Storytellers with Darren Leach

Discover the remarkable journey of Thomas and Rosemary Mariner—a partnership forged through love, service, and an unwavering commitment to equality. Storytellers explores their life together, Rosemary’s groundbreaking path through the U.S. Navy, and the barriers they challenged along the way. Through courage, sacrifice, and determination, their story reveals the personal side of the fight for equality and the lasting impact they made on the Navy and those who followed.

Joey Smith of Clinton, Tennessee, joins The Storytellers with Darren Leach to share his personal journey, the experiences that shaped his life, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Through honest conversation and memorable stories, Joey offers insights on our history, life, community, and the moments that define him.

On this episode of Storytellers, host Darren Leach sits down with Ronnie Fox and Stanley Fox of Fox Toyota for a conversation about family, business, and community. The Foxes share the story behind their dealership, lessons learned through years of serving East Tennessee, and the values that have helped build lasting relationships with customers and employees alike. From business insights to personal memories, this episode offers a look at the people and principles behind a trusted local name.

A look back at the Clinton High School 1992 Runner Up football team, celebrating the players, coaches, and unforgettable season that left a lasting mark on the school and community. This podcast revisits the hard work, standout moments, and legacy of a team that came up just short but is still remembered with pride.

We are honored to welcome Sid Spiva—a man whose life unfolds in powerful and unexpected chapters shaped by roots in East Tennessee, a deep love of music, a commitment to education, faith-driven service, and a lifelong desire to build things that last. Raised in Clinton, influenced early by family and a teacher who recognized his potential, Sid’s story begins in small classrooms and living-room jam sessions that quietly set the course for an extraordinary journey.

That journey carried him from a steel guitar and the Tennessee Barn Dance to life on the road with Dolly Parton during some of the most influential years in country music history—along the way crossing paths with legends, collecting unforgettable stories, and learning the cost and reward of performing at the highest level.

When the music chapter closed, Sid answered another call—finishing college, becoming a teacher, and eventually leading schools as a respected principal. His path later moved into ministry, where faith and leadership intersected, and then into licensed contracting, where building with his hands mirrored the work he had always done with people. Through it all—whether riding motorcycles, mentoring others, or reflecting on lessons learned—Sid’s life has been marked by curiosity, courage, and service.

This conversation explores the roots, the road, the risks, and the reflections of a life well lived.
Please welcome Sid Spiva to the Storytellers stage.

Mollie Farrar and Jenky Walker join host Darren Leach on Storytellers to share their stories of family, creativity, and breathing new life into a historic space. As the sisters behind Hoskins in the Flat, located in the original 1930s Hoskins Drug Store in Clinton, Tennessee, they talk about honoring their family’s legacy while blending art, events, and community into a place where history and imagination meet.

In this episode of Storytellers, we are honored to welcome Pastor Wayne Phillips—born in Wartburg, Tennessee, and shaped by a lifelong calling to ministry and community. A graduate of Lake City High School and Cumberland College, Pastor Wayne has faithfully served Main Street Church since 1985 alongside his wife, Joan. From Youth Pastor to Senior Pastor, his more than two decades of leadership have been marked by a passion for building a healthy New Testament church that lifts high the name of Jesus and impacts the world for God’s glory. Join us as Pastor Wayne shares his story, his calling, and his heart for transformation through the Gospel.

In this tenth episode of Storytellers, host Darren Leach welcomes a true Anderson County original — Jim Ern Medley. Born and raised right here in Anderson County, Jim’s life is one defined by service, leadership, and community. A lifelong educator, dedicated mentor, and retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, Jim has spent decades shaping lives both in the classroom and on the field of duty.

Join us as Jim shares his remarkable journey — from his roots in Anderson County to his years of military service and the lessons learned along the way. It’s an inspiring conversation about dedication, integrity, and the power of giving back.

Tune in to Storytellers — where we celebrate the lives and legacies of those who make Anderson County proud.

We are thrilled to welcome Charles Edward McRae, former NFL offensive tackle and first-round draft pick, to Storytellers! Charles’s journey is a powerful story of grit, determination, and perseverance — from his roots in a small Tennessee town to the bright lights of the NFL.

Early Life & High School
Born at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan, Charles moved to Clinton, Tennessee, at the age of seven. He attended Clinton Senior High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball, laying the foundation for his remarkable athletic career.

College Career
Charles went on to play for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, initially as a defensive lineman before making a successful transition to offensive tackle. His standout performance earned him multiple All-SEC honors, including a First-Team selection in 1990, along with academic recognition for his excellence off the field.

NFL Highlights

• 7th overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the first offensive player selected that year.
• Played 84 games in the NFL, starting 39, while contributing at both right tackle and left guard.
• Finished his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1996.

Legacy Beyond Football
After retiring from the NFL, Charles continued to inspire, earning inductions into the Clinton High School Wall of Fame, the Anderson County Hall of Fame, and the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.

Join us as Charles shares stories from his days on the field, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his vision for life beyond football. This episode of Storytellers is a must-listen for sports fans and anyone passionate about perseverance, leadership, and personal growth.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Shelley Sexton Collier, a standout athlete from Lake City, Tennessee, whose love for basketball led her to the pinnacle of collegiate success. Shelley shares her experience playing under the legendary Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee, where she helped lead the Lady Vols to a national championship. We explore her high school stardom, her impact on the court during one of UT’s most dominant eras, and what it was like being part of a powerhouse program that changed the landscape of women's basketball forever.