Good morning, Middle Tennessee. We’re back with another lively episode packed with local updates, community news, and plenty of laughs along the way.

We kick things off with some behind-the-scenes fun, shout out our sponsor Middle Tennessee Electric, and talk about what really happens before the cameras start rolling.

In this episode, we cover:

– A viral moment involving Alan Ritchson and the buzz around his recent headlines
– Exciting news for Smyrna residents as Mayor Mary Esther Reed teams up for more local content and updates
– A major development project off Sam Ridley Parkway and what it could mean for the area
– A big leadership change at Middle Tennessee State University with Matt Insell stepping in as women’s basketball coach
– A spotlight on a brand new local business, Flourish Dental Care and Wellness
The grand opening of Buffalo Wild Wings GO and how you could score free wings for a year

We also dive into local events happening around Murfreesboro, including:

– Downtown “Sip, Shop, and Stroll”
– Salsa dancing night at The Social Club
– The upcoming underwater egg hunt at Patterson Park
– One of the largest Easter egg hunts in Rutherford County at Blackman High School

Plus, we share a fun and honest review of Pvolve Fitness and why it might be worth checking out if you’re looking for a new workout routine.

As always, we appreciate you tuning in, supporting local businesses, and staying connected with everything happening in our community.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more local updates, and follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content you won’t see anywhere else.

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #morningshow #localnews #podcast

Chris Jones from Middle Tennessee Electric joins us for a monthly update covering everything from the recent ice storm cleanup to current energy costs and ways you can save on your electric bill.

We talk about how the ice storm continues to impact the region, why these types of storms are often more damaging than tornadoes, and how MTE maintains over 15,000 miles of power lines to keep service reliable.

Chris also breaks down current electricity pricing, how Middle Tennessee Electric compares to the national average, and why rates in our area remain among the lowest in the country despite high energy usage in Tennessee.

Plus, we dive into:

– Why your electric bill may fluctuate
– How weather impacts power generation and costs
– The role of TVA and natural gas pricing
– Free home energy audits offered by MTE
– Common issues like air leaks, duct problems, and outdated windows
– Simple ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency
– The importance of changing air filters regularly
– How new neighborhoods are being built with energy efficiency in mind
– Updates on United Communications and fiber expansion across Middle Tennessee

If you’re looking to lower your energy usage and save money, this is a must-watch.

For more information or to schedule a free energy audit, contact Middle Tennessee Electric directly.

Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe for more local updates.

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #mte #podcast #localnews

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Oldham from Middle Tennessee State University to talk about one of the most impactful and eye-opening class topics on campus: dating and mating, and the science behind relationships.

Dr. Oldham shares how her research in romantic relationship development led to creating a unique course that helps students better understand communication, connection, and the role relationships play in our lives. Beyond the classroom, she also teaches courses on family violence, community wellness, and grant writing, preparing students for real-world careers, especially in nonprofit work.

We also dive into an important upcoming panel series focused on family violence prevention and awareness. These panels bring together professionals from across Tennessee who are on the front lines, including law enforcement, therapists, and nonprofit leaders.

Panel Topics and Dates:

Child Abuse Panel: March 26 at 1:15 PM
Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Panel: April 9 at 1:15 PM
Elder Abuse Panel: April 16 at 1:15 PM

All events take place at MTSU in the Academic Classroom Building and are open to the public, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available.

In this conversation, we cover:

How to recognize signs of abuse, including non-physical forms like isolation, financial control, and verbal abuse
Why many cases go unreported and how to support victims and survivors
The importance of community awareness and available local resources
Shocking statistics around domestic violence affecting both women and men
The critical role of early intervention and education
Online safety concerns for children and how parents can stay proactive

Dr. Oldham emphasizes that violence often happens within trusted relationships, making awareness and education even more important. These panels are designed to equip the community with knowledge, resources, and practical steps to help prevent and respond to these situations.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions, network with professionals, and access additional resources. Accommodations, including ASL interpreters, are available, and recordings can be requested for those unable to attend live.

If you live in Middle Tennessee, this is a valuable opportunity to learn, get involved, and help make a difference in your community.

Visit https://mtsu.edu/hdfs for more information.

Virtual attendees will be able to ask questions and participate in the discussion. To attend virtually, visit https://bit.ly/4l3iAFK

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #mtsu #domesticviolence

In this episode of The John and Jen Show, we’re back with a packed lineup of local updates, community news, and a special guest you won’t want to miss.

We kick things off with a recap of the now legendary cookie experiment and dive into a variety of construction and development updates happening around Murfreesboro. From mystery build-outs to confirmed projects, we break down what’s coming and what we know so far, including a proposed new Lowe’s on South Church Street.

We also highlight a powerful partnership between MTSU and Experience Community Church that is making a real difference in students’ lives by providing financial assistance for those in need. Plus, we discuss the retirement announcement of MTSU President Dr. Sidney McPhee after 25 years of leadership.

Jen shares her experience taking on a challenging fitness class at Pvolve in The Avenue, and we talk about why it’s worth checking out, especially with a special promo offer.

Our special guest, Dr. Rebecca Oldham from MTSU, joins us to talk about an important upcoming panel series focused on family violence awareness and prevention. These events are open to the public and cover topics like child abuse, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse, while also providing valuable resources for the community.

We wrap things up with local events you can check out, including Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen, a Free Laundry Day event, live music and storytelling at The Walnut House, and spring pet portraits at Wag Better Dog Boutique.

Stay connected for more local updates, interviews, and everything happening around Murfreesboro.

Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode.

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #podcast #morningshow #johnandjenshow

In this week’s live show, we’re covering a bunch of new updates and events happening around Murfreesboro. From new restaurants opening up around Veterans Parkway to community events and some hilarious moments during the broadcast, there’s a lot going on.

We start off with a quick kickoff to the show, celebrating the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day with our green-themed setup and talking about the crazy pollen “bomb” that recently hit the area and has everyone battling allergies.

Then we jump into several local updates, including a new restaurant that just opened and a major breakfast spot moving into a longtime Murfreesboro location.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

• Vui’s Kitchen has officially opened on Veterans Parkway. The Asian-inspired restaurant offers items like pho, tacos, wings, and their popular Vui’s Bowl.
• Big Bad Breakfast is coming to Murfreesboro and will be taking over the former City Cafe location near the downtown square.
• The location that was originally planned for Big Bad Breakfast on Veterans will now be split between a dental office and an ice cream shop.
• Another Moe’s Southwest Grill location is opening behind Wendy’s on South Church Street near Aldi and Sherwin-Williams.
• We attended a local sheriff and mayor debate and livestreamed the event for the community.
• Shout out to Kyle, who helped set up the entire production and livestream setup for the debate.

We also highlight several upcoming local events:

• Rocking for a Reason – A School of Rock performance benefiting Special Kids at Heroes Den.
• St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebrations at ML Rose with drink specials and live music.
• Shamrock and Roll St. Patrick’s event at Happys featuring music from Jill FM and food from Fatty Matty’s Pizza.
• Micro Wrestling (Big Little Brawlers) coming to Happys for a unique entertainment event.
• A free Middle Tennessee Symphonetta concert at MTSU featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

Plus, we share some fun moments from the show including a discussion about dream strip malls, a hilarious realization about Louis Vuitton vs. Louboutin, and a very questionable taste test of two-year-old Publix cookies.

Thanks for watching and for supporting local Murfreesboro updates.

If you enjoy these weekly updates, make sure to like, follow, and share so more people can stay informed about what’s happening around town.

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #podcast #localnews #johnandjenshow

In this episode, we sit down with Tamika Mitchell from Middle Tennessee State University’s Office of Student Care and Conduct and Kyle Elkins from Experience Community Church to talk about a powerful partnership that is making a real difference in students’ lives.

The program, which launched about a year ago, was created to help MTSU students facing financial barriers that could prevent them from continuing their education. Through this partnership, students are able to receive assistance for essential needs such as housing, food, tuition gaps, and even textbooks. In many cases, help can be provided quickly when a student is facing an urgent situation.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss how the program started, the kinds of challenges students are facing today, and how the support from the community is helping students stay in school and reach graduation. Tamika and Kyle also share real stories about students who were able to continue their education because of this support.

This conversation also highlights the importance of community partnerships and how local organizations, churches, and individuals can work together to support students and create opportunities for a better future.

If you would like to learn more or support the efforts to help students in need, you can contact the MTSU Office of Student Care and Conduct.

MTSU Office of Student Care and Conduct
Website: https://mtsu.edu/care-conduct
Phone: 615-898-2750

If you are an MTSU student who needs support, you can reach out directly, be referred by faculty or advisors, or visit the office to learn about available resources.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations highlighting the people, programs, and partnerships making a difference in our community.

#murfreesboro #murfreesborotn #mtsu #church #donation