Local Matters

Sahera Abumariam Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss Her Journey Into Chemical Engineering

From Honduras to Tennessee Tech, doctoral student Sahera Abumariam is making waves in the world of chemical engineering! With award-winning research on microplastics and a passion for environmental innovation, she’s turning big dreams into real-world impact. Hear her inspiring journey, her goals for the future, and how family and STEM…

27 Feb 9AM 31 min

Dr. Nicole Pisapia Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Give Diet Tips + Warning Signs For IBS

Stomach issues aren’t always “just an upset stomach.” Drs. Lee and Mabry talk with GI specialist Dr. Nichole Pisapia about IBS, warning signs to watch for, diet tips, and when colon cancer screenings should start—plus myth-busting you don’t want to miss. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!

26 Feb 9AM 34 min

Brittany Phillips Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss Creating A Community Through Working Out

Tiffany sits down with Brittany Phillips, the new owner of B Fit Women’s Studio, to talk about her inspiring journey of purchasing the business and giving it new life after hearing it was set to close. Brittany shares what makes her studio stand out from other women-centered fitness spaces, transforming…

25 Feb 9AM 33 min

Jackie Vester Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss CTE In Putnam County Schools

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Jeremy Wendt is joined by Jackie Vester, CTE Supervisor in Putnam County, to discuss how CTE is helping to connect students to career pathways. She talks about her journey to Cookeville, how she found a love for education, and what she has…

24 Feb 9AM 32 min

Barb Davis & Donna Sherill Join George Halford As They Discuss The TN Nurses Honor Guard

Behind every nurse is a lifetime of compassion, sacrifice, and service—and the Tennessee Nurses Honor Guard makes sure that legacy is never forgotten. George Halford sits down with Donna Sherrill and Barb Davis, two Upper Cumberland natives helping lead this meaningful nonprofit tribute organization founded in 2019. They share what…

23 Feb 9AM 33 min

Jim Morgan Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss Bettering Jackson County

Ben Rodgers sits down with Jackson County Mayor Jim Morgan. We explore Jackson County's waste management and disposal, growth opportunities, water upgrades and more. Morgan highlights his personal story as well, sharing how he made his way to being Mayor of Jackson County, and what has helped him succeed all…

20 Feb 9AM 32 min

Ben Aaron Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss Helpful Tips For Cancer Prevention & Overall Health

Cancer prevention starts long before symptoms appear, and nurse practitioner Ben Aaron is here to explain how. In this episode, the doctors talk screenings, vaccines, and myths versus truth—plus how simple checkups can play a huge role in long-term health. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!

19 Feb 9AM 33 min

Josie Cook Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss The Uniqueness Of Play Land Pals

Tiffany sits down with Josie Cook, owner of Play Land Pals—an indoor playroom and cozy coffee shop built with both kids and parents in mind. After moving from California to Tennessee, Josie found her way to Smithville in search of true small-town community, and she’s created a welcoming space where…

18 Feb 9AM 32 min

Dr. Gray & Lindsey Roberts Join Jeremy Wendt As They Discuss The Global Culinary Program At Tennessee Tech

Dr. Gray and Lindsey Roberts join Jeremy Wendt to shed some light on the global culinary program at Tennessee Tech. They discuss the blossoming of the program, and how it has taken shape over the very short time it has been offered to students. They discuss how exciting and fun…

17 Feb 9AM 33 min

Jeffery Crouch Joins George Halford To Talk On How His Faith Led Him To Writing A Book

From front-porch wisdom to a book the internet couldn’t keep in stock—George Halford talks with Jeffery Crouch, author of Hillbilly Gospel. Jeffery shares the stories of his father, faith, loss, and the calling that led him to write a book now spreading by word of mouth. Listen to a powerful…

16 Feb 9AM 33 min

Patrick McCurdy Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss His Journey His Journey From Coast Guard To Commissioner

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Ben Rodgers sits down with Overton County Commissioner Patrick McCurdy. They explore his time in service to the Coast Guard, his journey to Overton County from his early years in Montana, and what he strives to accomplish as commissioner each and every…

13 Feb 9AM 33 min

Dr. Matt Langford Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Give Helpful Tips On Avoiding Seasonal Depression

The Winter months can be tough on mental health, and Drs. Lee and Mabry are unpacking why with Dr. Langford of Hope Springs Clinic. In this engaging conversation, they explore seasonal depression, holiday stress, and how accessible mental health care in the Upper Cumberland can make a real difference. Listen…

12 Feb 9AM 32 min

Brian Larson Joins Tiffany Anton As They Discuss Building A Stronger Community

When it comes to electrical work, quality and safety matter most. Tiffany Anton talks with Brian Larson of Larson Electrical Solutions about why hiring a licensed electrician is crucial, how he ensures every job is done right, and his hopes to teach the next generation of skilled trades in our…

11 Feb 9AM 32 min

Trent Jones Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss What STEMOVATE Is & Its' Impact On Students

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Jeremy Wendt is joined by Trent Jones from STEMOVATE. He helped bring STEM education to Putnam County School Systems as a 4H Agent, and has lived a life full of spreading his knowledge in agriculture, stem, and 4H. He talks about what…

10 Feb 9AM 33 min

Gannon Richesin Joins George Halford To Discuss How Faith Fuels His Work

George Halford sits down with Gannon Richesin, a Philadelphia, Tennessee native whose heart for service fuels both his ministry and community leadership. Gannon shares his path from Loudon High School to becoming a vocational minister and pastor of Three Rivers Church, as well as the director of Matthew 25 Ministries…

9 Feb 9AM 32 min

Doug Stafford Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss The Importance Of Decisions In Local Government

Ben Rodgers sits down with Jackson County Commissioner Doug Stafford, a lifelong local whose roots run deep in Gainesboro. Doug shares his journey from working city trash trucks and spending two decades at Nielsen to serving on the county commission, reflecting on a lifetime of volunteerism that began at just…

6 Feb 9AM 32 min

Stacy Brewington Joins Dr. Emily Lee To Speak On Heart Health & American Heart Month

Emily Lee sits down with Stacy Brewington, a longtime cardiology professional who has spent 21 years with Tennessee Heart. Brewington shares how a single EMT class at Tennessee Tech shifted him from engineering into a lifelong career in patient care. He breaks down the many moving parts that keep a…

5 Feb 9AM 34 min

Braxton Lafever Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss How His Faith & Journey Lead To Lafever Ride Share

Tired of expensive rides and limited options? Tiffany Anton talks with 25-year-old Braxton Lafever, founder of Lafever Ride Share. Inspired by his faith and personal journey through the Hope Center in Rickman Tennessee, Braxton built a local, family-oriented rideshare business focused on safety, affordability, and getting people where they need…

4 Feb 9AM 32 min

Donna Ray Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Counseling For Over 20 Years + The Future Outlook On Teaching

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Donna Ray, longtime school counselor at Rickman Pre-K through 8th school, where she helps support more than 700 students every day. A Livingston native and Rickman alum herself, Donna reflects on her 23-year career—including the full-circle moment of student-teaching alongside her own favorite childhood teacher…

3 Feb 9AM 32 min

Bruce & Jean Cannon Join George Halford As They Discuss The Stories That Make "Country Kitchen on Main"

From a military upbringing to owning a hometown favorite—George Halford sits down with Bruce and Jeanne Cannon of the "Country Kitchen on Main". They share stories of hard work, family roots in Crossville, opening their first restaurant at just 22, and how food, community, and philanthropy have shaped their journey…

2 Feb 9AM 32 min