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. Anna George is the VP of Conservation Science and Education at the Tennessee Aquarium. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/anna-george-07b384a/) and learn more about her role at the aquarium on their website (tnaqua.org/conserve/who-we-are/dr-anna-george). If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like: Mark McKnight’s Morning Cup (E39) Keith Sanford’s Morning Cup (E86) Carol Eimers’s Morning Cup (E109) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

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 David on the Local 3 website: local3news.com/about-us/meet-the-team/david-carroll/article_74c164f2-2dde-52ff-b9bc-fd0a6af7faf7.html If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like: Callie Starnes’s Morning Cup (E18) Calvin Sneed’s Morning Cup (E77) Darrell Patterson’s Morning Cup (E108) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

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 Board for Hamilton County as well as Executive Director of Transform Ministries and InZone, another early intervention program for at-risk youth.  My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

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 on LinkedIn, linkedin.com/in/carol-eimers/   If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like: Matt Rasmussen’s Morning Cup (E57) Jacinda Woodward’s Morning Cup (E70) Allen Clare’s Morning Cup (E97) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

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’s Morning Cup (E77) Richard Simms’s Morning Cup (E87) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Tim Kelly, Mayor of Chattanooga and co-founder of Chattanooga Football Club, shares his vision for the city's future as he runs for a second term. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at city governance, discussing initiatives like the recent city rebrand and the rail system feasibility study. Kelly highlights the importance of leadership in tackling the wealth gap and promoting workforce development. He emphasizes collaboration among mayors for city innovation and the unique community spirit in Chattanooga that sets it apart from larger cities.

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.org/about-cwa If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like: Leslie Gower’s Morning Cup (E02) Chanda Chambers’s Morning Cup (E19) Vance Travis’s Morning Cup (E40) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

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/news/author/timdooner If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like: Craig Fuller’s Morning Cup (E58) Bruce Weiss’s Morning Cup (E89) Tasia Malakasis’s Morning Cup (E92) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

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 Leading and Learning at the Public Education Foundation. You can learn more about Edna and PEF on their website (pefchattanooga.org/our-team/dr.-edna-varner). If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like: John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35) Virginia Anne Sharber’s Morning Cup (E59) Elaine Swafford’s Morning Cup (E64) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Chip Baker, a seasoned commentator on community leadership, and Roy Vaughn, an expert on Chattanooga's growth, reunite to reflect on a year of memorable moments. They dive into the podcast's success stories and significant interviews, emphasizing community connections. With humor, they share personal anecdotes about family dynamics and their recent travels. The duo also discusses the essence of volunteering and the importance of maintaining balance in life while highlighting local developments that strengthen their beloved Chattanooga.