Reelfoot Forward

This episode of "Reelfoot Forward” features a conversation with Curb Records country singer-songwriter Mo Pitney. On July 3, 2026, he will headline the final night of Discovery Park of America’s Rhythm on the Rails concert series and kick off the museum and heritage park’s America 250 celebration. Pitney shares his journey from growing up near Rockford, Illinois, in a family rooted in gospel, country and bluegrass music to moving to Nashville at 18, where he ultimately found success in the music industry. He discusses his early record deals, his eventual home at Curb Records, his Grand Ole Opry debut and the artists who shaped his sound, including Johnny Cash, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Jimmy Martin and Bill Monroe. The conversation also explores Pitney’s current creative season, including his bluegrass project “Cherokee Pioneer,” recorded in Johnny Cash’s cabin; his new album, “The Outskirts of Town”; and “Fiddle Around,” a song inspired by his wife, Emily, and her return to playing fiddle. Pitney also talks about their new TikTok Live performances; his YouTube channel, “Wood Feathers and Fur,” which follows his family’s bowhunting adventures; and his work with Rahab House, a nonprofit he and Emily co-founded to provide rescue, refuge and restoration for survivors of human trafficking. Pitney also offers a preview of his July 3 performance at Discovery Park, where he will perform with his full country band and later return for a more intimate acoustic set with Emily on fiddle and Pitney on guitar. It’s a conversation about traditional bluegrass and country music, faith, family, heritage, the outdoors and the power of songs that tell a story. More: Mo Pitney at Rhythm on the Rails/America 250 Kick-off, Friday night, July 3, 2026 MpPitney.com Mo Pitney - Old Home Place (Official Music Video) Mo Pitney - Fiddle Around (Official Lyric Video) Pitney Meyer - Cherokee Pioneer (Making The Album) Wood Feathers And Fur

As Discovery Park joins the rest of the nation in kicking off the America 250 commemoration—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—Tommy Young, Vice President of Surveying at L.I. Smith & Associates, joins us for a fascinating conversation about the world of land surveying—past, present and future. With deep Tennessee roots and over 25 years in the field, Young offers a behind-the-scenes look at how surveyors shape the landscapes we live in, from cutting-edge GPS tools to centuries-old compasses and Gunter’s chains. Listeners will discover how early surveyors like James Winchester helped define state boundaries—and why understanding history remains essential to the profession today. Young also shares insights into Tennessee’s unique land systems, modern property disputes, and how AI might one day help decode long-lost records and handwritten deeds. Whether you’re a history buff, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the ground beneath your feet, this episode delivers a compelling journey across time and terrain.

On this episode of Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast, Stephanie Riley, founder of B3 Creative Agency in Jackson, Tennessee, shares her journey from early graphic design training and freelance work in college at UT Martin to starting — and successfully growing — two advertising agencies in West Tennessee. The conversation traces the evolution of graphic design from traditional tools like rub-on type and amberlith to today’s digital platforms, along with the power of networking, chamber involvement, and small-town relationships in building a sustainable business. Stephanie also discusses her passion for team culture, mentoring young creatives, and why she believes smaller communities like Jackson offer unmatched opportunities for connection and impact. Listeners will also hear about Stephanie’s work promoting live music in West Tennessee through initiatives like Jackson Hidden Tracks, the Blue Suede Rockabilly Weekend honoring Carl Perkins, and collaborations with local musicians and educators. From advertising and design to music and community-building, this episode highlights how creativity thrives in rural places when people invest where they live. This episode is sponsored by Main Street, Union City.

This episode features Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, musician, educator and director of the music program at the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee. From his first Apple IIe computer to earning a PhD in music, Dr. Tubbs shares his journey through the evolving world of music education and technology. Listeners will hear how his childhood fascination with sound turned into a lifelong passion for teaching and performing, and how he’s helping shape the next generation of musicians in West Tennessee. The conversation also explores the power of community in supporting live music—from the JAMS (Jackson Area Music Society) Facebook page that connects thousands of local music lovers each week, to opportunities for student performances at Discovery Park of America. Whether you’re a lifelong musician, an educator or just someone who loves a good story about creativity and persistence, this episode strikes the right chord. This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.

In this episode, Tyler Ford, Vice President of Workforce at Tennessee Achieves, the nonprofit organization behind the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small town in Illinois to working at Walt Disney World and eventually helping shape the future of Tennessee’s workforce through mentorship and education. Listeners will learn how Tennessee Achieves connects students to opportunity by pairing scholarships with hands-on mentor support—especially for first-generation and rural students. Tyler discusses the life-changing power of internships, the importance of community involvement, and how volunteers across the state are helping students access higher education and career pathways. With an impressive 84.7% of Tennessee Achieves graduates staying in-state and contributing to an $18.9 billion economic impact, this episode shines a light on how mentorship can transform both lives and communities. This episode is sponsored by Main Street Union City.

In this episode, we step into the ring with Greg “The Golden Boy” Anthony, professional wrestler, promoter, and community leader behind Pro Wrestling Mid South. With more than two decades in the ring, Greg has worked with some of the industry’s most iconic names and now runs one of the busiest wrestling promotions in the country hosting weekly family-friendly shows in Ripley and Dyersburg, Tennessee. In this episode, Anthony shares his journey from watching wrestling on his grandmother’s knee to winning the NWA National Heavyweight Championship, and how he’s using his platform to build something much bigger than just a show. From merchandise strategy to community outreach, Greg shares how faith, family, and storytelling continue to drive his success inside and outside the ring. This episode is available on SoundCloud, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

In this episode, Jeni Veal, outdoor tourism development manager at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Bob Ford, executive director of the Hatchie River Conservancy, discuss the launch of the new Guide to Birding in Tennessee. This free statewide resource highlights birdwatching destinations across all 95 counties, along with seasonal tips, festivals and conservation practices. They explore how birding supports tourism, outdoor recreation and local economies. With 96 million Americans participating in birdwatching each year, the guide helps position Tennessee as a top destination for birders of all experience levels.

In this episode, we spend some time with veteran journalist and newspaper editor Victor Parkins, a leading voice in rural journalism and the longtime editor and publisher of the Milan Mirror-Exchange. Victor shares his journey in the newspaper business, from growing up in a family-run newsroom founded by his father, Bob Parkins, to expanding a regional publishing company that now includes newspapers in multiple West Tennessee communities. As local journalism faces shifting media landscapes and economic challenges, Victor offers a clear-eyed perspective on why community newspapers still matter. He discusses the unique role rural papers play in preserving local culture, keeping citizens informed, and maintaining trust in an era of national media skepticism. Victor also talks about adapting to digital platforms, reaching younger readers, and his company’s recent acquisition of The Fayette Falcon. Whether you’re a lifelong newspaper reader or someone curious about how journalism is evolving in small towns, this episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, legacy, and the enduring importance of local news. This episode is sponsored by First Choice Farm & Lawn.