Kickin" It With Kincannon

For the past decade, Knoxville has proudly embraced its identity as a Maker City. In this episode of Kickin’ It with Kincannon, Mayor Indya Kincannon sits down with Anne Templeton, Director of Maker City Initiatives, to reflect on how a grassroots movement grew into a defining part of Knoxville’s culture and economy. They explore the history of making in Appalachia, how the Maker City movement began, and why collaboration, creativity, and community are at the heart of Knoxville’s succes...

In this festive episode, Mayor Indya Kincannon sits down with Kyndra Brewer, the City’s Director of Special Events, along with a special surprise guest. Together they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to create Knoxville’s most beloved traditions: the Regal Celebration of Lights, Festival on the Fourth, New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere, and more. Kyndra shares behind-the-scenes stories, including quick saves, memorable mishaps, and how a “blue Christmas tree” once caused more excit...

In this episode of Kickin’ It with Kincannon, Mayor Indya Kincannon talks with Cody Gentry, the City’s Vision Zero Coordinator, about Knoxville’s goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets. They discuss how the Vision Zero strategy combines data, design, and community partnerships to make Knoxville safer for everyone from pedestrians and cyclists to drivers and school children. Cody also shares powerful insights on how “quick build” projects and small street impro...

In this episode of Kickin' It with Kincannon, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon sits down with Courtney Bergmeier, Executive Director of the Bijou Theatre, to talk about the rich history and ongoing legacy of one of Knoxville’s most treasured cultural landmarks. They discuss the Bijou’s role in downtown revitalization, its impact on the local arts scene, and how this historic stage continues to bring people together. Courtney also shares some behind-the-scenes stories, including a few tha...

Mayor Indya Kincannon sits down with Kevin DuBose, the City’s Director of Housing & Neighborhood Development, to talk about what it takes to make Knoxville a place where everyone can live and thrive. From the City’s $50 million Affordable Housing Fund to nearly 3,000 new and improved homes since 2019, the conversation highlights real progress and real stories behind Knoxville’s housing efforts. Kevin shares how programs are helping first-time homebuyers, rebuilding homes for longtime resi...

Mayor Indya Kincannon sits down with Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel for a candid conversation about public safety, trust, and leading a modern police department. Together, they talk about new approaches to community engagement and what it means to build lasting partnerships across the city. But the conversation doesn’t stop there, the Mayor also gets Chief Noel to open up with candid answers about his favorite Knoxville restaurants and how he spends his free time when he’s off duty.

In the very first episode of Kickin’ It with Kincannon, Mayor Indya Kincannon is joined by Knoxville’s rising student leaders for a candid, fun, and thoughtful conversation. They talk about what it’s like heading back to school in 2025, what students wish adults understood better, and what they’d do if they were Mayor for a day. Plus, some rapid-fire “Would You Rather” questions you don’t want to miss. Whether you're a parent, student, or someone who cares about the future of our city, this e...