Reelfoot Forward

In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, Jennifer Glass, West Tennessee writer and educator, discusses her new memoir, "Little Miss McKenzie: Memories of an Average Girl in an Average but Perfect Small Town." With warmth, humor and sharp observation, Glass revisits growing up in McKenzie, Tennessee, and captures the people, places and everyday moments that shaped her childhood in a rural community.

Glass shares how years of storytelling eventually became a book, why self-publishing made sense for her, and what it felt like to hold the finished memoir in her hands. She also reflects on the surprisingly universal response readers have had to the book, even when they’ve never set foot in McKenzie.

This episode is sponsored by Thompson CAT Machinery Rentals.

On this episode, we talk with Kentucky author Susan Geveden Fisher, whose novels draw deeply from memories of family, rural life and the places that shaped those who came of age in the 1970s.

Susan grew up in Graves County, Kentucky, where she experienced cruising through town with close friends, eight-track cassettes, church socials and visits to Columbus-Belmont State Park where parents actually met. Fittingly, that was recently the location of one of the book launch events for her seventh novel, “Bluff Road.”

Susan shares how the quarantines of the COVID-19 pandemic led her to rediscover a passion for writing, which resulted in her first book, “You Just Said the Perfect Thing to Me.” She provides a behind-the-scenes look at self-publishing on Amazon and finding readers through social media and regional events.

It’s a conversation about believing in yourself, jumping into the unknown and using the stories of ordinary people and familiar places to connect with readers in a powerful way.

On this episode, Houston Kelly, a 20-year-old country and soul singer and student at UT Martin, shares details of his recent experience on NBC’s The Voice.

He talks about the long road to The Voice, including three audition attempts, the emotional timing of receiving his callback on the day of his grandfather’s funeral and the unforgettable moment Kelly Clarkson turned her chair during his Blind Audition performance of “Walking in Memphis.”

The conversation also explores Houston’s Memphis roots, his love of country and soul music, his faith, his experience in Los Angeles and the business side of being an independent artist. He also discusses managing his own bookings and social media, keeping control of his original songs and his plans to grow a strong regional following while finishing his ag business degree at UT Martin.

It’s a conversation about talent, perseverance, family, faith and what it means to chase a dream while staying grounded in West Tennessee.

This episode of "Reelfoot Forward” features a conversation with Curb Records country singer-songwriter Mo Pitney. On July 3, 2026, he will headline the final night of Discovery Park of America’s Rhythm on the Rails concert series and kick off the museum and heritage park’s America 250 celebration.

Pitney shares his journey from growing up near Rockford, Illinois, in a family rooted in gospel, country and bluegrass music to moving to Nashville at 18, where he ultimately found success in the music industry. He discusses his early record deals, his eventual home at Curb Records, his Grand Ole Opry debut and the artists who shaped his sound, including Johnny Cash, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Jimmy Martin and Bill Monroe.

The conversation also explores Pitney’s current creative season, including his bluegrass project “Cherokee Pioneer,” recorded in Johnny Cash’s cabin; his new album, “The Outskirts of Town”; and “Fiddle Around,” a song inspired by his wife, Emily, and her return to playing fiddle. Pitney also talks about their new TikTok Live performances; his YouTube channel, “Wood Feathers and Fur,” which follows his family’s bowhunting adventures; and his work with Rahab House, a nonprofit he and Emily co-founded to provide rescue, refuge and restoration for survivors of human trafficking.

Pitney also offers a preview of his July 3 performance at Discovery Park, where he will perform with his full country band and later return for a more intimate acoustic set with Emily on fiddle and Pitney on guitar. It’s a conversation about traditional bluegrass and country music, faith, family, heritage, the outdoors and the power of songs that tell a story.

More:

Mo Pitney at Rhythm on the Rails/America 250 Kick-off, Friday night, July 3, 2026

MpPitney.com

Mo Pitney - Old Home Place (Official Music Video)

Mo Pitney - Fiddle Around (Official Lyric Video)

Pitney Meyer - Cherokee Pioneer (Making The Album)

Wood Feathers And Fur

In this episode, Morgan Siebert, owner and executive director of the Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois shares how her father, Jim Hambrick, built one of the world’s largest Superman collections from a childhood lunchbox into a museum with more than 75,000 artifacts.

She discusses carrying on his legacy, connecting with fans through social media, working with Warner Bros. and DC on movie promotions and helping Metropolis grow as the “Home of Superman.” The conversation also explores the museum’s impact on tourism, the annual Superman Celebration and Morgan’s ideas for future exhibits, murals, photo opportunities and traveling exhibits.

This episode is sponsored by Thompson Machinery CAT Rentals.

In this episode, Kim Bearden, executive director of Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis shares how a search for a journalism job led her to Elmwood in 1998 and how the cemetery became what she now describes as her second home.

Founded in 1852, Elmwood is the oldest active cemetery in Memphis and holds the stories of roughly 80,000 people. Bearden discusses the cemetery’s role in preserving Memphis history, from yellow fever victims and Civil War burials to musicians, writers, civic leaders and everyday Memphians whose lives reflect the city’s complicated past.

The conversation also explores the practical work of running a historic cemetery, including monument preservation, tree care, records, tours, events and long-term planning as Elmwood looks ahead to a future with less available burial space. Bearden explains the meaning behind symbols found on Victorian monuments, shares stories of some of Elmwood’s notable burials and discusses how historic cemeteries can help communities understand memory, grief, faith and the history of its people.

This episode is sponsored by Premier Primary Care of Union City, Tenn.

In this episode, Scott talks with Jordan Campbell, founder of Campbell’s Family Entertainment in Union City. Campbell grew up in Obion County, graduated from Obion County Central High School and studied engineering at the University of Tennessee at Martin. His interest in magic began in elementary school after he watched a YouTube tutorial and taught himself a trick. Later, with encouragement from mentor Larry Mink, he booked his first magic show and began turning a personal interest into a business.

Campbell discusses how he built his business by offering comedy magic shows, balloon animals and entertainment packages for birthdays, schools, festivals, company picnics and other family events. He also talks about the practical side of being a performer, including learning new tricks, promoting himself, contacting schools and organizations and adapting his show for different audiences. The conversation also looks ahead to his goals, including expanding into larger stage illusions and exploring opportunities through the amusement and attractions industry.

This episode is brought to you by Premier Primary Care.

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

To learn more, visit: campbellsfamilyentertainment.com.

Episode 226: Senad Agusi: Reviving Union City’s Historic Theatre

In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, meet Senad Agusi, an architectural designer and engineer who has traveled from Australia to help bring new life to one of Union City’s historic landmarks. Senad discusses the renovation of the Masquerade Theatre, formerly the Capitol Theatre, and the careful balance between preserving a nearly century-old building while updating it to meet modern safety, accessibility and performance standards.

From uncovering pieces of the theatre’s past to designing improvements that will shape its future, Senad shares how architecture, engineering and community collaboration are helping transform this historic space into a revitalized performing arts destination for West Tennessee.

This episode is brought to you by Main Street Union City.

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

To learn more, visit www.ucmasqueradetheatre.com

What does it take to build a thriving arts community?

In this episode, Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, shares his story of how one man’s background in television, advertising and promotion evolved into a decades-long mission to support artists and expand access to the visual arts across West Tennessee.

Belz shares how he went from working behind the scenes in media and entertainment marketing to organizing major art shows and founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists succeed both creatively and professionally. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Art in the Loop, a free annual festival that brings together dozens of artists, live demonstrations and classical music for thousands of attendees each spring.

If you care about creativity, community and the power of the arts to inspire and transform, this episode offers both insight and practical ideas for getting involved.

What does it take to build a thriving arts community in a place where resources are limited but creativity is not? In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, host Scott Williams sits down with Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, to explore how one man’s background in television, advertising and promotion evolved into a decades-long mission to support artists and expand access to the visual arts across Memphis and West Tennessee. Belz shares how he went from working behind the scenes in media and entertainment marketing to organizing major art shows and founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists succeed both creatively and professionally. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Art in the Loop, a free annual festival that brings together dozens of artists, live demonstrations and classical music for thousands of attendees each spring. The conversation goes beyond events to examine why art matters, especially in smaller and rural communities. Belz makes the case that art is not just decoration, but education, craftsmanship and economic opportunity. Along the way, Scott and Greg uncover shared connections in Memphis media and reflect on the people and experiences that shaped their paths. If you care about creativity, community and the power of the arts to inspire and transform, this episode offers both insight and practical ideas for getting involved.

This episode features Miranda Fraley Rhodes, Ph.D., assistant chief curator at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville. Miranda discusses how the museum’s exhibitions and interpretive programming help Tennesseans connect with their shared history through inclusive storytelling and compelling artifacts.

The conversation highlights the museum’s new exhibition, "Tennessee Voices, American Stories," created as part of the statewide America 250 commemoration. The exhibit features three areas centered on key concepts from the preamble to the United States Constitution: “We the People,” “A More Perfect Union,” and “The Blessings of Liberty.” Each area includes artifacts and stories related to remarkable people who helped to build Tennessee and the United States.

Spanning from the 18th century to the present, the exhibition brings together early statehood items and cultural artifacts tied to music, civil rights, public service and more, showing how both prominent figures and everyday people contribute to the ongoing American story.

Rhodes gives listeners a richer appreciation for how museums use objects, research and storytelling to make history tangible, memorable, and meaningful for visitors of all ages.

Links

More about "Tennessee Voices, American Stories"

Plan a visit to the Tennessee State Museum

Tennessee Voice, American Stories: 95 Counties Road Trip

Tennessee America 50

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.