A community watch party featuring music from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square on June 26, 2026. The venue will open at 3 PM with bounce houses, giant yard pong, corn hole, and jumbo Connect 4 as entertainment. The show will begin at 7 PM and fireworks will follow.Proceeds from all concessions will be donated to our local charitable organization First Stop,Inc. who is dedicated to helping homeless people move from homelessness to stability.There will also be a special performance from classically trained tenor, Nathan Pacheco, singingthe National Anthem live.In this special episode, we explore a historic moment for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Alabama—the creation of the new Sipsey Alabama Stake. The organization of a new stake is often seen as a sign of growth, faith, and strengthening congregations, and this milestone reflects decades of steady development across the region.Through exclusive interviews with President Kariya of the Huntsville Alabama Stake, President Dunford of the Madison Alabama Stake, and President Garcia of the newly formed Sipsey Alabama Stake, we discuss the history, challenges, and opportunities that led to this significant reorganization. Together, they share insights into leadership, ministering to growing congregations, and what this new chapter means for Latter-day Saints throughout North Alabama.Whether you're a member of the Church, interested in the history of faith communities in the American South, or simply curious about how religious organizations grow and evolve, this conversation offers a unique look at a landmark event in Alabama Church history.Visit http://churchofjesuschrist.org for more information on the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcastsFollow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Today’s guest is Ranae Bartlett, the Mayor of Madison, one of the fastest-growing and most successful cities in the Southeast. Her career spans law, education, corporate leadership, nonprofit management, public service, and municipal government, making her one of the most accomplished civic leaders in North Alabama.

During nearly a decade of service, she helped guide one of Alabama's highest-performing school systems through periods of rapid enrollment growth and increasing academic success. She served as Vice President of the Board from 2015 to 2017 and as President from 2017 to 2020, providing leadership during a critical period of expansion for Madison City Schools.Her contributions to education earned statewide recognition. In 2020, she received the All-State School Board Member Award from the Alabama Association of School Boards, one of the highest honors available to school board members in Alabama.Her influence in the chess world grew nationally when she was selected as Executive Director of the United States Chess Federation in 2024. As the leader of the nation's largest chess organization, she oversaw programs serving players, clubs, tournaments, and scholastic chess initiatives across the United States. She held that position until assuming the office of mayor in November 2025.Meanwhile, her local government career continued to advance. In 2020, Madison voters elected her to the Madison City Council representing District 5. During her tenure, she earned the respect of her colleagues and was selected to serve as Council President from 2022 to 2024 and later as Council President Pro Tempore in 2025. Her work focused on responsible growth, infrastructure planning, education, and maintaining Madison's reputation as one of Alabama's most desirable places to live.In 2025, Bartlett launched a successful campaign for mayor, emphasizing experienced leadership, economic development, support for Madison's award-winning schools, infrastructure improvements, and responsible management of the city's rapid growth. She won the election outright with a majority of the vote, avoiding a runoff and becoming the first Asian-American mayor in Alabama history.Since taking office in November 2025, Mayor Bartlett has focused on economic development, strengthening communication within city government, supporting local businesses, investing in public education, and ensuring Madison continues to provide the high quality of life residents expect. Her administration has emphasized strategic growth planning, collaboration with regional partners, and positioning Madison for long-term success.In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mayor Bartlett is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville Class 26 and has been recognized throughout her career for community service and leadership. She received the Women of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama in 2013 and has become widely known for bringing a thoughtful, strategic, and collaborative leadership style to every role she has held.From federal courtrooms to corporate boardrooms, from school board leadership to the national chess community, and now as Mayor of Madison, Ranae Bartlett's career reflects a lifelong commitment to public service, strategic thinking, educational excellence, and building stronger communities.For more information on Mayor Bartlett visit https://madisonal.govHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH Audio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Today on the Our Town w/ Troy Bye, we welcome author Charles H. Souther, a storyteller and historian whose life experiences span one of the most transformative periods in American history. Souther is the author of the memoir From the Mules and Wagon to the Space Shuttle, a reflective and deeply personal account of growing up in a rural America that would evolve from horse-drawn transportation and isolated farming communities into the modern technological age of rockets, computers, and space exploration.

Raised in the American South during a time when daily life revolved around agriculture, faith, family, and close-knit communities, Souther witnessed firsthand the enormous cultural, economic, and technological shifts that reshaped the nation throughout the 20th century. His writing preserves the memories, traditions, and values of an earlier generation while documenting the transition into the modern world.

Through vivid storytelling, Souther recounts experiences from childhood, farm life, community gatherings, wartime eras, changing transportation, industrial growth, and the rise of the Space Age — offering readers a rare bridge between two vastly different Americas. His work resonates with audiences who appreciate oral history, Southern heritage, Americana, and the stories of ordinary people living through extraordinary change. Souther’s book is more than a memoir — it is a historical snapshot of a disappearing way of life and a tribute to the resilience, ingenuity, and work ethic of generations who endured hardship while helping build modern America.

The title itself symbolizes the remarkable arc of progress he witnessed during his lifetime: from mules and wagons on dirt roads to humanity launching the Space Shuttle into orbit. In this episode, we explore Souther’s personal journey, the inspiration behind his writing, the lessons he believes younger generations should remember, and how preserving local stories and lived experiences helps communities maintain their identity and connection to the past.

To buy a copy of the book, click here https://www.amazon.com/dp/0980241502?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZX3WQW7FBC8XZ9KQEE87

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH

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M. Troy Bye is the creator and host of the Our Town Podcast, a long-form interview show centered on meaningful conversations with influential, accomplished, and interesting people from across business, government, sports, education, technology, entertainment, and community leadership. Known for his conversational interviewing style and natural curiosity, Troy has developed a reputation for drawing out compelling personal stories, unique perspectives, and authentic insights from his guests.Based in North Alabama, Troy has built the podcast around the idea that every community — every “town” — is ultimately shaped by the people within it. Through thoughtful dialogue and deep preparation, he explores not only what his guests do professionally, but also the experiences, values, challenges, and defining moments that shaped who they are. His interviews often blend local relevance with broader national themes, creating conversations that resonate far beyond a single geographic area.Under Troy’s leadership, the podcast has featured a diverse range of guests including business executives, civic leaders, athletes, educators, entrepreneurs, military veterans, authors, nonprofit leaders, technologists, and public officials. The show’s format emphasizes authenticity over sensationalism, allowing guests the space to speak candidly about leadership, innovation, resilience, community, culture, and personal growth.Troy’s approach as a host reflects a passion for storytelling and human connection. Rather than relying on scripted interviews, he focuses on creating an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable sharing deeper insights and experiences. His ability to balance professionalism with an approachable style has helped distinguish the show within the growing podcast landscape.Beyond podcasting, Troy has demonstrated strong interests in emerging technology, artificial intelligence, national security, civic leadership, higher education, sports culture, and regional economic development. Those interests frequently shape the themes and direction of conversations on the show, giving audiences exposure to both local stories and larger societal issues.As the Our Town Podcast continues to grow, M. Troy Bye remains focused on building a platform that highlights thoughtful conversation, diverse viewpoints, and the people working to make an impact in their communities and industries.Big thanks to Megan Nivens-Tannett, host of the SheBoss podcast and Owner of Flourish Consulting for helping me turn the tables and doing the interview. It was a ton of fun!Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcastsFollow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Zach Taylor is a Huntsville, Alabama–based author, engineer, and storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of high-stakes technical innovation and raw, character-driven fiction. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Taylor comes from a multigenerational family involved in advancing spaceflight and has built a professional career rooted in aerospace and mission-critical systems. In 2015, Taylor was awarded NASA’s prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, an honor given to individuals who make significant contributions to human flight safety—placing him among a select group recognized by astronauts for excellence and reliability in the aerospace field. While his professional life has centered on precision, engineering, and safety, Taylor has long been a writer at heart. From an early age—famously selling his own writings to classmates—he developed a passion for storytelling that would eventually evolve into long-form fiction. Today, Taylor is best known as the author of Rockstar Echoes, a debut novel released in 2026 that dives deep into the psychological and emotional realities of the modern music industry. The book explores themes of grief, ambition, identity, and the cost of fame, following interconnected characters navigating the brutal machinery behind rock stardom. Unlike traditional “rockstar” stories focused on glamour, Rockstar Echoes takes a darker, more introspective approach—examining legacy, exploitation, and the human toll of being heard in an industry that rarely slows down. Taylor is currently expanding this vision into a broader Rockstar series, with multiple books already written and scheduled for release, continuing to explore the evolving ecosystem of music, culture, and personal identity through layered, interconnected narratives. Blending his analytical background with creative storytelling, Taylor brings a unique perspective to his writing—one that combines structural precision with emotional depth. Whether drawing from the disciplined world of aerospace or the chaotic energy of rock music, his work consistently explores a central question: What does it really cost to be heard—and who pays the price? Outside of writing, Taylor is a husband and father of three, balancing family life with a growing presence in the literary world and an expanding body of work that continues to push into new creative territory.

For more information on Zach, follow him on Instagram @zachtaylorbooks

Buy the book here https://www.amazon.com/Rockstar-Echoes-Zach-Taylor/dp/B0G2PM5WQP

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH

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Seth Burton embodies a lifetime of dedicated service and unwavering commitment. Starting in a humble house on the banks of the Tennessee River, Seth learned hard work and responsibility growing up on a farm. Ultimately becoming a two-time submarine commanding officer, he led complex missions beneath the waves, honing his leadership in high-stakes environments. His distinguished naval career spanned three decades, a period marked by discipline, strategic thinking, and a profound sense of duty to his country.Beyond his command, Seth is a recognized expert in nuclear power, a critical field demanding precision and deep technical understanding. This unique blend of operational leadership and advanced technical knowledge makes him exceptionally prepared to tackle America's most pressing challenges.At home, Seth is a family man who understands the struggles of everyday Alabamians. He and his wife proudly raised three sons on a military income, instilling values of hard work and integrity. Today, as a loving grandfather, Seth is fighting for a future where his grandchildren, and all Alabama families, can thrive.From serving in silence beneath the oceans to stepping forward to serve Alabama in the Senate, Seth's journey is defined by a steadfast commitment to constitutional principles and the foundational values that make America and Alabama strong.

For more information on Seth Burton, visit https://sethburtonforsenate.com

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH

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Marie Waxel is an experienced broadcast journalist and news anchor at WAAY-TV 31 in Huntsville, Alabama, where she plays a key role in delivering daily news coverage to viewers across North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. With a strong foundation in both reporting and anchoring, she has developed a reputation for accuracy, clarity, and a steady on-air presence.

At WAAY-TV, Marie anchors newscasts and contributes to editorial decisions, helping shape coverage on major local and regional stories. Her work spans breaking news, severe weather coverage, investigative pieces, and human-interest features that highlight the people and issues impacting the community. She is known for her ability to communicate complex information in a way that is accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Marie’s career in journalism includes experience in multimedia reporting, live field coverage, and in-studio anchoring. She has covered a wide range of topics, including public safety, education, local government, and community development. Her reporting often emphasizes accuracy, accountability, and storytelling that resonates with viewers.In addition to her on-air work, Marie is actively involved in the Huntsville community, participating in local events and initiatives that strengthen connections between the newsroom and the public it serves. Her approach to journalism reflects a commitment to integrity, transparency, and public trust.

Marie holds a degree in broadcast journalism (or related field), where she developed skills in writing, reporting, editing, and media production. She continues to adapt to the evolving media landscape, incorporating digital platforms and social media to expand the reach and impact of her reporting.

Her professional strengths include:News anchoring and live broadcastingBreaking news and field reportingInterviewing and storytellingEditorial judgment and newsroom collaborationCommunity engagement and public communication

Marie Waxel brings professionalism, experience, and a strong sense of purpose to her role, making her a respected voice in local journalism and a valuable contributor to the WAAY-TV news team.

For more information on Marie, visit https://waaytv.com

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

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Bio from Sean Wiswesser's LinkedIn page:"I have spent 30 years in national security, serving with the CIA, State Department, and now in the private sector. My career has been defined by one focus: understanding foreign intelligence services and helping the U.S. and its allies stay ahead of evolving intelligence, defense, and other national security threats.

As a senior operations officer with the CIA, I led human intelligence operations worldwide — including in conflict zones and denied areas — while mentoring the next generation of intelligence professionals. I earlier served as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department and now advise Department of Defense programs as a senior technical consultant. With professional fluency in Russian, a Top Secret/SCI clearance, and decades of interagency experience, I bring both operational depth and strategic perspective. I am published author and lecturer on Russian intelligence, espionage, and the Russian military.

My work has appeared in multiple volumes and articles, and I have a forthcoming book on Russian intelligence and espionage tradecraft (early 2026). I am a contributing writer for the CIPHER BRIEF in Washington, D.C., a leading provider of critical reporting and analysis for policymakers, defense and intelligence professionals.I frequently deliver guest lectures at universities and international forums, making complex intelligence topics accessible to students, professionals, and policymakers.

Whether helping a defense program translate operational requirements into results or discussing Russian tradecraft with a classroom, I focus on one thing — equipping people with the knowledge to anticipate threats before they become crises.If you’re seeking a speaker, writer, consultant, or advisor on issues of intelligence, espionage, or national security, I welcome the opportunity to connect"

Order your copy of his book right now: https://a.co/d/03KvHepo

Find Sean on X @Wiswesser

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH

Audio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/