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Wish You Were Here - A New Travel Show on WCTE 

Cookeville, TN – “Wish You Were Here!,” the popular tourism show that takes viewers on exciting adventures, returns for its highly-anticipated fourth season.

 

Tourism in the Upper Cumberland is economically founded on the nature of its unique geography and the many cultural assets it has to offer. With so many unique experiences, there is no shortage of adventure. Join our ‘Wish You Were Here!’ correspondents as they explore state parks, lakes, historic sites, natural landmarks, and family-owned and operated businesses.

Every one of the 14 counties in the Upper Cumberland has something fun, exciting and downright interesting to offer visitors. If you are looking for a getaway, this program will give you a peek into why y’all should come on down to the UC. Even if you are a resident and have lived in the Upper Cumberland all of your life, you likely only know a fraction of what goes on in your own backyard. 

WISH YOU WERE HERE: ADVENTURES IN TENNESSEE’S UPPER CUMBERLAND explores the places, events, activities, and adventures you can discover here. Episodes are divided into a number of short, often lighthearted and always informative vignettes, each with an on-the-spot correspondent to help give you a taste of the experience. 

Stream Episodes from this Series below!

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Stream Episodes of Wish You Were Here!  Adventures in Tennessee's Upper Cumberland

Episode 1 Stories: 

Hosted from RoKabilly Coffee, Carthage, TN | Sgt Alvin C. York Black Powder Shoot, Pall Mall TN | Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, Celina, TN

Black History Museum, McMinnville, TN | Red Silo Brewing, Cookeville, TN |  Appalachian Center for Craft, Smithville, TN

For instance, did you know there is an annual Sgt. Alvin C. York Memorial Shoot at the Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park using long guns and black powder, based on matches held by Sgt. York and his fellow shooters back in the day? 

Have you been to the Appalachian Center for Craft Celebration and taken part in the demonstrations? 

Did you know that three new restaurants in Gainesboro made the New York Times? Or that there is a Black History Museum in McMinnville? 

All of these mini-stories (and more) can be found in the first episode, which premiered in May 2022 and is streaming above. And we’re just getting started! 

There so much to see and do here, it really will blow your mind. If you miss that first episode, don’t fret. The show is going to be online as well so it can be watched and shared by anyone with the link. If you go to wcte.org after the show airs, you will be able to find that link.

Who's Who on the Show?

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Shan Stout - Host
Shan Stout began her career as a motivational speaker with over 30 years working in television, publishing and media communications. Shan is currently the Executive Director of Tourism for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau and is passionate about promoting tourism experiences across the Upper Cumberland region in Middle Tennessee. In her spare time, Shan enjoys kayaking with her three grown children and enjoys visiting historic general stores across the southeast with her husband, Sam.
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Shaun Scantland - Correspondent
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Jason Grider - Correspondent
Born and raised in Cookeville, Tennessee, Jason Grider has been a voice in radio since the age of 15. His career began at the very stations he now manages, setting the foundation for a lifelong passion for broadcasting.From 1995 to 2009, Jason was known to listeners as Jason Bailey on the popular Bandy and Bailey Morning Show, where he built a strong connection with audiences across the United States. After that, he ventured into ownership, purchasing a station in Knoxville and creating Tennessee Sports Radio, where he co-hosted alongside former Tennessee Vols quarterback Erik Ainge.Returning home to Cookeville, Jason married Donna Poston and continued his career behind the mic with the Jason and Tony Morning Show. Today, he serves as General Manager of Cookeville Communications, proudly leading the same group of stations where his journey began. He also hosts Good Morning Cookeville, keeping his voice a daily part of the community along with co-host Sheila Scruggs.Beyond radio, Jason is a devoted family man. He and Donna , his two children, Caleb and Maddy, and grandchildren Mathias and Josie.
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Mirlie Larose - Correspondent
Mirlie Larose is a media professional with two years of experience as a News Producer at CBS 19 and Video Producer at Straight Arrow News. She has reported from the sidelines for Upper Cumberland sports and built a strong digital presence with over 20,000 TikTok followers, where she blends storytelling and audience engagement. 
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Matt Beal, Correspondent
"Matt Beal returns for his fourth season with Wish You Were Here, continuing his role as travel correspondent since the show’s inception. A proud resident of Cookeville, Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland region for over 21 years, Matt brings a deep affinity for the area and a storyteller’s eye to every destination he explores.While the series highlights a wide range of places and events, Matt’s segments often focus on the region’s rich cultural offerings—restaurants, wineries, theatre, festivals, and all things dining and delightful. Not one for rugged outdoor adventures, he prefers his journeys with a bit of ambiance and a strong sense of community.He is thrilled to be back for another season, sharing the stories, flavors, and experiences that make the Upper Cumberland a place worth discovering."

Craig Gray - Senior Producer / Editor / Graphics / Videographer | Craig LaFevre - Narrator | Ty Walker - Drone | Hal L Harder - Creative Consultant

Zach Beckman - Videographer | Daniel Duarte - WCTE PBS Dir. of Production | Avery Hutchins - WCTE PBS President / CEO

Morgan White - Director

Our Support Partners

Thanks to our partners, the Upper Cumberland Development District, the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association, and Tennessee Tech. We love this chance to brag about our beloved Upper Cumberland and your involvement made it possible. 

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ucdd.org
whatdouc.org/uc-storymaps/

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uppercumberland.org

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https://www.tntech.edu

About the Show

Pack your map of the Upper Cumberland in beautiful Tennessee and take a journey around the region to visit some of the most spectacular sights and venues each county has to offer from restaurants, to breweries, to state parks and more!

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