Local Matters

During this episode of Local Matters, Emisha Gay joins Tiffany Anton as they discuss the exciting business of Zoned Out Gaming Lounge and how they're focused on bringing fun to the community! Gay highlights their initial start and how they got into the business before moving on to explain what they offer. From modern to retro gaming, a large area filled with a variety of billiards tables and dart boards, and so much more, Gay shares it all! Rounding out the conversation, Gay talks about the struggles they've faced along the way, balancing a business as well as being a homeschooling parent.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, three professors/students from Tennessee Tech join Jeremy Wendt to take a deep dive into all things animal science and agriculture. They explain the historic significance of agriculture in our world, and how it has taken massive strides forward to become more streamlined.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

In this heartwarming episode, George Halford sits down with magician, comedian, ventriloquist, and educator Dave Mitchell to explore a lifetime of entertaining audiences while inspiring young people through creativity, humor, and faith. Mitchell shares how childhood mentors sparked his passion for magic, how his career evolved into educational school assemblies and historical performances as Benjamin Franklin, and why investing in the next generation has remained at the center of everything he does. The conversation also reflects on the power of mentorship, the lasting impact of family-friendly entertainment, and the unexpected journeys that have shaped a remarkable life dedicated to bringing joy, learning, and encouragement to communities across the country.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

In this episode of Local Matters, host Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter for an in-depth look at the county's newly approved fiscal year budget. They break down how the certified tax rate was calculated following the countywide property reappraisal, why the budget was approved without a tax increase, and what it means for property owners across Putnam County. The conversation also explores the county's long-term financial strategy, including debt reduction, employee retention, capital improvement planning, and major projects such as the new Putnam County Expo Center, fairgrounds, transportation facility, and highway department. Mayor Porter also discusses the county's strong financial position, future growth, and the importance of planning ahead to meet the needs of one of Tennessee's fastest-growing regions. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on public service as Ben and Mayor Porter look back on more than a decade of working together to help shape the future of Putnam County.

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On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Cliff Venters and Erika Campbell of the Cookeville Fire Department join Drs. Mabry and Lee to speak on the various mental health initiatives they have to help the community. From how the fire department acts in the field to help others, to the impact a call can have on a patient's well-being, they detail everything. What mental health resources are available in the area, and how can anyone access them?

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

Education, Sports, Faith & Everything In Between

Originating from News Talk 94.1 the show deals with community issues and interests that affect listeners closer to home. With topics from major events across the nation and how they impact our area to interesting people and figures from across the Upper Cumberland. Local Matters is where local, matters.

Covering the issues that matter to you. Every weekday. News Talk 94.1

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, owners of Meg's Bread Meghan Borland & Luke Yoder join Tiffany Anton to shine a light on the business! They tell their story of how they got into the business, sharing how despite the waves being choppy, they were still able to successfully navigate it. They detail what's to come for the business, how they plan on expanding, and what loyal customers can continue to expect from them despite the new expansions/changes. Finally, they end off by detailing their upcoming cafeteria location in the Appalachian Center for Crafts!

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

As more and more focus is put into students being prepared for their next step forward, Lane Ward joins Jeremy Wendt to really highlight the process of it all. He dives into what fields of study CTE offers, as well as his current role as Career Technical Education Director. They cover career exploration labs and their benefits for students, as well as how CTE can be a useful tool for students to actually find careers after high school.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Laura Clemons joins George Halford to highlight local Cookeville history and storytelling. She begins by speaking about her journey as a writer at Tennessee Tech, and how she found a passion for history along the way. She ends off by detailing the books she has written and highlights the upcoming projects she has written about the Cookeville area's rich history.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1

In this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes writer, researcher, and local historian Laura Clemons for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, history, and the people who have shaped the Upper Cumberland. Laura reflects on her journey from growing up in Florida to finding a lifelong home in Cookeville, where a passion for writing and history led to a distinguished career documenting the stories of Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, and the region's most influential people and institutions. The discussion explores the lasting impact of Tennessee Tech's visionary presidents, the importance of preserving local history, and how stories connect generations while helping communities understand both their past and their future. Laura also shares the inspiration behind her newest book, Same Church, Different Pews, which tells the remarkable true story of an unlikely friendship between Tennessee Tech music pioneer Charles Faulkner Bryan and gifted young gospel singer Robert Bradley—a relationship that reflects the power of music to bridge cultural divides and shape the American musical tradition. It's an inspiring conversation about history, heritage, and the enduring value of preserving the stories that define the Upper Cumberland.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! The UC Now · News Talk 94.1