Clarksville Conversations with Charlie Koon

Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill chat with Tennessee District 67 Representative Jason Hodges about his move from the Montgomery County Commission to the Tennessee House of Representatives. Hear about how he adjusted to the changes and some of the bills he has fought for during his first year. He also shares some examples of how both political parties have come together to pass some important legislation for the people of Tennessee.

Franky the Dog was found on the side of the road and believed to be dead. He had sustained horrible injuries being used as a "bait dog" in a dog fighting ring. Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill chat with Chris and Dana Self a couple that followed Franky's story online as a local Vet decided to take him in and nurse him back to health. Chris and Dana were so touched by the story they decided to adopt Franky. Hear all about how Franky is enjoying his second chance at life with this loving family.

1st Brigade Colonel Derek Thomson joins Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill live from Iraq to talk about the fight against ISIS and the moral of the Fort Campbell Soldiers engaged in the battle. He also talks about what they look forward to most from care packages, and the appreciation they have for the support they receive from the Clarksville area.

Sammy Stuard has had a variety of careers over his life. From Butcher, to Auctioneer, to eventually finding his way into the world of Banking, serving as the President and CEO of F&M Bank. He joins Charlie and Katie to talk about his incredible life and why sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places.

Don Bowen is a retired Army Green Beret, Clarksville Business owner, Martial Arts Instructor and star of the History Channel show "The Selection". He chats with Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon about his life, where he finds motivation, and so much more.

Retired Colonel Rob Salome has been in leadership roles for over 27 years. Rob joins Katie and Charlie to talk about what he has learned over those years from the leaders around him, including former Vice President Joe Biden. Rob served as the Vice President's Military Aid shortly after he was sworn in. Rob also talks about the importance of taking time away from work to recharge, and working with millennials as they begin to replace baby boomers in the workplace.

New Austin Peay Head Football Coach Mark Hudspeth joins Charlie and Katie to talk about taking over a football team that is starting to get National attention. He also shares what he enjoys about living in Clarksville, and how he motivates his players to achieve their best.

Willie Frank's husband was a pilot with the 160th SOAR when he was shot down in Mogadishu, captured and later killed. The events surrounding his death were depicted in the movie "Black Hawk Down". Willie chats with Charlie and Katie about seeing the movie, why she will never watch it again, and what life is like as a widow and a member of a Gold Star Family. Willie also talks about what the community can do to better support Gold Star Families.

Fort Campbell Garrison Commander Colonel Joe Kuchan joins Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill to talk about the upcoming Week of the Eagles Celebration.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett joins Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill to discuss the proposed Multi Purpose Event Center that could be built in downtown Clarksville. What sort of events would a center like this attract? How will the county pay for it? What involvement will the Nashville Predators have? The Mayor answers those questions and more.

Kean Barclay and John Rudolph join Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill to chat about the upcoming try-outs for the Clarksville Soccer Club, how they try to make soccer accessible and affordable for everyone, and the city's need for more soccer fields.

Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill talk to Retired General Scott Brower about why he chose to call Clarksville/Montgomery County home, and his work in building relationships between units on Fort Campbell and Austin Peay Athletic teams.

Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill chat with Paul and Merry Beth Tomaszewski about the MB Roland Distillery. Listen to how they turned an old Amish family farm into a Distillery that is shipping spirits all over the United States. They also let Charlie and Katie in on the secrets of sampling whiskey and what drinks are best with it.

Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon chat with the Grammy Nominated lead singer of Building 429, Jason Roy. Jason talks about what brought him to Clarksville and why he loves calling it home. He also shares stories about life on the road fronting one of the biggest Christian Rock bands in the country and how a near death experience brought him closer to God.

Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon chat with Ryan and Gretchen, who have been doing their morning show on Q108 in Clarksville for 14 years. They look back on those years and share some fun stories about waking up Clarksville for over a decade.

Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill talk to Austin Peay Baseball Coach Travis Janssen about what parents need to know about youth sports from a College Coach's perspective. Coach Janssen shares what is the most important thing parents can do for their young athletes and the joys of living in Clarksville and Coaching the Govs.

Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill talk with Katy Olita about her recent Judicial appointment. They also discuss what types of cases she is seeing as a new judge, and why adoptions hold a special place in her heart.

Anthony Mayweather is a Veteran, Businessman, and Professional Wrestler. Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon talk to Anthony about why he became a wrestler, his local wrestling school, and an upcoming free Wrestling Event at Fort Campbell.

Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill chat with the Pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in the Country, Life Point's Mike Burnette. Mike talks about why he thinks Life Point is growing so fast, the church's mission in Clarksville, and more.

Theresa Shea and her husband moved from New Orleans eventually settling in Clarksville. She talks to Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill about bringing New Orleans food and flavor with her when she opened the "Roux" restaurant on Franklin Street. She also talks about some exciting possibilities for Downtown Clarksville and what Mardi Gras is all about.

The Director of the Roxy Regional Theatre, Ryan Bowie, joins Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill on this episode. Ryan talks about what brought him to Clarksville, and why he loves it here. He also talks about the future of the Roxy and the performing arts scene in town.

Jeff Truitt, the new CEO of the Clarksville Montgomery County Economic Development Council joins Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill to talk about his new job and where he sees Clarksville in the next few years. He also talks about his strange first night in Clarksville when he was in the Air Force, and his time as Mayor Durrett's Chief of Staff.

Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon chat with Diane Miner, the woman who started Camp Rainbow, a Summer Camp for seriously ill children in the area. Diane shares stories about the young man who inspired her to start the camp and the amazing children who found healing and fun at the camp.

Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon talk with Clarksville's hottest chef, Nicholas Nicoletta about his incredibly successful catering business, and what got him into cooking. He also talks about the new restaurant he is opening at the Clarksville Country Club and some of the exciting new menu items and the stories behind them.

CMCSS Director of Schools Millard House chats with Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon about overcoming dyslexia as a child and why he wanted to come to Clarksville. He also talks about the process the school system goes through in deciding whether or not to cancel school for inclement weather, and what would happen to free and reduced lunches if there is another government shutdown.

Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon chat with Clarksville's new United States Congressman Dr. Mark Green. Recorded just days before being sworn in, Dr. Green shares stores about growing up in rural Mississippi, serving in the 160th SOAR, spending and evening with Saddam Hussein, and what made him decide to get into politics. There is a lot to learn about the man who is representing Clarksville in Washington DC on this episode.

Recorded just days after taking office, Katie and Charlie talk to Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts about growing up in the area, what made him decide to run for Mayor, and his vision for Clarksville.

Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon talk to Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett about growing up in Montgomery County, working at his father's mill, why he wanted to get into politics, and where he sees Montgomery County heading in the future.