Podcast
Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev
Hosted by Morgan Franklin Media · EN
Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a podcast about business, parenting and living life intentionally. We're here every week to bring you intentional conversations on making your own path to success, challenging the status quo, and finding all the ways we're better. Recorded in Cookeville, TN, Kosta joins guests from all walks of life to bring fresh perspective and start your week with purpose. We're better together.
37episodes
Episodes
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Better Choices with Mike Croley
3d ago00:50:56Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Mike Croley, Veteran, Former State Park Ranger, recent Federal Employee, and Candidate for TN Sixth Congressional District.In this episode: I want to start this episode with a simple question. So often in political episodes we get caught up in the details of campaigning, and strategy, and the greater national rhetoric, and we’ll get to all that, but first I want to talk with you as my neighbor. Tennessean to Tennessean. What does Tennessee need right now? On August 6th you’ll face off against Lore Bergman, Christopher Finley, Miriam Leibowitz and Chaney Mosley in the 6th District’s Congressional Democratic Primary Election. Why do you believe you’re the best option in this primary? Why do you believe you’re the best candidate to face the Republican opponent who will come after the Primary? I’ll say it if no one else will, the Tennessee Democratic Party is on thin ice. I haven’t heard much, but nothing I’ve heard is good. Is the TNDP helping you or hurting you?Find out more about Mike Croley:https://croleyforcongress.com/Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com
Transcribe →The Evolution of Chad with Chad Gilbert
1w ago00:52:00Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Chad Gilbert, Cookeville City Council Member and Candidate for Cookeville City Council.In this episode: Less than 30% of registered voters in the City of Cookeville vote. As a sitting City Council Member and Candidate, what’s your message to the 70% of Cookevillians who don’t see the purpose or benefit in voting? Why does local government matter? As we said in the introduction, you’re a current member of the Cookeville City Council, you’ve served for the past 4 years, and are now hoping to serve another 4. What do you see as your greatest accomplishment and what’s still left to be done? One of the loudest concerns I’m hearing from voters in this election cycle is about jobs. We’re bringing in hundreds of new jobs with large retailers like Home Depot, Target and In-N-Out Burger, but these are the same low wage careers we’ve provided our workforce for decades. How do we bring high paid, skilled professions to Cookeville? Find out more about Chad's Campaign for Cookeville City Council:https://chadgilbertforcookeville.com/Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com
Transcribe →Power in the Word with Brett Knight
2w ago01:25:59Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Brett Knight, criminal defense attorney, pastor and author of From the Gavel to Grace: Setting People Free From Addiction and Into Healing. In this episode: The symptoms of addiction begin long before the actual addiction. We’ve hosted many guests in and around the recovery community, and the throughline is: there’s always more to the story. What do you hope readers will learn about the complexity of both addiction and recovery? One of the central themes of From the Gavel to Grace is that punishment alone fails. Alternatively, compassion without structure collapses. Accountability and mercy aren't opposites. As an attorney and pastor, what do you wish more people understood about what it actually takes to change behavior? The book speaks to three very different audiences: families, the legal system, and the faith community. Did you find the message had to evolve depending on who you were writing to, or is the core the same for all three?Find out more about Brett Knight:https://brettknight.com/Purchase From the Gavel to Grace: Setting People Free From Addiction and into Healing on Amazon:https://amzn.to/4ahC5WWBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com
Transcribe →Meet the Meat Puppet with Mack Lunn
3w ago00:50:48Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Mack Lunn, Associate Director of iCube at Tennessee Technological University, Owner of Mack Lunn Enterprises, and Candidates for Putnam County Commission District 2. In this episode: Today’s episode is special because you’re not only my neighbor, you’re also running for County Commission in my District, District 2. We’ve hosted candidates Stacye Choate and Sam Sandlin and it’s a pleasure to have you on today. What’s the greatest issue facing District 2 specifically and why are you the best County Commission candidate to best address it? Putnam County is changing everyday and whether we want it or not, the AI revolution is here. You’re pursuing a PhdD focused on artificial intelligence and its role in higher education, how will that translate to the County Commission and Putnam County Government overall? On a scale of 1-10 how well would you say our County Commission performing their duties. If not 10 how would you personally advocate within the commission and our community to get to a 10? Find out more about Mack Lunn, Candidate for Putnam County Commission District 2: https://putnamdemocrats.org/candidate/mack-lunn/https://www.instagram.com/votemacklunn/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com
Transcribe →We Have Options with Aurora Wells
Jun 801:06:38Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Aurora Wells, Candidates for Jackson County Mayor. In this episode: We’ve said it many times on this podcast, but there’s no place like Jackson County. You grew up in Gainesboro, moved away, and came back. Why did you leave? What brought you back? More than ever, local elections matter. All across Tennessee, but especially in rural counties like Jackson County. As a candidate for Mayor, and Jackson County native, how will the outcome of this election shape Jackson County and why does it matter to you? In Tennessee a County Mayor is essentially the County's Chief Executive and lead budget officer. You've spent decades as an enrolled agent and a nonprofit CFO. What experience does your financial background provide you in the county budget that someone without it might miss?Find out more about Aurora Well's Campaign for Jackson County Mayor: https://jacksoncotndems.org/voter-guide/meet-the-candidates/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com
Transcribe →100 Years of the Putnam County Fair with Taylor Hill
Jun 100:30:41Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Taylor Hill, Assistant Treasurer for the Putnam County Fair Board, Owner of Taylor Creates and Candidate for Algood City Council. In this episode: It’s safe to say there’s no single event that brings Putnam County together like our County Fair. This year, the Putnam County Fair will celebrate its 100th anniversary. As a Fair Board Member, what does this centennial celebration mean to you? In 2019, Putnam County authorized 196 acres on Tennessee Avenue to build our next fairgrounds. In addition to the fairgrounds, we’ve completed and opened the Putnam County Convention Center, with the new Expo Center under construction. How do you see the new location impacting our fair’s success for the next 100 years? For most of us we walk through the gate and have no idea what it takes to make that happen. As the Assistant Treasurer, you live in the budget. Without giving away secrets, what would surprise people most about the financial reality of producing this event every year?Find out more about the Putnam County Fair:https://putnamcountyfair.org/Find out more about Taylor Creates: https://www.taylorcreates.net/Find out more about Taylor Hill's Campaign for Algood City Council:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588433136653Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com
Transcribe →Moving Forward with Kerry Ledbetter
May 2500:44:49Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Kerry Ledbetter, District 6, Putnam County School Board Member, Manager for Community Homeowner Associations and Candidate for Putnam County Clerk. In this episode: No matter what happens in August, this election will bring forward a new era in local leadership for Putnam County. As we said, you’re running for Putnam County Clerk and hope to pick up where outgoing County Clerk Wayne Nabors is leaving off. What do you see as your greatest opportunity in the office on day one? You’ve spent over twenty years in hotel and hospitality management. Needless to say, you understand service and what it means to be in service to others. How did your time in hospitality prepare you for the work of the Putnam County Clerk’s office? Most of us only visit the County Clerk's office when we’re getting new tags or registration. For listeners who've never really thought about it, walk us through what the office does day-to-day. More importantly, why should voters care who is doing this job? Find out more about Kerry Ledbetter's Campaign: https://www.kerryledbetter.comRegister to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com
Transcribe →Question Everything with Brandy Lynn
May 1800:50:24Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Brandy Lynn, Co-Founder and Apothecary Manager of The Silver Fern.In this epsiode: Let’s start with The Silver Fern, you are both a co-founder and the apothecary manager. Most of our listeners are likely aware of your Art Gallery, Fiddlehead Gallery, but overall the store provides so much more to our community. What is The Silver Fern? Before we get too far in the episode, I want to ask you about acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, because I feel like it might be the missing thread to weaving this story together. How did you become an acupuncturist? What is acupuncture? When people hear tea in the south they’re usually not thinking about herbal medicine. They’re thinking about a syrup concoction for McDonald’s. How is tea from an apothecary different from a good cup of Liptons Sweet Tea?Find out more about The Silver Fern:https://thesilverfernshop.com/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com
Transcribe →County Business with Jonathan A.D. Williams
May 1100:57:33Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Jonathan A.D. Williams, Putnam County Commissioner for District One, Owner of Veterans Barber Shop, former U.S. Marine, police officer, and candidate for Putnam County Commission District One. In this episode: Your first term on Putnam County Commission started in 2010. So, let’s start there. What inspired you to run for Putnam County Commission and what’s changed the most over the past sixteen years? We’re recording this episode on the second week of early voting and our county vote totals have already surpassed the early vote total for 2022 and 2018. What’s motivating voters to get out to the polls? Has the increased interest of this election cycle changed your campaigning strategy? If elected, this will be your fourth term on the County Commission. What do you see as your greatest accomplishments to date? What do you hope to add to those accomplishments over the next four years? Find out more about Veterans Barber Shop:https://www.veteransbarbershop.com/Find out more about Jonathan A.D. Williams for Putnam County Commissioner: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063633996867Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com
Transcribe →Safe Place to Land with Margo Dirkson
May 400:46:40Tap to summarizeJoin Kosta and his guest: Margo Dirkson, Department Coordinator for the Office of Access, Belonging, and Community Outreach at Tennessee Tech University. In this episode: In 2024, TTU launched the office of Access, Belonging, and Community Outreach, where you currently serve as the Department Coordinator. Will you tell us about the office and how it serves students? You and Dr. Robert Owens built this office from the ground up. Most faculty never get to design a cabinet-level office from scratch. How do you know when you're getting it right? Belonging is a buzzword in higher education and I feel like sometimes it loses its meaning. Tech enrolls first-generation students, students from rural Tennessee, international students, and students whose families have been in the Upper Cumberland for generations all in the same residence hall. What does belonging actually mean at a place like TTU?Find out more about TN Tech's Office of Access, Belonging and Community Outreach:https://www.tntech.edu/news/releases/24-25/tech-launches-new-office-of-access-belonging-and-community-outreach.phpFind out more about TN Tech: https://www.tntech.eduBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com
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