Clarksville Conversations with Charlie Koon

This episode features Renee Bruens, a public health educator for Montgomery County, discussing her efforts to improve community wellness and connection in Clarksville. She details her professional role in teaching healthy habits to various age groups, ranging from nutritional basics for children to the health risks of vaping for older students. Beyond her medical outreach, Bruens highlights her involvement with Clarksville Roller Derby as a physical outlet and her leadership in the Rotary Club. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the Peace Pole initiative, a visual monument promoting harmony through messages in the eight most common languages spoken in the area. The source serves as an overview of how local service organizations and personal passions intersect to foster a diverse and supportive community spirit.

In this episode of the Clarksville Conversations podcast, host Charlie Koon interviews Jo and Thomas Crawford, the owners of two Burn Boot Camp locations in Tennessee. The couple shares their personal journey, beginning with their initial meeting at a hospital in Nashville and moving through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explain how Jo’s passion for fitness eventually led the family to transition from stable corporate careers to small business ownership in Clarksville. The discussion highlights the community-focused environment of their gyms, emphasizing that the program is designed for all fitness levels through personalized modifications. Ultimately, the Crawfords advocate for a proactive approach to health, viewing physical fitness as a vital investment in one's long-term well-being and family life.

This episode features an interview with Major General (Retired) Walt Lord, who discusses his transition from a thirty-six-year military career to a prominent leadership role at Austin Peay State University. After choosing Clarksville, Tennessee, as his retirement home, Lord was recruited to serve as a military adviser before becoming the inaugural Vice President for Military and Veterans Affairs. He details the creation of a unified division designed to support the university's rapidly growing population of military-affiliated students, which includes veterans and their families. The conversation explores Lord’s philosophy on leadership, highlighting the importance of mentorship and the distinction between formal and informal influence. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the strong collaborative bond between the local community, the Fort Campbell military base, and the university’s athletic programs. Ultimately, the source highlights how a shared sense of purpose and specialized support services have made the institution a national leader in veteran education.

This episode features an interview with Melinda Shepard and Tom Creech regarding the current state of the Clarksville Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. As the newly appointed chairman, Creech discusses his vision for growth, including plans to increase membership and foster regional collaboration through roundtable discussions with surrounding counties. Executive Director Shepard highlights the organization’s long history and the various networking opportunities available, such as the popular "Business After Hours" events and ribbon cuttings for new local businesses. The conversation emphasizes the strategic partnership between the community and Fort Campbell, as well as the importance of cultivating the next generation of leaders through the Young Professionals group. Ultimately, the source illustrates how the Chamber serves as a vital backbone for economic development and civic engagement in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing areas.

On this episode, Jonathan Newsome and Chris Colburn introduce Cast and Connect, a Tennessee-based non-profit dedicated to supporting the military community. The organization provides free fishing excursions for veterans and active-duty service members to encourage relaxation and camaraderie. Newsome, an air traffic controller, founded the venture to help local heroes decompress on the water using his own specialized equipment and boat. They explain that participants receive everything necessary for a successful outing, including gear, licenses, and refreshments, at no personal cost. To sustain these efforts, the group is organizing its first fundraiser and silent auction scheduled for October. Ultimately, the program highlights a grassroots effort to give back to those who serve by fostering a shared appreciation for the outdoors and community connection.

Buck Dellinger, CEO, Josh Ward Executive Director and Janet Wilson, Vice President of Urban Development of the Economic Development Council of Montgomery County discus the strategic recruitment of Costco as a foundational element for the new Freedom Farms mixed-use development. The project involves a massive land assembly effort near Interstate 24, combining private trust property with county-owned acreage to create a master-planned regional hub. To secure the retailer, the local government utilized a performance-based incentive model, ensuring taxpayers only provide rewards after specific sales tax and revenue milestones are achieved. Officials emphasized that the store will act as an anchor tenant, attracting high-end retailers like Nordstrom Rack and Trader Joe's while keeping millions in local tax dollars from "bleeding" to nearby cities. Beyond shopping, the development aims to improve infrastructure and traffic flow through internal road networks that alleviate pressure on existing main thoroughfares. Ultimately, the project is framed as a transformational win that will provide hundreds of high-paying jobs and elevate the community's overall quality of life.

This episode features Austin Peay State University’s Athletic Director, Jordan Harmon, and Head Football Coach, Jeff Faris, discussing the upward trajectory of the school’s sports programs. They emphasize a unique culture where student-athletes choose to stay and graduate, bolstered by a record-breaking number of retained players and high academic marks. The conversation highlights the strong synergy between the university and the Clarksville community, noting that athletes contributed over 10,000 hours of local service last year. Both leaders express high expectations for the upcoming football season, urging fans to increase their support and fill the stadium. Ultimately, the source illustrates how aligned leadership and community investment are fostering a winning environment both on and off the field.

On this episode Greg Guinn, a lifelong Clarksville entrepreneur who discusses his family’s deep roots in the local business community and the importance of taking risks. Guinn details his various ventures, ranging from waste management to his current focus on the River Club Golf and Learning Center. He explains how he modernized the facility by adding Buckets, an entertainment-driven driving range that utilizes Top Tracer technology to attract non-traditional golfers. The conversation also addresses the challenges of public golf management, with Guinn offering a critical perspective on the decline of the Mason Rudolph Golf Course. He attributes these issues to a lack of specialized industry expertise within city government and the long-term consequences of deferred maintenance. Ultimately, Guinn emphasizes that success in business requires a strong work ethic and a willingness to bet on oneself.

On this episode Congressman Matt Van Epps joins Charlie for a conversation regarding legislative updates and community advocacy in Clarksville, Tennessee. The discussion highlights the impact of redistricting on Montgomery County and the critical importance of supporting Fort Campbell through infrastructure improvements like water and wastewater management. Van Epps explains his work on the Honor Gold Star Families Act, a bill designed to increase financial benefits for the families of fallen service members. Beyond military issues, the Congressman describes his efforts on the Homeland Security Committee and his commitment to improving regional transportation infrastructure. The dialogue also touches on local celebrations and the Congressman’s recent participation in the Congressional Baseball Game for charity. Overall, the source provides an overview of how federal representation aims to address the specific economic and social needs of Middle Tennessee.

This episode features an interview with Tommy Bates and Jeremy Hoard, the top executives of Legends Bank, the only locally owned financial institution in Clarksville, Tennessee. The discussion highlights the leaders' unique professional backgrounds and the bank’s deep-seated commitment to community banking, which prioritizes local decision-making and personal relationships over corporate distance. Through initiatives like Legends Lift, the bank fosters a culture of servant leadership by supporting local non-profits and partnering with Austin Peay State University to train future professionals. The guests explain that succession planning and active involvement in state and national banking associations are vital to maintaining their independence and economic influence. Ultimately, the conversation illustrates how the bank has evolved from a small modular office into a multi-county franchise dedicated to the region's prosperity.

On this episode, Charlie speaks with Brent Nicholson, a successful entrepreneur and owner of multiple SERVPRO franchises. Nicholson discusses his local roots in Clarksville, reflecting on how his early experiences as a farmer instilled a strong work ethic and foundational business skills. Since entering the disaster restoration industry in 2011, he has expanded his operations across several states, providing essential cleanup services for both residential and large-scale industrial emergencies. He credits his significant professional growth to a talented leadership team and a corporate culture built on mutual accountability and trust. Beyond business expansion, Nicholson emphasizes the importance of community involvement, family support, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. 

On this episode Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden and his Chief of Staff Lee Harrell provide an overview of the region's fiscal health and future development. The leaders highlight a newly passed budget that maintains the current property tax rate for a third consecutive year despite rising costs and significant infrastructure investments. Key priorities mentioned include the construction of new schools, safety improvements for hazardous road intersections, and the ongoing expansion of healthcare facilities to meet the needs of a growing population. The discussion also covers long-term vision projects such as the development of a new fairgrounds focused on agricultural education and the acquisition of land for a major park. 

On this episode, Downtown Clarksville business owners, Jeff Robinson, Andrea Herrera and Darla Knight discuss the mounting frustrations surrounding downtown parking management and its impact on local commerce. The participants highlight a confusing hybrid system involving inconsistent apps and meters, noting that the downtown district is the only area in the city where visitors are forced to pay for parking. They argue that excessive fines and a lack of enforcement authority discourage patrons, suggesting that Clarksville should follow the lead of successful cities like Franklin by offering free, regulated parking. Ultimately calling for the City Council to delay proposed legislative changes to allow for a more collaborative planning process involving the entrepreneurs who have invested in the community's growth.

This episode highlights the 20/10 mentorship program, a community-driven initiative in Clarksville, Montgomery County, designed to guide justice-involved youth toward a brighter future. Judge Ken Goble, Kimberly Wiggins and Edward Moss explain how the program provides juveniles with college-student mentors to help them visualize a life beyond the legal system. By offering exposure to higher education and vocational trades, the project aims to break cycles of generational incarceration and replace punishment with rehabilitation and purpose. The founders emphasize the importance of community partnerships, such as those with Austin Peay State University, to remove barriers to success. Ultimately, the program seeks to transform adolescents into productive citizens by establishing scholarships and providing consistent professional support.

This episode features an interview with Steve Conklin, the campus director of Herzing University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Conklin shares his personal journey from being a military brat and Air Force veteran to finding a second career in higher education. The conversation highlights the specific nursing programs offered at the Clarksville campus, ranging from LPN to doctoral levels, and emphasizes their accredited, non-profit status. Conklin explains how the university utilizes high-fidelity simulation labs to provide students with safe, realistic medical training. Ultimately, the discussion focuses on addressing the critical nursing shortage in Tennessee by preparing skilled healthcare professionals for the region's expanding medical infrastructure.

On this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Charlie Koon talks with Leo Millan and Tonya Leszczak regarding the philanthropic work of the Millan Foundation. The discussion highlights the foundation's recent annual banquet and its commitment to fostering local and global partnerships with various nonprofit organizations. Rather than working in isolation, the foundation focuses on standing in the gap by providing resources, construction expertise, and medical support to underserved communities in Tennessee and Guatemala. The representatives emphasize a philosophy of collaboration over credit, inviting community members to contribute their time, talent, and treasures to help others. Key initiatives mentioned include building "Builders of Hope" houses, supporting foster children, and partnering with St. Thomas to establish a medical clinic. Ultimately, the source illustrates how a unified community can create a lasting humanitarian impact through shared vision and selfless service.

This podcast interview features Hadley Ott, a Clarksville native who discusses his professional background and his personal journey overcoming Crohn’s disease. After working in economic policy for the White House, Ott returned to Tennessee to publish his book, "Drug-Free Crohn's," which documents his transition from conventional medicine to functional health. He outlines a healing philosophy built on the pillars of nutrition, fitness, and faith, emphasizing the success he found through specific dietary resets and a positive mindset. The conversation highlights Ott's transition into authorship and his desire to provide a therapeutic resource for others facing similar autoimmune challenges. Ultimately, the source serves as both an inspirational narrative and a guide for achieving wellness through natural lifestyle changes.

The Clarksville Kiwanis Club focuses on community service and local youth development through its two signature annual events. The Reading Rodeo promotes literacy by distributing thousands of free books to third-grade students in Montgomery County, culminating in a massive gathering at a local arena. To fund these charitable efforts, the organization hosts a sanctioned professional rodeo in May, featuring elite riders, animal exhibitions, and family-oriented activities. Members Dan Black and Chris Lanier emphasize that these initiatives support additional programs like college scholarships and youth leadership clubs. By combining high-energy fundraising with educational outreach, the club seeks to improve the community one child at a time.

This episode introduces Randy Davis, the new President of the newly rebranded Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital, as he discusses the facility's transition into the Vanderbilt Health system. Davis shares his blue-collar upbringing and medical background, emphasizing how his experience as a technician informs his collaborative, physician-led approach to administration. The discussion outlines a commitment to elevating local care by increasing resources, hiring more staff, and bringing specialized pediatric and advanced surgical services directly to the community. Davis highlights the importance of transparency and patience during this growth phase, aiming to make the hospital a standalone destination for high-quality treatment. 

Professional wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett discusses his transition into a promotional leadership role for the Nashville Kats, an arena football team now playing in Clarksville, Tennessee. In this interview, Jarrett highlights his family's deep historical roots in Clarksville and his excitement about the city’s rapid growth and new F&M Bank Arena. He describes the high-speed nature of the sport, likening it to a "video game in reality," and emphasizes the affordability of tickets for families. Working alongside Commissioner Jeff Fisher, Jarrett aims to deeply engage with the local community to build a long-term fan base rather than just hosting one-off events. The conversation also touches on Jarrett's ongoing wrestling career with AEW and his lifelong drive to remain active in the entertainment and sports business.

On this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Charlie Koon sits down with hometown comedian DJ Pryor to break down a career that’s come full circle. From performing his first stand-up set as a teenager to now helping lead Joker’s Comedy House, Pryor shares how Clarksville shaped his voice and his mission.The conversation dives into the mechanics of stand-up, why physical comedy and real-time audience connection still matter, and how humor can act as a universal release valve. Pryor also reflects on the legends who influenced him, including Eddie Murphy and Charlie Chaplin, while making it clear his goal isn’t to leave but to build something bigger right here locally.Looking ahead, Pryor teases a packed slate: a new book, a television project, and a major comedy special planned at F&M Bank Arena, a sign that Clarksville isn’t just part of his story, it’s the stage for what’s next.

This episode features Brad Averitt and Ginna Holleman as they discuss the upcoming 42nd Annual Candlelight Ball, a premier fundraising gala for Austin Peay State University. The event, scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, aims to secure vital scholarship funds and operational support for various university departments. This year’s celebration adopts a Kentucky Derby theme, blending formal tradition with high-energy entertainment from the band Burning Las Vegas. Beyond the festivities, the organizers emphasize the importance of honoring community leaders through the Wendell H. Gilbert and Spirit of Austin Peay awards. Ultimately, the source highlights how the collaboration between dedicated volunteers and university staff fosters a legacy of educational opportunity and local growth.

Former Tennessee Titans linebacker Avery Williamson joins Charlie Koon alongside Chris Colburn to share his journey from a cattle farm upbringing to the NFL, driven by discipline and a passion for defense. After retiring from football, Williamson shifted into entrepreneurship, launching Tennessee Crush Water Ice—an innovative frozen treat inspired by a trip to Philadelphia. The conversation highlights how Colburn is helping expand the brand into Clarksville and Austin Peay through strategic partnerships, as well as the company’s rapid growth from a single food trailer to supplying major festivals and sporting events. 

Stacey Levine, Executive Director of the Tennessee River chapter of the American Red Cross, shares how her team supports Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and 12 surrounding counties through disaster relief, blood drives, and community programs. With a workforce powered 90% by volunteers, she highlights opportunities to get involved—from life-saving training to fundraising events like their upcoming golf scramble—while emphasizing the critical role of regional teamwork in keeping the community prepared and resilient. 

Chris and Stephanie Travis, the husband-and-wife team behind Travis Electrical Service in Clarksville, share how they transitioned from careers in firefighting and education to building one of the region’s most respected electrical contracting companies. Guided by their Christian faith and a commitment to service, they discuss how their business philosophy blends entrepreneurship with community impact. From supporting leadership initiatives to helping bring the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum to life, the couple explains why investing in Clarksville matters to them. They also dive into their registered apprenticeship program, an effort to tackle the skilled-labor shortage by offering free training and mentorship to the next generation of electricians while working to “elevate the trades.” 

In this podcast interview, military veteran and entrepreneur Gary Singleton shares the story behind launching Joker’s Comedy House and The Grill in Clarksville, Tennessee. After retiring from the military and working in real estate, Singleton recognized the city’s need for more live entertainment and converted a former restaurant into a full-service comedy venue. The club now hosts weekly improv shows, open mic nights, and touring professional comedians while also spotlighting local talent. Singleton also prioritizes community involvement, organizing monthly charity events and supporting other small businesses. His vision is to build a true “comedy house” that helps grow Clarksville’s arts scene while giving residents a high-quality night out. 

 In this episode, Austin Peay State University’s new Athletic Director, Jordan Harmon, sits down to share his journey from student-athlete to leading the Govs’ athletic department. Harmon talks about building strong ties with the Clarksville community, growing revenue, and creating a culture that values both winning and academic success. He reflects on the mentors and family who shaped his path and lays out his vision for the future of Austin Peay athletics, offering listeners a clear look at the leadership style and priorities guiding the program forward. 

 In this episode, Congressman Matt Van Epps reflects on his journey from military service to representing Tennessee’s fast-growing communities. He explains how team building and structured processes guide his work in Congress, including on the Homeland Security and Science, Space, and Technology committees. Van Epps also discusses his advocacy for Fort Campbell, the role of local business support, and how national issues like border security and government funding affect his district—underscoring his focus on veterans, economic growth, and hands-on community engagement. 

Dawn Sanders-Garrett, Interim Director of the Clarksville Housing Authority, walks through the plan to redevelop Lincoln Homes and why it matters. She explains how federal RAD conversion and tax credits make the project possible, what demolition and rehabilitation will look like, and how the new development will modernize affordable housing without losing sight of the people who live there. The episode also explores how the master plan aims to keep residents stable while helping fuel Clarksville’s local economy. 

In this episode, Barry Sullivan and Chad Hunley of the Clarksville Jeep Crew share how a simple love of Jeeps has grown into one of the area’s most reliable grassroots support networks. Founded in 2019 and now more than 2,300 members strong, the volunteer group steps up during crises, most recently during the snow and ice storm, helping stranded drivers, transporting essential medical staff, and supporting emergency response efforts when conditions were at their worst. The conversation highlights the Crew’s highly organized training, close coordination with local agencies, and commitment to service without compensation, instead encouraging support for local charities like Mana Cafe and Loaves and Fishes. It is a timely reminder of how community, preparation, and generosity can make a real difference when the weather and circumstances turn tough. 

On this episode Mark Riggins, General Manager of Clarksville Gas and Water, joins Charlie Koon to talk about some of the big projects in the works for CGW.  Those projects include a new natural gas pipeline from Kentucky that will provide Clarksville with a redundant supply of natural gas, a new app and more.

 In this episode, Mayor Wes Golden reflects on a period of rapid growth and key administrative milestones shaping Montgomery County as it looks ahead to 2026. He discusses major public safety advancements, including the launch of the county’s first paid fire department and the expansion of school resource officers. The conversation also explores significant infrastructure investments, road expansions, new schools, and plans for a large community fairground honoring the area’s agricultural heritage. Golden highlights quality-of-life priorities through expanded parks, greenways, and collaborative youth and veteran programs, while outlining a forward-looking economic development strategy focused on high-end retail and smarter traffic management to support a young, fast-growing population. 

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Josh Ward, Executive Director of the Clarksville–Montgomery County Industrial Development Board, breaks down the unprecedented economic expansion reshaping the region. Ward details Clarksville’s strategic shift toward high-tech manufacturing, spotlighting major investments such as Korea Zinc and LG Chem—projects expected to generate thousands of jobs by 2030 and significantly raise local household incomes.The conversation also explores how growth extends beyond industry, including the large-scale retail transformation at Freedom Farms and the arrival of competing healthcare providers aimed at improving access and quality of care. Ward explains why confidentiality is critical during complex business negotiations and how discretion helps ensure major deals successfully cross the finish line.Looking ahead to 2026, Clarksville’s focus begins to pivot from aggressive industrial recruitment toward quality-of-life investments—convention space, greenway expansion, and urban amenities designed to support a growing population. The episode underscores a community-wide effort to manage rapid growth responsibly while building long-term prosperity for residents.

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Michael Lankford, the newly appointed state representative for Tennessee’s District 75, for an in-depth conversation about his roots, his public service, and what comes next for Montgomery County.Lankford reflects on growing up in Clarksville and Montgomery County, sharing how his local upbringing shaped his perspective and commitment to the community. He walks through his educational journey, from Austin Peay State University to UT Martin, and explains how those experiences prepared him for a career in public service.The discussion also revisits Lankford’s time as County Commissioner for District 6, where he focused on practical, day-to-day issues affecting residents, including infrastructure needs and traffic challenges. He outlines the lessons learned at the county level and how they inform his approach to leadership.A key portion of the conversation centers on his unexpected transition to the state legislature. Lankford recounts how a sudden vacancy led to his appointment, culminating in a rare tie-breaking vote cast by the mayor. He closes by outlining his priorities as state representative, with an emphasis on strengthening infrastructure, supporting economic growth in Montgomery County, and advocating for local farmers.

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Congressman Matt Van Epps for an in-depth discussion about his rapid and unconventional path to Congress. Fresh off a special election victory, Van Epps describes the whirlwind transition into Washington and what it was like to step onto the House floor for the first time.The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how voting actually works in the U.S. House of Representatives, demystifying a process many constituents rarely get to hear explained firsthand. Van Epps also outlines his early priorities in Congress, including his assignments to the Homeland Security Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and what those roles mean for the region he represents.To close, Van Epps emphasizes his commitment to staying connected at home, detailing plans to reopen and fully staff district offices in Clarksville and Franklin. He also shares his intention to hold future town halls, reinforcing his focus on accessibility, constituent service, and maintaining a strong local presence while serving in Washington.

Bill Marbet, Russ Plummer, Blake Monroe and Angie Brady join Charlie to talk about the TACA East-West All-Star Game, a prominent Tennessee high school football event hosted in Clarksville held at Austin Peay State University. Blake and Angie from Visit Clarksville explain how securing and maintaining this event demonstrates their commitment to relationship-based tourism, citing the importance of local partners and "unreasonable hospitality" in attracting large groups. The discussion expands to showcase Clarksville's broader portfolio of athletic and unique competitive events, including a national volleyball tournament and the state robotics championship, which contribute significantly to the local economy. Guests emphasize that the city's success in event recruitment is bolstered by the availability of quality venues and the overall affordability of the destination. 

This episode of Clarksville Conversations features two separate interviews with members of Christian rock bands who are performing on the upcoming Awakening Tour 2025. The first interview is with John Cooper from Skillet, who discusses his band's long history, their energetic hard rock style, and their positive faith, family, and freedom message. The second interview is with Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers, where he shares his personal and spiritual journey, including how his wife's faith and perseverance led to his own conversion and the band's formation. Both musicians emphasize the importance of hope, faith in Jesus, and the power of music to spread a positive message, often referencing the challenges and storms of life as inspiration for their songs.The Awakening Tour Featuring Skillet and We Are Messengers takes place on Saturday November 22nd at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville.

Charlie Koon and guest Pastor Mike Burnette talk about the upcoming 8th annual Turkeys for Troops event in Clarksville. The event, scheduled for Saturday November 22nd, provides free frozen turkeys to active-duty military, veterans, and their families as a gesture of appreciation. They talk about the origins and growth of the event, now too large for its initial location, and highlights the crucial roles played by numerous community partners and volunteers, including Convoy of Hope, LifePoint Church, Legends Bank, Serra Chevrolet, Austin Peay State University, and others.

In this inspiring episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Major General (Retired) Walt Lord and Edgar Maldonado from Austin Peay State University’s Military and Veterans Affairs division to explore the deep bond between APSU, Fort Campbell, and the region’s thriving military community. Together, they discuss why Clarksville is unlike other military towns and how APSU continues to serve as a home base for thousands of military-affiliated students.Lord and Maldonado share the significance of Veterans Day and explain why APSU extends the celebration into a full Veterans Week dedicated to honoring service members. Maldonado also opens up about his own service in both the Marine Corps and the Army, reflecting on the powerful sense of camaraderie veterans carry with them throughout life. The conversation drives home one message: veterans aren’t broken—they’re part of a strong, supportive tribe that always looks out for one another.

On this episode Charlie speaks with former professional bull rider and Clarksville native Cory Rasch. The conversation focuses on Rasch’s upcoming sanctioned Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event scheduled for November 8th at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee. Rasch shares details about his history growing up in the area, his professional bull riding career, and the extensive planning involved in producing the event, which includes everything from laying down 33 loads of dirt to coordinating with local sponsors and the Clarksville Fire Department, where Rasch currently works. The discussion also touches upon logistical challenges, like avoiding basketball scheduling conflicts, and efforts to make the event a community affair, including a charity auction and military rappellers.

Charlie Koon and co-host Ryan Ploeckelman talk to guest Debra Sutton from Manna Cafe Ministries. The discussion focuses on Combat Hunger, Manna Cafe’s annual food drive, which has been expanded to the entire month of October to address growing food insecurity in Clarksville and Montgomery County, particularly among military families and seniors. Manna Cafe, a Clarksville original charity in its 15th year, relies heavily on community support, seeking to collect three months' worth of non-perishable food to stock their warehouse for the winter. The organization is organizing a corporate challenge and seeks volunteers for a major collection day on October 25th, utilizing nearly 40 drop-off locations, including all Clarksville Fire Department stations and various retail stores.

On this episode, Mary Durrett, a lifelong resident of Clarksville, shares information about her Sasha Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding mental health therapy for the underserved, and her own health journey using functional medicine. Cliff Syner, a former Army flight medic, discusses why he settled in Clarksville, the origins of his nonprofit, Risen Wellness, and the principles of functional medicine—a practice focused on addressing the root cause of health issues through lifestyle changes rather than solely relying on medication. Both guests stress the importance of community involvement, with Syner explaining that Risen Wellness aims to make functional medicine accessible and affordable to the broader community through donor support.

On this episode Charlie Coon, and guests Jay Albertia and Britney Campbell, discuss an upcoming charity event, The Legends Bank’s Game Changer Clay Shoot supporting Progressive Directions, a non-profit organization led by Jay Albertia that aids individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Middle and West Tennessee. Britney Campbell, representing Legends Bank, explains the event's evolution from a golf scramble to a clay shoot and details the process of selecting Progressive Directions as the current beneficiary through employee nominations. Jay emphasizes the importance of the funds and community awareness generated by the event to support his organization's extensive programs, including residential services, employment initiatives, and the Buddy Ball special needs athletic league. 

On this episode Charlie chats with Cole Smith of the Nashville Predators. The main topics of the conversation center around Smith's background in hockey, including his start skating on a frozen lake in Minnesota and his eventual decision to pursue hockey over football, his strengths as a player who relies on work ethic and excels at the penalty kill, and his positive experience with the Predators organization. A significant portion of the interview focuses on the Predators' community involvement, particularly their support of Gold Star families and military communities in the Clarksville area, which both Smith and Coon express deep appreciation for.

On this episode Charlie is joined by Mayor Wes Golden of Montgomery County, and Bobby DeVoursney the CEO of the Nashville Kats Arena football team. The primary focus of the discussion is the major announcement that the Nashville Kats will officially relocate their next home season to Clarksville, Tennessee, starting in 2026, playing at the F&M Bank Arena. The participants emphasize the community support, affordability of tickets, and the team's commitment to engaging with the local area, even suggesting a future name change to reflect Clarksville's identity. Additionally, Mayor Golden provides updates on several other Montgomery County quality-of-life initiatives, including new parks, libraries, and the development of a fairgrounds project.

On this episode host Charlie Coon discusses the Clarksville Rotary Club with guests Betty Burchett and Jill Moore. The conversation centers on the club's impactful community work in Clarksville, Montgomery County, highlighting their long history of service projects such as Rotary Park, Heritage Park's splash pad, and the Buddy Ball Fields. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to an upcoming project: the installation of a peace pole at Rotary Park, symbolizing a commitment to fostering peace and addressing issues like youth conflict within the community. The guests also explain how individuals can become members of the Rotary Club, emphasizing the organization's welcoming and diverse environment, and the opportunities for mentorship and leadership.

This episode of "Clarksville Conversations" features an interview with Major General David Gardner, the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell. General Gardner discusses his personal journey to military service, highlighting his early inspiration from West Point and the enduring camaraderie among his classmates. He emphasizes the unique and supportive relationship between Fort Campbell and the surrounding communities in both Tennessee and Kentucky, noting the significant economic and social ties. The general also provides an overview of the 101st's current global deployments and its role in transforming and modernizing the Army, underscoring the critical importance of daily training and readiness. The conversation concludes with recommendations for visitors to Fort Campbell and the soon-to-open Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum, further illustrating the deep connection between the military installation and its community.

This episode of Clarksville Conversations features an interview with Austin Peay State University (APSU) Football Coach Jeff Faris, following a significant upset victory over Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The conversation centers on the team's preparation and keys to their historic win, highlighting their confidence, lack of turnovers, strong third-down defense, and explosive plays. Coach Faris also discusses the invaluable support from the Clarksville community and the APSU administration, particularly President Mike Licari and Interim Athletic Director Jordan Harmon, as crucial to the team's success and player retention. The episode concludes with a call to action for community members to attend home games to foster an unparalleled atmosphere and aid in recruiting, emphasizing that the team's ongoing focus is on continuous improvement and the process of winning.

This episode features an interview with David Kells, the Chief Venues Officer for F&M Bank Arena and Bridgestone Arena, discussing the growth of Clarksville, Montgomery County, and the development of its entertainment scene. Kells shares his career journey in the live music industry, from internships to his current executive role, and highlights his experiences with memorable concerts and the importance of creating shared memories through live events. The conversation also covers the strategic partnership between F&M Bank Arena and Bridgestone Arena to establish Clarksville as a viable market for touring acts, emphasizing the diverse range of events planned to cater to the community and the positive impact of these venues on local quality of life and economic development.

On this episode Charlie chats with Dr. Michael Licari, President of Austin Peay State University. The discussion primarily focuses on the university's impressive growth in enrollment and facilities, highlighting new additions like the Health Professions building and a welcome center, and future plans such as an event center and a large Chick-fil-A. Dr. Licari also elaborates on Austin Peay's commitment to student success, community engagement, and supporting military-affiliated students, emphasizing its role as a key economic and social anchor for the Clarksville area. He touches on the importance of financial support from "investors" and the university's dedication to ensuring graduates find meaningful careers.