16 MAR 2023 · pod615 Artist Phil Ponder On this episode William spends an afternoon with renowned Nashville artist, Phil Ponder. Phil is considered the premier architectural water color artist of middle Tennessee. His paintings, many commissioned, are hung in businesses and homes across the state. His prints, always in demand and have been published in a popular book collection, both of which are available at "Picture This" Creative Framing and Gallery" in Hermitage Tennessee. From a United States Naval Officer to corporate executive with the Nashville shoe retailer Genesco, for three decades, his career as a professional artist began only after retirement. An artistic endeavor that has lasted for over 40 years. Public service has included a seat pro-tem on the (Nashville) City Council and 10 years as an assistant to former 5th district Congressman from Tennessee, Jim Cooper. Phil remains active today, not only as a painter, but as an ambassador in the Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer with the Exchange Club. His detailed painting of Market Street in Nashville at the turn of the last century will soon be etched into the AT&T Data Center on Second Avenue that was effected by the Christmas day bombing in 2020. The work will create the illusion of a life sized mirrored reflection of another place in time. Picture This Art Gallery: https://www.picturethis-gallery.com/phil-ponder/ https://www.newschannel5.com/news/help-the-city-heal-phil-ponder-says-hes-honored-his-painting-is-becoming-a-second-avenue-mural Visit the pod615 online at: https://www.pod615.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pod615 Instagram: @thepod615 Twitter: @thepod615 Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pod615

9 MAR 2023 · Pod615 #8 Destination Dickson, TN In this pod615 Destination Series, Destination Dickson, TN we visit this charming small town about 45 minutes west of Nashville. A city with a thriving downtown community of small businesses, shops and restaurants with an exceptional quality of life. 02:23 First we’ll meet Zack Kinslow, Executive Director of the Clement Railroad and Hotel Museum. He’ll talk about the history of the city, the railroad and the birthplace of the popular Tennessee Governor, Frank G Clement. 26:34 We’ll then discuss the real estate market in this expanding area with Leslie Scott, founder and owner of Blue Door Realty Group. She’ll share her story as the number one realtor in middle Tennessee and provide insight into the area that is seeing tremendous population growth. 40:46 Next up, Michael Shepard, Creative Director for both One 19 Craft Kitchen and Brewery and the popular Desert Rose Cantina. These dining concepts created by owner Morgan Kincaid are just the first of several restaurants she has planned for the area. This entrepreneur is providing Dickson and Dickson County with an eclectic menu of great food, drinks and live entertainment. 59:51 The Honorable Mayor Don Weiss Jr. who has served over seven terms in this role will share his knowledge of Dickson, Tennessee from his childhood days through his current administration. His work with the city managers and departments, including the Dickson Chamber of Commerce and the State of Tennessee are responsible for the booming growth in this bustling town. In between these segments will hear from the locals themselves. Their favorite venues, food, drink and more about their hometown. Clement Railroad and Hotel Museum: https://clementrailroadmuseum.org/ Blue Door Reality Group: https://www.bluedoorgrp.com/ One 19 Craft Kitchen and Brewery: https://www.one19brew.com/ Desert Rose Cantina: https://desertrosecantina.com/ City of Dickson, TN: https://www.cityofdickson.com/ Dickson County Chamber of Commerce: https://www.dicksoncountychamber.com/ Visit the pod615 online at: https://www.pod615.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pod615 Instagram: @thepod615 Twitter: @thepod615 TikTok: @thepod615

15 DEC 2022 · pod615 #007 Backstage: Tony Cottrill Welcome to the pod615 with your host William Kitchens. Today on this pod615 Backstage episode, William speaks with Tony Cottrill of Lonely Dog Productions. Tony is an exceptional Live Music and Studio Recording Engineer as well as a Touring Manager who has worked with an impressive list of music industry clients. Currently, Tony is the production and Front of House Engineer for the former American Idol star and Broken Bow Records recording artist, Elvie Shane. Prior to that Tony worked with the country music super groups, Exile and Diamond Rio. Other artists and clients have included Ronnie Milsap, Earl Thomas Conley, Jamey Johnson, The Turtles, Chely Wright, Vince Gill, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Leon Redbone, Tanya Tucker and more. In early 2023, this busy music industry professional will once again man the audio booth for the Jimmy Bowen and Friends television series, now in its 6th season. William has known Tony for over 25 years. They caught up at Tony's Lonely Dog Productions studio in Gallatin, Tennessee where he is currently engineering tracks for an upcoming album release from Exile. Show Links: Lonely Dog Productions and the DAWg Houze: http://www.thedawghouze.com/ Elvie Shane: https://www.elvieshane.com/ Jimmy Bowen and Friends: http://cjmproductions.com/jimmy-bowen-and-friends/ Exile: https://www.exile.biz/ Please be sure to take a moment to rate and subscribe to the show!

23 NOV 2022 · 006 pod615 Destination Mt Juliet, TN Welcome to the pod615 episode 6, Destination Mt. Juliet Tennessee! In this episode, we visit with just a few of the people that make this charming city just east of Nashville Tennessee a wonderful place to live, work and visit. William speaks with the Mt Juliet Chamber of Commerce president, Mark Hinesley as well as the city's public information officer and former sports broadcaster for WSMV TV Justin Beasley. We'll hear the stories behind Restore Hyper Wellness with Brett Wade, Wahlnut Woods Custom Amish Furniture from Valerie Wall, The Paper Mill restaurant with owner Justin Ragan and Chef Jonathan Humphrey. We'll also speak with two successful mother and daughter run businesses. Kat Reed and Mama Joyce from Kats Bar and Grill and Hope Alteri of Once Upon A Time by Amy, a children's clothing and gift boutique. We encourage you to support these wonderful businesses when visiting the city of Mt. Juliet and thank you for listening to the podcast! Please be sure to take a moment to rate and subscribe to the show! You'll find links to the guests and sponsors here in the show note below… Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce: https://www.mjchamber.org/ Restore Hyper Wellness: https://www.facebook.com/rhwmtjuliettn/ Wahlnut Woods Custom Amish Furniture: https://wahlnutwoods.com/ The Paper Mill: https://www.thepapermillmj.com/ Kat’s Bar and Grille: https://www.katsbarandgrille.com/ Once Upon A Time by Amy: https://onceuponatimebyamymtjuliet.com/ City of Mt. Juliet: https://www.mtjuliet-tn.gov/ Sugar Pea Ladies Consignment Boutique: https://www.facebook.com/thesugarpea/

27 OCT 2022 · There are many Springfield's, but only one Springfield, Tennessee! Downtown Springfield, Tennessee is bustling with activity. The historic district is full of small businesses and the community supports each other. There are many things to do in Springfield, such as the first Friday night market and sunset concert series. The annual Freedom Fest celebration is a big hit, as well as the winter wonderland. Main Street boutique has men's bar wear and other retail items. There are many chef driven mom and pop restaurants, as well as cultural food options. The new Robertson County Airport is a great way to fly into Springfield. The city is also home to the award winning Raymond Floyd designed Legacy golf course. Chapter Summaries: [00:02:11] Ace Timmermeier (Tourism Coordinator) for the city of Springfield, Tennessee. She is passionate about promoting the city and its many hidden gems to visitors from all over the world. Hear she discusses the city's offerings and reads a letter from the mayor Ann Schneider. [https://springfieldtn.gov/] [00:11:52] Kelly Marie is the owner of Kelly's Jubilee, a unique accommodations and event facility just outside of Springfield, Tennessee. She specializes in hosting weddings, corporate retreats, family vacations, romantic getaways, and other special events. 11 plus spaces and more to come for a alternative to the traditional hotel or AirBnB. [https://www.kellysjubilee.com/] [00:23:06}] Bob Smith, Shane and Karen Shoemaker discuss Robertson County's only Craft Brew Distillery. BS Brew Works founded in 2019 offers a wonderful community gathering spot to relax and enjoy their fine crafted brews. A small but freshly prepared menu is also available. Hear how they turned their craft beer hobby into a successful brewery business. [https://www.bsbrewers.com/] [00:34:17] Lacie Bea (Marketing and Communications Director) and Martha Haley (Outreach Program Director) for Willow Oaks Center for Arts and Learning promote the many activities they offer for locals and visitors to their facility. With art and language classes, do it yourself activities, painting parties, their popular musical chorale and more... [https://www.willowoakarts.org/] [00:47:57] David Atchley, Vice President and Board of Directors member for the Robertson County Historical Society gives us an oral history of Springfield, Tennessee and Robertson County. We learn about the society and the museum, it's displays and historic structure. Thomas Kilgore, Joseph Washington, The Washington Family, Wessyngton Plantation and John F. Baker author of The Washingtons of Wessyngton: Stories of My Family's Journey To Freedom. Also the Dark Tabaco farming capital of the world, Springfield, TN. [https://www.robcohistoricalsociety.com/] [01:24:47] Owner Anthony Facello discusses how Etta Rae's of Springfield Tennessee offers a southern dining experience with a twist! With over 30 years of experience together in the finest restaurants, Anthony and executive chef Tim O'Nan are excited to present their vision to you and all of their guests. They also offer a smoke-free Speakeasy in the rear of the historic building with fine craft cocktails and live music. [https://ettaraes.com/] [01:33:08] Managing partner Doug Voise sits down with pod615 host William Kitchens and tells why The Depot Bar and Grill is consistently spoke of as the most popular restaurant in Springfield, Tennessee. With attention to detail and customer satisfaction the restaurant was built for success,[https://thedepotbarandgrill.com/] [01:41:55] Brent Bunn (Kitchen Manager), Presley Green (Server), Staci Atkins (General Manager) and Shelia Head (Manager and Pie Baker) at the The Catfish House in Springfield, TN talk about their 30 year business in selling the finest Catfish, Seafood and freshly prepared sides. Their story is one of family and friends. Employee turnover is rare here and the customers keep coming back. [https://www.thecatfishhouse.com/] [01:52:22] Kara Zahn Public Relations Coordinator (City of Springfield, TN) discusses the city's growth, it's future and how it will maintain the small town charm that attracts so many to the city. [https://springfieldtn.gov/] Resources:[https://springfieldtn.gov/] [https://www.robcohistoricalsociety.com/] [https://www.robertsonchamber.org/] Showcase Segments and Sponsors: [https://www.kellysjubilee.com/] [https://www.bsbrewers.com/] [https://www.willowoakarts.org/] [https://ettaraes.com/] [https://thedepotbarandgrill.com/] [https://www.thecatfishhouse.com/] [https://www.facebook.com/springfieldantiquebarn/] [https://elaltenomex.com/] [https://www.facebook.com/creamcropoverstock/] Connect with pod615: Instagram: @thepod615 Facebook: http://facebook.com/pod615 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChcNjm2dLzc5fl01r-ywxbw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pod615 Website: http://www.pod615.com Loved this episode? Please subscribe and leave us a review and rating here

13 OCT 2022 · pod615 Host William Kitchens sits down with legendary Songwriter Hall of Fame member and recording artist Dickey Lee. Writer of the classic George Jones hit, She Thinks I Still Care has been recorded over one thousand times by a diverse group of artists that Elvis Presley, Anne Murray, James Taylor, Harry Connick Jr. and Merle Haggard. Other huge hits include Keeper of the Stars by Tracy Byrd, In A Different Light by Doug Stone and the Let's Fall To Pieces Together recorded by George Strait. Dickey recalls his carrer start with the help of famous Memphis Disc Jockey, Dewey Phillips, his time hanging out at Graceland with Elvis Presley and his friendships with "Cowboy" Jack Clent, Allen Reynolds, Bob McDill and Wayon Holyfield In the early sixties hist such as "Patches" and "I Saw Linda Yesterday" validated his own artist success which led to big country music hits in the seventies like 9,999,999 Tears, Rocky and more. Even today, Dickey Lee continues to write and perform when not out on the golf course and shows no signs of slowing down.

30 MAR 2022 · In part 2 of our pod615 conversation with Tennessee author, playwright and song writer Margaret Britton Vaughn we go backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Her love for the Historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN is evident. Stories about Minnie Pearl, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., The Carter Family including A.P. Carter, Janette Carter, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, String Bean, Roy Acuff, Tom T. Hall, Ernest Tubb, Marty Stuart and more. As first creative recipient of the Mark Twain Fellowship from Elmira College in New York, she wrote here the popular work Foretasting Heaven; Conversations with Twain at Quarry Farm. She closes with stories from her time there.

30 MAR 2022 · In honor of Women's History Month, pod615 host William Kitchens sits down with the Poet Laureate of Tennessee, Margaret Britton Vaughn. In part 1 of this 2 part podcast, Maggi discusses her childhood in Gulfport Mississippi, her return home to Tennessee, her friendship with Loretta Lynn and her songwriting career which included a 2004 Grammy nomination. Maggi pays tribute to her loving mother in her 2 CD set release, Southern Voice. This collection of poems narrated by Maggi herself over inspirational musical tracks includes reviews from her friends, Dolly Parton and Melissa Manchester. Ms. Britton also shares stories from her time in newspaper advertising sales… achieving great success in a predominately male industry, both in Mississippi and in Nashville at the Tennessean. Author of the official Tennessee Bicentennial poem and several inaugural poems for many of the state’s Governors, Maggi’s work includes dozens of published poetry books including her tribute to the historic Ryman Auditorium and country music, 50 Saturday Nights.

14 MAR 2022 · pod615 host William Kitchens sits down with Nashville touring and session musician, Link Detten. Link discusses his career as a guitarist with the Frontmen of Country. Larry Stewart with Restless Heart, Richie McDonald of Lonestar and Tim Rushlow from Little Texas. We also learn more about his time with Jeff Cook from the Country Music Hall of Fame Supergroup, Alabama... His work with Rock and Roll Hall Fame guitarist, James Burton (Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson) and many more.