Local Matters

In this episode host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dr. Michael Littrell from Tennessee Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences. Together, they talk about how technology—and even artificial intelligence—is changing the way future educators learn and teach. Dr. Wendt reflects on his own Cookeville roots, growing up in a blue-collar family and working with his dad to wire the Tech campus, and how that early spark for technology still shapes his approach to education today.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Morgan Abston, Public Information Officer for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, to talk about family, service, and community. As the daughter and granddaughter of longtime law enforcement officers — including former Sheriff Jerry “Pa” Abston — Morgan shares how their legacies shaped her path. She opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her father, the deep community roots her family planted, and her own mission to serve with integrity. From working with Nashville media to ensuring accurate information reaches the public, Morgan brings passion and purpose to her role. This episode is a heartfelt look at tradition, resilience, and the love of Putnam County.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Ben Rodgers sits down with Bryan Arms, the Executive Director of Tourism for Pickett County, to talk about his first year in the role and his deep roots in the community. Bryan shares his journey from growing up on “Slob Knob” and playing on Pickett County High School’s 1999 state championship basketball team, to studying civil engineering at Tech and spending 30 years at Perdue Farms before its closure. He discusses how those experiences shaped his transition into tourism, his first tourism conference, and his vision for drawing visitors to Pickett County—especially the major attraction, Dale Hollow Lake. Bryan also reflects on his family history in Clay County, summers in Celina, and the teachers who influenced him. Plus, Ben wraps things up with one of his best fishing stories from Dale Hollow Lake.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this informative episode, Dr. Lee sits down with Dana Karlowski, CEO of Dr. John’s Medical Solutions, to shed light on Sleep Apnea Awareness. Dana breaks down the difference between obstructive and central sleep apnea, explains how to recognize when snoring may signal a more serious issue, and outlines the key symptoms to watch for. She also shares important statistics about how factors like ethnicity, genetics, and weight can increase risk. Together, they debunk common myths and offer practical tips for improving overall sleep health. News Talk 94.1

Tiffany Anton talks with Robbie and Darrell Jackson of Jackson Moving, a Cookeville-based moving company serving the Upper Cumberland since 2006. Darrell shares how what started as helping a friend move grew into a thriving local business with repeat clients and a trusted reputation. They discuss their busiest times of year, how they hire a reliable team—including a female mover to help clients feel safe—and the wide range of moving services they provide, from furniture rearrangements to U-Haul and Penske truck assistance for new Tennessee residents.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy Wendt talks with Mel Presley, principal of Park View Elementary, about her journey in education and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Mel shares how her passion for teaching and her dedication to students led her from the classroom to the principal’s office. She reflects on what makes Park View special, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and the importance of creating a positive, supportive school environment for every child.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Chuck Johnson, lifelong Putnam County resident and owner of Johnson’s Nursery, to reflect on a legacy that began in 1918 when his grandfather purchased the family farm. Born in Cookeville in 1943 and raised in Baxter, Chuck shares stories of his upbringing alongside his two sisters and the early days of the nursery business started by his father and uncle. He discusses how he grew and developed the nursery into a lasting part of the community. It’s a conversation filled with local history, family tradition, and deep agricultural roots.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Chelsea Dartez, the creative force behind Cookeville Lifestyle Magazine, joins Ben Rodgers to share her incredible journey—starting with college life and karaoke shifts in a little Nashville alleyway, to discovering through gigs in Texas that the music industry wasn’t where she belonged. After settling in Cookeville, she used her public relations background to shape the very first layout of the magazine, and she reflects on how far it’s come since that early issue. Chelsea talks about building a dedicated team, the challenges of producing a completely free community-focused publication, and her plans to expand into Sparta, Livingston, and even a new Crossville edition under her umbrella. With a mission to highlight everyday people doing extraordinary things, she opens up about earning the trust of the community as an outsider and shares exciting details about the digital platform she’s getting ready to launch—so even more readers can stay connected to the good happening right here at home.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Dr. Lee is joined by Mary Fornehed to highlight the importance of COPD Awareness Month. Mary shares her background—from growing up in a medical family to earning her degrees at Tennessee Tech and Vanderbilt—and her extensive work in pulmonary critical care. She breaks down what COPD is, the most common symptoms, and why patients are more susceptible to frequent infections. Mary also discusses risk factors such as smoking, the impact of aging on lung capacity, and the role of pulmonary clinics in patient care. Together, they clear up several common myths and offer listeners a clearer understanding of this serious condition.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany Anton sits down with Linda Shannon and Heather Montjoy, the mother–daughter team behind Lavender & Sage, to talk about their journey from side projects to a thriving all-natural self-care business. Heather shares how her first homemade deodorant sparked their passion for creating safe, trustworthy products, while Linda talks about the personal experiences that led her to explore herbal medicine. Together, they discuss the creativity behind their tinctures, their beloved Fire Cider, and how listening to their customers—and staying true to natural ingredients—guides everything they do.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1