Local Matters

Tiffany Anton sits down with Lee Flatt, founder and owner of Wrap World, to talk about how he turned a simple idea into a thriving business. Starting in a space barely bigger than a recording studio, Lee now leads a team that specializes in vehicle wraps, temporary signage, and banners for both indoor and outdoor use. He shares insight into the wrapping process, the different materials used, and the importance of preparation. Lee also opens up about the challenges he’s faced along the way and tells a touching story, showing the personal impact behind his work.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dale Carver, Welding Instructor at Cookeville High School, to discuss the importance of skilled trades in today’s workforce. A Lebanon native with 24 years in manufacturing, Dale shares how his lifelong passion for teaching and inspiration from his middle school shop teacher led him to the classroom. Now in his third year at CHS, Dale talks about the critical demand for quality welders, the rise of vocational programs through TCAT, and the innovative tools like virtual welders that are shaping the future of hands-on learning. He also dives into classroom management, understanding student needs, and how he creates custom training videos to help every student succeed.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Cookeville native Lisa Carver, the force behind Highways and Hedges, a grassroots outreach making a real impact in the local homeless community. After a motorcycle accident left her with a brain injury and ended her career as a hairdresser, Lisa began assembling “blessing bags” with her children and handing them out to those in need. Known for serving hot soup from the back of her car during the cold months, she gained the trust of the homeless community and partnered with I AM Worship Church to expand her efforts. Through that trust, Highways and Hedges has been invited to collaborate with other organizations, and today their growing vision includes a shower trailer, laundry station, kitchen for hot meals, means of transportation, and a recovery program rooted in faith. Lisa’s journey is a powerful example of how resilience and purpose can transform both lives and communities.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Lorie Elder Burnette, the newly elected Mayor of Livingston, to talk about her journey from small-town roots to big-city life — and back again. A Livingston native, Lorie shares how her time in Nashville gave her a deeper appreciation for her hometown and eventually inspired her to serve it in a greater capacity. With a background in physical therapy and experience in home health care, she brings a unique perspective to local leadership. Lorie discusses what motivated her to run for office, the differences between city and county government, and the vital role of a "strong mayor." She also reflects on former Mayor Curtis Hayes’ legacy, provides insight into department operations, current grant projects, and highlights community initiatives like the Downtown Revival Committee and upcoming events in Livingston.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

The Drs. sit down with Maria O’Connell, an Ayurveda and wellness specialist, to explore her journey from the corporate world to holistic health. Maria shares stories from her early career with companies like Ford and an oil plant in Texas, moving across the country before finding her passion in alternative medicine. She explains the core principles of Ayurveda—known as the “science of life”—and how it emphasizes balance, natural healing, and the connection between mind, body, and environment. Maria outlines the services she offers and how they differ from traditional Western medicine. She also speaks about the rich history of Ayurveda and how its wisdom has been passed down for generations. With a focus on personalized care, Maria offers a unique perspective on what true health really means.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany Anton sits down with Dennis Bynum to discuss his H2O water filtration business and how he brought this unique system from Arizona to Tennessee. Now available in 30 states, Dennis shares the journey of convincing the original creator to let him expand it nationwide. He dives into the unseen dangers in our water—like flushed drugs, chemical spills, and the 17 contaminants recently found in Cookeville’s water system. Dennis also breaks down water quality across the Upper Cumberland and why many of these contaminants go unregulated. Learn what makes his filtration system different and how it’s helping people take control of their water quality.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Angie Givens, the Tennessee Upper Cumberland Coordinator for TN CCR&R. Though Angie didn’t found the program herself, she leads its work across 18 counties in the Upper Cumberland region. TN CCR&R traces its roots back to educator Marguerite Hullander in 1998 and later became statewide under the Tennessee Department of Human Services, with Signal Centers located in Chattanooga TN serving as the managing hub. Angie shares her lifelong dedication to children—from babysitting for relatives and working in childcare during college, to supporting new moms—before joining TN CCR&R as a family engagement coach and rising to coordinator. She discusses how the nonprofit has evolved since the late ’90s to offer education, family services, supplemental income programs, and more, adapting to changing childcare needs.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this inspiring episode, George Halford sits down with Zach Gantt—a native of Hilham, TN whose early life spiraled into sports, crime, and addiction, landing him behind bars three times by age 18 and labeled the county’s second‑largest drug dealer. Zach shares the crushing toll of his substance abuse and addiction on his mind and relationships, revealing how a SWAT raid became the wake‑up call that led him to get clean, earn his GED, and graduate college with a perfect 4.0. Inspired by his father’s work as a respiratory therapist and driven by his newfound faith, he launched his own business. But the battle wasn’t over—Zach opens up about how pride, an ADD diagnosis, and five years hiding a cocaine habit nearly destroyed his marriage before faith and honesty helped them heal and guided him into his calling to preach and later founded a church and- which guided him to open his "Struggle Bus" Food Truck.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Ben Rodgers sits down with Representative John Rose to discuss all that might come with the Big Beautiful Bill and how it will affect our everyday lives, the United States, and the world.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Jenna Carlin, owner of Healed by His Grace Massage Therapy, to discuss her faith-based approach to healing and wellness. Jenna shares how her journey began with a dream to open a salon with her best friend and evolved into a passion for therapeutic touch. She offers a range of personalized services, including pet therapy with her horse, and emphasizes the importance of understanding each client’s unique needs. With experience that includes working with NFL athletes, Jenna recommends regular massages based on lifestyle and activity levels. As a mom of a child with autism, she’s also deeply involved with Autism TN and prioritizes a family-friendly, inclusive environment. Her story is one of purpose, compassion, and using her gift to serve others.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1