A Knoxville Podcast with KnoxvilleRob

Join Rob Howard in the KnoxvilleRob.com studio with Chad Chappelow as they discuss the massive shift in Knoxville's housing market, the truth about "transactional" agents, and how South Knoxville transformed from $30k homes to a microbrewery hotspot. Watch the full episode now at https://knoxvillerob.com/podcast/Real Estate is More Than Just a TransactionIf you think real estate agents are just chasing the next commission check, you haven't met the team at Hutch & Howard. In this latest episode of A Knoxville Podcast, Rob Howard sits down with team member Chad Chappelow to peel back the curtain on what it really looks like to help families find their way home in East Tennessee.From Chad’s transition from restaurant management to real estate  to the philosophy that guides their practice, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone looking to buy or sell in the Scruffy City.In This Episode, We Cover: The "One Conversation at a Time" Philosophy Chad shares his favorite approach to the business: "Finding the dream home, one conversation at a time.". Learn why your first conversation with an agent might look completely different than the home you actually buy, and why patience wins over pressure every time. The Shocking Truth About Knoxville Home Prices Remember when you could buy a house in South Knoxville for $32,000? Rob Howard does—because he lived in one. Rob and Chad break down the incredible appreciation of the Knoxville market, comparing the "late 1900s" prices to today's market where starter homes are harder to find. The South Knoxville Transformation Rob recounts a nostalgic visit to his old neighborhood off Sevier Avenue. What used to be a quiet street across from a laundromat is now the bustling home of Alliance Brewing, illustrating exactly how rapid development raises property values and changes communities. Work-Life Balance in a 24/7 Industry How do successful agents juggle family life with client needs? Chad opens up about being a dad to his daughters (and soon-to-be soccer player) while maintaining a high-level real estate career. Spoiler: It’s about boundaries and mutual respect. Why This Matters for Knoxville Buyers & SellersAs Rob mentions, the internet might tell you to be scared of the economy, but it also lists Knoxville as a #1 destination for relocation. Whether you are looking for a luxury estate or a starter home, you need an agent who is focused on the relationship, not just the transaction.

Growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, you heard the stories—the Tennessee Wild Man, Sasquatch, strange whoops and knocking sounds in the Cherokee National Forest. But what if those campfire tales connect to something much older? What if the Bible explains Bigfoot?In this episode of A Knoxville Podcast, host Rob Howard (@KnoxvilleRob) sits down with Justin "Doc" Brown—factory worker, podcaster, author, and fellow East Tennessee native—to explore one of the most fascinating theories you've never heard in Sunday school: that Esau, the "hairy man" from Genesis, might be the biblical archetype for Bigfoot and the ancient feral giants found in cultures worldwide.Justin, host of Prometheus Lens and author of "The Epic of Esau: The Birthright and Seed War," wasn't a Bigfoot enthusiast until he started connecting dots between Scripture, the Book of Jasher, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and Appalachian folklore. What he discovered turned his understanding of both the Bible and cryptozoology upside down.This isn't your typical "monster hunter" conversation. It's about faith, evidence, apologetics, and why the Bible's supernatural elements matter more than ever in a skeptical age. It's also about East Tennessee—our storytelling traditions, our dialect, our mountains, and why this region is ground zero for both Bigfoot sightings and honest, accessible conversations about deep theological truths.If you've ever wondered why your grandparents told stories about "boogers" in the woods, or if you're tired of blind faith with no backbone—this episode is for you.ABOUT JUSTIN "DOC" BROWN:Justin Brown is the host of Prometheus Lens, a podcast exploring biblical giants, Nephilim, apologetics, and the supernatural dimensions of Scripture. A lifelong East Tennessee resident and factory worker, Justin's journey from "never reading a book he wasn't forced to" to published author began in 2012 when he discovered Dr. Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm. His work bridges scholarly research and Appalachian "good old boy" storytelling, making complex theological topics accessible to everyday listeners.His debut book, "The Epic of Esau: The Birthright and Seed War," examines the biblical and extra-biblical evidence linking Esau to global Bigfoot legends and ancient feral giants.Find Justin: 🎙️ Prometheus Lens Podcast (Apple, Spotify, YouTube, all platforms) 📚 "The Epic of Esau" – Available in hardcover ($20), Kindle ($10), and audiobook (narrated by Justin) 🛒 Order signed copies with sticker packs & bookmarks: PrometheusLensPodcast.com 📦 Or grab it on Amazon Follow on all social media: Search "Prometheus Lens"ABOUT A KNOXVILLE PODCAST:Hosted by Rob Howard, a 22+ year Knoxville real estate broker, author, and UT grad, A Knoxville Podcast has been exploring East Tennessee life since 2007. From real estate market insights to conversations about Horses, Hiking, Bigfoot, and everything in between—this show proves Knoxville is more than just a "well-kept secret." It's home.Connect with Rob: 🏡 Relocating to East Tennessee? RobHowardKW@gmail.com 📱 865.385.9070 Keller Williams: 865-966-5005 🌐 KnoxvilleRob.com | RealKnoxville.com | HowardsPond.com | RealEstateMurderMystery.com 📚 Author: "Principles of Real Estate and Murder" (Frank Merchant series) & "Seller Secrets" 🏞️ Howard's Pond STR properties: The Cottage & The Loft (Ocoee, TN)

In this episode of A Knoxville Podcast, host Rob Howard sits down with Ashley Manning to celebrate the fun, excitement, and equestrian spirit of The County Mounties Obstacle Series and Horse Show - coming up July 25-27, 2025 at Roane State AG expo center in Harriman, TN. Ashley shares insider stories, her inspirations, and what it means to establish a brand new East Tennessee tradition. From behind-the-scenes planning and what to expect, you’ll see how local horse shows bring people together from all over the country — and why they matter so much to Knoxville and East Tennessee.https://www.facebook.com/county.mounties.obstacle.series for more information!Tune in for lively conversation, a few laughs, and a front-row seat to one of our area’s soon-to-be most anticipated events. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or just love a good local story, this episode captures the heart, history and energy of our region.Don’t forget to subscribe for more East Tennessee stories every week!RealKnoxville.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/a-knoxville-podcast-with-hutch-howard/id271483635Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41XtHybV1X8EeG51g6dsxf?si=abf9bbe6e6094771Rob Howard is a Knoxville-based real estate agent, author, and community connector with Keller Williams West Knoxville. With over 20 years of experience helping clients buy and sell homes throughout East Tennessee, Rob is known for his market expertise, personalized service, and caring approach.A graduate of the University of Tennessee and an East Tennessee native, Rob brings local insight to every transaction. He’s also the author of the cozy mystery novel "Principles of Real Estate & Murder" and the host of "A Knoxville Podcast", sharing stories and insights from the region.Rob is passionate about local living, short-term rentals (find his pondside Airbnb at @ocoeetinyhouse), and even features his real estate sidekick, Dickens the Havanese (@havadickens), in his adventures around Knoxville.Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just want to connect with Knoxville’s vibrant community, Rob Howard is your go-to guide.Contact: 📱 Cell: 865-385-9070 🌐 KnoxvilleRob.com | RobSellsKnoxville.com ✉️ robhowardkw@gmail.com 📲 Social: @knoxvillerob on all platforms

"Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs joins A Knoxville Podcast to discuss his unique journey from WWE superstar Kane to governing East Tennessee. We cover everything from growing up in Missouri, coming to Tennessee, watching Knoxville transform over the decades to his bold vision for nuclear energy's future."Key topics covered: His transition from WWE entertainment to Knox County governance How East Tennessee has changed since the 1990s Why population growth is actually a compliment to our region Nuclear energy and Oak Ridge's role in America's future Housing challenges facing young East Tennesseans His travels around the world and favorite destinations The teamwork skills that translate from wrestling to politics For more information on Glenn Jacobs: https://x.com/GlennJacobsTN or https://jacobsformayor.com/

Jessica Borden is famous. She's a Keller Williams "Kellebrity" known for being an all-around utility player in all things KW - an expert in the Keller Williams Technology Field, growing from an admin to assistant team leader, Coach, Presenter and much more! Friends with Rob since the early 2000s with an amazing story you won't want to miss!

Devin Pressley has had a very interesting journey into his career in real estate agency. We talk about it.

It's Leap Peeping Time in Tennessee! We talk about when folks decide to sell their home "As-Is" and what that can really mean. We go through our seasonal tune-up on the Heating and Air Systems at home, then go outside and wander around the Tennessee Valley A&I Fair! We get Cultural with visits to several playhouses around town, as well as telling tales of our visits to some of our other favorite spots within a couple hours drive of Knoxville. 

We talk about all the interesting changes in the Knoxville and East Tennessee real estate markets. We celebrate a wonderful triumph for Kathy and talk about the first time the Federal Reserve chooses not to raise interest rates after 10 straight raises in their past meetings. 

Special Guest Carrie Mays joins us to talk about our favorite spots to sit outside during the spring in Knoxville!

In this episode of A Knoxville Podcast with Hutch & Howard -  we hear stories from Kathy's vacation encounter with some people from Kentucky and one lady with an ear for her special East Tennessee dialect! We visit the Knoxville Convention and Visitor Bureau for the WDVX Blue Plate Special and special recent performances by Robinella, The Vibraslaps and Tin Roof Echo. Rob goes to see HAIR! at the Clarence Brown Theater on campus at the University of Tennessee and they both remember visits to Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains - camping, synchronized fireflies and a wedding at the Appalachian Clubhouse! Jakeypoo gets deep in that Yachting Life and Alex gets ENGAGED! Oh, and Rob turns 50 while Kathy tells us what's Way Down Yonder by the Paw Paw Patch!

Talkin' Country - Southernisms that we have loved throughout history! Memories of The Tennessee Valley Fair, Fair Food and Concerts , Endorsing all of our favorite Knoxville Pizza joints and the crazy nicknames that follow folks from school to the grave! Thanks to Adeem the Artist for the Hutch & Howard theme song closing music!

This week Rob and Kathy bring tales of their wanderings around Knoxville, stories about some of their great client experiences, stalking the city's flowering tree population and so much more!

Talking about fun Spring in Knoxville can be from Kathy's report from the Cat Show to the Christina Black's latest 29th birthday party at Cotton Eyed Joe! This has been a great week to live in Knoxville and here's what we loved about it!

Rob Howard and Kathy Lee Wuethrich talk about the craziness that the Hutch & Howard crew have done and plan to do in the next few days. Cat Afghans, Cherokee Bldg, planning to go see Smooth Sailor perform at the Knoxville Convention Center in Downtown Knoxville. Hutch & Howard is part of  Keller Williams Realty in Knoxville TN. 11400 Parkside Dr. #120 Knoxville TN 37934. Call the office at 865-966-5005. We're realtors! Call Rob at 865-385-9070 or call Kathy at 865-237-1223.  The last two links are to our Instagrams! Here's Rob's dog Dickens' Instagram too!

As the economy has shifted over the past few months – I’ve had a lot of people expecting to get “more house” for less again. Unlike most of the country – where real estate values have given back most of what was gained during the pandemic – Knoxville and most of East Tennessee have continued to either maintain or increase a bit as memories of lockdowns are fresh, the cost of living and tax rates in “marquee areas” continue to skyrocket and the threat of economic crash looms with each meeting of the Federal Reserve. The rate of relocations to the area has decreased but it still persists. Sure, we’ve had reductions in some of the higher price points – but buyers I’ve worked with are still finding it a real challenge to actually find housing in our “bread and butter” price point – between $300,000-$425,000. It’s really not that there’s a lack of homes in that range – it’s that the homes that are selling there now were on the market two years ago for 30% less and the mortgage interest rate was half what it is now. While all this is true – this dismal industry snapshot is a cloud with a silver lining! In the past few years with the growth of the Minimalist movement coming from the west and the growth in interest for Millennial generation buyers – people are getting smarter and more ambitious! Only recently the concerns about the price point has shifted to more and more interest in “House Hacking” as popularized by the Bigger Pockets podcast and other outlets that teach their listeners how to monetize their lifestyles. You’ve probably noticed the booming “Influencer” culture where people are paid in the high six-figures or even much more for attractive young people to film videos of themselves applying make-up or even less attractive dad-types fixing your dishwasher on YouTube. I’ve noticed that the House Hacking trend has spawned a new attitude from the more savvy, young homebuyer. Many of them want the most house they can purchase (finding work-arounds for the limits of credit, down-payments by finding what help might be available from other sources) with the caveat that the place they purchase HAS to be hackable. What does this have to do with being an Influencer? The common way to monetize one’s Influencing potential has been in the Macro-Influencer efforts to get as many eyes on your productions as possible. The new buyers are looking for a more realistic, yet still very lucrative Micro-Influencer plans involving getting someone else to pay for their “Super Nice house.”“I don’t care what it costs,” one extremely smart young buyer told me this week. “I just have to figure out how to live there for free.” I was a little taken aback from the comment – then he explained. The Micro-Influencer home has to have hackable spaces: A garage (ideally with a loft) that can be converted to an apartment, an outbuilding or space that can be turned into living space, an old tool shed that can be turned over in the same way or even an attic with a floor and exterior access. There are many other ways that someone can add living space without changing the current footprint of your home. In the past few months – Knoxville and other local municipalities have changed the laws to allow one ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) inside the current home footprint. If you do this right, choose the correct home or find an area where the rules are even more flexible this can allow for 2 or more ADUs and while you still get to enjoy the better living spaces – while having friends, folks you know or others that are looking for a space to live – paying rent to you – as Knoxville area rents are outstripping the costs of homeownership by large amounts. If you are hankering to get the income from the internet – a great way is to feature your space on Airbnb, VRBO or other short-term rental sites where (for a small portion of your nightly rental rate) you can double or triple the return on your lifestyle home choice! 

Tales from your hosts.Josh Purvis: The journey from the Appalachian Trail to VP of Foundation Mortgage.Rob Howard: Meeting Henry Mancini and becoming @KnoxvilleRobBrandon Hutchison: South Knoxville drummer makes good!