Posts tagged education
Podcast No. 124: Jesse & Heather Hornbeak of Tiny Home Family

Tiny homes have been a growing trend in our nation, and now they’re coming to Jackson thanks to the Hornbeak family. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews husband and wife Jesse and Heather about their journey outfitting a van for mobile living and the unique benefits and challenges of living in a small space.

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Podcast No. 122: Andrew Blackard of the Union EDGE Program

Of Tennessee’s five postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disabilities, Union University’s EDGE Program is the only residential option, and for four years they’ve been preparing those with special needs and disabilities for the workforce. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Assistant Director Andrew Blackard about this unique program and how it’s changing our community for the better.

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Podcast No. 118: Dr. Jared Myracle of JMCSS

With so many changes happening amongst our school system, it’s easy to become discouraged, but we’re thankful for leaders like Dr. Jared Myracle whose vision hold our community together. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews this Chief Academic Officer of the Jackson-Madison County School System to learn about how he ended up in the world of education and why investing in our local schools is essential to building a great city.

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Podcast No. 109: Mayor Jimmy Harris

Since 2007, Mayor Jimmy Harris has been serving in leadership over Madison County, and today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews him about the journey that led him there. From running multiple businesses to working in real estate, find out where Mayor Harris comes from and what he sees for the future of our community.

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Podcast No. 99: William Donnell & Bria Pittman of Driving Innovation

If you're familiar with theCO (which happens to be the place that funds and houses us), you know that they've always got something incredible and a little wild up their sleeve, and their most recent collaboration with the State of Tennessee is no exception. Today Kevin Adelsberger interviews two of the folks behind this larger-than-life project, Driving Innovation, to learn all about its mission to bring the latest in the tech world to Tennessee's most distressed counties.

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Podcast No. 93: Daryl Chansuthus of WRAP

While always encouraging safety and respect in our community, let's not forget to listen to and comfort those who have not found safety and respect. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Wo(Men)'s Resource & Rape Assistance Program (WRAP)'s executive director Daryl Chansuthus, who is striving to do just that. Discover how this Tennessee native ended up in Thailand (and now back in her home state) and how her heart for the hurt and unheard is changing the lives of sexual assault and domestic violence victims in West Tennessee.

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Podcast No. 87: Dr. Lana Hamilton of Jackson State Community College

Jackson State Community College celebrated their fifty-year anniversary this year, and now that class is back in session for the semester, the rubber is hitting the road for new president Dr. Lana Hamilton. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews her about her move to Jackson and what she has planned for her time at JSCC.

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Podcast No. 86: Dr. Fonsie & Lesley Guilaran

Adoption isn't an easy journey for any family, and today on our podcast Kevin Adelsberger sits down with Union University professor Dr. Fonsie Guilaran and his wife Lesley to hear about their especially unique story of bringing their children home. Find out how special needs, health, and international culture shifts play a huge role in creating a family. 

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Podcast No. 85: JMCSS Superintendent Eric Jones

Our Jackson Home believes that the strength of a city lies in its public school system, and we're proud to have a new superintendent for the Jackson-Madison County School System who agrees. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Mississippi native Eric Jones about his journey with education both in and outside of Jackson and what he's dreaming for our schools' future.

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Podcast No. 83: Sabrina Anderson of the Boys & Girls Club

No matter what the home situation, education struggles, or financial issues, all kids could use some love and encouragement, and the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson-Madison County is here to make a difference in the lives of our city's youth. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with Executive Director Sabrina Anderson to find out how this Louisiana girl came to Jackson and what her mission is a the club.

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Podcast No. 80: Omer Yusuf of The Jackson Sun

Been noticing some changes in The Jackson Sun lately? While change can be a tough thing, we're excited for the ways our local paper is evolving, including some of their newest staff members. Today on the podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews recently transplanted journalist Omer Yusuf. Find out how this Minnesota native came to the South and what his experience reporting on local business and government has been like.

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Podcast No. 78: "Jackson's Still My Home"

Have you heard the Jackson "anthem" yet? If not, you're in luck because this podcast is all about Josh Smith's song, "Jackson's Still My Home." Kevin Adelsberger sits down with the artist along with Jackson Chamber President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon and University of Memphis at Lambuth music professor Dr. Jeremy Tubbs to find out how this simple song gained momentum over the last year and brought together dozens of local musicians to create something special.

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Podcast No. 77: Bob Alvey of the Jackson-Madison County School Board

So many of the best and worst parts of a city are seen most clearly in its school system, and it's thanks to our school board that issues can be addressed and families can be encouraged. Today on the podcast, Kevin Adelsberger interviews Jackson-Madison County School Board member Bob Alvey about the challenges of his role, his perspective on public and private schools, and what new superintendent Eric Jones has to offer.

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Podcast No. 69: Melinda Hearn of the Jackson Arts Council

Whether you're applauding a performance at the Ned, drifting away to a Symphony production, or snapping a photo in front of the ComeUnity Café mural, there are hundreds of ways to support the arts in Jackson, and Melinda Hearn is the woman who keeps the wheels turning. Kevin Adelsberger sits down with this Executive Director of the Jackson Arts Council to discuss how funding, community participation, and diverse skill sets come together to make up the 40+ art groups throughout our city.

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Podcast No. 68: Steve Bowers of 101.5 FM

Today we turn the mic around on 101.5 FM radio host Steve Bowers to share about his journey to Jackson and role as TV/Media Manager of Jackson Energy Authority. Find out how this ministry-minded Freed-Hardeman graduate got into the world of radio, what impressive guests he has had the joy of interviewing, and how keeping an open mind has been key in conversation that leads to understanding.

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Podcast No. 65: Donna Agnew of Hands Up! Preschool

From her career as a professional clown to her years teaching in the Jackson-Madison County School System to even her management of Moe's, Donna Agnew has found herself bound up in the lives of Jackson's children and parents time and time again. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with her to find out how her passion for education and childhood development has transformed into the establishment and growth of Hands Up!, a local non-profit preschool aimed to serve low-income families.

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Podcast No. 63: Gail Gustafson & Melanie Luckey of The Dream Center

From its beginning as a tornado shelter in 2003, The Dream Center has helped those in need in Jackson from disaster relief to transitional ministry for women and children. Check out Kevin Adelsberger's interview with Executive Director Gail Gustafson and Treasurer of the Board Melanie Luckey to hear about the center's history, goals, and vision for the future.

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Podcast No. 62: Dr. Sandra Dee & Eduardo Morales of the Jackson International Food & Art Festival

We are so proud to see Jackson celebrating its third annual International Food & Art Festival this October to kick off the city's Season of Unity! Check out Kevin Adelsberger's interview with the festival's Co-Chairs Dr. Sandra Dee (a former Night of Storytelling presenter) and Eduardo Morales to learn about the history of the event, their own cultural backgrounds, and some of the exciting new elements being added this year.

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Podcast No. 60: Dustin Summers of Madison County Young Republicans

With the presidential election just around the corner, we've definitely got government on the mind, and sometimes it's nice to have a place to debate and discuss our nation's issues. Today on our podcast, Kevin Adelsberger sits down with Dustin Summers, the Chairman of the Madison County Young Republicans and the Executive Director of the West Tennessee Physicians Alliance. Hear about this West Tennessee native's journey through politics, education, and health, and listen to his thoughts on this year's election.

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Podcast No. 59: Dev Catalyst

With technology constantly changing, so is education. Check out this podcast by Kevin Adelsberger highlighting Dev Catalyst, an educational coding and technology program for high schoolers conducted through theCO. Hear the perspectives of student Steven Prescott, teacher Kimberly Colbert, and Educational Outreach Coordinator Molly Plyler on this incredible opportunity for West Tennessee youth to prepare for competitive careers.

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