On this episode of The Local Yokels Podcast, host Neil Colley welcomes Joe and Nathan Ricker to talk about the exciting world of competitive robotics in Northwest Mississippi. Nathan, a driven teenager and leader on Desoto Technix, shares how he got started in robotics and what it takes to compete at a high level in the FIRST Tech Challenge. He gives a heartfelt shoutout to his teammates and explains the teamwork, engineering, and problem-solving that power their success.

Nathan also brings his impressive robot, Sidewinder, to the studio, demonstrating its abilities while breaking down the components and design that make it competition-ready. Joe offers a valuable parent’s perspective, discussing how critical family involvement, encouragement, and community support are for students to truly thrive in programs like this. The conversation also highlights the vital role corporate sponsors play in helping teams like Desoto Technix compete on a global stage, with Joe recognizing the businesses that currently support the team.

Intereseted in Sponsoring? Call 901-337-1010 for more information.

desototechnix662@gmail.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556948141605

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at TheLocalYokelsPodcast@gmail.com

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Dennis Bailey of BB&T Racing—one of the MidSouth’s premier performance shops—alongside guest Kelsey Hall to talk all things horsepower and high stakes. The crew dives into the excitement surrounding Rivergate Grudge On The Gate 2, happening February 20–21, 3588 Paul r Lowry Rd, Memphis, TN 38109, featuring small tire street drag racing and some of the region’s fiercest competitors.

They break down what fans can expect from the event, ticket pricing ($20 per person, $30 for a two-day pass, kids 12 and under free), and the culture that makes grudge racing such an adrenaline-filled spectacle. The episode also highlights the importance of community support and gives a big thank you to the sponsors helping make it all possible. If you love fast cars, local racing, and grassroots competition, this one’s for you.

http://bbandtracing.com

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at TheLocalYokelsPodcast@gmail.com

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley welcomes Claudia Nieback, Founder of the Care Center of Southaven, along with Jessi Poole, to share the heart and mission behind this life-changing organization. The Care Center is a pregnancy resource center and medical clinic providing completely free services to women and families in need, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, educational classes, infant supplies, clothing, food, and diapers. Claudia and Jessi explain how the center walks alongside women during some of the most challenging moments of their lives with compassion, dignity, and support. They also share how the community can get involved and remind listeners that help is always available.

📍 1277 Main St., Southaven, MS 38671
📞 (662) 280-1202
☎️ 24/7 Hotline: (800) 712-HELP (4357)
🌐 http://careprc.org | cprc@careprc.org

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at TheLocalYokelsPodcast@gmail.com

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with national champion open-wheel sprint car racer Dale Howard. Dale shares stories from his years behind the wheel, the adrenaline of short-track dirt and pavement racing, and what it takes to compete at the highest level with his racing team and schedule. From the roar of high-powered engines to the tight community around the sport, this episode gives listeners a front-row seat to sprint car racing—plus a shoutout to the sponsors who help keep Dale on track: XC Gear, Quality Roof Seamers, and Boars Night Out.

Dale Howard Racing - https://www.facebook.com/byhaliabullet

XC Gear - https://www.facebook.com/xcgear

Quailty Roof Seamers - https://www.facebook.com/QRS8265

Boars Night Out - https://www.facebook.com/bnobbq

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at TheLocalYokelsPodcast@gmail.com

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Mike Abbott, owner of Steel Rose Metal Co., for a raw and unforgettable conversation about resilience, creativity, and finding purpose through craftsmanship. Mike shares his early life growing up in Southaven with his grandparents, dropping out of school at a young age, and navigating a rough family environment surrounded by crime and addiction. He opens up about a wild teenage move to the West Coast that ended in a brutal gang beating—and how those moments helped shape his path forward. From teaching himself steel fabrication at just 13 years old to becoming a licensed tattoo artist by 20, Mike’s journey is one of grit and self-made success. The episode also dives into his passion for handmade classic cars and the road that led him to building Steel Rose Metal Co.

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at TheLocalYokelsPodcast@gmail.com

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley welcomes Michael Lee and Kathleen LoSapio to talk about one of DeSoto County’s most exciting new developments—the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center. The conversation explores the vision behind this 200-acre, state-of-the-art campus designed to bring agriculture, education, and community together in one place. From hands-on learning opportunities and agricultural partnerships to public events, farmers markets, rodeos, and scenic walking trails, the Agri-Education Center is built to serve residents of all ages. Michael and Kathleen share how this facility honors tradition while cultivating innovation and opportunity for the future of DeSoto County.

Mississippi State University over view of program can be accessed at the following website:
Extension.msstate.edu.
Go to Master Gardener training.

Desoto county classes are (as noted on sheet titled) “ Why become a Master Gardener”, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting March 10 thru April 9th, 8:30 am to 12 pm.

Guest Links

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at TheLocalYokelsPodcast@gmail.com

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with TikTok influencer JaNae Popwell (@sonup2sondown13) for a wide-ranging and honest conversation touching on sports, culture, growth, and finding peace in a rapidly changing world. JaNae shares her thoughts on Ole Miss’s tough playoff loss to Miami, the ongoing Lindsey Whiteside sexual abuse case, and the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE in Minneapolis. The discussion also dives into the explosive growth of Southaven and DeSoto County, xAI’s development in the area, the situation unfolding in Venezuela, and how different types of liquor can bring out very different personalities. JaNae reflects on her time playing softball, the business side of youth athletics, and the importance of working toward peace in everyday life.

TikTok - @‌sonup2sondown13

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at TheLocalYokelsPodcast@gmail.com

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Horn Lake Mayor Jimmy Stokes to discuss his journey into public service and what led him to the mayor’s office. Mayor Stokes shares the path that shaped his leadership style, reflects on the current state of Horn Lake, and outlines his vision for moving the city forward. From community growth to long-term planning, this conversation offers insight into local leadership and what it takes to guide a city in the right direction.

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at TheLocalYokelsPodcast@gmail.com

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com