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
1,572 Episodes
80 – 100

Lee Flatt And Tiffany Anton Discuss The Story Behind Wrap World

Tiffany Anton sits down with Lee Flatt, founder and owner of Wrap World, to talk about how he turned a simple idea into a thriving business. Starting in a space barely bigger than a recording studio, Lee now leads a team that specializes in vehicle wraps, temporary signage, and banners…
30 Jul 9AM 33 min

Dale Carver And Jeremy Wendt Discusses The Importance Of The CHS Welding Program

In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dale Carver, Welding Instructor at Cookeville High School, to discuss the importance of skilled trades in today’s workforce. A Lebanon native with 24 years in manufacturing, Dale shares how his lifelong passion for teaching and inspiration from his middle school shop teacher…
29 Jul 9AM 32 min

Lisa Carver And George Halford Discuss The Impacts Of Highways And Hedges

George Halford sits down with Cookeville native Lisa Carver, the force behind Highways and Hedges, a grassroots outreach making a real impact in the local homeless community. After a motorcycle accident left her with a brain injury and ended her career as a hairdresser, Lisa began assembling “blessing bags” with…
28 Jul 9AM 33 min

Lori Burnett And Ben Rodgers Discuss Her Journey To Becoming Mayor

In this episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Lorie Elder Burnette, the newly elected Mayor of Livingston, to talk about her journey from small-town roots to big-city life — and back again. A Livingston native, Lorie shares how her time in Nashville gave her a deeper appreciation for her hometown…
25 Jul 9AM 32 min

Maria O'Connell And Drs. Mabry And Lee Discuss Ayurveda & Wellness

The Drs. sit down with Maria O’Connell, an Ayurveda and wellness specialist, to explore her journey from the corporate world to holistic health. Maria shares stories from her early career with companies like Ford and an oil plant in Texas, moving across the country before finding her passion in alternative…
24 Jul 9AM 34 min

Angie Givens Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss The Importance Of TNCCR&R

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Angie Givens, the Tennessee Upper Cumberland Coordinator for TN CCR&R. Though Angie didn’t found the program herself, she leads its work across 18 counties in the Upper Cumberland region. TN CCR&R traces its roots back to educator Marguerite Hullander in 1998 and later became statewide…
22 Jul 9AM 32 min

Zach Gantt And George Halford Discuss Entrepreneurship And Overcoming Addiction

In this inspiring episode, George Halford sits down with Zach Gantt—a native of Hilham, TN whose early life spiraled into sports, crime, and addiction, landing him behind bars three times by age 18 and labeled the county’s second‑largest drug dealer. Zach shares the crushing toll of his substance abuse and…
21 Jul 9AM 33 min

John Rose And Ben Rodgers Discuss The Big Beautiful Bill

Ben Rodgers sits down with Representative John Rose to discuss all that might come with the Big Beautiful Bill and how it will affect our everyday lives, the United States, and the world. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
18 Jul 9AM 32 min

Kalin McCullar And Tiffany Anton Discuss The Passion Behind 1806 BBQ

Tiffany Anton sits down with Kalin McCullar, owner of 1806 BBQ in Livingston, TN, to talk about his journey from backyard smoking to running a full-time restaurant. Raised by a single dad who loved to cook, Kalin shares how his passion for barbecue turned into a business after years of…
16 Jul 9AM 32 min

Wes Shanks And Jeremy Wendt Deliver Insights Into Education And Baseball

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Upperman High School’s head baseball coach and agriculture teacher, Wes Shanks, to discuss the vital role of CTE programs in education. Shanks shares insights on teaching plant science, leading FFA, and how participating in travel ball during the off season's could impact a student-athletes mental…
15 Jul 9AM 32 min

Mike Phillips And George Halford Discuss Inspiration for Day Care

In this powerful episode, George Halford sits down with Mike Phillips, a former police officer and survivor of the 2020 Cookeville tornado, to share a story of love, loss, and resilience. Mike recounts the night the storm tore through their home, the heartbreaking loss of his daughter Bridget, and how…
14 Jul 9AM 33 min

Dean Selby And Ben Rodgers Speak On TDOT Aeronautics

Ben Rodgers 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

Daniel Bratcher And Jeremy Wendt 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 And George Halford Discuss Passion For Learning

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
80 – 100