Local Matters

• Penny Meadows Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss How Early Education Changes Lives

  Host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Penny Meadows, Director of LBJNC Head Start, to talk about how early education is changing lives across the region. Penny shares her journey from volunteering as a Head Start parent in Crawford to leading the program that now serves 80 children in four Upper Cumberland communities—Livingston, Byrdstown, Jamestown, and Cookeville. She reflects on the program’s rich history, the support that helped her earn her college degree, and the impact of initiatives like the foster grandparent program and recent grant projects. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

  --------  

  33:05

  --------

  33:05
• Justin Cantrell Joins George Halford To Share His Incredible Journey From Addiction To Sobriety & His Faith

  Narcan trainer and recovery advocate Justin Cantrell joins us to share his remarkable journey from childhood trauma and addiction to nearly a decade of sobriety and service. Born and raised in DeKalb County, Justin opens up about his struggles with substance use, incarceration, and faith—and how those experiences now fuel his passion for saving lives across the Upper Cumberland. As a member of the Smith County Drug Coalition and founder of the Upper Cumberland Support Group, he discusses the impact of overdose prevention, the importance of community, and how faith and perseverance can turn pain into purpose. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

  --------  

  32:57

  --------

  32:57
• Michael Hodge Joins Brad Halfacre To Discuss Picket CCC Memorial State Park & Dark Sky Parks

  Brad Halfacre sits down with Michael Hodge from Pickett CCC Memorial State Park to explore what makes it one of Tennessee’s treasured International Dark Sky Parks. Michael explains why winter skies are clearer, which constellations shine brightest this time of year, and dives into the science behind what we see overhead. He also previews the December 14th meteor shower and shares the best places in the park to catch the show. It’s a stellar listen for anyone who loves astronomy, nature, or simply looking up. Listen To The UC Outdoors Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

  --------  

  15:00

  --------

  15:00
• Johnathon Williams Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss His Lifelong Commitment To Service

  Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Commissioner Jonathan A.D. Williams, whose journey from Chicago to the Marine Corps to Cookeville shaped a lifelong commitment to service. Williams shares how his upbringing, military career, and years in law enforcement inspired his passion for local government and community leadership. Now a barber and the representative for District 1, he talks road infrastructure, school priorities, and the importance of building consensus over holding grudges. It’s an honest look at what it takes to serve your neighbors—and why relationships matter in politics. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

  --------  

  33:07

  --------

  33:07
• Nurse Practitioner Stacie Rothfus Joins Dr. Lee To Share Helpful Tips For Flu Prevention

  Dr. Lee sits down with Nurse Practitioner Stacie Rothfus for National Influenza Vaccination Week, an annual December spotlight on flu prevention. Stacie shares her journey from urgent care to her work as both a Tennessee Tech NP and a hospitalist at Cookeville Regional. She breaks down why education on influenza—and especially the vaccine—is critical. From common symptoms to the complications that make the flu truly dangerous, Stacie explains how the flu shot helps protect our community. Tune in for a clear, practical look at staying healthy this season. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

  --------  

  32:57

  --------

  32:57

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Local Matters

Local Matters: Podcasts in Family