Edna Varner always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and thought she would be one forever! But once she was selected to be a principal, she knew it was the right move. Now she advises other educators in her role with the Public Education Foundation.

In this episode, Edna shares how she hit the jackpot with her parents and teachers, the two times she received very direct feedback (which made her rise to the occasion), and the meaning of the gift of “with.” 

Edna Varner is the Senior Advisor of Leading and Learning at the Public Education Foundation. You can learn more about Edna and PEF on their website (pefchattanooga.org/our-team/dr.-edna-varner).

If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like:

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

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For a special end-of-year episode, I bring back my good friends Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn to continue the tradition of an annual wrap-up episode. We peel back the curtain and talk about My Morning Cup’s 2024 highlights, memorable moments with guests, and lessons learned.

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

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Most people can’t say they’ve biked coast-to-coast, but Dave Kinzler accomplished such a feat at a young age, and set out to accomplish even more throughout his life.

In this episode, Dave shares his 80% rule, why he believes in comfort in uncertainty, and the path that led him from the Marines to Capital Hill to One to One Health.

Dave Kinzler is the CEO of One to One Health, an innovative healthcare provider focused on lowering healthcare costs, one patient at a time. Learn more about One to One on their website (onetoonehealth.com) and you can connect with Dave on Linkedin (linkedin.com/in/davidkinzler).

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

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Father Dale Hall is back for a special holiday-edition of My Morning Cup. Instead of focusing on his career path like we did in Episode 49, we talk more in-depth about the CHATT Foundation, the three things that we can all do right now to support our local community, and about the upcoming Night of Remembrance.

You can learn more about the CHATT Foundation and their programs on their website (chattfoundation.org/get-involved)

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

After 44 years of local reporting, there’s not a person who knows Chattanooga’s story better than Dave Flessner, which is exactly why we wanted to have him as our guest for the 100th episode of the podcast.

In this episode, Dave shares the unconventional path that led him to be a journalist, the history of the Times Free Press, and some of the hardest stories he’s had to cover during his career.

Dave Flessner recently retired as the Business Editor of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. You can read his articles on the TFP website and you can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/david-flessner-39243413).

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

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Bill Crawford has worked his way up from Residential Wireman to President and CEO of Lawson Electric over the past 39 years.

In this episode, he shares how he started negotiating from the young age of 14 when he bought a car for his family, how he successfully grew the Dalton branch of the Lawson Electric, and why you should always look within before saying yes to opportunities.

Bill Crawford is the President and CEO of Lawson Electric. You can learn more about Lawson Electric on their website (lawsonelectric.com/about) and you can connect with Bill on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/bill-crawford-3818b717)

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

George Bryant set out on a new path once he saw his parents’ tax return. From then, he knew he wanted to help others by demystifying money.

In this episode, George shares what it was like growing up in the family sandwich business, stories of several odd jobs he’s held, and how he got into finance despite originally wanting to be a doctor. Plus, he shares advice for young investors and the financial mistakes he sees many people making.

George Bryant is a Co-Founder and Principal of Apogee Wealth Partners. You can learn more about George and Apogee on his website (apogeewp.com/team) and you can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/george-bryant-cfp%C2%AE-4449b11b7).

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

• Jay Kennamer’s Morning Cup (E15)

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

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Allen Clare’s career has come full circle, from working in coal bunkers as a teenager to becoming GM of Eastern Coal and Gas for TVA. Now he’s the Senior Vice President of Power Operations, responsible for all non-nuclear power generation.

In this episode, Allen shares his “North Star” that guided many decisions, what it was like living at sea while in Navy, and the three skills he believes are essential for great leadership. We also discuss how the energy industry has evolved over the past 8 years and TVA’s focus for the future.

Allen Clare is the SVP of Power Operations for TVA. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/allen-clare-74709a62).

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

• Matt Rasmussen’s Morning Cup (E57)

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

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Michael and Angela Ballard have used their careers as a tool to do what they love the most: travel.

In this episode, we talk about what it was like for both of them to grow up on cattle and dairy farms, why Michael moved to Saudi Arabia at the age of 12, and how Angela gave a stipulation when Michael proposed… which lit the travel flame for them. They also share stories from all around the world and explain how they now help other people travel.

Angela and Michael Ballard are the owners of We Married Adventure. You can learn more about them on their website, wemarriedadventure.com, and you can connect with them on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aesballard & linkedin.com/in/mike-ballard-2bb0587

You can also check out the websites they mentioned, nomadmania.com & secretflying.com 

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

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Charlie has made his mark supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, not only in Chattanooga, but all across Tennessee.

In this episode, Charlie shares what it was like growing up in the Brock Candy family business, how he first got involved in the startup ecosystem as CEO of The Company Lab and then LaunchTN, and why he creates “intentional serendipitous collisions” for entrepreneurs.

We also discuss quantum computing and and how Chattanooga will benefit from the technology.

Charlie Brock is the Founder of Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/charliebrock) and learn more about the CQC on their website (chattanoogaquantum.com)

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

• Hal Bowling’s Morning Cup (E75)

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. 

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!