Reelfoot Forward

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

Podcast by Reelfoot Forward

  1. Episode 226: Senad Agusi: Reviving Union City’s Historic Theatre

    APR 21

    Episode 226: Senad Agusi: Reviving Union City’s Historic Theatre

    Episode 226: Senad Agusi: Reviving Union City’s Historic Theatre In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, meet Senad Agusi, an architectural designer and engineer who has traveled from Australia to help bring new life to one of Union City’s historic landmarks. Senad discusses the renovation of the Masquerade Theatre, formerly the Capitol Theatre, and the careful balance between preserving a nearly century-old building while updating it to meet modern safety, accessibility and performance standards. From uncovering pieces of the theatre’s past to designing improvements that will shape its future, Senad shares how architecture, engineering and community collaboration are helping transform this historic space into a revitalized performing arts destination for West Tennessee. This episode is brought to you by Main Street Union City. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps. To learn more, visit www.ucmasqueradetheatre.com

    37 min
  2. Episode 225: Celebrating Artists: Greg Belz

    APR 6

    Episode 225: Celebrating Artists: Greg Belz

    What does it take to build a thriving arts community? In this episode, Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, shares his story of how one man’s background in television, advertising and promotion evolved into a decades-long mission to support artists and expand access to the visual arts across West Tennessee. Belz shares how he went from working behind the scenes in media and entertainment marketing to organizing major art shows and founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists succeed both creatively and professionally. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Art in the Loop, a free annual festival that brings together dozens of artists, live demonstrations and classical music for thousands of attendees each spring. If you care about creativity, community and the power of the arts to inspire and transform, this episode offers both insight and practical ideas for getting involved. What does it take to build a thriving arts community in a place where resources are limited but creativity is not? In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, host Scott Williams sits down with Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, to explore how one man’s background in television, advertising and promotion evolved into a decades-long mission to support artists and expand access to the visual arts across Memphis and West Tennessee. Belz shares how he went from working behind the scenes in media and entertainment marketing to organizing major art shows and founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists succeed both creatively and professionally. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Art in the Loop, a free annual festival that brings together dozens of artists, live demonstrations and classical music for thousands of attendees each spring. The conversation goes beyond events to examine why art matters, especially in smaller and rural communities. Belz makes the case that art is not just decoration, but education, craftsmanship and economic opportunity. Along the way, Scott and Greg uncover shared connections in Memphis media and reflect on the people and experiences that shaped their paths. If you care about creativity, community and the power of the arts to inspire and transform, this episode offers both insight and practical ideas for getting involved.

    38 min
  3. Ep. 224: Tennessee Voices, American Stories: Miranda Fraley Rhodes

    MAR 24

    Ep. 224: Tennessee Voices, American Stories: Miranda Fraley Rhodes

    This episode features Miranda Fraley Rhodes, Ph.D., assistant chief curator at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville. Miranda discusses how the museum’s exhibitions and interpretive programming help Tennesseans connect with their shared history through inclusive storytelling and compelling artifacts. The conversation highlights the museum’s new exhibition, "Tennessee Voices, American Stories," created as part of the statewide America 250 commemoration. The exhibit features three areas centered on key concepts from the preamble to the United States Constitution: “We the People,” “A More Perfect Union,” and “The Blessings of Liberty.” Each area includes artifacts and stories related to remarkable people who helped to build Tennessee and the United States. Spanning from the 18th century to the present, the exhibition brings together early statehood items and cultural artifacts tied to music, civil rights, public service and more, showing how both prominent figures and everyday people contribute to the ongoing American story. Rhodes gives listeners a richer appreciation for how museums use objects, research and storytelling to make history tangible, memorable, and meaningful for visitors of all ages. Links More about "Tennessee Voices, American Stories" Plan a visit to the Tennessee State Museum Tennessee Voice, American Stories: 95 Counties Road Trip Tennessee America 50 This episode is sponsored by The Citizens Bank. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.

    39 min
  4. Ep. 223: Carrie Tipton: Tennessee America 250

    MAR 10

    Ep. 223: Carrie Tipton: Tennessee America 250

    In this episode, the conversation turns to one of the most significant commemorations of our lifetime: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Carrie Tipton, Ph.D., coordinator of Tennessee’s America 250 commemoration, discusses the many ways the state is preparing to mark this historic milestone. Tipton explains the national America 250 initiative and Tennessee’s approach to telling its own story through the theme “Tennessee: The Original Frontier.” From grant programs supporting local history projects to exhibitions, events, and educational initiatives across the state, she shares how communities of all sizes are being encouraged to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and consider what the next 250 years might hold. The episode also highlights how Discovery Park of America is bringing Tennessee America 250 to life through exhibitions, performances, living history, and public programs throughout 2026.  This episode is sponsored by The Citizens Bank. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.

    49 min
  5. Episode 222: Thomas Batchelor and Fred Bloom: From Tennessee to The Alamo

    FEB 26

    Episode 222: Thomas Batchelor and Fred Bloom: From Tennessee to The Alamo

    Episode 222: Thomas Batchelor and Fred Bloom: From Tennessee to The Alamo In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, Interpretive Ranger Thomas H. Batchelor and historic interpreter Fred Bloom of David Crockett Birthplace State Park join the conversation to explore the real life, legacy and enduring legend of David Crockett, one of Tennessee’s most iconic figures. The discussion comes at a pivotal moment for the park. Hurricane Helene devastated the site in 2024, destroying interpretive spaces, the reconstructed farmstead and monuments along the Nolichucky River. The team there has since been reimagining how to connect people to Crockett’s story and rebuild a network of stewards who care about preserving his legacy. Out of that opportunity comes The Alamo Pilgrimage, a weeklong journey retracing Crockett’s path from Tennessee through Arkansas and into Texas, culminating at the Alamo for the 190th anniversary of the battle. Traveling in a mobile homestead, the crew will visit key historic sites, share live educational content and document the journey in real time, all while building regional partnerships and elevating the authentic Crockett story beyond myth and folklore. As a symbolic gesture, they will present a stone from Crockett’s birthplace cabin to the Alamo, reinforcing the connection between these historic landscapes. From separating fact from fiction to examining Crockett’s political career, migration across Tennessee and global popularity, this episode offers both history and hope, showing how digital storytelling, collaboration and community engagement can help carry the Crockett story from the banks of the Nolichucky River to the walls of the Alamo and into a new generation. More: David Crockett State Park on Facebook Visit David Crockett State Park David Crockett at Discovery Park of America The Alamo 190 Salute This episode of Reelfoot Forward is sponsored by McDonalds and McWorth Management. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.

    34 min
  6. Ep. 221: Brewing on Higher Ground: Kevin and Stacie Herrell

    FEB 24

    Ep. 221: Brewing on Higher Ground: Kevin and Stacie Herrell

    This episode features a conversation with Kevin and Stacie Herrell, the husband-and-wife team behind Higher Ground Coffee Company and Vantage Coffee Roasters. They share how a love of great coffee turned into a nearly 20-year journey of building a specialty coffee business in Union City and Martin. The Herrells reflect on the challenges and rewards of running a hometown business, the importance of local partnerships, and how coffee shops have become gathering places that help strengthen a community. From learning the craft of roasting quality beans to adapting to changing tastes and trends, this conversation offers inspiration for anyone in business today. This episode is sponsored by The Citizens Bank. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.

    41 min
  7. Ep. 220: Mandy Hinson: A Journey of Service in West Tennessee

    FEB 10

    Ep. 220: Mandy Hinson: A Journey of Service in West Tennessee

    On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Mandy Hinson, a familiar voice and face to many in the region from her years at West Tennessee PBS, shares her personal journey from growing up in South Fulton to navigating early college struggles, modeling in Atlanta, and even working behind the scenes during the 1996 Olympic Games. Those experiences eventually led her back home to complete her degree and begin a long and meaningful career in public media, where she spent nearly two decades connecting communities through storytelling and fundraising. Today, Mandy serves in community and donor relations at St. John’s Community Services, where she helps support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as families facing housing and food insecurity. She talks about the organization’s person-centered approach, their food and clothing pantry, and the powerful impact of community partnerships in West Tennessee. It’s a conversation about second chances, finding your calling, and the people and places that shape a life of service.

    41 min
  8. Ep. 219: Dr. Dexter Davis: From Tennessee to Super Bowl LX

    FEB 3

    Ep. 219: Dr. Dexter Davis: From Tennessee to Super Bowl LX

    On this episode Dr. Dexter Davis, sports management professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, shares his journey from coaching and athletic administration to academia, and how that path led to building one of the most exciting experiential learning opportunities in collegiate sports — sending students to work behind the scenes at the NFL Super Bowl. ​Discover how the student program has grown from a handful of participants to a national cohort representing dozens of colleges, and what day-to-day responsibilities students take on during Super Bowl week — from event operations and hospitality to customer service to supporting major brands. Dr. Davis breaks down the careful selection process, the life skills students gain, and powerful success stories of alumni who leveraged the experience into amazing careers. Along the way, Dr. Davis shares the value of hands-on sports management education, the impact of rural institutions and what this year’s trip means for UT Martin students heading to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers. To financially support the Super Bowl program at UT Martin, visit give.utm.edu and select the College of Business and Global Affairs Gift Fund. Note the designation of this gift is to support the CBGA Super Bowl Experience. This episode is sponsored by McDonald's and McWorth Management.

    35 min
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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
    224
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Reelfoot Forward