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.

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Congressman Matt Van Epps for an in-depth discussion about his rapid and unconventional path to Congress. Fresh off a special election victory, Van Epps describes the whirlwind transition into Washington and what it was like to step onto the House floor for the first time.The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how voting actually works in the U.S. House of Representatives, demystifying a process many constituents rarely get to hear explained firsthand. Van Epps also outlines his early priorities in Congress, including his assignments to the Homeland Security Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and what those roles mean for the region he represents.To close, Van Epps emphasizes his commitment to staying connected at home, detailing plans to reopen and fully staff district offices in Clarksville and Franklin. He also shares his intention to hold future town halls, reinforcing his focus on accessibility, constituent service, and maintaining a strong local presence while serving in Washington.

Bill Marbet, Russ Plummer, Blake Monroe and Angie Brady join Charlie to talk about the TACA East-West All-Star Game, a prominent Tennessee high school football event hosted in Clarksville held at Austin Peay State University. Blake and Angie from Visit Clarksville explain how securing and maintaining this event demonstrates their commitment to relationship-based tourism, citing the importance of local partners and "unreasonable hospitality" in attracting large groups. The discussion expands to showcase Clarksville's broader portfolio of athletic and unique competitive events, including a national volleyball tournament and the state robotics championship, which contribute significantly to the local economy. Guests emphasize that the city's success in event recruitment is bolstered by the availability of quality venues and the overall affordability of the destination.

This episode of Clarksville Conversations features two separate interviews with members of Christian rock bands who are performing on the upcoming Awakening Tour 2025. The first interview is with John Cooper from Skillet, who discusses his band's long history, their energetic hard rock style, and their positive faith, family, and freedom message. The second interview is with Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers, where he shares his personal and spiritual journey, including how his wife's faith and perseverance led to his own conversion and the band's formation. Both musicians emphasize the importance of hope, faith in Jesus, and the power of music to spread a positive message, often referencing the challenges and storms of life as inspiration for their songs.The Awakening Tour Featuring Skillet and We Are Messengers takes place on Saturday November 22nd at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville.

Charlie Koon and guest Pastor Mike Burnette talk about the upcoming 8th annual Turkeys for Troops event in Clarksville. The event, scheduled for Saturday November 22nd, provides free frozen turkeys to active-duty military, veterans, and their families as a gesture of appreciation. They talk about the origins and growth of the event, now too large for its initial location, and highlights the crucial roles played by numerous community partners and volunteers, including Convoy of Hope, LifePoint Church, Legends Bank, Serra Chevrolet, Austin Peay State University, and others.

In this inspiring episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Major General (Retired) Walt Lord and Edgar Maldonado from Austin Peay State University’s Military and Veterans Affairs division to explore the deep bond between APSU, Fort Campbell, and the region’s thriving military community. Together, they discuss why Clarksville is unlike other military towns and how APSU continues to serve as a home base for thousands of military-affiliated students.Lord and Maldonado share the significance of Veterans Day and explain why APSU extends the celebration into a full Veterans Week dedicated to honoring service members. Maldonado also opens up about his own service in both the Marine Corps and the Army, reflecting on the powerful sense of camaraderie veterans carry with them throughout life. The conversation drives home one message: veterans aren’t broken—they’re part of a strong, supportive tribe that always looks out for one another.

On this episode Charlie speaks with former professional bull rider and Clarksville native Cory Rasch. The conversation focuses on Rasch’s upcoming sanctioned Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event scheduled for November 8th at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee. Rasch shares details about his history growing up in the area, his professional bull riding career, and the extensive planning involved in producing the event, which includes everything from laying down 33 loads of dirt to coordinating with local sponsors and the Clarksville Fire Department, where Rasch currently works. The discussion also touches upon logistical challenges, like avoiding basketball scheduling conflicts, and efforts to make the event a community affair, including a charity auction and military rappellers.

Charlie Koon and co-host Ryan Ploeckelman talk to guest Debra Sutton from Manna Cafe Ministries. The discussion focuses on Combat Hunger, Manna Cafe’s annual food drive, which has been expanded to the entire month of October to address growing food insecurity in Clarksville and Montgomery County, particularly among military families and seniors. Manna Cafe, a Clarksville original charity in its 15th year, relies heavily on community support, seeking to collect three months' worth of non-perishable food to stock their warehouse for the winter. The organization is organizing a corporate challenge and seeks volunteers for a major collection day on October 25th, utilizing nearly 40 drop-off locations, including all Clarksville Fire Department stations and various retail stores.

On this episode, Mary Durrett, a lifelong resident of Clarksville, shares information about her Sasha Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding mental health therapy for the underserved, and her own health journey using functional medicine. Cliff Syner, a former Army flight medic, discusses why he settled in Clarksville, the origins of his nonprofit, Risen Wellness, and the principles of functional medicine—a practice focused on addressing the root cause of health issues through lifestyle changes rather than solely relying on medication. Both guests stress the importance of community involvement, with Syner explaining that Risen Wellness aims to make functional medicine accessible and affordable to the broader community through donor support.

On this episode Charlie Coon, and guests Jay Albertia and Britney Campbell, discuss an upcoming charity event, The Legends Bank’s Game Changer Clay Shoot supporting Progressive Directions, a non-profit organization led by Jay Albertia that aids individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Middle and West Tennessee. Britney Campbell, representing Legends Bank, explains the event's evolution from a golf scramble to a clay shoot and details the process of selecting Progressive Directions as the current beneficiary through employee nominations. Jay emphasizes the importance of the funds and community awareness generated by the event to support his organization's extensive programs, including residential services, employment initiatives, and the Buddy Ball special needs athletic league.

On this episode Charlie chats with Cole Smith of the Nashville Predators. The main topics of the conversation center around Smith's background in hockey, including his start skating on a frozen lake in Minnesota and his eventual decision to pursue hockey over football, his strengths as a player who relies on work ethic and excels at the penalty kill, and his positive experience with the Predators organization. A significant portion of the interview focuses on the Predators' community involvement, particularly their support of Gold Star families and military communities in the Clarksville area, which both Smith and Coon express deep appreciation for.

On this episode Charlie is joined by Mayor Wes Golden of Montgomery County, and Bobby DeVoursney the CEO of the Nashville Kats Arena football team. The primary focus of the discussion is the major announcement that the Nashville Kats will officially relocate their next home season to Clarksville, Tennessee, starting in 2026, playing at the F&M Bank Arena. The participants emphasize the community support, affordability of tickets, and the team's commitment to engaging with the local area, even suggesting a future name change to reflect Clarksville's identity. Additionally, Mayor Golden provides updates on several other Montgomery County quality-of-life initiatives, including new parks, libraries, and the development of a fairgrounds project.

On this episode host Charlie Coon discusses the Clarksville Rotary Club with guests Betty Burchett and Jill Moore. The conversation centers on the club's impactful community work in Clarksville, Montgomery County, highlighting their long history of service projects such as Rotary Park, Heritage Park's splash pad, and the Buddy Ball Fields. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to an upcoming project: the installation of a peace pole at Rotary Park, symbolizing a commitment to fostering peace and addressing issues like youth conflict within the community. The guests also explain how individuals can become members of the Rotary Club, emphasizing the organization's welcoming and diverse environment, and the opportunities for mentorship and leadership.

This episode of "Clarksville Conversations" features an interview with Major General David Gardner, the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell. General Gardner discusses his personal journey to military service, highlighting his early inspiration from West Point and the enduring camaraderie among his classmates. He emphasizes the unique and supportive relationship between Fort Campbell and the surrounding communities in both Tennessee and Kentucky, noting the significant economic and social ties. The general also provides an overview of the 101st's current global deployments and its role in transforming and modernizing the Army, underscoring the critical importance of daily training and readiness. The conversation concludes with recommendations for visitors to Fort Campbell and the soon-to-open Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum, further illustrating the deep connection between the military installation and its community.

This episode of Clarksville Conversations features an interview with Austin Peay State University (APSU) Football Coach Jeff Faris, following a significant upset victory over Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The conversation centers on the team's preparation and keys to their historic win, highlighting their confidence, lack of turnovers, strong third-down defense, and explosive plays. Coach Faris also discusses the invaluable support from the Clarksville community and the APSU administration, particularly President Mike Licari and Interim Athletic Director Jordan Harmon, as crucial to the team's success and player retention. The episode concludes with a call to action for community members to attend home games to foster an unparalleled atmosphere and aid in recruiting, emphasizing that the team's ongoing focus is on continuous improvement and the process of winning.

This episode features an interview with David Kells, the Chief Venues Officer for F&M Bank Arena and Bridgestone Arena, discussing the growth of Clarksville, Montgomery County, and the development of its entertainment scene. Kells shares his career journey in the live music industry, from internships to his current executive role, and highlights his experiences with memorable concerts and the importance of creating shared memories through live events. The conversation also covers the strategic partnership between F&M Bank Arena and Bridgestone Arena to establish Clarksville as a viable market for touring acts, emphasizing the diverse range of events planned to cater to the community and the positive impact of these venues on local quality of life and economic development.

On this episode Charlie chats with Dr. Michael Licari, President of Austin Peay State University. The discussion primarily focuses on the university's impressive growth in enrollment and facilities, highlighting new additions like the Health Professions building and a welcome center, and future plans such as an event center and a large Chick-fil-A. Dr. Licari also elaborates on Austin Peay's commitment to student success, community engagement, and supporting military-affiliated students, emphasizing its role as a key economic and social anchor for the Clarksville area. He touches on the importance of financial support from "investors" and the university's dedication to ensuring graduates find meaningful careers.

In an episode of "Clarksville Conversations," host Charlie Coon interviews Chief Michael Rios of Montgomery County Fire Service, who has nearly 23 years of experience in fire rescue. Chief Rios discusses the separation of the Fire Chief and EMA director roles due to the county's significant growth and increasing emergency needs. He outlines the department's plans to expand its paid staff, including leadership positions, to supplement the volunteer force, particularly addressing the lack of service during daytime hours. A major development is the construction of a new fire station and headquarters in the rapidly growing Exit 8 area, which will be a shared facility with the Sheriff's precinct to save costs and enhance collaboration. This expansion aims to improve response times and lower insurance premiums for county residents, as the department also focuses on updating its fleet and increasing water supply access.

On this episode Charlie chats with Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder, the Director of Schools for Clarksville-Montgomery County. The discussion centers on various aspects of the school system's operations and future. Key topics include student growth and enrollment, the construction of new schools like Freedom Elementary, and the impact of federal budgets. Dr. Luna-Vedder also addresses staffing levels and recruitment, emphasizing initiatives like the "grow your own" model, and the importance of safety and communication within the district.

On this episode Charlie chats with Nicholas Nicoletta, owner of Nicoletta's Catering and Takeaway. Throughout the conversation, Nicoletta discusses the origins and growth of his business, including his popular "takeaway" program and the expansion into other locations like Sango Bakery and Pleasant View. He shares insights into the daily operations, his signature menu items like pimento cheese and meatballs, and the scale of events his company handles, such as catering large weddings and providing 1700 lunches for a single event. The interview also touches on broader community topics in Clarksville, including traffic, downtown development, the city's lack of a major festival, and the impact of growth on the community.

As a local Dentist, Kevin Kennedy Jr. knows a thing or two about Health Care in Clarksville. He joins Charlie to talk about why it is so important for the community to rally behind Tri-Star and Ascension St. Thomas in their efforts to build new hospitals in Clarksville, and how we can get our voices heard.

Govs Football Coach Jeff Faris stops by for a chat with Charlie about how the off season has gone for the Govs, and what fans can expect during his second season has Head Coach of Clarksville's Hometown Team.

David Whelan oversees planning, business development, network integration and more for HCA Healthcare's TriStar Division. He joins Charlie on this episode to talk about why TriStar wants to build a new Hospital in Clarksville, and what this new Hospital will bring to the community.

Author, Speaker, Teacher, Veteran, Adjunct Professor, and Montgomery County Commissioner. Get to know the incredible Dr. Rashidah Leverett on this episode.

Ascension Saint Thomas recently announced plans to build a new Hospital in Clarksville off of exit 11. Ascension Saint Thomas President and CEO Fahad Tahir joins Charlie to talk about why they want to build in Clarksville, how the community can help make that happen, and what Clarksville can expect from the new Hospital.

Jon Hunter joins Charlie to talk about his military experience at Fort Campbell, and how he got involved in the upcoming Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum and why the new museum will attract visitors from all over the world.

Frank Lott and Channing Grimes from the Customs House Museum in Clarksville join Charlie to share details about an important event to raise money for the iconic museum. The Jammin' in June event features concerts focusing on the music of over 20 local legends who dominated the music scene and the charts.

Clarksville is getting a new movie theatre. Phoenix Theatres has taken over and completely renovated the Movie Theatre space at the Governor's Square Mall. From new screens and sound, to heated leather recliners, Phoenix is promising an excellent movie going experience with very reasonable ticket prices. Owner Cory Jacobson and Vice President of Business Development Jordan Hohman join Charlie to give him a look behind the curtain of the new Phoenix Theatres.

Replant Clarksville's mission is to return our community to an acceptable, healthy level of native tree canopy with the support of local businesses, local Governments, nonprofits, and citizens. Jeff Robinson, President and Chair of the Board of Directors, and Michelle Rogers, Vice President and Chari of Outreach and Education for Replant Clarksville, join Charlie to talk about an upcoming launch party, and how Clarksville can help their mission to plant more trees in our city.

Govs Baseball Coach Roland Fanning, and Pitchers Lyndon Glidewell and Jacob Weaver join Charlie on this episode to talk about Lyndon's incredible No-Hitter against North Alabama, the teams first since 1996. Just days later Jacob Weaver would also throw a No-Hitter against Eastern Kentucky, giving the Govs it's first 2 No-Hitter season since 1970.

Buck Dellinger, CEO of the EDC, and Janet Wilson, VP of Urban Development, join Charlie to talk about why growth is beneficial for Clarksville. They also talk about job creation, quality of life and housing, enhancing public services and infrastructure, and more.