Podcast - Our Jackson Home

We may know the library as a staple building of downtown Jackson, but you wouldn’t believe all that goes on behind its door to grow and improve our community. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Adult Services Librarian Jenci Spradlin about how she came to Jackson, what led her to the Jackson-Madison County Library, and what she dreams for Jackson’s future.

Tiny homes have been a growing trend in our nation, and now they’re coming to Jackson thanks to the Hornbeak family. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews husband and wife Jesse and Heather about their journey outfitting a van for mobile living and the unique benefits and challenges of living in a small space.

The Jackson Sun has seen lots of faces from around the nation amongst their staff, and California native Cassie Stephenson recently celebrated one year as our paper’s breaking news and justice reporter. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews her about her cross-country move and the unique challenges she faces as a journalist in 2019.

Of Tennessee’s five postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disabilities, Union University’s EDGE Program is the only residential option, and for four years they’ve been preparing those with special needs and disabilities for the workforce. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Assistant Director Andrew Blackard about this unique program and how it’s changing our community for the better.

With history as an attorney, congressman, and magistrate judge, Jackson native Ed Bryant has had his fair share of experience in the U.S. government. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews him about his career and how growing up in West Tennessee has shaped his perspective.

After his career with five different escape room businesses, stint on CBS’s Hunted, and becoming a father of four, Lee Wilson’s imagination is still running wild. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews the man behind Jackson Escape Rooms for an update on the business and the new, creative things they’re dreaming up for entertainment in West Tennessee and beyond.

With the runoff election just around the corner, we’ve all been keeping eyes on updates in the Jackson Sun, and so much of that is thanks to reporter Adam Friedman. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this recent transplant from Indiana about his time at the paper and what’s he’s learned about our community.

With so many changes happening amongst our school system, it’s easy to become discouraged, but we’re thankful for leaders like Dr. Jared Myracle whose vision hold our community together. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this Chief Academic Officer of the Jackson-Madison County School System to learn about how he ended up in the world of education and why investing in our local schools is essential to building a great city.

Few people can boast starting their career at the young age of nineteen, but Darren Lykes has been taking photos since high school and loving it ever since. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this Atwood native about his work in portraiture and how he has built a rich life in Jackson.

Been thinking of growing your green thumb this spring? Morris Nursery can get you started on the right foot, and today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews retired “grower” Rita Randolph. Find out how Rita began her career in horticulture and how she has been able to share her love for plants far beyond Jackson.

Good health is nobody’s birthright, but thankfully the Faith Health Center is here to help those with health needs in our community, no matter what their status. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews founder and family medicine specialist Dr. David Larsen about his Jackson story and what led him to opening a faith-based medical facility for low-income families.

Jackson native Austin Brown and missionary kid Jesse Perkins from Africa never expected their paths to lead them to cooking, much less in a non-profit, pay-as-you-can café. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews these two ComeUnity Café chefs about how they met, what they love about cooking, and what makes their kitchen so special.

This Thursday marks the 40th Leadership Jackson class to graduate from the Jackson Chamber's unforgettable leadership program for our community. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews the woman who started it all, Judy Renshaw, and the current Director of Leadership Development, Brandy Stutsman. Find out how these ladies got involved in the Chamber and how the program has become a life-changing experience since its founding in 1979.

Giving Tuesday is coming up in just three weeks, and today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger introduces us to a way you can get involved in giving back your time, finances, and resources right here in Jackson. Dr. Allison Shipp shares about her movement, Give Back Jack, and how it’s changing the 731 community one project at a time.

After playing football at UT Martin, coaching for thirty years at the University School of Jackson, and now basing his career at Trenton Rosenwald Middle School, Mickey Marley sure has a lot of lessons learned to share. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger gets a glimpse into his life and encourages us to get the full story in Mickey's new book, Game Ready.

Jackson is proud to boast an astounding symphony for a town our size, and today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger gets us ready for this month's Starlight Symphony by interviewing artistic director and conductor Peter Shannon. Find out how this Ireland choirboy developed his music career through diverse experiences and landed in West Tennessee.

Since 2007, Mayor Jimmy Harris has been serving in leadership over Madison County, and today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews him about the journey that led him there. From running multiple businesses to working in real estate, find out where Mayor Harris comes from and what he sees for the future of our community.

With 731Day just three weeks away, we've got all things Our Jackson Home on the mind—from Porchfest and water balloon fights to a new journal and fun merch. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Editor-in-Chief Katie Howerton for her annual update on where OJH is at and where it's going for the second half of 2018.

A child's teenage years are some of the most formative of his or her life, and Youth Town is proud to serve in our community to guide our city's teens on the right path. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews executive director Dr. Pepper Pratt about this unique ministry and how it's changing the lives of young alcohol and drug addicts.

There aren't many places more special to Jackson than ComeUnity Café, and today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger gets the full story from creator Amy Crenshaw. Find out how this restaurant/ministry/garden came to be in the first place and the ways it has transformed our community over the past five years.

After spending years in various industries and as entrepreneur, Brent Lambert and his wife never expected their journey to lead them to pregnancy ministry, but almost thirty years later, Birth Choice is running strong under his leadership as CEO and founder. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews him about what led them here and how Birth Choice is changing the lives of expecting women throughout Jackson and Trenton.

There a lot of special places in Jackson, Tennessee, but The Care Center may be one of the most amazing and yet most unexpected and overlooked. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this ministry's executive director, Nathan Young, about the crazy path that led him and his wife to serving and housing homeless women with a myriad of stories, struggles, and addictions and bringing them to a life of freedom.

When Shawn Daly entered the manufacturing industry after college, he had no idea that it would take him to Japan, Argentina, Brazil, and eventually Jackson, Tennessee. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this general manager of Toyota Bodine about his career in his industry, growing up in a coal mining town, and making the most of the Jackson community with his family.

When Ronnie Coleman and his wife began to have the vision for SoulQuest Church in 2006, they had no idea how beautiful the community it has created would be in 2018. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this West Tennessee native and pastor about his ministry journey, SoulQuest's search for a permanent location, and what makes this place of worship so unique.

Ever been curious about our state Supreme Court Justices? We've got one right here in our backyard: Roger Page, the first member from West Tennessee outside of Memphis. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews him about his Chester County heritage, career path, and personal priorities in his significant role.

On September 3, 2014, our founders Luke Pruett and Jim Wilhelm were launching our very first podcast on YouTube—before our blog, our team, our journal . . . everything! Three and a half years later, we're finally launching our 100th episode and celebrating all the amazing people we've met along the way, including our faithful host since fall of 2015: Kevin Adelsberger. Today we're turning the tables on him and hearing his story, interviewed by theCO's operations manager and Kevin's good friend, Dan Drogosh.

If you're familiar with theCO (which happens to be the place that funds and houses us), you know that they've always got something incredible and a little wild up their sleeve, and their most recent collaboration with the State of Tennessee is no exception. Today Kevin Adelsberger interviews two of the folks behind this larger-than-life project, Driving Innovation, to learn all about its mission to bring the latest in the tech world to Tennessee's most distressed counties.

It's not every day that you meet a fourteen-year-old entrepreneur, but Seth Nelson is doing much more than serving out of a coffee pot these days. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews the creator of The Farmer's Perk about his business journey over the last six years, going from simple cups of joe to speciality drinks and now a full-blown donut truck.

Did you know that West Tennessee Healthcare employs over 5,800 people? That's a pretty big impact. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews the organization's president and CEO, James "JR" Ross, about his journey through the medical world, his West Tennessee roots, and the future of the hospital and the many other services offered through WTH.

Have you taken a flight from the McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport? Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with Jackson-Madison County Airport Authority's executive director, Steve Smith. Find out how this West Tennessee native ended up in the world of aviation and how our city's airport came to be—and where it's going in the future.

Not many folks can boast a background in chemistry, career as an arborist, and starting their own business, but Sam Bryant isn't your average Joe. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with this past A Night of Storytelling speaker to learn all about his journey to Samuel T. Bryant Distillery and what this unique West Tennessee spot has to offer.

Keeping 150-200 hungry bellies fed every day of the year is no easy feat, and the Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) is about so much more than just that. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with this non-profit's executive director, Lisa Tillman, to discuss the mission of this 40+-year-old organization and what efforts they'll be making in 2018 to fight hunger in Jackson.

While always encouraging safety and respect in our community, let's not forget to listen to and comfort those who have not found safety and respect. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Wo(Men)'s Resource & Rape Assistance Program (WRAP)'s executive director Daryl Chansuthus, who is striving to do just that. Discover how this Tennessee native ended up in Thailand (and now back in her home state) and how her heart for the hurt and unheard is changing the lives of sexual assault and domestic violence victims in West Tennessee.

Got a side hustle and wondering if it could one day be your full-time gig? Then check out our first-ever live podcast created in collaboration with the Chamber's Jackson Young Professionals group: Side Hustle to Full Hustle. Kevin Adelsberger interviews three well-known entrepreneurs in the Jackson community about their unique success stories, markets, and goals for the future. Featuring Lisa Garner of Garner Blue, Ben Hays of Gourmet Your Way Catering, and Katie Nickey of Pure Barre Jackson. (Many thanks to Union University's Ron Thompson for being our sound engineer to make this possible!)

Mark your calendars for our Live Podcast event! Thursday, November 9 is Jackson Young Professionals: Side Hustle to Full Hustle.

Starting a family business is no easy feat, and creating a restaurant might be the toughest of all, but West Alley BBQ has hit their stride. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with manager Christian Brantley to discuss his story with Jackson, the restaurant business, and all that the future holds—including a new location in Phoenix!

Crime reporters have some of the toughest jobs on the planet, but Maranda Faris of The Jackson Sun loves it and is eager to bring hope to dark areas in our city. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this MTSU grad about her journey with journalism.

Most college kids go through a few different areas of study, but few end up opening a boutique of their own within five years of graduating. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with La Petite Boutique owner Tabitha Moore to hear how she transitioned from social work to operating a mobile boutique to now running a brick-and-mortar shop.

Perhaps you recognize Ryan Porter from the Jackson Chamber—or you knew him when he was a kid at North Side. Or you met him a few years back through the police department or JEA. Any way you put it, Ryan is a Jackson man through and through, and today our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews him about the many hats he wears and why he's planted roots in West Tennessee.

Jackson State Community College celebrated their fifty-year anniversary this year, and now that class is back in session for the semester, the rubber is hitting the road for new president Dr. Lana Hamilton. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews her about her move to Jackson and what she has planned for her time at JSCC.

Adoption isn't an easy journey for any family, and today on our podcast Kevin Adelsberger sits down with Union University professor Dr. Fonsie Guilaran and his wife Leslie to hear about their especially unique story of bringing their children home. Find out how special needs, health, and international culture shifts play a huge role in creating a family. 

Our Jackson Home believes that the strength of a city lies in its public school system, and we're proud to have a new superintendent for the Jackson-Madison County School System who agrees. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Mississippi native Eric Jones about his journey with education both in and outside of Jackson and what he's dreaming for our schools' future.

It ain't everyday you get the meet a pro athlete, but now that Donnie Nickey calls Jackson home, you can at least watch one coach a football team on Friday nights in the fall at North Side High School. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this former Tennessee Titan about his football career from childhood and Ohio State to the NFL and his new coaching career. 

No matter what the home situation, education struggles, or financial issues, all kids could use some love and encouragement, and the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson-Madison County is here to make a difference in the lives of our city's youth. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with Executive Director Sabrina Anderson to find out how this Louisiana girl came to Jackson and what her mission is a the club.

If there ever was a jack-of-all-trades for our city, it's Paul Taylor. Today on the podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this Jackson native about his carrying on of the family business, Gary A. Taylor Investment Company. Find out how Paul got into architecture and what exciting projects he's working on to improve our city's future.

Anybody looking for some Southern summer tunes? We've got the perfect concert for you coming up Saturday, June 24! Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Jackson transplants Zachary Charles and Dan Drogosh of local Southern rock band Mutual Live. Find out how this Michigan childhood friends ended up in West Tennessee and how the four years they've spent developing their music has paid off.

Been noticing some changes in The Jackson Sun lately? While change can be a tough thing, we're excited for the ways our local paper is evolving, including some of their newest staff members. Today on the podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews recently transplanted journalist Omer Yusuf. Find out how this Minnesota native came to the South and what his experience reporting on local business and government has been like.

If you haven't heard yet, there's a lot of exciting new things happening this year in downtown Jackson. (Think mobile businesses, classic movies, street art, and a new website.) So we thought it was about time we sit down with Jackson Downtown Development Corporation's (JDDC) Matt Altobell and Megan Elston to get the details. Find out how you can be a part of all that's coming to the heart of our city!

Have you heard the Jackson "anthem" yet? If not, you're in luck because this podcast is all about Josh Smith's song, "Jackson's Still My Home." Kevin Adelsberger sits down with the artist along with Jackson Chamber President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon and University of Memphis at Lambuth music professor Dr. Jeremy Tubbs to find out how this simple song gained momentum over the last year and brought together dozens of local musicians to create something special.

So many of the best and worst parts of a city are seen most clearly in its school system, and it's thanks to our school board that issues can be addressed and families can be encouraged. Today on the podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Jackson-Madison County School Board member Bob Alvey about the challenges of his role, his perspective on public and private schools, and what new superintendent Eric Jones has to offer.

We may have interviewed Scott Conger in 2015 about all his responsibilities with The United Way, but that ain't his only job. Today on the podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this city councilman about his responsibilities making sure our city is kept in line and supported as it continues to grow and evolve.