Join Kosta and his guest: Melissa Ellis, professional performer, jazz musician The Southern Spitfire, owner and founder of The Autumn Agency, music coach and talent buyer.

In this episode: What do you think should be the first major goal or objective of an up-and-coming artist? We can only eat the elephant one bite at a time, so what are the first bites? As someone that’s consistently found a way to turn their creative talents into business opportunities, what’s your advice to musicians and other creatives on finding scalable, financially responsible ways to grow as an artist without burning out? As Nashville continues to get more expensive and harder to navigate for musicians and songwriters, do you think there’s a new opportunity in the Upper Cumberland? What can we do as a community to capture and nurture this talent?
 
Find out more about Melissa Ellis and The Autumn Agency:
https://melissaellismusic.com/
https://theautumnagency.co/

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 Volunteer State Community College.

Find out more about Volunteer State Community College:
https://www.volstate.edu/campuses/cookeville

Join Kosta and his guest: Lori Jackson-Strode, Counselor, Real Estate Agent, Cookeville Theatre Company Board Member, and 'I Am My Ancestors Wildest Dream' Co-Creator, Producer and Director.

In this episode: We're celebrating Black History Month and talking about what it's like to be black and grow up in Middle Tennessee. What racial equality looks like  today and how it's changed since Lori grew up in Cookeville during the 70's, 80's and 90's. How we create an Upper Cumberland where young people feel welcome, have professional opportunities and an engaging environment where they can grow and thrive personally.

Find out more about I Am My Ancestors Wildest Dream and Cookeville Theatre Company:
https://cookevilletheatreco.org/

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 Loxx Salon and Spa.

Find out more about Loxx Salon and Spa:
https://loxxsalon.net/

Join Kosta and his guest: Tess Mann, Owner of Couture by Tess Bridal and Designer of Tess Mann Haute Couture.

In this episode: Your achievements as a designer, and bridal stylist would take most of us a lifetime to accomplish. But I find one of the most intriguing parts of your story is that you spent an entire career in Federal Law Enforcement before pursuing fashion. How did you transition from the FBI to couture bridal designer?  In this social media era it feels like shopping and buying the dress is almost as important as wearing the dress. What sets your store apart? You have a unique perspective on business, because most of your clients will only shop with you one time. Online you’ve cultivated thousands of followers and hundreds of perfect reviews, but what’s the real secret to building a customer base and community when your customers likely will only purchase with you one time?

Find out more about Tess Mann and Couture by Tess Bridal:
 https://couturebytessbridal.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/

Join Kosta and his guest: Michele Honeycutt, Election Commission Administrator for Putnam County Election Commission.

In this episode: Generally speaking, across the United States, over the past decade the accuracy and legitimacy of our elections has become a point of concern for many. As someone that sees every aspect of our elections, what’s your message to anyone questioning the outcome of an election? How does voter registration work? Can anyone with a driver’s license vote or is there more to the process? How do we know where our polling location is? What if we go to the wrong polling station? Can we still vote?

🇺🇸 ⚠️🗳️ Important Voting and Election Dates in Putnam County:

Presidential Preference Primary and County Primary
Last Day to Register to Vote in this Election: Monday, February 5, 2024
Early Voting Dates: February 14, 2024- February 27, 2024
🗳️ Primary Election Day: Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Federal and State - General Election
Last Day to Register to Vote in this Election: Monday, October 7, 2024
Early Voting Dates: October 16, 2024—October 31, 2024
🗳️ General Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Find  more information about the Putnam County Election Commission:
https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commission

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/

Join Kosta and his guest: Matt Billings, Economic Development and Grants Coordinator for the City of Cookeville.

In this episode: For Millennials and Gen Z there’s been a great effort to advocate on our behalf to participate in public service, run for office and take leadership, but the problem remains that so far not many Baby Boomers and Gen X are ready to let go of these responsibilities. As a Millennial serving our community, what’s your message to older generations on making room for our next generation of local leaders? What do you wish people knew about the importance of local elections? How does it impact your job and our city? If you could give one piece of advice to all the young people listening that are trying to find their way as leader in this community, or just where they belong as a citizen of this community - what would it be?

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 Volunteer State Community College.

Find out more about Volunteer State Community College:
https://www.volstate.edu/campuses/cookeville

Join Kosta and his guest: Bridgett Jones, Co-Founder and Owner of Mill Creek Farm.

In this episode: How is Mill Creek Farm bringing a fresh take on agritourism and bringing our community back to the farms that started it all? You didn’t just create a destination for guests to visit cattle, you created an experience for guests to become part of the farm. Will you tell us about how you structure your tours and farm visits that make it a completely different experience from anything else in this area? Let’s talk about farming, specifically modern day farming. Even 50 years ago it wouldn’t be unique or uncommon for a neighbor or relative to have a small farm, now they’re nearly extinct. How has this changed the quality of food, agriculture and livestock we’re raising in the Upper Cumberland?

Find out more about Bridgett Jones and Mill Creek Farm:
https://www.millcreekfarms-tn.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 Loxx Salon and Spa.

Find out more about Loxx Salon and Spa:
https://loxxsalon.net

Join Kosta and his guest: Kevin Maxwell, Engineer, Entrepreneur and Owner of 37 Cedar Restaurant and Bar.

In this episode: At the last Cookeville City Council Meeting on December 21, City Manager James Mills brought forth an ordinance that prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol at public parks, on municipal grounds, streets and sidewalks. Events impacted include WCTE’s fundraiser Blues and Brews, Taste of The Town, Upper Cumberland Pride Festival and Wine on the West Side, to name a few. You spoke before the council urging them to reconsider this vote. What kind of impact do you believe measures like these will have for Cookeville and the growth of the Upper Cumberland? Cookeville is changing. Cookeville is evolving. We can either choose to embrace the change or suffer the consequences of being left behind. What’s your message to the members of our community that continue to resist change? Speaking of change, you’re working to create a space in Cookeville’s Downtown that’s never existed before, that will bring together live entertainment, food and fellowship like never before. Will you tell us about all the changes at 37 Cedar over the past six months and how it’s helping to shape the West End?

Find out more about 37 Cedar Restaurant and Bar:
https://www.37cedar.com/

Watch the Cookeville City Council Meeting from December 21:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t826TlB7-dM

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/

Join Kosta and his guest: Jamie Lankford, Owner and Founder of Jamie’s Eats and Sweets.

In this episode:  We know you as Jamie from Jamie’s Eats and Sweets. Although, just 3 short years ago, this was just a dream getting cooked up in your kitchen. How did you scale this business so quickly? Your Mom was a Pampered Chef Consultant and you grew up watching her host parties. What impact has your Mom had on your career? What advice do you have for parents about incorporating their children in their career? We’ve never had a dessert, entree or treat from Jamie’s Eats and Sweets that was anything short of total perfection. What are a few of your favorite tips and tricks for leveling up your baking skills?

Find out more about Jamie's Eats and Sweets:
https://jamieseatsandsweets.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 Miss Sallie's Market.

Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:
https://www.misssallies.com/

Join Kosta and his guest: Wesley Adkins, Principal Auctioneer for Highland Elite Auction, Affiliate Broker and Real Estate Agent at Highlands Elite Real Estate and General Manager of Cookeville Panera Bread. Wesley is a Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, member of the Cookeville Jaycees, regular volunteer for Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity and Heart of the Cumberland, and active member of the Putnam County Fair Board.

As most of our listeners know, during the 2023 Cookeville Christmas Parade the only float disqualified from participating in the parade was representing Upper Cumberland Pride. As Wesley is a Chamber Ambassador, and active member of the LGBTQ community he found himself in the middle of this controversy and how we create a pathway forward.

Find out more about Wesley and Highlands Elite Real Estate:
https://wesleyadkins.heretn.com/

Representation matters. Acceptance matters. Community matters. 

45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
Even one child considering self harm is too many. 

Find out more about The Trevor Project:
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

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 Cookeville Regional Medical Center and Volunteer State Community College.

Find out more about Cookeville Regional Medical Center:
https://www.crmchealth.org/

Find out more about Volunteer State Community College:
https://www.volstate.edu/campuses/cookeville

Join Kosta and his guest: Todd Matthews, one of the leading voices in the true crime community, a pioneer of the amateur sleuthing, an architect of that community’s online presence as well as the US government programs to identify missing and unidentified persons (NAMUS), Executive Director of The Doe Network and a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Todd is believed to be the first person to solve a cold unidentified remains case using online tools, solving the thirty-year mystery of “Tent Girl.” He quickly became one of the online sleuthing community’s leading lights, helping to found The DoeNetwork and serving as the media director for that program and Project EDAN. A leading expert on issues pertaining to solve cases of missing and unidentified, he has provided expert commentary for Discovery ID, national/local news outlets, VICE, Reveal, Oxygen, and the History Channel. Also served as a consultant for Jerry Bruckheimer and Dick Wolf on scripted entertainment projects.

Edit: We're heartbroken to hear of the passing of Todd Matthews on January 3, 2024. This episode was recorded on November 7, 2023 and is dedicated to the incredible life and many accomplishments of Todd Matthews. His dedication, passion and giving spirit brought hope to thousands and we're grateful for the opportunity to work with Todd.

For More information on The Doe Network:
https://www.doenetwork.org/

For more information on NAMUS (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System):
https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/

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/