Local Matters

News Talk 94.1

Education, Sports, Faith & Everything In Between Originating from News Talk 94.1 the show deals with community issues and interests that affect listeners closer to home. With topics from major events across the nation and how they impact our area to interesting people and figures from across the Upper Cumberland. Local Matters is where local, matters. Covering the issues that matter to you. Every weekday.

  1. 2D AGO

    Doug Stafford Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss The Importance Of Decisions In Local Government

    Ben Rodgers sits down with Jackson County Commissioner Doug Stafford, a lifelong local whose roots run deep in Gainesboro. Doug shares his journey from working city trash trucks and spending two decades at Nielsen to serving on the county commission, reflecting on a lifetime of volunteerism that began at just 15 years old. He opens up about the tough realities of local government, including voting for a recent tax increase, how property tax rates are determined, and the impact those decisions have on growth in Jackson County. The conversation also highlights regional cooperation in the Upper Cumberland, Jackson County’s beloved tourist attractions, and Doug’s work with Friends of Cordell Hull Lake—an organization that’s removed nearly 15 tons of trash and continues to reinvest every dollar back into protecting the lake and supporting local tourism. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

    33 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Stacy Brewington Joins Dr. Emily Lee To Speak On Heart Health & American Heart Month

    Emily Lee sits down with Stacy Brewington, a longtime cardiology professional who has spent 21 years with Tennessee Heart. Brewington shares how a single EMT class at Tennessee Tech shifted him from engineering into a lifelong career in patient care. He breaks down the many moving parts that keep a cardiology center running and explains why cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death—often beginning as early as the teenage years. He also highlights how symptoms can show up differently in men and women, and what listeners should be paying attention to. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

    34 min

  3. 4D AGO

    Braxton Lafever Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss How His Faith & Journey Lead To Lafever Ride Share

    Tired of expensive rides and limited options? Tiffany Anton talks with 25-year-old Braxton Lafever, founder of Lafever Ride Share. Inspired by his faith and personal journey through the Hope Center in Rickman Tennessee, Braxton built a local, family-oriented rideshare business focused on safety, affordability, and getting people where they need to go. Hear how Lafever Ride Share is changing transportation in Cookeville! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

    33 min

  4. 5D AGO

    Donna Ray Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Counseling For Over 20 Years + The Future Outlook On Teaching

    Jeremy Wendt sits down with Donna Ray, longtime school counselor at Rickman Pre-K through 8th school, where she helps support more than 700 students every day. A Livingston native and Rickman alum herself, Donna reflects on her 23-year career—including the full-circle moment of student-teaching alongside her own favorite childhood teacher. She discusses how early exposure to technology, when not monitored, can shape mental health and behavior in today’s students, and how different school life is now compared to her own upbringing. Donna also shares her hopes for Rickman’s future, their 2025 food drive, and her thoughts on the ongoing teacher shortage. It’s an insightful look at the challenges and heart behind supporting students in today’s world. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

    33 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Bruce & Jean Cannon Join George Halford As They Discuss The Stories That Make "Country Kitchen on Main"

    From a military upbringing to owning a hometown favorite—George Halford sits down with Bruce and Jeanne Cannon of the "Country Kitchen on Main". They share stories of hard work, family roots in Crossville, opening their first restaurant at just 22, and how food, community, and philanthropy have shaped their journey. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

    33 min

  6. JAN 30

    Chris Miller Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss The Toll COVID-19 Took Upon First Responders

    Ben Rodgers sits down with Chris Miller, Director of Cumberland County EMS, to talk about his journey from growing up in Jamestown to serving in the U.S. Air Force—including time stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska—before becoming an EMT in the late 90's. Chris reflects on returning home to serve Cumberland County, the unique challenges of covering one of Tennessee’s largest counties by acreage, and the growing demands on rural emergency services. He also opens up about the toll of COVID-19 on first responders, the community-wide response to the 2020 tornado, and his vision for the future of EMS in the Upper Cumberland. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

    33 min

  7. JAN 29

    Jennifer Wilson Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee As They Discuss National Blood Donor Month

    Drs. Mabry and Lee sit down with Jennifer Wilson, Account Manager for Blood Assurance in Cookeville, in honor of National Blood Donor Month. Jennifer explains her role with the local nonprofit, which serves as the sole blood provider for Cookeville Regional Medical Center, and highlights why blood donations are so critical to patients across the Upper Cumberland. She discusses seasonal blood shortages, the types of patients who rely most on donations, and how a single donation can save up to three lives. The conversation also walks listeners through the donation process—from eligibility and preparation to mobile blood drives—while busting common myths and sharing how local high school donors play a vital role in keeping the community’s blood supply strong. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

    32 min

  8. JAN 28

    Mark Dickerson Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss The Local Business Mark's Heating and Air

    Tiffany Anton talks with Mark Dickerson of Mark’s Heating and Air, a locally owned business serving the community for a little over a decade. Mark shares what inspired him to start his company, the challenges of running a business today, and why customer service is at the heart of everything he does. He also offers practical tips for homeowners, including common HVAC issues, when to service your system, and how heating and cooling technology can impact energy costs and indoor air quality. Plus, Mark explains how to get quotes, schedule service, and protect yourself from being taken advantage of. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

    33 min
See All (150)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Education, Sports, Faith & Everything In Between Originating from News Talk 94.1 the show deals with community issues and interests that affect listeners closer to home. With topics from major events across the nation and how they impact our area to interesting people and figures from across the Upper Cumberland. Local Matters is where local, matters. Covering the issues that matter to you. Every weekday.

Information

  • Creator
    News Talk 94.1
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stonecom Cookeville LLC
  • Show Website
    Local Matters