Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev

Join Kosta and his guest: Adam Poe, Vice President of the Highlands Economic Partnership, a collaborative, public/private sector program designed to boost economic and community development in Jackson, Overton, Putnam and White Counties. In this episode: Last week, Highlands Economic Partnership hosted over 4,000 8th graders from 14 counties across the Upper Cumberland for the 8th Grade Career Fair. This is one of my favorite events presented by HEP, but besides being a fun field trip for kids, what does it really accomplish? The 8th grade is a particularly challenging time for any child and their parents, but, as luck would have it, our 8th graders today are also coming of age with one of the greatest technological and economic transformations of our lifetime. From a workforce perspective, why does technology in schools and how we prepare our 8th graders today matter? The first model of ChatGPT was released to the public in November of 2022. Pew Research Center estimates more than 25% of Americans interact with AI at least 3 times a day. What does this mean for schools, employers and the overall digital literacy of every person alive today? Find out more about the Highlands Economic Partnership: https://www.highlandsoftn.com/ Find out more about the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce: https://cookevillechamber.com/ Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN. This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market. Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market: https://www.misssallies.com

Join Kosta and his guest: Monica Mowdy, Pastor of WellSpring United Methodist Church, educator, advocate and candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 25. In this episode: In the South, you’re everything a candidate should be, and shouldn’t be. You’re a woman, you’re a pastor, you’re a Democrat and you’ve spent your entire life in service to others. I want to start with your Ministry work. What brought you to the United Methodist Church? Do you believe there should be a separation of church and state, and if yes, how do you specifically honor that balance? You’re running in State House District 25, against our neighbor and Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, what inspired this campaign and have you ever run for local office before? For the past 16 years the Tennessee Republican Party has held a super majority across the state. We’ve grown exponentially during this time by nearly every metric, but not everyone, especially those from Tennessee are feeling the benefits of our growth. What do you say to voters who are feeling left behind despite our successes? Find out more about Monica Mowdy: https://www.electmonica.com/ Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetn Important Putnam County (2026 Federal and State Election) Dates and information: Federal and State Elections will be held on November 3rd with early voting from October 14th to October 29th. All early voting for Putnam County voters takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501. For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commission Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN. This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy. Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy: https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

Join Kosta and his guest: Dr. Susan Miranda, Executive Director of The Bryan Symphony Orchestra. In this episode: After a nationwide search you were appointed by The Bryan Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors earlier this year as our Executive Director. As a current member, I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude for all your hard work and dedication. Tell us how you learned about the position and why you choose to join us at the BSO? The Symphony’s kickoff event for the 2026-2027 Season was earlier this week with our Labor Day Concert in Dogwood Park, will you give us a recap for anyone who wasn’t able to attend? Is it uncommon for a town like Cookeville to have a professional orchestra? Why do we have one? How do we keep it? Find out more about The Bryan Symphony Orchestra: https://www.bryansymphony.org/ Find out more about Dr. Susan Miranda: https://susanmiranda.com/ Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN. This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market. Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market: https://www.misssallies.com

Join Kosta and his guest: Lauren Pinkston, Candidate for Governor of Tennessee, running on the Independent ticket. In this episode: I’ll start with the question that’s haunted me my entire voting life: can an Independent win? Needless to say, it’s not an easy decision to run for Governor of Tennessee. What inspired your candidacy and how did you get here? I’m sure you’re getting a lot of commentary from the left and right, it’s the joy of being an independent candidate. What’s something you want to tell (D) voters? What’s something you want to tell (R) voters? Find out more about Lauren Pinkston: https://www.pinkstonfortn.com/ Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetn Important Putnam County (2026 Federal and State Election) Dates and information: Federal and State Elections will be held on November 3rd with early voting from October 14th to October 29th. All early voting for Putnam County voters takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501. For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commission Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN. This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy. Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy: https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

Join Kosta and his guest: Devin Baranowski, President of Art Round Tennessee. In this episode: In the Upper Cumberland we’re truly fortunate to have a thriving arts community. From the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, to Fiddlehead Gallery at The Silver Fern, to Cookeville Performing Arts Center and the Appalachian Center for Crafts, we’re surrounded by art and artists. How does Art Round Tennessee support the greater mission of keeping art in the Upper Cumberland? Many of our listeners might recognize Art Round as the presenter of ART Prowl. This year you’ll host the 25th ART Prowl on the Westside, what’s new? What’s staying the same? This year we have a new addition to the Art Round family of events: Art in Bloom at Glass Tangerine Flower Farm on September 12th. What is Art in Bloom? Find out more about Art Round Tennessee: https://www.artroundtennessee.org/ Art in Bloom | Garden Party Fundraiser Saturday, September 12th - 5:00 - 8:00 PM Glass Tangerine Flower Farm 3380 Walnut Grove Road Sparta, TN 38583 Buy Tickets: https://www.artroundtennessee.org/art-in-bloom Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN. This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market. Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market: https://www.misssallies.com