Clarksville's Conversation

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.