Jonathan Cornelius, MD Shoulder & Knee Arthroscopic Reconstruction, Hip, Knee and Shoulder Replacements, Minimally Invasive Partical Joint Replacement, and General Orthopaedics
Kristina Moore, PA-C Physician Assistant
William Melton, MD Hand, Wrist and Elbow Surgery
Shawn Mountain, DO
Arthroscopic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Shoulder Injuries, and Joint Replacement
Jennifer O’Donnell, MD Orthopaedic Spine Surgery
Lucas Richie, MD
Arthroscopic Surgery, General Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement, Knee and Shoulder Injuries, Sports Medicine, Upper Extremity, and Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement
Home Is Where the Heart Is
A house can be beautiful. It can have the perfect floor plan, a dream kitchen, and all the latest finishes. But what truly makes a house feel like home isn't found in blueprints or design selections.
It's found in the life that happens inside it.
It's the sound of kids racing down the hallway. A dog waiting by the door when you get home. Family dinners around the table. Weekend adventures. Birthday parties. Quiet moments. Everyday memories.
That's what this month's Kids & Pets issue is all about.
Inside these pages, you'll find stories that celebrate the people, places, and experiences that help make Mt. Juliet feel like home. You'll meet the team behind Little School on the Farm, where children learn through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections with the world around them. You'll also get to know local educator and content creator Lindsay Peters, whose engaging approach to learning has made an impact on families both here in our community and beyond.
We're also highlighting local makers who are using their talents to help support the Green Hill High School marching band—a reminder that some of the strongest communities are built when neighbors come together for a common purpose.
And in keeping with this month's theme, we're featuring R&H Builders and exploring what it means to create a home designed not just for today, but for the memories that will be made there for years to come.
What ties all of these stories together is connection.
The relationships we build with our families. The communities we invest in. The pets who become part of our stories. The places where milestones are celebrated and ordinary moments become cherished memories.
Those are the things that make a community special.
Thank you for inviting us into your homes each month. We hope this issue inspires you to appreciate the people, pets, and places that make your own house feel uniquely like home.
See you next month,
ELISE NEWKIRK, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
@MOUNTJULIETLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Logan NewKirk | logan.newkirk@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Elise Newkirk | elise.newkirk@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Elise Newkirk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Layla Fox, Bernadette Anderson, Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, City of Mt. Juliet
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.
This month’s cover features Gem - an 18-year-old, 17HH Belgian Warmblood horse, proudly owned by Wilson County resident Dr. Martha George of Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance. Photography: Layla Fox
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Local operator Wendy Charak cuts the ribbon to celebrate the new Starbucks location’s grand opening. 2: Area trainer Allie Burke hosts a Burke Babes workout at Billy Goat Cafe June 27. 3: Ugly Bagel celebrated its grand opening in Mt. Juliet on June 30. 4: Locals enjoy a meal at the grand opening of the latest Subway Mt. Juliet location. 5: Kids enjoy a foam party at Mt. Juliet’s Independence Day celebration at Circle P Ranch. 6: Hundreds gather to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4th at Circle P Ranch. 7: Kids and camp counselors gather for a group photo at Mt. Juliet’s Camp Mirage.
business monthly
Ugly Bagel - Now Open!
Ugly Bagel opened July 1st at the new Everette Downs development in Mt. Juliet. It marks the brand's third store in 18 months from Middle Tennessee locals and co-founders Jeff Crabiel and Jake Strang. Located at 1913 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Ugly Bagel Mt. Juliet will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Guests can order online or through in-store kiosks, and catering is also available. Visit www.UglyBagel.com for more information.
Built to Last
How R&H Builders creates homes rooted in trust, craftsmanship, and lasting relationships
There is a difference between building houses and building homes. One can be measured in square footage, finishes, and timelines. The other is measured in birthday parties around the kitchen island, muddy footprints after ball games, Christmas mornings by the fireplace, and generations of memories made inside.
For the team at R&H Builders, that’s the difference that matters. A home begins long before the foundation is poured. It begins with conversations around a conference table and questions that have little to do with square footage and everything to do with the people who will one day fill the space with life.
Those conversations aren’t simply part of the process - they are the process. In an industry often driven by production schedules and volume, R&H has quietly built a different reputation, one rooted in relationships, craftsmanship, and the belief that no two families should ever live in the same story. Every custom home begins by understanding the people who will live there. The best homes, the team believes, aren’t designed around trends or resale valuethey’re designed around real life.
That philosophy isn’t new. In many ways, it was inherited. When co-owner Jeff Rowlett talks about building homes, he often finds himself talking about his father instead. In 1983, Charles “Pop” Rowlett and his son, Jeff Rowlett, formed Rowlett Construction
and began building single-family homes in Mt. Juliet and Middle Tennessee that many local families still call home today. But while Pop left his mark on the landscape, the legacy he passed to his son had little to do with lumber or blueprints.
“My dad instilled in me to always do what’s right and always do your best,” Jeff says. It was a simple lesson, lived out quietly through decades of honest work, and it continues to guide every decision R&H makes today.
That same commitment to doing things the right way ultimately led Jeff Rowlett and Patrick Hays to establish R&H Builders in 2016. Patrick brings a strong understanding of the building process, from site planning and permitting to construction management, helping guide each project from concept to completion. Years later, interior designer Amy Massengale joined the company, transforming it into a full-service design-build firm where construction and design work hand in hand.
ARTICLE BY ELISE NEWKIRK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF R&H BUILDERS
As a small team of three, Jeff, Patrick, and Amy stay closely involved in each project, bringing their individual strengths together while keeping the process personal and hands-on. Each brings unique expertise, but every decision is guided by the same goal: creating homes that feel deeply personal to the families who live in them.
That personalization begins before anyone discusses finishes or fixtures. Instead, the team wants to know how clients live. Do they love entertaining? Are they raising children?
Do grandparents visit often? Is this the home where they’ll grow old? Those conversations shape everything that follows, from the floor plan to the smallest design details.
“We want to know our clients, understand how they live, and build a trust-filled relationship that allows us to create a home that truly fits their needs,” Patrick explains.
Building a custom home means entrusting someone else with one of your biggest dreams. It is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Hundreds of decisions must be made, and each one matters. R&H understands that responsibility, which is why communication is woven into every step of the process. Before construction begins, homeowners sit down for detailed plan reviews — what the team calls REDLINE meetings - walking room by room through everything from door swings and window placement to ceiling details, trim work, and flooring transitions. It may seem meticulous, but those conversations give homeowners something invaluable: confidence before the first shovel ever touches the ground.
From left to right: R&H Builders co-owners Patrick Hays, Jeff Rowlett, and Amy Massengale.
That intentionality shows up in the way each home is customized to fit the family who will live there. For some clients, that may mean flexible rooms that can evolve as their family grows or thoughtfully designed drop zones for backpacks, muddy cleats, and everyday clutter. For others, it may mean durable flooring selected not only for beauty, but for the realities of children, pets, celebrations, and ordinary Tuesdays.
When pets are part of the family, those thoughtful details may include dog-washing stations, designated water-bowl locations, built-in pocket gates, or hidden robot-vacuum docks that make daily maintenance easier. Outdoor living spaces can also be planned with the future in mind, with gas lines, plumbing, and electrical work installed during construction so families have the option to expand those spaces as life changes.
Perhaps the most meaningful details, however, are the ones no one would ever notice unless someone told the story behind them: a front door salvaged from a grandparent’s home, a beloved spice rack from a childhood kitchen carefully incorporated into a new pantry, and pieces of family history thoughtfully
woven into a brand-new chapter. To R&H, those aren’t simply design elements. They’re reminders that a home should carry memories forward, not leave them behind.
It’s easy to fall in love with a photograph online. It’s much harder to understand why you love it. That’s where Amy Massengale’s role becomes less about design and more about listening.
Rather than steering homeowners toward social media trends, Amy helps them uncover the style they’ve been drawn to all along. Through conversations, sketches, and 3D modeling, she helps clients create a home that feels timeless because it reflects them - not the moment.
“If you notice the same color, wood tone, tile, texture, or finish showing up repeatedly in what you love, that’s usually a good clue to your personal style,” Amy says. “Those are the elements worth incorporating into your home - even if they’re not the trend of the moment.”
That philosophy gives homeowners something far more valuable than a beautiful house. It gives them confidence that years from now, when trends have changed and styles have evolved, their home will still feel authentically theirs.
As Mt. Juliet and Wilson County continue to grow, R&H sees that growth through a personal lens. Jeff, Patrick, and Amy all live and work in Wilson County and are originally from the area, so they have seen firsthand how much the community
“WE HOPE THEY feel THAT WE listened, THAT THEY COULD trust us, AND THAT WE TREATED their home WITH THE care it DESERVED.”
has changed over the years. That gives them a deep appreciation for thoughtful growth - building homes that serve families well without losing sight of the land, the community, and the character of the place they call home.
Eventually, every project reaches its final day. The tools are packed away. The dust settles. The keys exchange hands.
For most builders, that may feel like the finish line. For R&H, it is simply the moment a family’s story begins.
“When we hand over the keys, we hope homeowners feel cared for, excited, and truly at home,” Amy says. Patrick adds, “We hope they feel that we listened, that they could trust us, and that we treated their home with the care it deserved.”
Years from now, most homeowners won’t remember the day drywall went up or the afternoon they chose cabinet hardware. What they’ll remember is carrying a sleeping baby through the front door, watching children grow, gathering around the table, and sitting on the back porch after everyone else has gone to bed, realizing they’re finally home.
Those are the moments R&H Builders is really constructing. The lumber, brick, and stone simply give those memories a place to live.
And perhaps that’s why the homes they build feel different. They’re built with craftsmanship. They’re designed with intention. But above all, they’re built around people.
ARTICLE BY ELISE NEWKIRK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JENNA GIBBONS
WHERE Wonder GROWS
Cultivating confident kids through nature, imagination, and meaningful work.
There is something remarkable that happens when you hand a child a basket instead of a tablet. They notice things most adults have long stopped seeing: a butterfly resting on a fence post, the warmth of a freshly laid egg, the way a baby goat hops without a care in the world, or how muddy hands always seem to accompany the very best adventures.
At Little School on the Farm, those moments aren't interruptions to learning. They are the lesson.
Nestled on a small farm in Mt. Juliet, Little School on the Farm was born from a simple belief: children learn best when they are immersed in God's creation. Founder Jenna Gibbons, a former classroom teacher turned homeschool mom, envisioned a place where families could step away from the pace of modern life and return to something slower and more intentional - a place where curiosity mattered more than screens, life skills were valued alongside academics, and childhood itself was treated as something worth protecting.
"I felt this was a wonderful opportunity to share our farm with other families who wanted their children to step away from technology and return to a slower, more intentional childhood," Jenna says. What began in 2022 with just a few dozen students has grown into a thriving homeschool co-op serving nearly 80 children. Each week, families gather to garden, cook, sew, care for animals, read beautiful books, and discover the rhythms of farm life together. Along the way, children build confidence through meaningful work that many families no longer experience in everyday life.
The farm has become a classroom in ways no traditional building ever could. One season, students mourned the loss of a beloved baby chicken. Days later, they gathered around to meet the new farm pup, their excitement mingling with conversations about life, loss, and the rhythms of God's creation. Moments like those can't be planned on a lesson calendar.
Just as meaningful are the quieter transformations. The child who was afraid to touch a chicken in September is collecting eggs with confidence by spring. The picky eater who once refused a garden tomato is proudly helping make fresh salsa. The quiet student who hesitated to speak is suddenly running a booth at the annual Market Day, selling homemade bread, pottery, seedlings, or sewn creations with confidence and pride.
"I have seen children transition from being nervous about trying anything new and end up jumping into puddles, collecting eggs, and digging for worms in the garden by the end of the year," Jenna says. "It is amazing to see how much they grow."
Imagination is equally important here. In the farm's natural play area, mud becomes soup, grass becomes cupcakes, and sticks become anything a child dreams they can be. In an age where so much play is prewritten on a screen, Little School on the Farm intentionally leaves room for boredom, creativity, and wonder. Those experiences develop language, confidence, problem-solving, and friendships - but perhaps more importantly, they remind children they don't need constant entertainment to experience joy. CONTINUED >
“We hope that by learning these skills, children will change their families for generations to come.”
Throughout the year, students also learn gardening, food preservation, sewing, cooking with whole foods, and other homesteading skills that many families fear are disappearing. Literature, history, science, poetry, and math are thoughtfully woven into each season, proving that meaningful education doesn't always happen at a desk.
"We hope that by learning these skills, children will change their families for generations to come," Jenna says.
For Jenna, however, the greatest reward isn't teaching children how to grow vegetables or care for livestock. It's watching entire families grow alongside them. Parents begin baking together. Grandparents pass down treasured recipes. Children ask to plant gardens at home, help feed animals, or spend more time outside than in front of a screen.
"I truly believe that the closer we are to nature, the closer we are to God," Jenna says. She believes children are far more capable than we often give them credit for, and that learning to care for God's creation shapes not only their hands, but also their hearts. Whether tending the garden, gathering eggs, reading beneath the trees, or listening to local farmers share their knowledge, every experience is rooted in the belief that slowing down creates space for wonder, gratitude, and deeper connection. In many ways, that's the heart of Little School on the Farm. Yes, children leave knowing how to care for animals, grow food, and make something with their own hands. But they also leave believing they're capable - capable of doing hard things, caring for God's creation, and slowing down long enough to notice the beauty that's been there all along. Because sometimes the greatest lessons aren't found inside four walls at all. They're waiting in a muddy garden, a well-loved picture book, or a basket holding a still-warm egg.
“I felt this was a wonderful opportunity to share our farm with other families who wanted their children to step away from technology and return to a slower, more intentional childhood.”
Little School on the Farm owner Jenna Gibbons and her husband, Sean.
ARTICLE BY ELISE NEWKIRK | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FEATURED MAKERS
Handmade with Heart
Craft:Ed celebrates local makers, meaningful gifts, and a community coming together for Green Hill High School
In a world of overnight shipping and mass production, Craft:Ed is a reminder that some of life's most meaningful treasures are still made by hand. Every handcrafted item carries something no factory can produce: the story of the person who made it.
What began as a local craft fair has grown into a community-powered event with a bigger purpose. Craft:Ed brings together handmade goods, creative entrepreneurs, and neighbors from across Mt. Juliet while supporting the Green Hill High School marching band. Organized by local parents alongside Rick Reiter and Marc Vera, owners of Mt. Juliet's Nook boutique, the event has become a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the stories behind the people who create.
As Craft:Ed returns on Friday, November 7, here are five makers whose work reflects the heart of this growing tradition.
SLIP CHAIN STITCH
Some of the most meaningful family heirlooms aren't antiques. Sometimes, they're made with a crochet hook, a skein of yarn, and a mother's love.
When Alex Brown welcomed her daughter in 2019, she found herself thinking about the handmade treasures that had
shaped her own childhood. Determined to create something just as meaningful, she taught herself to crochet through books and tutorials.
Today, Slip Chain Stitch creates whimsical crocheted companions for families across Middle Tennessee and beyond. Each handmade creation is crafted with the hope of becoming a keepsake passed from one generation to the next.
BLUE LOTUS BOTANICS
Long before skincare arrived on store shelves, it was crafted by hand - carefully mixed, thoughtfully sourced, and shared from one generation to the next.
That tradition lives on at Blue Lotus Botanics, a woman-owned Mt. Juliet apothecary where every botanical remedy, soap, and skincare product is formulated, mixed, and bottled in-house using simple, natural ingredients. Beyond handcrafted products, the shop invites visitors into thoughtful conversations about herbs, natural ingredients, and the everyday rituals of natural living. Drawing on a deep knowledge of herbology, the owner is always eager to share insights and help others explore the benefits of plants in approachable, practical ways.
What began as a local craft fair has grown into a community-powered event with a bigger purpose.
FESTOONERY
Home is often found in the little details - a welcoming wreath on the front door, a handcrafted ornament that returns to the tree each Christmas, or a seasonal decoration that quietly marks the passing of another year.
That's the philosophy behind Festoonery, where every piece is handcrafted to add warmth, personality, and whimsy to everyday
spaces. From custom wreaths and signature ruffle trees to fabric ornaments and seasonal décor, each creation is designed to help a house feel more like home.
Whether celebrating the changing seasons or creating a keepsake that returns year after year, Festoonery proves handmade décor doesn't simply decorate a space - it helps tell a story.
Blue Lotus Organics
SWEET PEAS BAKE SHOP
Some of life's best conversations happen around something warm from the oven.
That's the spirit behind Sweet Peas Bake Shop, where owner Lindsey Martin creates made-from-scratch treats designed to bring comfort as much as sweetness. From signature oatmeal cream pies and gooey cinnamon rolls to an ever-changing assortment of baked goods, every recipe is crafted to brighten someone's day.
For Lindsey, baking has always been about more than dessert. It's about creating moments of connection around the table or through a thoughtful gift. Every purchase also supports local charities and community organizations, proving kindness really can be homemade.
PAWDORABLE
For many families, pets aren't just animals - they're part of the family. Pawdorable celebrates that bond with handcrafted accessories designed to add a little extra personality to every wagging tail.
From festive bandanas and charming bow ties to seasonal collar accessories, each piece is thoughtfully
handmade to help four-legged friends celebrate holidays, birthdays, and everyday adventures in style. Every pup deserves something made with love.
At first glance, Craft:Ed may look like a makers market filled with beautiful things. Look a little closer, and you'll discover something even more meaningful.
Behind every booth is a story: a mother creating heirlooms for the next generation, an artisan preserving traditional skills, a baker sharing comfort through homemade treats, a maker helping homes feel more welcoming, or a small business celebrating the pets we love like family. Together, those stories make Craft:Ed more than a shopping event. Every purchase supports a local dream while helping the Green Hill High School marching band continue to grow and thrive.
On Friday, November 7, visitors won't just be shopping local. They'll be investing in neighbors, celebrating creativity, and discovering handcrafted treasures that carry stories long after they're brought home.
Craft:Ed is currently accepting additional vendor applications for the November market. Interested makers can apply at craftedmtjuliet.com.
Sweet Peas Bake Shop
FINDING CONNECTION THROUGH THE Joy of Music
HOW MS. LINDSAY IS BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER IN MT. JULIET.
ARTICLE BY ELISE NEWKIRK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LINDSAY PETERS
On any given week in Mt. Juliet, you'll find Ms. Lindsay surrounded by tiny tambourines, colorful scarves, and giggling toddlers - but what she's really creating is connection.
Growing up in a music-loving family in Louisiana, Ms. Lindsay always knew the arts would shape her life. After attending Belmont University, performing professionally at Disney, and earning a master's degree in education, she taught theatre before motherhood redirected her path.
When her first daughter was born in 2020, Ms. Lindsay found herself driving to East Nashville for a Music Together class.
"The class was wonderful, but the drive with a small child was not," she says.
Seeing a need close to home, Ms. Lindsay brought the internationally recognized early childhood music program to Mt. Juliet. Today, she teaches mixedage classes for children from birth to age five, where families sing, dance, play instruments, and learn together.
Unlike traditional music lessons, the focus isn't performance - it's participation. Children build confidence, communication skills, and social-emotional growth while parents experience something equally valuable: uninterrupted time together.
"Kids truly just give everything they have," Ms. Lindsay says. "Watching them go from being unsure on day one to becoming fully invested a few weeks in is just so special."
In a world of busy schedules and endless screens, Ms. Lindsay believes 45 minutes of singing, dancing, and pretending to be animals is exactly what families need.
"Everyone is musical," she says.
More importantly, music creates lasting connections - to parents, grandparents, friends, and community. For Ms. Lindsay, that's the real lesson, and the reason families keep coming back.
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Ready to give this childhood classic the upgrade it deserves? Whether you’re packing your kid’s lunch or treating yourself to something special, these elevated PB&J creations will make anyone excited for lunchtime.
THE ART OF THE UPSCALE
The secret to an elevated PB&J isn’t complicated—it’s all about premium ingredients and creative combinations. Swap that white bread for artisanal sourdough, brioche, or even croissants. Trade processed jelly for fresh fruit compotes, gourmet preserves, or actual fresh berries that burst with flavor.
Quality nut butters make all the difference. Think creamy almond butter, rich cashew spread, or that perfectly salted natural peanut butter from the farmer’s market. These simple swaps instantly elevate your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bread Options
• Artisanal sourdough
• Brioche
• Croissants
• Multigrain bread
• Cinnamon raisin bread
• Hawaiian sweet bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Thick-cut bread (for open-face)
Nut & Seed Butters
• Natural peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Dark chocolate almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Coconut butter
• Nutella
Fresh Fruits
• Strawberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh peaches
• Kiwi
• Mixed berries
• Bananas
• Pears
Preserves & Sweet Spreads
• Honey
• Fig jam
• Mango preserves
• Raspberry preserves
• Grape jelly
• Marshmallow cream
Toppings & Add-ins
• Fresh mint leaves
• Granola
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Dark Chocolate Syrup
TRANSFORM YOUR HUMBLE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH FROM LUNCH BOX BASIC TO GOURMET GREATNESS
COMBOS TO Try:
The Sophisticated Sweet: Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on brioche bread
The Panini Perfection: Peanut butter, fresh blueberries, and marshmallow cream pressed between sourdough slices
The Beautiful Mess: Your favorite nut butter topped with sliced fresh peaches, kiwi, or berries, then drizzled with golden honey or sprinkled with toasted coconut on thick-cut bread
The Grown-Up Classic: Almond butter, fig jam, and thinly sliced pears on multigrain bread
The Breakfast Crossover: Cashew butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola on cinnamon raisin bread
The Tropical Twist: Coconut butter, mango preserves, and toasted coconut flakes on Hawaiian sweet bread
The Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate almond butter, raspberry preserves, and fresh mint leaves on whole wheat
The Savory Surprise: Natural peanut butter, grape jelly, and a thin layer of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
PRO TIPS FOR LUNCHBOX SUCCESS
Toast your bread lightly for extra texture, even if you’re making it ahead. Create a barrier with your spread to prevent soggy sandwiches—apply nut butter to both sides, then add your sweet elements in the middle. Pack fresh elements separately and assemble just before eating when possible.
Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap in parchment paper tied with twine, or pack in a bento box with complementary sides like apple slices, fancy crackers, or dark chocolate squares.
THE BOTTOM LINE
An elevated PB&J proves that sometimes the best meals come from taking something familiar and making it special. These upgraded versions will have everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even offering to trade lunches.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 5TH
Toddler & Kids Farm Adventures
Breeden's Orchard - 631 Beckwith Rd, Mount Juliet, Tenn. | 9:30 AM
A weekly hands-on farm experience for toddlers (9:30-10:30 a.m.; 18 months-3 years), kids (11 a.m.-12 p.m.; 5 & 6 years) and caregivers at Breeden’s Orchard featuring story time, sensory play, crafts, animal interactions, and outdoor exploration. Limited spots available
AUGUST 7TH
Movie in the Park - "Zootopia 2"
Charlie Daniels Park - 1075 Charlie Daniels Parkway, Mt. Juliet, Tenn. | 8:00 PM
It's a Mt. Juliet summer of FREE movies in the park! August 7th will feature the new Disney release 'Zootopia 2' - pack a cooler, a blanket, and some chairs, and enjoy this family-friendly film, which will start at approximately 8:15 p.m. (dusk). Concessions will be available for purchase on-site.
AUGUST 7TH - SEPTEMBER 8TH
Tomato Art Fest
Five Points East Nashville | 5:00 PM
Head to Five Points in East Nashville for a fun and wacky time full of art, music, food, costumes, contests, shopping, kids activities, & more! Tomato Art Fest runs from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, August 7, and from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, August 8. Geared toward all ages and free to attend.
AUGUST 13TH - 22ND
Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair
945 E Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, Tenn. | 4:00 PM
Get ready for the BEST 10 Days of the Year! Join the Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair in honoring the people, traditions, and volunteer spirit that have shaped our state and nation over the past 250 years! Gates open weekdays at 4 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m., and Sundays at 12 p.m. wilsoncountytnstatefair.com for tickets.
PBR Stampede Days brings professional bull riding to Bridgestone Arena, pairing high-stakes rides with the split-second strategy riders use to handle unpredictable bulls. It’s an engaging night for anyone who likes fast-paced competition, sharp athleticism, and a crowd that reacts to every moment. Check ticket availability and times, and grab seats while you can.
AUGUST 15TH
Mystic Mermaids Under the Sea Breakfast
The Aquarium Restaurant - 516 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, Tenn. | 9:00 AM
Come out to the Aquarium Restaurant for an exclusive “Under The Sea Breakfast” event with the Mystic Mermaids! Enjoy while watching mermaids swim to music and teach you how to protect the ocean. Cost is $28.61 for adults, $22.26 for kids 3 – 10. Reservations required.
Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!
SPEAK
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
STAY
Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.
SHAKE
Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.
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