Clarksville Conversations with Charlie Koon
News & Politics
About
Charlie Koon breaks down the biggest stories in Clarksville with the people making the Headlines.
Episodes
- Steve Conklin: Herzing University
Steve Conklin, Campus Director at Herzing University in Clarksville, shares his career path and details the university's nursing programs, from LPN to doctoral degrees. The discussion emphasizes the use of simulation labs and the goal of p…
- The Millan Foundation
Charlie Koon speaks with Leo Millan and Tonya Leszczak about the Millan Foundation's philanthropic efforts. The discussion covers their work in providing resources, construction expertise, and medical support to underserved communities in…
- Hadley Ott: Drug Free Crohn's
Hadley Ott shares his personal journey overcoming Crohn's disease, moving from conventional medicine to functional health. His book, "Drug-Free Crohn's," outlines a healing philosophy centered on nutrition, fitness, and faith, including sp…
- 2026 Kiwanis Rodeo and Reading Rodeo
Clarksville Conversations features Dan Black and Chris Lanier discussing the Kiwanis Club's Reading Rodeo, which distributes free books to third graders, and their professional rodeo fundraiser. These events support youth programs and scho…
- Randy Davis: Exciting Changes Coming To Vanderbilt Clarksville
Randy Davis, the new President of Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital, discusses the transition into the Vanderbilt Health system. He highlights plans to improve local healthcare by increasing resources, hiring staff, and introducing specializ…
- Jeff Jarrett: From The Wrestling Mat to the Nashville Kats
Jeff Jarrett discusses his transition to promoting the Nashville Kats arena football team, highlighting his family's ties to Clarksville and the new F&M Bank Arena. He describes the fast-paced sport and the team's focus on community engage…
- From First Set to Headliner: DJ Pryor’s Comedy Journey
Comedian DJ Pryor discusses his journey from his first stand-up set as a teenager in Clarksville to leading Joker's Comedy House. He shares insights on stand-up mechanics, audience connection, and the influence of legends, while emphasizin…
- APSU Candlelight Ball 2026
Brad Averitt and Ginna Holleman discuss the 42nd Annual Candlelight Ball, a fundraising event for Austin Peay State University scheduled for May 2, 2026. The gala, themed around the Kentucky Derby, will feature the band Burning Las Vegas a…
- From NFL Dreams to Frozen Treats
Avery Williamson, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, shares his life story with Charlie Koon and Chris Colburn, detailing his path from a farm to the NFL and his subsequent venture into the frozen treat business with Tennessee Crush Water I…
- Serving the Heart of Clarksville: The Red Cross In Action
Stacey Levine, Executive Director of the TN River chapter of the American Red Cross, details the organization's support for the Clarksville region through disaster relief, blood drives, and community initiatives. She emphasizes volunteeris…
- Powering Clarksville: Faith, Family, and the Future of the Trades
Chris and Stephanie Travis, founders of Travis Electrical Service, share their journey from firefighting and education to establishing a respected electrical company in Clarksville. They discuss integrating faith, community impact, and the…
- Gary Singleton: Bringing Comedy to Clarksville
Gary Singleton, a military veteran and entrepreneur, established Joker's Comedy House and The Grill in Clarksville, Tennessee. The venue provides live entertainment, including improv shows and open mic nights, while also supporting local t…
- From Gov to AD: Jordan Harmon's Vision For Austin Peay
Jordan Harmon, Austin Peay State University’s new Athletic Director, shares his path from student-athlete to athletic leadership. He outlines his vision for the future, focusing on community engagement, revenue generation, and fostering a…
- From Service to Congress: Matt Van Epps on Leadership, Security, and Fort Campbell
Congressman Matt Van Epps shares his experiences transitioning from military service to representing Tennessee communities. He details his approach to leadership in Congress, committee work, and advocacy for Fort Campbell, veterans, and ec…
- Dawn Sanders-Garrett: What's Next For Lincoln Homes
Dawn Sanders-Garrett details the Lincoln Homes redevelopment plan, including funding through federal RAD conversion and tax credits. The project aims to modernize affordable housing and support Clarksville's economy while prioritizing resi…
- Barry Sullivan and Chad Hunley: The Clarksville Jeep Crew
Barry Sullivan and Chad Hunley detail the growth of the Clarksville Jeep Crew, founded in 2019. The group of over 2,300 members assists during crises, such as a recent snow and ice storm, by helping stranded drivers and supporting emergenc…
- Mark Riggins: Big Things Coming Clarksville Gas and Water
Mark Riggins, General Manager of Clarksville Gas and Water, joined Charlie Koon to discuss significant projects. These include a new natural gas pipeline from Kentucky to ensure a redundant supply and a forthcoming mobile application.
- Mayor Wes Golden: Montgomery County Continues to Shine
Mayor Wes Golden discusses Montgomery County's growth, detailing advancements in public safety, infrastructure projects like new roads and schools, and economic development strategies. He also highlights quality-of-life improvements, inclu…
- Josh Ward: The Growth Shaping Clarksville's Future
Josh Ward, Executive Director of the Clarksville–Montgomery County Industrial Development Board, details the region's economic growth, driven by high-tech manufacturing investments like Korea Zinc and LG Chem, expected to create thousands…
- State Representative Michael Lankford
Host Charlie Koon speaks with State Representative Michael Lankford about his upbringing in Clarksville, his education, and his service as County Commissioner. Lankford details his appointment to the state legislature and outlines his prio…
- Congressman Matt Van Epps
Host Charlie Koon talks with Congressman Matt Van Epps about his unexpected route to Congress, his first experiences on the House floor, and his legislative priorities, including committee work and constituent outreach.
- Visit Clarksville and the TACA East West Game
Charlie Koon hosts Bill Marbet, Russ Plummer, Blake Monroe, and Angie Brady to discuss the TACA East-West All-Star Game. Guests from Visit Clarksville highlight their strategy for attracting events through relationship-based tourism, local…
- John Cooper and Darren Mulligan: Awakening Tour
This episode of Clarksville Conversations includes interviews with John Cooper of Skillet and Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers. They discuss their bands' music, faith-based messages, and the upcoming Awakening Tour.
- Turkeys For Troops 2025
Clarksville Conversations with Charlie Koon and guest Pastor Mike Burnette discuss the 8th annual Turkeys for Troops event. Scheduled for November 22nd, it offers free turkeys to military personnel and veterans, highlighting its expansion…
- Walt Lord and Edgar Maldonado: Veterans Day
Walt Lord and Edgar Maldonado join Clarksville Conversations to discuss Veterans Day, highlighting Clarksville's unique military community and Austin Peay State University's role in supporting military students. Maldonado shares personal r…
- Cory Rasch Invitational 2025
Charlie Koon speaks with Cory Rasch about his upcoming PBR bull riding event in Clarksville. Rasch discusses his career, the event planning, and community involvement.
- Manna Cafe's Combat Hunger 2025
Clarksville Conversations features Debra Sutton of Manna Cafe Ministries discussing the expanded Combat Hunger food drive throughout October. The initiative aims to address food insecurity by collecting non-perishable items for the winter…
- Mary Durrett and Cliff Syner: Risen Wellness
Mary Durrett shares her health journey and her Sasha Foundation, which funds mental health therapy for the underserved. Cliff Syner discusses Risen Wellness, a nonprofit focused on accessible functional medicine addressing root health caus…
- Jay Albertia and Britney Campbell: Legends Bank Game Changer Clay Shoot
Charlie Koon interviews Jay Albertia and Britney Campbell about the Legends Bank Game Changer Clay Shoot. The event supports Progressive Directions, a non-profit aiding individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Nashville Predator Cole Smith
Charlie Koon interviews Nashville Predators player Cole Smith, discussing his hockey career beginnings, his strengths as a player focusing on work ethic and penalty killing, and the Predators' community outreach, especially their support f…
- The Nashville Kats Are Moving To Clarksville
The Nashville Kats arena football team will move their next home season to Clarksville, Tennessee, starting in 2026, playing at the F&M Bank Arena. Mayor Wes Golden and team CEO Bobby DeVoursney discussed community involvement and ticket a…
- Betty Burchett and Jill Moore: Clarksville Rotary Peace Pole
Betty Burchett and Jill Moore join host Charlie Koon to discuss the Clarksville Rotary Club's community service projects and their upcoming peace pole installation at Rotary Park.
- Major General David Gardner
Major General David Gardner discusses his military journey, the Fort Campbell-community relationship, 101st Airborne Division deployments, and Army modernization on Clarksville Conversations.
- Coach Jeff Faris: The Govs Upset MTSU
In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Coach Jeff Faris discusses Austin Peay
- David Kells: F&M Bank Arena
David Kells discusses the growth of Clarksville's entertainment scene and the development of the F&M Bank Arena. He shares his career path in the live music industry and highlights the strategic partnership with Bridgestone Arena to bring…
- APSU President Dr. Michael Licari
Charlie Koon speaks with Dr. Michael Licari, President of Austin Peay State University, about the institution's expansion in enrollment and facilities, including new buildings and future projects. Dr. Licari also details the university's f…
- Montgomery County Fire Chief Michael Rios
Montgomery County Fire Chief Michael Rios details the fire department's expansion plans, including hiring more paid staff and building a new station in the Exit 8 area. The expansion aims to address growth, improve response times, and redu…
- CMCSS Director of Schools Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder
Charlie Koon speaks with Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder, Director of Schools for Clarksville-Montgomery County. They cover school system operations, student enrollment, new construction, federal budgets, staffing, and safety.
- Catching Up With Nicholas Nicoletta
Nicholas Nicoletta, owner of Nicoletta's Catering and Takeaway, details his business's origins, daily operations, menu, and event scale. The conversation also covers Clarksville community issues like traffic and development.
- Kevin Kennedy Jr. : The Future of Health Care In Clarksville Depends on Us
Local dentist Kevin Kennedy Jr. discusses the future of health care in Clarksville with Charlie Koon, emphasizing community involvement in supporting new hospital developments by Tri-Star and Ascension St. Thomas and how citizens can make…
- Jeff Faris: Austin Peay Football
Jeff Faris, Head Coach of Austin Peay Football, joins Charlie Koon on Clarksville Conversations to discuss the team's off-season progress and preview his second season.
- David Whelan: Why TriStar Want's To Build A New Hospital in Clarkville
David Whelan, overseeing planning and business development for TriStar Division, speaks with Charlie Koon about TriStar's intention to construct a new hospital in Clarksville and its potential contributions to the community.
- Dr. Rashidah Leverett
This episode features Dr. Rashidah Leverett, discussing her roles as an author, speaker, teacher, veteran, adjunct professor, and Montgomery County Commissioner.
- Fahad Tahir: Ascension Saint Thomas Coming To Clarksville
Fahad Tahir, President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas, talks with Charlie Koon about the decision to build a new hospital in Clarksville. The discussion covers the reasons for choosing Clarksville, community involvement, and anticipated…
- Jon Hunter: Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum
Jon Hunter shares his military experience at Fort Campbell and discusses his role in establishing the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum, which is anticipated to attract a global audience.
- Frank Lott and Channing Grimes: Rockin' At The Customs House
Frank Lott and Channing Grimes from the Customs House Museum discuss the Jammin' in June fundraising event, which will showcase music from over 20 local artists.
- Cory Jacobson and Jordan Hohman: Phoenix Theatres
Cory Jacobson and Jordan Hohman of Phoenix Theatres discuss the renovation of the Governor's Square Mall movie theatre, highlighting new features like heated recliners and reasonable prices.
- Jeff Robinson and Michelle Rogers: Replant Clarksville
Jeff Robinson and Michelle Rogers from Replant Clarksville discuss their mission to restore the community's native tree canopy with support from local entities and citizens. They also talk about an upcoming launch party and ways the public…
- Govs Double No Hitter: Roland Fanning, Lyndon Glidewell and Jacob Weaver
On Clarksville Conversations, Charlie Koon speaks with Govs Baseball Coach Roland Fanning, pitcher Lyndon Glidewell, and pitcher Jacob Weaver. The discussion covers Glidewell's no-hitter versus North Alabama and Weaver's no-hitter against…
- Buck Dellinger and Janet Wilson: Why Growth Is Good For Clarksville
Buck Dellinger, CEO of the EDC, and Janet Wilson, VP of Urban Development, spoke with Charlie Koon about the advantages of growth for Clarksville. Topics included job creation, quality of life, housing, and improvements to public services…