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
1,479 Episodes
1 – 20

Dean Selby And Ben Rodgers Speak On TDOT Aeronautics

Ben Rogers sits down with Dean Selby, Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, and Ryan Traversa, Director of Drones and Advanced Aviation for TDOT. A former Marine and early drone enthusiast, Ryan shares his journey through MTSU’s Aerospace Program and dives into the evolving world of drone operations…
11 Jul 9AM 33 min

Dr. Peggy Larlosky Discusses Mental Health Awareness Month

Dr. Peggy Larlosky joins Dr. Jennifer Mabry and Dr. Emily Lee to discuss mental health awareness, stigma, myths and advice on taking charge of your mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
10 Jul 9AM 33 min

Billy Rogers And The Men Of Faith Tree Service

Tiffany Anton talks with Billy Rogers, founder of Men of Faith Tree Service, to talk about tree care, second chances, and the power of faith. Billy shares how he went from addiction to entrepreneurship, using his journey to serve others through his business and his involvement in Celebrate Recovery. Tune…
9 Jul 9AM 33 min

Daniel Bratcher On Outreach At TCAT

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Warren County native, Daniel Bratcher, to explore his journey from machinist student—following in his father's footsteps at TCAT McMinnville—to now overseeing outreach and partnerships. They dive into dual-enrollment programs across regional schools, TCAT’s diverse vocational offerings, and how collaborations with local businesses and high schools…
8 Jul 9AM 32 min

Nate Dunlap Discusses Your Tour - Travel App

On today’s episode, George Halford sits down with Nate Dunlap, a recent Tennessee Tech graduate originally from Tullahoma. Nate moved to Florida at age 3 and returned to Tennessee around age 12. His passion for understanding how things work led him to excel in math and robotics during high school…
7 Jul 1PM 33 min

Dow Harris And Chris Cassetty From Highlands Residential Services

Ben Rogers sits down with retired Executive Director Dow Harris and newly appointed Chris Cassety of Highland Residential Services to reflect on their years working together in affordable housing. Dow shares heartfelt, humorous, and harrowing stories from his time in the field, while Chris recalls favorite memories and looks ahead…
7 Jul 1PM 33 min

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
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