Local Matters

Allen Richardson, a 2017 Cookeville High School graduate, now serves as an ISS teacher and coaches football, wrestling, and track—the same sports he played as a student. He began his path to teaching during COVID-19 while substituting at Prescott Middle School, which sparked his passion for education. Allen emphasizes time management, discipline, and adapting to modern athletic pressures, both in the classroom and on the field. He also competes in strongman competitions, using his own experiences to inspire students to push through challenges and grow through effort.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Sean Mitchell — former California Highway Patrol officer, author, and natural storyteller. From a childhood shaped by loss and resilience in Sacramento to discovering a love for radio and eventually serving in law enforcement, Sean shares the defining moments of his life with honesty and humor. He reflects on the life-changing experience of the police academy, the mentors who guided him, and the inspiration behind his books, including a guide to passing background checks and his short story collection, Six Lane Highway. Now retired and living in Tennessee, Sean continues to write, perform, and explore life with purpose. It’s a powerful and uplifting conversation you won’t want to miss.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In recognition of National SIDS Awareness Month, Dr. Lee and Dr. Mabry sit down with Heather Cathey, Family and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, to have an important conversation about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Heather breaks down what SIDS is—and what it isn’t—while addressing common myths, risk factors, and the life-saving precautions parents can take. She shares practical advice on safe sleep setups, the dangers of certain gadgets like weighted swaddles, and why infant brains need different care than adults. The episode also explores how local pediatric care in the Upper Cumberland has evolved to combat high infant mortality rates. If you're a parent, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this episode is packed with critical insights and local resources you need to know.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany Anton chats with Leslie Russell Yost, owner of Ozone Café & Market in Crab Orchard, TN. Leslie shares how she transformed an old gas station near Ozone Falls into a vibrant plant-based café and market, inspired by her southern roots and love of cooking. She discusses her journey from growing up in a steakhouse-owning family to crafting vegan versions of southern classics—like her mother’s pulled pork recipe recreated with jackfruit. Leslie also talks about her loyal local customer base, the café’s cozy features like a book nook, and her hopes of expanding in the future.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dr. James Akenson to reflect on his remarkable 50+ year career at Tennessee Tech. Born in Minneapolis and raised with deep Midwestern roots, Dr. Akenson shares how his early teaching experiences in Wisconsin and inspiration from his historian brother led him into higher education. He recalls his first days on campus, meeting President Derryberry, and watching Tech evolve while remaining grounded in its student-centered spirit. With a passion for engaging students, Dr. Akenson emphasizes the importance of personal connection in the classroom—often using music, especially country, to make learning memorable. His reflections highlight the lifelong influence of great teachers and the power of caring deeply about your students.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Paula Stover of the Overton County Heritage Museum to explore her deep-rooted connection to the region and her passion for preserving its history. A fifth-generation Overton County resident, Paula shares stories from her childhood—traveling cross-country by train as an infant during WWII, working on the family farm, and gathering corn by hand with her siblings. She reflects on her father’s service in the war, his later career as a beloved science teacher, and his legacy in the community. Paula also dives into the fascinating origins of Overton County, its shifting borders, and her efforts to preserve its rich past through the museum and her published work on Revolutionary War veterans. This episode is a living tribute to heritage, resilience, and the stories that shape a community.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Ben Rodgers sits down with Mark Farley, Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District. They discuss Mark’s journey into his role, the vital work UCDD does across all 14 counties, and how grant funding—over $52 million last year alone—supports local governments, small businesses, and critical programs like substance abuse recovery. Mark also shares insight into regional growth, the challenges of working with newly elected officials, and the importance of collaboration in moving the Upper Cumberland forward. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s most impactful organizations.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Dr. Angela Rector, a licensed professional counselor and Director of the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Services at Tennessee Tech, shares her decades of experience serving the Upper Cumberland. She reflects on her personal journey into mental health work and discusses the vital suicide prevention efforts taking place on campus and in the broader community. Dr. Rector explains how suicide impacts individuals, families, and entire communities—and why breaking the stigma around asking for help is critical. Listeners will learn about local statistics, the warning signs of suicide, how to respond to someone in crisis, and the essential role of the 988 crisis line. This conversation offers both insight and hope for those affected by mental health struggles. News Talk 94.1

In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with David Vaughn of Vaughn's Monument Works, a family-owned business that has been a part of Cookeville since 1946. David shares stories of his father, who began the business by selling monuments door to door, and reflects on the memories of growing up around the shop — including childhood pranks and time spent alongside the crew. He discusses how he and his brother stepped into their father's shoes, continuing the legacy while adapting to modern processes. David also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how monument delivery has evolved over the decades, and explains the materials and styles most commonly requested by families today.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1