Podcast
Local Matters
Hosted by News Talk 94.1 · EN
Education, Sports, Faith & Everything In Between
Originating from News Talk 94.1 the show deals with community issues and interests that affect listeners closer to home. With topics from major events across the nation and how they impact our area to interesting people and figures from across the Upper Cumberland. Local Matters is where local, matters.
Covering the issues that matter to you. Every weekday.
120episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Scott Winfree Joins Ben Rodgers To Focus In On The Cookeville Police Department & Its' Future
6d ago00:32:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Local Matters, host Ben Rodgers sits down with Cookeville Police Chief Scott Winfrey for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, community policing, and the future of public safety in one of Tennessee's fastest-growing cities. Chief Winfrey reflects on his journey from growing up in Baxter to a decades-long career with the Cookeville Police Department, sharing how his experiences have shaped his approach to serving the community. The discussion explores the department's new police headquarters, recruiting and training the next generation of officers, expanded traffic enforcement efforts, and the importance of proactive policing to improve roadway safety. Chief Winfrey also highlights community outreach initiatives including the Citizens Police Academy and Tennessee Tech partnership that are helping build trust and inspire future law enforcement professionals. It's an insightful conversation about balancing growth, investing in people, and maintaining the strong relationships that continue to make Cookeville one of the safest and most connected communities in the Upper Cumberland. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Michelle Kumm Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss Tick Bourne Illness Prevention
1w ago00:34:34Tap to summarizeTick-borne illnesses are becoming an increasingly important health concern across Tennessee, especially in the Upper Cumberland, where outdoor recreation is part of everyday life. In this episode of Local Matters, Family Nurse Practitioner Michelle Kumm joins for an in-depth discussion on the growing risks associated with tick bites. They explore the warning signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and Alpha-gal syndrome. Michelle also explains why Tennessee has become a hotspot for tick-borne diseases, offers practical prevention tips for families, and shares expert guidance on when to seek medical attention after a tick bite. As the author of Ticked Off: From Bite to Diagnosis and an advocate for Alpha-gal awareness, Michelle provides valuable, evidence-based information to help listeners better protect themselves and their loved ones while enjoying the outdoors. The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Brian & Bridgett Jones Highlight Mill Creek Farms
1w ago00:32:40Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Brian and Bridget Jones share the story of how a multi-generation family cattle farm evolved into one of the Upper Cumberland's most unique agritourism destinations. What began with a lifelong dream of raising Highland cattle has grown into Mill Creek Farms, where visitors experience agriculture in a hands-on way while learning about livestock, conservation, and the realities of modern farming. The couple discusses balancing traditional beef production with agritourism, preserving family farmland for future generations, mentoring new farmers, and finding creative ways to keep agriculture both sustainable and profitable in today's changing world. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Mark Dudney Joins George Halford To Focus On America's History
1w ago00:33:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes Upper Cumberland Development District historian Mark Dudley for a fascinating journey through the people, places, and events that have shaped the Upper Cumberland. Drawing on a lifetime of studying the region's past, Dudley shares how growing up in Jackson County, a family rooted in storytelling, and a passion for history led him to preserve the area's rich heritage. The conversation explores everything from Daniel Boone, the Civil War, and the Revolutionary War to the region's musical traditions, scenic byways, and the cultural landmarks that continue to define local communities. Dudley also explains why preserving historic sites, celebrating local stories, and investing in heritage tourism are essential to the region's future, highlighting projects such as White Plains, Granville, the Walton Road Scenic Byway, and other landmarks that connect the Upper Cumberland to America's larger story. It's an engaging conversation that reminds listeners how understanding the past helps shape a stronger future for generations to come. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Elyse Hanselman Joins Jeremy Wendt For A Discussion On Homeschooling
1w ago00:34:09Tap to summarizeListen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Regis Billings Joins George Halford To Speak On Going From FBI Agent To Professor
1w ago00:33:24Tap to summarizeIn this fascinating episode, George Halford sits down with Tennessee Tech cybersecurity expert and former FBI cyber agent Regis Billings to explore a career that spans military service, national security, and higher education. Billings shares how growing up in White County, serving in the Air Force, and working on some of the nation's most complex cyber investigations shaped his perspective on leadership, service, and technology. The conversation also examines the growing importance of cybersecurity, the evolving role of artificial intelligence, the value of developing future cyber professionals at Tennessee Tech, and why human judgment, integrity, and relationships will remain essential in an increasingly digital world. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Morgan White Joins Ben Rodgers To Highlight Tourism In The Upper Cumberland
2w ago00:33:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Morgan White, the inaugural Tourism and Main Street Director for Livingston and Overton County, to discuss her vision for showcasing one of the Upper Cumberland's most unique communities. White shares how her background in tourism, community development, and nonprofit leadership prepared her for the role, while highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses, preserving historic downtowns, and growing visitor engagement. The conversation explores how tourism benefits local residents, the collaboration behind the new position, and the many outdoor, cultural, and historic attractions that make Overton County a destination worth discovering. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Dr. Buchanan & Peter Richards Join Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss Viral Health Truths/Myths
2w ago00:27:35Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Local Matters Health Matters, hosts Drs. Mabry & Lee are joined by local family physician Dr. Ernie Buchanan of Upper Cumberland Family Physicians and Peter Richards, a third-year medical student at LMU, to separate health facts from social media fiction. They discuss the science behind GLP-1 weight loss medications, high-protein diets, intermittent fasting, continuous glucose monitors, gut health, probiotics, and other popular wellness trends. The conversation offers practical, evidence-based advice to help listeners navigate today's health information with confidence while emphasizing healthy lifestyle habits over online hype. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Taylor & Dylan Roberts Highlight Their Flower Farm
2w ago00:33:00Tap to summarizeIn this heartwarming episode, Taylor and Dylan Roberts, owners of Roberts Five Farm in Sparta, join the show to share the remarkable story behind one of the Upper Cumberland's most beloved seasonal destinations. What began as an unexpected idea sparked during a work trip overseas has grown into a thriving flower farm built on faith, family, and perseverance. The couple discusses the challenges of growing more than 100,000 tulips each year, balancing farm life with raising three young children, and how they hope every visitor leaves the farm with a sense of peace. They also preview exciting plans to expand with sunflowers and wildflowers while reflecting on the role faith continues to play in every season of their journey. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Jonathan Davis Joins Jeremy Wendt As They Discuss Highland Rim Academy Moving Forward
2w ago00:33:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Jonathan Davis, the new Headmaster of Highland Rim Academy, to discuss his first year leading the school and his vision for its future. Davis shares his journey from educator and coach to school administrator, explains the principles behind classical Christian education, and discusses how Highland Rim is preparing students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and servant leaders. The conversation also explores the school's continued growth, the value of relationship-centered learning, thoughtful technology use, and the opportunities ahead as Highland Rim approaches its 20th year of serving families in the Upper Cumberland. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
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