Beyond Rockets

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, host Clark Dunn chats with Kamerra Liles, Assistant General Manager at The Orion Amphitheater and operations lead for the newly revived The Lumberyard in Huntsville.

Kamerra shares her journey from community events in Hawaii to shaping Huntsville’s hospitality scene with TVG Hospitality. She dives into the transformation of The Lumberyard—from historic lumberyard to vibrant event space—and how it’s...

In this episode, Emily Jones shares how she went from nursing to launching The Dirty Olive, Huntsville’s popular new bar and lounge. She talks about starting with a mobile tap trailer, transforming a former downtown space into a photogenic cocktail spot, and the lessons she’s learned as a first-time business owner. We cover growing a brand through social media, balancing creativity with operations, and tips for anyone ready to take...

In this episode, I sit down with Victoria Pittman, Marketing Manager for Power Brands Hospitality Group, to talk about the launch of their newest concept: One Eleven, a refined and experiential restaurant located in the heart of downtown Huntsville. We explore the fast-paced six-month journey that transformed the former Heritage Club into a vibrant destination known for its upscale atmosphere, innovative cocktails, and thoughtful m...

Originally released in 2023, this episode features a conversation with Dennis Madsen, Manager of Long-Range and Urban Planning for the City of Huntsville. As we revisit this insightful discussion, you'll hear about the vision, strategy, and development shaping Huntsville's rapid growth. From key projects in the pipeline to the challenges of balancing supply and demand in the housing market, Dennis offers a comprehensive look at whe...

In this episode, we reconnect with Maddie and Tom Watkins, owners of Moon Bakeshop in downtown Huntsville. Since opening their doors in 2019—just one week before welcoming their first child—the couple has built more than just a bakery. They've built a community staple.We talk about the early days of Moon, the challenges of starting a business with no prior experience, and how they weathered the uncertainty of COVID-19 through grit,...

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Valley Living host Payton Walker to hear how a high school broadcast team sparked a passion that turned into a career in front of the camera. Originally from Charlotte, Payton shares how her love for storytelling and theater led her to UNC, early sports reporting, and eventually anchoring the weekend news in Huntsville right out of college.

She opens up about the tough realities of 3 a...

In this episode, we sit down with Brandi Edmonds, owner of The Wine Cellar in Huntsville, Alabama. Brandi shares her remarkable journey from protein crystallography and a career in healthcare to chronic migraine recovery and eventually owning one of Huntsville’s most iconic wine shops.

We explore how The Wine Cellar has grown into a welcoming, unpretentious space for wine lovers of all experience levels. Brandi opens up about th...

In this special re-release episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with Mike Wicks—Huntsville native, fourth-generation rocket scientist, and serial entrepreneur.

Mike takes us through his journey from mechanical engineering at Auburn to co-oping with the Army, launching and selling multiple defense contracting firms, and building I³ into one of the nation’s fastest-growing government contractors. He shares insight on leader...

In this episode, we sit down with Alka Chain, owner of Vintage Cigar Lounge and Nitro Tails, to explore her journey as a Huntsville native and lifelong entrepreneur. From growing up in the iconic Madison Square Mall to building Huntsville’s first cigar lounge, Alka shares how her family's deep roots in small business shaped her passion for hospitality and experience-driven retail. We talk about the evolution of cigar culture in Hun...

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Kristen, Executive Chef and General Manager of The Poppy & Parliament and The Salty Cod. She shares her journey from getting her start in a small New York restaurant at 14 to building two standout culinary destinations in North Alabama. We dive into her unexpected path through food science and government research, how she landed in Huntsville during the height of the pandemic, and the grit it ...

In this episode, we sit down with Tim and Oscar, the duo behind Nicas Grill, a Nicaraguan-American fusion food truck that’s become a favorite across Huntsville and Madison. Tim and Oscar share how they transitioned from full-time careers to building a family-run business that’s now a regular at NASA, Research Park, and The Orion Amphitheater. They discuss their culinary roots, the evolution of their menu, and how they tailor their ...

In this episode, we sit down with Cody Morgan and Jamie Muñoz, the powerhouse duo behind Octo Hospitality and Blue Oak BBQ in Huntsville’s MidCity District. Originally from New Orleans, Cody and Jamie share how their early roots in the restaurant industry shaped their approach to hospitality, community, and culture.

We dive into their journey from Bourbon Street to North Alabama, their first impressions of Huntsville, and the se...

Huntsville’s history is full of fascinating stories—some well-known, others nearly forgotten. In this episode, we sit down with SuAnne Griffith, creator of Lily Flagg's Signal Podcast, to talk about her passion for uncovering the city’s past. From growing up in small-town Gurley to earning multiple engineering degrees and even teaching as a professor, Su Ann’s journey eventually led her back to Huntsville, where she now shares ...

In this episode, we sit down with Ashli and Michaela of AM Collective to talk about their journey from childhood friends to business partners, growing their creative space from a small shop in Clinton Row to their expansive new storefront in South Huntsville. They share how their impulsive decision to start a business, their deep-rooted connection to the Huntsville community, and a few unexpected twists along the way led them to wh...

In this episode, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle shares his journey of calling Huntsville home for over 40 years and reflects on the city’s growth and transformation. He discusses the unique blend of lifelong residents and newcomers who contribute to Huntsville’s dynamic community. Mayor Battle highlights how the city thrives when everyone, from planners to everyday citizens, plays a role in shaping its future. We explore how ideas f...

The craft beer and spirits scene in Huntsville is thriving, and Yellowhammer Brewing is right at the heart of it. In this episode, Ethan Couch shares how the rise of bourbon and barrel-aged spirits is shaping their taproom experience—because what’s ‘smooth’ for one person might be something completely different for another.

But it’s not just about what’s in your glass—it’s about the whole experience. That’s where Campus 805 After 5 ...

What if a simple box of Kleenex or a stack of Expo markers could change a classroom? 🏫✏️ In this episode, Alison Kling, CEO of Free 2 Teach, shares how this incredible organization is equipping educators with the supplies they need—completely free of charge. From giving away 32,000 books last year to fostering a culture of joy and hospitality, Free 2 Teach is bridging the gap between teachers and the resources they deserve. Tune i...