Reelfoot Forward

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.

In this episode, Tyler Ford, Vice President of Workforce at Tennessee Achieves, the nonprofit organization behind the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small town in Illinois to working at Walt Disney World and eventually helping shape the future of Tennessee’s workforce through mentorship and education.

Listeners will learn how Tennessee Achieves connects students to opportunity by pairing scholarships with hands-on mentor support—especially for first-generation and rural students. Tyler discusses the life-changing power of internships, the importance of community involvement, and how volunteers across the state are helping students access higher education and career pathways.

With an impressive 84.7% of Tennessee Achieves graduates staying in-state and contributing to an $18.9 billion economic impact, this episode shines a light on how mentorship can transform both lives and communities.

This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.

In this episode, Kasey, executive director of Northwest Tennessee Tourism, takes listeners on a verbal tour of some of the people, places and waterways that define this nine-county region. From the formation of Reelfoot Lake during the New Madrid earthquakes to the stories of the first settlers and the region’s thriving small towns, Kasey, Scott and Zac discuss what makes Northwest Tennessee a hidden treasure for travelers.

Listeners will also discover can’t-miss attractions, unique festivals and the best local diners and dives. Whether you love history, outdoor adventures or small-town hospitality, this episode paints a vivid portrait of our corner of Tennessee.

This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm and Lawn.

In this episode, we step into the ring with Greg “The Golden Boy” Anthony, professional wrestler, promoter, and community leader behind Pro Wrestling Mid South. With more than two decades in the ring, Greg has worked with some of the industry’s most iconic names and now runs one of the busiest wrestling promotions in the country hosting weekly family-friendly shows in Ripley and Dyersburg, Tennessee.

In this episode, Anthony shares his journey from watching wrestling on his grandmother’s knee to winning the NWA National Heavyweight Championship, and how he’s using his platform to build something much bigger than just a show. From merchandise strategy to community outreach, Greg shares how faith, family, and storytelling continue to drive his success inside and outside the ring.

This episode is available on SoundCloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

The Calvert City Drive-In first opened in the 1950s and entertained families for decades until closing after the 2021 season, following the passing of longtime owner Ruth Evelyn Harrington. In 2023, Seth and Tabitha Manea purchased the property and reopened the drive-in, keeping its famous burgers and vintage charm alive for a new generation.

In this episode, Seth shares the story of their journey, from honoring the Harrington family’s legacy to learning the ropes of the drive-in business and reconnecting the community with this beloved summertime tradition.

This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm & Lawn.

In this episode, Jeni Veal, outdoor tourism development manager at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Bob Ford, executive director of the Hatchie River Conservancy, discuss the launch of the new Guide to Birding in Tennessee. This free statewide resource highlights birdwatching destinations across all 95 counties, along with seasonal tips, festivals and conservation practices.

They explore how birding supports tourism, outdoor recreation and local economies. With 96 million Americans participating in birdwatching each year, the guide helps position Tennessee as a top destination for birders of all experience levels.

In this special Elvis Week episode, acclaimed music historian Peter Guralnick joins us to discuss his new book, "The Colonel and the King," a deeply researched portrait of the complex relationship between Elvis Presley and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Guralnick, author of the definitive two-volume Elvis biography (Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love), offers new insight drawn from thousands of letters and documents never before made public.

In addition to stories of his early meetings with Colonel Tom Parker and others from the world of Elvis Presley, Guralnick shares his experiences researching and writing about early rock ’n’ roll, blues, country and soul in the American South.

In this episode, we spend some time with veteran journalist and newspaper editor Victor Parkins, a leading voice in rural journalism and the longtime editor and publisher of the Milan Mirror-Exchange. Victor shares his journey in the newspaper business, from growing up in a family-run newsroom founded by his father, Bob Parkins, to expanding a regional publishing company that now includes newspapers in multiple West Tennessee communities.

As local journalism faces shifting media landscapes and economic challenges, Victor offers a clear-eyed perspective on why community newspapers still matter. He discusses the unique role rural papers play in preserving local culture, keeping citizens informed, and maintaining trust in an era of national media skepticism. Victor also talks about adapting to digital platforms, reaching younger readers, and his company’s recent acquisition of The Fayette Falcon.

Whether you’re a lifelong newspaper reader or someone curious about how journalism is evolving in small towns, this episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, legacy, and the enduring importance of local news.

This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm & Lawn.

Dr. Matthew Stafford, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and distinguished academic, has spent his career shaping leaders, building innovative education programs, and defending American values—both in uniform and in the classroom. With six academic degrees and nearly 30 years of service—including roles like Chief Learning Officer for Air Education and Training Command, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Air University, and Dean of Faculty at the Federal Executive Institute—Dr. Stafford has helped guide military and civilian professionals across the globe. Now based in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he continues to share his expertise with the public.

In this episode, you’ll hear about his unlikely path from “lousy student” to Ph.D., his views on civic engagement in today’s America, and why he believes small-town conversations may hold the key to big national challenges.

Dr. Stafford is presenting a free, four-part community education series titled “U.S. Values and the Constitution” at McIver’s Grant Public Library in Dyersburg, where he will explore the philosophical and historical foundations of American democracy. The series will be held each Thursday evening from September 11 to October 2, 2025, and requires advance registration.

This inspiring episode features Lorraine Jones, founder and executive director of the Hometown Walk of Hope, a non-profit cancer agency that has raised more than $3.9 million to support cancer patients in rural West Tennessee. Lorraine shares her journey from growing up in rural West Virginia to leading wellness initiatives in Obion County for more than three decades. A passionate community leader, speaker, and podcast host of It’s All Good!, Lorraine offers insights on faith, purpose, and the power of service. Discover how she’s motivating others—especially women—to live joyfully through life’s challenges and find meaning in giving back.