Shows / Reelfoot Forward
Episodes
Reelfoot ForwardEp. 244: Kevin Kokomoor: The Cherokee War of 1776
What was happening in the Southeast while the Declaration of Independence was being written in 1776? In this episode, historian Kevin Kokomoor, author of "The…
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Episode 243: Hank Ingram: Mellowed on the Mississippi
What happens when generations of river knowledge meet one of America’s oldest spirits? On this episode, Hank Ingram, founder of The Ingram Distillery in…
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Episode 242: Dr. Ken Berry: Lies My Doctor Told Me
In this episode, Dr. Ken Berry shares the remarkable journey that took him from practicing family medicine in rural Tennessee to becoming one of the world's…
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Episode 241: Jim Emison: Murder on the Hatchie, The NAACP’s First Martyr
Retired West Tennessee trial lawyer and author Jim Emison returns to “Reelfoot Forward” to discuss his new book, "Murder on the Hatchie: The NAACP’s First…
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Episode 240: Joe Pagetta: New Book About the Apostle of Tennessee
In this episode, Tennessee State Museum communications director Joe Pagetta shares details of his new book, “The Apostle of Tennessee: The Indefatigable Life…
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Episode 239: Mark Anderson: Life Gets Heavy. Run Light
What would make someone run around the same track for 24 consecutive hours, covering more than 103 miles through heat, darkness and exhaustion? For Mark…
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Ep. 238: Randy Bridges: Looking back at 9/11
Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, 2001, the memories remain vivid for those who experienced the attacks firsthand. In this special episode, we hear from Randy…
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Episode 237: David Wright: Brushstrokes of a Young Nation
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, artists across the country are helping us see the nation's story through fresh eyes. Few do it with the…
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Episode 236: Allie West: Beyond the Jumpsuit
What does it take to step onstage and pay tribute to one of the most recognizable entertainers in history? The guest for this special Elvis Week episode is…
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Ep. 235: Kenny McCloud: From Union City to Hip Hop History
This special live episode was recorded on stage at Discovery Park of America during our 2026 Juneteenth celebration. We sat down with Union City native Kenny…
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Ep. 234: Willy Bearden: Southern Storyteller
Willy Bearden is a filmmaker, photographer, author, producer, musician and Southern storyteller whose work has helped preserve and interpret the culture…
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Ep. 233: Jennifer Glass: Little Miss McKenzie
In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, Jennifer Glass, West Tennessee writer and educator, discusses her new memoir, "Little Miss McKenzie: Memories of an…
Reelfoot ForwardEpisode 229: Morgan Siebert: The Super Museum
In this episode, Morgan Siebert, owner and executive director of the Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois shares how her father, Jim Hambrick, built one of the…
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REELFOOT FORWARD EP 227: Jordan Campbell: Family Entertainment
In this episode, Scott talks with Jordan Campbell, founder of Campbell’s Family Entertainment in Union City. Campbell grew up in Obion County, graduated from…
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Episode 226: Senad Agusi: Reviving Union City’s Historic Theatre
Episode 226: Senad Agusi: Reviving Union City’s Historic Theatre In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, meet Senad Agusi, an architectural designer and engineer…
Reelfoot ForwardEpisode 225: Celebrating Artists: Greg Belz
What does it take to build a thriving arts community? In this episode, Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, shares his story of how one man’s background…
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Ep. 224: Tennessee Voices, American Stories: Miranda Fraley Rhodes
This episode features Miranda Fraley Rhodes, Ph.D., assistant chief curator at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville. Miranda discusses how the museum’s…
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Ep. 223: Carrie Tipton: Tennessee America 250
In this episode, the conversation turns to one of the most significant commemorations of our lifetime: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration…
Reelfoot ForwardEpisode 222: Thomas Batchelor and Fred Bloom: From Tennessee to The Alamo
Episode 222: Thomas Batchelor and Fred Bloom: From Tennessee to The Alamo In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, Interpretive Ranger Thomas H. Batchelor and…
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Ep. 221: Brewing on Higher Ground: Kevin and Stacie Herrell
This episode features a conversation with Kevin and Stacie Herrell, the husband-and-wife team behind Higher Ground Coffee Company and Vantage Coffee Roasters…
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Ep. 220: Mandy Hinson: A Journey of Service in West Tennessee
On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Mandy Hinson, a familiar voice and face to many in the region from her years at West Tennessee…
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Ep. 219: Dr. Dexter Davis: From Tennessee to Super Bowl LX
On this episode Dr. Dexter Davis, sports management professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, shares his journey from coaching and athletic…
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Ep. 218: Tommy Young: Surveying the Past and Mapping the Future
As Discovery Park joins the rest of the nation in kicking off the America 250 commemoration—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of…
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Ep. 217: 2026 Discovery Park Sneak Peek
What’s next for Discovery Park of America? In this special Reelfoot Forward episode, CEO Scott Williams sits down with senior collections and exhibits director…
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Ep. 216: Stephanie Riley: Design, Entrepreneurship and Building a Creative Community
On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Stephanie Riley, founder of B3 Creative Agency in Jackson, Tennessee, shares her journey from…
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Ep. 215: Sarah Campbell Drury: Uncovering History Through Antiques and Auction Stories
On this episode, Sarah Campbell Drury, vice president of fine and decorative arts at Case Auctions, shares her journey from a career in television news to…
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Ep. 214: Dr. Jeremy Tubbs: Music, Mentorship and the Soundtrack of West Tennessee
This episode features Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, musician, educator and director of the music program at the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee…
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Ep. 213: Scott Williams and Jennifer Wildes on “Townmania” and Preserving History
In this episode, the tables are turned as Zac sits down with Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams and senior director of exhibits and collections Jennifer Wildes…
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Episode 212: Tyler Ford: Mentorship, Opportunity and Building Tennessee’s Workforce
In this episode, Tyler Ford, Vice President of Workforce at Tennessee Achieves, the nonprofit organization behind the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, shares his…
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Ep. 211: Kasey Muench: Discovering Northwest Tennessee
In this episode, Kasey, executive director of Northwest Tennessee Tourism, takes listeners on a verbal tour of some of the people, places and waterways that…
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Ep. 210: Greg Anthony: The Golden Boy of West Tennessee Wrestling
In this episode, we step into the ring with Greg “The Golden Boy” Anthony, professional wrestler, promoter, and community leader behind Pro Wrestling Mid…
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Ep. 209: Seth Manea – Preserving a Timeless Tradition at the Calvert Drive-In
The Calvert City Drive-In first opened in the 1950s and entertained families for decades until closing after the 2021 season, following the passing of longtime…
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Ep. 208: Jenni Veal & Bob Ford: Tennessee’s New Birding Guide Takes Flight
In this episode, Jeni Veal, outdoor tourism development manager at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Bob Ford, executive director of the…
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Ep. 207: Peter Guralnick: The Colonel and the King
In this special Elvis Week episode, acclaimed music historian Peter Guralnick joins us to discuss his new book, "The Colonel and the King," a deeply researched…
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Ep. 206: Victor Parkins: Leading the Future of Rural Journalism
In this episode, we spend some time with veteran journalist and newspaper editor Victor Parkins, a leading voice in rural journalism and the longtime editor…
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Ep. 205: Dr. Matthew Stafford: U.S. Values and the Constitution
Dr. Matthew Stafford, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and distinguished academic, has spent his career shaping leaders, building innovative education…
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Ep. 204: Lorraine Jones: Faith, Wellness and Walking in Hope
This inspiring episode features Lorraine Jones, founder and executive director of the Hometown Walk of Hope, a non-profit cancer agency that has raised more…
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Ep. 203: Dr. Nassar Nassar: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Rural Impact
Dr. Nassar Nassar is founder and CEO of Savant Learning Systems and Virtual Academy. Based in Martin, Tennessee, Dr. Nassar is a visionary leader and…
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Ep. 202: Eric Sanford: Crafting Community One Pint at a Time
In this episode, you’ll discover the story of Eric Sanford, founder and co-owner of Reelfoot Brewing Company. Originally from Milwaukee, Eric brought his…
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Ep. 201: Amos Smith and Pete Morgan: Surviving Reelfoot
“Surviving Reelfoot” is a locally grown reality competition inspired by Survivor that has captured the imagination of fans around the world. What began in 2014…
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Ep. 200: Tennessee v. Scopes
The latest exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum, “Eight Days in Dayton: 100 Years of the Scopes Trial,” will be on display June 24–October 12, 2025. It offers…
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Ep. 199: Brent Callicott: Forecasting for Northwest Tennessee, One Post at a Time
Brent Callicott is a self-made “weatherologist” from Union City, Tennessee, and the trusted voice behind Brent’s Weather Page on Facebook. In this episode, he…
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Ep. 198: Podalyst: An AAF Workshop on Podcasting
Discovery Park of America recently served as the venue for Podalyst, a daylong podcasting workshop hosted by AAF West Tennessee. The event brought together a…
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Ep. 197: Jacob Tolliver: Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
American singer and songwriter Jacob Tolliver was raised on classic rock and roll blasting from his grandmother’s radio. After a spontaneous rendition of…
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Ep. 196: Jerry Potter: The Sultana Tragedy: America’s Greatest Maritime Disaster
This spring marked the 160th anniversary of the worst maritime disaster in United States history. The Sultana left Memphis on April 27, 1865, carrying three…
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Ep. 195: Brandon Nassar: Crave
Brandon Nassar is the owner of CRAVE, a go-to spot in Martin, TN, for flavorful, high-protein meals that fuel your day without weighing you down. He has a…
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Ep. 194: Abi Hellmich: The Art Room
Abi Hellmich is a Union City native who has always been deeply connected to her community and its creative scene. After graduating from MTSU, she spent time…
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Ep. 193: MSG Doug Wonacott: Service, Survival and Mental Health Advocacy
MSG Doug Wonacott is a decorated Special Operations Flight Medic with over two decades of service in the U.S. Army. Enlisting in 2000, he completed 15 combat…
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Ep. 192: The 2025 Discovery Awards
On Saturday evening, March 8, 2025, Discovery Park of America honored four individuals who, like the museum and heritage park, inspire others to see beyond…
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Ep. 191: Dave Dunn: Reelfoot Critters
Each year, Discovery Park of America’s Southern Artist Showcase highlights a unique artist with roots in the region. This year, metal sculptor Dave Dunn…
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Ep. 190: Dr. Stephen McBride: Business, Education and Leadership in Agriculture
Dr. Stephen McBride is the director of career development at the University of Tennessee Southern, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the futures of…
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Ep. 189: Lt. Col. Bernard House: From Lexa to Leadership
Lt. Col. Bernard House is a distinguished U.S. Army officer, decorated with honors like the Bronze Star (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Defense Meritorious…
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Ep. 188: Sonya Gavankar-McKay: from Journalism to Public Relations to Space
Sonya Gavankar-McKay is the emcee of the 2025 Discovery Awards. She is a spokesperson, television and podcast host, filmmaker and social multi-media content…
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Ep. 187: Betty Ann Tanner: Tennessee Traditions and National Politics
Betty Ann Tanner has spent years at the intersection of Tennessee tradition and national politics. Her husband, John Tanner, served as the U.S. representative…
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Ep. 186: Melinda Meador: Strange Fruit
Melinda Meador is an attorney with a passion for history. The Gleason, Tennessee native has served as felony prosecutor for the Obion County office of the 27th…
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EP 185: Patrick Bishop: Artificial Intelligence
Patrick Bishop, an assistant professor in the Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems at the University of Tennessee at Martin, joins us to…
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EP 184: Jeff Sellers: The Tennessee State Capitol
Historian Jeff Sellers, director of education at the Tennessee State Museum and the state capitol, has compiled images from archives and private collections to…
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183: Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Randall Clemons and Brian May: From Rural Eyesore to Tourism Eye Candy
The 2024 Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference was held in Obion County, Tennessee, in the beautiful Reelfoot Lake region in the northwest…
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182: Josh Collins: Main Street Mentor
Josh Collins is the founder and CEO of Main Street Mentor, a purpose-built organization serving the critical yet underserved Main Street, Chamber, and tourism…