News Talk 94.1 Local Matters

Local Matters

Education, Sports, Faith & Everything In Between

Originating from News Talk 94.1 the show deals with community issues and interests that affect listeners closer to home. With topics from major events across the nation and how they impact our area to interesting people and figures from across the Upper Cumberland. Local Matters is where local, matters.

Covering the issues that matter to you. Every weekday.
Daily English United States Society & Culture · Education
1,472 Episodes
1 – 20

Dawn Smith From Charter Senior Living

During this episode, our host Tiffany Anton talks to the executive director of Charter Senior Living about the services they offer, Dawn's background that led her to this position, the impact it has on our community, and more! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
2 Jul 10AM 32 min

Carroll Gotcher Talks All Things Jackson County Band

Jeremy Wendt visits with Carroll Gotcher, Director of the Jackson County Middle and High School bands. With 31 years of experience, Gotcher reflects on his journey—from playing in band throughout school to initially choosing mechanical engineering in college while caught up in the typical distractions of teenage life. Listen To…
1 Jul 10AM 32 min

Jett Stevens And Josh Cobble On Hope Center Ministries

George Halford sits down with Jett Stevens, director of Hope Ministries in Livingston, TN, and Josh Cobble, his program coordinator. Together, they aim to expand Hope Ministries across the Upper Cumberland region. Hope Center Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit supported by local churches, offering a three-phase, Christ-centered recovery program for…
30 Jun 10AM 33 min

Derrick Hutchings Speaks On Fiscal Year 25-26 White Co. Budget

On today’s episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Derrick Hutchings, Chair of the White County Commission and a member of its Budget Committee. Derrick shares how he discovered a passion for public service by regularly attending county commission meetings—and now serves as the first-time commissioner leading budget discussions. He dives…
27 Jun 9AM 33 min

Derek Woolbright Discusses National Safety Month & More

Derek Woolbright walks us through the many different positions he's worked, and busts a few emergency medical myths along the way. Additonally, helpful tips and tricks you could take to keep yourself safe throughout life are discussed, as well as National Safety Month. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
26 Jun 9AM 33 min

Cy Sears And Tiffany Anton On Web Design & Search Marketing

In this episode, Tiffany Anton chats with Cy Sears, owner of Serious SEM, about his journey from Yellow Pages to digital marketing and web design. Cy shares insights on the value of original content, building business websites that act as true assets, and why customized ad leads outperform generic ones…
25 Jun 3PM 32 min

Nicholas Bishop And Jeremy Wendt On Building Tennessee's Workforce

Nicholas Bishop, VP of Economic and Community Development at Volunteer State Community College, discusses enhancing K–12 education through community partnerships, expanding workforce pathways, and integrating AI tools for student success. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
24 Jun 2PM 33 min

Jill Stalnaker On Learning Tree Agency

George Halford sits down with Jill Stalnaker to explore her unique journey—from growing up in Brussels Belgium and Michigan to moving to Cookeville at age 9, eventually homeschooling through middle school. Jill opens up about how a traumatic divorce five years ago became a catalyst for personal growth and achievement…
23 Jun 2PM 32 min

Randy Porter On The Putnam County 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget

Today, Ben Rogers and Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter discuss the 2025-26 fiscal year and what lies ahead for the Upper Cumberland. They discuss rising employment among county workers, budget increases driven by inflation and community growth, and the positive trajectory of sales tax revenue—along with how that tax is…
20 Jun 4PM 33 min

Dr. Ernie Buchanan And Men's Health Month

Today Drs. Jennifer Mabry and Emily Lee discuss the importance of screenings, regular checkups and preventative measures for avoid illness and injury, and vaccinations for reaching long term health goals for men in the Upper Cumberland for Men's Health Month with Dr. Ernie Buchanan of Upper Cumberland Family Physicians. Listen…
19 Jun 4PM 33 min

Beth Ruck Talks Conquering Clutter

Tiffany Anton sits down with Beth Ruck, owner of Conquering Clutter, to explore the art of decluttering and its profound impact on daily life. Beth shares practical strategies for deciding what to keep and what to part with, she discusses her personalized organizing services, and more! Listen To The Local…
18 Jun 10AM 33 min

Meredith Flatt On Dancing Through Putnam County

In this episode, host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Meredith Flatt, a dance educator in Putnam County, shares her passion for teaching multiple dance styles and history, fostering a strong local dance community, and exposing students to diverse artistic expressions! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
18 Jun 9AM 32 min

Liz Wilkinson From The Friends Of The Tennessee Central Trail

George Halford chats with Liz Wilkinson, a Cookeville native whose journey has taken her from Oak Ridge to North Carolina and back home again. Liz shares her lifelong love of the outdoors, her passion for biking, and how she's helping connect the community through the TN Central Trails grants and…
16 Jun 10AM 33 min

Gage Farmer Talks Economic Development/ Tourism in Van Buren Co.

Host Ben Rodgers interviews Gage Farmer, an entrepreneur from Dalton, Georgia, now serving as Vice Chairman of Economic Development and Tourism for Van Buren County. They discuss local restaurants within city limits, the Tourism Comittee's vision for revitalizing historic downtown Spencer, and ongoing efforts to secure grants for community development…
11 Jun 9PM 32 min

Family Health and Fitness Day

In this episode, physical therapists Jake Huit and Peyton Garrett sit down with our hosts Dr. Jennifer Mabry and Dr. Emily Lee to discuss the importance of maintaining physical health and share strategies for injury prevention and recovery. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
11 Jun 9PM 34 min

The Landis Sisters - A Teacher/Sister Trio

The story behind how these three sisters fell in love with education and followed their passion into the Putnam Co. education system. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
11 Jun 9PM 33 min

Steve Pierce On Budget, Taxes, & Truth

Ben Rogers sits down with Steve Pierce, Property Assessor for Putnam County, to talk about the upcoming budget season and the budget reappraisal process. Steve breaks down the behind-the-scenes work, the systems used, and how varying budget cycle lengths can impact taxes—explaining why shorter cycles tend to benefit taxpayers and…
6 Jun 10AM 32 min

Sheena and Marie Mosely On CPR & AED Awareness Week

Listen in as hosts Dr. Jennifer Mabry and Dr. Emily Lee sit down with Sheena and Marie Mosley. They are a mother daughter duo and they own START CPR in Cookeville. They talk all about the importance of basic CPR training, their experiences in teaching, and more! Listen To The…
6 Jun 9AM 33 min

The Watts Family And The Love Birds Creamery

Our host Tiffany Anton sits down with Brent, Jamie, and Maggie Watts who are opening The Love Birds Creamery in Baxter. They discuss how they came up with their idea, what made them choose a creamery, what will set them apart, and more! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
4 Jun 12PM 33 min

Mary Jane Allen Talks North Cumberland Elementary

Listen in as host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Mary Jane Allen, who is the principal at North Cumberland Elementary School in Cumberland County. Listen to her story as she recounts what led her to this area from Canada originally, how her faith has changed her life, and more. Listen…
3 Jun 11AM 33 min
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