Storytellers with Darren Leach

A look back at the Clinton High School 1992 Runner Up football team, celebrating the players, coaches, and unforgettable season that left a lasting mark on the school and community. This podcast revisits the hard work, standout moments, and legacy of a team that came up just short but is still remembered with pride.

We are honored to welcome Sid Spiva—a man whose life unfolds in powerful and unexpected chapters shaped by roots in East Tennessee, a deep love of music, a commitment to education, faith-driven service, and a lifelong desire to build things that last. Raised in Clinton, influenced early by family and a teacher who recognized his potential, Sid’s story begins in small classrooms and living-room jam sessions that quietly set the course for an extraordinary journey.That journey carried him from a steel guitar and the Tennessee Barn Dance to life on the road with Dolly Parton during some of the most influential years in country music history—along the way crossing paths with legends, collecting unforgettable stories, and learning the cost and reward of performing at the highest level.When the music chapter closed, Sid answered another call—finishing college, becoming a teacher, and eventually leading schools as a respected principal. His path later moved into ministry, where faith and leadership intersected, and then into licensed contracting, where building with his hands mirrored the work he had always done with people. Through it all—whether riding motorcycles, mentoring others, or reflecting on lessons learned—Sid’s life has been marked by curiosity, courage, and service.This conversation explores the roots, the road, the risks, and the reflections of a life well lived.Please welcome Sid Spiva to the Storytellers stage.

Mollie Farrar and Jenky Walker join host Darren Leach on Storytellers to share their stories of family, creativity, and breathing new life into a historic space. As the sisters behind Hoskins in the Flat, located in the original 1930s Hoskins Drug Store in Clinton, Tennessee, they talk about honoring their family’s legacy while blending art, events, and community into a place where history and imagination meet.

In this episode of Storytellers, we are honored to welcome Pastor Wayne Phillips—born in Wartburg, Tennessee, and shaped by a lifelong calling to ministry and community. A graduate of Lake City High School and Cumberland College, Pastor Wayne has faithfully served Main Street Church since 1985 alongside his wife, Joan. From Youth Pastor to Senior Pastor, his more than two decades of leadership have been marked by a passion for building a healthy New Testament church that lifts high the name of Jesus and impacts the world for God’s glory. Join us as Pastor Wayne shares his story, his calling, and his heart for transformation through the Gospel.

In this tenth episode of Storytellers, host Darren Leach welcomes a true Anderson County original — Jim Ern Medley. Born and raised right here in Anderson County, Jim’s life is one defined by service, leadership, and community. A lifelong educator, dedicated mentor, and retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, Jim has spent decades shaping lives both in the classroom and on the field of duty.Join us as Jim shares his remarkable journey — from his roots in Anderson County to his years of military service and the lessons learned along the way. It’s an inspiring conversation about dedication, integrity, and the power of giving back.Tune in to Storytellers — where we celebrate the lives and legacies of those who make Anderson County proud.

We are thrilled to welcome Charles Edward McRae, former NFL offensive tackle and first-round draft pick, to Storytellers! Charles’s journey is a powerful story of grit, determination, and perseverance — from his roots in a small Tennessee town to the bright lights of the NFL.Early Life & High SchoolBorn at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan, Charles moved to Clinton, Tennessee, at the age of seven. He attended Clinton Senior High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball, laying the foundation for his remarkable athletic career.College CareerCharles went on to play for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, initially as a defensive lineman before making a successful transition to offensive tackle. His standout performance earned him multiple All-SEC honors, including a First-Team selection in 1990, along with academic recognition for his excellence off the field.NFL Highlights7th overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the first offensive player selected that year.Played 84 games in the NFL, starting 39, while contributing at both right tackle and left guard.Finished his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1996.Legacy Beyond FootballAfter retiring from the NFL, Charles continued to inspire, earning inductions into the Clinton High School Wall of Fame, the Anderson County Hall of Fame, and the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.Join us as Charles shares stories from his days on the field, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his vision for life beyond football. This episode of Storytellers is a must-listen for sports fans and anyone passionate about perseverance, leadership, and personal growth.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Shelley Sexton Collier, a standout athlete from Lake City, Tennessee, whose love for basketball led her to the pinnacle of collegiate success. Shelley shares her experience playing under the legendary Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee, where she helped lead the Lady Vols to a national championship. We explore her high school stardom, her impact on the court during one of UT’s most dominant eras, and what it was like being part of a powerhouse program that changed the landscape of women's basketball forever.

In this episode, Darren Leach sits down with Dr. Tim Parrott to discuss the latest legislative changes impacting Tennessee schools. Dr. Parrott offers valuable insights into how new laws will be implemented across Anderson County and what they mean for educators, students, and families. He also highlights the district’s recent accomplishments and shares ambitious goals for the upcoming school year. A must-listen for anyone invested in the future of education in Tennessee.

Welcome to the June 2025 episode of ACTV’s Storytellers, where we spotlight Anderson County residents making a difference in their communities. In this special sixth episode, we break new ground by welcoming our very first married couple to the Storytellers stage: Lisa Harrison Smith and David Smith.Lisa, a vibrant creative spirit and former high school English teacher, now channels her passion into LHS Photography, where each photo tells a poetic story. David, her Maverick counterpart, helps lead the charge at Clinch Valley CrossFit, the fitness community they co-own. Together, they balance family life, entrepreneurship, and community service—proving that Dragons and Mavericks not only can coexist but can thrive side by side.From capturing the fleeting beauty of life behind the lens to inspiring strength inside the gym, Lisa and David share their journey of purpose, grit, laughter, and connection.Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation with two of Anderson County’s most inspiring storytellers.

We are thrilled to welcome Katherine Birkbeck to the ACTV Storytellers studio! A Clinton native and 2000 graduate of Clinton High School, Katherine brings a wealth of experience and passion to our community. She holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Public Relations from Berry College and a Master's in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University. Katherine is an internationally recognized photographer, known for her award-winning wedding photojournalism. In 2008, she founded Katherine Birkbeck Photography, and in 2015, she opened Spindle Tree, a beloved event venue on Market Street that also serves as her photography studio.Beyond her artistic endeavors, Katherine is deeply invested in the revitalization of historic downtown Clinton. As the Executive Director of Historic Downtown Clinton, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the installation of 37 historic walking tour signs and the creation of a Clinton High School Youth Board. Under her leadership, the organization has secured nearly $500,000 in grants, leading to the renovation of ten historic buildings and the hosting of five annual events that boost the local economy.Katherine's dedication to preserving the rich history of Clinton is evident in her efforts to restore historic buildings, such as the Daugherty Lofts, and to implement projects like the historic walking tour and the installation of informative banners throughout the city.We are honored to have Katherine join us at the ACTV Storytellers studio, where she will undoubtedly inspire and contribute to our mission of celebrating and sharing the stories of our community.

In this heartfelt episode, Darren Leach sits down with longtime coach Alvin Taylor, whose nearly 40-year journey in both baseball and basketball has shaped generations of athletes and communities. Alvin reflects on his extensive coaching career, sharing stories from the field and the court that are as inspiring as they are insightful. He also opens up about his deep-rooted friendship with legendary Clinton resident Freddy Fagan—his best friend and brother in spirit. From their early days to the present, Alvin shares the powerful origins of a bond that’s stood the test of time.

On this episode of "Storytellers with Darren Leach," host Darren Leach sits down with Sam Turner, a distinguished American hurdler renowned for his achievements in track and field. Turner, born on June 17, 1957, specialized in both the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles. Throughout his career, he secured notable accolades, including a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1977 Pacific Conference Games and a gold in the 110-meter hurdles at the 1981 edition of the same event. In 1983, Turner reached the finals in the 110-meter hurdles at the World Championships in Athletics, setting a personal best of 13.17 seconds that year. His personal record in the 400-meter hurdles stands at 49.04 seconds, achieved in 1978, which ranked him fifth globally at that time. Join Darren Leach as he delves into Turner's illustrious career, exploring the challenges and triumphs that defined his journey in athletics.

Host Darren Leach sits down with Dr. Curtis Sexton and talks about his illustrious medical career and memories about growing up.  

Host Darren Leach sits down to with guests Clark Wormsley and Jody Wright to talk about growing up in Lake City, Tennessee and their history of success they have both had in coaching over the last 4 decades.