Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

The 5th and final show in our 2025 Summer Vacation in Branson Series welcomes the Coopers, Clay and Tina. Clay and Tina are the dynamic duo behind Branson’s beloved variety show, Clay Cooper’s Country Express. Clay, a native of Wylie, Texas, began his musical journey at the age of 14, performing at the Wylie Opry. He moved to Branson in 1986 to join the Texas Gold Minors and has since performed in numerous shows, including Country Tonite, where he spent nine years as lead vocalist and emcee. Tina Cooper began dancing at the age of three at her mom’s studio in the garage of their home. Tina continued her training through high school and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music Theatre from the University of Oklahoma. She has been seen on several Branson stages performing in shows including Country Tonite, Celebrate America, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Dino’s Christmas Spectacular, Red Hot and Blue! Tina met Clay when working at Country Tonite and they married in 1999. In 2005, Clay and Tina launched their own show, which has become a staple of Branson entertainment.

Marine Corps veteran, farmer, and entrepreneur, Colby Barrett shares his latest mission to where he witnessed the front lines of Vladimir Putin’s war on Christianity in occupied Ukraine. These horrifying accounts promoted Colby to produce a gripping new documentary titled, “A Faith Under Siege”. He discusses his experience and let’s you know how you can watch this documentary. U.S. Ambassador J. Kenneth Blackwell (ret.), United Nations Human Rights Commission, says; “One of today's great untold stories of believers suffering for their faith yet overcoming through their faith comes from Ukraine. More than 2.5 million Ukrainian Christians live under Russian occupation. Vladimir Putin has shut down every church in occupied Ukraine not controlled by the Kremlin and made it a crime for believers to hold a Bible study in their home. A Faith Under Siege gives us a look into the lives of courageous Christians who have suffered so much yet kept their eyes on the Lord.”

We’re back on the road for show #4 in our Summer Vacation in Branson Series. We’ll meet Wes Bowen, a visionary in immersive storytelling who has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking virtual reality experiences that blend entertainment with education. In his latest endeavor Wes has partnered with Answers in Genesis to create the newest attraction in Branson, Truth Traveler! Next, from Sight & Sound Theatres, General Manager, Cynthia Carson is joined by Aaron Hall, a talented actor currently portraying the lead role in their latest production, David Live on Stage! Sight & Sound Theatres captivates audiences with its grand-scale biblical productions, featuring elaborate sets, live animals, and immersive storytelling.

Pastor Marron Thomas of Innovation Church in Frayser is joined by two of the actors from his upcoming Orpheum Theatre stage production, Her Needs His Needs Part 2—Marquino Douglas, lead actor and Arie Kite, supporting role. It's all about real talk, real love, and real relationships.

Discover more about Ozark adventures on our Summer Vacation in Branson series show #3! It kicks off with Brandei Clifton, Public Relations Manager at Silver Dollar City, recognized as the #1 theme park in America by USA TODAY!!! Next from Pepsi Legends Theater, Ryan Pelton world champion ELVIS entertainer and actor, joined by Jill Heppner, Director of Marketing for Legends in Concert. We’ll also meet Chris Larsen, General Manager of Pointe Royale Golf Village, a premier destination, offering a blend of world-class golf, resort-style amenities, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Matt Armstrong, CEO of Crossroads Kids Club dedicated to mobilizing volunteers to share our Christian faith with children in public schools. Matt discusses the kinds of struggles are children in our public schools are facing, the enemy that’s targeting our children, how operating in public schools is possible, and how you can join the movement in our city.

Wes Hampton of the legendary Gaither Vocal Band shares his inspiring journey into Gospel Music, from his early passion to the intense seven-week audition process that landed him the tenor spot in 2005. Hear what it’s like stepping into such an iconic role and what it's meant to sing alongside Bill Gaither for 20 years—including a favorite on the road memory! Plus, don’t miss details on Wes’s latest cookbook Wescipes and the upcoming “Love Like I’m Leaving” Tour coming to over 50 cities in 2025—including a stop in Jonesboro on Saturday, June 14 at 6 PM at Central Baptist Church! In concert: The Gaither Vocal Band with Ladye Love Smith, Gene McDonald, Kevin Williams, and Chris Blue.

We’re back in Branson for our 2nd show in the Summer Vacation in Branson series! We’ll visit with Samantha Gutting from Big Cedar Lodge, where rustic luxury meets breathtaking Ozark Mountain views for the ultimate nature getaway. Jason Hughes from Hughes Brothers Theatre, America’s largest family performing live with incredible music, dancing, and entertainment for all ages! Pam Critchfield and Jake Mone from Mel's Hard Luck Diner, where classic vibes meet unforgettable flavor! There more in this series, so be looking and listening as you make plans to travel to this wonderful town nestled in the Ozark Mountains.

On this edition of Sponsor Spotlight our guests include Chip Jones and Brian Spangler from CertaPro Painters in Memphis, Luke Brimhall from Brim’s Snack Foods, and Cristal Jennings from Relax the Back Store. Discover how these individuals are passionate about serving you with quality product and excellent service. We feature Sponsor Spotlight the 5th Friday of every month to help you learn in depth about the advertisers you here on Bott Radio Network Memphis.

Eric Williams Chief Operating Officer and Assistant Director of Security at Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Southaven, MS. talks about the "Protecting the Flock," security conference focused on church safety and preparedness. Proper church security is essential to ensure the safety of congregants and staff during worship and events. It helps prevent and respond to potential threats such as theft, violence, or emergencies. A secure environment fosters peace of mind, allowing the church community to focus on spiritual growth and fellowship. The conference is scheduled for June 20-21 and presented by Safeguard Consultants and Brown Baptist Church Response Team.

Time for Summer Vacation in Branson!!! We’ve created a series from our Bott Radio Network Branson studios to help you plan an adventuresome, relaxing and memorable summer vacation to Branson. On this first show we have Emma Hamilton co-owner of Bigfoot Fun Park talking about their arcade, brand-new escape rooms, and the number one mini-golf course in all of Missouri! Next, it’s Steve Scherer, co-owner of Hotel Grand Victorian, with its unique charm, comfortable beds, hot breakfast buffet, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The show concludes with Tim Church from WonderWorks, the upside-down building on the famous 76 Strip. This attraction combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination! There more in this series, so be looking and listening as you make plans to travel to this wonderful town nestled in the Ozark Mountains.

Gayle Rogers Foster, daughter of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, about her new book, “In His Footsteps: A 90-Day Devotional to Enjoy Jesus Daily.” This devotional blends powerful wisdom from her father with Gayle’s own reflections, offering comfort, guidance, and even laughter for your daily quiet time. If you're looking for a fresh way to grow in your faith, this conversation is a must-listen

Actor, writer, and founder of Fellowship for Performing Arts, Max McLean will be our guest. Max is the voice behind some of the most widely heard audio versions of the Bible and has captivated audiences across the globe with his powerful stage work. He’s best known for bringing to life the diabolically clever demon in The Screwtape Letters, the hit theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s classic satire—and now, it's coming to the Orpheum Theater for one day only: Saturday, June 7th at 4:00 p.m.

Dr. Bartholomew Orr, Senior Pastor of Brown Missionary Baptist Church talks about Brown Church inheriting Whitehaven Baptist Church, creating a new campus to bring their gospel centered ministry to this community. Pastor Orr also shares Brown Baptist's commitment to community with specific ministries and programs designed to address struggling businesses, addressing poverty, and providing job skills. Under Pastor Orr’s leadership, the church has experienced significant growth, expanding from 66 members to over 12,000.

We're diving into a critical issue that’s closer to home than many realize—human trafficking. Joining us are Claire Jaggers, Director of Anti-Trafficking for Tennessee and North Carolina, and Jamie Zeigler, Executive Director of Anti-Trafficking for One More Child. This Christ-centered organization is on the frontlines, working tirelessly to protect vulnerable children and families. From rescue operations to community education, they’re making a powerful impact—right here in Memphis.

Dr. Chuck Lester, Executive Pastor at Christ M.B. Church and author of “A Real-Time Miracle.” After 42 days in the ICU on a ventilator battling COVID-19, Dr. Lester emerged as a “Long Hauler,” facing chronic illness—but never losing faith. Hear how he and his wife leaned on Jesus Christ through the darkest moments and found strength, purpose, and healing.

Once you meet Steve Coplon, you’ll soon discover a bold, uncompromising voice for Jesus Christ. From city streets to stadium crowds, Steve is proclaiming the gospel with urgency and truth across the U.S. and beyond. Steve’s prophetic heart for Israel and the American Church, motivates him to speak out on rising antisemitism, global unrest, and spiritual compromise in these critical times. He’ll also share about the Indianapolis 500 outreach— where Steve and his team will share the gospel with over 300,000 people.

Live coverage from this morning’s Lakeland TN National Day of Prayer public gathering at the International Harvester Managerial Park organized by Lakeland City Commissioner, Connie McCarter. on this National Day of Prayer. Including Elected and Appointed Officials, area pastors, and Bott Radio Network’s Todd Payne praying for the media.

Pastor Shun Abram of Binghampton Community Church and Director of Send Relief Memphis Ministry Center is joined by sister-in-law Sonya Abram Ministry Center Coordinator, and by Claire Jaggers Director of One More Child, Anti-Trafficking for TN and North Carolina. We’ll discuss the center’s role by addressing community needs through their Good Samaritan Initiative along with various gospel centered outreaches.

More than 1,500 families in East Tennessee were devastated by the floods in late September 2024, caused by Hurricane Helene. The homes of over 500 families were destroyed. Additionally, NW Tennessee recently was impacted by flooding and tornados. Mike and Judy Sumrall and Dave Sorrell join us on location from East TN where they and their team have spent thousands of volunteer hours helping families rebuild their lives, both physically and spiritually.

Bible teacher and author, Sheila Stafford Rogers is our guest to discuss her new book, “I Believe in God, So I'm Saved, Right?” In her book, Shelia addresses some common misconceptions that people have about salvation.

This special Holy Week edition focuses on the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Rufus Smith, Senior Pastor of Hope Church in Memphis helps us to reflect on the events of Jesus Christ, final week in Jerusalem, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection.

Bishop Sam Ram Paul of India tells how he forsook his family’s idol worship of Brahma to follow the living God, Who graciously sent Jesus Christ for the sins of the world.

Chris Turner, Director Of Communications at Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and Editor - Baptist and Reflector joins us to discuss steps being taken by Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief to respond to the recent flooding and tornado damage in West and Middle Tennessee. Learn how you can help meet the needs of our neighbors

Pastor Toby Stone of Rossville Baptist Church and Dr. Gregg Hauss, Director of Missions at Fayette County Baptist Association discuss relief efforts due to recent severe storms, flooding, and at least one confirmed tornado. The storms caused widespread damage and fatalities across West Tennessee leaving a path of major damage in Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy counties, and an EF-3 tornado struck the town of Selmer, TN. Bott Radio Networks, Faith Armstrong shares a word from Hope Church concerning their donation drive for tornado victims in Selmer, TN.

Pastor Derrick Anderson from Missionary Baptist Church is joined by Director of Marketing and Communications at Brown Church and host of The Early Morning Praise Party on 95.7 Hallelujah FM. They are excited to announce the opening of its new Whitehaven Campus with the inaugural worship service on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Listen for details on this and many more ministry outreaches.

Pastor John Horne of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Arlington is joined by Joe Dallas to discuss their upcoming conference, “LGBTQ: Speaking the Truth; Loving the People”, April 4-6. Joe Dallas directs a Biblical counseling ministry for those dealing with sexual and relational problems, and with their families as well. Joe says, “Working with people who want their lives conformed to God’s will is one of life’s greatest honors. Seeing that work bear fruit is one of life’s greatest joys.”

We’re back at the 2025 NRB Convention in Dallas, Texas to meet up with Daniel Cohen, News Director for The Real-Life Network. Three-time Emmy winner Daniel Cohen delivers regular reports from Tel Aviv, Israel on major events in the Middle East. Daniel recalls moving from California, where he previously served as morning co-anchor on Los Angeles’ highly rated “Good Day LA”, for his children to meet their grandmother, a holocaust survivor.

Another exciting program from the 2025 NRB Convention in Dallas, Texas at the Gaylord Texan with Dr. Lisa Burkhardt Worley from Pearls of Promise Ministries, helping women overcome life’s trials. Lisa is joined by three of her outstanding team members Michelle Burden, Renee Rollins, and Lane Jordan Burday. We’ll discuss their award-winning documentary, "Their Blood Cries Out", that explores Holocaust denial as well as winning the CVM Gold Crown Award for the Best TV Talk Show for their TV Show: “POP Talk”. Plus, a whole lot more!

We’ll take you to the 2025 NRB Convention in Dallas, Texas at the Gaylord Texan to meet former pastor and film producer James Alford of Kingdom Authority Films. Renowned for his exceptional talent in producing thought-provoking and impactful documentaries with a deep-rooted commitment to his faith, James has dedicated his creative endeavors to shed light on often avoided spiritual topics through the art of filmmaking.

From the Exhibition Hall at the 2025 NRB Convention in Dallas, Texas at the Gaylord Texan we’ll meet Michal Yabo and Orel Galula Lapid from Chimes Israel, improving the lives of people with disabilities. We’ll also meet up with Tap and Katie Horner, missionaries in Mexico, who have discovered how to fund their ministry through the Flamingo Advantage, teaching entrepreneurs learn to maximize the impact of their expertise without compromising their faith.

Dr. Jim Whitmire, Minister of Music at Crossroads Baptist Church shares plans to take the Mid-America Passion Play on the road to Living Water Church in Poughkeepsie, New York. We’ll also talk about their newly released CD by the Crossroads Choir, “Let Jesus Christ Be Praised”. These ten hymns have meant the most to Jim throughout his years in music ministry and was arranged by GRAMMY and Dove Award recipient, David T. Clydesdale.

Guest host Rachel Davis fills in for Byron Tyler with her guest, Greg Sukert, Pastor of Evangelism and Equipping at Central Church in Collierville. Pastor Greg shares how he came to know Jesus Christ and the multi-opportunities that he engages to reach people from all walks of life and from all nations of the world with the same life changing message that God offers the entire human race. Greg is also the co-founder of Anchored North, a ministry creating media that is beautifully produced, theologically sound, and intentionally crafted to reach non-Christians with the gospel.

We pulled from our audio archives and go back to 2008 with an interview with Dr. Kenneth Whalum, Pastor of the New Olivet Baptist Church. Although, some of the conversation is dated, such as Kenneth’s service on the Memphis City School board. We hope you’ll draw from the heart of our conversation, as Christians, we’re called to be salt and light. The conversation was recorded around the time of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday celebration that year.

Have you noticed that It’s becoming harder to hear God’s voice in modern life and culture with ceaseless distractions? Joy Steorts shares her heart behind City Retreat Memphis. Joy, along with her husband Ken Steorts, Founder/President of Visible Music College, have purchased three acres in the middle of the city to create a retreat to focus on activating Christians towards spiritual formation and creating spaces to personally experience God in deeper ways and connect with other believers.

PJ Moore, Executive Director and Wayne Denny, Director of Church & Community Engagement from World Relief Memphis discuss how recent immigration changes are affecting their work here in our city and how local churches can become a valued resource among their efforts. Persecuted Christians population are another concern and it’s increasing numbers compared to just a few years ago. The criteria refugees must meet to receive assistance, the preparation that World Relief Memphis staff makes before receiving refugees, and the services and support that they provide locally is also a part of our conversation. World Relief’s eighty-year history in the United States, specifically, focuses on helping refugees and other immigrants in vulnerable situations rebuild their lives in a new country.

Carol Jackson and Mike Arnold share about the 20-year work in Memphis to build stronger inter-city families through Families Matter Memphis. We’ll discuss their program “AFIRM” (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters) designed to empower, enhance, encourage, and support men through fatherhood coaching and parenting support as well career building and job placement. Dr. Samuel Williams, a client of this program, shares how “AFIRM” helped put him on the right track towards fathering his children.

Pastor Derrick Anderson and Helen Walls from Brown Baptist Church provides information about the Free Tax Preparation Services being offered in collaboration with the Internal Revenue Service for the entire community. Each volunteer tax-preparer is trained by the IRS to accurately prepare your taxes for free. Before the show ends, we’ll welcome Sherry MacKey, Morning Show Producer and Radio Personality on 95.7 Hallelujah FM. Sherry tells us how she first got into radio and how much she love the people and community of Memphis.

Mike Forbis of F & F Construction, Sam Mullins of Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric, and Andy Price, Headmaster at Desoto Christian Academy share how they gather to study God’s Word each week. Hear how listening to Bott Radio Network Pastor Colin Smith of Open the Bible, weekday’s at 6:00 am helped to initiate what’s becoming a movement of God in the Mid-South and beyond!

On this edition of Sponsor Spotlight our guests include Rob Mynatt of Scout Land Company, Brent Nowlin of Bluff City Gutters, and Randall Linn of Choate's Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing And Generators. We feature Sponsor Spotlight the 5th Friday of every month to help you learn in depth about the advertisers you here on Bott Radio Network Memphis

Legendary entertainer, Pat Boone continues sharing his 70-year journey in music, television, and movies on this second half of our interview. Pat Boone was ninety years old when the interview was conducted over a Zoom call. Host, Byron Tyler normally records up to thirty minutes in order to produce the Mid-South View Point show. However, on the afternoon that Byron and Pat did the interview, Pat from his home in Beverly Hills, California, the conversation quickly turned into two hours. Pat Boone is the #10 all-time top recording artist. Pat was married to Shirley (Foley) Boone (daughter of Country star ‘Red’ Foley) for over 65 years before her passing. Pat Boone made his first appearance nationally on “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour” (in which he became the original American Idol, selected week after week by the viewers), and later appeared on “The Arthur Godfrey Show.” Those appearances would introduce his talent to record producer Randy Wood of Dot Records who thought Pat Boone could sing rock ‘n roll. He became the youngest person in history to have his own weekly musical variety show (ABC), at times the number one show in television featuring many first time-on-TV artists like Sammy Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat ‘King’ Cole. Elvis Presley once opened for Pat Boone at a big disc jockey “sock hop” in Cleveland in 1956. “I had to follow him,” recollects Pat. “Thank God I had 3 million-selling hit records already and I was the star that night. But I never wanted to follow Elvis again!” Pat Boone is also a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. This is the second half of a two-part interview with Pat Boone.

Legendary entertainer, Pat Boone shares his 70-year journey in music, television, and movies. He has sold nearly 50 million records and had 38 Top 40 hits. Pat was Elvis Presley’s main competition back in the 1950’s too. Today at ninety, Pat Boone is the #10 all-time top recording artist. He is host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, “The Pat Boone Hour” on SiriusXM’s ‘50s Gold channel 72, and “The Pat Boone Show,” which features contemporary gospel music on many local stations across America. Pat was married to Shirley (Foley) Boone (daughter of Country star ‘Red’ Foley) for over 65 years before her passing. Pat Boone’s made his first appearance nationally on “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour” (in which he became the original American Idol, selected week after week by the viewers), and later appeared on “The Arthur Godfrey Show.” Those appearances would introduce his talent to record producer Randy Wood of Dot Records who thought Pat Boone could sing rock ‘n roll. He became the youngest person in history to have his own weekly musical variety show (ABC), at times the number one show in television featuring many first time-on-TV artists like Sammy Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat ‘King’ Cole. Elvis Presley once opened for Pat Boone at a big disc jockey “sock hop” in Cleveland in 1956. “I had to follow him,” recollects Pat. “Thank God I had 3 million-selling hit records already and I was the star that night. But I never wanted to follow Elvis again!” Pat Boone is also a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

David Neff, retired pastor and Church Partnerships Representative with TWR is our guest. Since 1954, radio and other forms of media have given us unique opportunities to share the good news of Jesus in places like China, the Middle East and other nations. David shares how churches can partner with TWR through these unique opportunities sharing the good news of Jesus across the world.

Sean and Heather Ellis, founders of Promise4Hope Ministries, share the tragic story of their fourteen-year-old son, Michael, who died as a result of an ATV accident. In July of 2016, Michael and his friends were enjoying the thrill of off roading when a sharp turn flipped the ATV throwing his friends but pinning Michael underneath the vehicle. Not only were Sean and Heather dealing with their own emotional pain and grief, but the pain and grief of Michael’s younger sister, Abigale. As a result of finding for their own healing, the Ellis’ felt the need to create a ministry to help other parents and their surviving children to walk through similar devastation with God’s hope and peace. Promise4Hope Ministries offers Biblically based weekend retreats for families that have experienced the loss of a child/sibling to connect with other families who understand their grief and be encouraged by the hope that is promised in Jesus.

Dr. Mitchel Godat with Mid-South Mission of Mercy, a free two-day dental clinic for under-served and under-insured people living in Memphis and the surrounding Mid-South area. We’ll provide all of the details on the upcoming free clinic Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25, at Bellevue Baptist Church.

In 2021, Memphis's poverty rate was 22.6%, nearly double the national rate of 12.8%. Structural disparities based on race are persistent and seem to have accelerated in 2023. Carey Madison Moore and Cheryl Henderson discuss how My Cup of Tea provides fair-wage jobs to help women overcome poverty living in the Orange Mound community. Orange Mound is the oldest African American Community in America. In 1895, a portion of the land from the vast Dederick Plantation was sliced into narrow lots and sold to African Americans. These women are provided with the tools they need to thrive financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Their premium teas imported from some of the world's best and most seasoned blenders can be purchased to support their efforts fighting poverty.

In 2022, there were about 18.3 million children in the US without a father in the home, which is about 1 in 4 children. Hassan Saleem founder of Memphis Fathers Love shares his passion for family and efforts to address this sobering reality. These statistics are what helped to motivate Hassan, former pastor at Fellowship Memphis, to invest in the lives of the fatherless by Instilling character, confidence and courage that brings about hope, while equipping them to Impact their community. Memphis Fathers Love partner with single mom’s by providing tangible support to help prepare their children to navigate life.

This is the fourth show in the series from Coffee Central- Southaven, MS. Our guest is Rebecca Treadway Executive Director and Family Advocate with THE ARC NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI. The Arc is a non-profit serving the disability communities of Northwest Mississippi by offering programs, education, and connection to achieve the best life possible.

We’re back at Coffee Central, Southaven with our guests from “Engage for More” Pam Pegram, Kim Ball, and Gwen Neal. “Engage for More” aims to assist women in integrating their faith into all aspects of their lives. It’s a great way to start the New Year!!!

Spend New Year’s Day with us from Coffee Central, Southaven with our guest Stacy Dodd. Stacy’s newest book is out, "Backpack and Beyond: Discovering the Keys to the Kingdom.” Stacy shares about overcoming personal challenges, including homelessness and substance abuse, before finding faith in Christ. Stacy is a Certified Addiction Interventionist and founder of The Hope Community Center. If you or someone that you love is trapped in addiction, you’ll want to hear this incredible story.