Local Matters

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Jessica Eldridge, Director of Advocacy for Educated Play, to talk about her transition from educator to champion of inclusive outdoor learning spaces. With a background as a teacher, special education teacher, principal, and RTI coordinator, Eldridge now works with a recreation company that builds inclusive playgrounds, turf sports fields, and outdoor classrooms. Starting her new role on July 1, she helps schools write and secure grants for these projects, combining her passion for education with a desire to spend more time with her son and explore a new path. She highlights the importance of outdoor play in child development, referencing The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and citing research that shows how meaningful brain breaks through play can significantly improve classroom engagement. From testing new equipment to advocating for better learning environments, Eldridge brings years of experience and fresh energy to the future of educational play.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Melinda Mott Leftwich, founder of Game On Accessible Tennis, joins host George Halford to discuss her inspiring, no-cost tennis program designed for children and adults of all abilities and skill levels. In this heartwarming conversation, Melinda shares how her initiative is breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive space within the world of sports. She offers insight into the transformative power of adaptive tennis, the sense of community it fosters, and the passion that drives her mission. Whether you're an advocate for accessibility, a sports enthusiast, or simply enjoy stories of empowerment, this episode delivers a powerful message of inclusion and impact.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tyler Brandes joins Ben Rodgers to share his unique path from being a dive master in the Caribbean—working with physically handicapped individuals—to serving as a Reserve Officer with the Sparta Police Department. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Tyler recounts how he met his wife in college and eventually settled in her hometown of Sparta, Tennessee. With over 30 years of diving experience, he brings a disciplined perspective to law enforcement and discusses the rigorous training and hiring process for reserve officers. He also explains the key differences between reserve and full-time officers, and why the presence of reserve personnel is essential to both the police department and the community. This episode offers an insightful look into the often-overlooked role of reserve officers and the impact they quietly make every day.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Brittany DeNaro, a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and the only female eye surgeon in Tennessee. Originally from New York, Brittany shares her journey into ophthalmology and reflects on her eight years of practice. She emphasizes the importance of building personal connections with patients of all ages—from children and teens to the elderly. Brittany also discusses why regular eye exams are essential, debunks common myths about eye care and surgery, and highlights a recent LASIK surgery campaign where two locals were selected to recieve free procedures. Additionally, she offers insight into the latest innovations and rapidly evolving technology in the field of eye care.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany Anton sits down with Joe Flury of J & G Exterior Solutions to talk about how he turned small handyman jobs with his retired father into a full-time business rooted in faith, second chances, and quality craftsmanship. Joe shares his journey from personal hardship to building a company that not only repairs homes but helps people rebuild their lives. With hands-on involvement at every job site and personal communication with every client, Joe ensures that integrity stays at the center of his work. Now going on six years in business, he reflects on meaningful customer stories and why he believes a person’s home deserves nothing less than excellence.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Jessica Etheredge, Director of Advocacy for Educated Play, to talk about her transition from educator to champion of inclusive outdoor learning spaces. With a background as a teacher, special education teacher, principal, and RTI coordinator, Etheredge now works with a recreation company that builds inclusive playgrounds, turf sports fields, and outdoor classrooms. Starting her new role on July 1, she helps schools write and secure grants for these projects, combining her passion for education with a desire to spend more time with her son and explore a new path. She highlights the importance of outdoor play in child development, referencing The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and citing research that shows how meaningful brain breaks through play can significantly improve classroom engagement. From testing new equipment to advocating for better learning environments, Etheredge brings years of experience and fresh energy to the future of educational play.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Casey Flatt joins host George Halford to reflect on his decades of service to Putnam County—as a police deputy, the county’s first School Resource Officer, and former Director of Juvenile Detention. Inspired by both his parents—his father in law enforcement and his mother in education—Casey began as an auxiliary officer before going full-time, thanks to encouragement from current Baxter Mayor Danny Holmes. After graduating from the Donaldson Police Academy in 1997, he became Putnam County’s first SRO, serving at Cookeville High School in the wake of the Columbine tragedy. Casey shares powerful insights into the juvenile justice system, the importance of having local detention resources, and stories of youth who turned their lives around—highlighting the real-life impact of second chances and early intervention. News Talk 94.1

Ashley Waters recently sat down with Ben Rodgers to discuss the importance of estate planning and the key steps individuals should take to prepare for the unexpected. She emphasized the need to establish both financial and medical powers of attorney as early as age 18, explaining their distinct roles in decision-making. Ashley broke down the two main components of estate planning—creating a will or trust—and outlined the differences in how each functions after death. She also explained the probate process, the importance of naming backups for power of attorney, and what happens when someone passes away without a plan in place. The conversation highlighted how thoughtful estate planning can bring peace of mind and ensure your wishes are honored.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this episode, Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Phillys Goolsby, Director of Social Services at Grandview Post Acute Care, to discuss her journey into elder care and the evolving role of social work. With a background in education and sociology, Phillys shares how her passion for working with seniors was sparked by the rich, personal histories they've shared with her over the years. She touches on the advancement of mental health and physical therapy services at Grandview, as well as the importance of activities like bingo and kickball in maintaining quality of life. Phillys also highlights their inclusive spiritual services and gives a preview of the cutting-edge AI technology soon to be implemented—offering around-the-clock, privacy-conscious monitoring to enhance patient care.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany Anton sits down with Greg Shelton of Shelton Roofing to talk about his journey from working at Coca-Cola to running a successful roofing business in the Upper Cumberland area. Greg shares how his brother got him into roofing and how he started part-time with a Mount Juliet-based company expanding into the region. He discusses the challenges of working in bad weather, the importance of high-quality local roofing, and why customers should always keep paper copies of their estimates. Greg also shares tips on spotting roof damage early and stresses the value of doing background checks on roofing companies before hiring.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1