For nearly 20 years, Tom Satkowiak helped shape the stories coming out of Tennessee Athletics, but behind the press conferences and player profiles was a personal journey most people never saw. In this episode, Tom shares how he found his calling at a very young age, how a life-threatening liver disease reshaped his faith and career, and why he eventually stepped away from college sports to join TVA and focus on doing “the next right thing.” Tom Satkowiak is the Senior Strategic Communicator (Ea...
Jul 21, 2025•57 min•Ep. 132
From flying C130s into conflict zones to commanding global military operations, Kevin Hyde’s story might seem more like an action movie than real life. In this episode, Kevin shares how his time at the Air Force Academy was “sink or swim,” why sometimes the fastest way to get results is by breaking bread, and how he’s now guiding a nonprofit that provides support, stability, and hope to our community. Kevin Hyde is the CEO of Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults. You can connect with h...
Jul 14, 2025•59 min•Ep. 131
Jason Provonsha has never been a fan of “winging it.” Maybe it’s because he spent part of his childhood keeping his dad’s FBI job a secret, or because of the critical lessons a mentor taught him… In this episode, Jason shares his journey from healthcare marketing to logistics, why he once thought he’d have to leave Chattanooga to grow his career, and what it’s taken to scale Steam without losing focus on what matters most. Jason Provonsha is the CEO of Steam Logistics, one of the fastest-growing...
Jul 07, 2025•57 min•Ep. 130
George Mullinax was raised to take risks and trust that he could rise to the challenge. That mindset carried him through the highs and lows of corporate life, and eventually led him to leave it behind entirely to start something of his own. In this episode, George reflects on the unexpected turns that shaped his path, from family business losses and early morning side jobs to years of night classes while working full time. He also shares why he walked away from a VP-level role rather than uproot...
Jun 30, 2025•55 min•Ep. 129
Sheila and Dane Boyington have chemistry, literally and figuratively. They met in a college chemistry class, and decades later they’re still building things together as spouses and business partners. In this episode, Sheila and Dane reflect on their journey from Gainesville to Berkeley to Chattanooga, how they grew a national multi-million dollar business without losing sight of what mattered most, and the lessons learned through two company exits. Sheila and Dane Boyington were the co-founders ...
Jun 23, 2025•53 min•Ep. 128
How does a person with a philosophy and religion degree become the Dean of the College of Business? No straight path, that’s for sure. In this episode, Dr. Robert Dooley shares how he crossed the divide from business to academia… and how he’s now bridging that divide for students. Plus, the evolving role of higher education in Chattanooga, and what he’s learned from serving as Interim Chancellor of UTC. Dr. Robert Dooley is the Dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, as well as the Inte...
Jun 16, 2025•54 min•Ep. 127
In many ways, Bert Robinson is still doing what he did as a kid: building relationships and connecting with his community. Except now, his path stretches beyond Athens across all of East Tennessee (and he’s no longer on a bike). In this episode, Bert shares how his curiosity and outgoing nature as an 8-year-old unknowingly laid the groundwork for his career, how doors open when you’re willing to ask, and why unexpected turns can lead to something even better. Bert Robinson is the Regional Execut...
Jun 09, 2025•58 min•Ep. 126
Tom Glenn is a second generation business owner who has grown the family business from a small local operation to one with a multi-state presence. Through it all, Tom has never lost sight of his father’s mission of serving people well and leading with integrity. In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at Chattanooga Entrepreneur Week, Tom shares lessons for entrepreneurs who want to grow without losing what makes their business special. We also discuss how he didn’t originally plan...
Jun 02, 2025•43 min•Ep. 125
Andy Wood has always had a knack for understanding and translating how things work. It’s a skill that’s helped him stand out in every job he’s had, from restaurants in college to his ad agency days, and now as the fifth-ever CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium. In this episode, Andy shares how a family legacy in marketing sparked his love for storytelling, what ultimately pulled him toward purpose-driven leadership in the nonprofit world, and the big vision he’s bringing to one of Chattanooga’s most b...
May 26, 2025•58 min•Ep. 124
For as long as he can remember, John Wilson wanted to be a reporter. He witnessed journalism's evolution firsthand, beginning his career when manual typewriters ruled newsrooms. In this episode, John shares how his journey began in childhood with hand-writing the Maple Brook Gazette in 5th grade (a newspaper he created for his neighborhood), why he believes in "local" thanks to his mentor, and how he navigated the decline of print media by taking a chance on himself. John Wilson is the owner of ...
May 19, 2025•45 min•Ep. 123
Ken Jones has always lived in Chattanooga, but he grew up “military style” - moving three times and attending eight different schools, which is likely how he’s earned the nickname of Mr. Chattanooga. In this episode, we learn about the time he used a major setback as fuel for growth, how he switched from a “survive” mentality to a “thrive” mentality, and how his willingness to say yes to new challenges, coupled with his technical skills and people-first mentality, has propelled his career to whe...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 122
After spending his childhood in Tanzania and then moving to London, Alnoor Dhanani expected small-town Chattanooga would be a two-year stopover. Yet, forty-five years later, he's still proud to call it home. In this episode, Alnoor shares how growing up across different continents shaped his unique perspectives on life, a behind-the-scenes look at doing business internationally, and how Double Cola got its name. Alnoor Dhanani is the CEO of Double Cola, a 103-year-old beverage company headquarte...
May 05, 2025•52 min•Ep. 121
Scott Chase has always loved music. Especially classic rock, before it was “classic.” In this episode, he shares how a college speech class was the turning point, why you should never burn a bridge, and how being told to get a “real job” helped him realize what’s truly important in life. Scott Chase is the afternoon voice of KZ106. You can learn more about him on WSKZ’s website ( wskz.com/shows/afternoons ). If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like: Tim Dooner’s Morning Cup (E105) Dav...
Apr 28, 2025•52 min•Ep. 120
Kim White spent the first half of her career traveling & in sales. When she came back to Chattanooga, she decided to plant roots and got hyper-involved. In this episode, Kim shares how she’s always had a knack for knowing when it’s time to leave a job, how she was able to build her network from zero in a new city, and why she always takes the tough assignments. Kim White is the Vice Chancellor of Development and Alumni Affairs at UTC, as well as the Executive Director of the UC Foundation. Y...
Apr 21, 2025•53 min•Ep. 119
If you own a business, or have considered starting one, you’re likely familiar with this week’s guest: Lynn Chesnutt, AKA the entrepreneur’s best friend. In this episode, Lynn shares a few of the important life lessons his hero taught him, how he survived cancer not once… not twice… but FIVE times, and why he spends every day being an unbiased voice of reason for startups and established businesses. Lynn Chesnutt is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center in Cha...
Apr 14, 2025•58 min•Ep. 118
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 interrogate Nazi POWs. Deborah Levine is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief...
Apr 07, 2025•55 min•Ep. 117
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 WTCI PBS. Bob Culkeen is the President and CEO of WTCI Television, t...
Mar 31, 2025•52 min•Ep. 116
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 Enterprise, Professor of Economics, and Director of the Center for Econom...
Mar 24, 2025•56 min•Ep. 115
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: Jed Mescon’s Morning Cup (E66) Darrell Patterson’s Morning’s Cup (E108) David C...
Mar 17, 2025•55 min•Ep. 114
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 from CHI Memorial as VP of Marketing & Communications. You c...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 113
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 of the Tennessee Aquarium and its local conservation efforts. Dr...
Mar 03, 2025•49 min•Ep. 112
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 Anchor of Local 3’s 4pm and 6pm newscasts. You can learn more about...
Feb 24, 2025•52 min•Ep. 111
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 programs for at-risk youth. Joe is now the Chairman of the School Boar...
Feb 17, 2025•55 min•Ep. 110
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 and Chief Human Resources Officer for TVA. You can connect with her...
Feb 10, 2025•49 min•Ep. 109
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 you’ll also like: Bill Priestley’s Morning Cup (E74) Calvin Sneed’...
Feb 03, 2025•53 min•Ep. 108
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 led him to become the Mayor. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike C...
Jan 27, 2025•47 min•Ep. 107
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 can learn more about Bill and CWA at chattanoogawoodworkingacademy...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 106
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 learn more about him and listen to the podcast at freightwaves.com/...
Jan 13, 2025•51 min•Ep. 105
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 of the gift of “with.” Edna Varner is the Senior Advisor of Lead...
Jan 06, 2025•56 min•Ep. 104
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 Morning Cup (E08) Mike Costa’s Morning Cup (E51) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Sp...
Dec 30, 2024•44 min•Ep. 103
