Reelfoot Forward

In this episode, host Scott Williams talks with Caroline Meinert, artistic director for Ballet Arts in Jackson, Tenn. She shares her story of auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes in New York City, her decision to become a dance instructor and why she decided to come back and run the studio that sparked her passion for dance. Caroline also discusses the importance of having a strong arts program in rural communities.

As a fourth generation hunter from Samburg, Tennessee, Ben Parker created Parker's Outfitting to provide hunting and fishing adventures in the region. Recording from his lodge at Reelfoot Lake, Ben talks about his time on the professional fishing circuit and how he developed the idea to provide outdoor excursions in his hometown.

It's not every day you get to hear firsthand what it's like to ride into a rodeo arena. In this episode, Casey Allen, a graduate student and member of the rodeo team at the University of Tennessee at Martin, shares about the thrill of barrel racing and break-away roping. When she is not in class, she is practicing and competing in rodeos across the country. Raised just outside of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Casey began competing against professional barrel racers at the age of 14. Listeners will enjoy hearing about the day-to-day activities of a rodeo star in this episode of "Reelfoot Forward."

Charles Choate, the host of “30 Minutes,” a community affairs program from the Thunderbolt Broadcasting Company, turns the tables on “Reelfoot Forward” host, Scott Williams, to find out more about Discovery Park of America’s new exhibit on innovation in agriculture. By 2050, agricultural production must increase dramatically to support an estimated global population of 10 billion. In this episode, you’ll hear more about how “Agriculture: Innovating for Our Survival” explores how food, fuel and fiber is being grown for an increasing population while using less of our shared natural resources. Opening Dec. 5, 2020, the exhibit tells the story of farming innovation in the past, present—and especially—future in a fun and interactive way. Williams shares behind-the-scenes details on the development of the exhibit along with a look at some of the farmers and others working in agriculture that visitors will get to know.

Jake Bynum describes his job as Weakly County mayor as being a salesman for the county. In this episode, you’ll hear how he transitioned from serving on the city board to running and winning the position of county mayor.  Whether he’s looking for ways to increase economic development or make high-speed internet access available in rural communities, Jake uses his leadership role to help improve the lives of those living in Northwest Tennessee.

By the end of this episode, you will want to hop in your car and head to Martin for some of the tastiest BBQ in Northwest Tennessee. Blake Stoker, the young, enthusiastic owner of Blake’s BBQ, shares how he discovered his love for grilling and how he is turning his food trailer business into a brick and mortar restaurant. For those listeners who enjoy grilling, Blake also shares some insider tips on smoking the perfect chicken or brisket.

As the director of the University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, Blake Brown experiences firsthand the innovation that comes as a result of agriculture research. Since opening in 1962, thousands of projects have taken place on crops including corn, cotton, soybeans, grain-sorghum, wheat and more. In this episode, Brown shares a little of what is happening at the center today along with the story of its founder, Tom McCutchen, who is known as “the father of Tennessee no-till.” McCutchen’s story is included in Discovery Park’s exhibit on innovation in agriculture that opens Dec. 5, 2020.

In this episode, three members of the Weakley County Reconciliation Project share the organization’s goal of creating a diverse, nonpartisan group of community members seeking to engage others in an open dialogue on matters of race, racism and social injustice in the region. Guests include Robert Nunley, youth programs worker; Bro. Randy Cooper, minister at First United Methodist Church of Martin; and Henrietta Giles, communications professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

From singing in her church choir to playing piano in school recitals, Achana Jarrett’s passion for the arts has played a significant role in her life. That passion is even more evident in her career. As the executive director of the Brownsville-Haywood County Arts Council, Achana continues to cultivate art programs in the community where she was raised. Listeners will enjoy hearing from this charismatic leader as she explains how music, theater, dance and art influences the lives in her community.

As the executive director of Stax Museum in Memphis, Tenn., Jeff Kollath is surrounded by the history of American soul music every day. He shares the story of STAX Records and the powerful message of educating young people by using songs from the greats, such as Jimi Hendrix, Creedence and Otis Redding. In this episode, listeners will enjoy hearing about the “happy accidents” that came from the little recording studio on East McLemore Avenue in Memphis.