Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev

Hosted by Morgan Franklin Media

Business EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

267

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

<p>Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a podcast about business, parenting and living life intentionally. We're here every week to bring you intentional conversations on making your own path to success, challenging the status quo, and finding all the ways we're better. Recorded in Cookeville, TN, Kosta joins guests from all walks of life to bring fresh perspective and start your week with purpose. We're better together.</p>

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 15950 min

Meet the Meat Puppet with Mack Lunn

Join Kosta and his guest: Mack Lunn, Associate Director of iCube at Tennessee Technological University, Owner of Mack Lunn Enterprises, and Candidates for Putnam County Commission District 2. In this episode: Today’s episode is special because you’re not only my neighbor, you’re also running for County Commission in my District, District 2. We’ve hosted candidates Stacye Choate and Sam Sandlin and it’s a pleasure to have you on today. What’s the greatest issue facing District 2 specifically and why are you the best County Commission candidate to best address it? Putnam County is changing everyday and whether we want it or not, the AI revolution is here. You’re pursuing a PhdD focused on artificial intelligence and its role in higher education, how will that translate to the County Commission and Putnam County Government overall? On a scale of 1-10 how well would you say our County Commission performing their duties. If not 10 how would you personally advocate within the commission and our community to get to a 10? Find out more about Mack Lunn, Candidate for Putnam County Commission District 2: https://putnamdemocrats.org/candidate/mack-lunn/https://www.instagram.com/votemacklunn/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

June 8, 2026Episode 1581 hr 6 min

We Have Options with Aurora Wells

Join Kosta and his guest: Aurora Wells, Candidates for Jackson County Mayor. In this episode: We’ve said it many times on this podcast, but there’s no place like Jackson County. You grew up in Gainesboro, moved away, and came back. Why did you leave? What brought you back? More than ever, local elections matter. All across Tennessee, but especially in rural counties like Jackson County. As a candidate for Mayor, and Jackson County native, how will the outcome of this election shape Jackson County and why does it matter to you? In Tennessee a County Mayor is essentially the County's Chief Executive and lead budget officer. You've spent decades as an enrolled agent and a nonprofit CFO. What experience does your financial background provide you in the county budget that someone without it might miss?Find out more about Aurora Well's Campaign for Jackson County Mayor: https://jacksoncotndems.org/voter-guide/meet-the-candidates/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com

June 1, 2026Episode 15730 min

100 Years of the Putnam County Fair with Taylor Hill

Join Kosta and his guest: Taylor Hill, Assistant Treasurer for the Putnam County Fair Board, Owner of Taylor Creates and Candidate for Algood City Council. In this episode: It’s safe to say there’s no single event that brings Putnam County together like our County Fair. This year, the Putnam County Fair will celebrate its 100th anniversary. As a Fair Board Member, what does this centennial celebration mean to you? In 2019, Putnam County authorized 196 acres on Tennessee Avenue to build our next fairgrounds. In addition to the fairgrounds, we’ve completed and opened the Putnam County Convention Center, with the new Expo Center under construction. How do you see the new location impacting our fair’s success for the next 100 years? For most of us we walk through the gate and have no idea what it takes to make that happen. As the Assistant Treasurer, you live in the budget. Without giving away secrets, what would surprise people most about the financial reality of producing this event every year?Find out more about the Putnam County Fair:https://putnamcountyfair.org/Find out more about Taylor Creates: https://www.taylorcreates.net/Find out more about Taylor Hill's Campaign for Algood City Council:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588433136653Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

May 25, 2026Episode 15644 min

Moving Forward with Kerry Ledbetter

Join Kosta and his guest: Kerry Ledbetter, District 6, Putnam County School Board Member, Manager for Community Homeowner Associations and Candidate for Putnam County Clerk. In this episode: No matter what happens in August, this election will bring forward a new era in local leadership for Putnam County. As we said, you’re running for Putnam County Clerk and hope to pick up where outgoing County Clerk Wayne Nabors is leaving off. What do you see as your greatest opportunity in the office on day one? You’ve spent over twenty years in hotel and hospitality management. Needless to say, you understand service and what it means to be in service to others. How did your time in hospitality prepare you for the work of the Putnam County Clerk’s office? Most of us only visit the County Clerk's office when we’re getting new tags or registration. For listeners who've never really thought about it, walk us through what the office does day-to-day. More importantly, why should voters care who is doing this job? Find out more about Kerry Ledbetter's Campaign: https://www.kerryledbetter.comRegister to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com

May 18, 2026Episode 15550 min

Question Everything with Brandy Lynn

Join Kosta and his guest: Brandy Lynn, Co-Founder and Apothecary Manager of The Silver Fern.In this epsiode: Let’s start with The Silver Fern, you are both a co-founder and the apothecary manager. Most of our listeners are likely aware of your Art Gallery, Fiddlehead Gallery, but overall the store provides so much more to our community. What is The Silver Fern? Before we get too far in the episode, I want to ask you about acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, because I feel like it might be the missing thread to weaving this story together. How did you become an acupuncturist? What is acupuncture? When people hear tea in the south they’re usually not thinking about herbal medicine. They’re thinking about a syrup concoction for McDonald’s. How is tea from an apothecary different from a good cup of Liptons Sweet Tea?Find out more about The Silver Fern:https://thesilverfernshop.com/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

May 11, 2026Episode 15457 min

County Business with Jonathan A.D. Williams

Join Kosta and his guest: Jonathan A.D. Williams, Putnam County Commissioner for District One, Owner of Veterans Barber Shop, former U.S. Marine, police officer, and candidate for Putnam County Commission District One. In this episode: Your first term on Putnam County Commission started in 2010. So, let’s start there. What inspired you to run for Putnam County Commission and what’s changed the most over the past sixteen years? We’re recording this episode on the second week of early voting and our county vote totals have already surpassed the early vote total for 2022 and 2018. What’s motivating voters to get out to the polls? Has the increased interest of this election cycle changed your campaigning strategy? If elected, this will be your fourth term on the County Commission. What do you see as your greatest accomplishments to date? What do you hope to add to those accomplishments over the next four years? Find out more about Veterans Barber Shop:https://www.veteransbarbershop.com/Find out more about Jonathan A.D. Williams for Putnam County Commissioner: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063633996867Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com

May 4, 2026Episode 15346 min

Safe Place to Land with Margo Dirkson

Join Kosta and his guest: Margo Dirkson, Department Coordinator for the Office of Access, Belonging, and Community Outreach at Tennessee Tech University. In this episode: In 2024, TTU launched the office of Access, Belonging, and Community Outreach, where you currently serve as the Department Coordinator. Will you tell us about the office and how it serves students? You and Dr. Robert Owens built this office from the ground up. Most faculty never get to design a cabinet-level office from scratch. How do you know when you're getting it right? Belonging is a buzzword in higher education and I feel like sometimes it loses its meaning. Tech enrolls first-generation students, students from rural Tennessee, international students, and students whose families have been in the Upper Cumberland for generations all in the same residence hall. What does belonging actually mean at a place like TTU?Find out more about TN Tech's Office of Access, Belonging and Community Outreach:https://www.tntech.edu/news/releases/24-25/tech-launches-new-office-of-access-belonging-and-community-outreach.phpFind out more about TN Tech: https://www.tntech.eduBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

April 27, 2026Episode 15243 min

Democratic Values with Sara Kruszka

Join Kosta and his guest: Sara Kruszka, candidate for Democratic Executive Committeewoman for Tennessee District 15.In this episode: Like everyone listening to this episode, no matter how hard we try, we can’t escape this election cycle. However, today’s episode will be a bit different as we’re talking about a part of the ballot you’ve probably never paid much attention to: State Executive Committee. You’re running for Tennessee District 15 Democratic Executive Committeewoman, what is that? Why have we never heard of it before? Let’s talk about our local party, and what candidates are bringing to this election. For several decades here in Putnam County we’ve had a dwindling to non-existent Democratic slate of candidates. This year, you’re running 19 candidates across the county. From your perspective, as a group, what are the greatest strengths and weaknesses for this coalition over the next 4 months? You’ll have a contested race on the August ballot, and although your campaign will look different than your peers, you’ll still need to campaign. Why should voters pick you to be their voice for the state democratic party?Find out more about Sara Kruszka's Campaign: https://www.instagram.com/votesaratn/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com

April 20, 2026Episode 15135 min

Trust, but Verify with Kelley McNeal

Join Kosta and his guest: Kelley McNeal, CPA, public servant, educator and candidate for Putnam County Trustee. In this episode: For 23 years you served as an auditor for the Tennessee Comptroller's Office. A critical part of that role was going to Trustee offices across Tennessee and examining how offices were (or weren't) properly executing their responsibilities. What did that experience teach you about what differentiates a well-run Trustee's office from a poorly run office? For our listeners meeting you for the first time, you grew up on a farm on the Putnam-Overton County line. You’ve lived and served our Upper Cumberland community for your entire life. Why did you decide to run for office this cycle? How did you decide to run for Trustee? As we’ve discussed in previous episodes, this election season, there are two primary races that have us on the edge of our seats. Putnam County Mayor, and Putnam County Trustee. We know all three of the candidates in this race have put their all into campaigning and that’s part of what makes this election cycle so exciting for voters. What do you hope voters are thinking about when they go to cast their ballot in this election?Find out more about the Putnam County Trustee's Office: https://putnamcountytn.gov/trusteeFind out more about Kelley McNeal for Putnam County Trustee: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kelley-McNeal-for-Putnam-County-Trustee-61577288861722/Register to vote, check your registration or update your voter registration: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetnImportant Putnam County Election dates and information:Putnam County Primary Elections will be held on May 5, 2026, with early voting from April 15th to April 30th.Putnam County General Elections will be held on August 6th with early voting from July 17th to August 1st.All early voting takes place at the Putnam County Election Commission on 705 County Services Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501.For more information visit on Putnam County polling locations visit: https://putnamcountytn.gov/election-commissionBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

April 13, 2026Episode 15050 min

Our Westside Revival with Ferran Kefauver

Join Kosta and his guest: Ferran Kefauver, Executive Director of CityScape. In this episode: The crown jewel of Cookeville is our Historic Westside. There are countless shops, offices and enough restaurants to feed an army, but it wasn’t always this way. In fact, not too long ago, our downtown was mostly an afterthought. What changed and how has CityScape helped direct and support this rebirth? We’re a few weeks away from CityScape’s most anticipated event of the year: Taste of the Town. This year’s event will be at the original Putnam County Fairgrounds off East Veterans Drive. What can you tell us about this year’s event? What can we expect? I know I’ll get some heat if I don’t ask this, and I also understand it’s out of your hands, but we all want to know - is Wine on the Westside ever coming back?Find out more about CityScape:https://cookevillecityscape.com/Taste of the Town 2026 | The White Barn AffairSaturday, April 25, 2026Historic Putnam County FairgroundsMembership Options: https://cookevillecityscape.com/benefitsBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Miss Sallie's Market.Find out more about Miss Sallie's Market:https://www.misssallies.com