Ricky Fernandez is one of the most recognizable personalities in North Alabama sports and serves as the Senior Director of Marketing and Promotions for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, where he leads the creative vision behind one of Minor League Baseball's most celebrated fan experiences. As the energetic on-field emcee at Toyota Field, Ricky has become the face and voice of countless unforgettable moments, entertaining thousands of fans each game while helping transform every home stand into a community event rather than simply a baseball game.

A Huntsville native through and through, Ricky was born and raised in the Rocket City. He graduated from Bob Jones High School before earning his degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, giving him deep roots in the community he now helps entertain. His love for North Alabama and its people has made him a passionate ambassador for the region, both on and off the field.

Before joining the Trash Pandas organization, Ricky built a career in broadcasting, working in local radio as a producer and on-air personality. His background behind the microphone sharpened the quick wit, timing, and audience engagement skills that have become trademarks of his work today. He has a natural ability to connect with crowds, making him one of the most recognizable public personalities in the Huntsville-Madison area.

Ricky joined the Rocket City Trash Pandas during the organization's formative years in 2019, helping launch a franchise that would quickly become one of the premier success stories in Minor League Baseball. Interestingly, he nearly left his mark on the club before ever being hired—he finished second in the team's famous "Name the Team" contest with his submission, ThunderSharks, before "Trash Pandas" was ultimately selected. That connection to the franchise's earliest days has made him an integral part of its identity ever since.

Over the years, Ricky has risen through the organization from Game Entertainment and Promotions Manager to Director and now Senior Director of Marketing and Promotions. In that role, he oversees the club's promotional calendar, theme nights, giveaways, fan engagement initiatives, and in-game entertainment strategy. From sold-out bobblehead nights and specialty jerseys to nationally recognized promotional events, Ricky's creativity has helped make Toyota Field one of the most entertaining venues in all of Minor League Baseball.

His influence extends well beyond baseball. Ricky has helped position Toyota Field as a year-round entertainment destination by supporting concerts, festivals, holiday events, community celebrations, collegiate athletics, and special attractions that bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Town Madison each year. His work demonstrates how modern sports marketing is about building experiences that strengthen an entire community.

Today, Ricky Fernandez is widely regarded as one of the driving creative forces behind the Rocket City Trash Pandas' remarkable success. Whether he's orchestrating a memorable promotion, hyping a packed crowd between innings, or developing the next big idea that keeps fans coming back, Ricky combines hometown pride, marketing innovation, and infectious enthusiasm to create experiences that have made the Trash Pandas one of the most beloved brands in Minor League Baseball.

Visit https://trashpandasbaseball.com for more information on the Rocket City Trash Pandas and when you can see Ricky do this thing at a game.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/

Chelsea McKinney is a North Alabama entrepreneur, REALTOR®, business owner, and investor whose career has been built around one central mission: helping people protect and maximize the value of their homes. Through her experience in real estate, residential investing, and construction, she has developed a unique perspective that spans nearly every stage of home ownership—from purchasing a first home to renovating, maintaining, and protecting one of a family's largest financial investments.

A lifelong resident of Madison, Alabama, Chelsea developed an early passion for real estate through buying, renovating, and investing in homes. After spending years investing in residential properties, she earned her real estate license in 2014, turning that passion into a full-time profession. Her firsthand experience as an investor gave her an understanding of the housing market that extends well beyond traditional real estate transactions, allowing her to help buyers identify opportunities and sellers maximize their home's value.

Chelsea first established herself with Revolved Realty, where she quickly earned a reputation for being knowledgeable, responsive, and deeply committed to her clients. She specialized in working with both buyers and sellers throughout the rapidly growing Huntsville and Madison markets, helping families navigate one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. During this time, she became known for her practical advice, strong negotiation skills, and ability to identify homes with long-term investment potential. Her background as a real estate investor enabled her to see opportunities that others often overlooked, particularly in renovation projects and value-add properties.

As her career progressed, Chelsea joined Leading Edge Real Estate Group, where she serves as a REALTOR® and Partner. At Leading Edge, she continues to represent buyers, sellers, and investors throughout North Alabama while building lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and exceptional service. Over more than a decade in real estate, she has participated.

At McKinney & Sons Roofing, Chelsea combines her real estate expertise with construction knowledge to help homeowners make informed decisions that protect both their property and its long-term value. Because she understands what buyers, sellers, inspectors, lenders, and insurance companies look for during a real estate transaction, she brings a unique perspective to every roofing project. Whether working with homeowners after storm damage, assisting Realtors trying to keep transactions on schedule, or helping families navigate the insurance claims process, Chelsea focuses on education, honest communication, and delivering quality workmanship through a customer-first approach.

Today, Chelsea continues to wear multiple hats as a REALTOR®, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and co-owner of McKinney & Sons Roofing. By combining expertise in real estate, residential construction, and property investment, she has built a career centered on helping people make smart decisions about their homes—whether they're buying one, selling one, renovating one, or protecting it for years to come.

Visit https://www.mckinney-roof.com to learn more about Chelsea and McKinney and Sons Roofing

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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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

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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

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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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