Episode 222: Thomas Batchelor and Fred Bloom: From Tennessee to The Alamo

In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, Interpretive Ranger Thomas H. Batchelor and historic interpreter Fred Bloom of David Crockett Birthplace State Park join the conversation to explore the real life, legacy and enduring legend of David Crockett, one of Tennessee’s most iconic figures. The discussion comes at a pivotal moment for the park. Hurricane Helene devastated the site in 2024, destroying interpretive spaces, the reconstructed farmstead and monuments along the Nolichucky River. The team there has since been reimagining how to connect people to Crockett’s story and rebuild a network of stewards who care about preserving his legacy.

Out of that opportunity comes The Alamo Pilgrimage, a weeklong journey retracing Crockett’s path from Tennessee through Arkansas and into Texas, culminating at the Alamo for the 190th anniversary of the battle. Traveling in a mobile homestead, the crew will visit key historic sites, share live educational content and document the journey in real time, all while building regional partnerships and elevating the authentic Crockett story beyond myth and folklore. As a symbolic gesture, they will present a stone from Crockett’s birthplace cabin to the Alamo, reinforcing the connection between these historic landscapes.

From separating fact from fiction to examining Crockett’s political career, migration across Tennessee and global popularity, this episode offers both history and hope, showing how digital storytelling, collaboration and community engagement can help carry the Crockett story from the banks of the Nolichucky River to the walls of the Alamo and into a new generation.

More:

David Crockett State Park on Facebook

Visit David Crockett State Park

David Crockett at Discovery Park of America

The Alamo 190 Salute

This episode of Reelfoot Forward is sponsored by McDonalds and McWorth Management.

This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.

This episode features a conversation with Kevin and Stacie Herrell, the husband-and-wife team behind Higher Ground Coffee Company and Vantage Coffee Roasters. They share how a love of great coffee turned into a nearly 20-year journey of building a specialty coffee business in Union City and Martin. The Herrells reflect on the challenges and rewards of running a hometown business, the importance of local partnerships, and how coffee shops have become gathering places that help strengthen a community. From learning the craft of roasting quality beans to adapting to changing tastes and trends, this conversation offers inspiration for anyone in business today.

This episode is sponsored by The Citizens Bank.

This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.

On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Mandy Hinson, a familiar voice and face to many in the region from her years at West Tennessee PBS, shares her personal journey from growing up in South Fulton to navigating early college struggles, modeling in Atlanta, and even working behind the scenes during the 1996 Olympic Games. Those experiences eventually led her back home to complete her degree and begin a long and meaningful career in public media, where she spent nearly two decades connecting communities through storytelling and fundraising.

Today, Mandy serves in community and donor relations at St. John’s Community Services, where she helps support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as families facing housing and food insecurity. She talks about the organization’s person-centered approach, their food and clothing pantry, and the powerful impact of community partnerships in West Tennessee. It’s a conversation about second chances, finding your calling, and the people and places that shape a life of service.

On this episode Dr. Dexter Davis, sports management professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, shares his journey from coaching and athletic administration to academia, and how that path led to building one of the most exciting experiential learning opportunities in collegiate sports — sending students to work behind the scenes at the NFL Super Bowl.

​Discover how the student program has grown from a handful of participants to a national cohort representing dozens of colleges, and what day-to-day responsibilities students take on during Super Bowl week — from event operations and hospitality to customer service to supporting major brands. Dr. Davis breaks down the careful selection process, the life skills students gain, and powerful success stories of alumni who leveraged the experience into amazing careers.

Along the way, Dr. Davis shares the value of hands-on sports management education, the impact of rural institutions and what this year’s trip means for UT Martin students heading to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers.

To financially support the Super Bowl program at UT Martin, visit give.utm.edu and select the College of Business and Global Affairs Gift Fund. Note the designation of this gift is to support the CBGA Super Bowl Experience.

This episode is sponsored by McDonald's and McWorth Management.

As Discovery Park joins the rest of the nation in kicking off the America 250 commemoration—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—Tommy Young, Vice President of Surveying at L.I. Smith & Associates, joins us for a fascinating conversation about the world of land surveying—past, present and future.

With deep Tennessee roots and over 25 years in the field, Young offers a behind-the-scenes look at how surveyors shape the landscapes we live in, from cutting-edge GPS tools to centuries-old compasses and Gunter’s chains. Listeners will discover how early surveyors like James Winchester helped define state boundaries—and why understanding history remains essential to the profession today.

Young also shares insights into Tennessee’s unique land systems, modern property disputes, and how AI might one day help decode long-lost records and handwritten deeds. Whether you’re a history buff, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the ground beneath your feet, this episode delivers a compelling journey across time and terrain.

What’s next for Discovery Park of America? In this special Reelfoot Forward episode, CEO Scott Williams sits down with senior collections and exhibits director Jennifer Wildes and manager of marketing and PR Zac Willis for a look at what’s ahead in 2026 at the museum and park.

The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes preview of upcoming exhibits, major events and cultural celebrations, including plans tied to America’s 250th anniversary, new permanent exhibitions, expanded educational programming and returning events that have become regional traditions. Listeners will hear how Discovery Park selects exhibits, balances popular demand with mission-driven storytelling and plans year-round experiences for children and adults.

As Discovery Park commemorates the 230th anniversary of Tennessee’s statehood and the national America 250 celebration, several new exhibits will open next year. The museum will host "Home, Heart, Heritage: Quilt Exhibition Celebrating Black History," a traveling exhibition from Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center that features five double-sided quilts celebrating Black American contributions to Tennessee and the nation. Listeners will also learn more about "Brushstrokes of a Young Nation: The Art of David Wright," which will be on display in the Southern Artist Showcase Gallery. The exhibition will include prints by celebrated Tennessee artist David Wright, whose paintings of early settlers, frontier life and America’s expansion offer a vivid visual journey through the nation’s formative years.

Another major highlight of Discovery Park’s Tennessee America 250 programming discussed in the episode is the Celebrating 250 Years of Independence event July 3–4, 2026. On Friday, July 3, country music artist Mo Pitney will headline a free outdoor concert as part of Discovery Park’s Rhythm on the Rails series.

Whether you’re a longtime member, a first-time visitor or simply curious about how a regional museum plans for the future, this episode offers a candid, informative look at how Discovery Park continues to evolve while staying rooted in the stories of West Tennessee and the Reelfoot Lake region.

This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.

On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Stephanie Riley, founder of B3 Creative Agency in Jackson, Tennessee, shares her journey from early graphic design training and freelance work in college at UT Martin to starting — and successfully growing — two advertising agencies in West Tennessee.

The conversation traces the evolution of graphic design from traditional tools like rub-on type and amberlith to today’s digital platforms, along with the power of networking, chamber involvement, and small-town relationships in building a sustainable business. Stephanie also discusses her passion for team culture, mentoring young creatives, and why she believes smaller communities like Jackson offer unmatched opportunities for connection and impact.

Listeners will also hear about Stephanie’s work promoting live music in West Tennessee through initiatives like Jackson Hidden Tracks, the Blue Suede Rockabilly Weekend honoring Carl Perkins, and collaborations with local musicians and educators. From advertising and design to music and community-building, this episode highlights how creativity thrives in rural places when people invest where they live.

This episode is sponsored by Main Street, Union City.

On this episode, Sarah Campbell Drury, vice president of fine and decorative arts at Case Auctions, shares her journey from a career in television news to becoming one of Tennessee’s leading appraisers, known for uncovering rare books, documents, antiques and Southern historical treasures.

With stories that range from authenticating overlooked family heirlooms to identifying high-value pieces hidden in plain sight, Sarah offers a fascinating look into how provenance, research and a trained eye bring history to life. She also shares how Case Auctions expanded globally during the pandemic through online bidding platforms, now attracting thousands of collectors from more than 30 countries.

Whether you love antiques, Southern history or simply a good story about unexpected discoveries, this episode shines a light on the art of appraisals and auctions and the thrill of connecting people with the objects that shaped our past.

This episode is sponsored by Main Street, Union City.

This episode features Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, musician, educator and director of the music program at the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee. From his first Apple IIe computer to earning a PhD in music, Dr. Tubbs shares his journey through the evolving world of music education and technology.

Listeners will hear how his childhood fascination with sound turned into a lifelong passion for teaching and performing, and how he’s helping shape the next generation of musicians in West Tennessee. The conversation also explores the power of community in supporting live music—from the JAMS (Jackson Area Music Society) Facebook page that connects thousands of local music lovers each week, to opportunities for student performances at Discovery Park of America.

Whether you’re a lifelong musician, an educator or just someone who loves a good story about creativity and persistence, this episode strikes the right chord.

This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.

In this episode, the tables are turned as Zac sits down with Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams and senior director of exhibits and collections Jennifer Wildes for a behind-the-scenes conversation about their shared passion for history, storytelling and the museum experience.

Jennifer served as editor of Scott’s latest biography, "Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis."

Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in Memphis to helping build Discovery Park alongside founder Robert Kirkland, reflecting on her years curating artifacts and designing exhibits that inspire. Scott discusses his career path from Graceland to the Newseum to Discovery Park, his process as an author, and his new book. Together, they explore the fascinating story of early Memphis, the life and legacy of Marcus Winchester, and the importance of preserving and sharing Tennessee’s rich history for future generations.