Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev

Join Kosta and his guest: Wayne Nabors, Putnam County Clerk and Candidate for Putnam County Mayor. In this episode: This is the first official episode of 2026, and there’s no better way to ring in this election year than with a candidate interview. First of all, we want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication to Putnam County. You’re running for Putnam County Mayor, and I want to start there: why Mayor and why now? You’ve served as our Putnam County Clerk since 2002, and needless to say, a lot has changed since 2002. Over the past 24 years, what has this office taught you about Putnam County and what has it shown you we need to focus on next? This election cycle is going to shake things up. There’s no doubt about it. Whether it’s in the primaries or at the general election, 2026 is going to be an election year to remember. What is it about this moment in Cookeville and Putnam County that’s demanding change? Find out more about Wayne Nabors' Campaign for Putnam County Mayor:https://www.facebook.com/WayneNaborsTN/Find out more about Wayne Nabors and Putnam County Clerk:https://putnamcountytn.gov/county-clerkBetter 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: Hillary Huddleston, Army Veteran, community organizer, and Director of The Lines We Inherit, a documentary exploring the history and lasting impact of segregation in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland. In this episode: Our world can feel bleak. For many of us, on either side of the aisle, it feels like there’s nothing we can do to change what's happening or what happens to us. How does getting involved on a local level change this attitude and how do we get started? In 2026, you’ll be working to direct and produce a documentary called The Lines We Inherit. Will you tell us about the project and why it matters today?Find out more about The Lines We Inherit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581899108028Want to get involved? Message TLWI Production Team:[email protected] 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.comDisclaimer: This episode contains firsthand accounts, opinions, and commentary from the individual speakers. Descriptions of events are shared from personal perspective and understanding and may involve allegations or ongoing disputes for which no legal determination has been made at the time of publication. Names and identifying details may be withheld or altered. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the show, its producers, partners, or sponsors. This content is intended to encourage dialogue and should not be construed as factual findings or legal advice.

Join Kosta and his guest: Chad Day, Owner of Kona Ice of Cookeville and Candidate for Putnam County Clerk. In this episode: Before we get into the episode, I want to give our listeners some background on your story and how you got here today. You’re from Cookeville, but you also recently relocated to Cookeville. You’re an entrepreneur, community organizer and now candidate for local office. Take us all the way back, how did you get here today? You have a unique perspective on our community and what it means to be part of this community. Last summer, your house tragically burned down and your family had to start over. You’re seeking office next year in part to repay all those that helped you. What did this experience show you about the Upper Cumberland and the spirit of Putnam County? Kona Ice is more than our kid’s favorite treat, it’s a meaningful way to give back to our community. Over the past few years you’ve been able to give back nearly $100,000 to our local schools and sports teams. How does your give back program work? Find out more about Kona Ice of Cookeville: https://www.kona-ice.com/local-site/kona-ice-of-cookeville/Find out more about Chad Day for Putnam County Clerk:https://www.chad4tn.org/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: Diane Duncan, Former Director of the Putnam County Library and newest member of the Putnam County Library Board of Trustees. In this episode: Diane, you’ve had a storied tenure with our local library. No pun intended. Starting as a bookkeeper and later serving as Director of the Putnam County Library, we’re grateful for your service and experience. As of November, you’re our library’s newest board of trustees member, and I want to start there. What do you hope to accomplish during your tenure? This nomination and approval process was exciting to say the least. We have people coming to Library Board Meetings who’ve never come to the library before and everyone has an opinion. So, I think my biggest question is: when we cut out all the noise, why should Putnam County residents trust our library staff and board? For the past 20 years you’ve volunteered with Imagination Library Board and were instrumental in expanding the program to Putnam County. Will you tell us more about Imagination Library and how it works?Find out more about Putnam County Library:https://pclibrary.org/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: Jennifer Wilkerson, Putnam County Circuit Court Clerk.In this episode: Jennifer, you’ve spent more than twenty-five years working throughout our justice system: from law enforcement and non-profit advocacy, and now the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. When you think about all the experiences you’ve had with the justice system and our community, what does justice mean to you? A lot of people have heard or seen the title Circuit Court Clerk, but most of us don’t truly understand the weight and complexity behind it. What is the real responsibility of your office, and what happens if the Clerk’s Office doesn’t function well? Your job isn’t easy. Managing court dockets for seven courts and seven judges is no small task. In your opinion, what’s the greatest determinant of whether our court system is running smoothly or not? 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