Lindsey Knupp is a dynamic voice in Minor League Baseball and a key member of the Rocket City Trash Pandasorganization. Known for her creativity, energy, and passion for fan engagement, she has helped transform the game-day experience into something that goes far beyond the field.

A former collegiate athlete, Lindsey Knupp built her foundation through competition, discipline, and teamwork—experiences that continue to shape her approach in the sports industry today. Her athletic background gives her a unique perspective on both the player and fan experience, allowing her to connect authentically across all sides of the game.

Blending sports, entertainment, and storytelling, Lindsey has contributed to elevating the Trash Pandas into one of the most recognizable and fan-focused brands in Minor League Baseball. She represents the evolving landscape of sports marketing, where personality, creativity, and community take center stage.

Whether she’s developing big ideas or enhancing the fan experience behind the scenes, Lindsey brings an innovative voice and competitive spirit—making her a compelling guest for conversations around sports, branding, and the business of fun.

Learn more about Lindsey Knupp and the Rocket City Trash Pandas at http://trashpandasbaseball.comHost/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

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/

Cade Smith serves as the Director of Athletics at University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where he oversees the university’s NCAA Division II athletic programs and the continued growth of Charger Athletics. Since stepping into the role, Smith has focused on strengthening UAH’s competitive success, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and expanding the visibility of the university’s athletic programs across the Gulf South Conference and beyond.

Before becoming athletic director, Smith spent several years within the UAH athletics department, gaining experience in compliance, administration, and sport supervision. His leadership approach emphasizes academic achievement, character development, and preparing student-athletes for success beyond their playing careers. Under his guidance, UAH has continued to build a culture that prioritizes excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

Smith is known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to connecting athletics with the broader Huntsville community. He works closely with university leadership, coaches, and student-athletes to ensure UAH athletics reflects the innovation and momentum of one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology hubs.

As Director of Athletics, Smith continues to guide the Chargers with a focus on competitive excellence, integrity, and providing opportunities for student-athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and personally.

Learn more about Cade Smith and UAH Athletics by visiting https://uah.edu

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/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio 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/

Joel Lamp is the Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he leads efforts to attract major sporting events and tournaments to the Rocket City. In this role, Joel works with national sports organizations, collegiate conferences, and event promoters to bring competitions to Huntsville that drive tourism, economic impact, and national visibility for the region.

Lamp brings more than two decades of experience in sports management, collegiate athletics, and event operations. Before returning to North Alabama, he spent over 16 years in Jacksonville, Florida, where he held senior leadership roles in collegiate athletics at both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. During that time, he helped organize and host multiple NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament rounds and numerous regional and national sporting events.

Originally from Decatur, Alabama, Joel returned to the Tennessee Valley to help grow Huntsville’s rapidly expanding sports tourism industry. Through his work with the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Huntsville Sports Commission, he has helped position the city as a premier destination for tournaments, championships, and emerging sports events.

Joel is passionate about the power of sports to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and showcase the unique energy and hospitality of Huntsville.

Learn more about Joel Lamp and the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Huntsville Sports Commission http://www.huntsville.org

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/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio 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/

Amanda Hooten is the Founder and CEO of Blaze Solutions, a strategic marketing and branding firm that helps organizations clarify who they are, how they communicate, and how they grow. She’s known for helping leaders and companies turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that build trust and drive momentum.

Amanda is a strategic, people-first leader with deep experience in the defense industry — guiding programs, teams, and organizations through growth, complexity, and change.
Her background blends business strategy, program execution, and financial oversight, with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and delivering results. I lead with accountability, integrity, and a focus on clarity — aligning vision with action and making sure the right people are in the right roles to thrive.
Amanda holds an MBA with a focus in Accounting from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and bring over a decade of hands-on experience in program management, contract execution, and operational leadership.
Whether it's standing up a new initiative, turning around a challenged program, or scaling what's already working — She's all in.

Learn more about Amanda and Blaze Solutions http://www.blazesolutions.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/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio 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/

Nicole Reynolds is the Sales and Production Manager at Apparel Lab, a custom apparel, merch, and printing studio in Madison, Alabama. In her role, Nicole keeps daily operations running smoothly by coordinating sales and production workflows, managing client orders, and ensuring that custom projects are delivered with care and precision. Known for her strong organizational skills and problem-solving mindset, she helps translate customer ideas into high-quality finished products with attention to detail and excellent service.

Outside of work, Nicole fuels her energy on caffeine, creative problem solving, and local travel—especially when it involves discovering great food and craft coffee. She also enjoys spending time supporting her daughter’s activities and cheering from the sidelines

Learn more about Nicole and Apparel Lab http://www.apparellab.ink

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/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio 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/

Brianna Sistrunk is the reigning Mrs. Alabama America, proudly representing women across the state of Alabama on the national stage. A passionate advocate for faith, family, and female empowerment, Brianna uses her platform to inspire women to embrace their purpose, lead with confidence, and serve their communities with heart.

Beyond the crown, Brianna is a devoted wife and mother who understands the balance of ambition and family life. She is deeply committed to community outreach, mentorship, and encouraging women to pursue their goals unapologetically. Through speaking engagements, service initiatives, and public appearances, she exemplifies grace, leadership, and authenticity.

As Mrs. Alabama America, Brianna is preparing to compete at the Mrs. America competition, where she will represent Alabama among accomplished women from across the country.On this episode, Brianna shares her journey, her heart for service, and what it truly means to wear the crown with purpose.

Learn more about Brianna and the Mrs. Alabama America crown at www.mrsalabamaamerica.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

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/

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Start

01:00 Mrs. America Pageant in Vegas

05:05 Pregnancy Loss

10:10 Search for Support Resources

14:10 Finding Scripture

17:55 Extending Empathy/Sympathy

23:10 Amazing Hospital Staff

30:20 Pageant History

37:25 Mean Girls

39:30 Focus on Family

44:00 Sister Queens

46:25 Preparing for Pageants

55:20 Doing Something the Last Time

58:19 Friendships

01:03:20 The Good Child

01:09:19 Encountering Racism

01:15:18 Heritage

01:21:30 Bahamas

Aaron Ryan is a dedicated attorney and partner at Ryan & Rouse, LLC, a respected law firm serving Madison, Huntsville, and the broader North Alabama community. With over 18 years of legal experience, Aaron is known for his relentless advocacy, integrity, and commitment to his clients’ well-being.

Originally from Georgia, Aaron grew up as an accomplished athlete alongside his twin brother, learning early lessons in work ethic and discipline from his family and coaches. His upbringing—with deep family roots in rural South Carolina—instilled in him values of honor, compassion, and resilience that continue to shape his approach to law. A transformative two-year missionary assignment in rural Mexico further solidified his drive to serve others, reinforcing his belief in fairness, dignity, and community.

Aaron earned his Bachelor’s degree from Augusta State University and his Juris Doctor from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Since being admitted to the Alabama Bar in 2007, he has focused his practice on personal injury law, securing significant verdicts and settlements for clients in cases ranging from vehicle and workplace injuries to underinsured motorist claims. His legal excellence has been recognized by his peers, including being named in Best Lawyers for Personal Injury Litigation.

In addition to personal injury work, Aaron handles select family law matters and is known for representing members of the Spanish-speaking community, ensuring language barriers don’t stand between clients and justice. Across all his work, Aaron treats every client not just as a case—but as a person deserving of respect, clarity, and strong legal support.

Timeline

00:00 Start

00:45 Legal Expert Interviews

02:50 Aaron's Bio

06:00 Choosing Legal Track

12:30 Owning a Firm

16:40 Billboard Attorneys

21:21 Case Settlements

26:00 Influencing a Jury

35:15 ChatGPT Analysis of Ryan & Rouse

39:07 Balancing Time, Managing Stress

45:30 Divorce Cases

52:10 Madison City Judge

57:02 Spanish Speaking

01:02:14 Game Time - Musical Memory

01:18:25 Final Thoughts

Learn more about Aaron and his firm Ryan & Rouse at https://alabamalaw.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

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/

Leah Rise is a children’s book author and storyteller, best known for Maverick A Million, a heart-centered picture book about courage, inner strength, and self-worth aimed at young readers. The story draws inspiration from her youngest son, Maverick, and carries a message encouraging children to embrace their unique gifts rather than compare themselves to others. Her work blends lyrical, poetic language with themes of emotional growth, confidence, and courage. Leah is also a mom of four adopted children, and her experiences as a parent and caregiver — including her long journey as a foster mom — deeply influence her writing. She uses storytelling as a way to help children navigate big feelings and discover resilience from within. In addition to her author work, her online presence on social platforms like Instagram highlights her roles as a storyteller, family person, and creative voice sharing moments from her life and the inspiration behind her work. Her debut book and its companion coloring book are published under Leah Rise Books and seek to support children ages roughly 4–8 with meaningful, uplifting stories.

Follow Leah Rise on instagram @maverick_a_million

Buy the book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maverick-a-million-leah-rise/1147626510

00:00 Start

02:30 Domain Names

05:01 Leah Intro

09:03 Foster Mom

16:05 Wanting to be a Mother

19:00 Australia

23:00 The Desire to be a Foster Mom

32:58 Trauma & Honesty

42:25 Inspiration for Book

45:50 Searching for Good

51:25 Book Overiew

01:02:00 Focus Groups

01:12:50 Getting to know Leah

01:26:40 Upcoming Guest - Mrs. Alabama

01:25:15 STEM company

01:35:43 Our Town Podcast Idea

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

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/