Beyond Rockets

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, I sit down with David Lewis, founder of Coffee Break—Huntsville’s small-batch specialty coffee roaster with a big vision. From engineering to nonprofits to tech, David’s winding journey eventually led him back to Huntsville (and into his garage), where a love for roasting turned into a thriving community-focused business.

We talk about:

• How Coffee Break began with a popcorn popper in Portland

• The early driveway pop-ups that brought neighbors together

• What makes specialty coffee different—and why Huntsville’s ready for it

• The importance of slowing down, showing up, and creating shared spaces

• Coffee Break’s subscription program and where you can find them this fall

Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a full-on third-wave enthusiast, this episode offers a look at how coffee can be a connector, a conversation starter, and a catalyst for community.

https://coffeebreakhsv.com

Sponsor

Yellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.

Music

Any Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

In this episode, we sit down with Huntsville native Ricky Fernandez, the Marketing Promotions Director and Game Day MC for the Rocket City Trash Pandas. From producing morning radio shows to selling chicken out of a truck during COVID, Ricky shares his winding journey to becoming the voice and energy behind one of Minor League Baseball’s most exciting franchises.We dive into:The early days of the Trash Pandas and the challenge of launching during a pandemicHow Town Madison’s growth has fueled the team’s successThe transformation of the stadium into a multi-use venue hosting everything from SEC softball to holiday light showsWhat it’s like being the MC in front of 7,000+ fans every nightThe unexpected success of theme nights—like Cat Night 🐱The ever-changing roster and how it connects the Rocket City to the LA AngelsWhether you're a diehard fan, Huntsville native, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with energy, heart, and hometown prideSponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

In this re-release episode, we sit down with Dr. Nemil Shah, physician and co-founder of ApproXie Urgent Care, to revisit one of our most inspiring conversations to date. Dr. Shah shares his journey from growing up in Huntsville to building one of the area’s most innovative healthcare brands—starting with a buggy app idea, $5,000 in the bank, and a leased former Dairy Queen.

We dive into how ApproXie began as a software solution to reduce patient wait times, how he and his wife bootstrapped their first clinic, and how a commitment to service, speed, and patient experience helped them grow to three locations across Madison County. Dr. Shah also talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship in healthcare, building internal talent, and why Huntsville continues to be the perfect place for innovation and impact.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to start something from scratch—especially in an industry as complex as healthcare—this episode is for you.

https://approxieurgentcare.com

YouTube: https://youtu.be/UGP2xm6CtLo?si=g988Ph-5T0Dzwd67

SponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, host Clark Dunn chats with Kamerra Liles, Assistant General Manager at The Orion Amphitheater and operations lead for the newly revived The Lumberyard in Huntsville.

Kamerra shares her journey from community events in Hawaii to shaping Huntsville’s hospitality scene with TVG Hospitality. She dives into the transformation of The Lumberyard—from historic lumberyard to vibrant event space—and how it’s now home to live music, pop-ups, cocktail classes, and more.

Learn how TVG is creating spaces where both guests and employees thrive, and why The Lumberyard is quickly becoming a new favorite hangout in the Rocket City.

🎧 Tune in to hear what’s next and how you can get involved!

https://tvghospitality.com

https://lumberyardhuntsville.com

SponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

In this episode, Emily Jones shares how she went from nursing to launching The Dirty Olive, Huntsville’s popular new bar and lounge. She talks about starting with a mobile tap trailer, transforming a former downtown space into a photogenic cocktail spot, and the lessons she’s learned as a first-time business owner. We cover growing a brand through social media, balancing creativity with operations, and tips for anyone ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship.https://www.thedirtyolivetap.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thedirtyolivehsv/

Sponsor

Yellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.

MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

In this episode, I sit down with Victoria Pittman, Marketing Manager for Power Brands Hospitality Group, to talk about the launch of their newest concept: One Eleven, a refined and experiential restaurant located in the heart of downtown Huntsville. We explore the fast-paced six-month journey that transformed the former Heritage Club into a vibrant destination known for its upscale atmosphere, innovative cocktails, and thoughtful menu design.

Victoria shares her background in restaurant consulting, her passion for storytelling through food, and how her experience on both the service and marketing sides of the industry shapes the way she brings new concepts to life. We discuss the intentional details behind One Eleven’s branding, staffing, and influencer strategy, plus what’s next for the space—including private dining, brunch, and full-restaurant rentals.

Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of Huntsville’s growing hospitality scene, or just love hearing the story behind a successful launch, this conversation offers a look into what it takes to open one of the city's most anticipated new restaurants.

https://www.oneelevenhsv.com

SponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

Originally released in 2023, this episode features a conversation with Dennis Madsen, Manager of Long-Range and Urban Planning for the City of Huntsville. As we revisit this insightful discussion, you'll hear about the vision, strategy, and development shaping Huntsville's rapid growth. From key projects in the pipeline to the challenges of balancing supply and demand in the housing market, Dennis offers a comprehensive look at where the Rocket City is headed.

Whether you’re new to Huntsville or have seen its transformation firsthand, this episode is packed with context that still resonates today.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRt_Uv94Fac

In this episode, we reconnect with Maddie and Tom Watkins, owners of Moon Bakeshop in downtown Huntsville. Since opening their doors in 2019—just one week before welcoming their first child—the couple has built more than just a bakery. They've built a community staple.We talk about the early days of Moon, the challenges of starting a business with no prior experience, and how they weathered the uncertainty of COVID-19 through grit, creativity, and the support of their loyal customers. Tom shares his roots in the food industry and an apprenticeship that lit the fire for a culinary career, while Maddie talks about leaving a career in graphic design to follow her passion for baking.We explore the day-to-day realities of small business ownership, the importance of adaptability, and their commitment to crafting everything from scratch. Whether you're a fan of their peach pastries, a Saturday regular, or someone dreaming of starting your venture—this conversation offers heart, honesty, and a behind-the-scenes look at a business that’s as much about people as it is pastries.

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Valley Living host Payton Walker to hear how a high school broadcast team sparked a passion that turned into a career in front of the camera. Originally from Charlotte, Payton shares how her love for storytelling and theater led her to UNC, early sports reporting, and eventually anchoring the weekend news in Huntsville right out of college.

She opens up about the tough realities of 3 a.m. news shifts, launching a brand-new show during COVID, and how Tennessee Valley Living has become a weekday staple for local stories, businesses, and community connections. From singing “Jolene” with Dolly Parton to building a loyal following both online and off, Payton reflects on the moments that shaped her path—and why live TV still holds a special place in her heart.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into hosting a daily live show—or how media careers begin—this conversation is full of behind-the-scenes insight, heart, and humor.

🎥 Tennessee Valley Living airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on NBC affiliate WAFF 48.
📱 Follow TVL on Instagram: @tennesseevalleyliving
📺 Watch segments and behind-the-scenes clips on Tennessee Valley Living’s social platforms.

SponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

In this episode, we sit down with Brandi Edmonds, owner of The Wine Cellar in Huntsville, Alabama. Brandi shares her remarkable journey from protein crystallography and a career in healthcare to chronic migraine recovery and eventually owning one of Huntsville’s most iconic wine shops.

We explore how The Wine Cellar has grown into a welcoming, unpretentious space for wine lovers of all experience levels. Brandi opens up about the transition from customer to owner, the role of community in wine education, and the joy of creating a space where people feel like they belong—whether they’ve been coming for 20 years or just walked in for the first time.

You’ll hear about weekly tastings, upcoming events like Rosé Camp, the evolution of their Cellar Club, and how they're breaking down wine stereotypes one pour at a time.

If you’re curious about wine but intimidated by the world around it, this conversation is for you. Let Brandi and The Wine Cellar help you “drink outside the box.”