My Morning Cup

Dr. Marilyn Helms and Dr. Deborah Arfken are two long-time educators whose careers were shaped as much by chance as by choice. 

In this episode, Marilyn and Deborah share how they were both thrown into teaching careers, how a chance meeting on university committees in the late ’80s turned into a long-running research partnership, and why it’s “publish or perish” in the academic world.

Dr. Deborah Arfken is the Professor Emerita of ...

From constant moves as a kid to navigating multiple industries and unexpected career turns, Mike Harrell learned early that adaptability isn't optional.

In this episode, Mike shares how being transparent about company financials changed the way his teams understood their impact, how he learned to redefine what success actually means, and why he believes everyone should get fired at least once.

Mike Harrell is the CEO and Principal ...

From their first jobs at Rock City to co-founding RockPoint Bank, Hamp Johnston and Camille Daniel have come a long way.

In this episode, Hamp and Camille share what it actually takes to start a bank from scratch, what they learned raising capital and opening during a pandemic, and what's possible when a bank's decision-makers are based right here in Chattanooga.

Hamp Johnston is the President & CEO of RockPoint Bank and you ca...

Dr. Lori Mann-Bruce grew up on a working cattle farm and was never allowed to be bored.

In this episode, Dr. Bruce shares why her family would read the encyclopedia at dinner every day, how 4H played a huge role in her personal and professional development, and what it’s like coming to Chattanooga (specifically UTC) when it’s at an inflection point. 

Dr. Lori Mann-Bruce is the Chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga....

Melissa Blevins learned early on that the best way through a crisis is to just have faith and keep moving forward.

In this episode, Melissa shares how growing up with very little taught her resilience and compassion, how a career in manufacturing built the foundation for leading a food bank, and how the Chattanooga Area Food Bank became more than a career… it became home.

Melissa Blevins is the President & CEO of the Chattanoog...

To celebrate the third anniversary of the podcast, I bring back my good friends Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn to continue the tradition of an annual wrap-up episode. 

We look back on the guests and moments that stood out, what made certain conversations resonate, and how the show has evolved over time. Along the way, the conversation touches on community in Chattanooga, personal milestones, and what’s ahead for the podcast in 2026.

Sub...

Lucy Rymer has always had a "what have I got to lose?" mindset, and it's shown up at some of the most pivotal moments in her career.

In this episode, Lucy shares how growing up with stage fright taught her to push through fear anyway, why she ultimately chose a more practical path even when encouraged to pursue theater professionally, and how a career in banking eventually led to a full-circle moment that brought her back into the ...

Kevin Brooks never planned on becoming the mayor of Cleveland, he just kept saying yes to serving people and following the next open door.

In this episode, Kevin shares how he always knew he wanted to be a public servant, why after six terms as Representative of the 24th District he decided to run for Mayor (what some considered to be a “step backwards” politically), and why not running for mayor earlier still weighs on him.

We als...

Baron King has built a career stepping into hard situations and helping people find their way forward when they feel out of options.

In this episode, Baron shares how a childhood spent moving state-to-state taught him to embrace change, why he left a successful retail career for psychology and prison re-entry work, and what leading the CHATT Foundation has taught him about the realities of homelessness and the dignity every person ...

Robbie Ansary’s story starts as a refugee from Afghanistan when he and his family fled their home as a result of the Soviet invasion in 1980.

In this episode, Robbie shares what it was like to leave everything behind and cross the border under life-threatening conditions, how a chance encounter helped his family rebuild their lives in America, and how seeing HVA (a “mini-TVA” built by USAID) at nine years old sparked a dream that e...

Troy Kemp planned to teach for only two years, but has dedicated his life to being a “hope dealer” for young boys and their families.

In this episode, he shares why he turned down lucrative job offers to “feed his soul,” how leaving the classroom allowed him to multiply his impact, and how every chapter of his life has added a tool to the toolbox he now uses to rebuild trust at Chatt Prep.

Troy Kemp is the CEO of Prep Public School...

Maury Nicely wasn't planning on becoming a lawyer when he went to law school, but three decades later, he's built a thriving practice and become one of Chattanooga's most passionate historians.

In this episode, Maury shares what he learned working both sides of the table as a law firm attorney and in-house counsel, why leaving a stable corporate job to start a law firm with partners during a recession was the best risk he ever took...

A childhood tornado scare could’ve left David Glenn terrified of weather forever. Instead, it set him on a path to become the calm voice Chattanoogans now trust when the sky turns dark.

In this episode, David shares how his dad’s mantra of “If you’re scared, just learn” turned him into a self-proclaimed weather nerd, why he was so excited for his dream job that he once went 36 hours without sleep, and why he always puts the communi...

Christie Mahn Faires has never been one to rest on her laurels. Whether campaigning for a traffic light to make her high school safer or championing recovery court to help people break the cycle of addiction, she's always looking for ways to make things better.

In this episode, she shares how a passing comment changed her life's trajectory (twice!), why the path from aspiring broadcast journalist to General Sessions Court Judge mad...

Mitch Patel’s story is a masterclass in grit, gratitude, and bridge-building.

In this episode recorded in front of a live audience at the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Mitch shares how he built his first hotel at the age of 27 with just $3,000, how Vision Hospitality Group has grown to more than 40 hotels in 8 states, why the Edwin Hotel holds such a special place in his heart, and what it means to serve as this year’s Chair of the A...

Most people see an airport. April Cameron sees a small city — one she's helped run for 28 years and now leads as its 'Mayor.'

In this episode, April shares how a mentor's confidence launched her from accountant to CFO, what finally convinced her to pursue the CEO role, the surprising truth about how airports actually make money, and why every ticket you buy is a vote.

April Cameron is the President and CEO of the Chattanooga Metrop...

Shawanda Mason’s and Jennifer Holder’s careers have been defined by scrappiness and leaps of faith.

In this episode, they share how growing up somewhat isolated in small towns helped spark their creativity, how Jennifer’s early idea for The Chattery grew into a partnership after an elevator meet-cute, and how they have turned burnt lemons into lemonade.

Jennifer and Shawanda are the Co-Founders of The Chattery, a Chattanooga-based ...

Justin Robertson has built his career by taking on challenges that pushed him to grow and relying on his survival instincts along the way.

In this episode, he shares how he navigated the sudden elimination of 43 assistant principal positions early in his career, how persistence and smart networking carried him from teacher to principal to superintendent, and why he’s doubling down on K-2 literacy and expanding Future Ready Centers.

Jimmy White has always been able to see the end game. Whether that’s on the golf course or when putting together a complex real estate deal.

In this episode, he shares how golf prepared him for the highs and lows of business, why “the third time’s the charm” pushed him to leave golf and dive into real estate, and how he’s built a career on win-win deals that create lasting value for Chattanooga.

Jimmy White is the President and Man...