This episode highlights the 20/10 mentorship program, a community-driven initiative in Clarksville, Montgomery County, designed to guide justice-involved youth toward a brighter future. Judge Ken Goble, Kimberly Wiggins and Edward Moss explain how the program provides juveniles with college-student mentors to help them visualize a life beyond the legal system. By offering exposure to higher education and vocational trades, the project aims to break cycles of generational incarceration and replace punishment with rehabilitation and purpose. The founders emphasize the importance of community partnerships, such as those with Austin Peay State University, to remove barriers to success. Ultimately, the program seeks to transform adolescents into productive citizens by establishing scholarships and providing consistent professional support.

This episode features an interview with Steve Conklin, the campus director of Herzing University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Conklin shares his personal journey from being a military brat and Air Force veteran to finding a second career in higher education. The conversation highlights the specific nursing programs offered at the Clarksville campus, ranging from LPN to doctoral levels, and emphasizes their accredited, non-profit status. Conklin explains how the university utilizes high-fidelity simulation labs to provide students with safe, realistic medical training. Ultimately, the discussion focuses on addressing the critical nursing shortage in Tennessee by preparing skilled healthcare professionals for the region's expanding medical infrastructure.

On this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Charlie Koon talks with Leo Millan and Tonya Leszczak regarding the philanthropic work of the Millan Foundation. The discussion highlights the foundation's recent annual banquet and its commitment to fostering local and global partnerships with various nonprofit organizations. Rather than working in isolation, the foundation focuses on standing in the gap by providing resources, construction expertise, and medical support to underserved communities in Tennessee and Guatemala. The representatives emphasize a philosophy of collaboration over credit, inviting community members to contribute their time, talent, and treasures to help others. Key initiatives mentioned include building "Builders of Hope" houses, supporting foster children, and partnering with St. Thomas to establish a medical clinic. Ultimately, the source illustrates how a unified community can create a lasting humanitarian impact through shared vision and selfless service.

This podcast interview features Hadley Ott, a Clarksville native who discusses his professional background and his personal journey overcoming Crohn’s disease. After working in economic policy for the White House, Ott returned to Tennessee to publish his book, "Drug-Free Crohn's," which documents his transition from conventional medicine to functional health. He outlines a healing philosophy built on the pillars of nutrition, fitness, and faith, emphasizing the success he found through specific dietary resets and a positive mindset. The conversation highlights Ott's transition into authorship and his desire to provide a therapeutic resource for others facing similar autoimmune challenges. Ultimately, the source serves as both an inspirational narrative and a guide for achieving wellness through natural lifestyle changes.

The Clarksville Kiwanis Club focuses on community service and local youth development through its two signature annual events. The Reading Rodeo promotes literacy by distributing thousands of free books to third-grade students in Montgomery County, culminating in a massive gathering at a local arena. To fund these charitable efforts, the organization hosts a sanctioned professional rodeo in May, featuring elite riders, animal exhibitions, and family-oriented activities. Members Dan Black and Chris Lanier emphasize that these initiatives support additional programs like college scholarships and youth leadership clubs. By combining high-energy fundraising with educational outreach, the club seeks to improve the community one child at a time.

This episode introduces Randy Davis, the new President of the newly rebranded Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital, as he discusses the facility's transition into the Vanderbilt Health system. Davis shares his blue-collar upbringing and medical background, emphasizing how his experience as a technician informs his collaborative, physician-led approach to administration. The discussion outlines a commitment to elevating local care by increasing resources, hiring more staff, and bringing specialized pediatric and advanced surgical services directly to the community. Davis highlights the importance of transparency and patience during this growth phase, aiming to make the hospital a standalone destination for high-quality treatment. 

Professional wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett discusses his transition into a promotional leadership role for the Nashville Kats, an arena football team now playing in Clarksville, Tennessee. In this interview, Jarrett highlights his family's deep historical roots in Clarksville and his excitement about the city’s rapid growth and new F&M Bank Arena. He describes the high-speed nature of the sport, likening it to a "video game in reality," and emphasizes the affordability of tickets for families. Working alongside Commissioner Jeff Fisher, Jarrett aims to deeply engage with the local community to build a long-term fan base rather than just hosting one-off events. The conversation also touches on Jarrett's ongoing wrestling career with AEW and his lifelong drive to remain active in the entertainment and sports business.

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.