PODCAST · news
The Scruffy Stuff
by Knox News
Every Tuesday, host Ryan Wilusz and expert guests bring you the latest news happening in and around downtown Knoxville. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com, part of the USA Today Network.
Episodes
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What do big University of Tennessee changes mean for the rest of Knoxville?
The proposed Neyland Entertainment District, shake-ups at WUTK and new public parking spaces. It's safe to say the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is at a turning point. Staying on top of it all is higher education reporter Keenan Thomas, who joins host Ryan Wilusz on this week's episode to...
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What are the best places to sing karaoke in Knoxville?
Whether you have the voice of an angel or require a little liquid courage before taking the stage, karaoke is always a fun option for a night out, and Knoxville has plenty of options. Knox News reporter Allie Feinberg joins host Ryan Wilusz to discuss their recent visits to some of the most…
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Is McKay's in Knoxville (THAT McKay's) the Buc-ee's of used book stores?
The left turn into and out of the Knoxville McKay's used books and record store on Papermill Drive is a headache on a normal day. But when the store celebrated its 50th anniversary July 9 with an all-day, prize-filled road trip to five locations in Tennessee and North Carolina, traffic was...
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How did Knox News capture the College World Series behind the scenes?
The world was watching June 24 as Tennessee defeated Texas A&M to capture its first national title in the baseball program's history. Behind the scenes and on the field, Knox News was tirelessly working to capture the biggest moments during the Vols' quest for gold. Brianna Paciorka, visual...
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Scruffy Rewind: What's on your downtown Knoxville summer bucket list?
FROM MAY 14, 2024: There's nothing quite like springtime in Knoxville ... except for summertime. OK, fall and winter are awesome too. Knoxville has plenty to offer any time of year, from mouth-watering bars and restaurants to family-friendly festivals to natural amenities like the Urban…
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What questions does a Bonnaroo first-timer have for a veteran festivalgoer?
It's Bonnaroo week, one of the most magical times of year for Knox News journalist Ryan Wilusz, host of this week's episode of "The Scruffy Stuff." Ryan is joined by photographer Hanna Mattix, who is attending the Manchester, Tennessee, music festival for the first time this year. For Ryan, it…
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After months of battling, who finally won the Band Eat Band competition?
Since September, Knox News journalist and co-host of "The Scruffy Stuff" Ryan Wilusz has devoted Thursday nights to judging the bracket-style competition known as Band Eat Band, first at Scruffy City Hall and then at Asylum 801. The West-family competition paid performers and donated to local...
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Scruffy Rewind: Downtown Knoxville patio power rankings (part two)
From May 23, 2023: For fun under the sun, downtown Knoxville has plenty of patios to offer. And as the weather keeps getting warmer, our thirst keeps getting stronger for outdoor spaces to enjoy drinks and food. Host Ryan Wilusz, along with producer Brianna Paciorka and higher education reporter...
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Scruffy Rewind: Downtown Knoxville patio power rankings (part one)
FROM MAY 16, 2023: For fun under the sun, downtown Knoxville has plenty of patios to offer. And as the weather keeps getting warmer, our thirst keeps getting stronger for outdoor spaces to enjoy drinks and food. Host Ryan Wilusz, along with producer Brianna Paciorka and higher education reporter...
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What's on your downtown Knoxville summer bucket list?
There's nothing quite like springtime in Knoxville ... except for summertime. OK, fall and winter are awesome too. Knoxville has plenty to offer any time of year, from mouth-watering bars and restaurants to family-friendly festivals to natural amenities like the Urban Wilderness. But with summer...
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Adeem the Artist celebrates and sings 'Anniversary' ahead of Knoxville show
Adeem the Artist dropped their highly anticipated follow-up to "White Trash Revelry" on May 3, and we can't stop listening! The appropriately titled album, "Anniversary," released the same day they celebrated 10 years of marriage with local artist High Five Hannie. Adeem joins "The Scruffy Stuff"...
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How could a controversial high-rise change the look of downtown Knoxville?
A proposed high-rise along the Tennessee River would be one of the first things people see when entering downtown from the south, but the design is still up for debate. While developers have expressed to stakeholders the challenges of building on a sloped riverside site, the Design Review Board...
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Is Kern's Food Hall living up to expectation in South Knoxville?
While it took a while for Kern's Food Hall to finally open, it didn't take long for people to begin exploring the property in packs – enjoying sushi and pizza from vendors, sipping on rooftop drinks, and shopping for flowers, clothes and artsy paper goods. Take it from this week's co-hosts, Ryan...
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How could Asylum 801 take Knoxville to new heights?
Orson Welles has nothing on the far-fetched story inspiring a new out-of-this-world nightclub in the newly established Asylum District that could expand what people consider the boundaries of downtown Knoxville. The tall tale, from the mind of owner Scott West, goes like this: Rogue doctors from...
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How was Knox News able to break this major Beyoncé news?
Before you read about it on CBS News or even our own USA TODAY, Knox News was first to report that a Dolly Parton and Beyoncé collaboration could be happening as part of the latter's album "Cowboy Carter." How did we know? Trending news reporter Devarrick Turner straight-up asked Parton during a...
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How will new bike paths, parks and technology 'reconnect' Knoxville?
For the first time in a long time, East Knoxville residents cut off from downtown through the demolition of mostly Black neighborhoods in the 1960s and '70s will be able to move more easily throughout the city to take advantage of new amenities, new infrastructure and new job opportunities. But...
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What should you know before heading to Big Ears Festival 2024?
It’s not just the eclectic and distinguished lineup that sets Big Ears Festival apart in 2024. It’s the host city of Knoxville, Tennessee, that pairs Southern charm with world sounds to present a festival that’s more comfortable than most, with world-class venues that are closer than what most...
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What would downtown Knoxville look like without free parking nights and weekends?
The future of free parking on nights and weekends, a downtown Knoxville amenity that helps encourage people to visit and explore our city, is the subject of a survey that has surfaced some stress among downtown businesses. The survey on whether free parking is the best strategy moving forward was...
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Scruffy Rewind: Introducing Knoxpedia, your guide to all things Knoxville
From Oct. 30, 2023: Nearly one year ago, we embarked on a mission to create a resource for new residents – something to help people adjust as they settle in their new home or take on new roles in the community. We’re happy to share with you Knoxpedia, the one-stop shop for all things Knoxville....
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Dear Knoxville: Can we take a moment to talk about concert etiquette?
A viral video of Knoxville native Briston Maroney walking off stage toward the end of his hometown show at The Mill & Mine sparked a conversation among two of Knox News' biggest music fans, downtown reporter Ryan Wilusz and visual journalist Brianna Paciorka. Listen as they discuss which…
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What does Potchke's success say about an evolving Knoxville food scene?
Potchke was just named by USA TODAY as one of the top 47 restaurants in the country. While we're stoked to see some Knoxville representation, Knox News started thinking about local restaurants we wish made the list. This casual conversation between your host, downtown reporter Ryan Wilusz, and...
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What do big changes at McGhee Tyson Airport mean for Knoxville?
Knoxville is growing, and so is our airport. While it might not sound like much, Avelo recently added cheap flights to and from Connecticut, which could open the door for more destinations out of McGhee Tyson. Growth and development reporter Daniel Dassow, who specializes in tech and energy…
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Downtown Knoxville resolutions: What will you accomplish in 2024?
It's not too late to make New Year's resolutions. Just blame the delay on the freezing snow and heated election cycle that has everyone talking. As the downtown growth and development reporter for Knox News, there's not much host Ryan Wilusz hasn't experienced in the center of our city. But with...
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What makes the 2024 Big Ears Festival and Bonnaroo lineups special?
While Bonnaroo and Big Ears Festival take place three months and 150 miles apart, both events were created by Knoxville native Ashley Capps. Plus, both festivals have become known for their diverse lineups and their unofficial status as music discovery festivals. Knox News journalists Ryan Wilusz...
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Episode 200: Our bold predictions for downtown Knoxville in 2024
Our downtown Knoxville predictions that didn’t happen in 2023 have potential to come true this year: replacing Pryor Brown Garage, building a block-sized development, creating stadium parking and welcoming a nationally known chef to the local culinary scene. But in the spirit of the new year…
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Scruffy Rewind: What should replace Pryor Brown Garage in downtown Knoxville?
From March 21, 2023: The waiting period required to demolish downtown Knoxville's most crumbling building is over, so we at Knox News started thinking about what could replace the historic structure. Listen as co-hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brenna McDermott share their thoughts, and share your own by...
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How many of our 2023 predictions for downtown Knoxville came true?
This year has been full of surprises in downtown Knoxville, from a new Sunsphere paint job to shocking business closings. But a lot of what happened in 2023 was on our radar heading into the year, and we documented those predictions on "The Scruffy Stuff" back in January. This week, hosts Ryan...
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What was the pedestrian-only Gay Street experiment really like?
Creating “safe spaces” was a selling point in the city's decision to close down the 400 block of Gay Street to vehicles on select weekends in November and December. But there are two things Gay Street business owners and urbanites are whispering about even if the city isn’t addressing them…
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How a PB&J beer is captivating Knoxville taste buds feat. Xul Beer Company
If you have tried the PB&J Mixtape sour by Xul Beer Company, consider yourself lucky. This beer doesn't last long in kegs around town and has led to long lines of people waiting outside the brewery just to get their hands on a four pack. Perhaps, it's the fact this beer taste exactly like a PB&J...
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The SCRUFFYs: Best downtown moments and businesses from 2023
No tuxedos, trophies or acceptance speeches required. These are the SCRUFFYs – similar to the Grammys, with a lot less music and a lot more Knoxville. As the downtown reporter for Knox News, host Ryan Wilusz has seen plenty of exciting (and sometimes crazy) things happen in the center of our city...
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Could downtown Knoxville benefit from food delivery robots?
Knoxville has delayed the robot takeover for six months. That is, the Knoxville City Council voted Oct. 31 to enact an emergency moratorium on personal delivery robots. The ordinance, which passed unanimously, will keep companies from deploying the autonomous robots on city streets and sidewalks...
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Scruffy Rewind: What can Knoxville learn from Durham's downtown stadium?
From Nov. 21, 2022: Downtown reporter Ryan Wilusz and visual journalist Calvin Mattheis return to Knoxville to share what they learned from their trip to Durham, North Carolina, where a downtown baseball stadium opened in 1995 resembles the plans for downtown Knoxville, just east of the Old City....
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How would making Gay Street pedestrian-only change downtown?
Knoxville is doing four weekend trial runs that will turn a busy stretch of Gay Street into a pedestrian plaza at night. Gay Street's 400 block, which runs from Wall Avenue to Union Avenue and is packed with restaurants and bars, will be closed to parking and traffic 7 p.m.-4 a.m. on these dates:...
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Introducing Knoxpedia: What questions do you have about Knoxville?
Nearly one year ago, we embarked on a mission to create a resource for new residents – something to help people adjust as they settle in their new home or take on new roles in the community. We’re happy to finally share with you Knoxpedia, the one-stop shop for all things Knoxville. Whether…
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What questions do young professionals have about downtown Knoxville?
The Knoxville Chamber recently invited downtown reporter Ryan Wilusz to lead roundtable discussions at its 2023 Endeavor Summit, which connected young professionals with each other and with local resources to help advance their careers in Knoxville. Throughout the day, young professionals stopped...
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Which Knoxville businesses and activities are best enjoyed in the fall?
With the changing of the seasons comes a change in preferences, whether it's the flavors you enjoy, the music you listen to or the activities your participate in. Simply put: Some things just hit different in the fall, and that's the focus of this week's podcast. Hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brianna...
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Where should the JFG sign be reinstalled in downtown Knoxville?
It's not "goodbye" but, rather, "see you later" when it comes to the JFG sign. At least, that's what much of Knoxville hopes. Mayor Indya Kincannon says she is working with city partners to find the Knoxville icon a new home after it was disassembled and removed from its spot on the hill in South...
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What should be Knoxville's 'statement piece' on the South Waterfront?
The South Knoxville waterfront and nearby neighborhoods don't need a pedestrian bridge for growth. Substantial changes have been happening for years, and the city recently hired consultants to identify the next opportunities for growth along the river. The findings include a "statement piece"…
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What does plant vandalism tell us about downtown Knoxville?
No matter how many times it happens, J.C. Holdway owner and chef Joseph Lenn is thrown for a loop upon arriving at his downtown restaurant to find soil on the sidewalks − the work of an unknown person who ripped out his flowers and vanished into the night. A plant vandal. The perpetrators might...
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Scruffy Rewind: Knoxville's Adeem the Artist performs and talks new music
Originally published Jan. 9, 2023: The things Adeem the Artist hasn't directly experienced, the Knoxville musician has delicately observed in the struggles of strangers and friends in their 34 years, culminating in 11 sung stories of "White Trash Revelry" released on Dec. 2. Perhaps, you have…
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Band Eat Band: Who's your favorite in the Knoxville music scene?
For years, Market Square bar owner Scott West kept his pulse on the Knoxville music scene, whose bands played his stages at Preservation Pub nearly every night of the week. But the scene is changing, and the Scruffy City is ready to crown a new champion of local music. West joins the show to talk...
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Which fan-centric amenities could improve games at Neyland Stadium?
Neyland Stadium will look a little different this year, though most new amenities were added for premium ticketholders. That doesn't mean the average fan won't benefit, and future renovations could make game days more comfortable for all. As Tennessee football prepares for its home opener against...
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Who would you elect to these fun downtown Knoxville positions?
It’s Election Day in Knoxville, with a handful of city candidates vying for a spot in the general election this November. Noticeably missing from the ballot: the positions of downtown party planner, mayor of the makers and happy hour coordinator. Never heard of these? Well, that’s because hosts...
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Can you guess these downtown Knoxville places with one-word hints?
If you’re a regular listener of “The Scruffy Stuff,” you should be deeply plugged in to what’s happening in and around downtown Knoxville. But do you know the Scruffy City well enough to identify businesses and public spaces by a single word? Hosts Brenna McDermott and Ryan Wilusz test each…
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Could removing free trolleys be good for downtown Knoxville?
Trolley buses are going away as part of KAT Reimagined, a transit overhaul that will put more resources toward ridership over coverage. But downtown transportation isn't disappearing entirely. In addition to increasing frequency for buses that come downtown, Knoxville Area Transit is planning a...
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What questions do people 'New2Knox' have about Knoxville?
The tables are turned on this week's episode! Listen as Emilie Stooksbury from New2Knox interviews host Ryan Wilusz with questions new Knoxville residents have about our Scruffy City. The two chat about some holes in the downtown business scene, the possibility of a downtown grocery store, tips…
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What are the best things we ate and drank in Knoxville?
For the past month, Knox News reporters have chowed down across town, sampling some of the best food and drinks Knoxville has to offer. The center of the city has its fair share of fare so, of course, some downtown-area restaurants made our list. But we also explored neighborhoods to try bar…
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Happy Holler is becoming a destination. What will it look like in 5 years?
Happy Holler: You've probably heard the name. But like many Knoxville neighborhoods, it's not always clear where the lines are drawn. Perhaps, its ambiguity has to do with its size − just a few short blocks easily missed by a blink or a sneeze. It could also have to do with the nearby Old North...
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Which Knoxville movie theater is best for you?
Knoxville is more than just Smoky Mountains and football; it's a subtle haven for movie lovers, too. But with two AMC theaters now closed in Knoxville, you might be wondering where to go. With its headquarters in Knoxville, Regal has four theaters to choose from − each one surprisingly different...
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What should go inside the Sunsphere in downtown Knoxville?
The Sunsphere: It’s bold, gold and getting kind of old. The structure has been plagued by some prohibiting factors over the years, including a lack of elevator capacity and nearby parking, as well as a center stalk that limits floor space. Surely, something can be done to make this attraction…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Every Tuesday, host Ryan Wilusz and expert guests bring you the latest news happening in and around downtown Knoxville. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com, part of the USA Today Network.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Scruffy Stuff have?
The Scruffy Stuff currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Scruffy Stuff about?
Every Tuesday, host Ryan Wilusz and expert guests bring you the latest news happening in and around downtown Knoxville. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com, part of the USA Today Network.
How often does The Scruffy Stuff release new episodes?
The Scruffy Stuff has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Scruffy Stuff?
You can listen to The Scruffy Stuff 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 The Scruffy Stuff?
The Scruffy Stuff is created and hosted by Knox News.
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