
Hosted by News Talk 94.1 · EN

What does it take to be a leader? Hard work, determination, and most importantly it takes heart. During this episode of Local Matters, host Luke Ramey sits down with Quentin Coffee to talk about the heart of his business and the work-life balance needed to run your own business. Coffee discusses how he builds relationships with his employees/clients, and how he runs his business to always have their best interests in mind. In addition to this, he discusses the culture of the business he has created and the exciting future he has lined up for Jericho Construction. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Education builds passion. What does a career in education counseling look like? Julie Smith is here to share her experience working in education counseling on the local level, while also explaining what steps are taken to help students in and out of school. She goes in depth on her journey and calling into this line of work, while detailing all of the heartwarming stories that makes working in such a stressful position worth it. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Service has been a constant thread throughout Tish Seidler’s life, shaping every community she’s been part of. In this episode, George Halford sits down with Tish, President of the Cookeville Jr. Women’s Club, to talk about her journey from Texas to New York and ultimately finding her forever home in Cookeville. From leading PTAs and volunteering with organizations like the American Cancer Society and Dress for Success, to serving alongside her family in ministry and local nonprofits, Tish shares how each chapter led her to a deeper purpose in community involvement. She gives an inside look at the Cookeville Jr. Women’s Club, highlighting their projects, social events, and beloved initiatives like Santa’s Workshop, all while explaining the impact of their 41-member organization. This conversation is a testament to the power of service, connection, and finding meaningful ways to give back—right where you are. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Ben Rodgers sits down with Crossville Fire Chief Chris South! From his early days as a volunteer firefighter to leading a modern department, Chris shares how training, gear, and the job itself have evolved over the years. He dives into the real needs of today’s firefighters and what it takes to keep a community safe. Packed with adrenaline, passion, and hometown pride, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Tune in for more! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Drs. Emily Lee and Jennifer Mabry sit down with Alyssa Hudson of Middle TN Eye to discuss common eye conditions, including cataracts and other general vision concerns. Alyssa shares insights on the importance of early detection and the proper steps to take when experiencing potential vision issues. The conversation also addresses prevention strategies and highlights warning signs that are often overlooked or dismissed. Together, they debunk common myths and misconceptions surrounding eye care and the role of eye health professionals. Tune in for more! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Fencing is a big deal and a big process, but Cumberland Penn & Fence strive to make that easy. On this episode, Hunter Young joins Luke Ramey to discuss how his business strives to offer quality fencing and affordable prices. He speaks on the journey he's taken in life, and how it ultimately all led him into the world of entrepreneurship. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Building relationships are the key to a healthy community. So, how do SRO's build relationships between students and local law enforcement? Bill Harris & Dylan Ashlock are here to answer and take a look at what it means to be an SRO and how SROs have changed schools. They go in depth on what it takes to keep schools safe in the current day, while also sharing plans for the future of providing a place where students can feel safe. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Life’s most defining moments often shape the stories we tell—and how we tell them. In this episode, George Halford sits down with Erin Hoover, professor at Tennessee Tech and the first Poet Laureate for Putnam County, to explore how her life experiences have influenced her work as a writer and educator. From growing up near the Three Mile Island Nuclear Incident to living in New York during the September 11 attacks, Erin reflects on how witnessing major events shaped her perspective and creative voice. She shares how poetry became a tool for processing life as a single parent, as seen in her collections Barn Burner and No Spare People, and how storytelling can help both writer and reader better understand themselves. This conversation also highlights her role in the local arts community, from teaching at Tennessee Tech to her work with the Cookeville Arts Council and the Sawmill Poetry Series—showing how poetry continues to connect, inspire, and bring people together. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Dr. Jeannette Luna from Tennessee Technological University to discuss NASA’s Artemis mission and the future of lunar exploration. Dr. Luna shares her journey through academia and research, along with how she became involved in space science and NASA data projects. She also highlights the strength of Tennessee Tech’s research programs and the role students play in advancing real-world scientific work. From mapping lunar surfaces to preparing for future missions, she offers a look into how data, collaboration, and curiosity drive modern space exploration. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Drs. Emily Lee and Jennifer Mabry sit down with Dr. Sarah Apple of Happy Pelvis Therapy to discuss pelvic floor health and the role of pelvic floor therapy in overall wellness. Dr. Apple shares her journey from occupational therapy at UT Chattanooga to specializing in pelvic floor care after a student-led project sparked her interest. She explains common conditions such as urinary incontinence and bowel leakage, while also addressing how hydration and daily habits impact bladder health. The conversation also works to debunk common myths and misconceptions about pelvic floor therapy and highlights who can benefit from treatment. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1