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Podcast by Reelfoot Forward
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14 SEP 2026 · 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.
11 SEP 2026 · 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.
25 AUG 2026 · 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.
14 AUG 2026 · 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.
4 AUG 2026 · 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.
28 JUL 2026 · 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.
21 JUL 2026 · 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.
16 JUN 2026 · 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.
2 JUN 2026 · 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.
21 APR 2026 · 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
Podcast by Reelfoot Forward
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| Author | Clare Saum |
| Organization | Clare Saum |
| Categories | Society & Culture |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
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