Meet Me In Tennessee Meet Me In Tennessee

About the Guest:
Dr. Rene Rodgers is the Head Curator for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. With an extensive background in history, culminating in a Ph.D., Rene has a profound understanding and passion for the story of early commercial country music, particularly the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which hold a significant place in American music history. Her experience in museum education and curation is evident in the impactful exhibits and programs she leads at the museum.
Episode Summary:
In this captivating episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," host Allie Bynum has an insightful conversation with Dr. Rene Rodgers, unveiling the intricate tapestry of country music's origins as told through the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The discussion delves into the 1927 Bristol Sessions, known as the "Big Bang" of country music, and the museum's role in preserving this rich history.
Rene Rodgers paints a vivid portrait of the technological advancements and cultural underpinnings that contributed to the success of the Bristol Sessions. She highlights the influence of Ralph Peer, the visionary talent scout, and the impact of artists like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rogers. Incorporating engaging exhibits and personal stories, the museum becomes a beacon of Appalachian heritage, showcasing how past traditions resonate with contemporary audiences.
Key Takeaways:
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum celebrates its 10th anniversary as a Smithsonian-affiliated institution, offering rich educational resources and programming.The 1927 Bristol Sessions symbolize a monumental moment in country music, capturing high-quality recordings of iconic artists and transforming the industry.Ralph Peer played a pivotal role in advancing country music, with his innovative approaches to recording, copyrighting, and music publishing still influential today.Exhibits at the museum, such as "I've Endured: Women in Old Time Music," bridge past and present by highlighting the enduring contributions of female musicians.Community engagement through events, outreach, and the Radio Bristol station, integrally connects the museum to the region’s cultural fabric.Notable Quotes:
"It's not just one moment in time that just had this impact for a few years around 1927 and then disappeared into the bowels of history.""Music is so tied to emotion and memory, and we're…fortunate to have this museum that is about music and filled with music.""We wanted to…tell the story of women in this music…and how they've both carried on those traditions from the past and are innovating it.""The music industry works today…music publishing company [Peer Music] started in 1926 still exists today.""So much history with music in our area…how hillbilly music's evolved…how the technology with music has evolved in America."Resources:
Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association: northeasttennessee.orgBirthplace of Country Music Museum: birthplaceofcountrymusic.orgTune in to the full episode for a deep dive into the fascinating world of country music's roots and discover how the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is preserving this precious cultural heritage. With each story shared and exhibit crafted, the legacy of country music continues to inspire and captivate audiences. Keep an eye out for more profound conversations on "Meet Me in Tennessee."

About the Guest:
Emily Thompson brings a festive spirit to her vital role as the Director of Funfest and Special Events with Visit Kingsport. Born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee, Emily has a deep-seated love for the community event that she has been part of since her childhood. With her profound commitment and enthusiasm, she orchestrates the intricate details of organizing the celebrated festival, ensuring it remains a beacon of community unity and joy. Her contributions have been vital in sustaining the festival's over 40 years of legacy in Northeast Tennessee.
Episode Summary:
In this captivating episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," host Allie Bynum sits down with Emily Thompson to explore the vibrant heart of Northeast Tennessee's community through the lens of Funfest, a celebrated local festival. The show delves into the festival's rich history, its goal to bring people together, and the thrilling events that take place over the course of nine lively days.
The conversation kicks off with Emily sharing her lifelong connection to Funfest, the challenges and joys of planning a festival of this magnitude, and some of the festival's staple events, including the hot air balloon glow and the 8K race. The discussion then transitions to the Sunset Concert Series lineup, detailing the blend of local and widely renowned performers set to grace Funfest stages this year. All throughout, the importance of community involvement and the incredible volunteer support that brings Funfest to life are highlighted as essential components of the event's success.
Key Takeaways:
Funfest, now in its 44th year, is anchored in the theme of community unity and features a vast array of activities over nine days.The festival is a combination of tourist attractions, family reunions, local business involvement, and community events for all ages, including iconic hot air balloon displays.Emily Thompson emphasizes the significance of volunteer involvement and how the entire community comes together to support Funfest.The 2023 Sunset Concert Series lineup boasts a diverse range of performers, including Crowder, Tyler Hubbard, Philip Phillips, and the Goo Goo Dolls.Funfest's significance goes beyond the events themselves—it serves as a symbol of shared experiences, bringing joy and creating lifelong memories for the Northeast Tennessee community.Notable Quotes:
"It means you don't take vacations in the summer." – Emily Thompson jokingly describes her commitment to Funfest."It truly is about that unity piece and really just saying, everybody come together." – Emily on the vision behind Funfest."I waited my whole life thinking one day I want to be over Funfest, and here we are." – Emily expressing her passion for her role."I love when the weather lets them all get off the ground because it's so neat to watch and it's a staple." - Emily on the magic of hot air balloons during Funfest."And there's that split second after it ends when the fireworks drop that it's like, whoa. You see the chaos, all the trash, and literally just moments later, it's like a clean slate." – Emily on the remarkable cleanup efforts by volunteers post-festival.Resources:
Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association website: northeasttennessee.orgVisit Kingsport website: visitkingsport.comFunfest website for event information and tickets: funfest.netTo enjoy the full palette of stories and insights shared by Emily Thompson, tune in to this episode and be reminded of the simple yet profound joy community events like Funfest bring to our lives. Stay connected for more episodes of "Meet Me in Tennessee" that paint a vivid picture of the culture, events, and people that make Northeast Tennessee truly unique.

About the Guest:
Courtney Bean serves as the Main Street Director for Main Street Elizabethton, working under the auspices of the City of Elizabethton, Tennessee. With a commitment to downtown revitalization and community engagement, Courtney has been at the forefront of steering the city towards a unified vision for development. Main Street Elizabethton is part of the national Main Street program, which focuses on enhancing the quality and economic potential of small-town Main Streets. Her role involves liaising with the city council, local businesses, and community members to foster growth, arrange events, and promote the arts and culture within Elizabethton's charming downtown area.
Episode Summary:
Welcome to this engaging episode of “Meet Me in Tennessee,” where host Allie Bynum explores the vibrant energy and community-driven initiatives of Downtown Elizabethton with guest Courtney Bean. As a thriving example of the Main Street program's success, Elizabethton stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in small-town revitalization. Join us as we delve into the ongoing projects and historical instigations that make Elizabethton a unique blend of Appalachian heritage and progressive urban development.
In this conversation, Courtney Bean unfolds the narrative of Main Street Elizabethton's journey from inception to its current successes. The discussion revolves around the crucial role Main Street programs play in fostering the economy and identity of rural areas, such as Northeast Tennessee. Insights into the synergistic relationship between Main Street Elizabethton and city authorities reveal how strategic partnerships can yield growth and stability within local businesses and the wider community. Furthermore, Courtney illuminates the exciting ventures underway in Elizabethton, including the unveiling of a new professional mural and the anticipation of the summer and fall festivals that stitch together the fabric of the downtown experience.
Key Takeaways:
Main Street Elizabethton is a key player in the development and unification of downtown Elizabethton’s growth and mission, underpinning the community's revitalization efforts.The Main Street program has established a unique partnership with city council members, resulting in projects that reflect the community's aspirations and heritage.Arts and culture are celebrated and integrated into the city through professional murals and community art projects, highlighting Appalachian native species and local history.Elizabethton's historical landmarks, like the Covered Bridge and Sycamore Shoals, alongside the veterans' memorials, provide a rich tapestry of narratives that shape the city's identity.Seasonal events, such as the First Fridays and the Firefly 5K, form the cornerstone of the community's vibrant social calendar, drawing in both locals and tourists alike.Notable Quotes:
"Main streets are all about working with the community and revitalizing your downtown." – Courtney Bean"Old soul new stories. It's perfect." – Courtney Bean, discussing the tagline of downtown Elizabethton that reflects its character and future."This mural will go up in May, and that will also be in our downtown district. So look, when you come downtown." – Courtney Bean, announcing a new community mural that captures Elizabethton's history.Resources:
Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association: northeasttennessee.orgMain Street Elizabethton: mainstreetelizabethton.comDowntown Elizabethton Social Media Handles: Facebook and Instagram as "Downtown Elizabethton"Dive into the full discussion to transport yourself to the charming streets of Elizabethton and uncover the power of community spirit in shaping a city's destiny. Don't miss out on the wisdom Courtney Bean shares and stay tuned for more fascinating episodes that showcase the splendor of Tennessee.

About the Guest:
Heather Watson is the Vice President of Education and Exhibits at Hands On Discovery Center, located in Northeast Tennessee. Heather holds an essential role in the institution, overseeing the educational aspects, exhibits, and community events at the center. With an emphasis on creating an engaging environment that blends fun with learning, Heather has been instrumental in helping visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy the wonders of science. Under her leadership, the center has introduced an array of unique exhibits and has become a destination for enriching experiences in STEM and the arts.
In this engaging episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," host Allie Bynum delves into the heart of Northeast Tennessee's Hands On Discovery Center with guest Heather Watson. Together, they unpack the science center's mission to integrate education and enjoyment, drawing visitors from all across the world. The episode offers listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the center's exhibits and activities, as well as its evolution from a children's museum to a dynamic all-ages science center located at the renowned Gray Fossil Site.
Heather Watson passionately discusses the importance of hands-on learning and how the center's exhibits, such as the world's most powerful musical bipolar Tesla coil, cater to a range of interests from arts to science. The collaboration between Hands On Discovery Center and the fossil site enhances the visitor experience by allowing people to actively participate in science, whether it's through a climbing tower that educates on fossils or a pollinator garden emphasizing sustainability and environmental awareness.

Heather Watson oversees educational programming, exhibits, and events at Hands On Discovery Center, driving forward their mission of combining fun and learning.
The center has transitioned from being a children's museum to an all-ages science center that attracts visitors from all 50 states and beyond, owing to its unique offerings like the active fossil dig site.
Making learning playful and approachable is a core tenet of the center, with exhibits designed to leave lasting memories and inspire future careers or hobbies in STEM and the arts.
The center hosts community events and has recently added a trades-focused summer camp, underscoring its commitment to workforce development and hands-on life skills.
The Hands On Discovery Center is a significant educational resource that not only tells the region's story but also highlights its commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through exhibits like the pollinator garden.


"We try to sneak in the vegetables of learning […] inspire and open minds, and really help kids find what they love to do and what they want to be when they grow up, all through play." — Heather Watson
"How cool is it that we have a fossil site that's an active fossil site right here in east Tennessee." — Heather Watson
"We don't say no, we don't say don't touch. It's a very positive, encouraging environment." — Heather Watson
"We're different than other science centers and museums […] we're our own entity." — Heather Watson
"We do try to keep things always going and have something exciting happening because we have a lot of members." — Heather Watson


Hands On Discovery Center Website: www.visithandson.org
Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association: northeasttennessee.org
Social Media: Follow Hands On Discovery Center on Facebook and Instagram for updates on events and programs.

Tune into the full episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee" to experience the enthusiasm and innovation Heather Watson brings to science education. Immerse yourself in the world of discovery and stay connected for more insightful content that showcases the treasures of Northeast Tennessee.

About the Guests:
In this episode, we dive into the world with Jared Collins and Garrett Ware, the dynamic duo behind Motion Creative Media, based out of Greeneville, Tennessee. Hailing from childhood friends to professional collaborators, these two have transformed their passion for photography and videography into a thriving business. Along the journey from sports enthusiasts to media mavens, they rediscovered their common interest which led to the accidental inception of their company — starting with a seemingly simple music video project. Apart from Motion Creative Media, they also host the Faith and Frames podcast, providing creative insights and thoughtful conversations motivated by personal experience and professional engagement with their beloved community.
Episode Summary:
In an engaging session of "Meet Me in Tennessee," host Allie Bynum brings to the forefront Jared Collins and Garrett Ware from Motion Creative Media, unraveling their stories about starting and growing a creative business in the heart of Appalachia. Listen in as we explore the intricacies of Appalachian living, the slow and appreciative pace of life, and how regional upbringing shapes one's ethos, work, and sense of community.Discussion spans from childhood memories to establishing a foothold in a rural small town, emphasizing community ties and the grassroots word-of-mouth approach. The episode delves deep into the genesis of their company, the eclectic history of Greenville, the significance of storytelling through media, and the captivating projects at hand. With sprinklings of local charm, like anecdotes about the town's connection to Andrew Johnson and the bygone era of a local ski venture, this conversation encapsulates the spirit of Greeneville.Key Takeaways:Jared and Garrett highlight the value of adaptability and resourcefulness they've inherited from their Appalachian roots, essential traits in starting and running a successful business.
Greeneville, TN is rich in history and boasts a close-knit community, providing a supportive backdrop for local businesses and events.The duo discusses the importance of slowing down and connecting with people, particularly relevant for their community and visitors alike.Motion Creative Media plays a pivotal role in humanizing industries and causes, such as showcasing the efforts and real impact behind construction projects or fostering awareness for organizations like Tennessee Kids Belong.Outdoor activities, festivals, and the accessibility of beautiful back roads make Greeneville, Tennessee, an inviting place for families to explore and enjoy.
Notable Quotes:
"I think the biggest thing, we both grew up very rural. I was interfaced with. I was exposed to people having to be creative with their problem-solving." - Jared Collins
"Word of mouth here in this area, especially for a small business, is so important.""That's the lifeline." - Garrett Ware
"People also are willing to help. And so that's like, I may not need your services, but when I come into contact with Susie down at the food city, I can refer you. Right. That's that whole community thing of, oh, Jared Gary do this." - Jared Collins
"But the thing about a garden, though, is you learn so many life skills within a garden. You learn patience. You learn that there, you know, is a science to things." - Garrett Ware
"You are not a stranger." - encapsulated sentiment by Garrett Ware as a potent invitation for visitors to explore Greenville.
Resources:
Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association: northeasttennessee.org
Motion Creative Media: https://www.motioncreative.media/

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media

The Wonders of Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

This episode of the 'Meet Me in Tennessee' podcast features a discussion with Tyler Wicks, the Chief Ranger, and Adam Thanz, the Planetarium Director, from Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium in Kingsport, Tennessee. They detail the park's attractions, including a 44-acre lake, hiking and mountain bike trails, a nature center, a state-of-the-art planetarium theater, and animal habitats. The dialogue covers the park’s history, conservation efforts, unique wildlife, educational programs, and upcoming eclipse viewing. Additionally, the episode touches on light pollution, the importance of outdoor spaces for mental health, public engagement through volunteerism and educational outreach, and upcoming renovations and exhibits at the park. The park's significance for both locals and visitors seeking a connection with nature and astronomy is emphasized, along with encouragement for personal participation in conservation and enjoyment of natural spaces.

00:00 Welcome to Meet Me in Tennessee: Exploring Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
01:33 Discovering Bays Mountain: A Unique Urban Wilderness
02:24 The History and Public Nature of Bays Mountain Park
03:06 A Deep Dive into Astronomy with Adam, the Planetarium Director
12:34 Eclipse Viewing Tips and the Magic of Totality
20:23 Exploring the Night Sky: Bays Mountain and Beyond
23:53 Nighttime Canoe and Kayak Adventures
24:24 Bringing Your Own Vessel: Rentals and Space Limitations
24:40 Preserving the Natural Beauty of Bays Mountain
25:21 Exploring the Rich Wildlife and History of Bays Mountain
25:56 Respecting Wildlife and Safe Practices for Visitors
27:53 The Role of Wolves in Ecosystem Balance and Education
31:05 Conservation Efforts and the Importance of Green Spaces
41:07 Promoting Astronomy and Nature Education
49:59 Engaging with the Community and Future Plans

For more information visit northeasttn.org