Dr. Lori Mann-Bruce grew up on a working cattle farm and was never allowed to be bored.

In this episode, Dr. Bruce shares why her family would read the encyclopedia at dinner every day, how 4H played a huge role in her personal and professional development, and what it’s like coming to Chattanooga (specifically UTC) when it’s at an inflection point.

Dr. Lori Mann-Bruce is the Chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-mann-bruce-5358b1140).

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter and be the first to know who upcoming guests are: http://eepurl.com/iGJzII

If you like this episode, we think you’ll also like:

• Dr. Rebecca Ashford’s Morning Cup (E16)
• Dr. Claudia Kramer’s Morning Cup (E115)
• Dr. Robert Dooley’s Morning Cup (E127)

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.

Melissa Blevins learned early on that the best way through a crisis is to just have faith and keep moving forward.

In this episode, Melissa shares how growing up with very little taught her resilience and compassion, how a career in manufacturing built the foundation for leading a food bank, and how the Chattanooga Area Food Bank became more than a career… it became home.

Melissa Blevins is the President & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. You can connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-blevins-21258063).

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter and be the first to know who upcoming guests are: http://eepurl.com/iGJzII

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

• Bob Culkeen’s Morning Cup (E116)
• Brian Hunt’s Morning Cup (E138)
• April Cameron’s Morning Cup (E146)

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.

To celebrate the third anniversary of the podcast, I bring back my good friends Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn to continue the tradition of an annual wrap-up episode.

We look back on the guests and moments that stood out, what made certain conversations resonate, and how the show has evolved over time. Along the way, the conversation touches on community in Chattanooga, personal milestones, and what’s ahead for the podcast in 2026.

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter and be the first to know who upcoming guests are: http://eepurl.com/iGJzII

If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like:

• Chip Baker’s Morning Cup (E04)
• Roy Vaughn’s Morning Cup (E08)
• Mike Costa’s Morning Cup (E51)

My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.