Reelfoot Forward

Reelfoot Forward
  • 4.9 (33)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Podcast by Reelfoot Forward

  1. Ep. 217: 2026 Discovery Park Sneak Peek

    1D AGO

    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 Jennifer Wildes and manager of marketing and PR Zac Willis for a look at what’s ahead in 2026 at the museum and park. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes preview of upcoming exhibits, major events and cultural celebrations, including plans tied to America’s 250th anniversary, new permanent exhibitions, expanded educational programming and returning events that have become regional traditions. Listeners will hear how Discovery Park selects exhibits, balances popular demand with mission-driven storytelling and plans year-round experiences for children and adults. As Discovery Park commemorates the 230th anniversary of Tennessee’s statehood and the national America 250 celebration, several new exhibits will open next year. The museum will host "Home, Heart, Heritage: Quilt Exhibition Celebrating Black History," a traveling exhibition from Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center that features five double-sided quilts celebrating Black American contributions to Tennessee and the nation. Listeners will also learn more about "Brushstrokes of a Young Nation: The Art of David Wright," which will be on display in the Southern Artist Showcase Gallery. The exhibition will include prints by celebrated Tennessee artist David Wright, whose paintings of early settlers, frontier life and America’s expansion offer a vivid visual journey through the nation’s formative years. Another major highlight of Discovery Park’s Tennessee America 250 programming discussed in the episode is the Celebrating 250 Years of Independence event July 3–4, 2026. On Friday, July 3, country music artist Mo Pitney will headline a free outdoor concert as part of Discovery Park’s Rhythm on the Rails series. Whether you’re a longtime member, a first-time visitor or simply curious about how a regional museum plans for the future, this episode offers a candid, informative look at how Discovery Park continues to evolve while staying rooted in the stories of West Tennessee and the Reelfoot Lake region. This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.

    53 min
  2. Ep. 216: Stephanie Riley: Design, Entrepreneurship and Building a Creative Community

    DEC 16

    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 early graphic design training and freelance work in college at UT Martin to starting — and successfully growing — two advertising agencies in West Tennessee. The conversation traces the evolution of graphic design from traditional tools like rub-on type and amberlith to today’s digital platforms, along with the power of networking, chamber involvement, and small-town relationships in building a sustainable business. Stephanie also discusses her passion for team culture, mentoring young creatives, and why she believes smaller communities like Jackson offer unmatched opportunities for connection and impact. Listeners will also hear about Stephanie’s work promoting live music in West Tennessee through initiatives like Jackson Hidden Tracks, the Blue Suede Rockabilly Weekend honoring Carl Perkins, and collaborations with local musicians and educators. From advertising and design to music and community-building, this episode highlights how creativity thrives in rural places when people invest where they live. This episode is sponsored by Main Street, Union City.

    41 min
  3. Ep. 215: Sarah Campbell Drury: Uncovering History Through Antiques and Auction Stories

    DEC 10

    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 becoming one of Tennessee’s leading appraisers, known for uncovering rare books, documents, antiques and Southern historical treasures. With stories that range from authenticating overlooked family heirlooms to identifying high-value pieces hidden in plain sight, Sarah offers a fascinating look into how provenance, research and a trained eye bring history to life. She also shares how Case Auctions expanded globally during the pandemic through online bidding platforms, now attracting thousands of collectors from more than 30 countries. Whether you love antiques, Southern history or simply a good story about unexpected discoveries, this episode shines a light on the art of appraisals and auctions and the thrill of connecting people with the objects that shaped our past. This episode is sponsored by Main Street, Union City.

    44 min
  4. Ep. 214: Dr. Jeremy Tubbs: Music, Mentorship and the Soundtrack of West Tennessee

    DEC 3

    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. From his first Apple IIe computer to earning a PhD in music, Dr. Tubbs shares his journey through the evolving world of music education and technology. Listeners will hear how his childhood fascination with sound turned into a lifelong passion for teaching and performing, and how he’s helping shape the next generation of musicians in West Tennessee. The conversation also explores the power of community in supporting live music—from the JAMS (Jackson Area Music Society) Facebook page that connects thousands of local music lovers each week, to opportunities for student performances at Discovery Park of America. Whether you’re a lifelong musician, an educator or just someone who loves a good story about creativity and persistence, this episode strikes the right chord. This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.

    49 min
  5. Ep. 213: Scott Williams and Jennifer Wildes on “Townmania” and Preserving History

    NOV 20

    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 for a behind-the-scenes conversation about their shared passion for history, storytelling and the museum experience. Jennifer served as editor of Scott’s latest biography, "Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis." Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in Memphis to helping build Discovery Park alongside founder Robert Kirkland, reflecting on her years curating artifacts and designing exhibits that inspire. Scott discusses his career path from Graceland to the Newseum to Discovery Park, his process as an author, and his new book. Together, they explore the fascinating story of early Memphis, the life and legacy of Marcus Winchester, and the importance of preserving and sharing Tennessee’s rich history for future generations.

    53 min
  6. Episode 212: Tyler Ford: Mentorship, Opportunity and Building Tennessee’s Workforce

    NOV 11

    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 inspiring journey from growing up in a small town in Illinois to working at Walt Disney World and eventually helping shape the future of Tennessee’s workforce through mentorship and education. Listeners will learn how Tennessee Achieves connects students to opportunity by pairing scholarships with hands-on mentor support—especially for first-generation and rural students. Tyler discusses the life-changing power of internships, the importance of community involvement, and how volunteers across the state are helping students access higher education and career pathways. With an impressive 84.7% of Tennessee Achieves graduates staying in-state and contributing to an $18.9 billion economic impact, this episode shines a light on how mentorship can transform both lives and communities. This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.

    36 min
  7. Ep. 211: Kasey Muench: Discovering Northwest Tennessee

    OCT 14

    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 define this nine-county region. From the formation of Reelfoot Lake during the New Madrid earthquakes to the stories of the first settlers and the region’s thriving small towns, Kasey, Scott and Zac discuss what makes Northwest Tennessee a hidden treasure for travelers. Listeners will also discover can’t-miss attractions, unique festivals and the best local diners and dives. Whether you love history, outdoor adventures or small-town hospitality, this episode paints a vivid portrait of our corner of Tennessee. This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm and Lawn.

    58 min
  8. Ep. 210: Greg Anthony: The Golden Boy of West Tennessee Wrestling

    SEP 30

    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 South. With more than two decades in the ring, Greg has worked with some of the industry’s most iconic names and now runs one of the busiest wrestling promotions in the country hosting weekly family-friendly shows in Ripley and Dyersburg, Tennessee. In this episode, Anthony shares his journey from watching wrestling on his grandmother’s knee to winning the NWA National Heavyweight Championship, and how he’s using his platform to build something much bigger than just a show. From merchandise strategy to community outreach, Greg shares how faith, family, and storytelling continue to drive his success inside and outside the ring. This episode is available on SoundCloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

    43 min
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4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Podcast by Reelfoot Forward

Information

  • Creator
    Reelfoot Forward
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    216
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Reelfoot Forward

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