If you’ve watched Local 3 News any time in the past 38 years, you’ll instantly recognize this week’s guest: David Carroll.

In this episode, David shares what it was like growing up working in his family’s general store with dreams of one day hosting a gameshow. He also shares how his creativity and humor moved him up the ladder and why being “ready and available” led to most of his career opportunities.

David Carroll is the Lead Anchor of Local 3’s 4pm and 6pm newscasts. You can learn more about David on the Local 3 website: local3news.com/about-us/meet-the-team/david-carroll/article_74c164f2-2dde-52ff-b9bc-fd0a6af7faf7.html

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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Everyone’s path is impacted by their childhood, but that is especially true for Joe Smith.

In this episode, Joe shares the traumatic stories of meeting his biological parents, how hanging out with the wrong people in college led him down the path of addiction, and how an angel literally saved his life on August 1st, 1987.

Since that day, he has dedicated his life to helping others and growing early intervention and prevention programs for at-risk youth.

Joe is now the Chairman of the School Board for Hamilton County as well as Executive Director of Transform Ministries and InZone, another early intervention program for at-risk youth. 

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

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Carol Eimers grew up on a 1,500 acre playground in Idaho. It would have been easy to stay in Grangeville, but joining her high school’s debate team sparked an interest in politics and she landed in DC.

In this episode, we discuss what it was like working on Senator Fred Thompson’s campaign, how climbing Grand Teton provided mental clarity when she was at a crossroads, and her non-linear career path at TVA.

Carol Eimers is the VP and Chief Human Resources Officer for TVA. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, linkedin.com/in/carol-eimers/  

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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Growing up, Darrell Patterson didn’t think broadcasting could be a career… but once he made the realization it could be, he took it and ran with it!

In this episode, we discuss what it was like growing up as the fifth of six boys in “Mac-Minn” County, getting into a radio station at the ripe young age of 12, and leading Channel 9 around to #1 in just one year alongside Bob Johnson and Don Welch.

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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Mayor Tim Kelly has announced his intention to seek a second term as the Mayor of Chattanooga, so he’s back as a guest on the podcast to talk about what it’s *really* like to run a city government. He shares a behind-the-scenes look at the City’s recent rebrand, the rail system feasibility study, and the City-in-a-Park vision.

If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like Episode 13, where we talked about his career path that led him to become the Mayor.

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

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Bill Carney has always had a passion for woodworking and teaching others. He started his career as a high school woodshop teacher, but soon realized that he wanted to open his own business.

In this episode, we discuss the myth of job security, his brief foray into sales, and the series of events that led to him opening Chattanooga Woodworking Academy.

Bill Carney is the Founder and Director of Chattanooga Woodworking Academy. You can learn more about Bill and CWA at chattanoogawoodworkingacademy.org/about-cwa

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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Tim Dooner started his career in music production, but at 25, he left the record label life behind and found a new rhythm in logistics.

In this episode, Dooner shares what led him to pivot from the music industry to logistics, why he got sober, and how asking someone to be a guest on his podcast led him to move from Boston to Chattanooga.

Tim Dooner is the Host and Producer of the Freightwaves podcast “What the Truck?!?” You can learn more about him and listen to the podcast at freightwaves.com/news/author/timdooner

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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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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