No one thinks their marriage will end in divorce, and certainly no one thinks they will turn it into a career - but Brenda Bridges is a successful divorce coach, mediator, and financial advisor.   In this episode, Brenda shares how sometimes you just need to get your foot in the door in order to prove yourself, how her definition of success has changed throughout her career, and how she’s turned a terrible event into a way to help other people.   Brenda Bridges in the Founder and Owner of Bridging Wealth Solutions, where she helps couples through the emotional and financial aspects of divorce. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here, and you can find her book “Oh $h*t! I’m Getting Divorced” on Amazon here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Gideon Thomas’s Morning Cup (E07)Stephanie Stuckey’s Morning Cup (E33)Felicia Jackson’s Morning Cup (E45)

Long-time Chattanoogans will know Jed Mescon from his 28 years anchoring the morning news on WRCB-TV. After a brief 7-year break from media, Jed is back on-air… but this time, on the radio (Talk 102.3).   In this episode, Jed shares how he became “King of the Passover Candy Sale” while in school, how he started his broadcasting career at the age of 16 by hosting a children’s game show, and fun anecdotes about his time at WRCB - like the time he had to visit a nudist colony, and how he proposed to his wife on live TV.   Jed Mescon is Program Director and On-Air Talent at Cumulus Media. You can listen to him Monday-Friday from 6AM-10AM on WGOW Talk Radio 102.3. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Callie Starnes’s Morning Cup (E18)Chris Lytle’s Morning Cup (E28)Jared Stehney’s Morning Cup (E30)

Bo Drake is drawn to creating opportunities for others, which is what led him to pursue a career in higher education.   In this episode, Bo shares how his first career in insurance started by working in the family business (with a warning), how he used LinkedIn to get a foot in the door for higher education, and why it’s important to align your paycheck with your passion.   Bo Drake is the Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development and the Tennessee College of Applied Technologies at Chattanooga State. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Dr. Rebecca Ashford’s Morning Cup (E16)Craig Fuller’s Morning Cup (E58)Dr. Elaine Swafford’s Morning Cup (E64)

Dr. Elaine Swafford blooms where she’s planted. Throughout her life and career, opportunities have been presented and she seized them each time.   In this episode, Elaine shares with us her path from Teacher at Soddy Daisy High School to CEO of CGLA and every stop in between. She also tells us the story of her “Michael Jordan” moment, how 4-H speeches trained her to be an extrovert, and how she turned CGLA around within 9 months after it received an ultimatum.   Dr. Elaine Swafford is the CEO of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA), the first all-girls public charter STEM school in Tennessee. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here. You can also watch her OATS series on YouTube here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Ella Livingston’s Morning Cup (E11)Dr. Rebecca Ashford’s Morning Cup (E16)Dr. Ternae Jordan’s Morning Cup (E56)

For Cam Doody, the corporate path was just too clear and unappealing. Instead, he found a solution to a problem, and started, along with his partners, his own company, Bellhop - the fastest-growing moving & relocation brand in the U.S.    Now, 13 years later, he helps other founders “burn the ships” and make it through “the trough of sorrow” - if they’re one of the ten startups that get accepted each year (out of 4,600+ applications).   Cam Doody is Co-Founder and General Partner of Brickyard, a first-round venture capital firm and residency. He’s also the Co-Founder of Bellhop, the second-largest moving company in the country. You can connect with him on Linkedin here and learn more about Brickyard here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Kenyatta Ashford’s Morning Cup (E05)Felicia Jackson’s Morning Cup (E45)Patrick Wells’s Morning Cup (E61)

Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Marj never dreamed of leaving her hometown. Nevertheless, with three babies under the age of 1, she moved across the country to California and began her career.   In this episode, Marj shares what it was like “dressing” chickens in Correctionville, how she moved up the ranks at a company for 19 years, and why she started her own Leadership Training business (which is still going strong decades later).   Marj Flemming is the CEO of LaunchPoint Leadership, which provides organizational and professional leadership development. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35)Donna McConnico’s Morning Cup (E43)Matt Rasmussen’s Morning Cup (E57)

Patrick Wells got an early taste of the startup world when he won a business plan competition in college. From there, he’s grown businesses in the legal, auto salvage, and stone industries.   In this episode, Patrick shares how one good idea changed his life’s path, what he learned from pole vaulting (and the adjustments former athletes must make to be successful in business), and how he’s acquired and grown several businesses.   Patrick Wells is the CEO of Majestic Stone and StoneLoads. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Brent Burks’s Morning Cup (E10)Shawn Whitfield’s Morning Cup (E20)Josh Manning’s Morning Cup (E27)

Growing up, Valoria Armstrong wanted to be an attorney. She never imagined that she would have a career in HR or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.   In this episode, Valoria shares how she was elected President of the NAACP board at the age of 26, how she evaluates opportunities before committing to them, and why inclusion comes before diversity at Unum.   Valoria Armstrong is the Chief Global Inclusion & Diversity Officer at Unum. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Wade Hinton’s Morning Cup (E09)Tom Cupo’s Morning Cup (E32)Candy Johnson’s Morning Cup (E48)

Virginia Anne’s career did not start in the art world, despite a passion for the performing arts. She originally followed in her father’s footsteps as a lawyer, but her involvement in the community grew, leading her to the Hunter Museum nine years ago.   In this episode, we discuss what it was like to be the second woman ever hired at Miller & Martin, switching her focus from litigation to commercial real estate, and why art is so important.    Stick around until the end to hear a special announcement about an upcoming exhibit at the Hunter Museum!   Virginia Anne Sharber is the Executive Director of the Hunter Museum of American Art. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Todd Womack’s Morning Cup (E21)Vance Travis’s Morning Cup (E40)Bob Corker’s Morning Cup (E52)

Entrepreneurship has always been in Craig Fuller’s blood. From a young age, he’s been starting and growing businesses.   In this episode, Craig shares the ups and downs of his career, starting with growing Xpress Direct to $140 million in revenue within two years, then getting fired from the family businesses (twice), and now leading FreightWaves and acquiring legacy media brands.   Craig Fuller is the Founder and CEO of FreightWaves, the leading provider of global supply chain market intelligence and news. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Brian Elrod’s Morning Cup (E29)Stephanie Stuckey’s Morning Cup (E33)Tiffanie Robinson’s Morning Cup (E39)

Matt Rasmussen originally wanted to be an archeologist (thanks, Indiana Jones!) or a forester, but after settling into engineering in college, he never looked back and has had a wildly successful career with the Tennessee Valley Authority.    In this episode, Matt shares his many steps up the corporate ladder and what makes someone stay at one company for 22 years. He also gives the inside scoop on nuclear power and what happens behind the scenes at TVA.   Matt Rasmussen is the SVP of Engineering and Operations Support at TVA. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Tom Cupo’s Morning Cup (E32)Mark McKnight’s Morning Cup (E39)Mark Reeves’s Morning Cup (E46)

Dr. Jordan is not a “pulpit pastor” - he’s active in the community. He’s the pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church and some will tell you he is the pastor of Chattanooga. He founded an anti-violence program called Stop the Madness, which combatted the crack epidemic in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1992. Now, Stop the Madness is a national non-profit.   In this episode, we discuss gratitude, finding inner peace despite adversity, Stop the Madness, why he refused his life’s calling for so long, and what it was like growing up in the 70s as a black man in Chattanooga.    Dr. Ternae Jordan is the Pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church. You can learn more about him here and you can find his book, Crossing Jordan, here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Wade Hinton’s Morning Cup (E09)DeJuan Jordan’s Morning Cup (E34)Father Dale Hall’s Morning Cup (E49)

Charles Wood is a self-proclaimed “class clown” turned salesman. Despite an unstable childhood, he’s built a solid career in Economic Development.    In this episode, we discuss how backpacking through Central America changed his perspective on life and his pit stops in Mobile, College Station, and Pensacola before arriving in Chattanooga 12 years ago. Plus, how he’s steering the Chamber towards Economic Development by inviting the right people to the right rooms.   Charles is the President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Leslie Gower’s Morning Cup (E02)Ron Harr’s Morning Cup (E17)Jim Kennedy’s Morning Cup (E37)

With a passion for music and comedy, no wonder Eric Foster became an on-air personality for a radio station!   In this episode, Eric shares his process for writing his stand-up acts, how he got started in radio, and what it’s like to donate a kidney?!   Eric is the Program Director and an on-air personality for Brewer Media Group. You can learn more about him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Clint Powell’s Morning Cup (E01)Callie Starnes’s Morning Cup (E13)Jared Stehney’s Morning Cup (E30)

Most people would get tired of traveling if they lived in 7 states during their childhood, but it only grew Sybil Topil’s love of seeing new places.   In this episode, we discuss her role of “putting Chattanooga on the map,” her resourcefulness that helped her find jobs in France and Nashville, how introverts can create a persona for networking, and the challenges that come along with a cancer diagnosis.   Sybil is the VP of Marketing and Engagement for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here, and you can read the Jimmy Buffet article we mentioned here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Dalya Qualls White’s Morning Cup (E14)John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35)Karen Shostak’s Morning Cup (E44)

This week’s guest needs no introduction! Everyone knows his political story, from mid-size city mayor to US Senator and Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. How did he get there? In this episode, we discuss his early career days on construction sites, the formation of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, and the importance of having bold visions.   Bob Corker has owned several businesses and held several political positions. He is now retired and not on LinkedIn, but you can learn more about him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Tom Griscom’s Morning Cup (E21)Todd Womack’s Morning Cup (E23)Vance Travis’s Morning Cup (E40)

This week my good friends, Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn, return to My Morning Cup to turn the tables on me. I open myself up to their invasive questioning.   Was my plan to be a broadcaster or did I stumble into the industry? Why did I start the My Morning Cup podcast? And, of course, what would I tell my 25 year old self that is important for a happy life? I hope you take 40 minutes to enjoy the conversation.    I look forward to a great year #2 of My Morning Cup.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Chip Baker’s Morning Cup (E04)Roy Vaughn’s Morning Cup (E08)

This week, we’re doing things a bit differently on the podcast! We look back on the past year to celebrate the first anniversary of My Morning Cup.    In this episode, we discuss the unexpected themes that emerged, what happens behind the scenes to bring the podcast to life, and what’s in store for 2024.    Stay tuned for the entire episode to hear an exciting announcement and be sure to subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   Madison is the owner of SpeakEasy Productions, a podcast production and editing company. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

You may know this week’s guest as the “Chaplain of the Streets” - AKA Father Dale Hall, an Anglican Priest who has dedicated his life to serving the homeless.    In this episode, Father Dale shares the path that led him to the Chatt Foundation, what a day in the life of a Chaplain looks like, and how *everyone* is much closer to being homeless than we’d care to admit.   Dale Hall is the Chaplain at the Chatt Foundation. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here or follow him on Twitter/X here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: DeJuan Jordan's Morning Cup (E34)John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35)Donna McConnico’s Morning Cup (E43)

Candy Johnson has a “non-traditional” career path which started with aspirations to become a famous supermodel. She won Miss Barbizon in 1994 but after becoming a single mom she decided to go to college instead. She earned her degree as a single mom and went on to get her Masters.   In this episode, Candy shares how she learned to deal with rejection, how moving to Chattanooga from the Nashville area opened her eyes to the work Chattanooga needs to do with inclusion of all citizens, and what the Urban League’s focus is for the future.   Candy is the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Wade Hinton’s Morning Cup (E09)Jim Kennedy’s Morning Cup (E37)Jay Dale’s Morning Cup (E42)