Reelfoot Forward

Reelfoot Forward

Podcast by Reelfoot Forward

  1. Aug 25

    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 authenticity and attention to detail of David Wright. In this episode, Wright, one of America's premier historical artists, along with Discovery Park of America's senior director of exhibits and collections take listeners on a guided tour of Discovery Park's newest Southern Artist Showcase, "Brushstrokes of a Young Nation: The Art of David Wright." The exhibition features Wright's remarkable paintings of the American frontier, bringing to life the explorers, settlers, Native Americans and pivotal moments that shaped a young nation. David shares the stories behind many of his favorite works, explains why historical accuracy is at the heart of everything he paints, and reveals how years of research, living history and firsthand experiences help him recreate the past with extraordinary authenticity. He also discusses the highlights of his decades-long career, the evolution of his artistic style, and why preserving history through art matters as much today as ever. Whether you're a museum lover, an art enthusiast, a history buff or simply someone who enjoys hearing from people who have dedicated their lives to mastering their craft, this episode offers a fascinating look inside the mind of an artist who doesn't just paint history—he helps us experience it. This project is funded in part by a Tennessee America 250 grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Through this statewide initiative, Tennessee communities are working together to honor the state’s role in shaping the nation’s history and future. "Brushstrokes of a Young Nation: The Art of David Wright” will be on display at Discovery Park through Feb. 1, 2027.

    Episode 237: David Wright: Brushstrokes of a Young Nation

  2. Aug 14

    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 Allie West, a third-generation Elvis Presley fan from western Kentucky and the creator of Beyond the Jumpsuit, a website devoted to sharing the stories of Elvis tribute artists. West explains how childhood performances, tribute-artist contests and a memorable concert inspired her to look beyond the rhinestones and learn more about the people keeping Elvis’ music and legacy alive. West shares what she has discovered through nearly 40 interviews with performers of all ages, including the time, discipline and financial investment required to build a career as an Elvis tribute artist. The conversation explores the importance of authentic costumes and jewelry, the judging process at official contests, the camaraderie among performers and the growing number of young artists who are discovering Elvis decades after his death. For more about Allie, visit beyondthejumpsuit.com. For everything about Elvis Week and Graceland, visit Graceland.com. This episode is sponsored by Cape Electrical Supply.

    Episode 236: Allie West: Beyond the Jumpsuit

  3. Aug 4

    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 McCloud, a musician, songwriter, producer and studio owner whose journey took him from childhood dreams in northwest Tennessee to the center of West Coast hip-hop history. McCloud shares how cartoons, local musicians, school bands, funk and soul first sparked his imagination and eventually led him from Union City to Wisconsin and California, where he co-founded Blackhole Recording Studio and worked with some of the biggest names in music. He takes us behind the scenes of a defining era in hip-hop, including his work as a songwriter and producer on Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's 1994 breakthrough single, "Thuggish Ruggish Bone." Recorded during a day devoted to celebrating Black history, freedom, resilience and cultural achievement, this conversation explores the people and experiences that shaped McCloud's extraordinary career, the realities of the music business and what it means to look back on a life that connects a small town in West Tennessee to a transformative chapter in American music history. This episode is sponsored by Higher Ground Coffee Company and Vantage Coffee Roasters.

    Ep. 235: Kenny McCloud: From Union City to Hip Hop History

  4. Jul 28

    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, characters and history of Memphis, the Mississippi Delta and the Midsouth. In this episode, Bearden shares how growing up in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, surrounded by natural storytellers, shaped the way he sees the world. He talks about studying education, working as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher, and eventually finding his way into film through Memphis’ Motion Picture Laboratory (MPL), where he learned the technical and artistic skills that launched his career. The conversation explores Bearden’s decision to leave a comfortable path and start his own production company in 1987, first creating corporate videos and conventions before moving into documentaries, public television and museum storytelling. He discusses projects connected to the blues, cotton, Overton Park, the Elvis Presley Birthplace, the Cotton Museum and other places where Southern history comes alive every day for visitors. Bearden also reflects on his memoir, “Mississippi Hippie: A Life in 49 Pieces,” and the experiences, people and places that inspired him to turn the camera on his own life. It’s a conversation about creativity, courage, history, memory, storytelling and the value of taking a leap before you feel completely ready. This episode is sponsored by Thompson CAT Machinery Rentals of Union City, Tennessee.

    Ep. 234: Willy Bearden: Southern Storyteller

  5. Jul 21

    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 Average Girl in an Average but Perfect Small Town." With warmth, humor and sharp observation, Glass revisits growing up in McKenzie, Tennessee, and captures the people, places and everyday moments that shaped her childhood in a rural community. Glass shares how years of storytelling eventually became a book, why self-publishing made sense for her, and what it felt like to hold the finished memoir in her hands. She also reflects on the surprisingly universal response readers have had to the book, even when they’ve never set foot in McKenzie. This episode is sponsored by Thompson CAT Machinery Rentals.

    Ep. 233: Jennifer Glass: Little Miss McKenzie

  6. Jul 14

    Ep. 232: Susan Geveden Fisher: A Writer’s Journey

    On this episode, we talk with Kentucky author Susan Geveden Fisher, whose novels draw deeply from memories of family, rural life and the places that shaped those who came of age in the 1970s. Susan grew up in Graves County, Kentucky, where she experienced cruising through town with close friends, eight-track cassettes, church socials and visits to Columbus-Belmont State Park where parents actually met. Fittingly, that was recently the location of one of the book launch events for her seventh novel, “Bluff Road.” Susan shares how the quarantines of the COVID-19 pandemic led her to rediscover a passion for writing, which resulted in her first book, “You Just Said the Perfect Thing to Me.” She provides a behind-the-scenes look at self-publishing on Amazon and finding readers through social media and regional events. It’s a conversation about believing in yourself, jumping into the unknown and using the stories of ordinary people and familiar places to connect with readers in a powerful way.

    Ep. 232: Susan Geveden Fisher: A Writer’s Journey

  7. Jul 8

    Ep. 231: Houston Kelly: From Martin to LA

    On this episode, Houston Kelly, a 20-year-old country and soul singer and student at UT Martin, shares details of his recent experience on NBC’s The Voice. He talks about the long road to The Voice, including three audition attempts, the emotional timing of receiving his callback on the day of his grandfather’s funeral and the unforgettable moment Kelly Clarkson turned her chair during his Blind Audition performance of “Walking in Memphis.” The conversation also explores Houston’s Memphis roots, his love of country and soul music, his faith, his experience in Los Angeles and the business side of being an independent artist. He also discusses managing his own bookings and social media, keeping control of his original songs and his plans to grow a strong regional following while finishing his ag business degree at UT Martin. It’s a conversation about talent, perseverance, family, faith and what it means to chase a dream while staying grounded in West Tennessee.

    Ep. 231: Houston Kelly: From Martin to LA

  8. Jun 24

    Ep. 230: The Outskirts of Town: Mo Pitney

    This episode of "Reelfoot Forward” features a conversation with Curb Records country singer-songwriter Mo Pitney. On July 3, 2026, he will headline the final night of Discovery Park of America’s Rhythm on the Rails concert series and kick off the museum and heritage park’s America 250 celebration. Pitney shares his journey from growing up near Rockford, Illinois, in a family rooted in gospel, country and bluegrass music to moving to Nashville at 18, where he ultimately found success in the music industry. He discusses his early record deals, his eventual home at Curb Records, his Grand Ole Opry debut and the artists who shaped his sound, including Johnny Cash, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Jimmy Martin and Bill Monroe. The conversation also explores Pitney’s current creative season, including his bluegrass project “Cherokee Pioneer,” recorded in Johnny Cash’s cabin; his new album, “The Outskirts of Town”; and “Fiddle Around,” a song inspired by his wife, Emily, and her return to playing fiddle. Pitney also talks about their new TikTok Live performances; his YouTube channel, “Wood Feathers and Fur,” which follows his family’s bowhunting adventures; and his work with Rahab House, a nonprofit he and Emily co-founded to provide rescue, refuge and restoration for survivors of human trafficking. Pitney also offers a preview of his July 3 performance at Discovery Park, where he will perform with his full country band and later return for a more intimate acoustic set with Emily on fiddle and Pitney on guitar. It’s a conversation about traditional bluegrass and country music, faith, family, heritage, the outdoors and the power of songs that tell a story. More: Mo Pitney at Rhythm on the Rails/America 250 Kick-off, Friday night, July 3, 2026 MpPitney.com Mo Pitney - Old Home Place (Official Music Video) Mo Pitney - Fiddle Around (Official Lyric Video) Pitney Meyer - Cherokee Pioneer (Making The Album) Wood Feathers And Fur

    Ep. 230: The Outskirts of Town: Mo Pitney
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4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Podcast by Reelfoot Forward

Information

  • Creator
    Reelfoot Forward
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    235
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Reelfoot Forward