Reelfoot Forward

In addition to his work as director of education and community engagement at the new Tennessee State Museum, Jeff Sellers is one of a group of Tennesseans who have been searching for the grave of John Haywood. Although today Haywood has been forgotten by most, he has been called “the father of Tennessee history,” “a fascinating eccentric,” “an overlooked Tennessee historian” and “the author of the most important legal innovation in antebellum southern history.” Haywood, the namesake of Tennessee’s Haywood County, authored three histories of the Old Southwest and authored four legal works, each of which served as a template for legal practice in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. In 1820, he also played a central role in founding the first historical society in the Old Southwest, The Tennessee Antiquarian Society.

In this episode, Jeff Sellers shares the fascinating story of the search for Haywood’s grave. It is thought to be on a little-noticed site off Nolensville Road in Nashville, Tenn. If located, they plan to move the remains of Haywood and his wife to a more prominent final resting place in the City Cemetery in Nashville.

You can download the legal petition to move the remains for more information about the efforts to locate Haywood here - https://bit.ly/3krMUuP.

LeEllen Smith created OUTsideIN after she saw a need in her community in 2013 when Obion County, Tenn.'s largest employer left town. Smith worked to create a nonprofit that empowers marginalized women through the creation of whimsical products and meaningful employment. In this episode, Smith dives into the details of running a nonprofit like OUTsideIN and the importance of community support. Check out their travel gear at https://outsideinworks.com/.

Broadway performer Bart Shatto is currently at work with a team in New York on a new play about Tennessean David Crockett. The folk hero, frontiersman, politician and Tennessee settler made his home in Northwest Tennessee from 1822 until he departed for the Alamo in 1835. In this episode, Shatto shares the inspiration behind his exciting career and a few of the details of his upcoming play about Crockett. Shatto was a member of the original Broadway casts of the Tony-nominated "Hands on a Hardbody" and "The Civil War," he has also been seen on Broadway in "War Paint," the iconic role of Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" and originating the role of Quincey Morris in "Dracula." His television credits include guest appearances on "Murphy Brown," NBC's 'Chicago Med," Fox Family's "Ghost Stories," and "Guiding Light." As a singer, Shatto is a veteran member of the Gold/Platinum-selling symphonic progressive rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

John Perez's passion for healthy living and anti-bullying lead him to the fascinating world of jiu jitsu, a self defense based martial arts. Perez and his wife Riss are the owners of Dogwood Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense in Dyersburg, Tenn. From Texas to Tennessee, Perez has spread his knowledge of jiu jitsu to children and adults alike, teaching them self defense and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. His goal is to build a team of individuals from the Dyer County community that are looking for self defense training, fitness and anti-bullying strategies in a fun and safe family environment. To learn more about Dogwood Brazilian Jiu Jitsu visit dogwoodbjj.com or visit their Facebook page.

Roy Herron is a public servant, attorney, minister and author with a deep-rooted history in West Tennessee. In this episode, he shares some of the stories from his new book, “Faith in Politics: Southern Political Battles Past and Present.” Herron has a lot to draw from after a career that includes 16 years as a Tennessee State Senator and 10 years as a Tennessee State Representative. He is also a former Methodist minister, a professional speaker and was a teacher at both Vanderbilt and at his alma mater, The University of Tennessee at Martin. You will also love to listen in as Herron talks about some of the fascinating characters he has met in his career and shares his valuable insight on both religion at politics today. His latest book is available on Amazon.com.

Dresden, Tenn. native Gwendolyn Hopkins has been making people laugh for as long as she can remember. In this episode, Hopkins shares her journey on becoming a professional comedian, while maintaining a career in human resources. Hopkins tells the story of how her friends, family and faith have shaped her comedy and who she is today. Learn more information about her comedy and upcoming shows on her Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

Spend a little time with Dan Knowles, and you’ll quickly find yourself inspired by this award-winning writer, artist and musician. In this episode, he shares the arts journey that took him from his childhood in California to the stage of the Grand Old Opry to riverboats on the Mississippi to his current home in Paris, Tenn. Today, Knowles both plays and creates banjos, mandolins and dulcimers in his Paris studio and is the artist responsible for many of the giant murals now found on many of the large buildings in town. Learn more about his music athttps://bit.ly/3uYqk04 . Learn more about his art at https://bit.ly/3ggUGWb.

Film, television, theatre and live events producer Samuel Goldberg recently contributed to the work of the Discovery Park of America team on the safety portion of the new exhibit on innovation in agriculture. His latest movie, “Silo,” has now been released in theaters around the country. It’s an incredible story based on real-life events about how a community came together to save a boy trapped in a silo grain bin. In this episode, Goldberg shares how a New Yorker who grew up in Manhattan was inspired to produce a film on grain bin entrapment. It’s a fascinating story of how the film made the journey from an idea tossed his way by a friend in Tennessee to finally premiering in theaters around the country. Find out more about “Silo” at silothefilm.com.

This special episode with Dr. Timothy Smith was recorded during Discovery Park’s Military History and Armed Forces Symposium. Dr. Smith was one of the featured historians on “Grant,” a three-night mini-series from The History Channel. The live audience learned more about the life and career of Ulysses S. Grant and the Civil War and discovered how history-related documentaries are made. Dr. Smith also shared suggestions on getting your children interested in the past and the best historic Tennessee destinations. He is the author of more than 20 books on topics ranging from Shiloh to Champion Hill to Vicksburg to Grant. You can watch the documentary on the History Channel and purchase Dr. Smith’s books on Amazon.

Learn more: history.com/shows/grant

Kirstan Blanchard took advantage of her time in quarantine to launch a successful lifestyle blog. Today, she shares her passion for beauty, affordable fashion and mental health for mothers with thousands of followers from around the world. In this episode, she shares her journey and provides tips and tricks to creating a personal brand, gaining followers and creating engaging content. You can view her blog at kirstanblanchard.com or follow her on Instagram at @kirstanrblanchard.