Downright Mindful

Downright Mindful Media
  • 5.0 (13)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real conversations. Real people. Real life. Hosted by Matt Parris and Paul Sausville, Downright Mindful is a long-form podcast that blends humor, reflection, and storytelling. From small-town life and teaching to fatherhood, faith, and the human condition — every episode aims to slow things down and think a little deeper. Produced by Downright Mindful Media in Cleveland, Tennessee.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Voice of Cleveland Radio | Steve Hartline | Downright Mindful Ep. 85

    Episode 85 of Downright Mindful features a conversation with Steve Hartline, longtime local radio personality and owner of several stations serving the Cleveland and Bradley County area, including Mix 104.1 WCLE, ESPN Cleveland 101.3 “The Buzz,” Fiesta Radio 99.1, and WCLE AM 1570. Steve has spent most of his life in local radio and has become a staple in the community along the way. In this conversation, Matt and Paul explore the people and relationships that shaped him early on, especially the influence of his grandfather, Reverend M.E. Littlefield. Steve reflects on Littlefield’s friendships and connections with figures like former Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland, Norvel Hayes, and John Osteen. The conversation also moves through Steve’s experiences interviewing political leaders and public figures over the years, including Bill Lee, Marsha Blackburn, Bo Jackson, and Jack Nicklaus. One of the standout stories involves Steve’s interview with Tom Griscom and the discussion surrounding the famous “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” speech from the Reagan era. Along the way, Steve shares stories from decades in broadcasting, the changes he has seen in local media, and the one interview he still hopes to land someday. It’s a conversation about radio, relationships, local history, storytelling, and the people behind the microphone. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    1h 34m

  2. MAY 17

    What Does Your ZIP Code Say About You? | Downright Mindful Ep. 84

    Episode 84 of Downright Mindful starts with a conversation about something most people rarely think about — area codes and ZIP codes. Paul continues one of his recurring ideas that “geography is biography,” leading into a discussion about a Harvard study suggesting that a person’s ZIP code may predict more about their future than their genetic code. That idea opens the door to stories about local communities, neighborhoods, and the experiences tied to different places around Cleveland and Bradley County. Matt and Paul reflect on the identities and histories connected to local ZIP codes, the assumptions people make about certain areas, and how where we grow up can shape opportunities, perspective, and even relationships. Paul also shares stories from a recent local history walking tour he led for his students, describing some of the places, stories, and forgotten details that helped bring the area’s history to life. Like many episodes of Downright Mindful, the conversation moves between humor, storytelling, local history, and bigger questions about identity and place. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    1h 13m

  3. MAY 10

    The 5 Levels of Why | Downright Mindful Ep. 83

    Episode 83 of Downright Mindful starts with a simple question: Why? Paul introduces the idea that in engineering and problem solving, there are often multiple layers beneath a decision or behavior — sometimes five levels deep before you reach the real answer. Using that idea as a framework, he begins interviewing Matt about the deeper reasons behind some of the things he loves, values, and spends his time doing. The conversation moves through Matt’s love of music, how he unexpectedly found his way into teaching, and the experiences that shaped some of the decisions he’s made throughout life. Along the way, the two reflect on how often people stop at surface-level explanations without ever digging into the deeper “why” underneath them. Like many episodes of Downright Mindful, the conversation moves naturally between storytelling, humor, reflection, and curiosity. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    59 min

  4. MAY 3

    36 Years in the Jail and Still Laughing | Allan Walsh | Downright Mindful Ep. 82

    Episode 82 of Downright Mindful features a conversation between Matt and Allan Walsh, a longtime leader in corrections who spent 36 years with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office. Allan started in 1983 and went on to serve as a Captain, spending many years as the jail administrator. During his career, he played a major role in the transformation of the county’s jail system, helping guide the move from a small linear jail to a much larger 408-bed direct supervision facility. He later helped facilitate the addition of a 100-bed workhouse within the same complex. But more than anything, Allan is a storyteller. The conversation moves through memories of working inside the jail, transporting prisoners across the country, and the kinds of moments you only get from years on the job. Allan brings humor, perspective, and a personality that makes it hard not to laugh along with him. If you’ve ever wondered what life inside a jail really looks like from the people who worked there, this episode offers a firsthand look. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    1h 41m

  5. APR 26

    Low Voter Turnout… Does It Even Matter? | Downright Mindful Ep. 81

    Episode 81 of Downright Mindful dives into local politics, civic engagement, and the impact of decisions made closer to home than most people realize. Matt and Paul talk through the reality of low voter turnout in local elections and what that says about engagement at the community level. The conversation explores how local policy decisions affect everyday life and why those decisions often receive far less attention than national politics. Matt shares a strong perspective, explaining that while he doesn’t necessarily sympathize with the frustration people express about low voter turnout, he does feel a sense of concern over the lack of deeper engagement in local policymaking and civic involvement. Paul pushes back, leading to a more direct and honest disagreement between the two. The result is a candid conversation about responsibility, participation, and what it really means to be involved in your community. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    55 min

  6. APR 19

    What Actually Makes Students Workplace Ready? | Downright Mindful Ep. 80

    Episode 80 of Downright Mindful focuses on the skills that matter beyond the classroom. Matt shares a recent project he designed for his Criminal Justice students — a scavenger hunt with a breakout-style format that challenged students to work together, solve problems, and think on their feet. The activity was built around the SkillsUSA framework, emphasizing workplace-ready skills like teamwork, adaptability, integrity, and communication. The conversation moves beyond the activity itself and into a broader discussion about what students actually need as they prepare for the real world. What does teamwork really look like? Can integrity be taught? How do students respond when they’re forced to adapt in real time? Paul also shares more about recent conversations happening in his classroom with local leaders, including Gary Davis, Steve Lawson, Andrew Morgan, and Denny Collins. These moments continue to reinforce the idea that real leadership is often closer and more accessible than people think. This episode is about preparing students for more than a test — it’s about preparing them for life. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    56 min

  7. APR 12

    20 Conversations Later: The People We’ve Met | Downright Mindful Ep. 79

    Episode 79 of Downright Mindful is a look back at the people who have helped shape the podcast. Matt and Paul take a stroll down memory lane, revisiting the guests they’ve had on the show and reflecting on the conversations that have stood out along the way. From community leaders to educators, law enforcement, and everyday people doing meaningful work, the episode highlights how those relationships have continued beyond the recording. The conversation circles back to Episode 1, “Call the Mayor,” when Matt made the claim that the county mayor was only a phone call away. Paul tested that idea by reaching out to Gary Davis, who not only responded but showed up to speak to his U.S. History class. Paul also shares about Steve Lawson visiting his class and investing time with students. Along the way, Matt and Paul reflect on conversations with guests like Zech Pike, J. Adam Lowe, Rob Blackaby, Derrick Frazier, Aaron Hayes, and Bill Estes, among others. More than anything, this episode is about relationships — how conversations lead to connections, and how those connections continue to grow over time. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    52 min

  8. APR 5

    Local Legends, Leaders, and the Story of Cleveland, TN | Downright Mindful Ep. 78

    Episode 78 of Downright Mindful is a conversation about local history, community, and the people who have helped shape Cleveland and Bradley County over the years. Matt and Paul talk through stories, speculation, and the lasting impact of individuals who have made a difference in the area. The discussion includes local philanthropists like Lynn Jones, the Tarvers, and Steve Wright, as well as current leaders who continue to serve the community today. They also discuss several officials who are scheduled to visit Paul’s history class in the near future, including Steve Lawson, Gary Davis, Andrew Morgan, Denny Collins, and Phil Cook. The episode blends storytelling with reflection, looking at how leadership, generosity, and decision-making leave a mark on a place over time. If you’ve ever wondered how a community becomes what it is… and who helps shape it along the way… this conversation is for you. This is a discussion that sets up the questions to be asked and the people who can answer them with speculation and story-telling littered throughout.  Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    56 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Real conversations. Real people. Real life. Hosted by Matt Parris and Paul Sausville, Downright Mindful is a long-form podcast that blends humor, reflection, and storytelling. From small-town life and teaching to fatherhood, faith, and the human condition — every episode aims to slow things down and think a little deeper. Produced by Downright Mindful Media in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Information

  • Creator
    Downright Mindful Media
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Downright Mindful Media
  • Show Website
    Downright Mindful

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