Meet Me In Tennessee

APR 4, 2025

29. Exploring Northeast Tennessee's Outdoor Wonders with Naturalist Connie Deegan

Exploring Northeast Tennessee's Outdoor Wonders with Naturalist Connie Deegan

In this episode of 'Meet Me in Tennessee,' hosts Jenna Lafever and Lara Potter welcome guest Connie Deegan, a renowned naturalist and Tennessee Wildlife Federation's Conservation Educator of the Year. Connie shares her journey from Connecticut to Johnson City, TN, and talks about her passion for the outdoors, hiking, and her love for snakes. The discussion covers favorite hiking spots, the importance of outdoor education, and how to prepare for hikes. Connie also shares intriguing personal insights, including her unique habit of eating lunches in graveyards while traveling. Tune in for an enriching conversation about the natural beauty of Northeast Tennessee and outdoor adventures.

00:00 Welcome to Season Three!
01:13 Meet Our Guest: Connie Deegan
02:42 Connie's Journey to Johnson City
04:35 Life as a Naturalist
08:39 Exploring Northeast Tennessee
12:06 Favorite Hikes and Outdoor Adventures
16:54 Childhood Dreams and First Motorcycle
17:55 Long-Distance Motorcycle Adventures
19:02 Exploring Nature and Outdoor Activities
19:24 Favorite Riding Routes in Northeast Tennessee
21:02 Engaging Kids with Nature
25:03 Hiking Essentials and Safety Tips
27:21 Dealing with Snakes on the Trail
30:25 Graveyards: Unusual Lunch Spots
31:18 Final Thoughts and Farewells

33 MIN

FEB 17, 2025

28. Uncovering the True Origins of the Long Island Iced Tea with Shane Winegar

Uncovering the True Origins of the Long Island Iced Tea

In this episode of the Season Three premiere, hosts Lara and Jenna take listeners on a journey through Tennessee's rich history with a surprising twist—the true origins of the Long Island Iced Tea. Joined by award-winning bartender Shane Winegar, they uncover the drink's Prohibition-era roots in Kingsport, Tennessee, not in New York as commonly believed. The team discusses the evolution of the recipe, competitions between Tennessee and New York, and how local businesses have embraced this unique heritage. Listeners are also treated to a live, step-by-step creation of the original Kingsport Long Island Iced Tea, complete with a taste test. The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into future plans, including a Long Island Tea Trail to further celebrate and share this delicious piece of Tennessee history.

00:00 Welcome to Season Three
00:11 Exploring Tennessee's Hidden Gems
00:29 Introducing the Hosts and Studio
01:14 The Story of Long Island Iced Tea
01:24 Prohibition Era Tales
01:51 Meet Shane Winegar
04:22 The Kingsport Connection
12:58 The New York Challenge
13:25 Mixing the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea
17:18 Unbelievable Drinking Feats
17:48 Long Island Iced Tea Stories
18:28 The Secret Ingredient: Maple Syrup
18:56 Kingsport's Journey to Victory
21:43 Mixing the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea
23:51 Local Businesses Join the Fun
29:27 Introducing the Long Island Tea Trail
32:04 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

33 MIN

JAN 10, 2025

27. The Spicy Journey of Jose Castillo

About the Guest:

Jose Castillo is a dynamic host, emcee, speaker, and entrepreneur based in Johnson City, Tennessee. With a rich background that includes hosting NASCAR races, making salsa on stage for business audiences, and recently serving as a host for Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, Jose inspires others with his mission to "add flavor, connect people, and change the world." Known for his love of spicy ideas and eccentric activities, Jose is a well-respected figure in the Johnson City community and beyond.

Episode Summary:

Join hosts Lara Potter and Jenna Lafever for an engaging episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," where they welcome Jose Castillo, a multifaceted individual making waves in event hosting and public speaking. In this energizing discussion, Lara and Jenna uncover Jose's journey from his first emcee gig at Science Hill High School to becoming a prominent figure hosting NASCAR races and representing Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Jose's vibrant enthusiasm for life and dedication to connecting people shines through as he shares personal anecdotes and his love for the Northeast Tennessee region.

The episode dives deep into Jose's experience as a NASCAR host, detailing how he balances hosting duties at races with his passion for creativity, reflected in his love for painting, cooking, and public speaking. Witness the merging of Jose's worlds, especially through stories of celebrity encounters at races and his lifelong connection with the Olympics. His journey to hosting at the Team USA House in Paris is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and charisma.

Key Takeaways:

Jose Castillo emphasizes the importance of creativity and connecting with audiences, showcased through his work with NASCAR and Team USA at the Olympics.
He highlights the value of the Northeast Tennessee community and the opportunities the region offers for both living and working.
Jose's journey from a high school host to an international stage illustrates the power of persistence, networking, and staying true to one's passion.
The episode underscores the impact of global events like the Olympics in fostering unity and shared experiences among diverse audiences.
Listeners are encouraged to pursue their dreams, work methodically, and appreciate the path that leads to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

"As a little kid, I found a power in making people laugh and helping them have fun and engaging them."
"The Olympic experience is unlike anything else I've ever encountered."
"Work hard, show up, be kind, and those moments will come."

Resources:

Follow Jose Castillo on social media at Think Jose.
Visit Johnson City, Tennessee, attractions and the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association.

Listeners are encouraged to dive into the full episode to experience Jose Castillo's captivating storytelling and lively energy firsthand. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Meet Me in Tennessee," where inspiring local stories come to life.

43 MIN

DEC 6, 2024

26. Chapel Hart Talks Music, Opry, and Southern Roots

About the Guests:

Chapel Hart: Chapel Hart is a dynamic country music trio hailing from Mississippi, featuring sisters Danica and Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle. They gained widespread acclaim after being named to CMT's Next Women of Country in 2021 and have been recognized internationally, earning titles like International Group of the Year. Their notable performances include an appearance on America’s Got Talent and frequent shows at the Grand Ole Opry, a testament to their talent and growing popularity in the country music scene.

Episode Summary:

In this lively episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," hosts Lara Potter and Jenna Lafever engage with the vibrant personalities of Chapel Hart, a rising country music trio known for their powerful harmonies and compelling storytelling. These Mississippi natives share entertaining anecdotes about their musical journey, from being a Bourbon Street cover band to gracing prestigious stages like the Grand Ole Opry. The discussion explores their musical influences, the creative songwriting process, and how they have carved a niche in the traditionally narrow lanes of country music.

Throughout the conversation, Chapel Hart exudes warmth and confidence, emphasizing their commitment to authenticity in their music. Their breakthrough hit "You Can Have Him, Jolene" offers a fresh and cheeky perspective on Dolly Parton's classic, demonstrating their knack for capturing relatable experiences with a humorous twist. They also discuss collaborating with country stars like Darius Rucker and Gretchen Wilson, teasing an exciting upcoming Christmas album titled "Heartfelt Family Christmas." Whether they're talking about performing for troops overseas or their aspirations for future collaborations, Chapel Hart remains grounded and full of Southern charm, making this episode a must-listen for country music enthusiasts and podcast followers alike.

Key Takeaways:

Chapel Hart is celebrated for their bold songwriting and authentic storytelling, earning them international recognition and several awards.
Their hit "You Can Have Him, Jolene" is a playful response to Dolly Parton's classic, embodying their unique spin on traditional country themes.
The trio often collaborates with other artists, including Darius Rucker; they're soon to release a new Christmas album featuring various renowned artists.
They cherish their connection with iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry, describing it as a familial and welcoming environment that feels like home.
Chapel Hart demonstrates a strong commitment to their roots, reflected in their music that resonates with fans globally, transcending typical genre boundaries.

Notable Quotes:

“As a country music artist, you dream that one day you'll play the Grand Ole Opry. The fact we've been back time and time again is incredible.”
“We've always been Dolly Parton fans. Her story songs made us fall in love with country music.”
"Collaborating with Gretchen Wilson on our Christmas album was a dream come true for us."
“We like to tell the truth, honey. We write it down and sing it as it is.”
“If they'll take Gretchen Wilson, I think they'll take me. She was our version of a black woman in country music.”

Resources:

https://www.chapelhart.com/

Encouraging listeners to dive into the full episode allows them to fully appreciate the humor, insights, and warmth that Chapel Hart shares, as they continue to make waves in the country music industry. Stay tuned for more engaging content from "Meet Me in Tennessee."

37 MIN

NOV 1, 2024

25. Josh Mancuso: From Local Talent to Viral Comedy Sensation

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:

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

Resources:

For more entertaining episodes and inspiring interviews, subscribe to "Meet Me in Tennessee" on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t miss the chance to stay updated with our latest content and join our community by sharing your stories using #MeetMeInTN.

39 MIN

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