Mark Creter talks with Angela Witzell from Dogwood Exchange, a unique retreat center that has evolved from a retail shop into a creative getaway focused on the arts. Angela shares how discovering art during a difficult season—sparked by her grandmother’s quilting—opened the door to exploring nearly every style she could get her hands on. She highlights the retreat’s flexible offerings, from overnight stays to simple family day-getaways, all surrounded by the property’s historic neighboring homes. With nearly a decade of growth behind it, Dogwood Exchange continues to inspire guests to slow down, create, and connect. literock959.com

Mark Creter sits down with Patrick Mannle, Assistant Cultural Arts Technician, and Rex Bennett, Cultural Arts Superintendent at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center, to talk about the upcoming production of Lost Girl, directed by Kimberly Belflower. Patrick reflects on his lifelong connection to theater—including performing at CPAC for the first time at just three years old—and shares why the award-winning Back Door Playhouse Series is such a unique part of Cookeville’s arts scene. Rex highlights the rapid growth of Cookeville’s arts and dance community and discusses his role at CPAC, sharing his excitement for the thriving creative culture in the area. The conversation also teases special technical elements and props audiences can look forward to—without giving too much away. literock959.com

Mark Creter sits down with April Haden, the creative force behind Artsy Fartsy Paint Studio on the Byrdstown Square. Haden shares how she built a space where local artists—from woodworkers to tattoo artists—can thrive, teach, and sell their work. From pottery wheels with no time limits to portrait painting, custom crafts, photography, and upcoming specialty classes, the studio offers something for every kind of creator. She also highlights new community events, volunteer opportunities, and how anyone can get involved with Byrdstown’s growing arts scene.

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Mark Creter sits down with 2’Live Bre to talk about his journey from a childhood split between the church and the streets, to finding purpose and power through music. He opens up about going on tour with Jelly Roll, the challenges of being a young artist in the industry, and staying true to himself in a world that often tries to mold you. With raw honesty, Bre shares the impact he hopes to make—through his music, his story, and his work helping youth in his community. From his biggest influences to his biggest supporter—his son—this is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and passion.

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Mark Creter sits down with local author and Silver Falchion Award finalist Sean Mitchell for a fun and insightful conversation about his lifelong love of storytelling. From typing his first short stories with one finger to finally finishing a novel 30 years in the making, Sean shares how he let go of traditional writing rules and let his characters take the lead. He dives into the art of naming characters, his biggest influences , and what it really takes to get published—both traditionally and independently. With four books under his belt and a fifth on the way, Sean proves that writing isn’t just work—it’s a playground.

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In this episode, Mark Creter sits down with Bill Kerr, conductor of the Cumberland County Community Band, to talk about the group’s journey and community spirit. Since its first concert on December 10, 2000, the band has brought free, family-friendly performances to the Upper Cumberland. Bill shares his background in music education and his passion for creating programs that musicians and audiences alike can enjoy. Listeners will also hear how the band gives back through scholarships for local high school seniors, all while celebrating what Bill calls “a true community experience.”

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What do underground newspapers, teenage mischief, and creative freedom have in common? This week, Mark Creter sits down with zine publisher Dorian Hribar to dive into the bold, expressive world of fan zines. From co-editing his high school paper to launching his own zine First Of Many, Dorian shares the rebellious roots and rich history of zine culture — where self-publishing meets raw authenticity. Hear how his work with Tennessee Tech’s UNCLE organization fuels his passion for design, storytelling, and breaking the rules (in print, at least). It’s a crash course in creativity with a punk rock edge — and you’ll want to tune in!

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In this episode, Mark Creter sits down with Tom Neckvatal of the Cumberland Woodturners to explore the craft and passion behind woodturning — or as Tom simply puts it, “We make things round.” Specializing in handcrafted bowls, vases, bottle stoppers, spoons, and more, Tom shares how his journey began in a high school shop class, guided by a teacher who instilled in him the fundamentals of craftsmanship. Although he spent 40 years in marketing and management, woodworking remained his true passion — one he proudly calls an obsession. Tom discusses his creative process, the value of community input in shaping his work, and how he designs each piece with the customer’s perspective in mind. He also reflects on the vibrant arts community in Fairfield Glade and the fulfillment he finds in bringing wood to life through functional and artistic forms.

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In this episode, host Mark Creter sits down with Valerie Goetz from the Roaring River Cultural Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing art and culture to Gainesboro. Valeri shares how the organization first got started and talks about the role of art in easing stress, supporting mental health, and building focus. She also introduces listeners to The Art Mart explains what it offers, and gives a preview of upcoming classes and events the community won’t want to miss.

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On this weeks epiode of The Scene, we get to meet Mark Cramer, the professor of clarinet at Tech. He shares how his journey as a performer first began and what drew him to music. He talks about trying out different instruments before finding his place with the clarinet, and what that learning process was like. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at how he works with his students and helps them push through challenges. Plus, he gives us a preview of the exciting events he’s involved in next. literock959.com