Reelfoot Forward

Few projects have offered as many opportunities or as much controversy as the still under-construction I-69 that can be seen unfinished just behind Discovery Park. This episode’s guest, Matt Dellinger, literally wrote the book about it 10 years ago. Interstate 69: The Unfinished History of the Great American Highway took readers behind the scenes to experience the complex political, social and economic drama being this controversial road project. Now a decade after the book’s release, he shares an update on some of those he wrote about along with details not included in the book. Fans of Discovery Park will enjoy hearing more about Dellinger’s visit with Robert Kirkland just as construction was underway. Dellinger, who has written for The New Yorker, the Oxford American and Smithsonian, also led the way on digitizing the archives of publications like Esquire, Aviation Week, Maclean's and others and shares his thoughts on the past, present and future of journalism.

Known to her students as “Mrs. B,” Lynn Brasfield is a cornerstone in the foundation of Dresden Middle School. In this episode, Lynn shares her passion for teaching and how her classroom is a safe space for students to freely discuss concerns about current issues. Lynn’s story is one of remarkable circumstances. She grew up in Rutherford, Tennessee, and started high school when educational institutions began desegregation in the classroom. As an advocate for education, she explains that her classroom is a community of intrinsic learners. Every student that walks through Mrs. B’s door is greeted by Bill Withers song “Lean on Me” and is taught by the philosophy that one should “teach to the heart and the mind will follow.”

As tourist attractions and museums like Discovery Park of America reopen their doors incorporating new health and safety guidelines, it’s a good time for a conversation with Marty Marbry, the West Tennessee Division Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. In this episode, she shares a bit of her personal history in Memphis, how she got into the tourism business and her first encounters with Robert Kirkland, Discovery Park of America’s founder. Marty’s optimistic outlook for the tour and travel business will be helpful for anyone with a passion for all there is to see and do throughout the state of Tennessee.

Growing up on a century farm in Rutherford, Tenn., Curt McDaniel knows well the responsibilities that come when working on a family farm. Today, as a conservationist for the USDA and the Natural Resources Conservationist Services, he provides farmers and ranchers with assistance to voluntarily incorporate conservation practices on their land. He explains his job as “saving the earth one dirt clod at a time” while providing free assistance to those who want to be better stewards while increasing profits and production. In this episode, he also provides a behind-the-scenes look at conservation practices that address today’s needs for habitat to sustain Monarch butterflies and other pollinators whose populations are declining.

According to Micah Seavers, owner and operator of Southern Reds BBQ in Water Valley, Ky., the secret ingredient to a great successful restaurant business is family. At 12 years old, Micah started working in his family-run restaurant and hasn’t looked back in over 20 years. In this episode, you will learn that when it comes to BBQ, simple is better, and giving back to the supportive community is something Seavers holds close to his heart. He also discusses how he turned his hobby of wildlife management into Seavers Beavers, a company that helps businesses and individuals safely deal with unwanted creatures.

At Core10, a world-class technology company with offices in West Tennessee, Lee Farabaugh has figured out how to engage talented workers living in rural communities while creating the financial technology of the future. In this episode, Farabaugh shares how her passion as a graphic designer and interest in computers led to success at the intersection of creativity and technology. A longtime advocate for talented, smart and capable people taking advantage of the benefits of residing in small towns—including a low cost of living, she explains how it’s possible to enjoy a fulfilling career in tech in places other than large cities.

Dr. Keith Carver’s path took him from his childhood living with his single mother in the back of the family’s small Crockett County country store to his position as the 11th chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Martin. In this episode, Dr. Carver shares how one person made a big impact on his relationship with education and how that inspired his desire to do the same for the many students who cross his path. As one of the most respected leaders in higher education in the country today, it’s a rare opportunity to hear his take on digital classes, education in rural communities, the role of social media for leaders today and what parents should be doing with their young children to help them find their own passion.

Introducing kids and adults to the wild outdoors is exhilarating for Tara Dowdy, who is a Refuge Ranger for the National Wildlife Refuge on Reelfoot Lake. As you listen to this episode, you will hear the passion in her voice and she describes the amazing migratory waterfowl that come through on the Mississippi Flyway, as well as the stories she shares about taking visitors on a Bald eagle tour and a third grader who had never played in the mud. Dowdy's love for the outdoors is evident as she talks with Scott about her dream job as a refuge ranger, where she is able to work towards the purpose of the National Wildlife Refuge, which is to provide habitat for the migratory waterfowl.

And later, learn how you would call the fire department before the telephone was invented.

Lisa Garner has learned a thing or two about being an entrepreneur and small business owner while running her company, Garner Blue, where she makes and sells hand-dyed indigo textiles and accessories. She applies much of that knowledge to her role as executive director of theCo in Jackson, Tenn. Now considered the front door for innovation in West Tennessee, theCo provides a resource, collaborative community and support system for everyone from the serial entrepreneur to those taking their first plunge into business ownership. In the episode, Garner shares how she manages the unique space, plans and organizes events and programming, and does the initial mentoring for entrepreneurs at theCO.

And later, Russell Orr answers the question, “Which telescope, the refracting or reflecting, is the best?”

If you were to ask Matt Crosson how his journey in life led him to be the worship leader in a rural community church, you would hear an incredible story. Matt’s journey took him from social worker to business manager, to planting a church then following God’s call from Gainesville, Florida to Union City, Tennessee where he now serves as the full-time worship leader at Crosswind Church. In this episode, you will hear how his hobby of playing the guitar led to his role as a dynamic worship leader and songwriter. Also, learn how he combined another of his passions, bicycling, with missions and rode 300 miles for “Ends of the Earth,” a ministry that raises money for youth around the world.

And later, discover the story of the great debate of the T. rex.