Best George Hodges Podcasts (2025)

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John Deane Joins Ben Rodgers To Detail His Journey To Jackson County & Gainesboro Chambers Of Commerce 33:03

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6d ago33:03

33:03

Ben Rodgers sits down with John Deane of the Jackson County and Gainesboro Chambers of Commerce, who shares his journey from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. to building a life and multiple businesses in Granville, Tennessee. John talks about meeting his wife, their careers in medical research and healthcare, and the unexpected leap from hospitals to…

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Connie Garrett Joins Dr. Emily Lee To Discuss HIV Awareness & Choice Health Network 33:06

7d ago33:06

33:06

Drs. Lee welcomes Connie Garrett from Choice Health Network for a World AIDS Day conversation that cuts through stigma and brings clarity to HIV education. Originally from Celina, Connie draws on her eight years of experience serving eight counties to explain the difference between HIV and AIDS, how the virus is transmitted, and why awareness month…

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Josh Wanamaker Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss The Inspiration Behind Opening Flat Foot Records 32:39

8d ago32:39

32:39

Tiffany Anton sits down with Josh Wanamaker, musician and co-owner of Flat Foot Records, McMinnville’s newly opened local record store located just steps from the historic Park Theatre on Main Street. Josh shares the inspiration behind opening the shop, his favorite places to hunt for vinyl, and what sets Flat Foot Records apart—from its unique mix…

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Penny Meadows Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss How Early Education Changes Lives 33:05

9d ago33:05

33:05

Host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Penny Meadows, Director of LBJNC Head Start, to talk about how early education is changing lives across the region. Penny shares her journey from volunteering as a Head Start parent in Crawford to leading the program that now serves 80 children in four Upper Cumberland communities—Livingston, Byrdstown, Jamestown, a…

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Justin Cantrell Joins George Halford To Share His Incredible Journey From Addiction To Sobriety & His Faith 32:57

10d ago32:57

32:57

Narcan trainer and recovery advocate Justin Cantrell joins us to share his remarkable journey from childhood trauma and addiction to nearly a decade of sobriety and service. Born and raised in DeKalb County, Justin opens up about his struggles with substance use, incarceration, and faith—and how those experiences now fuel his passion for saving liv…

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Michael Hodge Joins Brad Halfacre To Discuss Picket CCC Memorial State Park & Dark Sky Parks 15:00

12d ago15:00

15:00

Brad Halfacre sits down with Michael Hodge from Pickett CCC Memorial State Park to explore what makes it one of Tennessee’s treasured International Dark Sky Parks. Michael explains why winter skies are clearer, which constellations shine brightest this time of year, and dives into the science behind what we see overhead. He also previews the Decemb…

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Johnathon Williams Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss His Lifelong Commitment To Service 33:07

13d ago33:07

33:07

Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Commissioner Jonathan A.D. Williams, whose journey from Chicago to the Marine Corps to Cookeville shaped a lifelong commitment to service. Williams shares how his upbringing, military career, and years in law enforcement inspired his passion for local government and community leadership. Now a barber and the…

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Nurse Practitioner Stacie Rothfus Joins Dr. Lee To Share Helpful Tips For Flu Prevention 32:57

14d ago32:57

32:57

Dr. Lee sits down with Nurse Practitioner Stacie Rothfus for National Influenza Vaccination Week, an annual December spotlight on flu prevention. Stacie shares her journey from urgent care to her work as both a Tennessee Tech NP and a hospitalist at Cookeville Regional. She breaks down why education on influenza—and especially the vaccine—is critic…

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Vickie Pelamati & Karen Ritchie Join Tiffany Anton To Discuss The Lovely Find Tea Room 34:05

15d ago34:05

34:05

Tiffany Anton sits down with Vickie Pelamati and Karen Ritchie of The Lovely Find Tea Room, a charming Granville getaway dedicated to preserving the traditional English tea experience. Vickie, the owner, shares how purchasing a small house after her husband’s passing inspired her vision for a tea room, while Karen, the manager, explains her love fo…

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Dr. Michael Littrell Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss The Future Of Education 33:28

16d ago33:28

33:28

In this episode host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dr. Michael Littrell from Tennessee Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences. Together, they talk about how technology—and even artificial intelligence—is changing the way future educators learn and teach. Dr. Wendt reflects on his own Cookeville roots, growing up in a blue-collar family and wo…

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Morgan Abston And George Halford Talk How Legacies Shaped Her Path Into Service 33:02

18d ago33:02

33:02

George Halford sits down with Morgan Abston, Public Information Officer for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, to talk about family, service, and community. As the daughter and granddaughter of longtime law enforcement officers — including former Sheriff Jerry “Pa” Abston — Morgan shares how their legacies shaped her path. She opens up about t…

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Bryan Arms Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss Pickett Co. Tourism 32:48

21d ago32:48

32:48

Ben Rodgers sits down with Bryan Arms, the Executive Director of Tourism for Pickett County, to talk about his first year in the role and his deep roots in the community. Bryan shares his journey from growing up on “Slob Knob” and playing on Pickett County High School’s 1999 state championship basketball team, to studying civil engineering at Tech …

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Dana Karlowski Joins Drs. Lee & Mabry To Shed Light On Sleep Apnea Awareness 31:51

22d ago31:51

31:51

In this informative episode, Dr. Lee sits down with Dana Karlowski, CEO of Dr. John’s Medical Solutions, to shed light on Sleep Apnea Awareness. Dana breaks down the difference between obstructive and central sleep apnea, explains how to recognize when snoring may signal a more serious issue, and outlines the key symptoms to watch for. She also sha…

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Robbie & Daryl Jackson Join Tiffany Anton To Shed Light On Jackson Moving Company 33:12

23d ago33:12

33:12

Tiffany Anton talks with Robbie and Darrell Jackson of Jackson Moving, a Cookeville-based moving company serving the Upper Cumberland since 2006. Darrell shares how what started as helping a friend move grew into a thriving local business with repeat clients and a trusted reputation. They discuss their busiest times of year, how they hire a reliabl…

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Mel Presley Joins Jeremy Wendt To Talk On Journey Through Education 33:02

24d ago33:02

33:02

Jeremy Wendt talks with Mel Presley, principal of Park View Elementary, about her journey in education and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Mel shares how her passion for teaching and her dedication to students led her from the classroom to the principal’s office. She reflects on what makes Park View special, the challenges and rewards of l…

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Chuck Johnson Joins George Halford To Discuss History Of Johnson's Nursery 33:14

25d ago33:14

33:14

George Halford sits down with Chuck Johnson, lifelong Putnam County resident and owner of Johnson’s Nursery, to reflect on a legacy that began in 1918 when his grandfather purchased the family farm. Born in Cookeville in 1943 and raised in Baxter, Chuck shares stories of his upbringing alongside his two sisters and the early days of the nursery bus…

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Chelsea Dartez Joins Ben Rodgers To Speak On The Story Behind Cookeville Lifestyle Magazine 32:55

1M ago32:55

32:55

Chelsea Dartez, the creative force behind Cookeville Lifestyle Magazine, joins Ben Rodgers to share her incredible journey—starting with college life and karaoke shifts in a little Nashville alleyway, to discovering through gigs in Texas that the music industry wasn’t where she belonged. After settling in Cookeville, she used her public relations b…

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Dr. Mary Fornehed Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss National COPD Awareness Month 33:22

1M ago33:22

33:22

Dr. Lee is joined by Mary Fornehed to highlight the importance of COPD Awareness Month. Mary shares her background—from growing up in a medical family to earning her degrees at Tennessee Tech and Vanderbilt—and her extensive work in pulmonary critical care. She breaks down what COPD is, the most common symptoms, and why patients are more susceptibl…

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Linda Shannon & Heather Montjoy Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss Lavender & Sage 33:41

1M ago33:41

33:41

Tiffany Anton sits down with Linda Shannon and Heather Montjoy, the mother–daughter team behind Lavender & Sage, to talk about their journey from side projects to a thriving all-natural self-care business. Heather shares how her first homemade deodorant sparked their passion for creating safe, trustworthy products, while Linda talks about the perso…

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Chuck Craig Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss The Tennessee Tech Advisory 33:01

1M ago33:01

33:01

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Chuck Craig from Tennessee Tech University to talk about the importance of student advising and mentorship. Together, they explore how strong advising relationships help students find their path, stay engaged, and make the most of their college experience. Chuck shares insights from his work at Tech and how the universit…

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Ken Patton Joins George Halford To Discuss Keeping History Alive 33:23

1M ago33:23

33:23

George Halford sits down with Ken Patton to discuss his work with the Civil War Round Table in Crossville, part of a network of three round tables across Tennessee. Ken shares the group’s mission to preserve and explore Civil War history through expert speakers, Living Historians, and educational field trips to historic sites like Chickamauga. He d…

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Danny Hale Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss Being DeKalb County Road Superintendent 33:02

1M ago33:02

33:02

Ben Rodgers sits down with Danny Hale, DeKalb County Road Superintendent, to talk about the challenges and rewards of keeping the county’s roads in shape. Danny shares how his background in excavation led him to public service, how he navigated tight budgets when first elected in 2018, and what he’s learned managing road projects and staff during h…

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Kim Mayberry Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss American Diabetes Awareness Month 33:31

1M ago33:31

33:31

Drs. Mabry and Lee talk with Kim Mayberry from Cookeville Regional Medical Center in recognition of American Diabetes Awareness Month. Kim explains the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and discusses who is most at risk, including those with pre-diabetes. She shares insight on early symptoms and non-controllable risk factors, as well a…

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Hannah Istvanko And Tiffany Anton Discuss The Story Behind Privy Clear 33:26

1M ago33:26

33:26

Tiffany Anton chats with Hannah Istvanko, co-founder of Privy Clear, about the journey of launching a powerhouse marketing agency. When Hannah’s former colleague Sarah pitched a business idea while eight months pregnant, Hannah initially turned it down—but the second time around, something clicked. Now, the duo builds custom, data-driven marketing …

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Dr. Gary Tinsley Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss All Things Clay County High School 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

Jeremy Wendt talks with Gary Tinsley about the great things happening at Clay County High School. From dedicated teachers to strong community support, Gary highlights what makes the school special and how students are being prepared for success both in and out of the classroom. He also shares how the school continues to grow while keeping that clos…

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Gloria Vick Joins George Halford To Discuss Her Journey To Recovery Ministry 33:08

2M ago33:08

33:08

Host George Halford sits down with Gloria Vick for a conversation full of history, heart, and hope. Gloria shares stories from her adventurous life, from fishing with her father and studying at Tennessee Tech to traveling through Europe and witnessing Cookeville's dramatic growth over the decades. Now deeply involved in jail ministry, she talks abo…

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Connor McDonald And Ben Rodgers Discuss Being Smith County Commissioner 33:01

2M ago33:01

33:01

Ben Rodgers talks with Connor McDonald, Smith County Commissioner, about his journey in public service and what it means to serve a community with deep local roots. Connor shares how his early involvement in political campaigns led him to run for office, the challenges he faced when managing a county budget during a financial crisis, and what he’s …

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Melanie Hendricks Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss Alzheimer's Awareness 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

Drs. Mabry and Lee talk with Melanie Hendricks from Alzheimer’s Tennessee in honor of National Alzheimer’s Month. They discuss the signs and stages of Alzheimer’s, how it differs from other forms of dementia, and what families can do to recognize early symptoms. Melanie shares her personal story and insight into the emotional and financial challeng…

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Valerie Goetz Joins Tiffany Anton To Speak On Love For Native Works 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

Tiffany Anton sits down with Valerie Goetz of Native Works in Gainesboro, a company specializing in replica artifacts for museums and gift shops. Valerie shares how her love for museums and wood carving evolved into a business rooted in her Native American heritage, including skills like pine needle basket-making passed down from her aunt. She refl…

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Allen Richardson & Jeremy Wendt Speak Wrestling & Teaching At Cookeville High School 34:27

2M ago34:27

34:27

Allen Richardson, a 2017 Cookeville High School graduate, now serves as an ISS teacher and coaches football, wrestling, and track—the same sports he played as a student. He began his path to teaching during COVID-19 while substituting at Prescott Middle School, which sparked his passion for education. Allen emphasizes time management, discipline, a…

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Sean Mitchell Joins George Halford To Speak On Storytelling & Being An Author 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

George Halford sits down with Sean Mitchell — former California Highway Patrol officer, author, and natural storyteller. From a childhood shaped by loss and resilience in Sacramento to discovering a love for radio and eventually serving in law enforcement, Sean shares the defining moments of his life with honesty and humor. He reflects on the life-…

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David Judd & Mitchell Beverly Join Ben Rodgers To Discuss Algood Fire Department 30:17

2M ago30:17

30:17

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1By George Halford, Jeremy Wendt, Tiffany Anton, Jen Mabry & Emily Lee, Ben Rodgers

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Dr. Heather Cathey Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss The Importance Of SIDS Awareness Month 32:56

2M ago32:56

32:56

In recognition of National SIDS Awareness Month, Dr. Lee and Dr. Mabry sit down with Heather Cathey, Family and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, to have an important conversation about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Heather breaks down what SIDS is—and what it isn’t—while addressing common myths, risk factors, and the life-saving precautions parents ca…

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Lesile Russell Yost Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss Ozone Café & Market 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

Tiffany Anton chats with Leslie Russell Yost, owner of Ozone Café & Market in Crab Orchard, TN. Leslie shares how she transformed an old gas station near Ozone Falls into a vibrant plant-based café and market, inspired by her southern roots and love of cooking. She discusses her journey from growing up in a steakhouse-owning family to crafting vega…

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Dr. James Akenson Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss His Incredible Tennessee Tech Career 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dr. James Akenson to reflect on his remarkable 50+ year career at Tennessee Tech. Born in Minneapolis and raised with deep Midwestern roots, Dr. Akenson shares how his early teaching experiences in Wisconsin and inspiration from his historian brother led him into higher education. He recalls his first days on campus, mee…

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Paula Stover Joins George Halford To Speak On Overton Co. Heritage Museum & History 32:52

2M ago32:52

32:52

George Halford sits down with Paula Stover of the Overton County Heritage Museum to explore her deep-rooted connection to the region and her passion for preserving its history. A fifth-generation Overton County resident, Paula shares stories from her childhood—traveling cross-country by train as an infant during WWII, working on the family farm, an…

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Mark Farley Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss UCDD 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

Ben Rodgers sits down with Mark Farley, Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District. They discuss Mark’s journey into his role, the vital work UCDD does across all 14 counties, and how grant funding—over $52 million last year alone—supports local governments, small businesses, and critical programs like substance abuse recovery.…

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Angela Rector Joins Drs. Mabry And Lee To Discuss Suicide Prevention Month 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

Dr. Angela Rector, a licensed professional counselor and Director of the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Services at Tennessee Tech, shares her decades of experience serving the Upper Cumberland. She reflects on her personal journey into mental health work and discusses the vital suicide prevention efforts taking place on campus and in the …

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David Vaughn & Tiffany Anton Talk Vaughn's Monument Works 32:49

2M ago32:49

32:49

In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with David Vaughn of Vaughn's Monument Works, a family-owned business that has been a part of Cookeville since 1946. David shares stories of his father, who began the business by selling monuments door to door, and reflects on the memories of growing up around the shop — including childhood pranks and time s…

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Tracy Risinger Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Career & Technical Education At Warren County High 32:39

2M ago32:39

32:39

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1By George Halford, Jeremy Wendt, Tiffany Anton, Jen Mabry & Emily Lee, Ben Rodgers

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Tammy Wilson Joins George Halford To Discuss The Heart Of Cumberland 32:22

2M ago32:22

32:22

George Halford welcomes Tammy Wilson, Executive Director of Heart of the Cumberland, to share her inspiring journey from accountant to nonprofit leader. Tammy discusses her path from opening her own accounting firm to joining the Heart of the Cumberland board in 2012, eventually becoming director in 2019. She highlights the organization’s eight gri…

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Kurt Dronebarger Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss Directing White County Schools 33:06

2M ago33:06

33:06

Ben Rodgers welcomes Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools in White County. With over 27 years in education, Kurt shares insights from his decade leading the district, where all eight schools have consistently earned top academic marks. He talks about the challenges and rewards of public education, the impact of enrollment changes, and why he belie…

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Amy Ayers Joins Dr. Mabry To Discuss Breast Cancer Awareness 32:34

2M ago32:34

32:34

Dr. Mabry speaks with Amy Ayers, Breast Health Nurse Navigator at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, about the critical role she plays in guiding patients through one of the most difficult times in their lives. Amy shares her path into nursing, her work in breast cancer education, and how she helps newly diagnosed patients understand their diagnos…

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Sherri Stickler Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss Synergy Herbal Works 32:23

2M ago32:23

32:23

In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Sherri Stickler, founder of Synergy Herbal Works, to discuss her journey into holistic medicine. Originally a respiratory therapist, Sherri shares how her passion for herbology and natural healing led her to open her first shop in Sparta in 2018, eventually expanding into Cookeville. She explains the tr…

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Kylie Johnson Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Stone Memorials' Criminal Justice Program 33:04

2M ago33:04

33:04

In this episode, Jeremy Wendt talks with Kylie Johnson, who has always dreamed of teaching criminal justice. She shares how she keeps her students engaged and the unique programs that are part of her curriculum. Kylie highlights her community work around drunk driving prevention, vehicle safety simulations, and partnerships with Cumberland County C…

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Chris Savage Joins George Halford To Discuss The Legacy Of Cream City 33:02

2M ago33:02

33:02

Whether it's their famous ice cream you're looking for, a great array of snacks, or even just the vibes, Cream City has been the place for all of that in Cookeville. Chris Savage, former city commissioner turned leader of Cream City, joins the show to talk with George Halford. They speak on his formative years, tourist and excitement for Cream City…

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Zach Stephens Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss The Overton Co. Chamber Of Commerce 32:48

3M ago32:48

32:48

Ben Rodgers sits down with Zach Stephens, President of the Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce, to discuss his path from studying pre-med to leading community and economic development in his hometown. Zach shares insights into the Chamber’s role in supporting local businesses, attracting tourism, and revitalizing downtown Livingston throu…

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Drs. Tracey Dailey & Curt Gilbert Join Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss Hospice Of TN 32:52

3M ago32:52

32:52

Dr. Kurt Gilbert, Medical Director at Hospice of Tennessee, and Tracy Dailey, who guides families through the transition from hospital to home hospice, discuss the compassionate care they provide across over half of the Upper Cumberland region. They explain the differences between hospice and palliative care, offer free consultations, and emphasize…

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Kristen Gunnels Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss The Importance Of Riverside Veterinary Hospital 33:25

3M ago33:25

33:25

Kristen Gunnels of Riverside Veterinary Hospital in Sparta joins host Tiffany Anton to share her journey from working with animals in college to discovering her passion for the business side of veterinary care. Kristen discusses the vision behind opening her own private practice, the process of renovating the facility, and assembling a brand-new te…

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Tina Francis Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Being Principal Of The Year 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

By George Halford, Jeremy Wendt, Tiffany Anton, Jen Mabry & Emily Lee, Ben Rodgers