Meet Me In Tennessee

About the Guest:

Josh Mancuso is a Tennessee-based actor, comedian, and social media sensation known for his hilarious college sports videos and Coach Lance character. With a background in marketing and video production, Josh has leveraged his comedic talents into a growing career in the entertainment industry. His viral videos have earned him millions of views and opportunities to collaborate with notable figures in sports and entertainment.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," hosts Lara Potter and Jenna Lafever sit down with Josh Mancuso, a local comedian and social media star known for his entertaining college sports videos. The conversation covers Josh's journey from a Mass Communications graduate at Emory & Henry College to a viral internet sensation, highlighting the impact of social media on his career trajectory.

The hosts discuss Josh's early days in Kingsport and Johnson City, his transition into entertainment, and his unique comedic style that resonates with millions of fans. Josh shares insights into his creative process, from writing scripts to filming and editing his famous videos. He also reveals behind-the-scenes stories of working with notable personalities like Tony Vitello and Cooper Manning. This episode delves into Josh's recent projects and his plans for the future, including his ambitions to expand into more diverse entertainment roles.

Key Takeaways:

• Josh Mancuso's Journey: From a Mass Communications major to a social media sensation and actor, Josh's career path is an inspiring example of leveraging talent and social media.
• Creative Process: Josh offers a glimpse into his creative world, discussing how he writes, films, and produces his popular videos.
• Collaborations with Sports Figures: Stories from working with notable personalities like Tony Vitello and Cooper Manning, showing how his comedy intersects with sports.
• Community and Family Life: The episode highlights Josh's love for Johnson City and Northeast Tennessee, discussing the local community and family activities.
• Future Ambitions: Insights into Josh's future projects, including the "Josh Mancuso Show" and potential ventures in mainstream entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

1. “I’ve always wanted to entertain people…but it seemed, like, so far-fetched of an idea or dream.” - Josh Mancuso
2. “The great thing about social media is that you can take people like me, who are artists, and they have a platform to do it.” - Josh Mancuso
3. “The video that really launched it was my Auburn mascot video…it went a million views within a few days.” - Josh Mancuso
4. "Johnson City is a great place, because there's a lot of cool things to do." - Josh Mancuso
5. “People just listening and they're like, what are they doing? You think, with their…” - Josh Mancuso

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About the Guest:

Chris Stipo is the Operations Manager at Tri Cities Airport, where he is responsible for airfield compliance, wildlife management, snow removal, and future development planning. With a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management from Jacksonville University and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Chris has a diverse background in the aviation industry, having previously worked in various roles in airports across San Antonio, Asheville, and Cincinnati before bringing his expertise to the Tri Cities region.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Season Three of Meet Me in Tennessee, where hosts Lara Potter and Jenna Lafever introduce Chris Stipo, the Operations Manager at Tri Cities Airport. Broadcasting from Maypop Studio in the vibrant city of Johnson City, TN, this episode takes a deep dive into the intricacies of airport management and the pivotal role regional airports play in community development and connectivity.

In this episode, Chris Stipo shares details about his journey through the aviation industry, highlighting his extensive experience in airport operations and his focus on maintaining airfield compliance. The conversation moves through discussions of future expansions and improvements at Tri Cities Airport, including efforts to increase local flight options, attract new airlines, and enhance overall passenger experience. Chris also reflects on the various wildlife management challenges and unique arrivals, such as Michael Jordan's private jet, that make working at a smaller airport both fascinating and complex.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Impact: The success of regional airports like Tri Cities significantly impacts local business growth and accessibility.
• Operational Duties: Chris Stipo elaborates on his vast responsibilities, from airfield compliance to wildlife management and future expansion planning.
• Convenience and Growth: Tri Cities Airport offers ease of access that larger airports can't match, emphasizing the importance of local support to enhance flight options and services.
• Future Prospects: Ongoing plans for airport expansion, including additional parking and the potential for new flight routes like Chicago, hinge on community engagement and demand.
• Local Pride: Chris highlights the importance of local eateries and businesses, such as Phil's Dream Pit and Pals, which contribute to the unique charm and appeal of the Tri Cities region.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The success of Tri Cities Airport is deeply linked to how well the community utilizes and supports it." — Chris Stipo
2. "In aviation, moving up often means moving across states; I've gained invaluable experience through various roles from San Antonio to Cincinnati." — Chris Stipo
3. "We are striving to bring new airlines and expand our services, banking heavily on community efforts and support." — Chris Stipo
4. "The ease of flying out of Tri Cities Airport is unmatched; from parking to boarding, it's designed to be stress-free for travelers." — Lara Potter
5. "Our close-knit team here ensures any issue, be it a passenger's misplace bag or runway wildlife, is promptly and effectively addressed." — Chris Stipo

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About the Guest:

Dr. Rene Rodgers is the Head Curator for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. With an extensive background in history, culminating in a Ph.D., Rene has a profound understanding and passion for the story of early commercial country music, particularly the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which hold a significant place in American music history. Her experience in museum education and curation is evident in the impactful exhibits and programs she leads at the museum.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," host Allie Bynum has an insightful conversation with Dr. Rene Rodgers, unveiling the intricate tapestry of country music's origins as told through the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The discussion delves into the 1927 Bristol Sessions, known as the "Big Bang" of country music, and the museum's role in preserving this rich history.

Rene Rodgers paints a vivid portrait of the technological advancements and cultural underpinnings that contributed to the success of the Bristol Sessions. She highlights the influence of Ralph Peer, the visionary talent scout, and the impact of artists like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rogers. Incorporating engaging exhibits and personal stories, the museum becomes a beacon of Appalachian heritage, showcasing how past traditions resonate with contemporary audiences.

Key Takeaways:

• The Birthplace of Country Music Museum celebrates its 10th anniversary as a Smithsonian-affiliated institution, offering rich educational resources and programming.
• The 1927 Bristol Sessions symbolize a monumental moment in country music, capturing high-quality recordings of iconic artists and transforming the industry.
• Ralph Peer played a pivotal role in advancing country music, with his innovative approaches to recording, copyrighting, and music publishing still influential today.
• Exhibits at the museum, such as "I've Endured: Women in Old Time Music," bridge past and present by highlighting the enduring contributions of female musicians.
• Community engagement through events, outreach, and the Radio Bristol station, integrally connects the museum to the region’s cultural fabric.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's not just one moment in time that just had this impact for a few years around 1927 and then disappeared into the bowels of history."
• "Music is so tied to emotion and memory, and we're…fortunate to have this museum that is about music and filled with music."
• "We wanted to…tell the story of women in this music…and how they've both carried on those traditions from the past and are innovating it."
• "The music industry works today…music publishing company [Peer Music] started in 1926 still exists today."
• "So much history with music in our area…how hillbilly music's evolved…how the technology with music has evolved in America."

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About the Guest:

Emily Thompson brings a festive spirit to her vital role as the Director of Funfest and Special Events with Visit Kingsport. Born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee, Emily has a deep-seated love for the community event that she has been part of since her childhood. With her profound commitment and enthusiasm, she orchestrates the intricate details of organizing the celebrated festival, ensuring it remains a beacon of community unity and joy. Her contributions have been vital in sustaining the festival's over 40 years of legacy in Northeast Tennessee.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," host Allie Bynum sits down with Emily Thompson to explore the vibrant heart of Northeast Tennessee's community through the lens of Funfest, a celebrated local festival. The show delves into the festival's rich history, its goal to bring people together, and the thrilling events that take place over the course of nine lively days.

The conversation kicks off with Emily sharing her lifelong connection to Funfest, the challenges and joys of planning a festival of this magnitude, and some of the festival's staple events, including the hot air balloon glow and the 8K race. The discussion then transitions to the Sunset Concert Series lineup, detailing the blend of local and widely renowned performers set to grace Funfest stages this year. All throughout, the importance of community involvement and the incredible volunteer support that brings Funfest to life are highlighted as essential components of the event's success.

Key Takeaways:

• Funfest, now in its 44th year, is anchored in the theme of community unity and features a vast array of activities over nine days.
• The festival is a combination of tourist attractions, family reunions, local business involvement, and community events for all ages, including iconic hot air balloon displays.
• Emily Thompson emphasizes the significance of volunteer involvement and how the entire community comes together to support Funfest.
• The 2023 Sunset Concert Series lineup boasts a diverse range of performers, including Crowder, Tyler Hubbard, Philip Phillips, and the Goo Goo Dolls.
• Funfest's significance goes beyond the events themselves—it serves as a symbol of shared experiences, bringing joy and creating lifelong memories for the Northeast Tennessee community.

Notable Quotes:

• "It means you don't take vacations in the summer." – Emily Thompson jokingly describes her commitment to Funfest.
• "It truly is about that unity piece and really just saying, everybody come together." – Emily on the vision behind Funfest.
• "I waited my whole life thinking one day I want to be over Funfest, and here we are." – Emily expressing her passion for her role.
• "I love when the weather lets them all get off the ground because it's so neat to watch and it's a staple." - Emily on the magic of hot air balloons during Funfest.
• "And there's that split second after it ends when the fireworks drop that it's like, whoa. You see the chaos, all the trash, and literally just moments later, it's like a clean slate." – Emily on the remarkable cleanup efforts by volunteers post-festival.

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About the Guest:

Courtney Bean serves as the Main Street Director for Main Street Elizabethton, working under the auspices of the City of Elizabethton, Tennessee. With a commitment to downtown revitalization and community engagement, Courtney has been at the forefront of steering the city towards a unified vision for development. Main Street Elizabethton is part of the national Main Street program, which focuses on enhancing the quality and economic potential of small-town Main Streets. Her role involves liaising with the city council, local businesses, and community members to foster growth, arrange events, and promote the arts and culture within Elizabethton's charming downtown area.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to this engaging episode of “Meet Me in Tennessee,” where host Allie Bynum explores the vibrant energy and community-driven initiatives of Downtown Elizabethton with guest Courtney Bean. As a thriving example of the Main Street program's success, Elizabethton stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in small-town revitalization. Join us as we delve into the ongoing projects and historical instigations that make Elizabethton a unique blend of Appalachian heritage and progressive urban development.

In this conversation, Courtney Bean unfolds the narrative of Main Street Elizabethton's journey from inception to its current successes. The discussion revolves around the crucial role Main Street programs play in fostering the economy and identity of rural areas, such as Northeast Tennessee. Insights into the synergistic relationship between Main Street Elizabethton and city authorities reveal how strategic partnerships can yield growth and stability within local businesses and the wider community. Furthermore, Courtney illuminates the exciting ventures underway in Elizabethton, including the unveiling of a new professional mural and the anticipation of the summer and fall festivals that stitch together the fabric of the downtown experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Main Street Elizabethton is a key player in the development and unification of downtown Elizabethton’s growth and mission, underpinning the community's revitalization efforts.
• The Main Street program has established a unique partnership with city council members, resulting in projects that reflect the community's aspirations and heritage.
• Arts and culture are celebrated and integrated into the city through professional murals and community art projects, highlighting Appalachian native species and local history.
• Elizabethton's historical landmarks, like the Covered Bridge and Sycamore Shoals, alongside the veterans' memorials, provide a rich tapestry of narratives that shape the city's identity.
• Seasonal events, such as the First Fridays and the Firefly 5K, form the cornerstone of the community's vibrant social calendar, drawing in both locals and tourists alike.

Notable Quotes:

• "Main streets are all about working with the community and revitalizing your downtown." – Courtney Bean
• "Old soul new stories. It's perfect." – Courtney Bean, discussing the tagline of downtown Elizabethton that reflects its character and future.
• "This mural will go up in May, and that will also be in our downtown district. So look, when you come downtown." – Courtney Bean, announcing a new community mural that captures Elizabethton's history.

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