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.
125episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Regis Billings Joins George Halford To Speak On Going From FBI Agent To Professor
2w 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
3w 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
Transcribe →Tena Rogers Joins George Halford To Share Details About The Music Industry
3w ago00:33:37Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt episode, George Halford sits down with Tena Rogers, whose remarkable life journey spans adoption, faith, family, and a successful career in the country music industry. Tena shares the extraordinary story of being adopted as an infant after a difficult start in life, explaining how the unconditional love of her adoptive parents shaped her future and fueled her passion for advocating for adoption. She also reflects on her decades working alongside country music stars including Kenny Rogers, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker, and Joe Diffie, while emphasizing that faith and perseverance guided every opportunity along the way. Tena opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her longtime partner, singer-songwriter Mark Houser, and discusses how she is carrying on his vision through Americanaville concerts, Pioneer Days in Livingston, and other community projects. Throughout the conversation, she encourages listeners to embrace adoption, cherish family, stay humble, and use their gifts to serve others and strengthen their communities. Listen To The Local Matter Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Ryan Henry Joins Ben Rodgers To Help Shine A Light On Addiction Recovery
3w ago00:33:00Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Ryan Henry of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, whose own journey from addiction, incarceration, and homelessness to recovery has inspired a mission of helping others rebuild their lives. Ryan shares how his personal experiences led him to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and explains how UCHRA's UC Recovery program connects individuals across the Upper Cumberland with transportation, treatment, housing, employment, and long-term support. He discusses the importance of relationships, accountability, and meeting people where they are while emphasizing that recovery is possible when individuals are ready to take the first step. Through lived experience and a deep commitment to serving others, Ryan offers hope to those struggling with addiction and highlights the growing network of community partners working to help people achieve lasting recovery and a fresh start. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Brad Taylor Joins Luke Ramey To Highlight The Ugly Mug Bar & Grill's Success
3w ago00:33:00Tap to summarizeIn this exciting episode of the Local Matters podcast, the owner of Ugly Mug Bar and Grill, Brad Taylor, reflects on the restaurant’s first year in business and the lessons he’s learned about entrepreneurship, leadership, and serving a small community. Brad discusses building the Spencer restaurant from the ground up, creating a menu focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and establishing a destination known for live music and hospitality. He also shares how surrounding himself with the right team has allowed the business to grow while emphasizing the importance of listening to employees and customers, adapting to challenges, and maintaining quality above all else. Beyond the restaurant, Brad explains his commitment to investing back into Van Buren County through local jobs, scholarships, and community support, all while working to make the Ugly Mug more than just a place to eat. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Creed Hardison Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Cav Connect & Boys State
4w ago00:32:51Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Cookeville High School senior Creed Hardison to discuss his remarkable journey in student leadership, media production, and public service. Hardison shares his experience serving as executive producer of Cav Connect TV, being elected 2026 Tennessee Boys State Governor, and balancing academics, athletics, and entrepreneurship while preparing for a future in medicine. The conversation also explores the value of mentorship, the impact of Putnam County Schools, the importance of student involvement, and how leadership opportunities today are helping shape the next generation of community leaders. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
Transcribe →Erin Hoover Joins George Halford To Discuss Finding Meaning In The Moment
4w ago00:32:33Tap to summarizeIn this engaging episode, George Halford sits down with Tennessee Tech professor and Putnam County Poet Laureate Aaron Hoover to discuss the power of poetry, storytelling, and the arts in shaping both individuals and communities. Hoover reflects on the life experiences that inspired her writing, from growing up near Three Mile Island to living in New York City during the September 11 attacks, and explains how those moments continue to influence her work. She also shares her vision for expanding poetry throughout the Upper Cumberland, supporting young writers, and helping strengthen Cookeville's growing arts community through Tennessee Tech, the Sawmill Poetry Series, and her role as Poet Laureate. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1
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