Clarksville's Conversation

Professional wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett discusses his transition into a promotional leadership role for the Nashville Kats, an arena football team now playing in Clarksville, Tennessee. In this interview, Jarrett highlights his family's deep historical roots in Clarksville and his excitement about the city’s rapid growth and new F&M Bank Arena. He describes the high-speed nature of the sport, likening it to a "video game in reality," and emphasizes the affordability of tickets for families. Working alongside Commissioner Jeff Fisher, Jarrett aims to deeply engage with the local community to build a long-term fan base rather than just hosting one-off events. The conversation also touches on Jarrett's ongoing wrestling career with AEW and his lifelong drive to remain active in the entertainment and sports business.

On this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Charlie Koon sits down with hometown comedian DJ Pryor to break down a career that’s come full circle. From performing his first stand-up set as a teenager to now helping lead Joker’s Comedy House, Pryor shares how Clarksville shaped his voice and his mission.The conversation dives into the mechanics of stand-up, why physical comedy and real-time audience connection still matter, and how humor can act as a universal release valve. Pryor also reflects on the legends who influenced him, including Eddie Murphy and Charlie Chaplin, while making it clear his goal isn’t to leave but to build something bigger right here locally.Looking ahead, Pryor teases a packed slate: a new book, a television project, and a major comedy special planned at F&M Bank Arena, a sign that Clarksville isn’t just part of his story, it’s the stage for what’s next.

This episode features Brad Averitt and Ginna Holleman as they discuss the upcoming 42nd Annual Candlelight Ball, a premier fundraising gala for Austin Peay State University. The event, scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, aims to secure vital scholarship funds and operational support for various university departments. This year’s celebration adopts a Kentucky Derby theme, blending formal tradition with high-energy entertainment from the band Burning Las Vegas. Beyond the festivities, the organizers emphasize the importance of honoring community leaders through the Wendell H. Gilbert and Spirit of Austin Peay awards. Ultimately, the source highlights how the collaboration between dedicated volunteers and university staff fosters a legacy of educational opportunity and local growth.

Former Tennessee Titans linebacker Avery Williamson joins Charlie Koon alongside Chris Colburn to share his journey from a cattle farm upbringing to the NFL, driven by discipline and a passion for defense. After retiring from football, Williamson shifted into entrepreneurship, launching Tennessee Crush Water Ice—an innovative frozen treat inspired by a trip to Philadelphia. The conversation highlights how Colburn is helping expand the brand into Clarksville and Austin Peay through strategic partnerships, as well as the company’s rapid growth from a single food trailer to supplying major festivals and sporting events. 

Stacey Levine, Executive Director of the Tennessee River chapter of the American Red Cross, shares how her team supports Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and 12 surrounding counties through disaster relief, blood drives, and community programs. With a workforce powered 90% by volunteers, she highlights opportunities to get involved—from life-saving training to fundraising events like their upcoming golf scramble—while emphasizing the critical role of regional teamwork in keeping the community prepared and resilient. 

Chris and Stephanie Travis, the husband-and-wife team behind Travis Electrical Service in Clarksville, share how they transitioned from careers in firefighting and education to building one of the region’s most respected electrical contracting companies. Guided by their Christian faith and a commitment to service, they discuss how their business philosophy blends entrepreneurship with community impact. From supporting leadership initiatives to helping bring the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum to life, the couple explains why investing in Clarksville matters to them. They also dive into their registered apprenticeship program, an effort to tackle the skilled-labor shortage by offering free training and mentorship to the next generation of electricians while working to “elevate the trades.” 

In this podcast interview, military veteran and entrepreneur Gary Singleton shares the story behind launching Joker’s Comedy House and The Grill in Clarksville, Tennessee. After retiring from the military and working in real estate, Singleton recognized the city’s need for more live entertainment and converted a former restaurant into a full-service comedy venue. The club now hosts weekly improv shows, open mic nights, and touring professional comedians while also spotlighting local talent. Singleton also prioritizes community involvement, organizing monthly charity events and supporting other small businesses. His vision is to build a true “comedy house” that helps grow Clarksville’s arts scene while giving residents a high-quality night out. 

 In this episode, Austin Peay State University’s new Athletic Director, Jordan Harmon, sits down to share his journey from student-athlete to leading the Govs’ athletic department. Harmon talks about building strong ties with the Clarksville community, growing revenue, and creating a culture that values both winning and academic success. He reflects on the mentors and family who shaped his path and lays out his vision for the future of Austin Peay athletics, offering listeners a clear look at the leadership style and priorities guiding the program forward. 

 In this episode, Congressman Matt Van Epps reflects on his journey from military service to representing Tennessee’s fast-growing communities. He explains how team building and structured processes guide his work in Congress, including on the Homeland Security and Science, Space, and Technology committees. Van Epps also discusses his advocacy for Fort Campbell, the role of local business support, and how national issues like border security and government funding affect his district—underscoring his focus on veterans, economic growth, and hands-on community engagement. 

Dawn Sanders-Garrett, Interim Director of the Clarksville Housing Authority, walks through the plan to redevelop Lincoln Homes and why it matters. She explains how federal RAD conversion and tax credits make the project possible, what demolition and rehabilitation will look like, and how the new development will modernize affordable housing without losing sight of the people who live there. The episode also explores how the master plan aims to keep residents stable while helping fuel Clarksville’s local economy. 

In this episode, Barry Sullivan and Chad Hunley of the Clarksville Jeep Crew share how a simple love of Jeeps has grown into one of the area’s most reliable grassroots support networks. Founded in 2019 and now more than 2,300 members strong, the volunteer group steps up during crises, most recently during the snow and ice storm, helping stranded drivers, transporting essential medical staff, and supporting emergency response efforts when conditions were at their worst. The conversation highlights the Crew’s highly organized training, close coordination with local agencies, and commitment to service without compensation, instead encouraging support for local charities like Mana Cafe and Loaves and Fishes. It is a timely reminder of how community, preparation, and generosity can make a real difference when the weather and circumstances turn tough. 

On this episode Mark Riggins, General Manager of Clarksville Gas and Water, joins Charlie Koon to talk about some of the big projects in the works for CGW.  Those projects include a new natural gas pipeline from Kentucky that will provide Clarksville with a redundant supply of natural gas, a new app and more.

 In this episode, Mayor Wes Golden reflects on a period of rapid growth and key administrative milestones shaping Montgomery County as it looks ahead to 2026. He discusses major public safety advancements, including the launch of the county’s first paid fire department and the expansion of school resource officers. The conversation also explores significant infrastructure investments, road expansions, new schools, and plans for a large community fairground honoring the area’s agricultural heritage. Golden highlights quality-of-life priorities through expanded parks, greenways, and collaborative youth and veteran programs, while outlining a forward-looking economic development strategy focused on high-end retail and smarter traffic management to support a young, fast-growing population. 

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, Josh Ward, Executive Director of the Clarksville–Montgomery County Industrial Development Board, breaks down the unprecedented economic expansion reshaping the region. Ward details Clarksville’s strategic shift toward high-tech manufacturing, spotlighting major investments such as Korea Zinc and LG Chem—projects expected to generate thousands of jobs by 2030 and significantly raise local household incomes.The conversation also explores how growth extends beyond industry, including the large-scale retail transformation at Freedom Farms and the arrival of competing healthcare providers aimed at improving access and quality of care. Ward explains why confidentiality is critical during complex business negotiations and how discretion helps ensure major deals successfully cross the finish line.Looking ahead to 2026, Clarksville’s focus begins to pivot from aggressive industrial recruitment toward quality-of-life investments—convention space, greenway expansion, and urb

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Michael Lankford, the newly appointed state representative for Tennessee’s District 75, for an in-depth conversation about his roots, his public service, and what comes next for Montgomery County.Lankford reflects on growing up in Clarksville and Montgomery County, sharing how his local upbringing shaped his perspective and commitment to the community. He walks through his educational journey, from Austin Peay State University to UT Martin, and explains how those experiences prepared him for a career in public service.The discussion also revisits Lankford’s time as County Commissioner for District 6, where he focused on practical, day-to-day issues affecting residents, including infrastructure needs and traffic challenges. He outlines the lessons learned at the county level and how they inform his approach to leadership.A key portion of the conversation centers on his unexpected transition to the state legislature. Lankford recount

In this episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Congressman Matt Van Epps for an in-depth discussion about his rapid and unconventional path to Congress. Fresh off a special election victory, Van Epps describes the whirlwind transition into Washington and what it was like to step onto the House floor for the first time.The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how voting actually works in the U.S. House of Representatives, demystifying a process many constituents rarely get to hear explained firsthand. Van Epps also outlines his early priorities in Congress, including his assignments to the Homeland Security Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and what those roles mean for the region he represents.To close, Van Epps emphasizes his commitment to staying connected at home, detailing plans to reopen and fully staff district offices in Clarksville and Franklin. He also shares his intention to hold future town halls, reinforcing his focus on accessib

Bill Marbet, Russ Plummer, Blake Monroe and Angie Brady join Charlie to talk about the TACA East-West All-Star Game, a prominent Tennessee high school football event hosted in Clarksville held at Austin Peay State University. Blake and Angie from Visit Clarksville explain how securing and maintaining this event demonstrates their commitment to relationship-based tourism, citing the importance of local partners and "unreasonable hospitality" in attracting large groups. The discussion expands to showcase Clarksville's broader portfolio of athletic and unique competitive events, including a national volleyball tournament and the state robotics championship, which contribute significantly to the local economy. Guests emphasize that the city's success in event recruitment is bolstered by the availability of quality venues and the overall affordability of the destination. 

This episode of Clarksville Conversations features two separate interviews with members of Christian rock bands who are performing on the upcoming Awakening Tour 2025. The first interview is with John Cooper from Skillet, who discusses his band's long history, their energetic hard rock style, and their positive faith, family, and freedom message. The second interview is with Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers, where he shares his personal and spiritual journey, including how his wife's faith and perseverance led to his own conversion and the band's formation. Both musicians emphasize the importance of hope, faith in Jesus, and the power of music to spread a positive message, often referencing the challenges and storms of life as inspiration for their songs.The Awakening Tour Featuring Skillet and We Are Messengers takes place on Saturday November 22nd at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville.

Charlie Koon and guest Pastor Mike Burnette talk about the upcoming 8th annual Turkeys for Troops event in Clarksville. The event, scheduled for Saturday November 22nd, provides free frozen turkeys to active-duty military, veterans, and their families as a gesture of appreciation. They talk about the origins and growth of the event, now too large for its initial location, and highlights the crucial roles played by numerous community partners and volunteers, including Convoy of Hope, LifePoint Church, Legends Bank, Serra Chevrolet, Austin Peay State University, and others.

In this inspiring episode of Clarksville Conversations, host Charlie Koon sits down with Major General (Retired) Walt Lord and Edgar Maldonado from Austin Peay State University’s Military and Veterans Affairs division to explore the deep bond between APSU, Fort Campbell, and the region’s thriving military community. Together, they discuss why Clarksville is unlike other military towns and how APSU continues to serve as a home base for thousands of military-affiliated students.Lord and Maldonado share the significance of Veterans Day and explain why APSU extends the celebration into a full Veterans Week dedicated to honoring service members. Maldonado also opens up about his own service in both the Marine Corps and the Army, reflecting on the powerful sense of camaraderie veterans carry with them throughout life. The conversation drives home one message: veterans aren’t broken—they’re part of a strong, supportive tribe that always looks out for one another.