Frank Murphy interviews Dana Soehn, President and CEO of Friends of the Smokies. Dana joined Friends in 2023 after serving as a National Park Service employee for more than 30 years, including ten years as Park Spokesperson. During the government shutdown, Friends of the Smokies joined with other partners to provide funding to  keep the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open to the public. Friends of the Smokies is seeking donations to continue funding projects in the Park.  Learn more at https://friendsofthesmokies.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Jen Corbin, this year's president of the Nativity Pageant of Knoxville and Erica Moore, this year's vice president. The 57th annual Nativity Pageant will be presented on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.; Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., and Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.  Parking is $5, credit or debit card only. Admission to the Pageant is free. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. A musical prelude begins 30 minutes prior to each performance. Arrive early enough to find seats before the performance, which begins in total darkness. The performance lasts about one hour.  The Nativity Pageant of Knoxville features live animals, a cast of over 100 actors, a choir of over 100 singers, a full orchestra and four professional narrators. It tells the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. For more information, visit https://www.knoxvillenativity.com/

Frank Murphy interviews Fr. David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. Fr. David discusses the first Sunday of Advent and the coming of the Christmas season. Visit the Cathedral's website at https://www.shcathedral.org/ for Mass times and other information.  For details about the free Cathedral Concert Series, go to https://www.shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series/

Frank Murphy interviews local media personality Beth Haynes and Pamela Coleman of the McNabb Foundation about the Beth Haynes 12 Days of Christmas Online Auction benefiting the McNabb Center’s Dear Santa Program. Funds raised through the auction will help provide gifts and experiences for more than 2,500 children and families in need this holiday season. Bidding opens Monday, December 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. and runs through Friday, December 12, 2025 at 10:00 p.m. Text 12days25 to 243-725 to view the auction items, or visit the website at https://www.mcnabbfoundation.org/12days

Frank Murphy interviews Aram Demirjian, Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra about their upcoming performances including Rhapsody in Blue on November 20 and 21, 2025; Elf on November 23, 2025; Handel's Messiah on November 30, 2025, and the Clayton Holiday Concerts on December 19, 20, and 21, 2025. Aram also discusses the Knoxville Symphony Youth Ensembles and their upcoming Fall concerts. Find the full schedule at https://knoxvillesymphony.com/concert-calendar/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Natalia Havasy, Director of Marketing & Community Benefit at East Tennessee Children's Hospital about their Adopt a Family program and the Fantasy of Trees.  To Adopt a Family, donate $15 or more to benefit East Tennessee Children's Hospital, and get back $15 in a gift card from Salsarita's. https://www.etch.com/ways-to-give/adopt-a-family/  East Tennessee Children's Hospital Fantasy of Trees takes place Wednesday, November 26 to Sunday, November 30, 2025 in the Knoxville Convention Center. https://www.etch.com/ways-to-give/events/fantasy-of-trees/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Caroline Bean, Public Relations & Communications Manager for the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau and Elaine Frank, Deputy Director of Special Events for the City of Knoxville.  Caroline discusses upcoming events in Gatlinburg including the Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on November 7; the 50th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on December 5; and Gatlinburg's New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Space Needle on December 31. Learn more at https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/seasonal-events/winter/ Elaine discusses upcoming events in Knoxville including Christmas at Chilhowee on November 21; Holidays on Ice in Market Square from November 28 to January 4; and New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere on December 31. Elaine invited Frank to emcee New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere. Learn more about Christmas in the City events at https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/Christmas

Frank Murphy interviews Executive Editor Joel Christopher and Photo Editor Jennifer Dedman of Knox News about the Empty Stocking Fund, which has been helping families in need since 1912. Empty Stocking Fund recipients receive 40 food items including a five-pound ham to provide for Christmas dinner as well as other meals during the holiday season. The News Sentinel Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit - 501(c)3 - organization that was established in 1975 to manage and govern the Empty Stocking Fund. News Sentinel staff that serve on the News Sentinel Charities board manage the program. Volunteers are needed during the week of December 15 to pack boxes with food. Volunteer registration for 2025 opens on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at https://www.esfknox.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Bethany Jackson, Location Leader for the Sevier County Isaiah 117 House. There are currently 37 Isaiah 117 House locations across 13 states with 7 more opening by February, 2026.  The mission of Isaiah 117 House is to reduce trauma on removal day and to provide a safe place where children can await placement. Children generally stay up to 72 hours and receive clothing, shoes, hygiene items, suitcases, and anything they may need to start their journey into foster care. Learn more at https://isaiah117house.com/

Frank Murphy interviews Michael Ray, Executive Director of The Joy of Music School, which provides free weekly music lessons to 150 in-house students and reaches over 1,000 children per year through 19 partner sites. Learn more at https://joyofmusicschool.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Alan Lowe, director of the American Museum of Science & Energy and the K-25 History Center in Oak Ridge. The American Museum of Science & Energy attracts about 65,000 visitors per year. Among other activities, AMSE provides interactive curriculum-based classroom programs for school groups and STEM education programs. AMSE houses permanent and rotating exhibits, provides live demonstrations, hosts evening events, and holds spring, summer, and fall camp programs for students. AMSE is also the starting point for bus tours of historic sites on the federal government’s Oak Ridge Reservation, and it hosts the National Park Service (NPS) programs and events for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Learn more at https://amse.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Brian Salesky, Executive and Artistic Director of Amadeus Concert Ensemble about its 2025-2026 season of free concerts as part of the Cathedral Concert Series at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Learn more at https://www.shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series/

Frank Murphy interviews Amanda Marr Director of Marketing & Communications for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce about Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest and other activities in the Sevierville area.  Learn more at https://visitsevierville.com/fall/

Frank Murphy interviews Alyssa Cook, development director of Tennessee Out-Reach Center for Homeless (TORCH), and Naomi Asher of The Maven consultancy.  Learn more at https://oakridgetorch.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Mike Kitchens, chairman of Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, which trains and provides mobility assistance service dogs to military veterans and first responders who need them.  This program aired on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Learn more at https://www.smokymountainservicedogs.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Aaron Snukals of Concerts For Our Own and Caroline Timpson of Breast Connect. The concerts benefit three charities: Breast Connect, the Love Kitchen, and Choice Health Network. Tickets on sale at https://www.concertsforourown.org/  Learn more about Breast Connect at https://breastconnect.org/ This program aired on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Concerts For Our Own season: Friday, October 10, 2025 - "The Purple xPeRIeNCE" Prince Tribute Show Thursday, October 30, 2025 - "MummFest" - Here Come the Mummies with special guests Lachy Doley & Platinum Moon

Frank Murphy interviews Sara Dickson and Mark Dulniak with the Alzheimer's Association's Tennessee chapter. This program aired on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Ales for Alz runs through August 31. Information at https://alesforalz-knox.org/ The 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Zoo Knoxville. Information at http://www.alz.org/KnoxvilleWalk

Frank Murphy interviews Kesha Waters and Hannah Fatheree of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland. This program aired on Sunday, August 17, 2025. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. The core purpose of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is to provide a voice for abused and neglected children in Anderson and Blount counties. As a non-profit, volunteer-based agency, our mission is to empower CASA volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in juvenile court. Our vision is to provide a court-appointed volunteer advocate for every child who needs one.

Frank Murphy interviews Kelley Weatherley-Sinclair of the East Tennessee Historical Society about the 2025 History Hootenanny which takes place on Saturday, August 16, 2025.  This program aired on Sunday, August 10, 2025. History Hootenanny showcases the best of the East Tennessee History Center and its partners at this open house. This year’s theme is “Sports History” to celebrate the feature exhibition, Home Runs & Home Teams: A History of the National Pastime in Tennessee. Guests can enjoy live music, sports-themed children’s activities, Knoxville walking tours, shuttles to the Historic House Museums of Knoxville, and more! History Hootenanny is a free public history event organized in partnership by the East Tennessee Historical Society, Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, and Tennessee Archive of Moving Image & Sound.

It’s officially spring - so Tis the season to get outdoors…. One way is The 3rd annual Lupus Golf Tournament Fundraiser….. There are so many ways to take part.. Even if you don’t play…. This annual event raises awareness for Lupus and the Lupus Foundation of America.

So many people getting sick, the flu- covid, sinuses issues.. Its a lot to stay healthy…these days… and some people - have greater struggles… with their health.. For instance, dealing w/ substance abuse disorders.. But there is help and support… on non-profit is  the East TN Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors - Darius is diving in to learn more about this organization and their annual Smoky Mountain Conference.

Ever have a day or days - you feel lost, maybe even hopeless? It happens… know you are not alone… in fact there are many organizations out there - ready to help - if you are ready for it… one of them - a hand up for women…. Full of love and support.. The non-profit is holding its largest fundraiser, the Annual Gala Red Carpet Event.

Camp Bayoca - sound like something your kids should get into? Head on over to campbayoca.com and get them registered today.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will be calling in to talk about the 2025 Read City USA challenge and how you can get involved. But first, KFD Asst. Chief Mark Wilbanks joins us to tell us about the upcoming KFD Recruitment Expo.

If you have a teenager in the family, or know of one.. They can score a thousand bucks - time to break out the creativity for a contest through Metro Drug Coalition- Courtney Fuson shares the details for “A Vape Free Future” youth PSA contest.    First, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs calls in about the 2025 Read City USA challenge and how you can get involved.

The Beardsley Community Farm is gearing up for Snow ! No need to grab a shovel - more like a spoon…. It’s actually their Snow Day event. With a full day of activities including a soup contest, silent auction, and live musical performances. Charlotte’s here to fill us in … But first, it’s time to Pack the Bag with Second Harvest Food Bank…  A fundraiser to fuel their Food for Kids program.  Matthew Blondell says $8 goes a long way when it comes to nutritious food for hungry children.

Leave winter at the door and get ready for the spring time with the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show. Shannon Herron will be joining us today to tell us everything you need to know about this year’s event. But first, Ron Day from Remote Area Medical stops by to talk about their upcoming clinic where they’re offering health, vision and dental services completely free of charge.

Charlie Jackson from the Hand Up For Homeless Ministry joins the show to talk about his organization, their impact on the Knoxville community, and how you can get involved this winter and holiday season.

Saturday, December 7th Covenant Health is bringing back their 20th annual Artsclamation fine arts sale benefitting Peninsula Behavioral Services. Laurel and Tyler joins us this morning to tell us all about it.

Christmas time is right around the corner and what better way to bring in the holiday season than with some classic Christmas stories. The Clarence Brown Theatre has the right idea as they’re presenting A Christmas Carol November 21 - December 21. Mindy stops by to give us the details.

Ron Day from Remote Area Medical stops by to talk about their upcoming free healthcare clinics. Also, Kimberly Montierth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints comes in to tell us about their Light The World Giving Machines fundraiser.

Hand Up For Women is a local ministry offering a hand UP to women who want to live a self-sufficient, abundant life free of loneliness and fear. November 1st they will be launching their online auction benefiting the women and programs of the organization. Betty-Lou Simpson joins us this morning to tell us more about it.

Fall is finally here which means it’s time for the fall festivities, and East TN Children’s Hospital has plenty for you to choose from. Natalie joins us today to tell us all about them. With the fall comes the fall critters creeping in your house to stay warm. Luckily Michael from Renewal By Anderson is here to give us all the tips on how to keep your home bug free this coming fall and winter!

Knox County Mobile Meals just hosted their annual Power of the Purse fundraiser to much success. Sara Keel joins us this morning to tell us about the volunteer opportunities available with Mobile Meals and how you can help out!

The 24th annual Hola Festival is taking place Saturday, September 21st and Pedro joins the show to tell us more about it.

October 2nd, the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains will be hosting their 22nd annual Play FORE The Kids Golf Tournament. This year they're ramping up the stakes by giving away a brand new 2024 Chevrolet Corvette!

The Clarence Brown Theatre will be presenting, “Knoxville,” a musical depicting the childhood of Knoxville native and Pulitzer Prize winning author, James Agee. To tell us more about it we have Kenneth Martin and McKinley Merritt joining us today!

The 18th annual Slim Fest is taking place August 3rd and will be raising money for the Legends of Tennessee, a youth mentorship program based here in Knoxville. Steve Stilts of Slim Fest and VFL Jabari Davis joined us this morning to give us all the details!

It’s Christmas !!! in July… the Emerald Youth Foundation is getting a head start, with your help, so they can be sure the hundreds of families they serve, have a super special holiday season. Also, Sara Dickson and Steve Danesi from the Alzheimer’s Association stop by to talk about the Walk To End Alzheimer's happening in September and how you can get involved to support the cause!

Concerts For Our Own is a series of live concerts benefiting non-profit organizations that serve the people right here in East TN.  Today, Martin Riggins from the Love Kitchen and Jennifer East from PUNT Pediatric Cancer Collaborative will join us and share more about their respective organizations, how Concerts For Our Own will support their efforts, and how you can get involved!

Sara Dickson and Steve Danesi from the Alzheimer’s Association stop by to talk about the Walk To End Alzheimer's happening in September and how you can get involved to support the cause! Kimberly O’Neal also joins us today to talk about her company Modern Day Stay At Home Mom and how she is helping thousands of moms across the country.

Time is running out to take advantage of the TN Department of Treasury TN Stars program. Shelli King joins us today to tell us how you can get a jump start on your child’s college savings. But first, Marilyn Childress from the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation joins the show to tell us how her foundation will be honoring WWII veterans this weekend.

Moms everywhere know the challenges that come with motherhood, especially stay at home moms. One of which being finding employment after dedicating so much time to the family. Kimberly O’Neal addressed that problem head on and started Modern Day Stay At Home Mom, a service that connects businesses with moms and helps them find work across a wide range of industries. Listen in while Kimberly explains how it works! Also, Going to the dentist in today’s economy can be very scary, especially for the kids. Good thing the Knox County Health Department will be introducing a program where children can receive dental services for free! Megan and Sarah joins us to give more details on how you can take advantage.

June 6th, the Cancer Support Community of East Tennessee will be hosting their Good Vibrations Outdoor Benefit Concert at Yee Haw Brewing. This morning Lori and Beth stopped by to give us more details about the event and how it will benefit the organization. Also, Kristy Altman from Medic Regional Blood Center stopped by as well to talk with Darius Williams about the 20th annual Parrot Head Week!

Are you a thrill seeker looking for your next adventure? Do you like to raise money for important causes? Well you’re in luck because Over The Edge Knoxville will be back on June 1st and you’ll be able to raise money for The Arc Knox County by jumping off a building! This morning, Jackie Johnson sat down with Darius Williams to discuss this exciting fundraiser and how you can get involved. 

Our good friends at  Second Harvest Food Bank want to be sure no child goes hungry - this two week fundraiser feeds the Food for Kids program - and the bellies of thousands of children in East Tennessee. Jon Rice and Matthew Blondell talk about the need and how you can help. Are you ready to expand the family, open your home and your hearts to  a new pet? Time for empty the shelters where you get an unbelievable deal thanks to the Bissell pet foundation Wait until you hear what Darius Williams found out while speaking with Chasity Johnson of Young-Williams Animal Center.

This weekend marks the beginning of the TN WaterColor Society Biennial Juried Exhibition coming to the Emporium Center in Knoxville. Gayle Seale from the Watercolor Society joined Darius Williams this morning to tell you a little about the exhibit.

The Arab-American Club of Knoxville is presenting their 11th annual Arab Fest this weekend at Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Susan and Lina joined Darius Williams to talk more about the event.

Spring is in full swing and Ijams Nature center is back with their 3rd annual Fleurish (Flourish) Runway Show. The show will be bringing eco-friendly and sustainable “Punk vs Funk” styles to the runway along with an array of vendors and live music performances. This morning, Sarah Brobst joins Darius Williams in the studio to talk about the show!

This weekend is the 14th annual Forget Me Not 5K raising funds and awareness for the cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Darius Williams spoke with the organizers of the event about how it will benefit The Pat Summit Foundation.