On Demand Audio

TTU Professor Samantha Hutson discusses the growing issue of food insecurity. There have been many struggles inside the COVID pandemic. One of those is the growing food insecurity in the United States. One estimate says food insecurity rates across the nation for families with children rose by nearly two thirds during the pandemic. Close to 1 in 5 U.S. families ... Read More »

Meet and get to know Cookeville actor, director, and producer, Kim Frick-Welker.  Join host Andrea Kruszka as she sits down with Cookeville actor, director, and produce, Kim Frick-Welker. They discuss where her interest in theater and the performing arts comes from, where she draws inspiration from when playing a certain character, or directing a particular play or scene, as ... Read More »

Learn about tornadoes with National Weather Service Meteorologist Krissy Hurley. Friday’s 60 degree temperatures and strong winds are a reminder that storm season is fast approaching. It’s not when you might typically think in the Upper Cumberland, and across the state of Tennessee. In fact, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Krissy Hurley, we’re getting to the heart of the ... Read More »

Meet Smithville painters, and husband and wife duo, Jack Loeb and Betty Turner.  Join host Andrea Kruszka as she sits down with Smithville painters, and husband and wife duo, Jack Loeb and Betty Turner. They discuss how they got their respective starts painting, where they both draw their inspiration from, as well as details surrounding the new art center ... Read More »

The Beacon Center’s Ron Shultis & Jason Edmonds discuss the Basic Education Plan Governor Bill Lee announced this week he plans to submit a detailed education funding proposal to legislators by mid-February. Thursday, he announced the new funding formula will be called, “The Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement” – the focus on students, not systems. One nonprofit, nonpartisan organization in ... Read More »

Cookeville artist Madison Merrifield discusses her beadwork, and alterations.  Join host Andrea Kruszka as she sits down with Cookeville artist Madison Merrifield. They discuss how she got started in beadwork, jewelry, and clothing alterations, her experiences with the local art community, and her time at Art Prowl, as well as where she draws inspiration from, and how she incorporates ... Read More »

This week, Kurt Dronebarger and Kristy Brown discuss the Basic Education Plan. Governor Bill Lee is expected to outline his thoughts on public education funding during his State of the State Address Monday. Changes to the Basic Education Plan have been a much talked about subject over the last 60 days. We continue our discussion of the changes, and what ... Read More »

Cookeville mural painter Erica Swenson talks how she got her start & inspirations  Join host Andrea Kruszka as she sits down with Cookeville mural painter Erica Swenson. They discuss how she got her start painting murals, how she draws inspiration from her surroundings, and what some of her favorite spots for inspiration are, as well as what brought her ... Read More »

This week, Kurt Dronebarger and Kristy Brown discuss the Basic Education Plan. By next week, there could be a new funding formula for public schools in the state of Tennessee. Following forums throughout the Fall, and following a one week public comment period, state officials say they are ready to unveil a plan to replace the Basic Education Plan, which ... Read More »

Get to know more about Cookeville photographer and painter Montana the Maker.  Join host Andrea Kruszka as she sits down with Cookeville photographer and painter Montana the Maker. They discuss how she got started in photography and painting, the various artists and individuals who have influenced her work, as well as how the Upper Cumberland’s art community and culture ... Read More »