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Deadly duels, grave robbers, true crime, vampire folklore, and bizarre American history take us down some incredible rabbit holes as Allen Sircy, the American Hauntstorian, returns to Discovering 615.

We begin with Pistols of Red River and the history surrounding Andrew Jackson and a deadly duel before heading into the darker side of Cincinnati history — including medical schools, stolen corpses, and the grave robbers once known as “ghouls.” Allen also shares the remarkable story involving the Harrison family and the discovery of a stolen family member's body.

Then we turn to Allen's newest books.

Arsenic Anna explores the true-crime story of Anna Marie Hahn, while Fear and Folklore: Vampires takes us into the history behind vampire beliefs — including the fascinating connection between tuberculosis and America's vampire craze. How did a deadly disease people didn't fully understand help convince families that the dead might be feeding on the living?

We also revisit Spearfinger, the terrifying figure from Cherokee folklore that Allen has adapted into a screenplay, and hear where the potential film project stands today.

Along the way, our conversation wanders through New England vampire folklore, New Orleans vampire legends, Tennessee history, Gallatin Ghost Walks, Civil War stories, the Bell Witch, and plenty more.

And because Allen returned just in time for spooky season, we finish with the Hauntstorian Lightning Round — historical dinner guests, misunderstood legends, favorite local lore, stories that still fascinate him, and, of course, Halloween candy.

If you enjoy forgotten American history, true crime, vampire folklore, grave robbers, Southern history, Cherokee legends, Spearfinger, Tennessee folklore, and stories that sound too strange to be true, follow Discovering 615 wherever you listen.

Connect with Allen Sircy - The American Hauntstorian

Website: https://allensircy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allen.sircy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allensircy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllenSircyFilm

Follow Discovering 615:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robdiscovers615/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robdiscovers615

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robdiscovers615/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobDiscovers615/featured

Find your place. Find your people. 615. God bless.

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What if better time management is not about cramming more into your day—but making room for what matters most?

In this episode of Discovering 615, Rob Thacker sits down with Samantha Lane—time-management expert, TEDx speaker, and creator of Origami Day and Present & Productive—to talk about how to take back control of your time without trying to do more and more.

This episode was recorded at The Russell Podcast Studio in Nashville. Big thanks to The Russell for hosting Discovering 615.

Samantha shares how a life-changing season shifted her from being a self-described workaholic to helping individuals, professionals, and teams build days that are both productive and meaningful.

They unpack her simple but practical 3P Framework:

• Prioritize what actually matters when everything feels important
• Plan your week with intention
• Protect your time, your plans, and yourself from burnout

Rob and Samantha also discuss her Origami Day planning tools, work-life balance, weekly planning, boundaries, productivity mistakes, and why being productive should not cost you your life outside of work.

If you are overwhelmed, always behind, or ready to get more intentional with your time, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.thesamanthalane.com
Origami Day planning tools: https://origamiday.com
Present & Productive: https://presentandproductive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamanthalane
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamanthalane/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-samantha-lane

Follow Discovering 615 wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with someone who is ready to take back control of their time.

Find your place. Find your people. 615. God bless.

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Human connection in the age of AI is becoming more important—not less.

Speaker and Amazon bestselling author Jim Morris joins Rob Thacker on Discovering 615 to discuss his new book, Connect or Die: How to Survive AI, and why building meaningful relationships could be one of the most valuable skills we carry into the future.

Jim shares his thoughts on how social media has affected genuine connection, why being digitally connected does not always mean we feel known, and how the energy a person brings can shape an entire interaction.

Rob and Jim also discuss the importance of presence, intentional communication, curiosity, authenticity, and making people feel valued. As artificial intelligence continues to transform business and everyday life, this conversation asks an important question: What human qualities can technology never replace?

Listen for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about relationships, communication, leadership, social media, and surviving the AI revolution without losing what makes us human.

Follow or subscribe to Discovering 615 for more conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and interesting people making a difference.

#ConnectOrDie #JimMorris #HumanConnection #ArtificialIntelligence #SocialMedia #Leadership #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #AuthorInterview #Discovering615

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Healthcare communication and community care take center stage as Rob Thacker welcomes Cari Lambrecht from Highpoint Health to Discovering 615.

Cari shares the story behind Highpoint Health’s mission, how healthcare organizations build trust within local communities, and why communication plays such an important role in patient experience and public outreach. The conversation also explores leadership, teamwork, and serving Middle Tennessee through healthcare initiatives that truly impact people’s lives.

If you enjoy conversations with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations making a difference across Tennessee, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Highpoint Health:
Website: https://www.highpointhealthsystem.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highpoint_health/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighPointHealthSystem

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/highpointhealthsystem/

Follow Discovering 615 for more stories featuring Middle Tennessee business owners, leaders, nonprofits, musicians, restaurants, and community builders.

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Stress relief, chronic pain, holistic healing, and the mind-body connection take center stage in this episode of Discovering 615 with Dr. Paul Hodgson of New Wave Stress & Pain Relief in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Dr. Hodgson shares his remarkable journey from opening a healing center in Peru, to practicing in San Diego for over a decade, to building one of the most advanced wellness clinics in Middle Tennessee. We discuss Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET), innovative pain relief technology, nervous system health, emotional stress, entrepreneurship, leadership in holistic healthcare, and why unresolved stress can manifest physically in the body.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:
• NET Therapy and the mind-body connection
• Chronic pain and stress relief
• Holistic healing and chiropractic care
• Advanced wellness technology
• Healthy living and nervous system regulation
• Leadership and entrepreneurship
• Building a patient-focused healing experience

Whether you're interested in wellness, personal growth, holistic medicine, entrepreneurship, or understanding how stress impacts the body, this episode delivers practical insight and inspiring perspective.

📍 New Wave Stress & Pain Relief — Hendersonville, TN

👇 Connect with Dr. Paul Hodgson & New Wave Stress & Pain Relief

Website:
https://stressandpainrelief.clinic/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stressandpainrelief/

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@newwavestresspainrelief

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PainEraser37075

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE Discovering 615 wherever you listen to podcasts.

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from this conversation on stress, healing, and wellness.

#Discovering615 #StressRelief #HolisticHealing #ChronicPain #NETTherapy #WellnessPodcast #MindBodyConnection #PainRelief

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Ever wondered what it’s really like to take over a family business—and discover what Nashville is actually drinking right now?

In this episode of Discovering 615, Rob Thacker sits down with Adam Sinks, owner of Bluegrass Beverages in Hendersonville and Sinkers in East Nashville—two standout Nashville liquor stores serving very different communities.

Adam shares the story of stepping into his uncle’s business, the responsibility that came with it, and how he’s grown both locations into trusted names in the local beverage scene.

They dive into what makes this industry so unique—from helping customers celebrate life’s biggest moments to understanding what people are buying right now. You’ll hear how customer preferences differ between Hendersonville and East Nashville, and how younger consumers are shaping trends in wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages.

The conversation also explores the rise of CBD and THC-infused drinks in Tennessee, how Adam approaches that fast-growing category, and what it takes to stay competitive in today’s market.

Whether you’re a local, an entrepreneur, or just curious about the beverage industry, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at building and leading a successful business in Middle Tennessee.

📍 Connect with Adam Sinks & His Businesses:

Bluegrass Beverages (Hendersonville, TN)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluegrassbeverages/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluegrassbeverages
Website: https://bluegrassbeverages.com/

Sinkers (East Nashville)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinkers.nashville/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/sinkersnash
Website: https://sinkersbeverages.com/

🎙️ About Discovering 615:

Discovering 615 spotlights small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people building something special right here in Middle Tennessee.

Hosted by Rob Thacker (ThackAttack615), bringing you real stories, real people, and real community.

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Ever wondered how sommeliers can take one sip of wine and tell you everything about it?

In this episode of Discovering 615, I sit down with Scott Miller, a wine sommelier at Pour Vous in Hendersonville, Tennessee, to explore the world of wine in a way that’s approachable, practical, and genuinely enjoyable.

Scott shares how he got started in the wine industry, what it takes to pursue the Master Sommelier path, and how factors like climate and soil shape the taste of every bottle.

We also dive into wine regions around the world, the growing influence of U.S. wines, and how everyday people can better understand what they’re tasting—without overcomplicating it.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed choosing a bottle or reading a wine list, this conversation will give you the confidence to enjoy wine without guessing.

🍇 In This Episode:

• How Scott got started in the wine industry
• What it takes to pursue the Master Sommelier path
• How climate and soil impact wine flavor
• Key wine regions around the world
• What to look for when buying wine
• How to identify tasting notes and flavor profiles
• Simple food and wine pairing tips

🍷 Connect Locally:
If you’re in Middle Tennessee, check out Pour Vous in Hendersonville and experience it for yourself.

🎙️ Follow & Support the Show:
If you enjoy discovering local stories, passionate people, and hidden gems around Middle Tennessee:

👉 Follow Discovering 615
👉 Share this episode with a fellow wine lover
👉 Leave a review—it helps more people find the show

Thanks for listening—and cheers 🍷

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Have women in the business world been forced to lose a part of who they are to succeed?

In this episode of Discovering 615, I sit down with Olga Alexeeva — speaker, coach, artist, and former actress — to unpack her powerful message of helping women go from “Gray to Glow.”

We dive into how many women, in the pursuit of success, have felt the need to suppress their natural strengths — their femininity, their relational and nurturing instincts — and what it looks like to reclaim those qualities without sacrificing ambition.

Olga shares her journey from Russia to Nashville, her transition from acting to coaching, and how she now helps women step fully into who they were created to be — both in life and in business.

This conversation is honest, encouraging, and may challenge the way you think about success, identity, and what true confidence really looks like.

🌐 Website: https://ultraverity.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultraverity/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ogallery
💼 Coaching & Speaking: UltraVerity

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

👉 Subscribe to Discovering 615 for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders right here in Middle Tennessee.
👉 Like, comment, and let us know your biggest takeaway!
👉 And if you or someone you know should be featured, reach out — we’d love to connect.