Clarksville Conversations with Charlie Koon

On this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Charlie Koon sits down with hometown comedian DJ Pryor to break down a career that’s come full circle. From performing his first stand-up set as a teenager to now helping lead Joker’s Comedy House, Pryor shares how Clarksville shaped his voice and his mission.The conversation dives into the mechanics of stand-up, why physical comedy and real-time audience connection still matter, and how humor can act as a universal release valve. Pryor also reflects on the legends who influenced him, including Eddie Murphy and Charlie Chaplin, while making it clear his goal isn’t to leave but to build something bigger right here locally.Looking ahead, Pryor teases a packed slate: a new book, a television project, and a major comedy special planned at F&M Bank Arena, a sign that Clarksville isn’t just part of his story, it’s the stage for what’s next.

This episode features Brad Averitt and Ginna Holleman as they discuss the upcoming 42nd Annual Candlelight Ball, a premier fundraising gala for Austin Peay State University. The event, scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, aims to secure vital scholarship funds and operational support for various university departments. This year’s celebration adopts a Kentucky Derby theme, blending formal tradition with high-energy entertainment from the band Burning Las Vegas. Beyond the festivities, the organizers emphasize the importance of honoring community leaders through the Wendell H. Gilbert and Spirit of Austin Peay awards. Ultimately, the source highlights how the collaboration between dedicated volunteers and university staff fosters a legacy of educational opportunity and local growth.

Former Tennessee Titans linebacker Avery Williamson joins Charlie Koon alongside Chris Colburn to share his journey from a cattle farm upbringing to the NFL, driven by discipline and a passion for defense. After retiring from football, Williamson shifted into entrepreneurship, launching Tennessee Crush Water Ice—an innovative frozen treat inspired by a trip to Philadelphia. The conversation highlights how Colburn is helping expand the brand into Clarksville and Austin Peay through strategic partnerships, as well as the company’s rapid growth from a single food trailer to supplying major festivals and sporting events.

Stacey Levine, Executive Director of the Tennessee River chapter of the American Red Cross, shares how her team supports Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and 12 surrounding counties through disaster relief, blood drives, and community programs. With a workforce powered 90% by volunteers, she highlights opportunities to get involved—from life-saving training to fundraising events like their upcoming golf scramble—while emphasizing the critical role of regional teamwork in keeping the community prepared and resilient.

Chris and Stephanie Travis, the husband-and-wife team behind Travis Electrical Service in Clarksville, share how they transitioned from careers in firefighting and education to building one of the region’s most respected electrical contracting companies. Guided by their Christian faith and a commitment to service, they discuss how their business philosophy blends entrepreneurship with community impact. From supporting leadership initiatives to helping bring the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum to life, the couple explains why investing in Clarksville matters to them. They also dive into their registered apprenticeship program, an effort to tackle the skilled-labor shortage by offering free training and mentorship to the next generation of electricians while working to “elevate the trades.”

In this podcast interview, military veteran and entrepreneur Gary Singleton shares the story behind launching Joker’s Comedy House and The Grill in Clarksville, Tennessee. After retiring from the military and working in real estate, Singleton recognized the city’s need for more live entertainment and converted a former restaurant into a full-service comedy venue. The club now hosts weekly improv shows, open mic nights, and touring professional comedians while also spotlighting local talent. Singleton also prioritizes community involvement, organizing monthly charity events and supporting other small businesses. His vision is to build a true “comedy house” that helps grow Clarksville’s arts scene while giving residents a high-quality night out.

In this episode, Austin Peay State University’s new Athletic Director, Jordan Harmon, sits down to share his journey from student-athlete to leading the Govs’ athletic department. Harmon talks about building strong ties with the Clarksville community, growing revenue, and creating a culture that values both winning and academic success. He reflects on the mentors and family who shaped his path and lays out his vision for the future of Austin Peay athletics, offering listeners a clear look at the leadership style and priorities guiding the program forward.

In this episode, Congressman Matt Van Epps reflects on his journey from military service to representing Tennessee’s fast-growing communities. He explains how team building and structured processes guide his work in Congress, including on the Homeland Security and Science, Space, and Technology committees. Van Epps also discusses his advocacy for Fort Campbell, the role of local business support, and how national issues like border security and government funding affect his district—underscoring his focus on veterans, economic growth, and hands-on community engagement.

Dawn Sanders-Garrett, Interim Director of the Clarksville Housing Authority, walks through the plan to redevelop Lincoln Homes and why it matters. She explains how federal RAD conversion and tax credits make the project possible, what demolition and rehabilitation will look like, and how the new development will modernize affordable housing without losing sight of the people who live there. The episode also explores how the master plan aims to keep residents stable while helping fuel Clarksville’s local economy.

In this episode, Barry Sullivan and Chad Hunley of the Clarksville Jeep Crew share how a simple love of Jeeps has grown into one of the area’s most reliable grassroots support networks. Founded in 2019 and now more than 2,300 members strong, the volunteer group steps up during crises, most recently during the snow and ice storm, helping stranded drivers, transporting essential medical staff, and supporting emergency response efforts when conditions were at their worst. The conversation highlights the Crew’s highly organized training, close coordination with local agencies, and commitment to service without compensation, instead encouraging support for local charities like Mana Cafe and Loaves and Fishes. It is a timely reminder of how community, preparation, and generosity can make a real difference when the weather and circumstances turn tough.

On this episode Mark Riggins, General Manager of Clarksville Gas and Water, joins Charlie Koon to talk about some of the big projects in the works for CGW. Those projects include a new natural gas pipeline from Kentucky that will provide Clarksville with a redundant supply of natural gas, a new app and more.

In this episode, Mayor Wes Golden reflects on a period of rapid growth and key administrative milestones shaping Montgomery County as it looks ahead to 2026. He discusses major public safety advancements, including the launch of the county’s first paid fire department and the expansion of school resource officers. The conversation also explores significant infrastructure investments, road expansions, new schools, and plans for a large community fairground honoring the area’s agricultural heritage. Golden highlights quality-of-life priorities through expanded parks, greenways, and collaborative youth and veteran programs, while outlining a forward-looking economic development strategy focused on high-end retail and smarter traffic management to support a young, fast-growing population.

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Josh Ward, Executive Director of the Clarksville–Montgomery County Industrial Development Board, breaks down the unprecedented economic expansion reshaping the region. Ward details Clarksville’s strategic shift toward high-tech manufacturing, spotlighting major investments such as Korea Zinc and LG Chem—projects expected to generate thousands of jobs by 2030 and significantly raise local household incomes.The conversation also explores how growth extends beyond industry, including the large-scale retail transformation at Freedom Farms and the arrival of competing healthcare providers aimed at improving access and quality of care. Ward explains why confidentiality is critical during complex business negotiations and how discretion helps ensure major deals successfully cross the finish line.Looking ahead to 2026, Clarksville’s focus begins to pivot from aggressive industrial recruitment toward quality-of-life investments—convention space, greenway expansion, and urban amenities designed to support a growing population. The episode underscores a community-wide effort to manage rapid growth responsibly while building long-term prosperity for residents.

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Michael Lankford, the newly appointed state representative for Tennessee’s District 75, for an in-depth conversation about his roots, his public service, and what comes next for Montgomery County.Lankford reflects on growing up in Clarksville and Montgomery County, sharing how his local upbringing shaped his perspective and commitment to the community. He walks through his educational journey, from Austin Peay State University to UT Martin, and explains how those experiences prepared him for a career in public service.The discussion also revisits Lankford’s time as County Commissioner for District 6, where he focused on practical, day-to-day issues affecting residents, including infrastructure needs and traffic challenges. He outlines the lessons learned at the county level and how they inform his approach to leadership.A key portion of the conversation centers on his unexpected transition to the state legislature. Lankford recounts how a sudden vacancy led to his appointment, culminating in a rare tie-breaking vote cast by the mayor. He closes by outlining his priorities as state representative, with an emphasis on strengthening infrastructure, supporting economic growth in Montgomery County, and advocating for local farmers.