Local Matters

Tiffany Anton sits down with Josh Wanamaker, musician and co-owner of Flat Foot Records, McMinnville’s newly opened local record store located just steps from the historic Park Theatre on Main Street. Josh shares the inspiration behind opening the shop, his favorite places to hunt for vinyl, and what sets Flat Foot Records apart—from its unique mix of music memorabilia to the way different social groups naturally collide and connect inside the store. He talks about his mission to give McMinnville something it’s been missing: a true local music hub with listening stations, a hangout area, and plans for intimate acoustic performances. Josh and Tiffany also dive into the story behind the name “Flat Foot Records,” their upcoming tracks and collectibles, and the deeper, more complex world of collecting high-quality vinyl. It’s a conversation about community, creativity, and the impact a small music store can make on a downtown scene. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

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

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

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

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