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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 Middle and West Tennessee in the mid-19th century. Father Aloysius Orengo helped establish Catholic communities in cities and towns such as Jackson, Humboldt, Brownsville, Grand Junction and Covington. Along the way, Orengo endured disease, war, dangerous travel and religious hostility. The conversation also explores Pagetta’s own path from Jersey City journalist to Tennessee historian, the discoveries that brought Orengo’s forgotten story back to life and the realities of researching, publishing and promoting a book about a largely forgotten figure today. This episode is sponsored by Northwest Tennessee Tourism. Be sure to attend Joe Pagetta’s panel at the Southern Festival of Books. Purchase at Vanderbilt University Press.

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 ultrarunner, uses the motto “Life gets heavy. Run light.” as both a personal philosophy and a call to encourage others. Anderson shares how he went from someone who never considered himself a runner, and whose first half-marathon was, in his words, a “sufferfest,” to becoming a two-time 100-mile finisher. He takes us inside Run Light Collective 24, an extraordinary personal challenge during which he ran around a track for 24 hours, covered more than 103 miles and raised support for mental health awareness and organizations including the Carey Counseling Center and the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. Remarkably, Anderson ran alone for only about 30 minutes as friends, family members and complete strangers showed up to run beside him. The conversation also explores the life behind the miles. Anderson talks about growing up in West Tennessee, studying marketing at the University of Tennessee at Martin, becoming an entrepreneur and co-owning Forefront Promotional Products and Refinery Fitness in McKenzie. He shares how Refinery Fitness grew from an idea born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he and his best friend found themselves working out in the back of a church with backpacks and weights. At its heart, this is a conversation about endurance, faith, family, mental health, entrepreneurship and community — and about discovering that we may be capable of far more than we imagine. As Anderson explains, running light means learning to shed life’s burdens while also choosing to be a light to others. Whether you have run 100 miles, one mile or have not run since high school gym class, Anderson’s story offers a powerful reminder to get moving and keep moving forward. This episode is sponsored by Martin Running Company. More: Facebook: Mark Anderson II Instagram: @markrunslight — Mark Runs Light on Instagram TikTok: @markrunslight 2026 Discovery Dash 10k/5k/1-Mile Fun Run: Lace up for the 2026 Discovery Dash on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Discovery Park. Experience the 50-acre heritage park in full autumn splendor, complete with crisp fall air and The Settlement transformed into a festive Pumpkin Village. Register now here.

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 attack. Bridges recalls the moment the second plane struck the World Trade Center, the shock of learning the Pentagon had been hit, the scramble to secure military facilities and the eerie transformation of the nation’s capital as transportation shut down, phone systems became overwhelmed and people began leaving downtown on foot. He also reflects on how 9/11 changed military readiness, national security and his own understanding of service, leadership and responsibility. Now back home in West Tennessee, Bridges shares what he believes younger generations should understand about that day, and why remembering the lives lost, the families changed forever and the people who moved toward danger still matters 25 years later. This episode is sponsored by Martin Running Company.

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 Park of America's senior director of exhibits and collections take listeners on a guided tour of Discovery Park's newest Southern Artist Showcase, "Brushstrokes of a Young Nation: The Art of David Wright." The exhibition features Wright's remarkable paintings of the American frontier, bringing to life the explorers, settlers, Native Americans and pivotal moments that shaped a young nation. David shares the stories behind many of his favorite works, explains why historical accuracy is at the heart of everything he paints, and reveals how years of research, living history and firsthand experiences help him recreate the past with extraordinary authenticity. He also discusses the highlights of his decades-long career, the evolution of his artistic style, and why preserving history through art matters as much today as ever. Whether you're a museum lover, an art enthusiast, a history buff or simply someone who enjoys hearing from people who have dedicated their lives to mastering their craft, this episode offers a fascinating look inside the mind of an artist who doesn't just paint history—he helps us experience it. This project is funded in part by a Tennessee America 250 grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Through this statewide initiative, Tennessee communities are working together to honor the state’s role in shaping the nation’s history and future. "Brushstrokes of a Young Nation: The Art of David Wright” will be on display at Discovery Park through Feb. 1, 2027.

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 the stories of Elvis tribute artists. West explains how childhood performances, tribute-artist contests and a memorable concert inspired her to look beyond the rhinestones and learn more about the people keeping Elvis’ music and legacy alive. West shares what she has discovered through nearly 40 interviews with performers of all ages, including the time, discipline and financial investment required to build a career as an Elvis tribute artist. The conversation explores the importance of authentic costumes and jewelry, the judging process at official contests, the camaraderie among performers and the growing number of young artists who are discovering Elvis decades after his death. For more about Allie, visit beyondthejumpsuit.com. For everything about Elvis Week and Graceland, visit Graceland.com. This episode is sponsored by Cape Electrical Supply.

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 center of West Coast hip-hop history. McCloud shares how cartoons, local musicians, school bands, funk and soul first sparked his imagination and eventually led him from Union City to Wisconsin and California, where he co-founded Blackhole Recording Studio and worked with some of the biggest names in music. He takes us behind the scenes of a defining era in hip-hop, including his work as a songwriter and producer on Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's 1994 breakthrough single, "Thuggish Ruggish Bone." Recorded during a day devoted to celebrating Black history, freedom, resilience and cultural achievement, this conversation explores the people and experiences that shaped McCloud's extraordinary career, the realities of the music business and what it means to look back on a life that connects a small town in West Tennessee to a transformative chapter in American music history. This episode is sponsored by Higher Ground Coffee Company and Vantage Coffee Roasters.

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, Mississippi, surrounded by natural storytellers, shaped the way he sees the world. He talks about studying education, working as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher, and eventually finding his way into film through Memphis’ Motion Picture Laboratory (MPL), where he learned the technical and artistic skills that launched his career. The conversation explores Bearden’s decision to leave a comfortable path and start his own production company in 1987, first creating corporate videos and conventions before moving into documentaries, public television and museum storytelling. He discusses projects connected to the blues, cotton, Overton Park, the Elvis Presley Birthplace, the Cotton Museum and other places where Southern history comes alive every day for visitors. Bearden also reflects on his memoir, “Mississippi Hippie: A Life in 49 Pieces,” and the experiences, people and places that inspired him to turn the camera on his own life. It’s a conversation about creativity, courage, history, memory, storytelling and the value of taking a leap before you feel completely ready. This episode is sponsored by Thompson CAT Machinery Rentals of Union City, Tennessee.

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, and captures the people, places and everyday moments that shaped her childhood in a rural community. Glass shares how years of storytelling eventually became a book, why self-publishing made sense for her, and what it felt like to hold the finished memoir in her hands. She also reflects on the surprisingly universal response readers have had to the book, even when they’ve never set foot in McKenzie. This episode is sponsored by Thompson CAT Machinery Rentals.

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, eight-track cassettes, church socials and visits to Columbus-Belmont State Park where parents actually met. Fittingly, that was recently the location of one of the book launch events for her seventh novel, “Bluff Road.” Susan shares how the quarantines of the COVID-19 pandemic led her to rediscover a passion for writing, which resulted in her first book, “You Just Said the Perfect Thing to Me.” She provides a behind-the-scenes look at self-publishing on Amazon and finding readers through social media and regional events. It’s a conversation about believing in yourself, jumping into the unknown and using the stories of ordinary people and familiar places to connect with readers in a powerful way.

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 his grandfather’s funeral and the unforgettable moment Kelly Clarkson turned her chair during his Blind Audition performance of “Walking in Memphis.” The conversation also explores Houston’s Memphis roots, his love of country and soul music, his faith, his experience in Los Angeles and the business side of being an independent artist. He also discusses managing his own bookings and social media, keeping control of his original songs and his plans to grow a strong regional following while finishing his ag business degree at UT Martin. It’s a conversation about talent, perseverance, family, faith and what it means to chase a dream while staying grounded in West Tennessee.

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 celebration. Pitney shares his journey from growing up near Rockford, Illinois, in a family rooted in gospel, country and bluegrass music to moving to Nashville at 18, where he ultimately found success in the music industry. He discusses his early record deals, his eventual home at Curb Records, his Grand Ole Opry debut and the artists who shaped his sound, including Johnny Cash, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Jimmy Martin and Bill Monroe. The conversation also explores Pitney’s current creative season, including his bluegrass project “Cherokee Pioneer,” recorded in Johnny Cash’s cabin; his new album, “The Outskirts of Town”; and “Fiddle Around,” a song inspired by his wife, Emily, and her return to playing fiddle. Pitney also talks about their new TikTok Live performances; his YouTube channel, “Wood Feathers and Fur,” which follows his family’s bowhunting adventures; and his work with Rahab House, a nonprofit he and Emily co-founded to provide rescue, refuge and restoration for survivors of human trafficking. Pitney also offers a preview of his July 3 performance at Discovery Park, where he will perform with his full country band and later return for a more intimate acoustic set with Emily on fiddle and Pitney on guitar. It’s a conversation about traditional bluegrass and country music, faith, family, heritage, the outdoors and the power of songs that tell a story. More: Mo Pitney at Rhythm on the Rails/America 250 Kick-off, Friday night, July 3, 2026 MpPitney.com Mo Pitney - Old Home Place (Official Music Video) Mo Pitney - Fiddle Around (Official Lyric Video) Pitney Meyer - Cherokee Pioneer (Making The Album) Wood Feathers And Fur

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 his legacy, connecting with fans through social media, working with Warner Bros. and DC on movie promotions and helping Metropolis grow as the “Home of Superman.” The conversation also explores the museum’s impact on tourism, the annual Superman Celebration and Morgan’s ideas for future exhibits, murals, photo opportunities and traveling exhibits. This episode is sponsored by Thompson Machinery CAT Rentals.

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 the stories of roughly 80,000 people. Bearden discusses the cemetery’s role in preserving Memphis history, from yellow fever victims and Civil War burials to musicians, writers, civic leaders and everyday Memphians whose lives reflect the city’s complicated past. The conversation also explores the practical work of running a historic cemetery, including monument preservation, tree care, records, tours, events and long-term planning as Elmwood looks ahead to a future with less available burial space. Bearden explains the meaning behind symbols found on Victorian monuments, shares stories of some of Elmwood’s notable burials and discusses how historic cemeteries can help communities understand memory, grief, faith and the history of its people. This episode is sponsored by Premier Primary Care of Union City, Tenn.

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 elementary school after he watched a YouTube tutorial and taught himself a trick. Later, with encouragement from mentor Larry Mink, he booked his first magic show and began turning a personal interest into a business. Campbell discusses how he built his business by offering comedy magic shows, balloon animals and entertainment packages for birthdays, schools, festivals, company picnics and other family events. He also talks about the practical side of being a performer, including learning new tricks, promoting himself, contacting schools and organizations and adapting his show for different audiences. The conversation also looks ahead to his goals, including expanding into larger stage illusions and exploring opportunities through the amusement and attractions industry. This episode is brought to you by Premier Primary Care. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps. To learn more, visit: campbellsfamilyentertainment.com.

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 Masquerade Theatre, formerly the Capitol Theatre, and the careful balance between preserving a nearly century-old building while updating it to meet modern safety, accessibility and performance standards. From uncovering pieces of the theatre’s past to designing improvements that will shape its future, Senad shares how architecture, engineering and community collaboration are helping transform this historic space into a revitalized performing arts destination for West Tennessee. This episode is brought to you by Main Street Union City. This podcast episode is available online on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps. To learn more, visit www.ucmasqueradetheatre.com