Local Matters

In a situation where every second counts, who's in charge of answering the call? Host Ben Rodgers sits down with Josh Womack, Assistant Director and Public Information Officer for Putnam County 911, to pull back the curtain on emergency response. From communication towers and rapid response times to the reality of power outages and limited funding, Womack shares what it takes to keep the system running smoothly. With over 82,000 calls answered in 2025 and an average pickup time of just 3.4 seconds, this episode highlights the training, teamwork, and pressure behind every call.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

What happens when compassion meets real, around-the-clock care for families in crisis? Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Meredith Vaughn and Shawn Hudson Detwiler of the Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic to share powerful stories of support, resilience, and community impact. From free services and 24-hour care to their unique Thrive program, they discuss how the clinic walks alongside mothers, fathers, and families—offering guidance through everything from unexpected pregnancies to postpartum care, housing struggles, and mental health challenges. With deep roots in the Upper Cumberland and strong community partnerships, they reveal how early intervention, education, and compassion can change lives. If you’ve ever wondered what true support looks like during life’s most uncertain moments, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

A struggling dairy farm doesn’t just survive—it evolves into one of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved agritourism destinations. In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Daniel McCulley of McCulley’s Amazin’ Acres to trace the journey from a small family operation to a thriving farm with 40+ attractions. From corn mazes and zip lines to Christmas trees and field trips, Daniel shares how innovation, faith, and family turned necessity into lasting legacy. What began as a way to stay afloat has become a place where generations come to make memories.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Behind every successful classroom is a system designed to support it. In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Diana Wood, PreK–4 curriculum supervisor for Putnam County Schools, to discuss the structure and strategy behind elementary education. Diana shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to educator and administrator, along with the responsibilities that come with supporting schools at a district level. She also addresses the evolving conversation around education careers, the stigma sometimes attached to them, and how tools like AI are beginning to play a role in the classroom. As education continues to adapt, her work highlights the importance of strong leadership behind the scenes to help both teachers and students succeed.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

From the fields of Rogersville to aiding in the guidance of thousands across the Upper Cumberland region, Amos Rogan’s life is all about service, leadership, and community. After more than 20 years with Averitt Express, he answered his calling to ministry and became Regional Director of Connections for Life Church, creating welcoming spaces and strong small groups across four campuses. He also serves as chaplain for the White County Police Department and as Chief Volunteer Officer for the White County YMCA, home to the state’s largest Special Olympics program—turning his passion for helping others into a life that inspires.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Van Buren County is blending tradition with a fresh vision for the future! Ben Rodgers sits down with Chamber President Micca Davis to talk about her roots in the community and her role helping the county grow. She shares the history behind the famous Hot Dr. Pepper tradition and the upcoming Dr. Pepper Festival on December 5th. The conversation also touches on local attractions, events, and what’s ahead for the county.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

What if the key to preventing serious health issues starts with something as simple as balance? Jennifer Mabry and Emily Lee sit down with Dr. Brooklyn Apple of Tennessee Therapy and Balance Center to explore how physical therapy goes far beyond recovery and into prevention. From taking over the clinic in 2023 to expanding services that strengthen both body and brain, Dr. Apple breaks down what a day in her life looks like and how her team helps patients regain independence and confidence. She also shares critical signs to watch for in loved ones and the difference between true neurological conditions and lookalike symptoms—because catching issues early can change everything. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation on why prevention really is intervention.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Sometimes the path you’re meant for finds you when you least expect it. Jeremy Wendt sits down with Beth Peek, principal of Northfield Elementary School, to talk about her 27-year journey in education—from starting in accounting and nursing to discovering her true passion in the classroom. Inspired by generations of educators in her family (even when she tried to carve her own path), Beth shares how meaningful relationships with teachers shaped her life and why helping students—and fellow educators—remains at the heart of everything she does. From creative problem-solving to building strong school communities, her story is a powerful reminder that the right calling is always worth finding—don’t miss this inspiring conversation.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Charles Jarrett’s life has been defined by perseverance, love, and giving back. From overcoming a childhood injury in Chattanooga to becoming a physician, Jarrett built a career on dedication and service. Later, as a devoted husband and caregiver to his wife, Rodema, he turned their story into a legacy. Through his book Bringing Up Aysha and the Rodema Bridge to Learning Scholarship, he’s helping aspiring nurses pursue higher education while honoring his wife’s memory. The UC Now · News Talk 94.1