Matt Rasmussen originally wanted to be an archeologist (thanks, Indiana Jones!) or a forester, but after settling into engineering in college, he never looked back and has had a wildly successful career with the Tennessee Valley Authority.    In this episode, Matt shares his many steps up the corporate ladder and what makes someone stay at one company for 22 years. He also gives the inside scoop on nuclear power and what happens behind the scenes at TVA.   Matt Rasmussen is the SVP of Engineering and Operations Support at TVA. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Tom Cupo’s Morning Cup (E32) Mark McKnight’s Morning Cup (E39) Mark Reeves’s Morning Cup (E46)

Dr. Jordan is not a “pulpit pastor” - he’s active in the community. He’s the pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church and some will tell you he is the pastor of Chattanooga. He founded an anti-violence program called Stop the Madness, which combatted the crack epidemic in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1992. Now, Stop the Madness is a national non-profit.   In this episode, we discuss gratitude, finding inner peace despite adversity, Stop the Madness, why he refused his life’s calling for so long, and what it was like growing up in the 70s as a black man in Chattanooga.    Dr. Ternae Jordan is the Pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church. You can learn more about him here and you can find his book, Crossing Jordan, here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Wade Hinton’s Morning Cup (E09) DeJuan Jordan’s Morning Cup (E34) Father Dale Hall’s Morning Cup (E49)

Charles Wood is a self-proclaimed “class clown” turned salesman. Despite an unstable childhood, he’s built a solid career in Economic Development.    In this episode, we discuss how backpacking through Central America changed his perspective on life and his pit stops in Mobile, College Station, and Pensacola before arriving in Chattanooga 12 years ago. Plus, how he’s steering the Chamber towards Economic Development by inviting the right people to the right rooms.   Charles is the President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Leslie Gower’s Morning Cup (E02) Ron Harr’s Morning Cup (E17) Jim Kennedy’s Morning Cup (E37)

With a passion for music and comedy, no wonder Eric Foster became an on-air personality for a radio station!   In this episode, Eric shares his process for writing his stand-up acts, how he got started in radio, and what it’s like to donate a kidney?!   Eric is the Program Director and an on-air personality for Brewer Media Group. You can learn more about him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Clint Powell’s Morning Cup (E01) Callie Starnes’s Morning Cup (E13) Jared Stehney’s Morning Cup (E30)

Most people would get tired of traveling if they lived in 7 states during their childhood, but it only grew Sybil Topil’s love of seeing new places.   In this episode, we discuss her role of “putting Chattanooga on the map,” her resourcefulness that helped her find jobs in France and Nashville, how introverts can create a persona for networking, and the challenges that come along with a cancer diagnosis.   Sybil is the VP of Marketing and Engagement for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here, and you can read the Jimmy Buffet article we mentioned here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Dalya Qualls White’s Morning Cup (E14) John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35) Karen Shostak’s Morning Cup (E44)

Bob Corker, a retired politician who served as a US Senator and Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, shares his journey from mayor to influential leader. He discusses his early days in construction, the drive-through restaurant revolution, and the role of community in shaping his passion for public service. Corker reflects on the challenges of affordable housing and the importance of mentorship. Concluding with thoughts on happiness, he emphasizes the joy found in connections with family and community.

This week my good friends, Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn, return to My Morning Cup to turn the tables on me. I open myself up to their invasive questioning.   Was my plan to be a broadcaster or did I stumble into the industry? Why did I start the My Morning Cup podcast? And, of course, what would I tell my 25 year old self that is important for a happy life? I hope you take 40 minutes to enjoy the conversation.    I look forward to a great year #2 of My Morning Cup.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Chip Baker’s Morning Cup (E04) Roy Vaughn’s Morning Cup (E08)

Celebrate a year of podcasting with reflections on community connections and personal growth. Discover behind-the-scenes insights on the challenges of maintaining consistency and the importance of sound quality. Enjoy anecdotes on coffee rituals and the power of authentic dialogue with diverse guests. Learn about exciting new sponsorship opportunities and get a glimpse of what’s ahead for the future. Plus, tune in for an announcement about their new weekly newsletter!

You may know this week’s guest as the “Chaplain of the Streets” - AKA Father Dale Hall, an Anglican Priest who has dedicated his life to serving the homeless.    In this episode, Father Dale shares the path that led him to the Chatt Foundation, what a day in the life of a Chaplain looks like, and how *everyone* is much closer to being homeless than we’d care to admit.   Dale Hall is the Chaplain at the Chatt Foundation. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here or follow him on Twitter/X here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: DeJuan Jordan's Morning Cup (E34) John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35) Donna McConnico’s Morning Cup (E43)

Candy Johnson has a “non-traditional” career path which started with aspirations to become a famous supermodel. She won Miss Barbizon in 1994 but after becoming a single mom she decided to go to college instead. She earned her degree as a single mom and went on to get her Masters.   In this episode, Candy shares how she learned to deal with rejection, how moving to Chattanooga from the Nashville area opened her eyes to the work Chattanooga needs to do with inclusion of all citizens, and what the Urban League’s focus is for the future.   Candy is the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Wade Hinton’s Morning Cup (E09) Jim Kennedy’s Morning Cup (E37) Jay Dale’s Morning Cup (E42)