In this special live episode, we sit down with Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, to talk about the recent ice storm that impacted Middle Tennessee and how MTE responded when the community needed them most.

Chris shares an inside look at what goes into preparing for a major weather event, how crews worked around the clock in dangerous conditions, and why ice storms are one of the toughest challenges for power providers. From vegetation management and system upgrades to real-time communication and coordinating hundreds of team members, this conversation breaks down the complex process in a way everyone can understand.

We also discuss:

• How MTE prioritizes power restoration
• The biggest challenges crews faced in the field
• The behind-the-scenes teamwork that made it all possible
• Lessons learned and improvements for future storms
• How MTE supported Nashville Electric Service during the crisis
• Why safety and discipline are critical during multi-day restoration efforts

Chris also shares personal reflections on leadership during a crisis, the resilience of the MTE team, and the overwhelming support from members across the region.

This episode highlights the dedication of the men and women who work 24/7/365 to keep the lights on across Rutherford County and beyond. If you experienced the storm or want to better understand what it takes to power our growing community, this is a must-watch conversation.

Special thanks to Chris Jones and the entire Middle Tennessee Electric team for their leadership and service to our area.

#murfreesboro #murfreesboro #podcast #localnews #mte

Good morning, Murfreesboro. We have a packed show today with major local updates, big announcements, and some fun events happening this week and weekend.

First up, Middle Tennessee Electric is sponsoring the show and we are excited to welcome Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, on tomorrow’s live broadcast. After the recent ice storm, the community had a lot of questions about preparation, response, and infrastructure. We gathered your questions and he will be answering them live. Tune in and join the conversation.

We also highlight a new service coming to Burough Holistic Health. Dr. Underwood is now offering gene mapping services designed to help patients better understand detoxification, inflammation, hormone balance, stress response, and nutrient absorption. It is a simple swab test and could be a game changer for many people looking for personalized health insights.

The Murfreesboro City Council has officially approved large-scale American flags up to 4,000 square feet in certain zoning districts. The flags must meet specific height and setback requirements, but this opens the door for some very visible patriotic displays around the city.

We also have an exciting update on the new Veterans Park project in Murfreesboro.

This 150-acre park will feature a 1.5-mile walking trail loop, destination playground, multiple pavilions, sport courts, event space, and restored natural areas. Construction is underway with completion expected in winter 2026. This will be a major addition to the Murfreesboro community.

Waldo’s Chicken and Beer officially opens March 3, and the first 100 guests will receive free chicken for a year along with swag bags. Be sure to stop by and check them out.

Speak Easy Aesthetics is hosting their Spring Fling event on March 6 with giveaways, local vendors, and special promotions. Cedar Glade Brews is hosting Cabin Fever Beer Fest this Saturday with dozens of breweries, food trucks, live music, and proceeds benefiting Read To Succeed.

The Cedar Glade Brews Cabin Fever Beer Fest is also this weekend and is the first large-scale beer-only festivals in Murfreesboro, and VIP tickets sold quickly. General admission tickets are still available. Expect breweries from across the region, food vendors, entertainment, and a great atmosphere.

Other events happening around town include:

• Stones River Market at the mall with over 60 vendors
• The Statement Boutique pop-up consignment sale with thousands of discounted items
• Singo nights at Nacho’s
• Live music at Heroes Den
• Four Sisters Antiques fashion show

One more fun and tasty event going on this weekend is the grand opening of The Milkshake Factory in The Avenue which includes a ribbon cutting, DJ, giveaways for the first 100 guests, chocolate sampling, and buy one get one free shakes from 12pm to 4pm. It is going to be a sweet celebration.

Murfreesboro continues to grow and there is always something happening. Make sure you follow along for daily updates, business openings, community news, and local events.

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #morningshow #podcast #localnews #johnandjenshow

Good morning and welcome back to the John & Jen Morning Show. This episode is pre-recorded because we are in Nashville, but we could not miss bringing you the latest updates from around Murfreesboro.

We start with some unfortunate news. Southern Diamond Jewelers was recently broken into in the early morning hours. Jewelry and watches were stolen, and while it could have been much worse, it still hits close to home for us. They are wonderful local business owners and the team who made Jen’s ring. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact Murfreesboro Police. Let’s help take care of our local businesses.

On a much more exciting note, Chef Alex Belew is back. The Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 winner and former Dallas & Jane owner is opening a brand new restaurant called Chinwag at The Fountains, in the former Burger Republic location.

Chinwag is all about putting the phones down, enjoying great conversation, and sharing incredible food. Expect handmade pizza dough, fresh pasta, and a creative menu with global inspiration. Target opening is May or June, and we will keep you updated every step of the way.

We also shout out Joanie’s for their limited-time Valentine’s latte and tease some upcoming expansion updates. Plus, thank you to Middle Tennessee Electric for sponsoring the morning show and helping power our community.

Here are a few events happening around town:

• The 80s Boro Prom
• Burlesque Party at Heroes Den
• MTSU Men’s Basketball Alumni Appreciation Game
• Salsa Workshop at Dance Murfreesboro
• BrainBlast Singo at Nachos
• Bumpus Harley-Davidson Dice Roll Giveaway
• Free Kids Self-Defense Seminar at Nashville Krav Maga Murfreesboro

Thank you for watching, supporting local, and being part of our Murfreesboro community. Drop your thoughts in the comments and we will catch up with you when we are back live.

Subscribe for more local updates, restaurant news, and community highlights.c

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #podcast #morningshow #localnews #johnandjenshow

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! Today’s episode is full of laughs, love, local shoutouts, and plenty of squirrel-level distractions.

We kick things off with Valentine’s Day fun (and John’s ladybug outfit 😂), talk last-minute gift ideas, and share some of our favorite local spots for flowers, food, and jewelry. Then we dive into wedding planning – yes, we set a date – and we need YOUR recommendations for venues, cakes, florists, planners, hair & makeup, and more!

We also spotlight our amazing sponsor Middle Tennessee Electric for continuing to power our community, plus show love to MTSU, who will be joining us more often for exciting campus updates.

Later, we share our visit to the Shops at Victory Station, chat about new businesses coming to the area, and give a huge shoutout to some of our favorite local food spots (including that legendary butter chicken at Clay Oven).

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲?

We’ll share the process – and yes, if the venue can’t hold everyone, we’ll live stream the wedding! Drop your recommendations in the comments! 👇

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #podcast #morningshow #localnews #johnandjenshow

Hello Murfreesboro, we’ve missed you! After an unexpected two-week break (thank you, winter storms and international travel delays 😅), we’re finally back with a packed episode… and one MAJOR life update!

✔️ YES… we’re getting married!
We share the full proposal story from secret ring smuggling, windy-beach chaos, photographers in on the plan, and John’s 3-page speech… to the moment Jen finally realized what was happening. It’s hilarious, sweet, and absolutely worth the wait.

✔️ Special Guest: Andrew Oppmann from MTSU
We kick off the show with our friend Andrew discussing how MTSU handled the massive storm, campus closures, safety decisions, and their ongoing partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE). We also talk quantum studies, cybersecurity advocacy, and how local institutions work together behind the scenes.

✔️ Huge Shoutouts & Community Love
From Middle Tennessee Electric and their incredible crews working around the clock…
To nurses, doctors, and first responders hiking through snow with suitcases to care for patients…
To the MTSU team navigating outages and campus logistics…
We highlight the people who kept our community going through the recent storm.

✔️ Birthday Shoutout!
Happy birthday to Jen’s mom, the queen of German cooking and the heart of the family.

✔️ Travel Stories from Mexico
We recap our trip to Playa Mujeres: resort life, unexpected cold weather, Spanish “lessons,” and the storm that followed us home.

✔️ Wedding Plans + How YOU Can Be Involved
Yes… the community will get to help us plan the wedding!
Venues, hair, makeup, livestream ideas – stay tuned for polls and behind-the-scenes fun.

THANK YOU for all the love, comments, and congratulations. This community means everything to us. ❤️

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming wedding updates, local spotlights, and weekly Murfreesboro stories.

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #johnandjenshow #podcast #localnews