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
1,745 Episodes
1 – 20

Michelle Kumm Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss Tick Bourne Illness Prevention

Tick-borne illnesses are becoming an increasingly important health concern across Tennessee, especially in the Upper Cumberland, where outdoor recreation is part of everyday life. In this episode of Local Matters, Family Nurse Practitioner Michelle Kumm joins for an in-depth discussion on the growing risks associated with tick bites. They explore…
6 Aug 9AM 34 min

Brian & Bridgett Jones Highlight Mill Creek Farms

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Brian and Bridget Jones share the story of how a multi-generation family cattle farm evolved into one of the Upper Cumberland's most unique agritourism destinations. What began with a lifelong dream of raising Highland cattle has grown into Mill Creek Farms, where…
5 Aug 9AM 32 min

Mark Dudney Joins George Halford To Focus On America's History

In this episode of Local Matters, host George Halford welcomes Upper Cumberland Development District historian Mark Dudley for a fascinating journey through the people, places, and events that have shaped the Upper Cumberland. Drawing on a lifetime of studying the region's past, Dudley shares how growing up in Jackson County,…
4 Aug 2PM 33 min

Regis Billings Joins George Halford To Speak On Going From FBI Agent To Professor

In this fascinating episode, George Halford sits down with Tennessee Tech cybersecurity expert and former FBI cyber agent Regis Billings to explore a career that spans military service, national security, and higher education. Billings shares how growing up in White County, serving in the Air Force, and working on some…
3 Aug 9AM 33 min

Morgan White Joins Ben Rodgers To Highlight Tourism In The Upper Cumberland

In this episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Morgan White, the inaugural Tourism and Main Street Director for Livingston and Overton County, to discuss her vision for showcasing one of the Upper Cumberland's most unique communities. White shares how her background in tourism, community development, and nonprofit leadership prepared her…
31 Jul 9AM 33 min

Taylor & Dylan Roberts Highlight Their Flower Farm

In this heartwarming episode, Taylor and Dylan Roberts, owners of Roberts Five Farm in Sparta, join the show to share the remarkable story behind one of the Upper Cumberland's most beloved seasonal destinations. What began as an unexpected idea sparked during a work trip overseas has grown into a thriving…
29 Jul 9AM 33 min

Tena Rogers Joins George Halford To Share Details About The Music Industry

In this heartfelt episode, George Halford sits down with Tena Rogers, whose remarkable life journey spans adoption, faith, family, and a successful career in the country music industry. Tena shares the extraordinary story of being adopted as an infant after a difficult start in life, explaining how the unconditional love…
27 Jul 9AM 33 min

Ryan Henry Joins Ben Rodgers To Help Shine A Light On Addiction Recovery

In this powerful episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Ryan Henry of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, whose own journey from addiction, incarceration, and homelessness to recovery has inspired a mission of helping others rebuild their lives. Ryan shares how his personal experiences led him to become a Certified…
24 Jul 9AM 33 min

Brad Taylor Joins Luke Ramey To Highlight The Ugly Mug Bar & Grill's Success

In this exciting episode of the Local Matters podcast, the owner of Ugly Mug Bar and Grill, Brad Taylor, reflects on the restaurant’s first year in business and the lessons he’s learned about entrepreneurship, leadership, and serving a small community. Brad discusses building the Spencer restaurant from the ground up,…
22 Jul 9AM 33 min

Creed Hardison Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Cav Connect & Boys State

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Cookeville High School senior Creed Hardison to discuss his remarkable journey in student leadership, media production, and public service. Hardison shares his experience serving as executive producer of Cav Connect TV, being elected 2026 Tennessee Boys State Governor, and balancing academics, athletics,…
21 Jul 9AM 32 min

Erin Hoover Joins George Halford To Discuss Finding Meaning In The Moment

In this engaging episode, George Halford sits down with Tennessee Tech professor and Putnam County Poet Laureate Aaron Hoover to discuss the power of poetry, storytelling, and the arts in shaping both individuals and communities. Hoover reflects on the life experiences that inspired her writing, from growing up near Three…
20 Jul 9AM 32 min

Marcy Little Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss Helping People Heal

In this informative Health Matters episode, Drs. Jennifer Mabry and Emily Lee sit down with wound care nurse practitioner Marcy Little to discuss why proper wound care is about much more than treating the injury itself. Little explains the difference between acute and chronic wounds, why conditions like diabetes, poor…
16 Jul 9AM 32 min

Anna Dunn Joins Luke Ramey To Discuss The Community Side Of Soul Craft Coffee

Helping bring a community together through coffee is Anna Dunn's mission. And on this episode of the Local Matters podcast, she joins Luke Ramey to discuss how her local business 'Soul Craft Coffee' is helping. From detailing the journey she went on with the shop, to highlighting what's in store…
15 Jul 9AM 33 min

Leann Walker Joins Jeremy Wendt To Highlight The Importance Special Education Carries

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Upperman High School Teacher of the Year Leann Walker to discuss her journey from non-traditional college student to award-winning special education teacher. Walker shares what drew her to a CDC classroom, how real-world learning experiences help prepare students for life beyond high…
14 Jul 9AM 33 min

Kay Winningham Joins George Halford To Share Unique Natural History

Winningham Cemetery is known for its' vast historical presence and unique feeling it offers. On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Kay Winningham joins the show to speak on the past, present, and future of Winningham Cemetery. She highlights the sweeping of the graves and Decoration Day as a…
13 Jul 9AM 33 min
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