UFOs and the Pentagon’s Ridiculous Need for Secrecy with Rep. Tim Burchett

Julia Hurley talks with Kristen Combs, the creative mind at Visit Knoxville and the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die. Kristen's move from Michigan to Knoxville led her to promote the city's rich history, lively culture, and outdoor activities. She shares how her book 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die came to be, combining her marketing skills with her love for Knoxville's diverse attractions. The conversation covers the growth of Visit Knoxville's, Kristen's journey in selecting the best experiences in Knoxville, and how the city's growth and its community are closely linked.

Show Notes

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:48) Kristen shares her personal journey from Michigan to Tennessee

(05:09) Kristen discusses the inspiration behind her book 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die

(10:27) The future plans to enhance Knoxville's tourism appeal.

(16:50) Exploring Knoxville's Festivals

(20:00) Kristens Personal Recommendations and Unique Finds

(28:00) Closing Remarks

Links Referenced

• Visit Knoxville Website: https://www.visitknoxville.com/

• 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die" Book Page: 

• Kristen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristencombs 

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Zack Roskop, the innovative mind behind Knox Brew Tours, shares his journey from uncertainty to creating a unique craft beer experience in Knoxville on this episode of ConnectTheKnox.

Host Julia Hurley delves into Zack's story of how a simple guided brewery tour in Asheville sparked the inception of Knox Brew Tours, blending his love for Knoxville, craft beer, and community engagement. Zack discusses the challenges of starting the business, the evolution of Knoxville's craft beer scene, and the adaptability and creativity that kept his passion alive during the pandemic. The episode also highlights the importance of community support and connection in enriching Knoxville's craft beer culture.

Show Notes

(00:00) Intro
(00:26) Julia introduces Zack Roskop of Knox Brew Tours
(00:50) Zack shares the origin story of Knox Brew Tours
(03:07) Adapting business operations during COVID-19
(07:00) The growth of Knoxville's craft beer scene and its community impact
(14:00) Introduction to Knox Brew Hub
(20:38) Zack's personal recommendations for experiencing Knoxville
(23:30) The future of Knox Brew Tours and the evolving craft beer landscape
(24:58) Ad - Just Homes Group
(25:34) The significance of local support and engagement for small businesses
(29:41) Zack's vision for connecting people through Knoxville's craft beer community
(30:20) Outro

Links Referenced

• Knox Brew Tours: https://knoxbrewtours.com/  

• Urban Wilderness: https://www.outdoorknoxville.com/play/urban-wilderness

• Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria: https://barleysknoxville.com/

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John Volpe is the Chief Development Officer of Remote Area Medical (RAM), a major non-profit bringing free healthcare to Americans living in remote areas. On this episode of ConnectTheKnox, Julia sits down with John to discuss how Stan Brock founded RAM in the mid-eighties, the sadly dire need for free healthcare services in the US, and why volunteers are everything to the organization. John also gives us an inside look at how the Southern Tequila and Taco Festival came to be RAM’s largest annual fundraiser, and he details the impact the organization has had since its founding.

Show Notes 

(00:00) Intro

(00:22) Julia introduces John Volpe, Chief Development Officer for Remote Area Medical (RAM)

(00:44) What is RAM?

(01:44) Where RAM sources its volunteers from

(02:39) Stan Brock and the founding of RAM

(04:52) The crucial role that donors play

(05:44) John’s journey to becoming the Chief Development Officer

(07:12) How the Southern Tequila and Taco Festival was started and became an annual fundraiser

(09:41) Ad - Just Homes Group

(10:16) The dire need for free healthcare services in the United States

(11:36) Why volunteers and public transportation are the lifeblood of the organization

(14:33) Where RAM sets up and the types of services they offer

(17:30) Best ways for you to connect with and contribute to RAM

(20:35) The top 3 places John takes people from out of town

(21:20) John’s parting words

(21:42) Outro

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Elise Collier Massey is the owner of Collier Restaurant Group in Sevierville, Tennessee. On this episode of ConnectTheKnox, Julia and Elise discuss the immense growth that Knoxville County has seen over the last 40 years, the generational differences in the restaurant industry that Elise sees as a third-generation restaurateur, and why being local is so important to her community and success. Elise also shares some exclusive information on her new restaurant, Roma Table, and Julia and Elise praise Buc-ee’s for its empowering effect on Tennessee.

Show Notes

00:00 Intro

00:21 Julia introduces today’s guest, Elise Collier Massey

00:56 Elise gives her family history and how she got started in the restaurant business

05:15 Julia and Elise reminisce over the Pigeon Forge staple, Magic World

06:48 How Elise moved from opening pancake houses to national chains

07:47 The growth Tennessee has seen over the last 40 years

09:56 What it’s like working in a family business

11:29 Elise’s vision for the future including opening her own original restaurant, Roma Table

14:18 Balancing the desire to change and move forward with people’s desire for consistency

15:20 Ad - Just Homes Group

15:56 How the restaurant landscape is different for Elise than it was for her father and grandfather

21:06 New developments coming to the area

23:57 The power of Buc-ee’s in Tennessee

25:30 Why being local is so important to the community

27:06 A rundown of all the restaurants the Collier Restaurant Group owns

28:51 What to look out for from Elise in 2024

29:31 Elise’s must-go place for anyone visiting Knoxville

30:49 Outro

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Marc Gibson is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. On this episode of ConnectTheKnox, Julia and Marc sit down to talk about what Tennessee is doing to stay competitive with its peer states including tackling issues of mobility, leveraging AI to keep their workforce competitive, and proper curriculum around farming and finance. Marc shares how capturing funding from large national grants is going to be his greatest opportunity (and challenge) for pushing the state forward especially at a time when a growing retirement population threatens the current status-quo.

Show Notes

00:00 Intro

00:22 Julia introduces Marc Gibson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

00:55 Marc discusses how he works to keep Tennessee competitive with its peer states

03:42 How UT is connecting with small business to help them build and stay in Tennessee

05:40 Why capturing funding from large grants is Marc’s greatest opportunity and challenge

09:28 The value that technology and AI provide to the state’s future

13:40 An example of how ChatGPT can be integrated into schooling

15:56 Ad - Just Homes Group

16:30 Marc gives his thoughts on preparing the next generation to tackle tough issues around policy and technology

17:55 How failing to plan for the future can set the state and workforce back indefinitely

20:02 Leveraging Tennessee’s greatest economic drivers to create a vibrant future

24:04 Julia raises concerns around Tennessee’s growing retirement population

26:32 Marc shares his ideas for the state’s future growth including mobility and curriculum

29:13 Ways for people to connect with Marc

29:55 Outro

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Chad Zurcher is the Director of Baseball Operations at the University of Tennessee. On this episode of ConnectTheKnox, Julia sits down with Chad to talk about the Volunteer’s incredible connection with the community, the 95 million dollar upcoming stadium renovations, and the powerfully positive impact that NIL deals are having on the players. Chad goes in-depth on the numerous ways that fans can support the team on, and off, the field. Plus, the rippling positivity of Tony Vitello, and a brief glimpse into fatherhood as Chad talks about his new baby boy, Warren.

Show Notes

00:00 Intro

00:22 Julia introduces Chad Zurcher, Director of Baseball Operations at the University of Tennessee

00:50 Chad gives an overview of his position and how the Vols are growing

02:11 What stadium renovations are planned in the next 2 years

03:52 How NIL deals impact players on the baseball team

06:08 The power of fundraisers and connecting players with donors

09:32 Describing how scholarships work and why community support is so crucial

11:41 Julia details her love for Vols baseball

13:05 Ways in which the community can support the team

14:02 How to connect with Chad if you’d like to help out

15:36 Ad - Just Homes Group

16:11 Continuation of how to connect with Chad

16:57 Chad talks about his new baby boy, Warren

18:55 What the players’ schedules look like and how to get more involved as a fan

21:58 Discussing the effect of former pro athletes who have moved to Tennessee

23:16 The impact of Tony Vitello

25:06 Getting the community involved behind the scenes

26:03 Julia asks Chad where he brings people who have never been to Knoxville

27:08 Chad’s parting words

27:07 Outro

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Representative Tim Burchett is a Republican Congressman serving the 2nd district of Tennessee. In this episode of Connect the Knox, Julia interviews Burchett about America’s complicated history with UFOs, the Pentagon’s ridiculous need for secrecy and spending, and how well-intentioned officials can quickly become corrupt or compromised. Rep. Burchett also gives listeners an in-depth look into his family history, how he went from disposing of yard waste to devoting his life to serving the people of Tennessee as a national Congressman, and what he believes are the biggest issues facing our country today.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro

00:20 Julia introduces Tim Burchett, Republican Congressman for the 2nd district of Tennessee.

00:52 Rep. Burchett goes over his family history and early life

05:23 The journey from local mayor to national congressman

08:33 Using social media to keep his constituents informed

09:27 Tim’s relationship with Matt Gaetz and other colleagues

10:54 Why people love Tennessee and their state legislators

12:05 UFOs and how the government profits from endless wars

20:52 Ad - Just Homes Group

21:27 The damaging effect of keeping secrets from the American people

23:11 Burchett’s ongoing battle with the Pentagon

24:27 Honeypots and compromised elected officials

26:25 How money helps congresspeople advance up the chain of command

29:02 Homelessness, drug cartels, and other important issues facing America today

32:43 Knoxville’s greatest assets: its food and its people

36:36 Outro

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Rep. Burchett’s website: https://burchett.house.gov/

• Rep. Burchett’s Twitter: @RepTimBurchett

• Rep. Burchett’s 2nd Twitter: @TimBurchett

• Rep. Burchett Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepTimBurchett/

• Rep. Burchett Instagram: @RepTimBurchett

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• Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley 

Dr. H.M. “Hash” Hashemian is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Analysis and Measurement Services Corporation (AMS), a nuclear engineering consulting firm headquartered in Knoxville. In this episode of ConnectTheKnox, Julia sits down with Dr. Hash to discuss the positives of nuclear energy, how AMS is doing control systems testing around the world to make nuclear energy even safer, and why Tennessee is such a hub for green energy. Dr. Hash also describes his love for the people and scenery of Knoxville, and how that led him to building his company and personal life in Tennessee.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro

00:22 Julia introduces Dr. H.M. “Hash” Hashemian, who is President and Chief Executive Officer of Analysis and Measurement Services Corporation (AMS), a nuclear engineering consulting firm headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee

01:24 What Dr. Hash does in the field of nuclear energy

02:19 Why nuclear energy is important

05:00 Dr. Hash explains how nuclear waste is properly disposed of

07:21 How Dr. Hash’s hires and retains talented workers in Knoxville

09:27 The importance of vocational degrees in building and operating a nuclear power plant

11:27 A description of the control systems testing that AMS does internationally

13:28 Dr. Hash’s admiration for UT President, Randy Boyd and his ability for time management

15:17 Ad - Just Homes Group

15:53 Julia dives into the technical books that Dr. Hash has written

18:08 The role that Oak Ridge National Lab  plays both locally and nationally

19:52 An in-depth look at everything happening in Tennessee surrounding nuclear energy

22:03 Why Dr. Hash loves the people, scenery, and history of Knoxville

25:25 Dr. Hash answers Julia’s fire round questions about his favorite local spots

31:34 Outro

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• AMS Website: https://www.ams-corp.com/

• AMS Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/amsknoxville

• AMS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/theAMScorporation

• AMS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ams-corporation/

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Dr. Keith Carver is the Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President of the UT Institute of Agriculture, which plays a huge role in our community and the future of our local farmers. In this episode of ConnectTheKnox, Dr. Carver describes the programs that UT offers not only to students, but also to locals who want to get involved with agriculture or even just learn more about how to take advantage of the local agriculture we have right here in our area. Dr. Carver also walks us through his lifelong career at UT, and shares insights into the 5-year plan for the future of the University. 

Highlights:

00:00 Intro

00:16 Julia introduces Dr. Keith Carver, who is the Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President for the UT Institute of Agriculture

01:34 Why Keith came to Knoxville from West Tennessee

02:45 Keith describes his role at UT

05:19 Julia and Keith discuss the value of local agriculture and working with your local farmers

08:05 What Knoxville residents can do to get involved with the programs at UT Institute of Agriculture

10:38 The challenges that Dr. Carver has faced in his career at UT and what he’s focused on in his new role

13:02 Julia and Keith discuss local dairy in Knoxville

15:25 Ad - Just Homes Group

15:55 Dr. Carver’s 5-year plan for the future at UT

19:15 What Keith would do differently if he could go back to the beginning of his career knowing what he does now

21:35 The various events and classes that UT offers to local people who want to learn agricultural skills

24:40 Dr. Carver answers Julia’s fire round of questions about his favorite local spots

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

• UT Institute of Agriculture Website: https://utia.tennessee.edu

• UT Institute of Agriculture Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTInstituteofAgriculture

• UT Institute of Agriculture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utiag/

• UT Institute of Agriculture X: https://twitter.com/UTIAg

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Candace Viox is the owner of local restaurant and wine bar, Water Into Wine. Water Into Wine has become a staple in our community, and in this episode of ConnectTheKnox, Candace shares the incredible story of how she decided to open the business and the choices she’s made that led to her success. Throughout our conversation, Candace reveals how she’s been able to overcome the challenges of owning a local restaurant, as well as what drives her to keep moving forward. Candace also shares the tips she gives to friends who move to Knoxville from California, and her plans for the future of Water Into Wine.

Highlights

00:00 Intro

00:16 Julia introduces Candace Viox, the owner of local restaurant Water Into Wine

01:08 Candace shares why she decided to open her restaurant in West Knoxville

05:57 The choices Candace made to ensure she was creating a bar that aligned with her values and fostered a sense of community and connection

09:48 How Candace has overcome the challenges she faced as a restaurant owner 

14:26 Ad - Just Homes Group

14:57 The dreams and plans that Candace has for the future of Water Into Wine

18:47 Candace shares the impact that the community has had on her, her business, and the impact she feels she has had on the Knoxville community herself

23:42 More information on the weekly events at Water Into Wine

24:53 Candace answers Julia’s lightning round of questions about her favorite local hot spots

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waterintowineknoxville

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterintowineknoxville/

• Website: https://waterintowineknoxville.com/

• Just Homes Group: https://www.justhomesgroup.com/

• Dr. Joe Chiro: https://goseedrjoe.com/

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