henry County. The new 91-room lodge provides hotel resort-style vacation rentals on Kentucky Lake near Land Between the Lakes. In this episode, Chef Costantino shares some of the exciting things happening in their kitchen including Easter Brunch and Murder Mystery Dinner. Also discussed is some of the history of Henry County hospitality and the current location of their first tourist attraction, Sulphur Well. Let’s just say that business is now under water. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union. Leaders Credit Union is insured by NCUA.
A collection of 19 sculptures created by Lego artist Sean Kenney will be on display throughout Discovery Park’s 50 acres from May 3 to Sept. 2, 2024. This version of the award-winning traveling exhibition, “Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® Bricks,” sponsored by Leaders Credit Union, was specially curated to enhance a visit to Discovery Park. Included in the collection is a monarch butterfly built with 60,500 LEGO® bricks that took 377 hours to build, a life-sized gardener built with 37,400 LEGO® bricks that took 320 hours to build and various plants, animals and insects. In this episode, Sean Kenney takes us behind the scenes from his Amsterdam studio and provides more details and a few of the stories of the artwork he creates. For more about Sean’s work, visit seankenney.com. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.
On Saturday evening, March 2, 2024, Discovery Park of America honored four individuals who, like the museum and heritage park, inspire others to see beyond. Proceeds from the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards benefit the Kirkland Scholarship Fund that provides free admission for student groups to Discovery Park. The event was attended by a sold-out crowd from around the country who joined Discovery Park in celebrating the honorees Dr. Nick Dunagan, former UT Martin Chancellor; Deanie Parker, non-profit executive and champion of the arts; David Ring, businessman and developer and Elizabeth Taylor, community activist and philanthropist. In this episode, you get to listen in as we pay tribute to our winners and shine the spotlight on Discovery Park’s mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond. Links to more: Photos from the 2024 Discovery Awards Video from the 2024 Discovery Awards Support Discovery Park’s mission
Norma Pruitt is the “Pilot” of the board of directors of the organization that oversees the operations of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission. The multistate organization works collectively to preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Mississippi River. In the episode, Pruitt shares some fascinating insight into The Great River Road that stretches for 3,000 miles through and beside 10 states. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway is the longest and one of the oldest such designated roadways. It has also been named one of America’s All-American Roads. Discovery Park was added an interpretive center for The Great River Road in 2023. Pruitt is also the executive director for the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation. The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation is dedicated to advancing research and finding cures for two groups of closely related, progressive neurological disorders: Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union. Leaders Credit Union is insured by NCUA.
Dr. Elaine Harriss, a professor in the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Music and recent inductee into the Steinway & Sons Teachers Hall of Fame, has been teaching piano for more than 50 years. She began teaching music as an undergraduate student in Nashville and continued in Monroe, Louisiana where she taught in an all-Black school during the early days of integration. In this episode, she shares inspiring stories from her award-winning career along with tips for parents who want to discover ways they can incorporate music into the lives of their children. This episode is sponsored by the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.
Filmmaker Derek Purvis is the producer-director of the just released action pic “The Ballad of Davy Crockett.” In this episode, Purvis shares a little about the early inspiration that led him to a career in filmmaking along with a few stories that take listeners behind the scenes of his production. Filmed in Tennessee, “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” is an action-packed Western featuring William Moseley who is known for his portrayal of the fictional character Peter Pevensie in the “The Chronicles of Narnia” trilogy. Set in 1815, the film focuses on Crockett’s fictional adventures while fighting his way through the wild frontier to save his children from the clutches of an evil land baron (Colm Meaney of Hell on Wheels). “We wanted to explore the larger-than-life mythology that enshrouds the Crockett name and use his ardent opposition to Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act as a throughline for what turned out to be a beautiful action-adventure tale,” said Purvis.This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union. Leaders Credit Union is insured by NCUA.
Documentary filmmaker Randall Kendrick grew up in Brownsville, Tennessee in the shadow of The Mindfield, a “you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it” outdoor art installation created by Tennessee outsider artist Billy Tripp. The artist has been constructing a massive steel sculpture for the past 33 years, and is finally setting his sights on retirement. In his documentary, “The Steel Garden: A Documentary” Kendrick examines Tripp’s life and work as he builds one of the final pieces of his ever expanding sculpture. In this episode, Kendrick shares more about the inspiration for his documentary, the process he went through to get the story on film and the early response from the documentary film festival circuit, Brownsville residents and Billy Tripp himself. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union. Leaders Credit Union is insured by NCUA.
Sean Gasaway is an entertainer who wears many hats. His titles include songwriter, producer, music mogul, record producer, actor and entrepreneur. On this episode, the two-time Native American Music Awards Song of the Year winner shares more about using music to change young lives as education coordinator with the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance and some of the exciting things happening with arts and entertainment down in the historic Mississippi Delta. You can find out more about Sean at seangasaway.com. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.
Ann Martin is a leader of one of the most unique attractions in the nation, Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. A cancer survivor, businesswomen, entrepreneur, and recent TikTok star, she led the organization through a devastating fire, the many negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and now, unprecedented growth. In this episode, she shares the inspirational story of how their attraction’s restaurant— now serving over one million dollars in pork chops every year—began when one courageous woman, the late Patti Tullar, transformed her love for cooking and family into an award-winning business in a tiny town of 350 located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Today, with its beautifully landscaped gardens, wedding chapel, water wheels, gift shops and boutique stores, Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, just an hour from Discovery Park, draws more than 300,000 visitors each year. You can discover more about Patti’s 1880’s Settlement on their website and follow Ann Martin on TikTok. This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.
Jeremy Powell, a pastor and teacher in Union City, Tennessee, was born with an autoimmune deficiency that rendered his body incapable of defeating bacterial and fungal infections. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, Powell contracted fungal meningitis. Given only an 18% chance of surviving the infection, his doctors at the National Institutes of Health recommended a bone marrow transplant as a last-ditch effort to clear the meningitis and save his life. Powell survived the transplant, and his rehabbed immune system even fought back the infection in his spine and brain. He was healed of his autoimmune deficiency and the fungal meningitis it caused. However, it left him completely paralyzed from the neck down, an he found himself dangerously close to having his breathing permanently compromised.After a stint at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Spain Rehabilitation Hospital, another operation and an inpatient rehab stay at Vanderbilt’s Stallworth Hospital, Powell slowly began feeling again. As he has grown stronger, his mobility has dramatically improved, and Powell continues to amaze medical doctors, nurses and physical therapists nationwide with his miraculous recovery. In this episode, Powell shares his inspirational story and that in the midst of some of the darkest days he has ever experienced, it became clear that God could use his suffering to cultivate hope in his life and in the lives of others. Today, he has returned to the pulpit of Crosswind Church where his message of hope touches hundreds each week. You can discover more about Powell at JeremyPowell.com and find episodes of his messages on Crosswind Church’s Youtube channel. This episode is sponsored by Leader Credit Union. Leaders is insured by NCUA.
In this second two-part episode about road and mountain biking in Tennessee, we welcome Rodney McConnell, founder of the popular Ride the Fault Line bike ride. Participants on this ride explore attractions and experiences along the New Madrid Fault Line in Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee in just seven days. This episode is sponsored by Obion County Tourism.
We kick off a new year of podcast episodes from Discovery Park with a special two-part look at road and mountain biking in Tennessee. Jenny Veal, rural destination development manager with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, shares more about Bike Tennessee. The initiative will feature four to six curated routes in each of the nine regions of the state. Each route will be named, rated for difficulty, and will include mileage, climb, scenic information and points of interests. All Bike Tennessee cycling routes will be mapped and downloadable in the Ride with GPS app.This episode is sponsored by Reelfoot Lake.
As chairperson of the Arts Council of Crockett County, Tennessee Sarah Conley champions fine arts in the rural community named in honor of David Crockett. In this episode, she shares details from her journey so far including a childhood in Bells, Tennessee and early theatrical training with nationally acclaimed teacher of high school speech and drama, Freda Kenner. Today, Conley enthusiastically works to make certain people of all ages have access to arts of all kinds. This episode is sponsored by Parker’s Outfitting.
Tosha and Chris Gurley’s love story began with their “first child” Jack, a pet black-capped capuchin monkey. After Chris sold his cattle and goats, he decided to buy five buffalo. Next came the zebra, kangaroos and giraffes. It quickly grew from there into what is now Southland Safari in Clarksburg, Tennessee. Along for the ride with Tosha and Chris from the beginning, was their friend and legendary tour guide, Michael Avery. In this episode, Tosha and Michael share more about their story and the big commitment they made to leave their full-time jobs to run a zoo and luxury destination.Get a sneak peek of Michael at work with the animals from their Instagram or TikTok accounts, @southlandsafaritn. Better yet, plan your visit on their website for an up close and personal tour or luxury lodging experience.
Originally from Memphis, Dr. Yancy Freeman is the new chancellor at the University of Tennessee at Martin. In this episode, we discuss his path back to West Tennessee and the guidance he provides for today’s students. After completing his undergraduate, masters and doctorate from UT Chattanooga, Dr. Freeman served at the university for the past 25 years in various admissions, recruitment and enrollment roles. “West Tennessee has always been near and dear to my heart,” Dr. Freeman expresses as he reflects on being back in the part of the state that feels like home.This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union. Leaders is insured by the NCUA.
“You do not have to be defined by your circumstances, but you’re defined by the choices that you make every single day.” These are words that Miss Volunteer America 2024, Hannah Perrigin, lives by. In this episode, we go back to her beginning where Ms. Perrigin decided she was not going to be another statistic of at-risk youth. You may be surprised to learn that time competing in pageants didn’t start until she was in college. In 2019, she was crowned Ole Miss Most Beautiful. This is when she was encouraged to continue.We also discuss the good and bad of social media and why she chooses to share both as a way to inspire her followers. Learn more about how pageants have changed over the years and the platform it’s given her.
Obion County resident Kimberly Green Bugg is an award-winning artist and member of the Oneida Nation on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. She began dancing and competing in Powwows in 1994 as a Southern Traditional Buckskin dancer, a traditional dance among the southern nations, and in 1997, she was selected as the Memphis Powwow Princess. In this episode, Bugg shares more about exploring her Native American culture, the importance of powwow celebrations and her work keeping Native American traditions alive today. Kim and her husband, David, lead the planning team responsible for the inaugural Northwest Tennessee Native American Educational Powwow at Discovery Park of America on October 27-29, 2023, so she also provides behind-the-scenes details about the unique event. This episode is sponsored by Parker’s Outfitting.
The Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship on June 12, 2023. The cameras caught Assistant Coach Popeye Jones hugging Finals MVP Nikola Jokic afterward and saying, “Hey! Thank you! Thank you!”
In this episode, we sit down with Popeye to not only discuss what he was thinking at that moment but also take a trip down memory lane to where it all started in Dresden, Tennessee. He discusses fatherhood, what it’s like to raise sons with a passion for a different sport, and how he sat them up for success as professional athletes. In 2007, Ronald “Popeye” Jones was inducted into the Murray State University Hall of Fame. His jersey No. 54 is retired at MSU and hangs in the CFSB Center's rafters.
Stacie and Larry Overton visited Tennessee and discovered what Stacie calls “heaven on earth.” After purchasing a farm in Hollow Rock, they embarked on an inspiring journey that resulted in Lavender Kisses Farm. Located between Memphis and Nashville, visitors to the farm can experience fields of lavender, shopping, hayrides and a small herd of shaggy Highland Coos, a Scottish breed of rustic cattle. In this episode, Stacy shares details about her life as a widow, career as a talent agent, years on reality television, traveling around the country in an RV and how it all led to a field in Tennessee where she planted 4,000 lavender plugs. After this episode, you’ll want to plan a Lavender Kisses Farm experience for you and your family, so visit lavenderkissesfarm.com.
This episode is sponsored by The Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.
In anticipation of the David Crockett Birthday Celebration at Discovery Park on Sat. August 12, 2023, this special episode features Wade Dillon, a professional illustrator, historian and David Crockett tribute artist.
Included in the books he has illustrated is “Davy Crockett from A to Z.” Wade is currently working on a graphic novel based on Crockett’s life. In this episode, he shares how, as a young boy living in Florida, he discovered the “King of the Wild Frontier,” and how his lifelong passion for art, film and history led him to a career at The Alamo in Texas and to his current role as museum manager at the Freeport Historical Museum.
You can follow him and check out his illustrations at wadedillonart.com and facebook.com/wdillonillustrator.
Rev. Brad Barton is the author of the popular young-adult Enchanted Bell Tower series. After spending time in full-time ministry, Brad and his wife Susan, also a minister, traveled the United States in a tiny trailer producing a travel blog and podcast. In this episode, he shares more about his favorite camping spots, the importance of travel to his family and tips and tricks on writing, publishing and marketing a book series. Fun fact: Brad’s father was a packaging engineer who invented the metallic balloon. You can download and order Brad’s book series on Amazon.com.
Marsh Naidoo of Dyersburg, Tennessee is an author, physical therapist, blogger and host of the “Raising Kellan” podcast. Her son, Kellan, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 2013. In Marsh’s blog and podcast she shares her journey negotiating the uncharted territory of raising a child with developmental delay. In this episode, Marsh talks about some of the challenges and many rewards of raising Kellan, the importance of travel in her life, how she thrives in a rural community after a lifetime in big cities and more. Currently, Marsh is planning a conference for parents, grandparents, educators and others who are working with children with developmental delays to be held August 26, 2023 at Fyrne Lake Farms in Dyersburg. For more information and links to her blog, podcast and books, visit www.raisingkellan.org.
This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
This episode is sponsored by White Squirrel Winery.
Steve Watkins has spent time as a journalist, capitol hill press secretary, rancher, publisher, marketer, author of two award-winning books and is an excellent chef of “down-home cooking.” His work has garnered him a reputation as a champion of authentic Southern culture. Steve and his wife Dana have recently moved into the Discovery Park neighborhood, making their home on Reelfoot Lake in Samburg, Tenn. There, he’s building a hunter’s lodge and planning a weekend retreat for writers Sept. 21-24, 2023. In this episode, Steve shares how a letter from Jimmy Carter he received as a child started him down the path as a writer, his philosophy for handling life when times get hard and where he finds the inspiration to continue to try new things that make a difference in the lives of those he encounters. For more about Steve and his upcoming writer’s conference, visit www.steve-watkins.com.
Obion County, Tennessee native Philip Jett has released his third book, “Stranded in the Sky: The Untold Story of Pan Am Luxury Airliners Trapped on the Day of Infamy.” It tells the fascinating true story of four Pan Am flying clippers with wealthy and affluent passengers on board on December 7, 1941. After the assault on Pearl Harbor, they were stranded within the vast boundaries of the Pacific Ocean. Pan Am crews and their frightened passengers were left with no choice but to make their own way across the volatile Pacific Ocean and do their best to survive—if they could. In this episode, Jett shares details about some of those on board, insights into his writing process and why he believes this is a story that needs to be told. You can purchase “Stranded in the Sky: The Untold Story of Pan Am Luxury Airliners Trapped on the Day of Infamy” on Amazon and many other places books are sold. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps. This episode is sponsored by the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.
Lisa Smartt of Dresden, Tennessee loves to make people laugh. A motivational humorist and writer, she travels nationally speaking to groups on a variety of fun and interesting topics. In her own words, “I'm always open to designing new talks to meet a group's needs as long as they don’t need insight into algebra, organizational skills, map reading or pet counseling.” She’s also a writer who has published a number of books and a popular newspaper column. In this episode, Lisa shares stories from her childhood, how she discovered her talent for public speaking and tips to use when listeners find themselves in front of an audience. Tip number one: be your authentic self. You can follow Lisa at lisasmartt.com. This episode is sponsored by the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
This week's episode features two guests who have the unique opportunity to impact the lives of young people every single day—Chase Treece, the current youth pastor for Crosswind Church and NWTN Young Life Staff Associate for Union City, Tenn., and Morgan Goodman, the NWTN Young Life Staff Associate for the Martin, Tenn.They both share a passion for connecting with students in the most transformational times of their lives—middle and high school. Chase takes us on an adventure into the great outdoors, sharing his love for hunting in the region, specifically Reelfoot Lake. He also shares his insights on the importance of community involvement and his rewarding experiences working with young people. During our conversation with Morgan, he shares his personal experiences with Young Life and how the program has inspired him to help others.To learn more about Young Life, visit https://giving.younglife.org/.This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
The popular Cooper family, led by father Josh, recently visited Discovery Park and created content already receiving thousands of views. The family is well known for creating off-beat comedy, under the name Uploads of Fun, which has captured the attention of millions of viewers across various social media platforms. You’ll have to watch their video to find out if they rated Discovery Park as “slay or no way.”In this podcast episode, we discuss Josh Cooper’s background in brand management, his journey to becoming a full-time content creator, the power of social media in today's digital age and the role his family plays in his work. We also explore his family’s unique style of humor and discover why it resonates with such a broad audience.You can check out their visit to Discovery Park here: https://youtu.be/O3emNrrYahg. This episode is sponsored by The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
On the morning of Friday, April 5, 1968, West Tennessean Norman Lane, a recent casualty of the Vietnam War, lay in repose in a government-issued casket at the Brownsville, Tennessee Funeral Home. On the same morning, at the R.S. Lewis Funeral Home in Memphis, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lay in repose in a temporary bronze casket. The world knows the story of Dr. King’s life and his legacy. Now, thanks to the research and work of Al Claiborne, the world will discover the sacrifice of Lane. In this episode, Claiborne, Brownsville native and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, shares details from his new book, “A Time Past, Or What Might Have Been . . . The Odyssey of Norman Lane.” Included in the conversation is how Claiborne used letters, interviews with his friends and colleagues and a thorough dive into all kinds of archival materials to tell one soldier’s inspiring story. You can purchase the book at https://a.co/d/eUAsawu or find out more about Norman Lane at normanlanejrmemorialproject.org/ This episode is sponsored by the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
Get ready to be inspired by this episode with segments recorded at the third annual Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards. At this special annual event, we honored four amazing individuals who, like Discovery Park, believe in the power of leading others to explore and discover. In this episode, 2023 honorees Amy L. Bondurant, Keith Carver, James Ross and John S. Tanner share thoughts on their impressive careers and the importance of inspiring children and adults to see beyond.Honoree James Ross summed up the spirit of the evening when he stated, “A lot has been said here tonight about thanking us, but I'm here to tell you, what an incredible environment this is for kids as well as adults to be able to expose themselves to not only the sciences but to the arts and to our history. To that, we owe this institution a huge, huge round of applause.”To give to Discovery Park, visit: https://discoveryparkofamerica.com/give/
Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of baseball history and heritage? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Guyman, the owner of the Fulton Railroaders, as he explores the intersection of baseball, legacy and culture. The Fulton Railroaders is a small-town league that invites players from across the country to play a 40-game schedule during the summer, all with a wooden bat. Guymon outlines the important role that baseball has played in shaping our West Tennessee communities and the history of the Fulton Railroaders. He takes us on a journey through the history of baseball as he shares his deep knowledge of the game and his experience running a successful minor league team. This episode is sponsored by Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.
In this episode, we welcome Powerhouse Athletics owner, Jacob Dublin. We hear about Dublin’s affinity for being a new business owner and a mentor to the young people of West Tennessee. Dublin shares his transition from student to coach and the values he learned from his own experiences as an athlete at Bryan College. He discusses how his belief in humility, hard work and a practical outlook has led him to a leadership role and how these practices guide and inspire him in his work with high school athletes. This episode is sponsored by Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
Museum curator Katie Burke was a key member in the development and design of the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center located in Bass Pro Shops' superstore in the Memphis Pyramid. Today, she is director of the interactive museum that raises awareness of wetlands and waterfowl conservation, emphasizes the importance of rivers and wetlands to society and illustrates the role that hunters play in conserving wildlife habitat and the waterfowl resource. In this episode, Burke discusses the career path that led her to Ducks Unlimited, the importance of wildlife conservation and her involvement in the upcoming Discovery Park exhibit “Duck, Duck, Goose: Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway.” This episode is sponsored by Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
Lane Walker is an award-winning educator, writer and outdoorsman. For 25 years, he has dedicated his life to inspiring children to get out of the house and explore the world around them. This devotion, paired with a passion for storytelling, resulted in him becoming the author of award-winning chapter books on topics including hunting, fishing and sports. In this episode, Walker shares more about his books and reminds listeners of the importance of connecting with children by asking three questions: Am I seeing them? Am I hearing them? Do they know that they matter? For more about Lane’s books, visit lanewalkerbooks.com/.This episode is sponsored by Final Flight Outfitters Inc.This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
After his wife’s diagnosis with schizophrenia, Jason Pate began learning to process his own grief through the lens of history by diving into the forgotten stories of those who have already passed....In this episode, Pate details his discovery of what it takes to write a biography, his passion for sharing history with his community and the impact and freedom of self-publishing his own book, “The Journey of a Plow Boy: The C.W. Hubert Story,” which can be found on Amazon.
Zac Elliott is the founder of Mad Cow Defenses, a firearm customization shop in Union City, Tennessee. In this episode, Elliott discusses his unconventional journey of joining the military and ultimately finding himself inspired to return from California to his hometown and beginning a new venture. He also provides listeners a unique insight into the role that word of mouth advertising can have on a business’s success. .This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
Timothy and Terri Jenkins-Brady and Randy Stark met as three students in the same first-grade classroom in Albuquerque, N.M. Today, they are accomplished professionals who came together to form an organization called Write up the Road Media. In between is a fascinating story of love, friendship and an inspirational journey worthy of a Hallmark movie. The three storytellers have woven articles, flash fiction, short stories, poetry and books into lives rich with words and imagery. Timothy and Terri now live in Kenton, Tennessee and also grow a variety of fruits and vegetables on their farm, Dixie Chile Ranch.
Kevin Adelsberger is the founder and managing partner of Adelsberger Marketing in Jackson Tennessee. In 2019, Adelsberger Marketing sold partial ownership of Alexander, Thompson, and Arnold, CPAs. Kevin lives in Jackson with his wife and business partner Renae and their three children. They are involved members of First Baptist Church, Jackson. They are also some of the few to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings from below the Mason-Dixon line.
The Freedom Forum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a mission of fostering First Amendment freedoms for all, will be at Discovery Park on Sept. 23 and 24, 2022, for a festival celebrating the First Amendment rights that make our country unique. In this episode, the Freedom Forum’s Cathy Trost, chief engagement officer and senior vice president, and Patty Rhule, chief content officer and vice president, share more about some of what the Freedom Forum has found in their annual First Amendment survey and what they heard from recent focus groups with residents of Union City, Tenn. While they’ve found Americans see the First Amendment – which protects our essential freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition – as vital to our democracy, many worry there is a lack of understanding about those five freedoms. That’s one of the reasons the Freedom Forum is headed to Discovery Park for their inaugural First Amendment Festival.
Admission to the park on the day of the festival is FREE with registration. Fox News anchor Bret Baier will speak about his career and the First Amendment, and country music legends The Gatlin Brothers will perform. For more information or to reserve your ticket, visit discoveryparkofamerica.com/1afestival.
This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
This episode is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
Sam Thompson first met Elvis Presley in 1972 when his sister Linda began dating the wildly popular entertainer. In this special Elvis Week 2022 episode, Sam shares details of that first meeting at Graceland and how the two went from friends to Sam working full time for the king of rock ‘n’ roll. Sam was already an officer with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department when the two met, and he eventually quit and went to work full time for Elvis as a personal bodyguard. He served as security for Elvis at concerts around the country, during recording sessions, on personal outings and at Graceland. Through his work, Sam went on road tours with Elvis, witnessed the recording of albums and was present for approximately 130 separate concert and stage performances. Curious what someone who was there thinks about Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis?” Sam shares his thoughts on that, what Graceland was like in the early 1970s and more.
Self-taught sculptor, Hattie Marshall-Duncan of Jackson, Tenn., turns common household items and found objects that are often overlooked into distinguished masterpieces. Her work is reflective of her African American community and family. At the reception for an exhibit of her work at Discovery Park, Marshall-Duncan shared what inspires her work and the unusual technique that results in these unique pieces of art. She was the recipient of the 2019 Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award and her art is displayed in numerous museums and galleries. This collection is on loan from the West Tennessee Regional Art Center (WTRAC) in Humboldt, Tenn., Tom & O.E. Stigall Ethnic Library and Museum in Humboldt, Tenn., Arts in McNairy in Selmer, Tenn. and Joanna and Shawn Pitts.
As the son of James Winchester, a wealthy Tennessee pioneer, entrepreneur and business partner of Andrew Jackson, Marcus B. Winchester had a front row seat to the birth of the volunteer state. In this episode, one of his descendants, Ginger Hadley, shares some of her research that brings to light more about Winchester’s fascinating life, successful career and sad ending. Winchester grew up at Cragfont, the first and finest mansion on the Tennessee frontier, spent time as a prisoner during the War of 1812 and was present as Andrew Jackson signed the Treaty of Old Town with the Chickasaw. Winchester was appointed Memphis’ first mayor and postmaster and opened one of the first general stores and ferries in the new town on the bluff of the Mississippi River. As Hadley discovered in her research, Winchester’s marriage to a young woman with Osage ancestry resulted in much persecution and the couple and their children having to live outside the city limits of the town he governed.
Lt. Mark Cancia, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Jackson, Tenn. is passionate about serving others. Cancia's parents migrated from Haiti looking for new life opportunities and quickly found The Salvation Army. In this episode, Cancia discusses how the different programs and services offered by The Salvation Army allow him to use his abilities to address needs in the community around him. To learn more about the local Salvation Army, visit https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/Jackson-TN/.
From a young age, Connor Rinker spent countless hours among the clouds. His love for aviation was passed down from his father, Mike Rinker, a commercial pilot and renowned aerobatic pilot. In this episode, Connor shares how he applies his passion at the flight training school, Full Stop Aviation, at the Everett-Stewart Regional Airport in Union City, Tenn. Conner’s goal is to inspire others to pursue a passion for flying. He and one of his students, “Reelfoot Forward” producer, Luke Johnson, also share details on learning to fly, more about what makes the regional airport in Union City so unique and the airport’s surprising connection to Discovery Park’s founder, Robert Kirkland.
To learn more about Full Stop Aviation visit https://bit.ly/3zmgF9e.
Preston Powell, co-owner of Yukon Outfitters, has been in the sport and outdoor industry for over 20 years. After his gear failed him on a fly fishing trip to the Yukon Territory in Canada, he decided to create a company that would provide great quality outdoor gear at a fair price. Powell spoke with a friend and took the calculated risk to sell his company's product on Amazon. The company took off and the rest is history. In this episode, Powell shares the story of his journey from being a businessman in Hong Kong to an entrepreneur in Alamo, Tennessee. To learn more about Yukon Outfitters visit https://yukon-outfitters.com/.
Taylor Wilson’s 18-year-old son, Landon, was hit by a truck while out training for his senior year of baseball. He lost an arm and his leg was severely injured in the accident. There were doubts that he would ever play baseball again. In this episode Taylor recounts his son's inspirational journey back to the pitcher's mound. Through a series of letters documented in his book, "Glove Letters: A Father Recalls His Son's Greatest Game," Taylor details the faith, perseverance, prayer and strength it took to get Landon back in the game.
"Glove Letters: A Father Recalls His Son's Greatest Game" can be purchased on Amazon.
This special episode featuring Kevin Rumley was recorded live at Discovery Park’s recent Military History and Armed Forces Symposium. Rumley has a master’s degree in social work, performs in numerous bands as a drummer and runs the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court, a program that helps divert veteran offenders from prison to community service and recovery. In this episode he shares more about the difficult road getting here. While serving our country as a Marine on tour in Iraq, he was severely injured when an IED exploded nearby. He spent 18 months in the hospital, endured 32 surgeries and was told he would never walk again. While that prediction proved to be untrue, he left the hospital battling an addiction to the opioids he was prescribed for pain and eventually found himself homeless and hunting for heroin. Thankfully, he found the help and support he needed to regain control of his life and now helps other veterans struggling with the same issues.
Bill Allen was just 18 years old when he began serving in the Navy as a medic during World War II. He was there on D-Day, June 6, 1944, where his ship joined the biggest armada in history carrying soldiers and equipment to storm the beach at Omaha in Normandy, France to liberate Europe from the Nazis. On June 19, 1944, Allen’s ship hit a German mine and exploded leaving less than 30 survivors out of over 300 men that had been serving on the ship. In this inspirational episode, he shares his memories of D-Day and the explosion that cost many of his friends and fellow servicemen their lives. Allen also shares some behind-the-scenes stories of returning to Normandy for the first time with his family in 2013 as part of a PBS documentary that aired on the 70th anniversary of D-Day, “NOVA: D-Day's Sunken Secrets.”
Tanya and Scott Melton, owners of Miso Hongry, have been serving southern comfort food in West Tennessee for almost a decade. In this episode, Tanya shares how cooking with her grandmother inspired her to open her own restaurant using the knowledge and skills that were passed down to her. After creating a successful catering business, the Meltons decided it was time to take their restaurant on the road and open the Miso Hongry food truck. Whether baking a delicious pie or making the perfect chicken and dressing recipe, the Meltons leave customers smiling as they are taken back to grandma's kitchen with every bite.
Merry Brown is a writer, speaker, mediator, philosopher and small business owner. After teaching philosophy for over two decades, Brown felt led to focus on conflict restoration and mediation. In this episode, she shares how she hopes to empower employees and businesses to resolve conflicts swiftly and equitably through her business, Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services.
Brown's background and her children have inspired her to publish eight books. In her latest book, "The Food Addict: Recovering from Binge Eating Disorder & Making Peace with Food," she tells her story of how she overcame an eating disorder and provides tools to help people develop a healthy relationship with food.
For more information about Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services visit https://www.3pconflictrestoration.com/.
"The Food Addict: Recovering from Binge Eating Disorder & Making Peace with Food" can be purchased on Amazon.
Dr. Shawn Pitts, founder of Arts in McNairy, is a chiropractor, cultural planner and community arts advocate. Arts in McNairy was founded in 2001 on the principle that participation in the arts is a cornerstone for the development of a healthy community. In this episode, Dr. Pitts shares how his community’s passion for the arts resulted in McNairy County becoming one of the most active and diverse arts communities in the southeast. Their work has resulted in a vital art scene that includes music, literature, visual arts, performing arts and more. For information about Arts in McNairy, visit https://www.artsinmcnairy.com/.
Roger Sorkin, founder of the American Resilience Project, is an award-winning producer, writer, editor and director. In this episode, Sorkin shares how he uses storytelling to address threats to the future of our planet. In his new film "Farm Free or Die," he is making the issue of climate change more accessible and relatable to everyone with the goal of improving the livelihoods of those living and working in farming communities. "Farm Free or Die" will be shown during Discovery Park’s National Ag Day Celebration on March 22, 2022. For more information on "Farm Free or Die" and the American Resilience Project, visit https://www.amresproject.org/.
Terrence Martin, a University of Tennessee at Martin graduate, is no stranger to the importance of both style and substance. As a part of his personal image, he became known for wearing bow ties to work every day as a school teacher and administrator. After seeing the impact his bow ties had on his students, he decided to begin his own bow tie company he named Impeccable Knots. Through his company, Martin provides customers with high-quality bow ties along with the highest level of service. In addition to his successful small business, he’s still passionate about education. Martin works with the Dekalb County School District in Georgia in school redesign and innovation. In this episode, Martin shares tips to starting and running a small business. Those interested in purchasing his bow ties can visit https://www.impeccableknots.com/.
Storytelling has always been a big part of Dr. Frank McMeen’s life. As a child, he paid special attention to the stories his grandparents shared. Today, McMeen, president of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, has compiled many of these stories and others in his book, "Let Me Tell You A Story: Finding Hope in a Hopeless World." Through these stories, he also shares examples of God's love and gives readers hope in difficult times. In this episode, McMeen shares some of his favorite stories from the book and reminisces about his fascinating life and career. "Let Me Tell You A Story: Finding Hope in a Hopeless World" can be purchased from Barnes & Noble at: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/let-me-tell-you-a-story-frank-mcmeen/1140518339.
Environmental justice and creation care are passion points for Martha Lyle Ford, the director of the Center of Faith and Imagination at Memphis Theological Seminary. She works with a team who helps faith leaders thrive applying disciplines from Sabbath-keeping, personal finances and mental and physical health to conflict transformation, justice and community building. Ford also shares with others how to connect with God’s creation for recreation, renewal and rest. In this episode, Ford shares how she incorporates her deep connection to nature with her faith by practicing creation care, the belief that we are to be good stewards of the Earth.
For those interested in learning more, visit https://bit.ly/3L2ZOvy or email Martha Lyle Ford at mlford@memphisseminary.edu.
This episode is sponsored by Blue Bank Resort.
Gary Foreman is the owner of Native Sun Productions and an EMMY-nominated producer of around 40 historical documentaries and cultural programming. The story of David Crockett gripped Foreman at a young age, launching him on a journey to documentary production. From the dangerous wilderness in the unexplored Wild West to pirates who roamed the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Foreman hopes that his documentaries and programming push people to discover more about history. His passion for storytelling even led him to produce many of the exhibit pieces Discovery Park of America has on display for American frontiersman David Crockett. In this episode, listeners will discover the fascinating process of producing a documentary and the importance of sharing history through storytelling.
Dixie Locke Emmons enjoyed the unique experience of being the first girlfriend of Elvis Presley. The two met in the youth group of First Assembly of God, Memphis. They were dating in 1954 when the unknown singer stepped in Sun Studio and recorded “That's All Right Mama," now known as “ground zero” of rock ‘n’ roll. Emmons’s daughter, Kristi Emmons Jones, worked closely with her mother on the recently published book, “Unlocked: Memoirs of Elvis’ First Girlfriend.” In this episode, listeners will discover what Presley was like before fame and fortune, how Emmons and Priscilla Presley became close friends later in life and how Emmons and her daughter worked together to create this look back at an important moment in the history of popular culture. “Unlocked: Memoirs of Elvis’ First Girlfriend” can be purchased from Graceland at: https://store.graceland.com/products/unlocked-memoirs-of-elviss-first-girlfriend.
Did you know that the Tennessee River Pearl is Tennessee's state gem and Camden, Tenn. is home to the only freshwater pearl culturing farm in North America? Bob Keast, owner of the Birdsong Resort and Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum, Farm, Tour and Jewelry Showroom, joined us to discuss the fascinating history of the freshwater pearl and how Tennessee began to produce this gem. For more information about the farm and museum, visit https://museum.tennesseeriverpearls.com/.
High school juniors Austin Alexander and Alex Carpenter pull the curtain back and share behind-the-scenes details about their successful podcast, “RebelCast,” that focuses on the teachers and students of Obion County Central High School. Along with a team of friends who help with all aspects of production, they’ve taken their idea from “what if” to a podcast that features interviews with teachers, details about school sports and segments like “hidden gems of OC.” Both will also be part of a group of students that will be participating in an upcoming education-based tour of Europe thanks to a scholarship from the Union City Rotary Club.
You can download and listen to “RebelCast” here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nBGMGmQLPC8lP5VeMcOXY
This episode is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
In this episode, Dr. Ahmad Tootoonchi shares his inspirational journey from his childhood in the northern region of Iran on the coast of the Caspian Sea to his current role as dean of the College of Business and Global Affairs at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Passionate about the subject of leadership, Dr. Tootoonchi also provides insight on some of the principles that he believes can guide both aspiring and experienced leaders to lead their teams effectively, peacefully and productively.
This episode is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
After a successful career rising through the ranks of the FedEx Corporation in Memphis and then Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in Fort Worth, Texas, Jeff Campbell returned to his hometown of Fulton, Kentucky. After discovering a need for some TLC, Campbell was inspired to contribute to his community through projects like "Let's Paint the Town" that inspired renovation and painting of more than 30 historic buildings downtown. He then funded, designed and oversaw construction of Campbell Plaza in a neglected vacant lot and joined with the Rotary Club to raise funds to develop the city’s Unity Park. Campbell then turned his visionary eye to the historic Meadows Hotel, a 100-room hotel built in 1901 in Fulton to serve the guests of the Illinois Central Railroad. After acquiring what was left of the property, he oversaw a complete reconstruction project, returning The Meadows Hotel back to its former glory. Today, the historic boutique hotel features 20 luxurious rooms, and a popular full-service bar and restaurant. In this episode, Campbell shares the story of the project and more about the challenges and rewards of seeing a need in a rural community and working with the community to meet it. More about The Meadows Hotel.
This episode is sponsored by The University of Tennessee at Martin.
In the early 1900s, the Nailling building in Union City, Tenn. was one of the most modern office buildings in the region. While the outside was brick and stone, the interior featured imported tile, beamed ceilings and elaborate fresco flooring. The owner of the building, Dr. W. A. Nailling, operated his office in three rooms of the first floor that was also occupied by Oliver’s Red Cross Drug Store. Today, that building is being given new life by David Ring, the great-grandson of Dr. Nailling. In this episode, Ring, who calls Massachusetts home, and real estate developer Ethan Watson-Hogan share more about their vision for the building, historic preservation and how strategic improvements and a long-term plan can lead to expansion and development of entire downtown.
This episode is sponsored by Leaders Credit Union.
Dr. Karen Bowyer has been inspiring students at Dyersburg State Community College for 37 years. Bowyer's passion for STEM and teaching was ignited at a young age by watching the women in her family teach and by witnessing the monumental launch of Sputnik in 1957. After spending time teaching in Cali, Colombia and Mexico City, she settled in Tennessee to continue her journey in promoting STEM education. In this episode, she shares more about her work in higher education, especially in rural communities, that has helped students to discover their potential and has created pathways to help them succeed.
This episode is sponsored by Core10.
For the 100th episode of “Reelfoot Forward,” host Scott Williams welcomes two special guests who were part of the creation of Discovery Park from the beginning. Senior director of education, Polly Brasher, and senior director of exhibits, Jennifer Wildes, recently celebrated ten years with the museum and heritage park. They were there even before the doors were first opened on Nov. 1, 2013 and have experienced firsthand the remarkable growth and success. They’ve watched millions of children and adults benefit from the big idea of Robert Kirkland and the community of Union City, Tenn., to create a place where inspiration would happen every single day. The stories they share in this episode will be especially meaningful to anyone who is attempting to make something happen they’ve been told can’t be done.
Jonathan Lodge is a hunter, conservationist, amateur mycologist and brewer whose love of the great outdoors began as a young boy when he discovered the magic that could be found in the woods around his home in Paris, Tenn. Today, he is still passionate about what we can learn about ourselves and the world around us if we turn off our phones and head outside. He is also co-owner of Perrylodgic Brewing Co., the first and only locally-owned brewery in Paris. In this episode, Lodge shares how he and his business partner, Randall Perry, discovered the fun of making beer then left their jobs to create what is now a successful brewery and family-friendly taproom. Located on the highway headed toward bustling Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River, they also create gourmet burgers featuring made-in-house sauces, salads, tacos and more.
More about Perrylodgic Brewing Co.
https://tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org/entries/perrylodgic-brewing-company/239d8f4a-76e3-4604-8bdc-e0029acf5fcc
This special episode features a panel hosted by author Cindy Kent during Discovery Park’s recent Military History and Armed Forces Symposium. Kent is the editor of the book “Better Men: Alpha Upsilon in Vietnam” released in 2020. The panel included some of the men who are highlighted in her compilation of stories from 14 Vietnam veterans who, before they became brothers of war, were already brothers at the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Alpha Upsilon chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR), the national agriculture fraternity. Twenty-one brothers from Alpha Upsilon served in Vietnam. All returned alive; 14 of the 17 remaining brothers participated in the “Better Men” project. “Better Men: Alpha Upsilon in Vietnam” is available through The Tennessee Magazine Marketplace online store at tnmagazine.org/shop and at the Discovery Park of America gift shop.
As manager of McWherter Farms, Patterson Freeman is passionate about the growth and development of a large Angus cattle operation first envisioned by the late Tennessee Gov. Ned Ray McWherter. McWherter was a strong advocate for agriculture, but his dedication to a life of public service and business kept him from seeing his plans for a large cattle operation in his hometown come to life. Today, Patterson Freeman has turned McWherter’s dream into a reality with a herd of more than 300 Angus cattle in Dresden, Tenn. In this episode, Freeman shares details about the Angus, a breed of black beef cattle that originated in northeastern Scotland, and provides a glimpse into the life of a modern cowboy.
This special episode was recorded during the celebration of David Crockett's 235th birthday at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn. Podcast host Scott Williams is Discovery Park’s president and CEO and recently published “The Accidental Fame and Lack of Fortune of West Tennessee’s David Crockett.” In this program that took place in front of an audience at the museum that day, he explored how Crockett rose from the Tennessee frontier to international icon with panelists Bart Shatto and Dr. Arthur Hunt.
Shatto is a member of the original Broadway casts of Tony-nominated “Hands on a Hardbody” and “The Civil War.” He has also been seen on Broadway in ‘War Paint,” in the iconic role of Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” and he originated the role of Quincey Morris in “Dracula.” Shatto and a team are currently working on a new play, “The Life and Times of Davy Crockett,” that takes place in Memphis the night before he departs for Texas.
Dr. Hunt is professor of Mass Media and Strategic Communication at the University of Tennessee at Martin where he teaches public speaking related courses. He has also performed a living history program for Tennessee state parks, schools and other venues called, “The Story of Davy Crockett as told by Himself.”
In this episode, Sherry Freeman shares her lifelong passion for education and her journey from the rural community of Bradford, Tenn. to her current position as executive director of the Jackson Symphony. Freeman’s passion for the arts was born from her desire to enrich the quality of life for those who call West Tennessee home. Learn more about the Jackson Symphony at https://www.thejacksonsymphony.org/.
In addition to his work as director of education and community engagement at the new Tennessee State Museum, Jeff Sellers is one of a group of Tennesseans who have been searching for the grave of John Haywood. Although today Haywood has been forgotten by most, he has been called “the father of Tennessee history,” “a fascinating eccentric,” “an overlooked Tennessee historian” and “the author of the most important legal innovation in antebellum southern history.” Haywood, the namesake of Tennessee’s Haywood County, authored three histories of the Old Southwest and authored four legal works, each of which served as a template for legal practice in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. In 1820, he also played a central role in founding the first historical society in the Old Southwest, The Tennessee Antiquarian Society.
In this episode, Jeff Sellers shares the fascinating story of the search for Haywood’s grave. It is thought to be on a little-noticed site off Nolensville Road in Nashville, Tenn. If located, they plan to move the remains of Haywood and his wife to a more prominent final resting place in the City Cemetery in Nashville.
You can download the legal petition to move the remains for more information about the efforts to locate Haywood here - https://bit.ly/3krMUuP.
LeEllen Smith created OUTsideIN after she saw a need in her community in 2013 when Obion County, Tenn.'s largest employer left town. Smith worked to create a nonprofit that empowers marginalized women through the creation of whimsical products and meaningful employment. In this episode, Smith dives into the details of running a nonprofit like OUTsideIN and the importance of community support. Check out their travel gear at https://outsideinworks.com/.
Broadway performer Bart Shatto is currently at work with a team in New York on a new play about Tennessean David Crockett. The folk hero, frontiersman, politician and Tennessee settler made his home in Northwest Tennessee from 1822 until he departed for the Alamo in 1835. In this episode, Shatto shares the inspiration behind his exciting career and a few of the details of his upcoming play about Crockett. Shatto was a member of the original Broadway casts of the Tony-nominated "Hands on a Hardbody" and "The Civil War," he has also been seen on Broadway in "War Paint," the iconic role of Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" and originating the role of Quincey Morris in "Dracula." His television credits include guest appearances on "Murphy Brown," NBC's 'Chicago Med," Fox Family's "Ghost Stories," and "Guiding Light." As a singer, Shatto is a veteran member of the Gold/Platinum-selling symphonic progressive rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
John Perez's passion for healthy living and anti-bullying lead him to the fascinating world of jiu jitsu, a self defense based martial arts. Perez and his wife Riss are the owners of Dogwood Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense in Dyersburg, Tenn. From Texas to Tennessee, Perez has spread his knowledge of jiu jitsu to children and adults alike, teaching them self defense and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. His goal is to build a team of individuals from the Dyer County community that are looking for self defense training, fitness and anti-bullying strategies in a fun and safe family environment. To learn more about Dogwood Brazilian Jiu Jitsu visit dogwoodbjj.com or visit their Facebook page.
Roy Herron is a public servant, attorney, minister and author with a deep-rooted history in West Tennessee. In this episode, he shares some of the stories from his new book, “Faith in Politics: Southern Political Battles Past and Present.” Herron has a lot to draw from after a career that includes 16 years as a Tennessee State Senator and 10 years as a Tennessee State Representative. He is also a former Methodist minister, a professional speaker and was a teacher at both Vanderbilt and at his alma mater, The University of Tennessee at Martin. You will also love to listen in as Herron talks about some of the fascinating characters he has met in his career and shares his valuable insight on both religion at politics today. His latest book is available on Amazon.com.
Dresden, Tenn. native Gwendolyn Hopkins has been making people laugh for as long as she can remember. In this episode, Hopkins shares her journey on becoming a professional comedian, while maintaining a career in human resources. Hopkins tells the story of how her friends, family and faith have shaped her comedy and who she is today. Learn more information about her comedy and upcoming shows on her Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
Spend a little time with Dan Knowles, and you’ll quickly find yourself inspired by this award-winning writer, artist and musician. In this episode, he shares the arts journey that took him from his childhood in California to the stage of the Grand Old Opry to riverboats on the Mississippi to his current home in Paris, Tenn. Today, Knowles both plays and creates banjos, mandolins and dulcimers in his Paris studio and is the artist responsible for many of the giant murals now found on many of the large buildings in town. Learn more about his music athttps://bit.ly/3uYqk04 . Learn more about his art at https://bit.ly/3ggUGWb.
Film, television, theatre and live events producer Samuel Goldberg recently contributed to the work of the Discovery Park of America team on the safety portion of the new exhibit on innovation in agriculture. His latest movie, “Silo,” has now been released in theaters around the country. It’s an incredible story based on real-life events about how a community came together to save a boy trapped in a silo grain bin. In this episode, Goldberg shares how a New Yorker who grew up in Manhattan was inspired to produce a film on grain bin entrapment. It’s a fascinating story of how the film made the journey from an idea tossed his way by a friend in Tennessee to finally premiering in theaters around the country. Find out more about “Silo” at silothefilm.com.
This special episode with Dr. Timothy Smith was recorded during Discovery Park’s Military History and Armed Forces Symposium. Dr. Smith was one of the featured historians on “Grant,” a three-night mini-series from The History Channel. The live audience learned more about the life and career of Ulysses S. Grant and the Civil War and discovered how history-related documentaries are made. Dr. Smith also shared suggestions on getting your children interested in the past and the best historic Tennessee destinations. He is the author of more than 20 books on topics ranging from Shiloh to Champion Hill to Vicksburg to Grant. You can watch the documentary on the History Channel and purchase Dr. Smith’s books on Amazon.
Learn more: history.com/shows/grant
Kirstan Blanchard took advantage of her time in quarantine to launch a successful lifestyle blog. Today, she shares her passion for beauty, affordable fashion and mental health for mothers with thousands of followers from around the world. In this episode, she shares her journey and provides tips and tricks to creating a personal brand, gaining followers and creating engaging content. You can view her blog at kirstanblanchard.com or follow her on Instagram at @kirstanrblanchard.
From legal assistant to veterinarian, Dr. Debbie Reynolds shares her story of chasing her dream in this episode of "Reefoot Forward." After graduating high school in Sharon, Tennessee, Debbie went to work as a legal assistant in Weakley County, but she soon discovered her true passion was caring for animals. Listen along as she gives uplifting advice on facing your biggest challenges and overcoming obstacles. She now owns and operates Veterinary Home Healthcare, a mobile clinic that strives to create a fear-free atmosphere for our four-legged friends.
From an early age, Ed Sargent was surrounded by music. Whether he was playing in the high school band in Bolivar, Tennessee, or studying with music instructors at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Ed always knew his love and appreciation for music would be a big part of his life. In this episode, he shares how he became the tour manager for Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett and gives the top three "pinch me" moments of his career in the music industry.
In this episode, local artist Paige Espey shares how through the tragedy of her brother's death she was inspired to pick up a paint brush and "turn something negative into a positive." Tune in to hear the story behind her popular rainbow paintings that have brought healing and support to many over the past few years.
In this episode, retired West Tennessee lawyer Jim Emison discusses his quest for justice for the brutal murder of Elbert Williams, a founding member of the NAACP in Haywood County. In June 1940, two officers from the Brownsville, Tennessee Police Department took Elbert Williams to jail for questioning. His body was later found floating in the Hatchie River making him one of the earliest members of the NAACP murdered for his civil rights work. While his death was ruled a homicide, no one was ever prosecuted. After learning about the case, Jim Emison began what has become an all-encompassing crusade to ensure Williams' sacrifice is remembered and any responsible parties still living are brought to justice.
As an Emmy award-winning writer and producer, Henri Giles has many fascinating stories she now shares with her students at the University of Tennessee at Martin. After earning her bachelor’s degree in communications, she worked in a variety of positions in broadcast and cable television. In this episode, she shares details about her unique life experiences that include working as a field producer for the Oprah Winfrey Network and producing an Emmy Award-winning documentary narrated by Alfre Woodard.
April Lieberman, West and Middle Tennessee Rotary district governor, returned home to Gleason, Tennessee after successful careers that included time as a model, federal judicial law clerk and appellate attorney. A graduate of Yale Law School and Vanderbilt University, she now dedicates herself to serving throughout West Tennessee and encouraging those she encounters to “be the change they want to see in the world.” After joining Rotary several years ago, she remarked to friends, “I’ve found my people.” In this episode, April shares how she discovered her passion for service to others and the role community service organizations, like Rotary, play in both urban and rural communities.
As a doctor of audiology with a passion for hunting, Dr. Bill Dickinson is an entrepreneur who merged his professional calling with one of his hobbies. He co-founded TETRA Hearing to provide perfected hearing protection and targeted enhancement that was awarded the 2020 Guns and Ammo Best New Technology of the Year. In this episode, listeners go behind the scenes and learn how he took this new product from idea to manufacturing to hunters around the nation. Others with a similar passion for hunting will appreciate hearing more about what his company is doing in the industry including his work with Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson and Uncle Si. Non-hunters will love hearing Dr. Dickinson’s excitement for life and will be inspired to find their own passions.
Charles Brubaker’s path has taken him from a childhood on the busy streets of Isahaya, Nagasaki in Japan to life with his six cats and two dogs living in the rural community of Martin in Northwest Tennessee. In this episode, he shares how he turned his early passion for art and illustration into a successful career as a storyboard artist, cartoonist and animator. After graduating from the University of Tennessee at Martin, he worked with animation historian Jerry Beck as a researcher on Pink Panther: The Ultimate Guide and has had his work in the popular SpongeBob SquarePants comic books and Mad Magazine. Today, his popular Ask a Cat and The Fuzzy Princess strips are popular among comic fans of all ages.
From the hustle of New York Fashion Week to overseeing the visionary process of music videos, editorials and merchandise design, Nashville stylist Krista Roser has an exciting career in the fashion industry. Originally, from Dyersburg, Tenn., Krista’s passion for design was sparked by a college trip with University of Tennessee at Martin to New Orleans where she visited Saks Fifth Avenue for the first time. In this episode, she talks about styling runways, red carpets and helping establish the brands of new artists in country music.
Through his nonprofit, Special Ops Xcursions, founder Scott Graves is devoted to providing unique adventures to Special Operations Forces service members and their families at no cost. The list of adventures includes hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, archery range days, family retreats, safaris and even music-writing getaways with Nashville recording artists. In this episode, Scott shares the story of how he and a small group of friends came up with this idea in 2012 at their West Tennessee hunting club. After the first group of soldiers arrived in September 2013 for a dove hunt, the overwhelming success of that excursion quickly rippled into numerous events providing all types of outdoor activities.
In this episode, host Scott Williams talks with Caroline Meinert, artistic director for Ballet Arts in Jackson, Tenn. She shares her story of auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes in New York City, her decision to become a dance instructor and why she decided to come back and run the studio that sparked her passion for dance. Caroline also discusses the importance of having a strong arts program in rural communities.
As a fourth generation hunter from Samburg, Tennessee, Ben Parker created Parker's Outfitting to provide hunting and fishing adventures in the region. Recording from his lodge at Reelfoot Lake, Ben talks about his time on the professional fishing circuit and how he developed the idea to provide outdoor excursions in his hometown.
It's not every day you get to hear firsthand what it's like to ride into a rodeo arena. In this episode, Casey Allen, a graduate student and member of the rodeo team at the University of Tennessee at Martin, shares about the thrill of barrel racing and break-away roping. When she is not in class, she is practicing and competing in rodeos across the country. Raised just outside of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Casey began competing against professional barrel racers at the age of 14. Listeners will enjoy hearing about the day-to-day activities of a rodeo star in this episode of "Reelfoot Forward."
Charles Choate, the host of “30 Minutes,” a community affairs program from the Thunderbolt Broadcasting Company, turns the tables on “Reelfoot Forward” host, Scott Williams, to find out more about Discovery Park of America’s new exhibit on innovation in agriculture. By 2050, agricultural production must increase dramatically to support an estimated global population of 10 billion. In this episode, you’ll hear more about how “Agriculture: Innovating for Our Survival” explores how food, fuel and fiber is being grown for an increasing population while using less of our shared natural resources. Opening Dec. 5, 2020, the exhibit tells the story of farming innovation in the past, present—and especially—future in a fun and interactive way. Williams shares behind-the-scenes details on the development of the exhibit along with a look at some of the farmers and others working in agriculture that visitors will get to know.
Jake Bynum describes his job as Weakly County mayor as being a salesman for the county. In this episode, you’ll hear how he transitioned from serving on the city board to running and winning the position of county mayor. Whether he’s looking for ways to increase economic development or make high-speed internet access available in rural communities, Jake uses his leadership role to help improve the lives of those living in Northwest Tennessee.
By the end of this episode, you will want to hop in your car and head to Martin for some of the tastiest BBQ in Northwest Tennessee. Blake Stoker, the young, enthusiastic owner of Blake’s BBQ, shares how he discovered his love for grilling and how he is turning his food trailer business into a brick and mortar restaurant. For those listeners who enjoy grilling, Blake also shares some insider tips on smoking the perfect chicken or brisket.
As the director of the University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, Blake Brown experiences firsthand the innovation that comes as a result of agriculture research. Since opening in 1962, thousands of projects have taken place on crops including corn, cotton, soybeans, grain-sorghum, wheat and more. In this episode, Brown shares a little of what is happening at the center today along with the story of its founder, Tom McCutchen, who is known as “the father of Tennessee no-till.” McCutchen’s story is included in Discovery Park’s exhibit on innovation in agriculture that opens Dec. 5, 2020.
In this episode, three members of the Weakley County Reconciliation Project share the organization’s goal of creating a diverse, nonpartisan group of community members seeking to engage others in an open dialogue on matters of race, racism and social injustice in the region. Guests include Robert Nunley, youth programs worker; Bro. Randy Cooper, minister at First United Methodist Church of Martin; and Henrietta Giles, communications professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
From singing in her church choir to playing piano in school recitals, Achana Jarrett’s passion for the arts has played a significant role in her life. That passion is even more evident in her career. As the executive director of the Brownsville-Haywood County Arts Council, Achana continues to cultivate art programs in the community where she was raised. Listeners will enjoy hearing from this charismatic leader as she explains how music, theater, dance and art influences the lives in her community.
As the executive director of Stax Museum in Memphis, Tenn., Jeff Kollath is surrounded by the history of American soul music every day. He shares the story of STAX Records and the powerful message of educating young people by using songs from the greats, such as Jimi Hendrix, Creedence and Otis Redding. In this episode, listeners will enjoy hearing about the “happy accidents” that came from the little recording studio on East McLemore Avenue in Memphis.
Matt Marshall is a passionate advocate for racial reconciliation in West Tennessee. In addition to getting to know this fascinating West Tennessean a little better in this episode, you’ll hear more about some of the work he and others are doing to provide venues for listening, learning and discussing race, diversity, inclusion and equity in our communities. Matt’s motto, “The way forward is together,” has sparked many informative and educational conversations. Matt, who is president and CEO of United Way of West Tennessee and the young adults pastor at Historic First Baptist Church in Jackson, Tenn., is also helping lead the way in the Jackson Equity Project, a program that advocates for equity and justice for marginalized, disenfranchised and oppressed people.
She now calls West Tennessee home, but Lauren Smothers spent much of her childhood in Krasnodar, Russia and the United Kingdom with her missionary parents, and often had her nose in a book or could be found writing in her journal. Today, Lauren is an independent bookstore owner in Jackson, Tenn. and continues her writing. This episode is especially meaningful for those who love book stores in rural communities, and all listeners will enjoy hearing how Lauren made her dream come true, in spite of the challenges of opening a new business during a pandemic.
In this special episode, we’re commemorating the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment and kicking off Discovery Park of America’s new pop-up exhibits on the women’s suffrage movement. Guests include Dr. Renee LaFleur, associate professor of history and director of the Center for Women and Gender Equality at the University of Tennessee at Martin; Dr. Alice-Catherine Carls, the Tom Elam distinguished professor of history, also at UT Martin; and Dr. Minoa D. Uffelman with the history department at Austin Peay State University. The guests take listeners behind the scenes of this important moment in history and discuss the roles of women activists in Tennessee's history and how their impact can still be felt today.
This podcast episode is sure to be a “treat.” Jessica St. John and her brother, Jordan, along with their parents, own and operate Sweet Jordan’s Baked Goodies and Ice Cream Shop in Paris, Tenn. They employ over 30 special needs individuals who work the register, bake the tasty treats or help with other important tasks. In this episode, Jessica shares how this business idea originated and more about the next big adventure for the Sweet Jordan’s brand. Listeners are sure to enjoy this heartwarming story of faith and will wish they had a scoop of ice cream to go along with it.
The legacy of Elvis Presley is alive and well with guests traveling from around the world to West Tennessee to experience Graceland his home in Memphis. Joey Sulipeck, Elvis fan and Fox 13 chief meteorologist, has been part of Elvis-related programs and events for the past 20 years. In 2000, he was a co-host of the first live, online broadcast of the candlelight vigil, the “VigilCast” on America Online, and he has hosted the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest since its inception. In this episode, he and Scott Williams commemorate Elvis Week 2020 by taking listeners behind the blue suede curtain. They discuss their personal experiences and favorite memories with Elvis fans and the talented men and women working hard behind the scenes taking care of business for the king.
As a dedicated journalist and co-anchor of WPSD Local 6, Jennifer Horbelt Bonds delivers the news to households across our region every night. In this episode, Jennifer shares her thoughts on being a reporter during a time of great crisis in our country, the impact of our constantly changing media landscape and some of the reasons local and regional news remains so crucial to the long-term health of our communities. Listeners will also enjoy learning more about her personal history and getting to know the real person behind the anchor desk.
Scott Conger, mayor of Jackson, Tenn., follows three principles when navigating his role as a leader in local government: transparency, efficiency and inclusion. He is the third member of his family to serve as the mayor of Jackson and is passionate about giving back to his community. In this episode, Scott shares how he has learned to pivot at a moment’s notice, communicate more effectively and embrace patience while leading his community through a worldwide pandemic. Listeners are sure to enjoy hearing how he approaches criticism on social media and his advice for other leaders during this challenging time.
Paula Casey, publisher of The Perfect 36: Tennessee Delivers Woman Suffrage, has a passion for sharing the story of how Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, making women's suffrage legal in the United States. In this episode, especially relevant as we prepare to commemorate the 100th anniversary on Aug. 18, 2020, Casey takes listeners behind-the-scenes to discover three pivotal players from West Tennessee who fought for women's suffrage and played a major role in "the greatest nonviolent revolution in the history of our country."
As a high school football player, Ted Kluck, assistant professor of communications at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., never imagined he would one day become an award-winning author and publisher. An unfortunate injury in college led him to discover his passion and talent for writing. In addition to authoring nonfiction books, memoirs of great athletes and several theological works, he’s dedicated to inspiring and teaching the next generation of writers. In this episode, he shares of bit of that inspiration for listeners who also want to find success in the writing industry. Those aspiring to work in the movie industry will also enjoys hearing a few behind-the-scenes details about “Silverdome,” a film he wrote and that is currently in production.
From paramedic to law school to launching a successful soap empire, Brad Kellum, founder of Buff City Soap, shares his journey of finding a need and filling it. This West Tennessee entrepreneur opened his first brick and mortar store in his hometown of Bartlett, created a one-of-a-kind retail experience and then franchised the business nationally to great success. This episode is full of life lessons for those with a dream and funny anecdotes relatable for anyone who has ever started something new and found both failure and success.
Few projects have offered as many opportunities or as much controversy as the still under-construction I-69 that can be seen unfinished just behind Discovery Park. This episode’s guest, Matt Dellinger, literally wrote the book about it 10 years ago. Interstate 69: The Unfinished History of the Great American Highway took readers behind the scenes to experience the complex political, social and economic drama being this controversial road project. Now a decade after the book’s release, he shares an update on some of those he wrote about along with details not included in the book. Fans of Discovery Park will enjoy hearing more about Dellinger’s visit with Robert Kirkland just as construction was underway. Dellinger, who has written for The New Yorker, the Oxford American and Smithsonian, also led the way on digitizing the archives of publications like Esquire, Aviation Week, Maclean's and others and shares his thoughts on the past, present and future of journalism.
Known to her students as “Mrs. B,” Lynn Brasfield is a cornerstone in the foundation of Dresden Middle School. In this episode, Lynn shares her passion for teaching and how her classroom is a safe space for students to freely discuss concerns about current issues. Lynn’s story is one of remarkable circumstances. She grew up in Rutherford, Tennessee, and started high school when educational institutions began desegregation in the classroom. As an advocate for education, she explains that her classroom is a community of intrinsic learners. Every student that walks through Mrs. B’s door is greeted by Bill Withers song “Lean on Me” and is taught by the philosophy that one should “teach to the heart and the mind will follow.”
As tourist attractions and museums like Discovery Park of America reopen their doors incorporating new health and safety guidelines, it’s a good time for a conversation with Marty Marbry, the West Tennessee Division Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. In this episode, she shares a bit of her personal history in Memphis, how she got into the tourism business and her first encounters with Robert Kirkland, Discovery Park of America’s founder. Marty’s optimistic outlook for the tour and travel business will be helpful for anyone with a passion for all there is to see and do throughout the state of Tennessee.
Growing up on a century farm in Rutherford, Tenn., Curt McDaniel knows well the responsibilities that come when working on a family farm. Today, as a conservationist for the USDA and the Natural Resources Conservationist Services, he provides farmers and ranchers with assistance to voluntarily incorporate conservation practices on their land. He explains his job as “saving the earth one dirt clod at a time” while providing free assistance to those who want to be better stewards while increasing profits and production. In this episode, he also provides a behind-the-scenes look at conservation practices that address today’s needs for habitat to sustain Monarch butterflies and other pollinators whose populations are declining.
According to Micah Seavers, owner and operator of Southern Reds BBQ in Water Valley, Ky., the secret ingredient to a great successful restaurant business is family. At 12 years old, Micah started working in his family-run restaurant and hasn’t looked back in over 20 years. In this episode, you will learn that when it comes to BBQ, simple is better, and giving back to the supportive community is something Seavers holds close to his heart. He also discusses how he turned his hobby of wildlife management into Seavers Beavers, a company that helps businesses and individuals safely deal with unwanted creatures.
At Core10, a world-class technology company with offices in West Tennessee, Lee Farabaugh has figured out how to engage talented workers living in rural communities while creating the financial technology of the future. In this episode, Farabaugh shares how her passion as a graphic designer and interest in computers led to success at the intersection of creativity and technology. A longtime advocate for talented, smart and capable people taking advantage of the benefits of residing in small towns—including a low cost of living, she explains how it’s possible to enjoy a fulfilling career in tech in places other than large cities.
Dr. Keith Carver’s path took him from his childhood living with his single mother in the back of the family’s small Crockett County country store to his position as the 11th chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Martin. In this episode, Dr. Carver shares how one person made a big impact on his relationship with education and how that inspired his desire to do the same for the many students who cross his path. As one of the most respected leaders in higher education in the country today, it’s a rare opportunity to hear his take on digital classes, education in rural communities, the role of social media for leaders today and what parents should be doing with their young children to help them find their own passion.
Introducing kids and adults to the wild outdoors is exhilarating for Tara Dowdy, who is a Refuge Ranger for the National Wildlife Refuge on Reelfoot Lake. As you listen to this episode, you will hear the passion in her voice and she describes the amazing migratory waterfowl that come through on the Mississippi Flyway, as well as the stories she shares about taking visitors on a Bald eagle tour and a third grader who had never played in the mud. Dowdy's love for the outdoors is evident as she talks with Scott about her dream job as a refuge ranger, where she is able to work towards the purpose of the National Wildlife Refuge, which is to provide habitat for the migratory waterfowl.
And later, learn how you would call the fire department before the telephone was invented.
Lisa Garner has learned a thing or two about being an entrepreneur and small business owner while running her company, Garner Blue, where she makes and sells hand-dyed indigo textiles and accessories. She applies much of that knowledge to her role as executive director of theCo in Jackson, Tenn. Now considered the front door for innovation in West Tennessee, theCo provides a resource, collaborative community and support system for everyone from the serial entrepreneur to those taking their first plunge into business ownership. In the episode, Garner shares how she manages the unique space, plans and organizes events and programming, and does the initial mentoring for entrepreneurs at theCO.
And later, Russell Orr answers the question, “Which telescope, the refracting or reflecting, is the best?”
If you were to ask Matt Crosson how his journey in life led him to be the worship leader in a rural community church, you would hear an incredible story. Matt’s journey took him from social worker to business manager, to planting a church then following God’s call from Gainesville, Florida to Union City, Tennessee where he now serves as the full-time worship leader at Crosswind Church. In this episode, you will hear how his hobby of playing the guitar led to his role as a dynamic worship leader and songwriter. Also, learn how he combined another of his passions, bicycling, with missions and rode 300 miles for “Ends of the Earth,” a ministry that raises money for youth around the world.
And later, discover the story of the great debate of the T. rex.
Melanie Hollis has a passion for theater arts. Born and raised in Union City, Tenn., she left her small town to chase dreams of theater, performing and costume design around the country before returning to West Tennessee to raise her three children. Her desire to bring the arts to Northwest Tennessee is evident from her seat in the director’s chair at Union City's Masquerade Theatre. Additionally, she currently teaches several theater arts classes at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Those with a passion for seeing more of the arts in rural communities will find her story especially fascinating.
And later, learn all about the covered wagon from Zach Rea.
In 2009, Lori Collins experienced an unexpected family crisis that left her with no option but to rescue a number of horses being cared for by her father. This was the beginning of Redemption Road Rescue, a non-profit equine rescue located in Jackson, Tenn. The organization’s philosophy of helping good people out of bad situations has led to the rescue of hundreds of horses. Redemption Road accepts animals that owners can no longer maintain, and also works alongside local authorities on animal cruelty cases and seizures. Today, Collins is an award-winning, nationally-recognized activist whose story of finding a need in her community and then figuring out a way to address it will inspire others to tackle the needs in their own hometowns.
And later, learn how the settlers made soap!
With a passion to uplift, engage and encourage individuals to live faithfully and triumphantly, Dr. Cynthia A. Bond Hopson inspires individuals to slow down, seize the day and refocus on who and whose they are. In this episode, Dr. Hopson shares her personal story and how she went from her first career as a secretary to teaching journalism, becoming a country music DJ, earning a doctorate and becoming a popular speaker and a best-selling author of numerous self-help and devotion books. Although funny and light-hearted, Dr. Hopson also includes powerful insights into topics ranging from self-care, moving forward, honoring your dreams and finding your purpose in life. Dr. Hopson’s latest book, Totally Gracefull, Wisdom for Phenomenal and Grace-filled Women, features a daily day dose of inspiration and empowerment and is now available on Amazon.
Then, go behind the scenes at Discovery Park of America to discover more about Camp Tyson in Paris, Tenn. Soldiers with the U.S. Army’s 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion who trained there were the only African-American unit to participate in the Allied invasion.
Big ideas sometimes come from small places. Those living and working in rural communities may find life is lonely when trying to make a big idea happen. That’s where Ben Harris comes in. As one of the co-founders of Driving Innovation, a mobile program that supports economic and workforce development in Tennessee’s rural communities, he works to make sure good ideas and those who get them find the resources they need. Driving Innovation’s three mobile innovation labs focus on STEAM education, entrepreneurship and small business support, and community place making. If you consider yourself an entrepreneur — someone willing to step outside your comfort zone and meet a need or fix a problem in your community — you’ll benefit from hearing this episode.
Then, discover a few of the details behind the 1914 Christmas Truce when British and German soldiers made peace in No Man's Land.
Having grown up in West Tennessee, Mark Laderman and his family capitalized on a combination of their natural southern hospitality and a unique blend of creativity and quality to create not one, but two award-winning dining experiences in Northwest Tennessee. If you are headed this way, no doubt someone will recommend you eat at Sammies or The Grind. In this episode, Mark and his son Alan share what inspired them to build their dream eateries in this region, what they think is the secret to their restaurants’ popularity and challenges unique to entrepreneurs working in rural communities. Caution: this episode should not be consumed on an empty stomach.
And later, we go behind the scenes at STEM Landing at Discovery Park of America to learn all about space suits.
If you haven’t crossed paths with Union City socialite, regional-theater performer and business woman, Zoe Ramage, then it’s about time we introduce you. Zoe loves small town life and the sense of community that comes with it. In this episode, Zoe shares her passion for tourism and how it led her to become next door neighbors with Discovery Park as the director of sales for the hotels at Houser Creek Crossing. If you love theater, travel and having fun, you’ll be inspired by the time you get to spend with Zoe in this episode.
Then, take a look behind the scenes at Discovery as we uncover the Nantan Meteorite featured at Discovery Park.
While attending space camp as a young boy, South Fulton, Tenn. native, Jason Kelley, became inspired to dream of a career in aeronautics. His dream became a reality, and today he is an operations support manager at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. In this episode Jason, who was back home to explore Discovery Park’s “Astronaut” exhibit with his son, shares how he turned his childhood dream to work for NASA into a reality. His story reminds listeners of the important role educators play in the lives of the students they touch and how they never know when they may be inspiring another career in space.
Then, go behind the scenes at Discovery Park to find our more about the Sultana Disaster with Zach Rea.
It’s not every day you get to hear firsthand what it’s like to buckle up and blast into space. In this episode, Dr. Larry DeLucas, a biochemist, principal scientist at the Aerospace Corporation and former NASA astronaut shares how he earned the nickname “Which Way” and how a spirit of exploration helped him make it at NASA even though he says he was made of “the wrong stuff.” DeLucas was a member of the 7-person crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia for Mission “STS-50.” Columbia launched on June 25, 1992 and returned on July 9. Dr. DeLucas traveled more than 6 million miles and logged over 331 hours in space. This episode will be especially inspirational for educators and parents as he credits his early teachers with putting him on a path to success and helping him build the confidence he needed to eventually complete 221 orbits of earth.
Afterward, discover what it would take for canned air to move educational specialist Russell Orr across the room.
If you live in West Tennessee and have even a passing interest in ducks, there’s no doubt you’re aware of—and possibly best friends with— the tornado of inspired creativity that is Seth Dortch. Part Ansel Adams, part Ernest Hemmingway and part Davy Crockett, he’s a photographer, videographer, copywriter, hunting guide, retailer and master of all social media. The scope and breadth of the impact Dortch has made applying his creative gifts outdoors is significant, especially for someone with the motto “#LiveSlowly.” In this episode, Dortch shares his story, what motivates him to do what he does and the importance of his faith. He even provides some behind-the-scenes details about duck hunting that are interesting even if you’ve never spent a minute in a duck blind.
Then, find out about something new at Discovery Park of America.
The continuation of this special, two-part live episode, from the Tennessee Farm Bureau annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn. features the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the Tennessee Soybean Council, the Tennessee Pork Producers and Tennessee Sheep Producers Association. With all the misinformation and controversy around areas like agriculture today, it was great to have an opportunity to hear from those who spend their days focused on providing resources for both farmers and those who consume the products they provide.
In the first part of this two-part, live episode, the Discovery Park team went to the Tennessee Farm Bureau annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn., to get to know some of the professionals working in agriculture today. With most people being three or more generations removed from a family farm, first-hand information is getting harder to come by, so this was a great information to hear about farming from those working in the industry every day. Part one features the Tennessee Beef Industry Council, the Tennessee 4-H Foundation, the Tennessee Poultry Association and Farm Credit Mid-America. Those we spoke with have a great understanding of the challenges facing the world in the coming years, and they are all part of providing solutions.
By 2050, the global population is expected to reach more than 10 billion. This is going to present a major challenge in providing food, fuel and fiber for farmers around the world. Lee Maddox, director of communications for Tennessee Farm Bureau took a few moments out of his busy schedule at the organization’s annual meeting in Nashville to talk about this and other challenges facing those working in agriculture today. Whether you are a seasoned professional in the ag industry or someone like most of the population who has no idea how your food gets from the farm to the family, you’ll learn something new about agriculture on this episode from Maddox who has been working in the industry for decades.
And later, see what you will discover behind the scenes at Discovery Park of America.
Here’s an episode that will inspire anyone who hopes to march to the beat of their own drum while living in a rural community. While his friends were out duck hunting and fishing on Reelfoot Lake, Micah Barnes was teaching himself to play a number of instruments and perfecting his musical talents. He eventually studied bass at the famed Interlochen Center for the Arts, started the world fusion jam band 27bstroke6 and carved out a niche as a utility musician, writing, performing, and recording with numerous groups in various genres on an array of instruments. He later focused his creativity on the visual arts and was working in graphic design and performing with independent artists in Middle Tennessee when he was drawn back home to work with Robert Kirkland on a dream that would become Discovery Park of America. Today, he manages to combine all his skills into a fascinating career at both his family’s business, Soleil Garden Center in Union City, Tenn., and The University of Tennessee at Martin.
And later, go behind-the-scenes and find out what it’s like to “throw a pot” at Discovery Park.
Today, most of us are three or more generations removed from life on a farm—therefore, we don't know how our food, fuel and fiber gets from the farm to our families. In this special episode, recorded live during Tennessee Ag Literacy Day at Discovery Park, listeners will meet and get to know farmers and others working in the agriculture field. By the year 2050, the production of food, fuel and fiber around the world must more than double in order to support an estimated population of ten billion. Sustaining our environment for future generations while meeting that need is only going to happen because of the hard work of farmers like the ones who share their personal stories of agriculture on this episode.
During this episode, you’ll hear from Wes Totten, Ph.D, chair Department of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources, UTM; Josh Richardson, district conservationist, USDA-NRCS; Beth Cochran, farmer and technician, Obion County Soil Conservation District; Derek Giffin, farmer, Giffin Farms; Alexis Beach, student and FFA member; Carol Reed, farmer and executive director of the Tennessee Corn Promotion Council; Mike Holeman, farmer and president of the Tennessee Corn Growers Association; Mike Brundage, farmer and chairman of the Tennessee corn promotion council; Brenda Baker, farmer and ag educator; Matt Fennel; farmer and regional field director, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation; Rusty Grills, farmer and Tennessee state representative for District 77; and Misha Madding; precision ag specialist, Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Then, Katie chats with John Watkins, grounds director at Discovery Park, about the challenge of getting the park decorated with more than a million lights for “Let it Glow,” the annual Christmas light show.
A few years ago, Ana Edmaiston was on her couch watching “Cake Boss” when she had the realization that she, too, wanted to be the cake boss. She now owns her own business in downtown Union City called “Tiny Baker” that has sweetened the community since opening in 2018. Ana’s decision to pursue her dreams of becoming a baker eventually landed her where she always wanted to be: back home with family. Listen to her story as she shares her adventure in the sweet world of baking, the importance of family in tough situations and why she loves her hometown so much.
And later, Kayce Workman takes us behind the scenes at Discovery Park as she debunks some myths about turtles.
In June 1917, 1,250 men volunteered to become the first African Americans to receive training and begin military service in World War I. Many hoped that they would be rewarded with equal rights at the end of the war. Adam Wilson, the director of the University of Tennessee at Martin online and author of “African American Army Officers of World War I,” shares the difficult story of the impact of race in America through an exploration of these brave men, some of whom became college graduates, business leaders, doctors, lawyers, ministers and non-commissioned officers. Many eventually became leaders in the civil rights movement of the 1950s. Wilson’s storytelling during this episode provides a much-needed reminder of a part of history that is often forgotten.
And later, learn the truth about snakes in Tennessee as Kacey takes us behind-the-scenes at Discovery Park.
Charles and Crystal Meade changed the course of their family’s life when they purchased a Northwest Tennessee nursery that was in much need of some TLC. Today, Soleil Garden Center includes a nursery, a retail showroom featuring regional artists and a recording studio. In this episode, Charles and Crystal share what inspired them in the early years as they were “growing” their family-run small business, and the ups and downs they’ve experienced along the way. Their story will inspire anyone looking for their own unique path to making their dreams come true.
And later, Zach Rea gives us some information about health during the Civil War.
As a child, Karen Campbell looked down the road of her Northwest Tennessee hometown and couldn’t wait to get out and explore. Campbell, who today is the communications director for Weakley County, Tennessee Schools, shares her entertaining story of leaving home and of the exciting world she found working and writing for a variety of publications including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Star Telegram. Today, her passion for this region of Tennessee is infectious, and after you experience her story, you’ll be reminded of the power of home and the importance of family in all our lives.
And later, learn all about Tennessee River mussels with Nathaniel Newlin.
Have you ever wondered the importance that a cotton mill would have on a community? Danny Walden from Dyersburg, Tenn., who was on a previous episode about the missing town of Minglewood, joins Scott to discuss the impact the cotton industry had in the small community of Dyersburg right before the Great Depression and how the town continued forward even after the depression. He also gives us some insider information about what was found in a safe of the cotton mill after it was pilled from a fire in the early 1900s. Be sure to check out the Dyer County Museum for the steam whistle that was blown for shift change and the contents that were found inside the safe.
And later, Russell Orr tell us why a T-Rex is not a scavenger.
Have you ever wanted to know what it was like behind-the-scenes before Discovery Park of America even opened? In today’s episode, Katie Jarvis stands in as the guest host of Reelfoot Forward and interviews Mary Nita Bondurant, who is the marketing director for the park. She gives some insider information on how it was working with Robert Kirkland as Discovery Park was being built, the team that was formed at the beginning, some insights on tourism for this region in Northwest Tennessee and advice for those seeking a career in marketing and advertising.
And later, Andrew talk with Nathaniel Newlin about the Naga Tribe of northeastern India and the different artifacts from this tribe that can be found in the Enlightenment Gallery on the lower level inside Discovery Center.
Jason Stout grew up in Martin, Tennessee, and always knew he was talented in the arts. As a child in elementary school, his teachers would give his artwork a little bit more attention than the rest of the kids, and he soaked it up. His inspiration came from sitting at the railroad tracks in the car, watching the trains coming in from Chicago and observing the fun 80s graffiti that was displayed on the cars. Now as an associate professor of art at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Stout encourages his students to not dismiss fellow students and the community if they do not understand art. Instead, he encourages them to be a bridge and connect the community with the art.
And later, listen as our in-house education specialist Russell Orr explains why you will find a little box on one of the trains at Discovery Park of America that was used to store torpedoes.
What do the Eiffel Tower, catfish races and a missing resort all have in common? They call Paris, Tennessee home. Travis McLeese, the executive director of the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, discusses his passion for tourism, the love he has for his community, and the world’s biggest fish fry.
And later, learn more about Mark-14 torpedo that is on display in our military gallery.
Born-and-raised Kansan Bill Minihan sang, danced and produced his way through the live entertainment business and now runs the Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. His high-energy recollection of how he found himself in show biz, from performing in Branson shows to renovating charming theaters, will keep your ears entertained. He tells Scott the day he met a man who just happened to be the owner of the famous Patti’s 1800s Settlement and how they were looking for some entertainment to keep their guests in the area. And as they say, the rest is history.
And later, learn how firefighters were alerted before the invention of the telephone and 9-1-1.
Agriculture. It’s important not only in the West Tennessee area, but also for the rest of the world. Lindsey Parham, the supervisor of Career Technical Education for the Weakley County school district, stresses the importance of teaching students about agriculture. She and Scott discuss the benefits to students of Future Farmers of America (FFA), her new role in teaching education in Weakley County, and how she plans to make sure the students in this area are equipped to be successful, no matter the field they choose after high school.
And later, learn all about the planting and picking of cotton in West Tennessee.
Born and raised in Crockett County, Lieutenant General John “Glad” Castellaw (retired) always knew he would come back home to farm. He eventually came home after a successful 36 years in the United States Marine Corps, where he was the chief of staff for the U.S. Central Command at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, flew more than two dozen different aircraft, commanded the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 and served his last tours in the Pentagon as head of Marine Aviation and overseeing the Marine Corps budget. After retiring from the Marines, he moved back to West Tennessee and started the non-profit Crockett Policy Institute, as well as Farmspace Systems LLC, which provides aerial (drone) services and equipment for the agriculture industry.
And later, learn a little tid-bit on covered wagons.
Take a listen to today’s episode with Teena Lairy-Jarmon, who is the director of the Promethean Foundation in Obion County. Scott and Teena discuss her time growing up in Union City and how she found herself working at the Promethean Foundation, which was funded by Robert Kirkland. Find out why it is named after the Greek Titan Prometheus, how children from Obion County can benefit from this foundation and more.
Later, join everyone’s favorite science and education specialist Russell Orr as he discusses the difference in refracting and reflecting telescopes, found here at Discovery Park of America.
Dr. David Coffey is chair of the department of History and Philosophy at the University of Tennessee at Martin. If the Civil War is one of your passions, you’ll love this episode where just one of the many topics is the six-volume American Civil War: The Definitive Encyclopedia and Document Collection to which Dr. Coffey contributed more than 40 entries. He also touches on other books, West Tennessee music, his contribution to Discovery Park and the favorite history-related vacation spots frequently visited by he and his wife, Dr. Julie Hill, when they aren’t working on their new historic event venue, Historic Ann's 1893, in Union City.
Then discover just what goes into caring for the reptiles, fish and other animals from the Reelfoot Lake region who call Discovery Park home.
From traveling around the world to finding his way back home in West Tennessee, Robert Spencer is a man who has done a little bit of everything. Robert lets us in on some secrets about how life was in the military, his appearances on Saturday Night Live while in New York City, his personal encounter with Burt Reynolds and more in this week’s episode.
Later, learn about the history behind the charming 1800s Chapel on the grounds at Discovery Park of America.
The mission of Discovery Park of America is "to inspire children and adults to see beyond." The mission of the West Tennessee Regional Art Center is "to provide opportunities to participate in, and education through, the arts." These two powerful mission statements combined in this podcast episode make for a great conversation with the WTRAC’s executive director Bill Hickerson. Both Scott and Bill discuss the importance of fine arts in rural communities, how the art center received works by Red Grooms, as well as the unique collection of frog figurines that was said to be the third largest collection…in the world.
Later, learn all there is to know about Prohibition, speakeasies and the whiskey distillery we have on display in the C. Grooms Smithy on the grounds at Discovery Park of America.
Do you like antique tractors? Have you ever wanted to know how to get involved in collecting these unique treasures? Scott interviews Wes Collier and Randy Deweese in front of a live studio audience and asks them how they got involved in collecting tractors, advice on how to start a collection of antique tractors, as well as how to instill the love of collecting these tractors in the next generation. They also pay kudos to the annual Antique Tractor Show that is held on the grounds at Discovery Park of America each August.
Later, learn about Alan Turing, who was a mathematician, computer scientist and a cryptographer and played a key role in breaking the code using the enigma machine. You can see an enigma machine on display in the military gallery at Discovery Park of America.
In 1901, Andrew Carnegie donated $70,000 for the construction of a library in Jackson, Tenn. Today, the ornate building is devoted to telling stories in a different way. In this episode, John Reitzammer takes us behind-the-scenes of the renovation of the building that now tells the stories of West Tennessee's musical history. As part of the Americana Music Triangle, the Tennessee Music Museum highlights the lives and careers of artists like Carl Perkins, Eddy Arnold, Sonny Boy Williamson and others.
Later, discover what happened during Union City’s 1954 10-day Centennial.
Rusty Robinson combined two of his favorite things to create one of the most unique museums in the world, Rusty’s TV and Movie Car Museum in Jackson, Tenn. Rusty’s passion for both cars and entertainment has led to a museum with more than 26 cars on display that have been used in movies and television shows along with lots of entertainment memorabilia. The list of movies represented there is long and includes “The Fast and The Furious,” “Death Race,” “Batman,” “The Beverly Hillbillies” and many more. Pay Rusty a visit at his museum and you’ll hear hilarious stories from the man himself while checking out cars like Scooby Do's Mystery Machine, the General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard” and Herbie The Love Bug. In this episode, he shares about the role his parents played in supporting his passion, why his museum is a great first date spot and which of the cars he wanted got away.
Then, find out how a rare Titan 1 Missile came to be at Discovery Park of America’s STEM Landing.
John Sellers is a young dad, husband, philanthropist and entrepreneur who, with his wife Courtney, runs Martin Coffeehouse along with six other successful West Tennessee businesses. In this episode, find out what drives John to jump in and make things happen and where his passion and inspiration come from. He also talks about their projects in Nepal and Kenya that bridge the literacy gap through school supplies, letters of encouragement and libraries in rural areas. For every cup of coffee sold, Martin Coffeehouse donates 10 cents to the projects and recently completed a library for the Collins Children's Home in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Then, discover the details behind one of the Civil War’s “most audacious bluffs” that took place during the Battle of Union City, a few miles away from Discovery Park of America.
If Old McDonald is your idea of a farmer, you will want to listen to this episode featuring Emily Workman. Over 2.1 million farms dot America’s rural landscape and about 99 percent of U.S. farms are operated by families, individuals, family partnerships or family corporations. Because these farm and ranch families comprise just 2 percent of the U.S. population, many people today live their entire lives and never actually meet a real farmer or even see crops growing in a field. Farmer and ag specialist Emily Workman shares with Scott some of the truths behind what it takes to run a farm in a world where false information and propaganda can be spread with the click of a mouse on a computer or the touch of a finger on a mobile device. From GMOs and precision ag to education and raising a family on a farm, Emily’s first-hand knowledge will be fascinating to anyone who cares about how a growing population is fed and clothed today and will be in the future.
Also, go behind-the-scenes at Discovery Park of America with Hugh Wade and discover more about the World War II Jeep located in the Military Gallery. As an early volunteer, Wade played a significant leadership role in acquiring many of the unusual artifacts on display in the museum and heritage park.
Julie Hill, Chair of the Music Department at the University of Tennessee at Martin, does more than just talk about her passion for the arts; she puts that passion to work in West Tennessee and around the world as a performer and leader in many different arts-related initiatives. A performer and scholar who has received worldwide recognition and is principal percussionist with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra and member of the award-winning bands Caixa Trio and X4 quartet, she has seen firsthand the power of the arts in the lives of those living and working in rural communities. In addition to sharing how her love for Brazilian music led to a program focused on social transformation for black women and at-risk children in Northeastern Brazil, she discusses how—closer to home—a group of parents and educators in Martin, Tenn. has formed Weakley ArtsCan, an organization working to make the arts available to students in the area.
Then, Gunner Garner, docent at Discovery Park of America, takes us back in time to explore the development of Gutenberg's printing press and the impact it made around the world.
If you love West Tennessee heritage, don’t miss this conversation with Sonia Outlaw-Clark from the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. She covers topics like the importance of cotton to the area, the riches of the Hatchie River, Sleepy John Estes and the riverboat queen herself, Tina Turner. She also discusses the beginnings of the center and how they acquired the home of bluesman “Sleepy” John Estes, a one-room schoolhouse and the Tina Turner museum.
Later, Andrew “drives” the conversation with classic car enthusiast and docent in the Transportation Gallery at Discovery Park of America, Jeff Davis. They talk about the beginnings of DPA’s transportation committee, as well as which cars are favorites among staff and guests.
The history of the “Minglewood Blues” is as long and complex as the difficult-to-locate Menglewood, the West Tennessee river town it was named after. Danny Walden, president of the Dyer County Historical Society, shares the origin, location and details of the town that was the site of the Mengel Box Company.
Walden also sheds light on the history of the song written by Noah Lewis then first recorded in 1928 in Memphis by Cannon’s Jug Stompers. A version titled “New, New Minglewood Blues,” was recorded by the Grateful Dead in 1967 for their first album and both the song and the Tennessee town became part of the heritage of rock ‘n’ roll.
Later, Andrew talks with Amanda Mayo about the woolly mammoth that is on display in the Regional Gallery at Discovery Park of America. Amanda tells us the history of the fossils, how early humans hunted and used woolly mammoths to survive the harsh winters, and the similarities found between woolly mammoths and Asian and Indian elephants today.
Take a step back in time as Scott talks with Marti Doss, who was in on the action when the first conversations were had about the wild idea to build a 100,000SF museum in the middle of a cornfield in Union City, Tennessee. Marti lets us in on how the Obion County Museum played a big role in the development of Discovery Park of America. She is now a volunteer artist at the park, and talks about the importance of art in the lives of children.
Later, Andrew has a conversation with David Heathcott that will surely “spark” your imagination. They discuss direct and alternating electrical currents, and also talk about who really was the inventor of electricity – Thomas Edison or Nikola Tesla. You can learn more about these currents in our Energy Gallery located on the third level inside Discovery Center.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to quit your job in the city and create a whole new world in a friendly rural community, you’ll love hearing Kathy Dumont’s story. After searching for a place that would offer a simpler, more peaceful life, she and husband, Michael, found what they call “paradise.”
In addition to their 400-acre hobby farm, complete with restored farmhouse, where they raise baby doll sheep, Australian shepherds and rescue horses, they’ve acquired and restored many properties in Linden, Tennessee. Their renovations, including an inn built in 1939 now named the Commodore Hotel, have been so successful, they inspired the creation of the Blooming Arts Festival that takes place in Linden each March.
When they first arrived in town in 2007, there were 14 vacant storefronts. Today, there are none and the town is booming. Kathy shares some tips on attracting visitors, using social media, the role of music in Middle and West Tennessee and more.
Later, discover how the actual dinosaur eggs at Discovery Park of America are used to tell the sad story of how the oviraptor became the misunderstood mother of the dinosaur world.
Jiréh Breon Holder, born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., is currently a writer on NBC's hit show “New Amsterdam.” Holder talks about how he made it from Memphis to the Yale School of Drama, then on to Hollywood and New York and how his grandmother helped him come up with the idea for his award-winning off-Broadway play, "Too Heavy for Your Pocket." In the play, Holder takes us back to Nashville in the summer of 1961 as the Freedom Riders are embarking on a courageous journey into the Deep South. In the episode, Holder shares his own thoughts about choosing to—or not to—publicly take a stand on important issues of the day, his writing habits and the impact of his West Tennessee heritage on his work.
Afterward, hear the story of Verne and Nonie Sabin who together photographed Union City and Reelfoot Lake from 1919 to 1924. Their collection of photos has been praised throughout the country for its ability to create a window through which we can experience the lives of those living in the Reelfoot Lake region during that time.
Paige Burcham Dennis, a fashion entrepreneur based in Union City, Tenn., welcomes entertainers, celebrities, pageant contestants and others from around the world to Joann’s, her shop where “glitter runs through their veins.” She helps dress and style customers, most who become close friends, for their appearances in everything from music videos and movies to pageants and proms, and anywhere else making a fashion statement can make a difference.
She talks about her own first beauty pageant that launched her mother, the shop’s founder Joann, on the path to eventual success in the gown business, growing up in a small town and why, after finding success in fashion-forward cities around the world, she returned home to Union City to work and raise her young children.
Later, DPA docent Travis Crum takes listeners back to 1908 when a dispute over the title to Reelfoot Lake and the surrounding land led to a period of murder and mayhem by a vigilante group known as the Night Riders of Reelfoot Lake.
Lee Wilson’s path through life has led him through jobs in construction, photography, higher education, junk hauling, and college ministry. After developing an appetite for adventure and escape, this West Tennessean found himself on the CBS reality show “Hunted” where he and close friend Hilmar Skagfield ran from former CIA agents, FBI agents, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, the NSA and others. They eventually won the $250,000 first prize.
In addition to sharing his tips on winning a reality show, Wilson gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how he and his partners are finding success in the world of escape rooms with his latest passion, Jackson Escape Rooms.
Also, do you know what the moon is actually made of? If you answered “cheese,” you’ll want to listen as Andrew Gibson discovers more about the moon from education specialist Russell Orr.
Kelly Powers turned early success as a much-celebrated professional goose caller into a popular retail and mail-order catalog business. Final Flight Outfitters Inc, in Union City, Tenn. was founded with his brothers, Jon Ed and Tripp, and grew from a storage trailer in 1998 to a 25,000-square-foot showroom that contains a large selection of outdoor gear and hunting supplies.
Powers talks about how, in spite of phenomenal growth, the brothers and their close-knit staff maintain their goal of growing a relationship with each customer. Powers also explains the importance of the Reelfoot Lake region to their business and the role of philanthropy in his life and career.
Also, assistant director of education, Andrew Gibson, takes us behind-the-scenes with DPA docent Nate Newlin as they talk about the paleontological heritage of West Tennessee and remarkable discoveries around the Coon Creek Formation, a geologic formation located in western Tennessee and extreme northeast Mississippi.