PODCAST · society
Reelfoot Forward
by Reelfoot Forward
Podcast by Reelfoot Forward
Episodes
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Episode 241: Jim Emison: Murder on the Hatchie, The NAACP’s First Martyr
Retired West Tennessee trial lawyer and author Jim Emison returns to “Reelfoot Forward” to discuss his new book, "Murder on the Hatchie: The NAACP’s First Martyr." The book tells the largely forgotten story of Elbert Williams, a Black civil rights activist who helped organize the...
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Episode 240: Joe Pagetta: New Book About the Apostle of Tennessee
In this episode, Tennessee State Museum communications director Joe Pagetta shares details of his new book, “The Apostle of Tennessee: The Indefatigable Life and Ministry of Father Aloysius Orengo.” Pagetta tells the remarkable story of the Italian-born priest who spent 25 years traveling across...
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Episode 239: Mark Anderson: Life Gets Heavy. Run Light
What would make someone run around the same track for 24 consecutive hours, covering more than 103 miles through heat, darkness and exhaustion? For Mark Anderson, the answer is something much bigger than running. Anderson, a McKenzie, Tennessee, husband, father, entrepreneur, digital creator and...
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Ep. 238: Randy Bridges: Looking back at 9/11
Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, 2001, the memories remain vivid for those who experienced the attacks firsthand. In this special episode, we hear from Randy Bridges, a Jackson, Tennessee, native and retired Air National Guard veteran who was serving in Washington, D.C., when America came under...
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Episode 237: David Wright: Brushstrokes of a Young Nation
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, artists across the country are helping us see the nation's story through fresh eyes. Few do it with the authenticity and attention to detail of David Wright. In this episode, Wright, one of America's premier historical artists, along with Discovery…
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Episode 236: Allie West: Beyond the Jumpsuit
What does it take to step onstage and pay tribute to one of the most recognizable entertainers in history? The guest for this special Elvis Week episode is Allie West, a third-generation Elvis Presley fan from western Kentucky and the creator of Beyond the Jumpsuit, a website devoted to sharing…
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Ep. 235: Kenny McCloud: From Union City to Hip Hop History
This special live episode was recorded on stage at Discovery Park of America during our 2026 Juneteenth celebration. We sat down with Union City native Kenny McCloud, a musician, songwriter, producer and studio owner whose journey took him from childhood dreams in northwest Tennessee to the…
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Ep. 234: Willy Bearden: Southern Storyteller
Willy Bearden is a filmmaker, photographer, author, producer, musician and Southern storyteller whose work has helped preserve and interpret the culture, characters and history of Memphis, the Mississippi Delta and the Midsouth. In this episode, Bearden shares how growing up in Rolling Fork,...
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Ep. 233: Jennifer Glass: Little Miss McKenzie
In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, Jennifer Glass, West Tennessee writer and educator, discusses her new memoir, "Little Miss McKenzie: Memories of an Average Girl in an Average but Perfect Small Town." With warmth, humor and sharp observation, Glass revisits growing up in McKenzie, Tennessee,...
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Ep. 232: Susan Geveden Fisher: A Writer’s Journey
On this episode, we talk with Kentucky author Susan Geveden Fisher, whose novels draw deeply from memories of family, rural life and the places that shaped those who came of age in the 1970s. Susan grew up in Graves County, Kentucky, where she experienced cruising through town with close friends,...
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Ep. 231: Houston Kelly: From Martin to LA
On this episode, Houston Kelly, a 20-year-old country and soul singer and student at UT Martin, shares details of his recent experience on NBC’s The Voice. He talks about the long road to The Voice, including three audition attempts, the emotional timing of receiving his callback on the day of…
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Ep. 230: The Outskirts of Town: Mo Pitney
This episode of "Reelfoot Forward” features a conversation with Curb Records country singer-songwriter Mo Pitney. On July 3, 2026, he will headline the final night of Discovery Park of America’s Rhythm on the Rails concert series and kick off the museum and heritage park’s America 250…
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Episode 229: Morgan Siebert: The Super Museum
In this episode, Morgan Siebert, owner and executive director of the Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois shares how her father, Jim Hambrick, built one of the world’s largest Superman collections from a childhood lunchbox into a museum with more than 75,000 artifacts. She discusses carrying on…
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Episode 228: Historic Elmwood Cemetery: Kim Bearden
In this episode, Kim Bearden, executive director of Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis shares how a search for a journalism job led her to Elmwood in 1998 and how the cemetery became what she now describes as her second home. Founded in 1852, Elmwood is the oldest active cemetery in Memphis and holds…
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REELFOOT FORWARD EP 227: Jordan Campbell: Family Entertainment
In this episode, Scott talks with Jordan Campbell, founder of Campbell’s Family Entertainment in Union City. Campbell grew up in Obion County, graduated from Obion County Central High School and studied engineering at the University of Tennessee at Martin. His interest in magic began in…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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 —...
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Ep. 218: Tommy Young: Surveying the Past and Mapping the Future
As Discovery Park joins the rest of the nation in kicking off the America 250 commemoration—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—Tommy Young, Vice President of Surveying at L.I. Smith & Associates, joins us for a fascinating conversation about the world of land...
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Ep. 217: 2026 Discovery Park Sneak Peek
What’s next for Discovery Park of America? In this special Reelfoot Forward episode, CEO Scott Williams sits down with senior collections and exhibits director Jennifer Wildes and manager of marketing and PR Zac Willis for a look at what’s ahead in 2026 at the museum and park. The conversation...
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Ep. 216: Stephanie Riley: Design, Entrepreneurship and Building a Creative Community
On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Stephanie Riley, founder of B3 Creative Agency in Jackson, Tennessee, shares her journey from early graphic design training and freelance work in college at UT Martin to starting — and successfully growing — two advertising agencies…
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Ep. 215: Sarah Campbell Drury: Uncovering History Through Antiques and Auction Stories
On this episode, Sarah Campbell Drury, vice president of fine and decorative arts at Case Auctions, shares her journey from a career in television news to becoming one of Tennessee’s leading appraisers, known for uncovering rare books, documents, antiques and Southern historical treasures. With...
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Ep. 214: Dr. Jeremy Tubbs: Music, Mentorship and the Soundtrack of West Tennessee
This episode features Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, musician, educator and director of the music program at the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee. From his first Apple IIe computer to earning a PhD in music, Dr. Tubbs shares his journey through the evolving world of music education…
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Ep. 213: Scott Williams and Jennifer Wildes on “Townmania” and Preserving History
In this episode, the tables are turned as Zac sits down with Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams and senior director of exhibits and collections Jennifer Wildes for a behind-the-scenes conversation about their shared passion for history, storytelling and the museum experience. Jennifer served as...
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Episode 212: Tyler Ford: Mentorship, Opportunity and Building Tennessee’s Workforce
In this episode, Tyler Ford, Vice President of Workforce at Tennessee Achieves, the nonprofit organization behind the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small town in Illinois to working at Walt Disney World and eventually helping shape the future of...
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Ep. 211: Kasey Muench: Discovering Northwest Tennessee
In this episode, Kasey, executive director of Northwest Tennessee Tourism, takes listeners on a verbal tour of some of the people, places and waterways that define this nine-county region. From the formation of Reelfoot Lake during the New Madrid earthquakes to the stories of the first settlers…
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Ep. 210: Greg Anthony: The Golden Boy of West Tennessee Wrestling
In this episode, we step into the ring with Greg “The Golden Boy” Anthony, professional wrestler, promoter, and community leader behind Pro Wrestling Mid South. With more than two decades in the ring, Greg has worked with some of the industry’s most iconic names and now runs one of the busiest...
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Ep. 209: Seth Manea – Preserving a Timeless Tradition at the Calvert Drive-In
The Calvert City Drive-In first opened in the 1950s and entertained families for decades until closing after the 2021 season, following the passing of longtime owner Ruth Evelyn Harrington. In 2023, Seth and Tabitha Manea purchased the property and reopened the drive-in, keeping its famous…
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Ep. 208: Jenni Veal & Bob Ford: Tennessee’s New Birding Guide Takes Flight
In this episode, Jeni Veal, outdoor tourism development manager at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Bob Ford, executive director of the Hatchie River Conservancy, discuss the launch of the new Guide to Birding in Tennessee. This free statewide resource highlights birdwatching...
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Ep. 207: Peter Guralnick: The Colonel and the King
In this special Elvis Week episode, acclaimed music historian Peter Guralnick joins us to discuss his new book, "The Colonel and the King," a deeply researched portrait of the complex relationship between Elvis Presley and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Guralnick, author of the definitive...
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Ep. 206: Victor Parkins: Leading the Future of Rural Journalism
In this episode, we spend some time with veteran journalist and newspaper editor Victor Parkins, a leading voice in rural journalism and the longtime editor and publisher of the Milan Mirror-Exchange. Victor shares his journey in the newspaper business, from growing up in a family-run newsroom...
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Ep. 205: Dr. Matthew Stafford: U.S. Values and the Constitution
Dr. Matthew Stafford, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and distinguished academic, has spent his career shaping leaders, building innovative education programs, and defending American values—both in uniform and in the classroom. With six academic degrees and nearly 30 years of service—including...
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Ep. 204: Lorraine Jones: Faith, Wellness and Walking in Hope
This inspiring episode features Lorraine Jones, founder and executive director of the Hometown Walk of Hope, a non-profit cancer agency that has raised more than $3.9 million to support cancer patients in rural West Tennessee. Lorraine shares her journey from growing up in rural West Virginia to...
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Ep. 203: Dr. Nassar Nassar: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Rural Impact
Dr. Nassar Nassar is founder and CEO of Savant Learning Systems and Virtual Academy. Based in Martin, Tennessee, Dr. Nassar is a visionary leader and entrepreneur who has transformed the way training is delivered to public safety professionals across the country. In this episode, Dr. Nassar…
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Ep. 202: Eric Sanford: Crafting Community One Pint at a Time
In this episode, you’ll discover the story of Eric Sanford, founder and co-owner of Reelfoot Brewing Company. Originally from Milwaukee, Eric brought his passion for small batch brewing to Northwest Tennessee, first opening in Trimble before expanding to a new location in the heart of downtown...
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Ep. 201: Amos Smith and Pete Morgan: Surviving Reelfoot
“Surviving Reelfoot” is a locally grown reality competition inspired by Survivor that has captured the imagination of fans around the world. What began in 2014 with 11 friends in a backyard has evolved into a full-scale, eight-day game set on a 300-acre property near Reelfoot Lake. With cast...
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Ep. 200: Tennessee v. Scopes
The latest exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum, “Eight Days in Dayton: 100 Years of the Scopes Trial,” will be on display June 24–October 12, 2025. It offers a rich, immersive journey through the State of Tennessee v. John T. Scopes, one of the most iconic legal and cultural events in American...
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Ep. 199: Brent Callicott: Forecasting for Northwest Tennessee, One Post at a Time
Brent Callicott is a self-made “weatherologist” from Union City, Tennessee, and the trusted voice behind Brent’s Weather Page on Facebook. In this episode, he shares how a childhood fascination with storms and a little nudge from his wife and daughter sparked what would become one of Northwest...
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Ep. 198: Podalyst: An AAF Workshop on Podcasting
Discovery Park of America recently served as the venue for Podalyst, a daylong podcasting workshop hosted by AAF West Tennessee. The event brought together a dynamic mix of podcast hosts, business professionals, creatives and aspiring podcasters interested in the power of audio storytelling.…
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Ep. 197: Jacob Tolliver: Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
American singer and songwriter Jacob Tolliver was raised on classic rock and roll blasting from his grandmother’s radio. After a spontaneous rendition of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” on a dusty hardware store upright piano went viral, a star was born. At 19, Tolliver was hired as the...
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Ep. 196: Jerry Potter: The Sultana Tragedy: America’s Greatest Maritime Disaster
This spring marked the 160th anniversary of the worst maritime disaster in United States history. The Sultana left Memphis on April 27, 1865, carrying three times the number of passengers for which it was designed. Tragedy struck later that evening when the boilers ruptured, causing the steamer…
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Ep. 195: Brandon Nassar: Crave
Brandon Nassar is the owner of CRAVE, a go-to spot in Martin, TN, for flavorful, high-protein meals that fuel your day without weighing you down. He has a culinary journey that took him all the way to Dubai for school—and ultimately brought him back to Northwest Tennessee with a vision to create…
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Ep. 194: Abi Hellmich: The Art Room
Abi Hellmich is a Union City native who has always been deeply connected to her community and its creative scene. After graduating from MTSU, she spent time working at Walt Disney World before launching her own production company in Nashville, handling lighting, sound and AV for high-profile...
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Ep. 193: MSG Doug Wonacott: Service, Survival and Mental Health Advocacy
MSG Doug Wonacott is a decorated Special Operations Flight Medic with over two decades of service in the U.S. Army. Enlisting in 2000, he completed 15 combat deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after...
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Ep. 192: The 2025 Discovery Awards
On Saturday evening, March 8, 2025, Discovery Park of America honored four individuals who, like the museum and heritage park, inspire others to see beyond. Proceeds from the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards benefit the Kirkland Scholarship Fund, providing free admission for…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Reelfoot Forward have?
Reelfoot Forward currently has 238 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Reelfoot Forward about?
Podcast by Reelfoot Forward
How often does Reelfoot Forward release new episodes?
Reelfoot Forward publishes regularly with 238 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to Reelfoot Forward on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Reelfoot Forward?
Reelfoot Forward is created and hosted by Reelfoot Forward.
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