My Morning Cup

Deborah Levine has always gotten into “good trouble.”

In this episode, Deborah shares what it was like growing up in Bermuda as the granddaughter of one of its Founding 400, deciding to pursue a masters degree in urban planning without fully knowing what it was yet, and dedicating her life to sharing the legacy of those who survived the Holocaust - including her father, a US military intelligence officer who was assigned to interro...

Bob Culkeen’s passion for media began in a high school television studio, and he hasn’t left the studios since.

In this episode, Bob shares his childhood experience of losing his family home to a fire, and temporarily sheltering with nuns in a convent (an experience most men can’t say they’ve had). We also discuss the importance of educators, technological changes in the broadcast industry, and what happens behind-the-scenes at WTC...

Dr. Claudia Kramer didn’t find economics - economics found her. 

In this episode, she shares how from a very young age she began questioning the wealth disparity between West Virginia and Ohio. We also discuss how at the age of 14 she planned to be co-valedictorian with her best friend and why her goal is to make economics more fun for her students.

Dr. Claudia Kramer is the Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterpr...

You’ll recognize this week’s guest from his voice - Jim “JR” Reynolds is the voice of the Chattanooga Mocs and is live every morning on 102.3 with Jed Mescon.

In this episode, JR shares how Harry Caray almost convinced him to drop out of school, why turning down a job resulted in him moving to Chattanooga, and a behind-the-scenes look at play-by-play sportscasting.

If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like:

Lisa McCluskey’s career has taken her from police departments, to city administrations, and healthcare. But retirement isn’t slowing her down, she’s now the host of *two* podcasts!

In this episode, Lisa shares how her paper route at 12 years old taught her a lot about empathy, how she once was an undercover decoy, and the impetus behind her podcasts: The Silver Divorce Podcast, and The Empowered Career Woman.

Lisa McCluskey retired...

Dr. Anna George grew up wondering what was going on under the water's surface, and after a month-long scuba camp in the Cayman Islands, she never looked back.

In this episode, Dr. George shares what it was like receiving and overcoming countless rejections from advisors while pursuing her PhD and how she merged her passion for aquatic biology and educating others into her perfect career. We also get an inside look at the operations...

If you’ve watched Local 3 News any time in the past 38 years, you’ll instantly recognize this week’s guest: David Carroll.

In this episode, David shares what it was like growing up working in his family’s general store with dreams of one day hosting a gameshow. He also shares how his creativity and humor moved him up the ladder and why being “ready and available” led to most of his career opportunities.

David Carroll is the Lead An...

Everyone’s path is impacted by their childhood, but that is especially true for Joe Smith.

In this episode, Joe shares the traumatic stories of meeting his biological parents, how hanging out with the wrong people in college led him down the path of addiction, and how an angel literally saved his life on August 1st, 1987.

Since that day, he has dedicated his life to helping others and growing early intervention and prevention progr...

Carol Eimers grew up on a 1,500 acre playground in Idaho. It would have been easy to stay in Grangeville, but joining her high school’s debate team sparked an interest in politics and she landed in DC.

In this episode, we discuss what it was like working on Senator Fred Thompson’s campaign, how climbing Grand Teton provided mental clarity when she was at a crossroads, and her non-linear career path at TVA.

Carol Eimers is the VP an...

Growing up, Darrell Patterson didn’t think broadcasting could be a career… but once he made the realization it could be, he took it and ran with it!

In this episode, we discuss what it was like growing up as the fifth of six boys in “Mac-Minn” County, getting into a radio station at the ripe young age of 12, and leading Channel 9 around to #1 in just one year alongside Bob Johnson and Don Welch.

If you like this episode, we think y...

Mayor Tim Kelly has announced his intention to seek a second term as the Mayor of Chattanooga, so he’s back as a guest on the podcast to talk about what it’s *really* like to run a city government. He shares a behind-the-scenes look at the City’s recent rebrand, the rail system feasibility study, and the City-in-a-Park vision.

If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like Episode 13, where we talked about his career path that...

Bill Carney has always had a passion for woodworking and teaching others. He started his career as a high school woodshop teacher, but soon realized that he wanted to open his own business.

In this episode, we discuss the myth of job security, his brief foray into sales, and the series of events that led to him opening Chattanooga Woodworking Academy.

Bill Carney is the Founder and Director of Chattanooga Woodworking Academy. You c...

Tim Dooner started his career in music production, but at 25, he left the record label life behind and found a new rhythm in logistics.

In this episode, Dooner shares what led him to pivot from the music industry to logistics, why he got sober, and how asking someone to be a guest on his podcast led him to move from Boston to Chattanooga.

Tim Dooner is the Host and Producer of the Freightwaves podcast “What the Truck?!?” You can le...

Edna Varner always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and thought she would be one forever! But once she was selected to be a principal, she knew it was the right move. Now she advises other educators in her role with the Public Education Foundation.

In this episode, Edna shares how she hit the jackpot with her parents and teachers, the two times she received very direct feedback (which made her rise to the occasion), and the meaning...

For a special end-of-year episode, I bring back my good friends Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn to continue the tradition of an annual wrap-up episode. We peel back the curtain and talk about My Morning Cup’s 2024 highlights, memorable moments with guests, and lessons learned.

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

• Chip Baker’s Morning Cup (E04)
• Roy Vaughn’s Mo...

Most people can’t say they’ve biked coast-to-coast, but Dave Kinzler accomplished such a feat at a young age, and set out to accomplish even more throughout his life.

In this episode, Dave shares his 80% rule, why he believes in comfort in uncertainty, and the path that led him from the Marines to Capital Hill to One to One Health.

Dave Kinzler is the CEO of One to One Health, an innovative healthcare provider focused on lowering h...

Father Dale Hall is back for a special holiday-edition of My Morning Cup. Instead of focusing on his career path like we did in Episode 49, we talk more in-depth about the CHATT Foundation, the three things that we can all do right now to support our local community, and about the upcoming Night of Remembrance.

You can learn more about the CHATT Foundation and their programs on their website (chattfoundation.org/get-involved)

My Mo...

After 44 years of local reporting, there’s not a person who knows Chattanooga’s story better than Dave Flessner, which is exactly why we wanted to have him as our guest for the 100th episode of the podcast.

In this episode, Dave shares the unconventional path that led him to be a journalist, the history of the Times Free Press, and some of the hardest stories he’s had to cover during his career.

Dave Flessner recently retired as th...

Bill Crawford has worked his way up from Residential Wireman to President and CEO of Lawson Electric over the past 39 years.

In this episode, he shares how he started negotiating from the young age of 14 when he bought a car for his family, how he successfully grew the Dalton branch of the Lawson Electric, and why you should always look within before saying yes to opportunities.

Bill Crawford is the President and CEO of Lawson Elec...