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Beyond Rockets

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Huntsville, beyond the Rocket City.

The gist

Beyond Rockets is a Huntsville conversation show hosted by Clark Dunn, centered on locals building companies, studios, restaurants, and community institutions. Episodes move from personal backstory to practical detail, tracing how people arrived in the Rocket City and what they are making there.

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About Beyond Rockets

Beyond Rockets is a Huntsville interview show built around local momentum. Clark Dunn hosts relaxed, practical conversations with people making visible changes across the Rocket City. The premise is simple. Huntsville is known for space, but the show spends its time with the business owners, creatives, builders, local figures, and operators shaping the rest of the city’s identity. Episodes often begin with biography: where a guest grew up, why they left, why they returned, or how Huntsville became home. From there, the conversations move into work. A weather-focused episode with Bob Barron turns severe-weather communication into a story about specificity, response time, and public safety. Jordan Rodriguez’s appearance follows the path from Grissom High School and college athletics to launching Freedom Exteriors. Vanya’s Shop Moss conversation links Rome, family, and a boutique in the Village of Providence. Jack Fite’s episode looks back through North Alabama construction and the long run of Fite Building Company. Jordan Brummett’s return visit charts the growth of The Vessel from a fast-moving idea into a community pottery studio. Anusha Davis explains retail vacancy, national-brand interest, and why Huntsville is being reconsidered by companies that once skipped it. Restaurant episodes bring in scratch-made food, menu pivots, and downtown dining through The Standard, Del Chico, and The Local. David Fernandez’s Mazda Toyota conversation adds manufacturing culture, vehicle changes, and regional workforce growth. The show’s rhythm is curious rather than confrontational. It gives guests room to explain how things actually work. The result is a grounded portrait of Huntsville’s growth, told through the people managing its businesses, spaces, food, weather systems, studios, and factories.

Made for: Beyond Rockets is for listeners who follow Huntsville’s growth through the people building it. It especially suits locals, founders, creatives, local observers, and newcomers trying to understand the city beyond headline industries.

What sets it apart: The show stands apart by staying tightly rooted in Huntsville while crossing many local sectors in the same archive. It connects personal backstories with concrete business and community detail rather than treating growth as an abstract trend.

In their own words

As Huntsville AL is primarily known for being the Rocket City because of its close association with the US Space Missions but Huntsville is so much more than that Huntsville is home to many high-tech companies, entrepreneurs involved in interesting startups, talented creatives, and much much more. My goal is to introduce you to some of these individuals that are taking Huntsville Beyond the Rocket.

As heard by us

Based on 5 episodes we listened to · September 2026

Beyond Rockets makes Huntsville's growth concrete by tracing the operating choices behind local manufacturing, retail, hospitality, technology, and community projects.

Beyond Rockets turns Huntsville's growth into direct conversations with people making practical decisions inside local companies and community organizations.

Read our full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Clark Dunn asks why a tornado warning should name your intersection, not just your county.

Press play if you want

  • to hear what a car factory leader thinks about building a workplace culture
  • to see why a restaurant might offer half a sandwich when customers want more choice
Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Huntsville entrepreneurshiplocal business growthcreative community spacesretail and restaurant developmentNorth Alabama constructionweather information and safetyautomotive manufacturing culturereturning to Huntsville

Talks about

Business & FinanceSmall Business

Podcasts like Beyond Rockets

Episodes

  1. 1

    Episode 236: Yellowhammer Brewing with Ethan Couch

    ·31m
  2. 2

    Episode 272: How Freedom Exteriors Is Redefining Home Remodeling in Huntsville with Jordan Rodriguez

    ·30m
  3. 3

    Episode 271: From Rome to Rocket City: The Story Behind ShopMOSS

    ·18m
  4. 4

    Episode 270: Changing the Landscape: Jack Fite on 50 Years of Fite Building Company

    ·36m
  5. 5

    Episode 269: Scaling The Vessel and Building Creative Community in Huntsville with Jordyn Brummett

    ·25m
  6. 6

    Episode 268: How Huntsville Became One of the Hottest Retail Markets in the South with Anusha Davis

    ·29m
  7. 7

    Episode 267: Downtown Huntsville’s Scratch-Made Trio: Inside The Standard, Del Chuco, and The Local

    ·37m
  8. 8

    Episode 266: How Mazda Toyota Is Growing People, Cars, and Community in North Alabama with David Fernandes

    ·40m
  9. 9

    Episode 265: How Make It Matter Collective is Rewriting the Future for Huntsville’s Foster Youth with Erica Hardesty

    ·25m
  10. 10

    Episode 264: Mobilizing Generosity: Inside the Community Foundation with Melissa Thompson

    ·34m
  11. 11

    Episode 263: How Lee Marshall Built Kids to Love into a Lifeline for Foster Youth

    ·51m
  12. 12

    Episode 262: Huntsville’s CIO Dr. Larry Lowe on Using Tech to Serve a Growing City

    ·42m
  13. 13

    Episode 262: Huntsville’s CIO Dr. Larry Lowe on Using Tech to Serve a Growing City

    ·42m
  14. 14

    Episode 261: Inside The Golf Lab: 24/7 Golf, Smart Data, and 1,700+ Courses

    ·31m
  15. 15

    Episode 259: Painting the Rocket City– the Art of City-Sized Murals with Jessie Andrews

    ·26m
  16. 16

    Episode 258: Cocktails, Creativity, and Community with Method Mixology

    ·39m
  17. 17

    Episode 257: Building a Social Club for Young Professionals with Altos Mensa

    ·28m
  18. 18

    Episode 256: Building Community One Cup at a Time with David Lewis of Coffee Break

    ·23m
  19. 19

    Episode 255: Rocket City Trash Pandas with Ricky Fernandez

    ·27m
  20. 20

    Episode 254: "RE-RELEASE: Dr. Nemil Shah"

    ·35m
  21. 21

    Episode 253: The Lumberyard with Kamerra Liles

    ·22m
  22. 22

    Episode 252: The Dirty Olive with Emily Jones

    ·21m
  23. 23

    Episode 251: One Eleven with Victoria Pittman

    ·25m
  24. 24

    Episode 250: "RE-RELEASE: Dennis Madsen"

    ·55m
  25. 25

    Episode 249: Moon Bakeshop with Tom & Maddie Watkins

    ·42m
  26. 26

    Episode 248: Tennessee Valley Living with Payton Walker

    ·33m
  27. 27

    Episode 247: The Wine Cellar with Brandi Edmonds

    ·27m
  28. 28

    Episode 246: "RE-RELEASE: Mike Wicks"

    ·43m
  29. 29

    Episode 244: Vintage Cigar Lounge with Alka

    ·22m
  30. 30

    Episode 243: The Poppy & Parliament with Chef Kristen Caroselli

    ·40m
  31. 31

    Episode 242: "RE-RELEASE: Bill Roark"

    ·1h 5m
  32. 32

    Episode 241: Nicas Grill & Café with Tim & Oscar

    ·18m
  33. 33

    Episode 240: Octo Hospitality with Cody Morgan & Jamie Munoz

    ·38m
  34. 34

    Episode 239: Lily Flagg's Signal with SueAnne Griffith

    ·29m
  35. 35

    Episode 238: AM Collective with Ashli & Michaela

    ·25m
  36. 36

    Episode 237: Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle

    ·44m
  37. 37

    Episode 273: How One Huntsville Weatherman Changed Weather Forever: The Bob Baron Story

    ·1h 17m
  38. 38

    Episode 235: Free 2 Teach with Alison Kling

    ·46m
  39. 39

    Episode 234: iXpressGenes with John Schmitt

    ·36m
  40. 40

    Episode 233: Sugar Pusher with Ally Duncan

    ·49m
  41. 41

    Episode 232: Remnant Framing with Ryan Diehl

    ·20m
  42. 42

    Episode 231: Schooley Mitchell Huntsville with Jason Fish

    ·1h 12m
  43. 43

    Episode 230: Marshall Space Flight Center with Director Joseph Pelfrey

    ·36m
  44. 44

    Episode 229: Mocktails for Mommy with Ashley Hunt-Poole

    ·41m
  45. 45

    Episode 228: The Little Green Store with Kyle Husband

    ·19m
  46. 46

    Episode 227: Maddie's Cookie Company with Maddie Cimino

    ·21m
  47. 47

    Episode 226: Barre3 HSV with Amanda Deason

    ·23m
  48. 48

    Episode 225: Fleur de Leigh with Leigh Cella

    ·24m
  49. 49

    Episode 224: The Orion Amphitheater with Ryan Murphy

    ·36m
  50. 50

    Episdoe 223: Black Lion Photography with Brandon Black

    ·26m
  51. 51

    Episode 222: One Man's Vintage with Caleb & Anna

    ·32m
  52. 52

    Episode 221: CFD Research with Sameer Singhal

    ·29m
  53. 53

    Episode 220: Huntsville City FC with Chad Emerson

    ·19m
  54. 54

    Episode 219: From Leather to Lumber: Rick Holtz on Building a Retail Legacy

    ·24m
  55. 55

    Episode 217: Beth & Keith with Vintage Karma Wine Studio

    ·23m
  56. 56

    Episode 216: Ashanti Ortega with MASH Huntsville

    ·23m
  57. 57

    Episode 215: Leah Farrow with Arcadia Tattoo Huntsville

    ·22m
  58. 58

    Episode 214: Dr. Neil Lamb with HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

    ·34m
  59. 59

    Episode 213: Matt Wake with AL.com

    ·1h 8m
  60. 60

    Episode 211: What's Happening in Huntsville: May 23 - 30

    ·6m
  61. 61

    Episode 210: Rob Buddo with Downtown Huntsville Inc.

    ·45m
  62. 62

    Episode 209: What’s Happening in Huntsville: May 16 - 23

    ·8m
  63. 63

    Episode 208: Alex Hendrix: Artist Hospitality Manager at The Orion Amphitheater

    ·25m
  64. 64

    Episode 207: What's Happening in Huntsville: May 9 - 16

    ·6m
  65. 65

    Episode 206: The Fitzgerald Pilates with Chandra Medellin

    ·24m
  66. 66

    Episode 205: What's Happening in Huntsville: May 2 - 9

    ·6m
  67. 67

    Episode 204: What's Happening in Huntsville: April 25 - May 2

    ·6m
  68. 68

    Episode 203: What’s Happening in Huntsville: April 18 - 25

    ·6m
  69. 69

    Episode 202: Building an Online Brand and Coming Home to Huntsville with Emily Claire Woods

    ·44m
  70. 70

    Episode 201: What's Happening in Huntsville: April 11 - 18

    ·5m
  71. 71

    Episode 200: What’s Happening in Huntsville: April 4 - 11

    ·5m
  72. 72

    Episode 199: Bus Stop Coffee with Ken Gibson

    ·23m
  73. 73

    Episode 198: What's Happening in Huntsville: March 28 - April 4

    ·7m
  74. 74

    Episode 197: What's Happening in Huntsville: March 21 - 28

    ·7m
  75. 75

    Episode 196: Church Street Family with Stephanie Kennedy-Mell

    ·33m
  76. 76

    Episode 195: ReLogic Research with Chandler Wicks

    ·30m
  77. 77

    Episode 194: What's Happening in Huntsville: March 14 - 21

    ·9m
  78. 78

    Episode 193: Whats Happening in Huntsville: March 7 - 14

    ·7m
  79. 79

    Episode 192: Innova Primary Care with David Uptagrafft

    ·35m
  80. 80

    Episode 191: What's Happening in Huntsville: February 29 - March 7

    ·7m
  81. 81

    Episode 190: What's Happening in Huntsville: February 22 - 20

    ·8m
  82. 82

    Episode 189: Good Company Cafe with Angela & John

    ·43m
  83. 83

    Episode 188: Tiny Map App with Gavin Richardson & Eli Walton

    ·21m
  84. 84

    Episode 187: What's Happening in Huntsville: February 15 - 22

    ·8m
  85. 85

    Episode 186: What's Happening in Huntsville: February 8 - 15

    ·7m
  86. 86

    Episode 185: Tom Brown's Restaurant with Ashley Brown

    ·40m
  87. 87

    Episode 184: What's Happening in Huntsville: February 1 - 8

    ·7m
  88. 88

    Episode 183: What's Happening in Huntsville: January 25 - February 1

    ·9m
  89. 89

    Episode 182: Huntsville/Madison County Chamber with Lucia Cape & Erin Koshut

    ·44m
  90. 90

    Episode 181: What's Happening in Huntsville: January 18 - 25

    ·8m
  91. 91

    Episode 180: Elitaire Boutique with Kayla Adams

    ·38m
  92. 92

    Episode 179: What's Happening in Huntsville: January 11 - 18

    ·8m
  93. 93

    Episode 178: Huntsville City Lifestyle Magazine with Amy Bailey

    ·26m
  94. 94

    Episode 177: What's Happening in Huntsville: January 4 - 11

    ·7m
  95. 95

    Episode 176: What's Happening in Huntsville: December 28 - January 4

    ·8m
  96. 96

    Episode 175: What's Happening in Huntsville: December 21 - 28

    ·7m
  97. 97

    Episode 212: What's Happening in Huntsville: May 30 - June 6

    ·5m
  98. 98

    Episode 245: Campus 805 After 5 with Rob Buddo & Danny Davis

    Host Clark Dunn introduces a conversation with Rob Buddo and Danny Davis about the Campus 805 After 5 event in Huntsville, sponsored by Yellowhammer Brewing.

    ·26m
  99. 99

    Episode 260: Apartments, Space Command, and What’s Next for Huntsville Real Estate with Matt Curtis

    Clark Dunn interviews Matt Curtis about the current state of Huntsville real estate, focusing on apartments and the impact of Space Command.

    ·35m
  100. 100

    Episode 218: Angels Island Coffee with Angel Hussain

    Angel Hussain shares his journey from missionary work in Fiji to opening Angel's Island Coffee in Huntsville, now operating for 18 years.

    ·37m
  101. 101

    Episode 273: How One Huntsville Weatherman Changed Weather Forever: The Bob Baron Story

    Hidden gem

    Host Clark Dunn interviews legendary weatherman Bob Baron about his career in broadcasting and meteorology, starting from his high school radio days in New Mexico.

    Mar 31, 2026·1h 17m·2 clips
  102. 102

    Episode 272: How Freedom Exteriors Is Redefining Home Remodeling in Huntsville with Jordan Rodriguez

    Jordan Rodriguez, founder of Freedom Exteriors, discusses his journey from college athlete to home remodeling entrepreneur in Huntsville.

    Mar 17, 2026·30m
  103. 103

    Episode 271: From Rome to Rocket City: The Story Behind ShopMOSS

    Vanya, owner of ShopMOSS, shares her journey from Rome to Huntsville and the story behind her jewelry and apparel boutique.

    Mar 3, 2026·18m
  104. 104

    Episode 270: Changing the Landscape: Jack Fite on 50 Years of Fite Building Company

    Jack Fite discusses his background and the 50-year history of Fite Building Company in Huntsville, Alabama.

    Feb 17, 2026·36m
  105. 105

    Episode 269: Scaling The Vessel and Building Creative Community in Huntsville with Jordyn Brummett

    Jordyn Brummett discusses scaling her community pottery studio, The Vessel, in Huntsville and building a creative community.

    Feb 3, 2026·25m
  106. 106

    Episode 268: How Huntsville Became One of the Hottest Retail Markets in the South with Anusha Davis

    Hidden gem

    Anusha Davis, Vice President of Retail at Crunkleton Commercial in Huntsville, says post-COVID demand turned a gradual retail boom into a “flip of the switch.” She says Stadium Commons, Front Row, and the North Parkway corridor are changing the city’s retail map, while Huntsville’s 3.1% vacancy rate shows how tight the market still is.

    Jan 20, 2026·29m·1 clip
  107. 107

    Episode 267: Downtown Huntsville’s Scratch-Made Trio: Inside The Standard, Del Chuco, and The Local

    Hidden gem

    Del Chuco opened on St. Patrick’s Day weekend and hit one of the busiest days they’ve ever had.

    Jan 6, 2026·37m·2 clips
  108. 108

    Episode 266: How Mazda Toyota Is Growing People, Cars, and Community in North Alabama with David Fernandes

    Hidden gem

    David Fernandes traces his path from Indianapolis, Indiana and the IU Kelley School of Business to Toyota, West Virginia, Kentucky, South Africa, Mississippi, and Huntsville.

    Dec 16, 2025·40m·2 clips
  109. 109

    Episode 265: How Make It Matter Collective is Rewriting the Future for Huntsville’s Foster Youth with Erica Hardesty

    Hidden gem

    Erica Hardesty says Make It Matter Collective began after her work in therapeutic foster care showed her the gaps facing teens who age out at 19 in Alabama.

    Dec 2, 2025·25m·1 clip
  110. 110

    Episode 264: Mobilizing Generosity: Inside the Community Foundation with Melissa Thompson

    Nov 18, 2025·34m
  111. 111

    Episode 263: How Lee Marshall Built Kids to Love into a Lifeline for Foster Youth

    Nov 4, 2025·51m
  112. 112

    Episode 262: Huntsville’s CIO Dr. Larry Lowe on Using Tech to Serve a Growing City

    Oct 24, 2025·42m
  113. 113

    Episode 262: Huntsville’s CIO Dr. Larry Lowe on Using Tech to Serve a Growing City

    Oct 22, 2025·42m
  114. 114

    Episode 261: Inside The Golf Lab: 24/7 Golf, Smart Data, and 1,700+ Courses

    Oct 7, 2025·31m
  115. 115

    Episode 260: Apartments, Space Command, and What’s Next for Huntsville Real Estate with Matt Curtis

    Sep 23, 2025·35m
  116. 116

    Episode 259: Painting the Rocket City– the Art of City-Sized Murals with Jessie Andrews

    Sep 9, 2025·26m
  117. 117

    Episode 258: Cocktails, Creativity, and Community with Method Mixology

    Aug 26, 2025·39m
  118. 118

    Episode 257: Building a Social Club for Young Professionals with Altos Mensa

    Aug 12, 2025·28m
  119. 119

    Episode 256: Building Community One Cup at a Time with David Lewis of Coffee Break

    Aug 5, 2025·23m
  120. 120

    Episode 255: Rocket City Trash Pandas with Ricky Fernandez

    Jul 22, 2025·27m
  121. 121

    Episode 254: "RE-RELEASE: Dr. Nemil Shah"

    Jul 15, 2025·35m
  122. 122

    Episode 253: The Lumberyard with Kamerra Liles

    Jul 8, 2025·22m
  123. 123

    Episode 252: The Dirty Olive with Emily Jones

    Jul 1, 2025·21m
  124. 124

    Episode 251: One Eleven with Victoria Pittman

    Jun 24, 2025·25m
  125. 125

    Episode 250: "RE-RELEASE: Dennis Madsen"

    Jun 17, 2025·55m
  126. 126

    Episode 249: Moon Bakeshop with Tom & Maddie Watkins

    Jun 10, 2025·42m
  127. 127

    Episode 248: Tennessee Valley Living with Payton Walker

    Jun 3, 2025·33m
  128. 128

    Episode 247: The Wine Cellar with Brandi Edmonds

    May 27, 2025·27m
  129. 129

    Episode 246: "RE-RELEASE: Mike Wicks"

    May 20, 2025·43m
  130. 130

    Episode 245: Campus 805 After 5 with Rob Buddo & Danny Davis

    May 13, 2025·26m
  131. 131

    Episode 244: Vintage Cigar Lounge with Alka

    May 6, 2025·22m
  132. 132

    Episode 243: The Poppy & Parliament with Chef Kristen Caroselli

    Apr 29, 2025·40m
  133. 133

    Episode 242: "RE-RELEASE: Bill Roark"

    Apr 22, 2025·1h 5m
  134. 134

    Episode 241: Nicas Grill & Café with Tim & Oscar

    Apr 15, 2025·18m
  135. 135

    Episode 240: Octo Hospitality with Cody Morgan & Jamie Munoz

    Apr 8, 2025·38m
  136. 136

    Episode 239: Lily Flagg's Signal with SueAnne Griffith

    Mar 27, 2025·29m
  137. 137

    Episode 238: AM Collective with Ashli & Michaela

    Mar 20, 2025·25m
  138. 138

    Episode 237: Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle

    Mar 5, 2025·44m
  139. 139

    Episode 236: Yellowhammer Brewing with Ethan Couch

    Feb 27, 2025·31m
  140. 140

    Episode 235: Free 2 Teach with Alison Kling

    Feb 18, 2025·46m
  141. 141

    Episode 234: iXpressGenes with John Schmitt

    Feb 6, 2025·36m
  142. 142

    Episode 233: Sugar Pusher with Ally Duncan

    Jan 28, 2025·49m
  143. 143

    Episode 232: Remnant Framing with Ryan Diehl

    Jan 16, 2025·20m
  144. 144

    Episode 231: Schooley Mitchell Huntsville with Jason Fish

    Jan 9, 2025·1h 12m
  145. 145

    Episode 230: Marshall Space Flight Center with Director Joseph Pelfrey

    Dec 10, 2024·36m
  146. 146

    Episode 229: Mocktails for Mommy with Ashley Hunt-Poole

    Dec 5, 2024·41m
  147. 147

    Episode 228: The Little Green Store with Kyle Husband

    Nov 21, 2024·19m
  148. 148

    Episode 227: Maddie's Cookie Company with Maddie Cimino

    Maddie Cimino discusses starting Maddie's Cookie Company at 18, growing it over four years while pursuing her master's degree, and transitioning to a mother-daughter business.

    Nov 14, 2024·21m
  149. 149

    Episode 226: Barre3 HSV with Amanda Deason

    Amanda Deason, owner of Barre3 Huntsville, discusses her journey from Haleyville to Huntsville and her background in cosmetology.

    Nov 5, 2024·23m
  150. 150

    Episode 225: Fleur de Leigh with Leigh Cella

    Oct 24, 2024·24m