My Morning Cup
Self-Improvement
About
A Chattanooga podcast exploring what makes a happy, successful life through conversations with local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals. Each episode goes beyond career achievements to uncover the challenges, life lessons, and daily habits that shape fulfilling lives. Discover how Chattanooga's most accomplished people start their day, and what's really in their morning cup.
Episodes
- E174 - Jerry Summers's Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, Jerry Summers, a Chattanooga criminal defense lawyer, shares his career path. He discusses how a shoulder injury led him to law, his reasons for leaving the DA's office, and his experience arguing before…
- E173 - Mark Kennedy’s Morning Cup
This episode features columnist Mark Kennedy discussing his four-decade career, his journey of building confidence, and his philosophy on writing. Kennedy is a columnist for the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
- E172 - Lesley Scearce's Morning Cup
Lesley Scearce, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Chattanooga, shares her experiences, including becoming an Executive Director at 22 and how a mentor's question prompted her departure from On Point after seventeen years. She also…
- E171 - Kimberly Cooper Thomas's Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, host Mike Costa talks with Kimberly Cooper Thomas about her experiences as SGA President, an attorney, and her current roles at UTC and Sister in the Shadow. Thomas shares her perspective on privilege and…
- E170 - Dr. Duncan Earl's Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, Dr. Duncan Earl shares his path from childhood dreams of inventing to his work in quantum computing. He emphasizes the value of being a generalist and discusses the anticipated impact of quantum technolog…
- E169 - Jason Freier's Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, Jason Freier recounts his transition from a lawyer to owning multiple minor league baseball teams, including the Chattanooga Lookouts. He details how a legal case led him to baseball and his strategic acq…
- E168 - Hugh Morrow’s Morning Cup
Hugh Morrow, CEO of Ruby Falls, shares insights on leading the historic attraction, leveraging a marketing and chemistry background, and the significance of client communication. He has led Ruby Falls into its 100th year.
- E167 - Don Mueller’s Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, Don Mueller shares insights from his career focused on children's healthcare access, including lessons learned from early responsibility and his experience saving a financially struggling children's hospi…
- E166 - Kip Henley's Morning Cup
Kip Henley recounts his lifelong dedication to golf, including a formative experience at age 14, a confidence-shattering lesson with Jack Grout before a major tournament, and his selection for Golf Channel's Big Break 2. The episode is par…
- E165 - Barry Courter's Morning Cup
Barry Courter, who grew up surrounded by music, shares his experiences in the entertainment industry, including his time as a writer for the Times Free Press and the evolution of music festivals. He now manages branch services for the Nort…
- E164 - Coty Wamp’s Morning Cup
Coty Wamp, District Attorney General for the 11th District, shares her career journey, inspired by a high school mentor to attend law school. She details hitting a reset button to find her true calling and the experience of running for off…
- E163 - Janet Rehberg’s Morning Cup
Janet Rehberg, incoming CEO of EPB, shares insights from her utility leadership career, including navigating the 2021 Texas winter storm and EPB's pioneering role in quantum computing and its implications for Chattanooga.
- E162 - Jeff Styles's Morning Cup
Jeff Styles, a talk radio veteran of nearly 30 years in Chattanooga, shares insights on how his hobbies and advertising experience shaped his career. He also recounts his experiences with the influence and consequences of his words, includ…
- E161 - Dr. Marilyn Helms and Dr. Deborah Arfken’s Morning Cups
Dr. Marilyn Helms and Dr. Deborah Arfken share their experiences as educators, detailing how chance influenced their careers and led to a long-standing research partnership. They also touch upon the
- E160 - Mike Harrell's Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, CEO Mike Harrell shares insights on adaptability gained from a varied career. He details how financial transparency impacted his teams and discusses his perspective on redefining success and the importanc…
- E159 - Hamp Johnston and Camille Daniel's Morning Cups
Hamp Johnston and Camille Daniel, leaders at RockPoint Bank, share insights on founding a bank, including capital raising and navigating a pandemic launch. They highlight the impact of local decision-makers.
- E158 - Dr. Lori Mann-Bruce's Morning Cup
Dr. Lori Mann-Bruce shares her experiences growing up on a working cattle farm, the impact of 4H on her development, and her perspective on leading the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga during a significant period.
- E157 - Melissa Blevins's Morning Cup
Melissa Blevins, CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, discusses how early life experiences shaped her resilience and compassion. She explains her transition from manufacturing to leading the food bank, which became a significant part of…
- E156 - 3 Years of My Morning Cup
My Morning Cup celebrates its third anniversary with hosts Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn. They review standout guests and moments from the past year, discuss the show's evolution, and look ahead to 2026. The conversation also touches on commun…
- E155 - Lucy Rymer's Morning Cup
Lucy Rymer shares her "what have I got to lose?" mindset, detailing how she pushed through stage fright and pursued a practical banking career before a full-circle return to the arts as Executive Director of Cleveland’s Museum and Cultural…
- E154 - Mayor Kevin Brooks’s Morning Cup
Mayor Kevin Brooks shares his journey into public service and his decision to run for mayor, alongside Cleveland, Tennessee's recent economic growth and his future vision for the city.
- E153 - Baron King's Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, Baron King shares how his childhood influenced his ability to embrace change and his transition from retail to psychology and prison re-entry. He also discusses his work with the CHATT Foundation, address…
- E152 - Robbie Ansary's Morning Cup
Robbie Ansary recounts his experience fleeing Afghanistan as a refugee in 1980 and rebuilding his life in America. A chance encounter and seeing the HVA inspired a lifelong career at TVA.
- E151 - Troy Kemp's Morning Cup
Troy Kemp, CEO of Prep Public Schools, shares his journey from teaching to leading a network of all-boys schools. He explains how he became a
- E150 - Maury Nicely’s Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, Maury Nicely shares insights from his legal career, including the challenges and rewards of starting his own firm. He also details how his interest in Chattanooga's history evolved into writing books and…
- E149 - David Glenn’s Morning Cup
David Glenn, Chief Meteorologist for News Channel 9, discusses how a childhood tornado scare inspired his passion for weather. He explains his dedication to his job, prioritizing community needs, and his approach to communicating weather i…
- E148 - Christie Mahn Faires’s Morning Cup
Christie Mahn Faires shares how career changes influenced her life's path, leading her to become a General Sessions Court Judge. She also offers insights into the experience of running for an elected position.
- E147 - Mitch Patel's Morning Cup (Part 2)
In this episode, Mitch Patel shares his journey of building his first hotel with limited funds at age 27, the expansion of his company Vision Hospitality Group to over 40 hotels, and his significant role as Chair of the American Hotel & Lo…
- E146 - April Cameron’s Morning Cup
April Cameron, CEO of the Chattanooga Airport, shares her 28-year journey from accountant to CFO and her eventual rise to CEO. She also reveals insights into airport revenue generation and the deeper meaning behind purchasing a flight tick…
- E145 - Shawanda Mason & Jennifer Holder's Morning Cups
Shawanda Mason and Jennifer Holder, co-founders of The Chattery, share how their upbringing influenced their creativity and how a chance meeting led to their partnership. They discuss turning challenges into opportunities, highlighting the…
- E144 - Dr. Justin Robertson's Morning Cup
Dr. Justin Robertson shares his career journey, including navigating early career challenges and advancing from teacher to superintendent through persistence and networking. He highlights his current focus on K-2 literacy and expanding Fut…
- E143 - Jimmy White's Morning Cup
In episode E143 of My Morning Cup, Jimmy White shares how his background in golf prepared him for business, including his transition into real estate. He explains how he focuses on creating lasting value through win-win deals in Chattanoog…
- E142 - Dustin Choate's Morning Cup
Dustin Choate discusses his career path, including his transition from pharmaceutical sales to opening Tremont Tavern. He shares insights on the craft beer industry and the experiences gained from opening and closing a second restaurant.
- E141 - Jim Coleman's Morning Cup
Jim Coleman, CEO of Erlanger, compares hospital management to fixing a stove, emphasizing understanding how parts fit together. He discusses his rapid career progression, overcoming challenges like a heart attack for mental clarity, and hi…
- E140 - Darin Wright's Morning Cup
Darin Wright shares how various early jobs and a desire for personalized makeup led her to found Elea Blake Cosmetics and develop the EB Hues color system. She emphasizes client-first sales and honest communication, drawing from experience…
- E139 - Doug Thompson's Morning Cup
In this episode, Doug Thompson, President of HFS Capital Advisors, discusses his career journey from screenwriting to real estate development. He also shares his perspectives on leadership and the qualities that make a great team player.
- E138 - Brian Hunt's Morning Cup
Brian Hunt, CEO of Southern Champion Tray, shares how his upbringing shaped his work ethic and how he transitioned from a corporate track to lead a family business known for its values. The episode was recorded with a live audience.
- E137 - David Wade's Morning Cup
David Wade, CEO of EPB, shares his career journey from line helper to CEO, including a significant pivot during his apprenticeship and the impact of The Gig initiative on Chattanooga.
- E136 - Thom Benson's Morning Cup
Thom Benson discusses how volunteering and taking opportunities led to his career in journalism, television meteorology, and his nearly two-decade tenure as VP, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer for the Tennessee Aquarium.
- E135 - Kurt Faires’s Morning Cup
Kurt Faires shares his philosophy of average effort yielding average results, his unconventional career path including a law degree and private investing, and his experience surviving a dire health prognosis twenty years ago. He is a Corpo…
- E134 - Stephen Culp’s Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, Chattanooga entrepreneur Stephen Culp explains how curiosity fuels his decisions. He recounts his experiences in Europe during the fall of the Berlin Wall and how his time at Stanford inspired him to foun…
- E133 - Zach Wamp’s Morning Cup
Zach Wamp shares how overcoming addiction influenced his faith and leadership, his experience representing Tennessee in Congress, and his children's ventures into public leadership.
- E132 - Tom Satkowiak’s Morning Cup
Tom Satkowiak recounts his nearly 20-year career shaping stories for Tennessee Athletics. He shares his personal journey, including overcoming a life-threatening liver disease that impacted his faith and career, and his decision to leave c…
- E131 - Kevin Hyde's Morning Cup
This episode features Kevin Hyde, CEO of Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults, discussing his journey from military service to leading a nonprofit. He shares lessons on teamwork and community support.
- E130 - Jason Provonsha's Morning Cup
Jason Provonsha, CEO of Steam Logistics, shares his career path and insights on scaling a business without losing focus. He discusses his experiences, including lessons from his past and mentors.
- E129 - George Mullinix's Morning Cup
George Mullinax shares his experiences navigating corporate life, unexpected challenges like family business losses and side jobs, and ultimately founding CMC Media & Marketing Group. He details leaving a VP position to prioritize family a…
- E128 - Sheila and Dane Boyington's Morning Cups
Sheila and Dane Boyington reflect on building a multi-million dollar business from their college chemistry origins to their current focus on mentoring and giving back.
- E127 - Dr. Robert Dooley's Morning Cup
Dr. Robert Dooley, Dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at UTC, shares his unconventional path from philosophy and religion to business academia. He discusses bridging the gap for students and the changing landscape of higher ed…
- E126 - Bert Robinson's Morning Cup
In this episode of My Morning Cup, Bert Robinson shares how his early curiosity and outgoing nature laid the foundation for his career. He discusses the importance of asking for opportunities and how unexpected paths can lead to great outc…
- E125 - Tom Glenn's Morning Cup
Tom Glenn, owner of Elder's Ace Hardware, shares insights on business growth, leadership, and maintaining company values. The episode, recorded live, covers his journey in expanding the family business and the importance of owning outcomes.