My Morning Cup

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...

George Bryant set out on a new path once he saw his parents’ tax return. From then, he knew he wanted to help others by demystifying money.

In this episode, George shares what it was like growing up in the family sandwich business, stories of several odd jobs he’s held, and how he got into finance despite originally wanting to be a doctor. Plus, he shares advice for young investors and the financial mistakes he sees many people mak...

Allen Clare’s career has come full circle, from working in coal bunkers as a teenager to becoming GM of Eastern Coal and Gas for TVA. Now he’s the Senior Vice President of Power Operations, responsible for all non-nuclear power generation.

In this episode, Allen shares his “North Star” that guided many decisions, what it was like living at sea while in Navy, and the three skills he believes are essential for great leadership. We al...

Michael and Angela Ballard have used their careers as a tool to do what they love the most: travel.

In this episode, we talk about what it was like for both of them to grow up on cattle and dairy farms, why Michael moved to Saudi Arabia at the age of 12, and how Angela gave a stipulation when Michael proposed… which lit the travel flame for them. They also share stories from all around the world and explain how they now help other ...

Charlie has made his mark supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, not only in Chattanooga, but all across Tennessee.

In this episode, Charlie shares what it was like growing up in the Brock Candy family business, how he first got involved in the startup ecosystem as CEO of The Company Lab and then LaunchTN, and why he creates “intentional serendipitous collisions” for entrepreneurs.

We also discuss quantum computing and and how C...

Darren Hodges (AKA Mr. Coca-Cola of Chattanooga) began his career at Coca-Cola United in 1986 and has worked a variety of positions, all the way up to Division Vice President.

In this episode, Darren shares a behind-the-scenes look at Coke’s operations and positions, its important history in Chattanooga as the first franchised bottler of Coca-Cola products, and how “divine intervention” kept him from pursuing another career path.

Y...

A month-long trip to Costa Rica completely changed the trajectory of Stacy Johnson’s career.

In this episode, Stacy shares how a series of career disruptions led her to pivot from graphic design to nonprofits and why a trip to Costa Rica to learn Spanish led her to pursue new passions. Plus, we also discuss how the Latinx community in Chattanooga has changed over the past twenty years and why La Paz has shifted their focus as a res...

Tasia Malakasis’s career can be classified as a series of “happy accidents.” In this episode, she shares how she started in sales (as all CEOs should), then pursued her love of food by acquiring Belle Chevre and taking it to the next level. We also discuss how she landed at The Company Lab, and why the organization has pivoted their focus to sustainable mobility.

Tasia Malakasis is the CEO of The Company Lab, a nonprofit that accel...

Joe Jacobi is an Olympic Gold Medalist, Performance Coach, and Author. After winning the gold in the 1992 canoe slalom event, he’s dedicated his life to teaching others how to perform well in their own lives.

In this episode, Joe shares what it’s *really* like to win a gold medal, how he got started canoeing at the age of 8 years old, and why he moved to La Seu d’Urgell, Spain.

We also talk about the idea of living well so you can ...

The military is heavily engrained in Paul Leath’s DNA. Following in his dad’s footsteps, he joined the army and served nine years active duty.

In this episode, Paul shares how veterans, nuns, and scouts have been great influences in his life, how he was stationed in Fort Bragg “for love,” what happened after getting the Red Ball Express phone call, and then switching to the private sector and loving the natural gas industry.

Paul L...

Bruce Weiss is an artist. Most people know him as a sandwich artist because of his deli, but he was a visual artist first.

In this episode, Bruce shares how growing up in the melting pot of New York led to his love of food and cooking, why having chutzpah is important for success, and the events that led to him opening River Street Deli in 1998, including working in sales, owning a graphic design business, and shadowing Chef Nevill...

Linda Moss Mines is Chattanooga’s Historian, dedicated to reminding others about the blessings of liberty.

In this episode, Linda shares what it was like growing up on the plateau with her favorite person (her Pa), how bedtime stories sparked her love of history, and her motivations for teaching at GPS for 27 years (aside from her love of teaching history). 

Plus, we also discuss being a lifelong learner, the changing political cli...

Captain Richard Simms has an eclectic career path, from Game Warden to Videographer to Executive Producer, and ultimately back to the outdoors. 

In this episode, Richard shares how a coin toss influenced where he landed as a Game Warden, why family drives every decision he makes, and how he left his 9-5 to pursue his “weekend gig” - Scenic City Fishing Charters - and is now affiliated with nine additional guides.

Richard Simms is t...

Keith Sanford’s community involvement and love of Chattanooga makes everyone feel as though they’ve worked with him in some form or fashion, despite only working at three places during his 44-year career.

In this episode, Keith shares what it was like working his way up to Market President at First Tennessee (now First Horizon), being expected to be involved in the community (and ending up loving it), and what penguins are really...