Podcast
“Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast” celebrates the culture, spirit, accomplishments and history of West Tennessee and the surrounding region. Hosted by DPA president and CEO, Scott Williams, the podcast features notable guests who are influencers from the worlds of entertainment, history, agriculture, education, politics, tourism, sports, business and law, as well as other areas.
The podcast is available online at Discovery Park’s website, on Soundcloud, Castbox, Apple iTunes, Youtube, Spotify and other popular podcast platforms and apps.
From here, you can find out more about our mission or our history, meet our team or read our blog.
Ep. 97 Patterson Freeman: Making Ned Ray McWherter’s Dream Come True
As manager of McWherter Farms, Patterson Freeman is passionate about the growth and development of a large Angus cattle operation first envisioned by the late Tennessee Gov. Ned Ray McWherter. McWherter was a strong advocate for agriculture, but his dedication to a life of public service and business kept him from seeing his plans for
Ep. 96 The Accidental Fame of David Crockett
This special episode was recorded during the celebration of David Crockett’s 235th birthday at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn. Podcast host Scott Williams is Discovery Park’s president and CEO and recently published “The Accidental Fame and Lack of Fortune of West Tennessee’s David Crockett.” In this program that took place in front
Ep. 95 Sherry Freeman: Lifelong Learner
In this episode, Sherry Freeman shares her lifelong passion for education and her journey from the rural community of Bradford, Tenn. to her current position as executive director of the Jackson Symphony. Freeman’s passion for the arts was born from her desire to enrich the quality of life for those who call West Tennessee home.
Ep. 94 Jeff Sellers: Finding Tennessee’s John Haywood
In addition to his work as director of education and community engagement at the new Tennessee State Museum, Jeff Sellers is one of a group of Tennesseans who have been searching for the grave of John Haywood. Although today Haywood has been forgotten by most, he has been called “the father of Tennessee history,” “a
Ep. 93 LeEllen Smith: OUTsideIN
LeEllen Smith created OUTsideIN after she saw a need in her community in 2013 when Obion County, Tenn.’s largest employer left town. Smith worked to create a nonprofit that empowers marginalized women through the creation of whimsical products and meaningful employment. In this episode, Smith dives into the details of running a nonprofit like OUTsideIN
Ep. 92 Bart Shatto: The Life and Times of Davy Crockett
Broadway performer Bart Shatto is currently at work with a team in New York on a new play about Tennessean David Crockett. The folk hero, frontiersman, politician and Tennessee settler made his home in Northwest Tennessee from 1822 until he departed for the Alamo in 1835. In this episode, Shatto shares the inspiration behind his
Ep. 91 John Perez: Dogwood Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
John Perez’s passion for healthy living and anti-bullying lead him to the fascinating world of jiu jitsu, a self defense based martial arts. Perez and his wife Riss are the owners of Dogwood Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense in Dyersburg, Tenn. From Texas to Tennessee, Perez has spread his knowledge of jiu jitsu to children and
Ep. 90 Roy Herron: Faith in Politics
Roy Herron is a public servant, attorney, minister and author with a deep-rooted history in West Tennessee. In this episode, he shares some of the stories from his new book, “Faith in Politics: Southern Political Battles Past and Present.” Herron has a lot to draw from after a career that includes 16 years as a
Ep. 89 Bill Carey, TN History for Kids!
The volunteer state has a rich history filled with fascinating men and women whose accomplishments need to be remembered. In this episode, Bill Carey, the founder and executive director of Tennessee History for Kids!, shares his love for history and how he created a way for students to connect with the past. Carey hosts regular
Ep. 88 Gwendolyn Hopkins: Big Laughs in a Small Town
Dresden, Tenn. native Gwendolyn Hopkins has been making people laugh for as long as she can remember. In this episode, Hopkins shares her journey on becoming a professional comedian, while maintaining a career in human resources. Hopkins tells the story of how her friends, family and faith have shaped her comedy and who she is
Ep. 87 Dan Knowles: Renaissance Man
Spend a little time with Dan Knowles, and you’ll quickly find yourself inspired by this award-winning writer, artist and musician. In this episode, he shares the arts journey that took him from his childhood in California to the stage of the Grand Old Opry to riverboats on the Mississippi to his current home in Paris,
Ep. 86 Samuel Goldberg and ‘Silo’ the Film
Film, television, theatre and live events producer Samuel Goldberg recently contributed to the work of the Discovery Park of America team on the safety portion of the new exhibit on innovation in agriculture. His latest movie, “Silo,” has now been released in theaters around the country. It’s an incredible story based on real-life events about how