Local Matters

What happens when a small-town officer turns a personal calling into a mission for prevention and hope? George Halford sits down with Brent Hickerson, the School Resource Officer at Van Buren High School and leader of the Eagle Prevention Initiative. Hickerson shares how faith and community shaped his journey through law enforcement, from the old county jail to police work during the COVID era. He also highlights the return of DARE, the new 5th Quarter program, and an upcoming fundraiser supporting students across Van Buren County.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Ben Rodgers sits down with Pickett County’s own Garry Garrett — a lifelong first responder wearing many hats as EMS Director, EMA Director, Fire Chief, and Rescue Captain. From battling ice-storm calls to managing one of Tennessee’s smallest volunteer-based departments, Garry shares his passion for service, the challenges of rural emergency response, and what it truly means to protect your neighbors. Tune in for an inspiring look at commitment, community, and small-town courage.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Mistie Johnson from UCHRA as the organization celebrates an amazing 50 years of serving the Upper Cumberland. Mistie shares the wide range of programs and support services UCHRA offers to local communities—and how you might qualify for help. She encourages anyone who’s struggling to reach out, even if they’re unsure if they meet the requirements. Plus, she explains how these services are funded and how listeners can get involved through volunteering or career opportunities.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast! News Talk 94.1

What do rodeo arenas, real estate, and running your own business have in common? For Clark Adcock—quite a lot. On this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Upper Cumberland native Clark Adcock of Adcock Auctioneer to talk about his unexpected journey into the auction world. From competing on a national championship rodeo team at University of Tennessee at Martin to traveling the Midwest as a professional rodeo competitor, Clark shares how he eventually found his way back home to build a business in real estate auctions. Along the way, he talks about agriculture, family, and the passion that keeps him grounded—from caring for his animals to running a local meat shop in Smithville.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Emma Seagrave, fifth-grade teacher at Prescott South, softball coach, and self-proclaimed pickleball enthusiast. From playing junior college, Division I, and Division II softball to shaping young minds in the math classroom, Emma shares how athletics, mental health, and mentorship all connect in her teaching philosophy. Tune in as she talks about representation in women’s sports, building student confidence, and why she believes “math is a language.”

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

There’s a story behind every great teacher — and this one stretches from a farm in Avon South Dakota to a classroom right here in Cookeville Tennessee. George sits down with Sheila Jett, longtime North East Elementary teacher and member of the Christian Educators Group, as she shares how faith, family, and powerful mentors shaped her journey into education. From teaching abroad in the Czech Republic to supporting public school teachers across Tennessee, her story is heartfelt, inspiring, and rooted in purpose. Tune in to here about Sheila's travels, experiences, and how she manages to make a differnece in her classroom everyday.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Fire Chief Rocky Dial joins Ben Rodgers to take us inside the front lines of emergency service in Livingston. From staffing challenges and vital EMT training to the high cost of fire apparatus and the importance of mutual aid across the Upper Cumberland, Dial shares what it really takes to keep a community safe. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about teamwork, resilience, and the future of local fire protection.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with VP Patrick AbdelMessih and Joy McCameron from Birth Tissue Donation Services to talk about an incredible way new moms can make a life-changing impact. They share why birth tissue donation is especially important in rural areas like the Upper Cumberland and how it helps support healing through advanced medical grafts. Joy, a mother and donor herself, explains how quick and respectful the process is—never taking away from the special experience of giving birth. Plus, they break down how the service works in local hospitals and where you can learn more about getting involved.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany Anton sits down with Hayden Cassidy, founder of Kings Plumbing, to talk about building a business from the ground up — and yes, being in the “number one and number two” business. From starting as a 19-year-old apprentice in Louisiana to launching a full-service residential plumbing company, Hayden shares the mentors, family support, and long-term vision driving his success. Tune in as they bust plumbing myths and explain why sometimes it’s smarter to call a pro instead of graduating from “YouTube University".

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy sits down with Cory Gleasman, Associate Professor of Computer Science Education at Tennessee Tech, to talk about the power of teaching and critical thinking in today’s world. Originally from Upstate New York, Cory shares how his passion for instruction began in an unexpected place—swim lessons—and grew into a career shaping future problem-solvers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about learning, technology, and real-world skills that last a lifetime.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1