Colleen is a dynamic business leader known for blending creativity, strategy, and innovation — from bold marketing moves like celebrity partnerships to implementing AI tools that help businesses grow smarter and faster.

In this conversation, Colleen shares:
• How to scale a business without burnout using “The Fun Formula”
• Why creative marketing is essential for standing out in competitive industries
• How AI is transforming business operations and content creation
• Common mistakes leaders make when adopting AI
• What it takes to build a brand that connects in a digital-first world

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or business owner, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, growth, and staying ahead in an evolving marketplace.

Ann discusses Military Appreciation Month and Military Spouse Appreciation Day in May, and America 250 in July. She highlights the Coffee Connections program, a monthly event for military spouses to build community and learn about resources. Ann mentions plans for a 5K run in Nashville to raise funds, encouraging businesses and individuals to get involved.

Ann then highlights other USO programs, including Stuff the Trucks events with Kroger in Clarksville and Nashville, where community members can donate non-perishable items for service members. She details two types of care packages: "bye-bye bags" for deploying service members, which include small toiletries and non-perishable snacks (excluding chips), and larger "welcome home" bags containing essentials like toilet paper, and more substantial food items, like noodles, tuna, and utensils for service members returning at odd hours.

Ann shares some of her personal experience serving overseas, emphasizing the organization's impact on military families. She encourages individuals to volunteer by visiting volunteers.uso.org, highlighting opportunities in various locations including Nashville, Fort Campbell, Little Rock, and Knoxville. Ann shares her own journey from volunteer to full-time employee, emphasizing the vital role of volunteers in supporting the USO's programs and events. She highlights the USO's need for in-kind donations and financial contributions to support their programs, and encourages viewers to visit their website for more information on how to get involved.

Visit https://fortcampbell.uso.org for more details and to get involved.
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During the interview, Keusi explains their Shepherd's Work model, which pairs participants with mentors for comprehensive support during employment. The organization and Shepherds offer support in various areas including job training, credentials, and personal development, with a strong emphasis on faith-based principles. Keusi highlights the importance of retention support and accountability to both individuals and employers. He highlights EcOp's evolution, including the implementation of the Shepherd's Work model in 2017 and a pilot for new credential training opportunities in 2024. He emphasizes EcOp's independence as a standalone 501c3 organization since 2024, which provides flexibility in grant submissions and stakeholder involvement. Keusi shares a success story of an individual who went from unemployment to securing a higher-paying job and purchasing a home with the help of EcOp's services. Keusi highlights the importance of giving individuals access to employment resources and the collective effort needed to support their reintegration into the workforce. Ramsay then provides information on how the public and corporate leaders can get involved with EcOp, including visiting the website and contacting him for further information.

Visit https://www.ecopmemphis.org to learn more about Economic Opportunities or email Ramsay Clark at ramsayclark1@gmail.com to discuss specific ways to engage with EcOp.

Visit https://www.performancepointllc.com to learn more about PerformancePoint, LLC. Visit https://www.bradfederman.com to learn more about Brad Federman and his speaking engagements.

Visit https://www.outfront.com to learn more about OUTFRONT Media.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/outfrontmediausa/
https://www.facebook.com/OUTFRONTMediaUSA/

Dr. Ray presents concerning statistics and grades for the United States and Tennessee on the March of Dimes report card for preterm birth, with Shelby County performing even worse with 13.2% of babies born premature. Dr. Ray emphasizes that community support is crucial, particularly through donations, local and national advocacy, and participating in events, like the upcoming March for Babies Walk event scheduled for Saturday, May 30th at Audubon Park. He explains that the event aims to raise awareness about preventing premature births and supporting healthier babies and mothers, with healthcare providers, local leaders, and community organizations expected to attend. Dr. Ray highlights various ways the community can support March of Dimes, including participating in the walk, making donations, starting teams, volunteering, and advocating for policies that support mothers and babies. He encouraged people to visit marchforbabies.org for more information on how to get involved.

Visit https://www.marchofdimes.org to learn more about March of Dimes or visit https://marchforbabies.org to learn more about the March for Babies event taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Hope discusses the unique position of being based in Jackson, Tennessee, which allows her easy access to both Memphis and Nashville while maintaining a strong connection to her local music scene. She highlights the authenticity of the musicians in Jackson and describes her current band setup, emphasizing their ability to deliver a powerful live performance. Hope also shares her involvement with CreatiVets, a nonprofit organization that provides art therapy and songwriting programs for veterans. Through this initiative, she volunteers as a guitar teacher, offering free lessons to veterans who participate in the songwriting program, aiming to provide them with a therapeutic tool to express their experiences and emotions.

Hope then discusses her involvement with the Airpower Foundation's Walk 22 event, a 22-mile walk in June to raise awareness about veteran suicide. She shares her personal experience with suicidal ideation after leaving the military and emphasizes the importance of combating veteran suicide. The kickoff event for Walk 22 will feature a performance by Hope MacGregor and take place on May 31st at Rhinestone Saloon in Fort Worth, Texas. Hope encourages listeners to reach out to her through social media platforms and streaming services to learn more about her music and upcoming performances.

Visit https://www.hopemacgregormusic.com to learn more about Hope MacGregor and her music. Visit https://airpowerfoundation.org to learn more about the Walk 22 event.

Visit https://reliantrides.com to learn more about Reliant Rides.

Summary

Dorothy Day House 20th Anniversary - Tracy discusses the 20th anniversary of Dorothy Day House, which provides housing and support to families transitioning from homelessness to stability. The organization, supported by the Rotary Club of Memphis for 15 years, has expanded from one home in 2006 to three homes and an office by 2021. Tracy explains their unique model of keeping families together, serving various family structures, and providing support to help residents achieve long-term stability. She shares a success story of a mother with four children who is about to move out, having achieved employment, transportation, and housing stability, as well as completing her bachelor's degree.

Rotary Club's Community Support Initiatives - The Rotary Club of Memphis, led by Lea as President-Elect, has been supporting the community since 1914, with Café du Memphis being one of their signature projects and events. Lea explained that the club's mission is to provide community support through volunteering, networking, and various projects throughout the year.

Rotary Club's Mobile Food Pantry - The Rotary Club of Memphis meets weekly for lunch on Tuesdays at the Pink Palace and hosts a monthly happy hour for members who cannot attend lunch. Lea highlights their mobile food pantry initiative, which partners with St. Patrick's Church to provide groceries to up to 500 families weekly, a project that began during the pandemic and continues to address ongoing food insecurity.

Cafe du Memphis Food Event - The Rotary Club of Memphis is hosting Café du Memphis on April 25th at St. Michael's Church, featuring a large, family-friendly food event offering shrimp and grits, beignets, and coffee. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes a drive-thru option for those with busy schedules, along with live music and a late Mardi Gras celebration atmosphere. Lea explains that attendees can also support the Rotary Club Foundation and Dorothy Day House through donations if they prefer not to purchase food.

Café du Memphis Success - Tracy highlights the success of Café du Memphis in engaging the community and its hundreds of participants. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections and gratitude expressed to attendees, which strengthens community relationships and raises awareness for Dorothy Day House. Tracy also explains the process of advance orders and sponsorships, encouraging community support and financial contributions from local businesses to further the event's success.

Community Engagement at Dorothy Day House - Tracy discusses the importance of inviting community members to experience Dorothy Day House firsthand, emphasizing that seeing the facilities, meeting the families, and understanding the mission creates a stronger connection and commitment supporting the organization. She highlights the goal of creating meaningful engagement for volunteers, noting there are various opportunities to get involved.

Dorothy Day House Support Initiatives - Tracy discusses various ways to support Dorothy Day House, including Monday night meals, the 20th anniversary celebration, and a panel discussion on March 19th about the intersection of civil rights and Catholic worker movements. Tracy provides details on volunteer opportunities and mentioned the website dorthydaymemphis.org for more information. Lea shared the website for the Rotary Club of Memphis, memphisrotary.org, and both Tracy and Lea invite viewers to attend the upcoming Café du Memphis on April 25th at St. Michael's Church.

• Visit www.cafedumemphis.org to learn more and get involved with Café du Memphis.
• Visit https://www.dorothydaymemphis.org to learn more about Dorothy Day House.
• Visit https://www.memphisrotary.org to learn more about the Rotary Club of Memphis.

First Responder Support Services - Rick explains that the organization supports first responders, particularly firefighters, by providing essential services mandated by federal law to reduce health risks associated with their work. They operate in Davidson County, serving 39 fire stations with two custom response vehicles, making around 400 responses annually. The vehicles are equipped with hydration supplies and warming beverages to help firefighters recover from stressful situations.

Environmental Control and Emergency Services - Rick explained their environmental control equipment, including misting fans and heaters for extreme weather conditions in Tennessee. He describes their emergency response services, which include supporting various first responders like the Metro Nashville Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol, with approximately 400 responses in 2025.

Volunteer-Powered - Box 55 Association has approximately 40 volunteer members who are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies via text, paging, and two-way radios on fire department frequencies. The first-line vehicle is staffed around the clock, and additional members respond in their personal vehicles to assist at the scene. Incidents can last anywhere from 30 minutes to multiple days, with an average duration of about two hours, though the longest response was 14.5 days during the Christmas Day bombing in December 2020.

Support Strategies - Rick explains that he and his team receive constant positive feedback from first responders and community agencies. He emphasizes the importance of their work in supporting first responders during emergencies, including reducing physiological and psychological stress. Rick also describes their partnership with the National Fire Department EMS team, who provide medical support on scene. Jeremy asks how the community can support their efforts, and Rick suggests volunteerism and financial donations as ways for people to get involved.

Volunteer Requirements and Financial Independence - Rick explains that volunteers for their organization just need to be physically capable and available to respond to calls, with training provided internally. He emphasizes that while a driver's license is required, no specialized license is needed, and senior volunteers are available to mentor others. Rick also discusses their financial independence as a 501c3, noting they rely on donations from various sources including unions and individuals, with significant expenses for maintaining two trucks and feeding crews during long operations.

Community Support for First Responders - Rick discusses the challenges faced by first responders in the community, highlighting the breadth of incidents and the heroism displayed by firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the difficult situations they face and the need for community support to help them perform their duties effectively. Rick also stresses that while donations and support are crucial, they ultimately benefit the individuals on the front lines who risk their lives to save others. Rick encourages viewers and listeners to visit their website, Box55.org, to learn more about their work and get involved through volunteering or donating.

Visit https://box55.org to learn more and to get involved with Box 55 Association.
https://www.facebook.com/box55association/?ref=br_rs

Visit https://www.redcross.org to learn more about the American Red Cross and visit https://www.redcross.org/local/tennes... to learn more about the Red Boa Bash.

Griscelle discusses the intentional symbolism behind the name which is inspired by their endearing nickname for their daughter, "Papa's Pretty Princess," and the logo that incorporates the firefly as a symbol of light and positivity. She shares her journey into entrepreneurship, highlighting the learning process of custom design and manufacturing, and the importance of networking and partnerships in bringing her vision to life. Griscelle emphasizes the collaborative nature of her work with her husband and the challenges and rewards of navigating the retail industry as first-time entrepreneurs.

Griscelle explains the process of creating her father-daughter clothing line, which involves hand-selecting fabrics and working closely with partners to ensure each piece meets her high standards of quality, comfort, and heirloom appeal. She describes how each item, from design to execution, takes six months to create, with extensive testing and customer feedback to refine the products. Griscelle emphasizes the unique concept of father-daughter matching clothing, noting the special bond and joy it brings to little girls when they dress like their dads, which sets her line apart from existing "mommy and me" options.

She spotlights some of their best-selling products, including bunnies, cowboy boots, and dinosaurs, noting the unique prints and appeal to both boys and girls. She highlights positive customer feedback, emphasizing that children love matching their parents and that the designs create special bonding moments. Additionally, Griscelle mentions that the products have been well-received by fathers, who appreciate having clothing options that include them in family photos and activities.

Griscelle shares how her family's experience with losing a child has transformed their perspective, providing them a positive platform to support other grieving families and raise awareness about the prevalence of child loss. Through their involvement with Sharing of Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit organization, they have been able to give back by offering support and comfort to other families who have experienced similar tragedies.

Griscelle wraps up discussing the availability of Princess and Papa products across social media platforms and their official website, princessandpapa.com, where their upcoming spring collection featuring expanded sizing up to 8 and new baby-focused items like bubbles will be launched.

Visit https://princessandpapa.com to shop online and learn more about Princess and Papa.
https://www.facebook.com/princessandpapa0121

Summary

The Memphis Youth Symphony Program (MYSP) is building on a 60-year legacy of music education and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 as an independent nonprofit. The program serves over 300 youth from more than 80 different schools, offering ensembles ranging from beginner to advanced levels, including two bands, three string orchestras, and two full orchestras. MYSP's administrative team includes Jenny Davis, who teaches flute at Rhodes College and performs with Blue Shift Ensemble, along with Courtney Fly as Operations Manager and Conductors who specialize in working with young musicians.

Music Education's Impact on Students - During the interview, Jenny discusses the benefits of music education and mentorship through MYSP, highlighting how students develop skills, character, and confidence through music. Jenny emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and personal growth in musical performances, particularly in orchestra settings where students learn to take ownership of their parts and contribute to the overall piece. She notes that while musical progress is visible and concrete, these skills transfer to broader life experiences, including perseverance through challenges and the development of empathy and leadership qualities.

Youth Music Program Structure Overview - Jenny details the structure of their programs, starting with how they conduct auditions in May for ensemble placement and begin rehearsals in late August at the University of Memphis. The program holds four public concerts annually and organizes chamber music performances at community events, with rehearsals taking place every Sunday. The programs aim to develop character and leadership skills alongside musical abilities, with Conductors assigning students to ensembles based on their skill level.

Memphis Youth Symphony Support Opportunities - Jenny discusses ways the community can support the Memphis Youth Symphony Program (MYSP). They highlight upcoming concerts, including the Spring Concert on March 8, 2026, along with the importance of financial contributions and volunteerism. Jenny explains that students of all skill levels, including beginners, can participate as long as they can read music, and she stresses that the program is not just for future professionals but for anyone passionate about playing music. She encourages interested individuals to visit MYSPMusic.org or follow their social media accounts for more information.

Visit https://www.myspmusic.org to learn more about Memphis Youth Symphony Program.

Summary

Entrepreneurship, Loneliness, and AI Challenges - Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey, including founding the first company to provide financial rewards for healthy behavior, and later establishing The Lonely Entrepreneur to support other entrepreneurs. He highlights the importance of addressing the loneliness often experienced by entrepreneurs and discussed the development of their learning community platform, mentoring, and consulting services. Michael also emphasizes the need to navigate the challenges posed by AI, which led to the creation of the Entrepreneur Survival Guide.

AI-Driven Entrepreneurship Survival Strategies - Michael discusses his new book, "Entrepreneur Survival Guide: Will You Survive in an AI World?", which focuses on strategies for entrepreneurs to succeed in an AI-driven world. He outlines six "weapons" and talks about the thirty tactics that entrepreneurs can use, including finding a unique playground, building brand chemistry, maintaining operational obsession, developing organizational resilience, stretching personal limits, and effectively applying AI. Michael emphasizes that these strategies are crucial for entrepreneurs, whether they are existing business owners or individuals forced into entrepreneurship due to AI-related job losses. He provides examples like Hamilton and Harley-Davidson to illustrate the importance of defining a unique market position and building human connections in a digital age.

Entrepreneur AI Adaptation Guide - Michael aims to help entrepreneurs adapt to the changing landscape by focusing on what truly matters and embracing new technologies. He emphasizes that AI is transforming industries, making it crucial for entrepreneurs to innovate and adapt rather than relying on traditional tactics. The book is available in multiple formats, including print, digital, and audio, and a free PDF system overview can be downloaded from https://lonelyentrepreneur.com/esg/.

Visit https://lonelyentrepreneur.com/esg/ to learn more about Michael Dermer and his new book, "Entrepreneur Survival Guide: Will You Survive in an AI World?"

Summary

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis' Community Impact - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, founded in 1983, has built nearly 650 homes and completed over 1,800 repairs for older adults since 2014, generating a local economic impact of over $400 million. The organization provides qualifying families with zero-interest mortgages and offers financial literacy training and credit repair services over 13-15 weeks. Dwayne explains that their builds involve partnerships with families, corporations, and faith-based organizations, where volunteers help with non-code inspected tasks like installing doors, windows, and flooring, contributing to community building and safety by transforming vacant and abandoned properties into affordable homes.

Habitat's Rising Costs and Solutions - Dwayne explains that Habitat for Humanity's house-building costs have risen to around $200,000, though they often sell homes for less due to low appraisals based on comps of nearby blighted and neglected homes. He notes that they have found relief through GAAP funding from THDA to address these valuation challenges. Jeremy observes that while the initial investments might seem risky due to low appraisals, the long-term community transformation benefits both the individual families and the broader neighborhood as more new homes are built or improved and comps then rise.

Aging in Place Initiative - Dwayne discusses the Aging in Place program, which began as a response to the 2008 recession when they shifted from building new homes to repairing existing ones. Dwayne explains that they identified a need to help older adults maintain their homes, leading to a $3.9 million grant from the Plough Foundation to repair approximately 240 homes annually, focusing on accessibility and mobility issues. The program provides essential repairs like installing grab bars and replacing roofs, which are crucial for older adults living on limited incomes.

Memphis Habitat's Strategic Home Building Goals - Dwayne discusses Habitat for Humanity's ReStore, which sells gently used and new items to support affordable homeownership and repairs for older adults. He outlines their Framing the Future Campaign, a strategic plan to increase the number of new homes built to 30 per year and repairs to 250 annually, requiring a $62 million fundraising campaign. Dwayne mentions they have raised $56-57 million so far and introduced CEO Build, a program featured recently at a cityCURRENT signature speaker series event.

CEO Build Initiative for Habitat - Dwayne discusses the CEO Build initiative, inviting top executives from local businesses to participate in Habitat for Humanity builds in October. He explains that the program raises money while allowing CEOs to demonstrate community involvement and support economic development in Memphis. Dwayne also highlights other ways the community can get involved, including donations, volunteering at the Restore, and participating in builds from March to June and after Labor Day. He emphasizes that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis provides zero-interest mortgages to low- to moderate-income families, and encourages individuals to visit Memphishabitat.com for more information on how to support the organization.

Visit https://www.memphishabitat.com to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis.

During the interview, Neki highlights Sylvamo and discusses her background and role at the global company. Known as the "World's Paper Company," Sylvamo is based in Memphis, Tennessee with operations across the United States, Brazil, and Europe. She then highlights the importance of the Corporate Social Purpose Network with Volunteer Tennessee for coordinating private sector engagement and addressing local and statewide needs, mentioning collaborations and partnerships with other organizations in the network like Bridgestone, Dollar General, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. She emphasizes the network's role in facilitating learning, coordination, and alignment among diverse organizations to address community needs effectively.

The Corporate Social Purpose Network, led by Volunteer Tennessee, was established in 2024 to connect corporate leaders in CSR and sustainability across Tennessee. The network aims to drive positive transformation by convening companies to share resources, information, and best practices in areas like peer-to-peer sharing, community engagement, philanthropy, volunteerism, and sustainability. Jeremy highlights the potential for companies to strategically engage their employees in community service, noting the significant impact of mobilizing large workforces compared to individual volunteer recruitment.

Neki discusses the Corporate Social Purpose Network's activities in Tennessee, highlighting their work since 2025 in listening to CSR professionals and hosting events across the state. She explains their upcoming events in 2026, including Purpose Exchange programs and the 2026 Tennessee Conference on Volunteerism and Service-Learning on March 9. Neki emphasizes that businesses can join the network for free, with opportunities for sponsorship at events, and encourages leaders to participate in their mission to strengthen community engagement and collaboration across Tennessee.

Visit www.VolunteerTennessee.net or https://www.tn.gov/volunteer-tennesse... to learn more about the Corporate Social Purpose Network with Volunteer Tennessee. Visit https://www.sylvamo.com/us/en/ to learn more about Sylvamo.

Visit https://kingcreative.co to learn more about King Creative Co.

Visit https://www.midsouthchiropractic.com to learn more about Mid South Chiropractic and visit https://www.thebagelnook.com to learn more about The Bagel Nook.

Summary

Chiropractic Care and Preventive Healthcare - Dr. Brittany Kasprack, Owner of Mid South Chiropractic and The Bagel Nook, shares her journey into chiropractic care, which began after a horse-riding accident led her to experience the benefits firsthand. She emphasizes the importance of preventive healthcare and mobility, stating that chiropractic care is an underutilized aspect of healthcare that focuses on maintaining spinal function and overall well-being. Dr. Brittany highlights the balance between science and art in chiropractic practice, using x-rays and other diagnostic tools to develop personalized treatment plans. She also discusses the convenience of having multiple clinic locations and the importance of consistent care, explaining the initial process of assessment and treatment planning for new patients.

Wellness Through Group Exercise Motivation - Jeremy and Dr. Brittany discuss the importance of group exercise for motivation and prevention, with Dr. Brittany sharing her experience of seeing patients achieve wellness through active processes. They also talk about the fulfillment Brittany finds in the impact of Mid South Chiropractic, particularly through their wellness wall where patients celebrate their pain-free achievements.

The Bagel Nook's Catering Success - Brittany discussed her successful bagel business, The Bagel Nook, which offers fresh, boiled and baked bagels with over 30 seasonal cream cheese flavors and 45 types of bagels daily. She highlights the unique New York/New Jersey-style bagels and the business's expansion into catering for breakfast and lunch meetings. The catering service is designed to appeal to a wide audience with a variety of bagel and cream cheese combinations, presented in visually appealing platters.

Mid South Chiropractic and The Bagel Nook - Dr. Brittany discussed the collaboration between Mid South Chiropractic and The Bagel Nook, highlighting their community-focused approach. She explains how the partnership brings unique offerings to the community, such as screenings and assessments, while also providing employment opportunities and valuable experiences for team members. Dr. Brittany emphasizes the economic impact of her businesses, noting their commitment to hiring and training local staff. She encourages listeners to visit their locations in Olive Branch, Hernando, Clarksdale, and Southaven to experience their services firsthand.

Jeremy and Ethan discuss the global adoption of advanced fire protection technologies, noting that while Europe and Asia have embraced these innovations, the US market is catching up. Ethan highlights the positive reception from fire engineers and code enforcement officials, suggesting that written codes will soon reflect the potential of robotic autonomous firefighting.

Ethan highlights the potential markets in Tennessee, including manufacturing, distribution, and forestry products, and mentions his ties to Memphis, where he has an employee and access to a robust industrial base with skilled professionals. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships to leverage shared knowledge and support, which is crucial for driving opportunities.

Ethan expresses interest in applying his technology to wildfire defense and improving plant uptime and safety. He shares advice on taking the first step towards achieving goals, emphasizing the importance of action and learning through available resources like CAD design and programming. He highlights the transformative impact of AI and current low barriers to entry, encouraging natural curiosity and willingness to learn. Ethan also provides details on how to connect with WatchDog Robotics, including their website, social media presence, and options for site visits, demonstrations, and risk assessments.

Visit https://www.watchdogrobotics.com to learn more about WatchDog Robotics.

Summary

Amy Cotta discusses the 10th anniversary of the nonprofit organization, Memories of Honor, which is based in Franklin, Tennessee, and has a national reach. She explains their mission to honor, remember, and recognize fallen service members and their families beyond just one day a year. Amy highlights the gap in support for surviving families of fallen service members, noting that while there are organizations providing housing and education, there is a need for ongoing recognition and support beyond immediate post-loss assistance.

Amy discusses the organization's mission to support surviving families and connect them with veterans and the community through various programs. She highlights MD365, which stands for Memorial Day 365 days a year, and mentions upcoming events for community engagement. She mentions a collaboration with Charlie Daniels in 2019 for the Music Remembers project, which provided family members with private meet and greets. Recently, Memories of Honor partnered with Gibson Gives to gift families with laser-engraved Epiphone guitars, serving as heirloom items with detailed information about the fallen service members.

Amy discusses a program providing guitar lessons and highlights a successful initiative launched in February that pairs combat veterans with surviving families to create songs. She mentions the song "I'm Good," which tells the story of a fallen service member, their father, and the combat veteran, and notes its recent inclusion in an international Veteran Film Festival in Sydney, Australia.

Amy discusses the upcoming installation of the Boots of Honor Memorial in Franklin, Tennessee, in May. The memorial, which has been in existence since 2012, will feature 7,470 individual combat boots representing fallen service members, each with a hard card containing the service member's photo and information. The memorial will be accessible to the public in a covered open-air area at Bicentennial Park, allowing for easy access for families, children, and individuals with disabilities.

Amy discusses the importance of acknowledging fallen service members and their families. She shares an example of how Vanderbilt University honors fallen service members by wearing their names on jerseys during games. Amy emphasizes how meaningful it is for families to know that their loved one's name is being remembered, as it helps prevent them from feeling forgotten and alone. She shares stories about Gold Star families, who have lost loved ones in military service, highlighting how some soldiers remain unrecognized despite living near military bases. She describes how a woman's husband was finally acknowledged, and mentioned a similar experience from the Vietnam era where a brother broke down in tears at his brother's memorial sign during the Honor the Fallen 5K race.

Amy expresses her hope that people who experience "Boots of Honor" will take away a meaningful message, particularly for military families. She emphasizes that freedom comes at a cost and that the pain of war continues for veterans and their families. Amy emphasizes the importance of remembering the families of fallen soldiers beyond Memorial Day and encourages attendees to reflect on the significance of the holiday. She urges people to avoid saying "Happy Memorial Day" and instead focus on gratitude and remembrance.

Amy discusses upcoming events to support the community, including a Salute to Service 5K on April 11th with Vanderbilt University, the 11th annual Honor the Fallen 5K on May 2nd at the Grove Club, and the Boots of Honor Memorial project in June. She emphasizes the need for volunteers and financial contributions to make these events successful.

Visit https://memoriesofhonor.com to learn more about Memories of Honor.
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We explore what neurodivergence really means, how Bridges supports academic growth alongside confidence, emotional regulation, and executive functioning, and why middle school is such a critical season for these learners. This conversation offers hope for parents, educators, and community members—and shows what’s possible when students are understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Learn more: https://www.bridgesms.org/

We discuss ABR Firm’s training philosophy, the importance of community engagement, and how leaders can move from intention to action. Whether you’re an executive, manager, or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insight into developing leadership that creates impact beyond the workplace.

Learn more: https://abrfirmmemphis.com/

We explore the inspiration behind the Pet Pantry, how it operates as a 24/7 blessing box, and the role fundraisers, sponsors, and volunteers play in sustaining the mission. This conversation is a powerful reminder of how small businesses can become lifelines for their communities—and how compassion can create lasting impact for pets and the people who love them. 

Learn more: https://www.deniseshappyhounds.com/

Bailee courageously shares her personal experience with severe postpartum anxiety and depression, including panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and the stigma that keeps so many moms suffering in silence. Despite having a strong support system and access to resources, Bailee’s story is a powerful reminder that postpartum mental health challenges can affect anyone.

Together, the conversation explores:

Why postpartum mood disorders affect as many as 1 in 5 women—and likely more

The difference between baby blues and when it’s time to seek help

How shame and fear prevent moms from speaking up

Why postpartum depression can affect adoptive parents and fathers, too

The critical role of community, faith, and connection in healing

Bailee also shares how Light After Labor is turning pain into purpose by spreading awareness, offering peer support, launching a postpartum community blessing box, and advocating for better resources and systemic change for new families.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, partners, healthcare providers, faith leaders, and anyone who wants to better support moms in the vulnerable season after birth. Above all, it carries a powerful reminder: motherhood was never meant to be endured alone.

Denise shares how her journey from decades of leadership experience led her to create spaces where women no longer feel stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed. Together, they explore why honoring life’s seasons matters, how asking the right questions leads to clarity, and why community is essential for moving from survival to thriving.

The conversation dives into:
• Why so many women feel overwhelmed—and how clarity brings relief
• The importance of community and not doing life alone
• How coaching helps women uncover capacity, confidence, and direction
• Why vision, reflection, and celebration matter at every stage
• Creating spaces where commitment turns into action and growth

If you’re a woman navigating change, leadership, motherhood, caregiving, or simply feeling “stuck,” this conversation will remind you: you’re not alone—and you’re not finished yet.

Learn more: https://empoweredbyds.com/

During the interview, Kelly talks about the partners and programs in Nashville, discussing their approach to relationship building and community engagement to help businesses both grow and make a difference. Kelly shares insights on the importance of building trust through community involvement and philanthropy, emphasizing that giving back creates valuable opportunities to create purpose-driven relationships and trust, enhance leadership skills, build a culture of teamwork and caring, and more.

She highlights some meaningful events from 2025, including presentations by Tom Koulopoulos on AI and Juan Bendaña on confidence. Looking ahead to 2026, Kelly outlines upcoming events such as the signature speaker series event in Nashville on February 6, hosted by KCS, and featuring Brink Fidler, founder of Defend Systems and former law enforcement veterans, who will be sharing security measures and practical techniques to save lives. Kelly also highlights the annual Kids Dental Day with Delta Dental of Tennessee and the Nashville Sounds, along with a shoe distribution at a local school later this year.

Kelly wraps up by encouraging business and community leaders to get engaged with cityCURRENT by attending upcoming events, being a guest on the positive media, or participating in volunteer experiences, like the shoe distributions.

Visit www.cityCURRENT.com to learn more and get involved.

Monica and Chima share their experiences with the NICU, highlighting the crucial support they received from nurses who provided essential advice and directed them to financial assistance and community resources. They emphasized the importance of education and awareness about available support for families with premature babies, including the specific needs of fathers and the emotional challenges faced by families. The discussion underscores the need to raise awareness about these resources and the gaps that exist in support systems for families in such situations. Grind City Cares aims to provide support, education, and resources to families facing similar challenges in the Memphis area and beyond.

Chima discusses plans for the Grind City Cares Mid-South Race for Perinatal Awareness event scheduled for June 6th at Shelby Farms Park / Hyde Lake. The event will be a 5K walk/run focused on raising awareness and providing education about perinatal issues, with resources and support from community organizations. Monica emphasizes the goal of building trust in the Memphis birth community and connecting participants with available support networks, while also celebrating the beauty of birth and postpartum support.

Chima discusses the event's details, including sponsorships, partnerships, and activities like bounce houses, face painting, and the race. He emphasizes the importance of community support and highlighted a custom shoe collaboration with Grind City Kicks, priced at $80, with proceeds benefiting the cause.

Visit https://www.grindcitycares.com to learn more and to get involved with Grind City Cares.

Find your pathway to purpose and learn more about MLK Days of Service by visiting https://volunteerodyssey.com.

Bell discusses the importance of networking and collaboration in helping businesses become "veteran ready" and connect with veterans seeking employment. He emphasizes the need for businesses to provide tools and support for veteran hiring and onboarding, while also highlighting the challenges veterans face with the VA system and the solutions the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services is seeking to provide in collaborative support. He shares an example of a Nashville company that successfully integrated veteran employees into their program, allowing them to access benefits during work hours with the help of various organizations. Bell discusses upcoming symposiums where businesses can network and share best practices for hiring and supporting veterans.

Bell then discusses the economic impact of veterans in Tennessee, highlighting that veterans contribute over $32 billion annually to the state through compensation, median income, housing, and education assistance. He encourages viewers to explore the Tennessee Veterans Economic Impact Map on the state's website to see detailed data at the county level.

Visit https://www.tn.gov/veteran.html or call 615-741-2345 to learn more about the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services, the Tennessee Veteran Ready Business Recognition Program, and the Economic Impact of Veterans in Tennessee.

After nearly 20 years of addiction, incarceration across multiple states, and repeated attempts at recovery, Keith reached a turning point that would change everything. What followed was not just sobriety—but a calling. Keith became the first certified forensic peer support specialist in the state of Mississippi, helping to shape and train peer recovery programs that now serve justice-involved individuals across Mississippi and Tennessee.

Today, Keith manages multiple outpatient clinics treating gambling addiction, works with families impacted by addiction, trains peers with lived experience, and is pursuing a Master of Social Work—all while advocating for stigma-free recovery. In this candid and deeply human conversation, Keith shares why lived experience is often the missing link in recovery, how gambling addiction hides in plain sight, and why recovery works best when people know they are not alone.

This episode is a reminder that a past does not define a person—and that sometimes, the very thing we’re ashamed of becomes our greatest asset in helping others heal.

Learn more: https://thegamblingclinic.com/

Andrew reflects on key lessons from 2025, including the importance of amplifying empathy, reclaiming purpose, and using digital media as a connector—not a distraction. From large-scale volunteer initiatives and nonprofit storytelling to behind-the-scenes media production, Andrew shares how cityCURRENT continues to spotlight everyday people doing extraordinary things across Memphis, Nashville, and beyond.

The conversation dives deep into AI for Good, breaking down practical tools—like NotebookLM, ChatGPT, wearable AI technology, and automation platforms—that nonprofits, businesses, and individuals can use to save time, enhance creativity, and increase impact without losing human connection. Andrew also explores ethical stewardship, accessibility, and how emerging technologies can help reduce barriers for families, communities, and organizations.

This episode is both inspiring and actionable, offering real-world examples of how technology can strengthen—not replace—empathy, storytelling, and service. It’s a powerful reminder that when used intentionally, innovation can help us all power the good in 2026 and beyond.

Summary

Art and Recovery Journey - Jeremy and Bandy discuss Bandy's personal journey and involvement with Daybreak Arts, a nonprofit organization that provides art opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. Bandy shares their experience moving from New York to Nashville, facing mental health and drug dependency issues, and finding support through family and government assistance like TennCare. They highlight the importance of Daybreak Arts in offering them opportunities to pursue their artistic career, which they had struggled to do in New York without a strong art school background or connections to galleries.

Artistic Growth with Daybreak Arts - Bandy discusses their artistic journey and the support they received from Daybreak Arts, which helped them explore new concepts in their work. They explain how the organization has provided them with opportunities to grow as an artist and connect with others who understand their struggles. Bandy also describes how Daybreak Arts supports their idea for a conceptual art project, which led to them receiving a grant to expand the project further.

The "Liminoid AI" Show - Bandy discusses their upcoming solo art show titled "Liminoid AI: An Experimental Exhibition introducing Multimedia Techno-Whimsy," which will include physical art, sculptures made from old computer parts, and a satirical commentary on the tech industry. The show aims to subvert expectations about AI and corporate culture, using humor and irony to engage the audience. Bandy plans to use the exhibit as a platform to explore the environmental impact of AI and data centers, as well as to foster face-to-face interactions within the art community.

Techno-Whimsy Show at c615 Gallery - Bandy discusses the evolution and preparation of their upcoming exhibition at the c615 Gallery in East Nashville, aiming to create a space with an Apple Store-like feel. The show, themed around "techno-whimsy," aims to bring back a sense of fun in a challenging world. Bandy emphasizes the need for flexibility due to the fast-changing situation while preparing for the set date at the venue.

C615 Gallery Exhibition Plans - Bandy highlights the upcoming solo exhibition at c615 Gallery on May 16, 2026, and shares how fans can follow Daybreak Arts and Bandy Co. Inc. through Instagram, YouTube, and the website daybreakarts.org. Bandy explained that while the exhibition will be free, tickets will be limited, and they plan to integrate ARG elements with prizes and souvenirs for participants.

Visit https://daybreakarts.org/ to learn more and get involved with Daybreak Arts.

Summary

Campbell Clinic Foundation's Impact on Orthopaedics - Jenny Koltnow, Executive Director of the Campbell Clinic Foundation, discusses the nonprofit organization's history and how the Foundation exists to support medical education, orthopaedic research and patient care and outreach. The organization is affiliated with Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics, an internationally-recognized pioneer in orthopaedic surgery and group of orthopaedic physicians, researchers and allied health professionals located in the Mid-South region. The Foundation facilitates surgeon education through medical residency and fellowship programs as well as leading-edge orthopaedic research, and is committed to lifelong bone and joint health for all through diverse community outreach programs.

Jenny shares a personal story about a patient who had successful hip replacements, highlighting the importance of research in improving patient outcomes and the Foundation's commitment to "moving lives" through both physical movement and enhancing quality of life. The Foundation's efforts in training healthcare providers and conducting research have enabled advancements in orthopaedic care, such as outpatient hip replacements, which have significantly improved patient recovery and reduced costs.

Memphis Orthopaedic Leadership and Innovation - Jenny discusses Memphis's role as a global epicenter of orthopaedic medicine, highlighting the pioneering contributions of Dr. Campbell and the Campbell Clinic Foundation. She emphasizes the clinic's historical significance, including the establishment of the first orthopaedic training program in the South and the production of "Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics," a leading textbook in the field. Jenny also describes their educational initiatives, such as Orthopaedic Exploration Day, which provides high school students with hands-on experience in orthopaedic surgery and encourages them to pursue careers in the field.

Medical Outreach and Education Programs - Jenny discusses various educational and outreach programs hosted by the Campbell Clinic Foundation. She highlights an orthopaedic summer internship, and capstone programs for medical students. She also details their outreach efforts, including a program called "Our Hearts to Your Soles" that provides foot and nail care to the homeless in Memphis. Additionally, she mentions a recent mission trip to Guatemala led by Dr. Paul Greenfield, which is inspiring other residents to participate in future outreach efforts.

Supporting the Campbell Clinic Foundation - Jenny discusses the importance of supporting the Campbell Clinic Foundation, highlighting its unique programs, such as care for children with cerebral palsy, and its role in providing comprehensive orthopaedic care. Jeremy emphasizes the need to support educational programs due to an aging population and a shortage of medical specialists. Jenny provides various ways to get involved, including visiting the website, following social media accounts, and contacting the foundation via email or phone.

Visit https://campbell-foundation.org/ to learn more and to get involved with the Campbell Clinic Foundation.

Summary

Origins of Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM) - Derek Patterson (known as "Patt"), Executive Director of Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM), discusses the nonprofit organization's origins. Patt explains that CAM was founded by Derek Fordjour, an internationally-renowned visual artist from Memphis, who attended Central High School and wanted to give back to his community. What began as a four-week summer experience for 25 high school students has now grown into an ongoing, year-round program with several with several components, including a Summer Fellowship Program, Teen Art Lab, and Artist Mentoring Programs.

Summer Fellowship for High School Artists - CAM offers a four-week summer fellowship for rising juniors and seniors, focusing on portfolio development for high school artists. The organization provides a dedicated space at 652 Marshall Avenue in the Edge Medical District, where students can create portfolios equivalent to ACT scores for college scholarships. The facility offers a wide range of art classes and workshops, including oil painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics, with additional opportunities for students through the Teen Art Lab and Open Studio sessions on weekends and weekdays.

Art Program Success Stories - Patt shares some success stories of young artists participating in their program. He highlights how the program helps overcome societal fears about pursuing art as a career and provides mentorship and guidance. Derek shares specific examples, including a student who changed his career path from mechanics to painting and sold several large paintings at their inaugural art sale. They also mentioned that their college readiness program has helped students secure over $500,000 in scholarships.

Art as Therapy for Youth - Patt emphasizes the power of art to build community and importance of art as a form of expression and therapy for young people, highlighting its role in providing a supportive environment for those who might not have one elsewhere. He notes that while not all students will pursue careers in art, there are numerous related jobs and the creative process itself can be therapeutic. Patt also stresses the need for parents and teachers to understand and support artistic expression.

Flagship Summer Art Fellowship Program - Patt describes their flagship Summer Fellowship program, which selects 25 young artists through a competitive 4-round process including portfolio review and interviews with parents. The program includes a 3-week immersive experience at St. Columba, where participants focus on artwork without cell phone distractions, followed by visits to Memphis art locations and a trip to New York where they see exhibitions and learn about the art business from Derek Fordjour.

Community Art Programs and Initiatives - Patt explains how CAM offers art programs including printmaking, sculpture, and art history, and provides 6 college credit hours at no cost to young people. He emphasizes the importance of community support, inviting people to visit the facility, talk to participants, and consider donations. Derek also highlights CAM's initiatives, such as trips to New York and college application assistance, and mentioned their annual "Deck the Walls" event where participants' artwork is showcased for purchase.

Transforming Lives Through Arts - Patt discusses the positive impact of Contemporary Arts Memphis on the community, highlighting how the program transforms lives, provides scholarship opportunities, and fosters a vibrant city. He shares feedback from teachers, parents, and donors, emphasizing how the program changes classroom culture, shifts parental mindsets about art's importance, and enables young people to pursue higher education, including prestigious institutions like Yale. He also mentions removing barriers such as transportation by providing Ubers. The conversation concludes with information on how to learn more and get involved, including Instagram and the website contemporaryartsmemphis.org.

So, visit https://contemporaryartsmemphis.org/ to get involved.

Tim discusses the mental health challenges faced by young adults, highlighting anxiety as a significant issue driven by a lack of control over their future and the influence of social media. He notes that 12% of their chats involve suicide ideation, while 41% of parents surveyed by the American Psychological Association reported being so stressed they couldn't function, raising concerns about the impact on children. Tim also mentions that 20% of their live chats come from outside the U.S., indicating global prevalence of these issues.

Tim emphasizes the importance of engaging young people in the community. He suggests that recognizing and connecting with young individuals, without judgment, can help build trust and potentially change their lives. Tim provides a personal example of how engaging a young person can have a positive impact, highlighting the significance of listening and showing interest in their concerns.

He shares his faith-based perspective on what gives him hope regarding TheHopeLine's impact. He explained their LEAP model (Listen, Encourage, Advise, and Pray/Plan) and describes how helping students understand their inherent value as beings created in God's image can transform their lives. He notes that many students who previously felt unlovable and isolated gain new motivation and hope when they realize they are of infinite value, which is the foundation of TheHopeLine's mission.

Tim highlights their website as where to go to help students and young adults and notes that the website's footer contains a "Partners in Hope" section where adults can learn about becoming Hope Coaches, joining the prayer team, becoming mentors, or donating to support the free service.

Visit https://www.thehopeline.com to learn more about TheHopeLine.
https://www.facebook.com/TheHopeLine/
GiveNow

Summary

Opening the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville - The National Museum of African American Music, located in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrates more than 400 years of African American music history with a mission to preserve, educate, and raise awareness of this rich cultural heritage. Alyssa Dituro, Assistant Director of Partnerships, explains that the museum's journey began 20 years ago with community efforts to establish it in Music City, ultimately finding its home on 5th and Broadway. The museum showcases the cultural impact of African Americans and their influence on various genres of music.

National Museum of African American Music - Alyssa discusses some of her favorite exhibits at the National Museum of African American Music, highlighting "One Nation Under a Groove" and "The Message" for their representation of cross-genre collaborations and hip-hop culture. She emphasizes the museum's unique immersive experiences, such as creating personalized playlists, writing blues songs, and participating in a gospel choir. Jeremy notes the educational value of tracing musical influences and the global context provided by the museum's exhibits. Alyssa expresses hope that visitors would understand the interconnectedness of American music and its power to foster connection and understanding.

Museum Exhibits and Anniversary Plans - Alyssa discusses the current and upcoming exhibits at the museum, including "Jubilation!" about the Fisk Jubilee Singers and "Woven Winds" by a local artist. She mentions a temporary lobby exhibit honoring the late R&B singer D'Angelo. Alyssa also talks about the upcoming 5-year anniversary celebration of the museum, which will coincide with MLK Day. The event will feature live music, giveaways, and a celebration of the museum's supporters.

Museum Growth and Community Engagement - Alyssa discusses the museum's growth since its opening during the pandemic almost five years ago, and its role as a hub for African American music, noting significant international and national visitor traffic. She highlights ongoing efforts to expand the museum's reach through digital kiosks, podcasts, and educational programs, including partnerships with Metro Nashville Public Schools and Vanderbilt for free student access. Alyssa also mentions plans for weekend programming for families and older adults, emphasizing the museum's commitment to lifelong learning.

Supporting the National Museum of African American Music - Alyssa discusses various ways the community can support the National Museum of African American Music, including memberships at different price tiers, a young members group called the Jefferson Club, and sponsorship opportunities. She highlights upcoming events like the December 2nd tree lighting and musical gifts, emphasizing the chance for meet-and-greets with artists. Alyssa encourages potential partners to reach out for corporate partnerships and mentions community partnerships as a focus. She concludes by providing contact information, directing listeners to the museum's website and social media platforms.

Visit https://www.nmaam.org to learn more and to get involved with the National Museum of African American Music.
https://www.facebook.com/theNMAAM/
https://www.youtube.com/thenmaam
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Events

Summary

Gray Line Tennessee's Community Support Initiatives - Chuck Abbott, President and CEO of Gray Line Tennessee discusses the company's community-focused values and its partnership with the American Diabetes Association. Chuck explained that Gray Line Tennessee, a 52-year-old sightseeing and motor coach company with over 320 employees and 250 vehicles, prioritizes employee health and education, particularly regarding diabetes awareness. The company's involvement with the American Diabetes Association aligns with its mission to educate employees about maintaining a healthy, balanced life, especially given the sedentary nature of many of their roles.

Chuck also discusses the company's involvement with PENCIL, an organization supporting Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Operation Stan Down Tennessee, which helps veterans transition to civilian life. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and supporting education and veterans, noting that employees are encouraged to promote their preferred charities within the organization, as well..

American Diabetes Association Overview - Chuck provides an overview of the American Diabetes Association's mission to prevent and cure diabetes, improve lives of those affected, and advocate for policy changes. He highlights that the organization, celebrating 85 years, has over 500,000 volunteers and funds critical research, including at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. In Tennessee, diabetes affects over 820,000 people, with significant healthcare and productivity impacts, and Chuck shares his personal connection to the cause through his granddaughter's diagnosis.

Understanding Diabetes: Types and Treatments - Chuck and Jeremy discuss the personal impact of diabetes, with Chuck explaining the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Chuck describes type 1 as an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, while type 2 involves the body's inability to effectively use insulin. They discuss advancements in technology and research for diabetes treatment, including potential future developments like an artificial pancreas. Both express optimism about ongoing research and the hope for a cure.

Diabetes Camp Volunteer Experience - Chuck shares his experience volunteering at Camp Sugar Falls, a diabetes camp for children aged 6 to 15, where he first became involved when his granddaughter, who was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2016, was too young to attend but could go with a family member. Chuck, who was the counselor in charge of 6- and 7-year-old campers during his first year, describes the camp as a welcoming environment where children learn to manage their diabetes while forming lasting friendships. He highlights the involvement of medical professionals from Vanderbilt and counselors from Belmont School of Pharmacy, and notes that the camp, founded in 1982, provides not only diabetes management education but also a supportive community for families dealing with the condition.

American Diabetes Association Initiatives - Chuck discusses various events and initiatives organized by the American Diabetes Association, including the Step Out Walk, State of Diabetes, and Camp Sugar Falls, highlighting their focus on fundraising, education, and awareness. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and volunteering, noting that the association efficiently manages funds to support research and aid individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Resources for Diabetes Awareness

Visit diabetes.org to learn more about the American Diabetes Association and to access resources, information and upcoming events.

Visit graylinetn.com to learn more about Gray Line Tennessee and their community initiatives and focus on customer service.

Marcus Winchester's Early Life and Legacy - Scott discusses his research and writing process for his book about Marcus Winchester, a key figure in the early development of Memphis. He explains how Winchester's connection with David Crockett, whom he funded in congressional campaigns after a financial setback, piqued his interest. The book begins with Winchester as a 17-year-old prisoner of war, detailing his early life and the challenges he faced. Scott highlights Winchester's role in establishing Memphis and his journey from a prisoner of war to a prominent figure in the city's development.

Interracial Marriage and Social Struggles - Scott and Jeremy discuss the complexities of Marcus Winchester's life, focusing on his marriage to a woman of mixed racial heritage and the challenges they faced due to societal racism. Winchester, despite his contributions to building the city, was forced to move outside the city limits after laws prohibiting interracial marriage became stricter. The couple had eight biracial children, and their relationship was later portrayed negatively, with evidence of their marriage being erased or misconstrued over time.

Marcus Winchester's Legacy in Memphis - Scott discusses his ancestors' lives in Haywood County and the impact of slavery on their community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how slavery affected individuals like Marcus Winchester, highlighting the legal restrictions on freeing slaves and the dangers faced by free African Americans. Scott also describes Marcus as a visionary in logistics, business, and commerce, particularly in the development of Memphis. He notes Marcus's contributions to transportation, entertainment, hotels, and tourism, as well as his role as the first mayor and the founder of the city's first charged ferry service.

Marcus Winchester Historical Research Challenges - Scott discusses the challenges of researching and writing about Marcus Winchester, noting the difficulty of piecing together an accurate story from limited historical records and making necessary assumptions. He highlights Winchester's community-focused actions, such as requesting vaccines during an outbreak and seeking permission to use wood during a harsh winter, to illustrate Winchester's character. Scott emphasizes the importance of including relevant historical context to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of early Memphis and its settlers.

Preserving Memphis's Historical Legacy - Scott discusses his hopes for readers of his book about Memphis, emphasizing a deeper appreciation for the city's history and the importance of preserving historical sites. He highlights the story of the Winchester Cemetery, which was neglected and desecrated, to illustrate why historical preservation matters. Scott expresses hope that readers would understand the significance of preserving Memphis's historical buildings and the contributions of previous historians and researchers.

Marcus Winchester's Historical Legacy - Scott discusses the historical significance of Marcus Winchester and the role of transportation in shaping Memphis. He highlights the upcoming anniversary events in 2026, including the bicentennial of Memphis's incorporation and the 230th anniversary of Marcus Winchester's birth, which he hopes will spark public interest in history.

Visit https://rscottwilliams.info/ to learn more about Scott Williams and visit https://discoveryparkofamerica.com to learn more about Discovery Park of America.

Summary

Journey to Conscious Leadership - Debra Sunderland, CEO of Sunderland Coaching, shares her personal journey from a competitive cyclist to an executive coach, highlighting her transformation after a life-threatening accident. She emphasizes the importance of conscious leadership and the need to become aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to drive change. Debra explains that while people often try to change outcomes directly, the key to transformation lies in addressing the underlying patterns and thoughts that lead to those outcomes. She concludes by discussing the role of the unconscious mind in resisting change and the power of self-awareness in personal and organizational development.

Transformative Communication and Leadership Strategies - Debra discusses her work in transforming organizations through communication and leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. She explains her use of tools like the Enneagram, breathing exercises, and cognitive reframing to help individuals and teams break free from limiting patterns and achieve personal and professional growth. Debra highlights the power of feeling emotions fully to gain wisdom and overcome cognitive looping, which can lead to new opportunities and possibilities.

Leadership Through Positive Mindset - Debra shares her approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of giving people grace and focusing on positive aspects rather than negative assumptions. She discusses how this mindset can improve relationships and lead to better outcomes. The conversation concludes with Debra providing her contact information and inviting listeners to connect with her through her podcast "Shut Up and Thrive" and website for Sunderland Coaching, https://www.sunderlandcoaching.com.

Summary

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as Entrepreneurs - Kris Kelso shares his background as an entrepreneur and leadership coach, highlighting his journey from running IT and healthcare technology companies to focusing on executive coaching and professional speaking. He explains how his experience with imposter syndrome, which began during his first business venture, led him to study and understand the phenomenon. Kris discovered that imposter syndrome is more prevalent among high achievers and found that his insights and techniques for addressing it were valuable to others, leading to a viral article and eventually a book and keynote speech on the topic.

Humble Confidence in Learning - Kris discusses his opposition to the "fake it till you make it" mindset, advocating instead for an authentic approach to learning and growth, which he refers to as "humble confidence." He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging when one doesn't know something and using that as an opportunity to seek help and learn, rather than pretending to be an expert. Jeremy agrees with Kris's perspective, highlighting the role of authenticity and relationships in personal and professional development. Kris shares a habit to foster humble confidence: acknowledging when one doesn't know something and offering to find solutions or gather expertise, which helps maintain authenticity and invites support.

Coaching for Client Self-Discovery - Kris shares his experience as an entrepreneur and coach, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and suspending judgment to help clients explore and grow. He highlights that coaching involves guiding clients to find their own answers rather than providing them directly, and this approach has been valuable in his business life. Kris stresses the importance of acknowledging that there is always more to learn and new perspectives to consider, which keeps him in an "explorer mode."

Enhancing Teamwork and Personal Growth - Jeremy and Kris discuss the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable people to enhance teamwork and organizational success. Kris shares his approach to writing, emphasizing that his latest book was a compelled project rather than a planned one, and he expresses a willingness to write another book only when he has a unique perspective to offer. Kris also mentions his current goal of improving his humor in speeches and content, which he has been working on with a professional stand-up comedian.

Kris's Keynote Insights - Kris discusses his experience with stand-up comedy and his newfound respect for professional comedians. He mentions his popular keynotes on imposter syndrome and humble confidence, which he has adapted from a TEDx talk into a full-length presentation. Kris also shares that he offers workshops on topics such as delegation and building trust in the workplace.

Book Details and Contact Exchange - Kris shares his contact information and book details with Jeremy, noting that his book "Overcoming the Imposter" can be found at major bookstores and online platforms. He highlights that the book's website offers a free sample chapter, specifically Chapter 7, which discusses the explorer mentality and contrasts it with the tour guide mindset. Jeremy expresses gratitude for Kris's contributions to cityCURRENT and the recent signature speaker series event in Nashville.

Visit https://www.kriskelso.com to learn more and connect with Kris Kelso.

Summary

Nonprofit's Growth and Mission Impact - Chris Whitney, Founder and CEO of One Generation Away, shares how the nonprofit organization began in 2013 with a mission to provide food and dignity to those in need. Whitney explains how the organization has grown from a $1 million operation to a $33 million enterprise over ten years, serving multiple states and providing food assistance and disaster relief. He emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and agility in their operations, with a vision to feed and pray with a million people on a Saturday morning.

Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer Program - Chris explains how the organization conducts mobile food pantries on Saturday mornings, where a semi-truck delivers 20,000-30,000 pounds of food, which volunteers then bag and distribute to up to 300 families in a 3-4 hour window. The process includes offering prayer support to recipients without proselytizing, and the events are designed to be family-friendly. Chris emphasizes that the organization relies on volunteers and describes how the experience is life-changing for both recipients and volunteers alike.

Government Shutdown Impact and Support - Jeremy and Chris Whitney discuss the impact of the government shutdown on federal workers and SNAP recipients. Chris explains that his organization is providing food boxes for furloughed workers and preparing to support families affected by the cutoff of SNAP benefits. He emphasizes the personal impact of the situation, highlighting how it affects individuals and families he knows personally. Both Jeremy and Chris stress the importance of community involvement and support in addressing this crisis.

Addressing Hunger Amid Cuts - Chris explains that his organization, which relies on individual donors and corporations rather than federal grants, needs to use its reserves to respond to immediate hunger needs due to SNAP benefit cuts and furloughed workers. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, comparing it to natural disasters, and committing the organization to helping feed people in 10 counties. Chris encourages the community to get involved in addressing hunger, promising recognition for those who contribute.

Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution Plans - Chris discusses One Generation Away's plans for Thanksgiving, including giving away 3,000 turkeys, a decrease from last year's 6,000 due to budget constraints and increased turkey costs. He notes that there likely will be greater need due to reduced SNAP benefits, but expressed confidence that God would provide a way to make it work. He highlights the importance of volunteerism and financial contributions, and provides information on how to get involved through OneGenAway.com, including volunteering, donating, and reaching out for assistance or replication in other communities.

Financial Impact and Food Distribution - Chris Whitney discusses the impact of financial contributions, explaining that a dollar can provide five meals and highlighting their efficient use of funds, with 96 cents going directly to their operations. He mentions their ability to purchase large quantities of food at wholesale prices, such as a 30,000-pound load for $22,000, and their focus on providing both fresh produce and dry goods to SNAP recipients and furloughed workers. Jeremy expresses appreciation for Chris's efforts and the work of his team in supporting the community.

Visit https://onegenaway.com to learn more and get involved with One Generation Away.
 

Summary

USO's Regional Impact and Operations - Ann Jarvis, Executive Director of USO Fort Campbell/Nashville, highlights the organization's reach across three states. Ann explains that despite their name, USO Fort Campbell/Nashville covers Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas, with Fort Campbell being their largest center and the second largest USO in the world. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and has three locations, with a small staff of five people.

USO's Community Support Initiatives - Ann discusses the USO's mission to support service members and their families and connect them with the broader community through various programs. She explains the history of the USO and details initiatives like Coffee Connections for military spouses, a Canine Program featuring therapy dogs, and care package programs for deploying and returning service members. Ann emphasizes the importance of community support, including volunteer involvement and donations, to sustain their centers and programs, noting significant foot traffic at their facilities.

Military Care Package Logistics Planning - Ann and Jeremy discuss the logistics of care package donations, with Ann suggesting a typical range of 200 to 500 packs per donation, adaptable to donor preferences and organizational needs. They also explore family-focused initiatives, including upcoming events, highlighting the importance of supporting military families through activities such as art shows, gaming, and storytelling.

USO Family Connection Initiatives - The discussion focuses on USO's efforts to connect service members and their families with the community, emphasizing building relationships and providing support. Ann highlights the importance of involving community organizations in events and showcasing available resources to both service members and their families. She also describes initiatives like Warrior Summer events, which partner with local businesses to offer fun activities, and shares personal experiences as a transplant to highlight the importance of adapting and building connections in new environments. The conversation also touches on the resilience of military children, comparing them to dandelions for their ability to thrive in different settings.

USO Volunteerism and Support Mission - Ann discusses the importance of volunteerism in achieving their goals. She explains that volunteers are crucial for keeping USO centers open seven days a week and providing assistance to service members and their families. Ann encouraged listeners to visit their website to learn more about volunteering and other ways to support the USO.

Visit https://fortcampbell.uso.org to learn more and get involved with USO Fort Campbell/Nashville.

Summary

tnAchieves: College Success Initiative - Graham Thomas, Chief Community and Government Affairs Officer at tnAchieves, discusses the organization's mission and impact. Graham explains how tnAchieves, which predates the Tennessee Promise program, focuses on helping students enroll in and succeed in post-secondary education, particularly for first-generation college students. He highlights the organization's traditional access mentorship program, which has been running for 17 years, and the program's success in increasing graduation rates from 5-6% to 41% for vulnerable populations and notes that 53,000 alumni have graduated, with 84.7% choosing to stay in Tennessee. The discussion emphasizes the economic benefits and workforce development implications of tnAchieves' work, as well as the organization's role in breaking generational cycles of educational disadvantage.

tnAchieves Community Service Impact - Graham talks about the importance of community service with tnAchieves, highlighting its community service requirement where students provide 8 hours of service per semester, resulting in over 600,000 hours of community service completed by scholarship recipients since the program's inception 17 years ago. The program, which began as a privately funded initiative, now is known to be the largest community service organization in the state.

Enhancing Student Career Pathways - Graham discusses their efforts to address the gap between students who want to transfer after earning their two-year degree and those who enter the workforce. He explains that while the transfer rate has improved from 15% to 50% with their transfer program, they are now focusing on supporting students who choose to enter the workforce. Graham highlights the success of job shadowing opportunities at various companies, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Eastman, and announces the launch of a new workforce mentorship program to provide personalized guidance to students as they approach graduation.

Rural-Urban Mentorship Program Initiative - The workforce mentorship program aims to connect students, including those in rural Tennessee, with adult mentors working in their careers of interest to offer basic guidance and support. Graham explains that while geographical proximity is not the primary focus, the program will prioritize subject matter expertise and career fields to provide valuable mentorship opportunities.

Mentorship Initiative for Student Success - Graham and Jeremy discuss the need for 5,000 mentors, with over 700 needed in Memphis alone, to support local students. Graham emphasizes the importance of life advice and mentorship, promising comprehensive training and support for mentors. Jeremy highlights the value of exposing students to various career paths and the opportunity for businesses to recruit young professionals through mentorship. Graham stresses the significance of mentorship in guiding students and the availability of the staff for ongoing support. Jeremy adds that volunteering in such programs often brings unexpected personal benefits to mentors, too.

tnAchieves Workforce Mentorship Initiative - Graham discusses the program's goal of pairing 5,000 students with mentors by early December 2025 so the mentorship can begin in early 2026. He provides the website (http://www.tnachieves.org) and phone number (615-604-1306) for interested participants to sign up and learn more. The program aims to prepare students for college or employment by early 2026, with the next steps involving training and matching students with mentors to help them achieve their educational and career goals.

Visit https://www.tnachieves.org or call 615-604-1306 to learn more and become a mentor.

During the interview, Ashley shares insights about Project Impact, a comprehensive 9-month study that gathered client feedback to improve services and outcomes. Ashley describes the process that involved conducting 26 client interviews and an intentional survey to gather detailed feedback on client experiences and behavior changes. The team at Hope Clinic used this data to identify common themes, challenges, and potential future impacts, aiming to better understand client needs and improve their services. Ashley discusses the challenges faced by families with multiple children, highlighting the need for reliable childcare services and transportation to enable parents to participate in programs and activities. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these barriers to help parents feel more confident and supported in their parenting journey.

The study also revealed that participants highly valued community and staff relationships. Based on this feedback, the team is working on enhancing their services and resources to better meet the needs of their clients and to better focus on addressing challenges faced by families with multiple children. The program will focus on creating spaces for connection and education across different parenting stages. The program will offer flexible scheduling with various time slots on Saturdays, weekdays, and evenings to accommodate working and stay-at-home parents.

Ashley discusses the current state of their program, noting that they serve between 80 to 100 families, with some participating in virtual classes, counseling, or in-person classes. They plan to make the program more cohesive and anticipate a slight decrease in the number of families served initially. However, they aim to expand the program's impact in the Nashville area, providing a safe environment for children to grow and thrive.

Ashley describes the impact of their program through testimonials from families who receive support through a Baby Boutique store. The program provides essential items like diapers, formula, and clothing to expecting parents, allowing them to celebrate their journey with community support. The highlight for families is the opportunity to receive these gifts and celebrate with their community, which helps them start their family on a positive footing.

The discussion concludes with details about upcoming changes to the program, including new Care Coach initiatives and plans to expand community connections through a new model launching in January 2026. Hope Clinic for Women is focusing on recruiting Care Coaches to provide monthly check-ins for clients addressing their physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual needs. She emphasizes the importance of financial contributions to support operations and restock the store with new items for showers, while also encouraging community members to donate gently used items like car seats and strollers.

Ashley expresses excitement about providing more opportunities for families to connect and support each other, and seeing these connections develop, as they have been piloting similar ideas for the past six months. Jeremy highlights the ripple effect of these connections, building both internal community and external relationships in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

Visit https://hopeclinicforwomen.org to learn more about Hope Clinic for Women.

Summary

Belmont University and Belmont University Executive Education - Dr. Melanie Lashlee Adams, Executive Director and Principal Consultant, Executive Education at Belmont University, discusses the institution's diverse offerings, including in-person and online graduate programs, a strong music business program, and a new college of medicine. She highlights Belmont's vibrant campus community and its role as a leading educational institution in Nashville, Tennessee, and beyond. Dr. Lashlee Adams then describes Belmont University Executive Education as the professional development arm that provides customized leadership and organizational development curriculum, consulting, executive coaching, certificate programs, and public workshops to support organizations and individuals in Middle Tennessee and across the country. She and her team assess organizational culture and leadership needs through questions about talent development, current challenges, and long-term goals, tailoring solutions to each client's unique requirements.

Leadership Fundamentals and Emotional Intelligence - Dr. Lashlee Adams discusses the fundamentals of leadership, emphasizing that it is not solely about a position of authority but involves inspiring and engaging others effectively. She highlights the importance of self-awareness, including understanding one's communication style, stress reactions, and unproductive behaviors, as a foundation for leadership growth and impact. She also mentions the role of emotional intelligence in adapting to the needs of others and building trust, which are crucial for team collaboration and achieving leadership goals.

Servant Leadership Development Programs - Dr. Lashlee Adams and Jeremy discuss the importance of leadership skills in developing a healthy team culture and their transferability to personal relationships. They explore how servant leadership can positively impact the community beyond the workplace. Dr. Lashlee Adams explains their range of leadership development programs, including certificate courses, short workshops, and industry-specific training, available both in-person and online.

Whole-Person Leadership and Employee Well-being - Dr. Melanie Lashlee Adams then talks about current trends, discussing the shift towards whole-person leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving employees' holistic needs beyond job descriptions. She highlights the focus on creating safe, inclusive, and meaningful work experiences, which requires building trust and psychological safety within teams. Dr. Lashlee Adams encourages listeners to visit Belmont University's Executive Education website for more information on leadership programs, executive coaching, and upcoming workshops.

Visit https://www.belmont.edu/executive-edu... to learn more and connect with Belmont University Executive Education.

Summary

Paul Young's Healing Journey and Ministry - Paul Young, author of "The Shack" and other bestselling books, shares his personal journey of healing and writing, emphasizing how his experiences shaped his work. He discusses his upbringing as a missionary child, struggles with abuse and addiction, and eventual recovery through therapy and writing. Young explains that "The Shack" was initially written for his children but gained widespread popularity, leading to a sequel scheduled for release in October 2026. He highlights the book's themes of healing and the transformative power of understanding one's identity in God. Young also described his work with inmates on death row, noting their profound faith and resilience, and the community they've built through reconciliation efforts.

Living Spirit-Induced, Moment-by-Moment - Paul shares his philosophy on living a moment-by-moment, spirit-induced life rather than pursuing a purpose-driven existence. He emphasizes the importance of participating in the present moment and being responsive to God's indwelling presence. Paul expresses gratitude for the opportunities that come with his platform, viewing them as "unrighteous wealth" that can be used to serve others and penetrate the world with kindness. He highlights the significance of every person as a "burning bush," inviting participation in the hands and voice of Jesus.

Faith, Love, and Present Living - Paul shares his thoughts on faith, love, and living in the present moment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's goodness and treating others with love and respect. He encourages listeners to learn about their true identity as children of God and to relax by staying present rather than being consumed by fear and control. Paul also mentions his upcoming projects, including a sequel to "The Shack" releasing in October 2026, potential adaptations into other languages, and a musical stage production planned for 2028.

Visit https://wmpaulyoung.com to learn more about Paul Young.

During the interview, Leighanne talks about the growth of the organization and their expanded programming and impact. She provides an update on one of their original programs, providing free transportation for cancer-related appointments and treatments,, and then spotlights the Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique, which is located within West Cancer Foundation’s offices and provides a private, salon-like setting where those being treated for cancer can select a wig at no charge. Since its founding in 2020, the foundation has provided free wigs but decided to create a dedicated space to accommodate the growing number of wig requests it’s receiving. The free wigs and other head coverings (hats, scarves, etc.) offered at the Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique are available to any cancer patients regardless of their hospital or treatment provider.

Leighanne talks about the importance of providing wigs and how individuals can set up an appointment. She also discusses how they are working to raise more awareness in the community and increase access to screenings, provide grants and funding for research, and launch programs around providing mental health support for those impacted by cancer and their caregivers. She wraps up talking about ways to get involved and support their efforts, including their 12th Annual West Fight On, taking place Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Shelby Farms Park.

Visit www.westcancerfoundation.org to learn more and get involved.

Cultural Excellence Leadership Guide - Michele Herlein, a 25-year veteran of corporate America, discusses her journey from working at companies like Bridgestone Americas, Inc. to founding CultureMax, where she now helps organizations create positive cultures. She explains that her book, "Cultural Excellence: A Leader's Guide to Strengthening the Heart of Your Organization," is a guide aimed at strengthening organizational culture, and she has created a mastermind group for HR professionals to implement the book's methodology. The book includes downloadable worksheets and is designed to be a practical resource for creating great organizational cultures.

Empowering Workplaces for Better Results - Michele shares her experience of spending 25 years in corporate America, where she observed that workplaces often deplete employees rather than energize them. She expresses her mission to help create organizations that motivate and value their employees, noting that this approach not only benefits individuals but also leads to better business results and improved metrics.

Transforming Organizational Culture Alignment - Michele discusses her book's approach to organizational culture transformation, focusing on horizontal and vertical alignment. She emphasizes the importance of getting executive team buy-in and aligning managers, who she refers to as "The Mighty Middle," to reinforce the company's cultural direction. The book outlines a step-by-step process for diagnosing culture, aligning leaders, and integrating cultural values into the organization's DNA through systems, processes, and behaviors.

Building Strong Organizational Cultures - Michele emphasizes that building a strong culture requires consistent effort and integration from the top down and bottom up, comparing it to maintaining healthy habits. Michele shares examples from her experiences at Bandag, Bridgestone, and Barge, highlighting how different companies can implement unique cultural values and processes. She notes that aligning leaders and systems with employee needs leads to both employee satisfaction and outstanding financial results, as seen in Bridgestone's 5x and Barge's 7x profit increases.

Cultural Excellence Book Launch - Michele announces that her new book "Cultural Excellence: A Leader's Guide to Strengthening the Heart of Your Organization" is now available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She emphasizes that the book includes downloadable files at the end of each chapter to help readers implement its concepts practically.

To learn more about CultureMax, visit https://culture-max.com.

Journalist's Journey to Mission-Driven Storytelling - Lauren Ready discusses her journey from a high school job shadow to becoming a journalist and eventually transitioning to storytelling through Forever Ready Productions. She explained how her experiences in news reporting led her to focus on impactful, mission-driven storytelling for nonprofits and organizations, and she talks about founding Forever Ready Productions in 2014 as a side hustle. She describes how her husband's business plan for the company led her to take the leap of faith and then transition from a solo operation to hiring staff, eventually helping nonprofits raise over $18 million through film and video-driven fundraising projects and content creation. The company has won Emmys for documentary work and helped change Tennessee law, with Lauren emphasizing their mission to inspire action and transform perspectives through storytelling.

Leadership Through Question-Based Framework - Lauren explains how she developed the concept for her book, "Ask Like a Leader," while hiking in the mountains, realizing that her career in storytelling, journalism, and documentary work was rooted in the ability to ask better questions. She has created a question-based framework called "The Question Lens" to help leaders improve communication, connection, and innovation. The book aims to provide a method for revealing deeper truths and turning blind spots into breakthroughs, drawing parallels between leadership challenges and the process of documentary filmmaking.

OSCARS of Effective Communication Framework - Lauren and Jeremy discuss the framework of the "OSCARS" for effective communication, which includes open-ended questions, specific follow-up questions, clarifying questions, active listening, reflection questions, and sharing. Lauren emphasizes that leaders should focus on the quality of their questions rather than seeking to know everything, highlighting the importance of being present, curious, and open to learning. They agree that better questioning leads to deeper connections, understanding, and empathy, which are crucial for leadership and personal growth.

Overcoming Expertise Blind Spots - Lauren discusses the concept of the Paradox of Expertise, where leaders who are experts in their field may develop blind spots due to their extensive knowledge and experience. She emphasizes the importance of shifting from certainty to curiosity and from knowing to noticing, encouraging leaders to ask questions even when they think they have the answers. Lauren shares a personal example from her experience as a founder, where she accidentally derailed a team member's creativity by providing immediate feedback instead of asking questions. She stresses the need for self-awareness and reflection in leadership roles to recognize one's own role in team issues and to help team members grow.

Lauren's Book and Future Projects - Lauren discusses where individuals can purchase "Ask Like a Leader," which is available on Amazon and her website LaurenReady.com/books, where readers can purchase both paperback and ebook versions. She announced that the audiobook version will be available for free with paperback purchases and separately on Audible in December or January. Lauren encourages listeners to leave reviews and mentions that she is considering writing a follow-up book, particularly to help nonprofit professionals and fundraisers. She also shares information about ForeverReadyLLC.com, where viewers can learn more about her documentary work and services for nonprofits and small businesses.

Visit https://www.laurenready.com/books to learn more.

Summary

Higginbotham's Partnership with cityCURRENT
Kenton Harvill, Commercial Property and Casualty Broker at Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, discusses the company's longtime title partnership with cityCURRENT. Kenton highlights Higginbotham's commitment to community service, one of their core values, and praises cityCURRENT for its role in facilitating this mission. He highlights how Higginbotham is an employee-owned and customer-inspired insurance and financial services broker that specializes in business insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance, life insurance, risk management and more.

Insurance Broker Role and Benefits
Kenton explains how his insurance broker role differs from direct writers by working directly with and for clients rather than for a specific insurance company, allowing him to provide custom insurance programs and more comprehensive risk management services. He emphasizes the value of being proactive throughout the year, not just at policy renewal, and highlights the advantage of having access to multiple insurance carriers to find the best fit for clients. Jeremy notes the importance of brokers' tools and negotiation power, particularly given Higginbotham's size, which enables them to secure competitive rates for clients.

Higginbotham's Community Impact Initiatives
Kenton discusses Higginbotham's core values, particularly their commitment to being generous to their communities and support for employees. He highlights the company's impact through initiatives like the Higginbotham Community Fund and partnerships in various states, including their involvement in events like the Kids Dental Day and Shoe Distribution hosted in Nashville, Tennessee. Kenton shares a personal experience from the Kids Dental Day and Shoe Distribution where he witnessed the joy of children receiving dental care and new shoes, emphasizing the fulfillment of making a positive impact on the community.

Insurance Career Mentorship Opportunities
Kenton shares his positive experience working at Higginbotham, where the company invests significantly in broker training and development. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance, particularly for young professionals entering the insurance industry, which he believes is often overlooked as a career choice but offers great opportunities for entrepreneurial and self-starting individuals. Jeremy agrees on the value of mentorship and encouraged young professionals to consider the insurance industry.

Networking and Workers' Comp Insights
Kenton discusses the importance of networking for young professionals, emphasizing the value of building genuine connections and being involved in community events. He highlights the often-overlooked area of workers' compensation as a key trend in the insurance industry, noting that business owners have significant control over their premiums and can benefit from expert guidance to reduce costs. Kenton encourages mid-sized business owners to review their workers' compensation coverage and offers his contact information for further discussions.

Visit https://www.higginbotham.com to learn more about Higginbotham or email Kenton Harvill at kharvill@higginbotham.com.

Summary

Youth Villages Foster Care Overview - Misha Cummings, Foster Care Engagement Specialist Supervisor at Youth Villages, explains how foster care is a temporary setting for children awaiting reunification with their biological families, while adoption involves permanent placement. Misha has been with the organization for seven years, previously working in residential facilities and crisis management before transitioning to foster care and adoption services.

Stability in Foster Care Education - Misha discusses the challenges faced by children in foster care, particularly the instability caused by frequent moves and changes in schools, which hampers their social development. She explains that Youth Villages aims to address this by keeping children in their community schools to maintain stability. Jeremy highlights the significance of National Adoption Month in November, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about foster care and adoption.

Supporting Adoption and Foster Care - Misha discusses National Adoption Month, highlighting the celebration of adoptions while emphasizing the need for more adoptive parents due to approximately 8,000 children in care in Tennessee. She explains Youth Villages' support services, including training for parents, post-training classes, and a mentorship program for new foster parents. Misha also mentions ongoing support through a 24/7 staff, organized family activities, and a community of foster parents to help improve the experience.

Foster Family Training Timeline Overview - Misha explains that a successful foster or adoptive family is characterized by their ability to love and provide stability for children, effective communication, and openness to learning new parenting skills. She clarifies that the timeline for the entire process, from start to finish, is typically two months for ideal candidates who meet all requirements, such as completing background checks and attending all training sessions. However, she noted that the timeline can extend to three months if unforeseen circumstances, like missed classes, arise.

Foster Care Success Stories - Misha shares feedback from youth and parents regarding life-changing opportunities in foster care and adoption. She shares a story about a parent who went through the training and embraced it, celebrating the child's milestones. Misha also highlights a success story of a foster youth who was adopted and went on to pursue a career in social work and public office.

Youth Villages Foster Care Success - Misha and Jeremy discuss Youth Villages' success stories and the transformative power of providing stability, love, and opportunities for both children and families involved in foster care and adoption. Misha highlights the organization's focus on children aged 0 to 17, with a particular need for placing children aged 9 and up and sibling groups. She also emphasizes the positive attributes of teenagers in care, noting their adaptability and openness to learning.

Youth Villages Foster Care Support - Misha discusses the support available to foster and adoptive parents through Youth Villages, emphasizing that children in care are not responsible for their situation and clarifying that barriers such as not being married or renting a home do not prevent someone from becoming a foster parent. She provides two ways for the community to get involved: calling the toll-free number 888-MY-YV-KID or visiting the Youth Villages website to learn more about foster care and adoption and filling out an inquiry form to speak with an engagement specialist.

Visit https://youthvillages.org/services/fo... to learn more about Youth Villages and their Foster Care and Adoption programs or call 1-888-My-YV-KID.

Summary

Entrepreneurial Journey and Mentorship Insights - Sydney Ball, Founder and CEO of Ballpoint Business Solutions, shares her entrepreneurial journey, which began at age 10 with a flip-flop business she ran through graduate school. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, distinguishing between mentors who provide guidance and sponsors who advocate for career advancement. Ballpoint Business Solutions offers strategy and operations consulting, including interim executive leadership and fractional COO services.

C-Suite Consulting for High-Growth Companies - Sydney explains that her team of consultants works with mid-sized, high-growth companies to fill C-suite gaps and build out strategic operations. She shares two recent projects: working with a construction company to develop systems and processes for rapid growth, and providing temporary support to The Escape Game for launching new locations. The team's approach focuses on helping organizations anticipate growth and develop strategic plans, with the ability to provide both interim executive roles and short-term project support.

Consulting Strategy and Leadership Development - Sydney explains that her company helps organizations solve strategic and growth-oriented problems by matching them with the appropriate consultants, regardless of industry. She emphasizes that while they are industry-agnostic, they focus on strategy and growth, avoiding finance, accounting, and legal matters. Sydney also discusses her personal leadership development, highlighting her involvement in the Young Leaders Council program, which provided her with the skills and knowledge to effectively serve on nonprofit boards. She encourages others to engage in community service and leadership programs to build their philanthropic and leadership skills.

Community Service and Business Impact - Jeremy and Sydney discuss the importance of community service and volunteerism in personal and professional development, highlighting its role in fostering leadership, empathy, and networking. Sydney shares trends in business, noting a growing focus on aligning community impact with business success and the need for sustainable operations as companies scale.

Visit https://ballpointbusiness.com to learn more about Ballpoint Business Solutions or email Sydney at sydney.ball@ballpointbusiness.com to connect directly.

During the interview, Ryan talks about saving up for flying lessons at a young age to achieving his Guinness World Record, highlighting the teamwork and support that made the achievement possible despite its solo nature. He then talks about facing tragedy with a plane crash at 21 that left him paralyzed, and his pursuit of rehabilitation to walk again and return to flying, reflecting on how these experiences shaped his understanding of purpose and identity. Ryan shares the story of visiting Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, and how a miniature pink Cadillac from the gift store inspired what would become a life-changing symbol of prioritizing joy and something that would lead him to connect with people around the world on a much deeper level through his keynotes. Ryan wraps up by recapping his keynote in Nashville and sharing his framework and tips focused on finding joy and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of identifying and prioritizing activities that bring genuine happiness through a JOY Audit process, which he encourages others to implement in their own lives.

Visit https://ryancampbell.co to learn more about Ryan Campbell and to access his JOY Audit.

Summary

Antonio Taylor's IT Leadership Journey

Jeremy welcomes Antonio Taylor, a speaker, author, and IT executive with over 25 years of experience, to discuss his background and insights on leadership. Antonio shares his journey in the IT industry, starting with his first role at age 22 on the Y2K project and his rapid progression into leadership roles. He emphasizes the influence of a mentor who recognized his potential early in his career.

Authentic Leadership Journey

Antonio shares his background in philanthropy and community engagement, highlighting his passion for empowering young people and his personal experience growing up in a community-oriented household. He discusses his new book, "Stop Trying to Be a Leader: How Real Leaders Break Free," which was inspired by his experience losing a job after moving from Memphis to Phoenix and his subsequent self-discovery journey. Through this experience, Antonio realized the importance of authenticity and stopped following a prescribed leadership model that wasn't working for him.

Authentic Leadership and Personal Growth

Antonio discusses his book's themes of authentic leadership and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's natural abilities and avoiding the need to perform. He shares his personal experience of losing a job and how it led him to reflect on his true self and leadership style. Jeremy and Antonio discuss how vulnerability and difficult times can lead to personal and professional growth, and they talk about the challenges of maintaining authenticity in different contexts while acknowledging that authenticity means different things for everyone.

Authenticity in the Workplace Discussion

Antonio and Jeremy discuss the importance of authenticity in the workplace and how to create an environment where people feel comfortable being their true selves. Antonio emphasizes the value of curiosity, building relationships, and having open conversations to break down barriers and foster a sense of community. The discussion also touches on imposter syndrome, highlighting it as a common challenge that can hinder personal growth and authenticity in the workplace.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Authenticity

Antonio and Jeremy discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome and the importance of understanding one's true identity and capabilities. They emphasize that titles do not define a person's leadership or value, and encourage individuals to focus on being their authentic selves and contributing to their communities without waiting for a specific title or position. Antonio shares his personal experiences as a speaker and mentor, highlighting the impact of his work outside formal roles, and encourages his son to use his knowledge to help others, regardless of titles.

Empowering Keynote Speakers Journey

Antonio shares his journey from being a coach and mentor to becoming a keynote speaker and author, emphasizing his mission to empower others to overcome imposter syndrome and lead with purpose. He shares that individuals can purchase his book, "Stop Trying to Be a Leader," on Amazon, and highlights his presence on LinkedIn, where he is actively building his brand. Antonio expresses gratitude for the opportunity to spread his message and is working on a website to provide more information about his speaking engagements.

Connect with Antonio Taylor on LinkedIn via 

 / antoniodtaylor   and purchase "Stop Trying to Be a Leader: How Real Leaders Break Free" on Amazon.

During the interview, Erik shares how the organization was formed in 1985 and discusses their role as an accredited land trust working with landowners and the community to conserve land by accepting donations of land, purchasing land, negotiating private, voluntary conservation agreements on land, and stewarding conserved land through the generations to come. The Wolf River Conservancy works to preserve and protect the 522,000-acre Wolf River watershed, which includes the recharge zones for the Memphis Sands Aquifer, which supplies residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural water needs across the Mid-South area. The organization has protected over 20,000 acres and educates 6,000 students annually through field trips and educational programs. Erik spotlights their programs and some of the many events the organization hosts, including the Wolf River Restoration Series, Discover the Greenway 5K race, and the Greenway Soiree, a major fundraising event being held November 8, 2025, featuring live and silent auctions, signature cocktails, dinner and immersive moments that bring the organization's mission to life. Erik then discusses the Wolf River Greenway, a 14-mile trail system with plans to expand to 26 miles by 2030, and how it serves as a key asset for Memphis. The Conservancy seeks community support through donations and volunteer opportunities to continue its mission of land protection, educational programming, and water quality preservation.

Visit https://www.wolfriver.org to learn more and to get involved with the Wolf River Conservancy.

Summary

Porter-Leath's 175-Year History

Sean Lee, President of Porter-Leath discusses the organization's 175-year history of serving children in Memphis. Sean explains that Porter-Leath began as an orphanage in 1850, founded by Sarah Leath, and has since evolved to focus on early childhood education and development. The organization now provides various programs including home visitation, early Head Start, and Head Start services to promote school readiness and reduce infant mortality rates in the community.

Early Childhood Education Improvement Initiatives

Sean and Jeremy discuss the importance of third-grade reading proficiency, highlighting that only 26% of children meet this target, and emphasizing the need for community support to improve this statistic. They also talk about the Books from Birth program, which has been mailing age-appropriate books to children since its inception 20 years ago, and its positive impact on early learning and parental engagement. Additionally, they discussed the Teacher Excellence Program, which aims to professionalize preschool educators by providing them with training and development opportunities, ultimately improving the quality of early childhood education in Shelby County.

Porter-Leath's Early Childhood Expansion

Sean discusses Porter-Leath's collaborative approach to early childhood education, highlighting their work with nonprofit partners, foundations, and board members to provide kindergarten readiness programs. He explains that the organization has expanded significantly in recent months, growing from 6 sites with 300 employees to an expected 20 sites with 650 employees across Shelby County, including 40 childcare partners. Sean also describes their foster care program, which provides training and support for 50 foster homes in Shelby County, caring for children from infancy to age 17.

Becoming a Foster Family Process

Sean explains the process for becoming a foster family through Porter-Leath, emphasizing that interested individuals can contact them through their website or by phone to learn more without any initial commitment. He highlights the importance of volunteerism, mentioning various opportunities such as reading with children in the Books from Birth and Head Start programs, assisting with maintenance, or working in the office, and noted that they welcome help from youth groups with adult supervision.

Porter-Leath's Vision for Quality

Sean, reflecting on his 27-year tenure as president of Porter-Leath, emphasizes the importance of a culture of quality and data-driven decision-making. He outlines his vision for the future, focusing on improving community outcomes through the Head Start grant and enhancing kindergarten readiness rates from 30% to 60%. Sean also highlights the value of transparency, even in failures, and encourages organizations to prove their worth through data and storytelling.

Porter-Leath's Community Support Update

Sean discusses Porter-Leath's major events, including the Raging Cajun Crawfish Festival in April and a holiday campaign after Thanksgiving. He highlights that they now support 2,920 more children than last year and encourages community involvement through their website, porterleath.org. Sean also mentions that you can find volunteer opportunities and make financial contributions through their website.

Visit https://www.porterleath.org to learn more and get involved with Porter-Leath.

During the interview, Pam explains that TASC was founded by Don Rashke in 1975 to provide tax advantages for small employers, and has since grown to serve over 1 million individuals nationwide through a wide range of employee benefits and third-party administration services. Abby discusses TCB Enterprise, the family-owned business ecosystem that includes TASC, as well as other operations in financial technology and payroll services. Pam discusses TASC's mission to improve health, wealth, and well-being through innovative financial services, including employee benefit offerings that enable charitable giving. She highlights trends in employee benefits, such as rising healthcare costs and the importance of attracting top talent through philanthropic programs. Abby emphasized the strategic value of philanthropy for TCB Enterprises, including their 10-year $15 million commitment to United Way Dane County. Both encourage employers to start small and integrate giving opportunities into the workplace, noting the positive impact on employee engagement and company culture.

Visit www.tasconline.com to learn more about TASC.

Summary

Harvest Family Wealth's Financial Philosophy

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with cityCURRENT Nashville partner, Chris White, Founder and Principal of Harvest Family Wealth, who highlights the firm he founded in 2007 that specializes in deep, technical financial planning, efficiency, and care, aiming to help clients achieve their financial goals, particularly across multiple generations. Chris explains their collaborative approach and how it involves understanding clients' current financial situations, working with teams of experts to handle specific complexities, addressing emotions around money, and developing plans to meet their future aspirations.

Business Valuation and Investment Trends

Chris discusses his collaborative approach with business owners, emphasizing the importance of a specialized team for business valuation and sale readiness. He highlights the complexity and diversity of business value assessments, noting that overestimation is common. Chris also addresses current trends in the financial system, including the impact of AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, while emphasizing the growing demand for diversified investment portfolios incorporating private equity, real estate, and M&A opportunities.

Global Liquidity and Philanthropy Trends

Chris discusses the current state of global liquidity, highlighting trends such as quantitative easing, dropping interest rates, and government money printing, which generally benefit equity markets. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the U.S. debt and deficit problem. Chris and Jeremy also talk about philanthropic giving, with Chris explaining how donor-advised funds are increasingly popular and effective for charitable contributions. Chris shares a client example where using a donor-advised fund helped reduce tax implications from a Roth IRA conversion.

Donor-Advised Funds: Tax-Efficient Giving

Chris discusses the benefits of donor-advised funds for tax-efficient charitable giving, emphasizing their impact on nonprofits and the importance of long-term tax planning. He shares his personal commitment to philanthropy, driven by a sense of gratitude and a biblical principle of stewardship. Chris highlights the significance of giving back through time, talents, and treasures, and encourages others to engage in community service. He provides contact information for further conversation, including his email, chris@harvestfamilywealth.com, and website, www.harvestfamilywealth.com.

To learn more about Harvest Family Wealth visit https://www.harvestfamilywealth.com

During the interview, Beth discusses how the organization was established in 1999 and how they have expanded from summer children's programs to supporting youth and adults through a six-week Summer Day Camp, an Adult Day Program and other Year-Round Respite and Enrichment Activities that are personalized to meet each individual's behavioral and medical needs. The Adult program, which started seven years ago with six participants, now serves 70 individuals through both home and travel teams, offering activities like crafts, karaoke, bowling, and community outreach. Beth explains their five-program vision (DREAM) including day camp, education initiatives, and professional training, all aimed at fostering abilities rather than focusing on disabilities.

The organization is developing a 25-acre campus with plans for multiple living arrangements and outdoor amenities. She outlines the three-phase capital campaign, with Phase 1 nearly complete and Phase 2 focusing on outdoor amenities like a splash pad, playground, and sports courts. Beth emphasizes the importance of community support through donations, volunteering, and social media engagement, mentioning upcoming events like the Party on the Property Fall Sports Festival and Dice and Dreams Casino Night.

Visit https://www.empowermecenter.com to learn more and to get involved with Empower Me Center.

During the interview, Graham explains the organization's partnership with the TN Promise scholarship and discusses their mentorship program and model, which over the years has created impressive success metrics, including increased college graduation rates from 11% to 41% and the completion of over 5 million hours of community service. He shares how the program has now surpassed the milestone of 50,000 graduates and how tnAchieves is connecting students to meaningful careers, with 85% choosing to stay in Tennessee.

Graham then introduces their new Workforce Mentorship program, aiming to pair adult volunteers across the state with college students to provide guidance on job search, resume building, and interview skills, focusing on career interests. Jeremy and Graham discuss the impact of mentoring programs, focusing on the ROI for employers and the importance of mentorship in guiding students through academic and career challenges. Graham highlights a specific example of a student who received guidance from a mentor, which led to their academic success and career path. He emphasizes that small interventions, such as helping students navigate campus life, can significantly impact student retention and long-term success.

Graham explains how community members can get involved with tnAchieves by visiting tnachieves.org and selecting the "I want to become a mentor" tab, which leads to a simple form and online training webinar. He outlines the program's goals, including helping students find meaningful employment and making informed decisions about their credentials and careers. Graham emphasizes the support provided to mentors, including weekly updates and access to staff, and encourages listeners to learn more and get involved through the website and social media platforms.

Visit https://www.tnachieves.org to learn more and to get involved with tnAchieves.

Summary:

The Playbook for Success Foundation Interview

Jeremy C. Park interviews Dan Williams, Founder, President and CEO of The Playbook for Success Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth development and literacy. Williams shares his background as a former NFL player and his journey from playing football to establishing his foundation, which began in Oakland and now operates in Tennessee. He discusses his passion for giving back to the community and his experience growing up in Memphis, where he was inspired by local success stories.

Mission Overview

Dan discusses the mission of The Playbook for Success Foundation, which aims to provide a solid foundation for children from any background to succeed. The foundation offers mentorship, health and wellness, and literacy programs, with a focus on literacy as a key tool for success. They target children from 2nd to 12th grade and currently run an after-school program at Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering, serving middle and high school students.

Children's Wellness Program Discussion

Dan discusses their approach to working with kids, emphasizing a team-oriented mindset and using Scholastic Books to encourage literacy. He shares positive feedback from students and parents about their holistic programs, including summer camps that focus on health, wellness, and emotional support. The camps cover various aspects of wellness, including emotional health, and incorporate activities like relay races and guest speakers to promote healthy lifestyles.

Community Support for Literacy Foundation

Dan discusses how the community can support his foundation's efforts, emphasizing the value of time spent with children. He outlines plans to expand the literacy program across Tennessee within five years, starting with Memphis and eventually reaching Nashville and East Tennessee. Dan also mentions accepting in-kind donations, financial contributions, and social media engagement as ways for the community to get involved.

Mentorship Impact on Youth Development

Dan shares his personal experience of how mentorship and coaching significantly influenced his life, both on and off the football field. He emphasizes the importance of listening to mentors and learning from their experiences, highlighting how specific advice about behavior and its consequences had a lasting impact on his performance. Dan also discusses his ongoing efforts to mentor young people, drawing parallels between sports coaching and educational teaching, and mentioned his foundation's work in providing opportunities for youth.

Daniel shares his experience of providing support at East High School, which led to a student receiving a scholarship to play football in college and then become a teacher. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in education.

To learn more about The Playbook for Success Foundation, visit http://www.theplaybook.org or email dan@theplaybook.org.

A Mission to Empower Families

Bree DeMoss, Marketing and Events Manager with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury discusses their mission and efforts to build affordable homes and support local families. Bree explains that Habitat homes are purchased by families through affordable mortgages, and the organization provides financial literacy training, budget coaching, and credit improvement services to ensure long-term success. She highlights the Get Ready Program, which prepares potential homebuyers before they apply, and emphasizes Habitat's focus on empowering families to thrive in their new homes.

Energy-Efficient Housing for Working Families

Bree explains that their organization serves as both mortgage lender and general contractor, building energy-efficient homes with the help of volunteers and local sponsors. They focus on helping working families who earn too much for government assistance but not enough to qualify for traditional mortgages, offering a tailored budget coaching process and unique loan structures with the help of government and other partners. The program's impact extends beyond housing, as families experience improved educational outcomes, better health, and increased confidence after moving into their new homes.

Homeownership's Role in Community Stability

Bree discusses the positive impact of homeownership on communities, explaining how it helps families stay in their neighborhoods, spend money locally, and build long-term stability. She highlights how this stability enables families to advance in their careers and maintain connections to schools and local activities.

Home Dedication Emotional Celebrations

Bree describes the emotional experience of home dedication ceremonies, where she and other volunteers celebrate with families who have completed the home-building process. She explains that these ceremonies, which include sponsors, volunteers, and budget coaches, create a magical atmosphere as families receive their keys, and she has found the experience to be deeply moving over her four years of involvement.

Habitat Volunteer Program Overview

Bree discusses Habitat for Humanity's volunteer program, explaining that corporate and church sponsors typically provide groups of 20-25 volunteers for building projects. She notes that volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome, with age 16 for general participation and 18 for power tool use, and emphasizes that safety equipment and training are provided. She highlights the emotional impact of volunteering, noting that participants feel empowered by learning new skills and knowing they are helping families in need.

House Building Financial Strategies

Bree discusses the financial aspects of building houses, highlighting the significant costs involved, including lumber, contractors, and land development. She explains that they have various sponsorship levels, ranging from churches on the lower end to organizations willing to invest up to $70,000 for an entire house, with the actual cost closer to $200,000. They also seek in-kind donations from construction companies to offset expenses, emphasizing the importance of diverse support to address the challenges of building new homes in the current market.

ReStore: Supporting Home Builds

Bree highlights their ReStore, a home store in Franklin, Tennessee, that sells new and gently used appliances, furniture, and building materials. The store's profits help offset administrative costs and cover expenses not covered by donations and sponsorships, ensuring that donations go directly to home builds. She also mentions a Deconstruction program where they remove and transport kitchen materials from remodeling projects for free, supporting their home builds.

Habitat's Critical Repair Program Overview

Bree discusses their critical repair program, which provides major repairs for low-income homeowners in the community, regardless of whether they are Habitat homeowners. She emphasizes the need for community support through volunteerism, sponsorships, donations, and advocacy to raise awareness about affordable housing needs.

Visit https://www.hfhwm.org to learn more.

Adventure Science Center Exhibit Updates

Dr. Leah Melber, President and CEO of Adventure Science Center, discusses recent renovations that involve updating 30% of the center's exhibits, including the addition of five new exhibition spaces. She highlights the Tennessee Pollinators exhibit with an observational bee hive, their Fossil Frontiers exhibition featuring a large dinosaur, and an under-five space with interactive features for young children. The center also opened a new education center with additional classroom space, allowing for more hands-on activities on weekends and for field trips.

Advancing STEM and Healthcare Careers

Leah discusses the Adventure Science Center's efforts to engage children in STEM and healthcare careers through exhibits and programs, emphasizing the importance of career exploration and community involvement. She highlights the center's impact, serving all 95 counties in Tennessee and attracting visitors from across the United States and internationally. Leah also describes future plans to expand career exploration opportunities, particularly in healthcare, to address the growing need for healthcare professionals in the state.

Supporting Adventure Science Center

Jeremy and Leah discuss the various ways the community can support Adventure Science Center, a nonprofit organization. They highlight the importance of financial contributions, memberships, and social media engagement from the general public. Leah emphasizes the value of partnerships with funders, corporations, and foundations, noting that these collaborations often involve more than just financial support, including content contributions and institutional representation. Jeremy praised Adventure Science Center's participation in community events like Kid's Dental Day and Shoe Distribution, which fosters collaboration and provides educational experiences. Leah also mentions their facility rental program for corporate events and a successful partnership with social media star Blippi, which attracted a large number of first-time visitors.

Adventure Science Center Expansion Plans

Leah shares exciting upcoming developments at Adventure Science Center, including exhibit expansions to focus on river health and a new color-themed area for children under five opening next spring. She notes that visitors are expressing enthusiasm about returning to see more of the exhibits, indicating increased engagement. The center's website and social media platforms are recommended for visitors interested in memberships, tickets, and event information.

Visit https://www.adventuresci.org to learn more and get involved with Adventure Science Center.

BoardBuild: Board Candidate Matching Platform

Jeremy and TD discuss BoardBuild, a platform that equips and matches board candidates with nonprofit organizations. TD explains that BoardBuild started as a way to diversify boards but evolved into a comprehensive solution that includes a robust certification course that is not just educational but entertaining, as it is presented by improv comedians. The platform now offers continuing education credits through a partnership with UT Arlington, making it beneficial for both individuals seeking board positions and nonprofits looking for qualified candidates.

Nonprofit Board Service Platform Overview

TD explains how BoardBuild.org helps nonprofits and companies by democratizing nonprofit board service, enabling access to a diverse pool of candidates regardless of geographic, socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, or age barriers. The platform offers free services to nonprofits through donations, while providing companies with affordable professional development opportunities and community engagement solutions. Jeremy highlights how Higginbotham has empowered their employees to participate in community service through BoardBuild's certification and matching program.

Leader Development and Nonprofit Matching

TD explains that companies can easily sign up and manage cohorts of participants through the platform, which provides automated notifications and recommendations. The platform facilitates matches between participants and nonprofits in three ways: individual searches, company searches, and automated recommendations, with over 140 opportunities available. The platform has expanded beyond North Texas to Tennessee, and TD shares positive testimonials from users.

Board Build: Expanding Nonprofit Boards

TD shares an example of a Missouri-based veteran entrepreneur support nonprofit that successfully recruited a board candidate from Boston through BoardBuild, highlighting how the platform enables diverse board compositions. Jeremy emphasizes how BoardBuild helps organizations "open up the floodgates" for new board members with untapped potential, while TD notes that this approach aligns with the growing trend of "open source board recruiting" discussed in a recent Stanford Social Innovation Review article.

BoardBuild's Regional Expansion Strategy

TD discusses BoardBuild's expansion strategy, aiming to establish deep roots in its current states, including Texas, Washington, Nebraska, Tennessee, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Virginia. The company plans to collaborate with regional energy companies and banks to expand its influence across multiple markets. TD highlights the importance of donations, financial contributions, and partnerships with nonprofits and leadership organizations to support BoardBuild's mission. The platform offers packages and pricing options to accommodate various needs, and TD emphasizes the success of collaborations with organizations like Junior League chapters and Leadership North Texas.

Visit https://www.boardbuild.org to learn more about BoardBuild. If you are in Tennessee, you can visit the Tennessee Nonprofit Network (under the Resources tab) to connect with and access BoardBuild: https://tnnonprofits.org.

Nashville Zoo's Philosophy and Developments
During the interview, Jim provides an overview of Nashville Zoo's history, location, and recent developments. He explains that the zoo, which moved to its current location in 1996, has been built from the ground up, allowing for the implementation of the latest philosophies and technologies for animal care and habitat development. Jim also discusses the shift in zoo philosophy from focusing on cleanliness and sterilization to prioritizing animal welfare and creating environments that promote animal happiness and comfort.

Importance of AZA Accreditation for Zoos
Jim discusses the importance of accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for zoos in the United States. He explains that while all zoos must have a USDA license for animal care, AZA accreditation goes well beyond the minimum standards, focusing on animal health, veterinary care, education, and conservation efforts. This accreditation is a gold standard for animal care and is required every five years as the standards evolve. Jim emphasizes that AZA accreditation is crucial for visitors to ensure they are supporting zoos that prioritize animal welfare.

Nashville Zoo's Conservation and Education Efforts
Jim discusses Nashville Zoo's conservation efforts, which include local and global initiatives. The zoo works with organizations like TWRA and USDA to protect streams and environments in Tennessee, conducting head start programs and monitoring waterways. Internationally, they study animal migration patterns, such as giraffe movements in Africa, to address habitat fragmentation issues. The zoo also focuses on education, offering programs for all ages and taking ambassador animals to schools and nursing homes.

Nashville Zoo Upcoming Events
Jim also highlights upcoming events at Nashville Zoo, including the upcoming opening of a new exhibit, Leopard Forest, the Zzzoofari Slumber camp out on May 24, Brew at the Zoo on June 13, and Summer Splash Saturdays in July and August. Jim encourages public support through memberships, donations, and corporate sponsorships to help fund new exhibits and conservation work.

Visit https://www.nashvillezoo.org to learn more.

Jeremy Qualls next highlights their pitch process where the student entrepreneurs compete for a grant, which is 100% funded by private donations. He mentions that the winner gets an opportunity to submit to Chicago and that they have had several students make the top 20 in the past. He shares the success story of Anthony Beckett, who created an educational technology product called Markify, which won the IncubatorEdu National Pitch Competition last July and already has gained 12,000 users worldwide. Jeremy mentions that Markify is now looking for angel investment to hire someone to market and sell the product.

Jeremy Qualls then discusses the success of a current student, Abby Goddard, who created Spikey, a spiked drink detection keychain. Abby was selected as the winner of their local Shark Tank this year. She recently fulfilled an order for 800 units.

Jeremy then introduces The Innovation Hub, a project funded by a grant from the State of Tennessee for vocational education. The Innovation Hub, which will be a 25,000 square foot facility, aims to shift the traditional educational model and create innovative partnerships. He discusses the new vocational pathways being introduced at the central facility. The aviation program, in partnership with Franklin Special School District and Hawkins Flight Academy, allows students to obtain a private pilot license at 16. The program also includes a partnership with MTSU, providing up to 12 hours of college credit. The entrepreneurial program, in partnership with Thompson Caterpillar, offers two post-secondary programs: heavy machine technology and electrical power generation. These programs are designed to provide direct-to-work opportunities and matriculate into post-secondary institutions. The Innovation Hub also will focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and hospitality, with a culinary arts program being the largest requested CTE program. The Innovation Hub will include a mock hotel lobby, a work-based learning site with Honest Coffee, and more. The project is expected to be completed by August 2026 for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

Jeremy Qualls wraps up discussing the importance of partnerships in workforce development, particularly in the Middle Tennessee region. He emphasizes the need for business partners with a desire for a return on investment in the form of a future workforce. He also mentions the need for more partners offering apprenticeships or internships, and the possibility of in-kind donations. Jeremy encourages potential partners to reach out directly to him at jeremy.qualls@wcs.edu for more information.

Visit https://www.wcs.edu/secondary/entrepreneurship-innovation-center-eic to learn more about the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at Williamson County Schools.

During the interview, Ashley and Mary share how the organization offers transitional housing, workforce development, case management, and counseling services. TPOM builds relationships with individuals while they are still incarcerated, providing mentorship and classes. Upon release, TPOM assists with obtaining identification, healthcare, employment, and other necessities. The program aims to break cycles of incarceration by helping participants successfully reintegrate into society. Mary shares her personal experience and how Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry changed her life and now is allowing her to mentor and help others who need hope. Ashley and Mary discuss the importance of providing job search assistance, resume preparation, and interview coaching for program participants, and share how their program participants can benefit companies as hardworking and loyal employees. They wrap up talking about some of the ways they also support youth and how the community can support their efforts through volunteerism and donations, especially of food, clothes, and other necessary supplies for program participants.

Visit https://www.tpom.org to learn more about Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry.
https://www.facebook.com/TNPrisonMinistry/
https://www.instagram.com/tpomreentrycenter/
https://x.com/ReentryTPOM

Mercy Healthcare's Comprehensive Services Expansion

Mercy Community Healthcare, founded 26 years ago as Mercy Children's Clinic, has expanded to provide comprehensive health services including primary care for adults and children, mental health services, and financial assistance through its patient and family support program. The organization serves approximately 14,500 patients annually with a significant increase in mental health services since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cindy and Dr. Malott explain that Mercy's evolution from a children's clinic to a full-service healthcare provider was driven by recognizing the need to care for families and adults in the community, leading to their designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2013.

Regional Mental Health Care Improvements

Dr. Malott discusses the improvements in suicide rates and mental health services in the region, highlighting the success of a "no wrong door" model that allows patients to access mental health care through various channels, including primary care. He explains that trained mental health clinicians have been integrated into primary care settings to address mental health issues more effectively. He also mentions that relational problems and sleep issues, particularly among adolescents, are significant challenges, which he attributes to increased use of smartphones and social media.

Family Therapy and Telehealth Services

Dr. Malott discusses the organization's focus on family therapy and couples counseling, highlighting the importance of involving families in mental health care, even in cases of severe mental illness. He explains their extensive service area across Middle Tennessee, including school-based therapy services in 17 schools across two counties, and the use of telehealth to overcome transportation barriers. He also describes their team structure, including 16 counselors, 8 psychiatric nurse practitioners, and a supervising psychiatrist, emphasizing the diversity of skills and expertise within the organization.

Community Health Center Access Expansion

Cindy and Dr. Malott explain that their health center serves all patients regardless of insurance status, focusing on underinsured and uninsured individuals in their community. They operate on a sliding fee scale and generate revenue from insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare, with less than 10% of their budget coming from federal grants. They emphasize their ongoing efforts to expand services, such as adding pediatricians on Saturdays, to meet the needs of the 38,000 people in their area without access to care.

Mercy Healthcare Fundraising Initiatives

Cindy and Dr. Malott discuss Mercy Community Healthcare's mission to provide healthcare services to all patients, emphasizing their commitment to reflecting Jesus's love and compassion. Cindy highlights their three major annual fundraisers, including a golf tournament, a 10K/5K/1K run, and a fall dinner, as well as their need for community support and sponsors. Cindy also mentions their involvement in various community partnerships and their desire to bring people in for tours of their new building.

Visit https://mercytn.org to learn more about Mercy Community Healthcare.

Barth House Episcopal Center offers a wide variety of programming that invites campus communities and West Tennessee residents to discover the meaning of their faith and experiences. Barth House Episcopal Center serves as a multifaceted community space, offering various events and activities centered around faith, arts, and hospitality. The space hosts speakers, writers, film series, musical performances, and art shows, with a particular emphasis on supporting young adults in expressing their creativity. Maggie explains that the center provides a welcoming environment for discovery and reflection, stocked with food and open to anyone seeking a space to find comfort, respite, and community. Community groups also meet at Barth House Episcopal Center.

During the interview, Maggie also discusses the welcoming nature of the Episcopal Church and Barth House Episcopal Center, emphasizing their openness to diverse perspectives and willingness to engage in curious, questioning conversations. She highlights the value of admitting uncertainty and not having all the answers, which she finds particularly appealing to young adults. She expresses how working with young people has given her hope for the future and continuously challenges her perspectives, keeping her engaged and learning.

Maggie invites the community to participate in various activities at their location, including their Holy Eucharist and Healing Service held most Wednesdays at noon, followed by free lunch, and their community meetings and events. She encourages people to visit the space at 409 Patterson Street and consider using it for their own group meetings or book clubs. She provides contact information, including the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee website (edwtn.org), email (barthhouse@episwtn.org), and phone number (901-482-6760) for those interested in connecting or learning more about their offerings.

Visit https://edwtn.org/ministries/college/ to learn more about Barth House Episcopal Center.

Like You Film Club Launch

Noah Glenn, a filmmaker in Memphis, Tennessee founded Like You Film Club to focus on the social and emotional development of children through family-friendly films and storytelling. The nonprofit organization hosts monthly screenings and is preparing to launch its first annual film festival at the Pink Palace on November 22-23, 2025. Noah's background includes experience with Indie Memphis and the launch of Choose 901 with City Leadership, and his previous short film, "The Devil Will Run," won awards and was shown at children's film festivals across the country, inspiring the creation of Like You Film Club to bring similar experiences to Memphis.

Empowering Kids Through Film Stories

Noah discusses the mission of Like You Film Club, which is focused on using film and creative media to help children better understand themselves and find their place in the world. He emphasizes the importance of connecting kids with stories that resonate with them and broaden their perspectives, comparing the impact of films to travel for those who cannot afford it. Noah highlights the power of stories in showing young characters overcoming feelings of being misunderstood and discovering their worth.

Like You Children's Film Festival

Noah discusses the Like You Children's Film Festival, highlighting its focus on community and conversation beyond the film experience. He explains the selection process, which includes open submissions for short films and active searching for feature films that may not have a U.S. release. Noah emphasizes the festival's emphasis on educational context and interactive elements, such as Q&As with filmmakers and guided discussions about film themes. Jeremy inquires about the festival's details, and Noah provides information on its dates (November 22-23) and encourages attendees to learn more and get involved.

Like You Children's Film Festival

The Like You Children's Film Festival is scheduled for November 22-23, 2025, at the Pink Palace, and it will feature 8-10 feature films and blocks of short films, along with workshops and activities for all ages. The festival aims to introduce children to filmmaking and emotionally enriching stories while providing age-appropriate content for families. Noah invites community members to volunteer, support the festival through sponsorships, and get involved with the organization's year-round programming. More information on the film festival's lineup will be announced in mid-October.

Visit https://likeyoufilmclub.org to learn more about Like You Film Club and Like You Children's Film Festival.

Agape's Faith-Based Poverty Alleviation - David Jordan, President and CEO of Agape Child & Family Services, highlights the Memphis, Tennessee-based, faith-based nonprofit celebrating its 54th year. David explains that Agape's mission is to fight poverty through God for families to flourish, with a two-generational model serving both parents and children in communities like Fraser, Whitehaven, and Hickory Hill. He shares that their evidence-based approach has helped nearly a third of families increase their income and enabled 95% of high school students to graduate, with many pursuing further education or employment.

Agape's Comprehensive Family Support Model - David discusses Agape Child & Family Services' mission to support families in need, focusing on addressing root causes of issues rather than just providing Band-Aid solutions. He explains that the organization has evolved from its initial focus on foster care and adoption to a more comprehensive approach that includes poverty fighting work, education support, job placement, transitional housing, and mental health services. David emphasizes the importance of listening to families and communities to determine their needs, and highlights the organization's use of a "no wrong door" approach to provide holistic support. He also describes Agape's network of staff, volunteers, and partners, as well as their plans to expand their reach to help 10,000 in the future.

Hope Initiative Shows Positive Results - David discusses the implementation of the "Science of Hope" initiative, which is based on 2,500 research studies showing that higher levels of hope lead to better outcomes in various areas of life. He explains that Agape has been using this approach with families for two years, focusing on goal-setting and building hope through collaborative support. The program has shown success, with over half of adults and 65% of youth experiencing increased hope levels and achieving their goals. David also mentions that the State of Oklahoma has adopted this approach, with Governor Stitt implementing it in various state departments, including the Tennessee Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Department of Children's Services, which saw cost savings from reduced staff turnover.

Memphis Hope Initiative Launch - David discusses the initiative to rebrand Memphis as a "City of Hope," which he presented to Mayor Young and Mayor Harris in March and April. The project has gained support from over 30 organizations, including faith, corporate, and philanthropic groups. A Hope Summit is planned for November 13th at the University of Memphis, where leaders will discuss implementing collective hope on the ground through hope navigators. The event will be free to attend, and more information can be found on agapemeanslove.org or by calling (901) 323-3600.

Visit https://agapemeanslove.org to learn more about Agape Child & Family Services and the upcoming Hope Summit on November 13, 2025.

Red Cedar: A Family-Inspired Business
Blain King discusses his background and the inspiration behind his business. He explains that his interest in home maintenance and inspections stems from working on projects with his father, who was a significant influence on him. After serving in the U.S. Army for over 20 years, Blain decided to pursue home inspection at the suggestion of a builder friend. The company name, Red Cedar, pays tribute to Blain's late father, who had an art gallery called Red Cedar Galleries, combining his childhood nickname "Red" and his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Comprehensive Home Inspection Insights
Blain discusses the comprehensive nature of home inspections, which typically take 3-4 hours and cover everything from the roof to the foundation. He emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and not taking shortcuts. For potential homebuyers, Blain advises looking beyond aesthetics to focus on structural systems and maintenance history. He shares examples of how home inspections can reveal hidden issues like termite infestations or pool damage, potentially saving buyers significant money. Blain also highlights the use of advanced technology in inspections, including drones and robots, to access hard-to-reach areas and provide detailed assessments. He stresses the importance of scheduling a home inspection promptly after an offer is accepted, as inspectors are often booked 7-10 days in advance.

Red Cedar's BBB Spark Award Success
Blain discusses the significance of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Spark Award, which Red Cedar Home Inspections won in 2025. He explains that the Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky raises the bar for integrity among companies and focuses on character, culture, and community. Blain also highlights their philanthropic efforts, including involvement in their church, supporting various organizations, and dedicating 10% of the company's income to charitable causes. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and mentions their participation in flood remediation efforts. The conversation concludes with contact information for Red Cedar Professional Inspections.

Visit https://www.redcedarinspections.com to learn more and connect with Red Cedar Professional Inspections.

Emergency Department Volunteer's Journey
Nicholas Joy received the 2025 Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award for his work as an Emergency Department Ambassador at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Nicholas shares his journey from a high school volunteer in Houston to his current role, highlighting how his experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, deepened his understanding of volunteering and its impact. He describes the unique challenges and rewards of volunteering in the emergency department, where brief interactions can still make a meaningful difference.

Human Connection in Healthcare
Nicholas shares a meaningful experience from his work in the emergency department, where he connected with a lonely patient who had been isolated for several hours. He spent an extended period talking with her, providing comfort and a listening ear rather than medical care. The interaction highlights the importance of human connection in healthcare, as the patient simply needed someone to talk to and share her thoughts with during a difficult time.

Emergency Department Ambassador Experience
Nicholas discusses his experience as an emergency department ambassador, highlighting the significance of forming connections and supporting patients during their often unexpected visits. He reflects on the 275+ hours he dedicated to this role, emphasizing the variety of experiences and the impact of being present for individuals in challenging situations. Nicholas expresses hope that his efforts contributed to patients feeling cared for and supported during their time in the emergency room.

Volunteerism's Impact on Medical Aspirations
Nicholas discusses his experience transitioning from Houston to Nashville, where he found a strong sense of Southern hospitality and community. He highlights the impact of volunteerism on his personal and professional growth, particularly in his role as an aspiring physician. Nicholas was awarded the Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award, which he views as an honor to continue the Strobel family's philanthropic legacy. He has been involved in various volunteer initiatives, including founding the Student Volunteers at Vanderbilt Medical Center program and serving as an ED lead volunteer, where he mentors new volunteers in patient interactions. Nicholas emphasizes the importance of building patient rapport and working collaboratively with families to meet needs more effectively.

Service Award and Volunteer Opportunities
Nicholas shares his perspective on the Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award, emphasizing the importance of leveraging unique skills and interests to serve others, whether through healthcare, teaching, coaching, or other community activities. He highlights various volunteer opportunities at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, including the Emergency Department Ambassador program, and provided contact information for those interested in learning more about volunteering.

For more information on becoming an Emergency Department Ambassador or volunteering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center visit https://www.vumc.org/volunteer-vander....

Red Cross Volunteerism and Impact
Lisa Meister, the 2025 Disaster Response Volunteer Award recipient, discusses her journey into volunteering with the American Red Cross, inspired by her mother's philanthropic spirit. She highlights the organization's five main service areas, emphasizing disaster cycle services, including response to large-scale events and everyday home fires, as well as their smoke alarm installation program. Lisa stresses the importance of public awareness about the Red Cross's diverse humanitarian efforts and the impact of volunteerism in preventing and alleviating human suffering during emergencies.

American Red Cross Volunteer Overview
Lisa provides an overview of the American Red Cross's other main service lines, including blood services, training, certification, and international humanitarian aid, highlighting their significant impact on communities both locally and globally. She shares her personal experience as a volunteer, starting during the 2020 Nashville tornadoes, where she worked in an emergency response vehicle distributing meals, water, and supplies to affected communities. Lisa was struck by the resilience and gratitude of the people she helped and notes the organization's vast network of volunteers, with over 16 million worldwide.

American Red Cross Volunteer Experience
Lisa shares her passion for working with the American Red Cross, highlighting her experiences responding to disasters across the country and her commitment to providing support and hope to clients during their worst times. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for home fires and discusses how her experiences have equipped her to better respond to emergencies, both for herself and for others.

Emergency Preparedness Planning Discussion
Lisa discusses the importance of being prepared for emergencies by having a "go bag" with essential items and knowing the escape route. She emphasizes the need to be proactive and plan ahead, especially for families. Jeremy agrees and highlights the importance of ensuring children know the escape routes and meeting points in case of an emergency.

Volunteering's Rewarding Impact
Lisa expresses deep fulfillment from her volunteer work with the American Red Cross, highlighting the meaningful connections and recognition she receives. She was honored to be nominated and receive the award, inspired by the iconic humanitarian Mary Catherine Strobel and the Strobel family. Lisa encourages others to volunteer, emphasizing that it is incredibly rewarding and soul-changing, as it not only helps others but also enriches the volunteer's own life.

Volunteering for Hurricane Preparedness
Lisa discusses the importance of volunteering with the American Red Cross, highlighting the need for volunteers as they prepare for an anticipated challenging hurricane season. She emphasizes that 90% of their workforce are volunteers and encourages people to get involved by donating time, blood, or financially.

Visit https://www.redcross.org to learn more and to get involved with the American Red Cross.

During the interview, Quincey shares some of the history for Klondike and Smokey City and talks about the importance of preserving their history and legacy. She highlights the activities of the Community Development Corporation, which started as a Neighborhood Association and now works on affordable housing, lawn maintenance, renovations, food distribution, and educational programs. They provide job opportunities, expungement clinics, and support for small businesses. The organization collaborates with schools, churches, and other nonprofits to address community needs and holds monthly meetings with city and county officials to discuss concerns like crime and trash.

Quincey discusses the efforts to preserve and promote the history of the neighborhoods through various initiatives. They are in the process of getting a house owned by Tom Lee, a Memphis hero, listed on the Historical Register and turning it into a historical house with artifacts. Additionally, they operate a pop-up museum at 1396 Jackson that showcases the history of Klondike, including notable residents. Quincey also mentions ongoing work with organizations like The Works, Inc. and MIT on the Klondike Memory project, which builds on previous collaborations with the University of Memphis and the Northside Project.

Quincey discusses the ongoing Northside community project, emphasizing the importance of community support and involvement to revitalize neighborhoods. She encourages residents, alumni, and stakeholders to participate in small meetings and to collaborate with local organizations to preserve and strengthen their communities. Quincey highlights the need to support current residents and continue the legacy of previous generations who worked hard to build these communities. She mentions the importance of staying engaged with the community, encouraging people to join the Northside Alumni or work with the CDC to contribute positively to the neighborhood.

Quincey wraps up discussing upcoming community events, including a small business incubator and a popup museum planned for later in the summer. She encourages local businesses to participate and provides contact information for more details.

Call 901-527-9491 or visit www.KSCCDC.org to learn more and to get involved with Klondike Smokey City CDC.

MVP3 Foundation's Media Production Programs - Marie Pizano discusses her work with MVP3 Foundation, which focuses on healing and inspiring communities through arts programs, including film and TV production at Westwood High School and a news focused program at Collierville High School. The foundation provides a 36-week program where students learn hands-on skills from industry professionals, including speakers from local and national media, while also developing their own content for streaming on MVP3 Network channels. The initiative aims to provide career pathways in media production while addressing mental health and trauma through creative expression.

John Amos Legacy Mural Project - Marie discusses the legacy of actor John Amos, who passed away in May 2023, and his son's commitment to continuing his mission through teaching and a mural project in Memphis, Tennessee. She explains that the mural, called "3 Generations," features John Amos alongside his father and son, highlighting the importance of fatherhood and using it as a teaching tool for youth about integrity, media, and healing generational trauma. The mural is part of the "Wall of Fame" project that showcases influential Memphis artists and figures, with previous installations including Elvis, Bobby Blue Bland, and Queen of Beale.

Positive Role Models in Media - Marie discusses the importance of showcasing positive role models in media and entertainment to reduce crime and inspire youth. She outlines plans to produce and distribute content that highlights positive examples of police officers, fathers, and healthy families, with the goal of reaching 10 million viewers and attracting tourism to Memphis. Marie also highlights a series featuring Tennessee songwriting artists and plans to promote original music to promote local talent, increase tourism, and also counter the rise of AI-generated content. She encourages the community to support the MVP 3 Foundation through donations to fund these initiatives.

MVP3 Foundation: Empowering Youth Through Media - Marie discusses MVP3 Foundation's initiatives to showcase positive stories and empower youth through media and community programs. She highlights the foundation's work in Tennessee and emphasizes the importance of legislative support and community involvement, noting that spotlighting positive role models and creating content to share these stories can build an ecosystem of opportunity for future leaders. Marie provides details on how to learn more and get involved, mentioning the foundation's website and streaming network. Visit www.mvp3foundation.org to learn more about MVP3 Foundation.

Visit www.mvp3mediagroup.com to learn more about MVP3 Media Group. Visit www.mvp3network.com to learn more about MVP3 Network.

Operation Warm's Expanding Community Impact
Anna Stoiber, Development Director of Operation Warm, explains that the organization was founded in 1998 by Dick Sanford who initially provided 58 coats to children near Philadelphia, and since then the organization has grown to provide 7 million coats and other necessities to children in need. She describes how Operation Warm has evolved beyond coats to include athletic shoes with two pairs of socks in 2020 and sports bras in 2023, all based on feedback from community partners about essential items needed by children in their programs.

Operation Warm: Community Clothing Support
Anna explains that Operation Warm connects with local organizations supporting children in need, providing garments as an extra basic need beyond clothing, food, and shelter. In Tennessee, partnerships with companies like FedEx, International Paper, Subaru, and firefighter departments have distributed over 25,000 coats and shoes to children in the past two years. The program creates meaningful connections between volunteers and children at events where kids can choose new, colorful items that fit them, creating moments of joy and showing children that their community cares about them.

Operation Warm's Outreach and Support
Anna explains Operation Warm's logistics for providing coats and shoes to children, using an algorithm to predict sizes and needs for schools, with direct shipping through FedEx to reach even rural communities. The planning process typically takes 6-8 weeks for full-service events, though direct shipments to community organizations can be arranged more quickly. Anna outlines various ways to support their efforts, from individual $25 donations (covering one coat or pair of shoes) to corporate partnerships, with options for fundraising through their website where supporters can set goals and receive toolkits with promotional materials.

Operation Warm's Community Impact Success
Anna shares that Operation Warm receives excellent feedback from corporate partners, with 100% of corporate volunteers expressing interest in participating again, and partners like FedEx and the First Lady of Tennessee's office returning because of the meaningful connections made. Jeremy emphasizes that beyond providing coats and shoes, the program builds community through relationships between volunteers and youth. Anna adds that feedback from schools is particularly positive, noting that the "newness factor" of items makes a significant difference for children who may have never owned something brand new, improving school attendance, focus in class, and confidence.

Operation Warm Community Feedback Initiative
Anna emphasizes the importance of community feedback in keeping Operation Warm's products and programming fresh and impactful, encouraging donations of any size and input on their offerings. She explains that innovation is one of their core values as they strive to be efficient and effective. Jeremy concludes by asking where people can connect with Operation Warm, and Anna directs them to operationwarm.org and their social media channels where people can donate or partner with the organization.

So, visit https://operationwarm.org to learn more about and get involved with Operation Warm.
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Catherine Harrison's Tennis Journey

Catherine Harrison, a professional tennis player, shares her journey from growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, to becoming a successful athlete. She discusses her early exposure to tennis, influenced by her parents who played collegiately, and her transition to a tennis academy in Florida, which was a significant turning point in her career.

Catherine describes her experience at a tennis academy where she had a strict daily schedule from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM, including match play and fitness sessions. She notes that the club had a competitive culture where the "cool kids" were those who dedicated themselves to training, unlike the more relaxed atmosphere she was used to. After one year due to her parents' living situation, she transitioned from being a good regional player to becoming top 10 in the country, with coach Peter Lebedevs, also a professional tennis tournament director, providing guidance throughout her junior career.

Catherine's Journey to Professional Tennis

Catherine discusses her transition from junior to collegiate to professional tennis, highlighting a pivotal moment at the professional tournament held in Memphis, Tennessee at The Racquet Club of Memphis where she received a wild card and played on the stadium court for her WTA Tour main-draw debut at the 2011 Cellular South Cup, which solidified her dream of becoming a professional tennis player. She emphasized the importance of education, as both her parents played college tennis, and she valued the opportunity to receive a full four-year scholarship. Jeremy and Catherine then talk about her experience at UCLA, where she played college tennis and they share a mutual friend in coach, Giancarlo "G.C." Cava, who had a positive impact on her career. Catherine describes how she initially struggled with being placed lower in the lineup but eventually used that as an opportunity to develop consistency and mental discipline. She achieved a significant breakthrough by winning the Pac-12 tournament as a junior, which helped her transition to playing number one singles and doubles in her senior year.

Challenges in Professional Tennis Career

Catherine then discusses the significant differences between college and professional tennis, highlighting the intense pressure and financial risks in the pro circuit. She details the meticulous planning and logistics required for tournaments, including equipment, travel, and health management.

Catherine's Emotional Wimbledon Victory

Catherine shares her favorite tennis moment thus far, which was playing and winning matches at Wimbledon in 2022 after years of trying to qualify for the tournament. She describes her emotional journey, from being an alternate to winning her first and second-round qualifying matches, and ultimately reaching the final qualifying round. She manages to overcome her nerves and "nightmares" to win the match by channeling her inner strength. The victory was particularly meaningful for Catherine as it helped her overcome past struggles in important matches and marked her first taste of Grand Slam success.

Overcoming Challenges in Tennis

Catherine discusses the psychological challenges of playing tennis, emphasizing the importance of overcoming adversity and using tennis as a platform to build confidence and resilience. Catherine shares her personal growth through tennis, highlighting the value of making quick decisions and trusting instincts during matches. She describes her morning routine and concludes with advice to aspiring tennis players, emphasizing that success often comes after facing challenges and setbacks.

Follow Catherine Harrison on Instagram at / catharris0n

Catherine Harrison's Tennis Journey

Catherine Harrison, a professional tennis player, shares her journey from growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, to becoming a successful athlete. She discusses her early exposure to tennis, influenced by her parents who played collegiately, and her transition to a tennis academy in Florida, which was a significant turning point in her career.

Catherine describes her experience at a tennis academy where she had a strict daily schedule from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM, including match play and fitness sessions. She notes that the club had a competitive culture where the "cool kids" were those who dedicated themselves to training, unlike the more relaxed atmosphere she was used to. After one year due to her parents' living situation, she transitioned from being a good regional player to becoming top 10 in the country, with coach Peter Lebedevs, also a professional tennis tournament director, providing guidance throughout her junior career.

Catherine's Journey to Professional Tennis

Catherine discusses her transition from junior to collegiate to professional tennis, highlighting a pivotal moment at the professional tournament held in Memphis, Tennessee at The Racquet Club of Memphis where she received a wild card and played on the stadium court for her WTA Tour main-draw debut at the 2011 Cellular South Cup, which solidified her dream of becoming a professional tennis player. She emphasized the importance of education, as both her parents played college tennis, and she valued the opportunity to receive a full four-year scholarship. Jeremy and Catherine then talk about her experience at UCLA, where she played college tennis and they share a mutual friend in coach, Giancarlo "G.C." Cava, who had a positive impact on her career. Catherine describes how she initially struggled with being placed lower in the lineup but eventually used that as an opportunity to develop consistency and mental discipline. She achieved a significant breakthrough by winning the Pac-12 tournament as a junior, which helped her transition to playing number one singles and doubles in her senior year.

Challenges in Professional Tennis Career

Catherine then discusses the significant differences between college and professional tennis, highlighting the intense pressure and financial risks in the pro circuit. She details the meticulous planning and logistics required for tournaments, including equipment, travel, and health management.

Catherine's Emotional Wimbledon Victory

Catherine shares her favorite tennis moment thus far, which was playing and winning matches at Wimbledon in 2022 after years of trying to qualify for the tournament. She describes her emotional journey, from being an alternate to winning her first and second-round qualifying matches, and ultimately reaching the final qualifying round. She manages to overcome her nerves and "nightmares" to win the match by channeling her inner strength. The victory was particularly meaningful for Catherine as it helped her overcome past struggles in important matches and marked her first taste of Grand Slam success.

Overcoming Challenges in Tennis

Catherine discusses the psychological challenges of playing tennis, emphasizing the importance of overcoming adversity and using tennis as a platform to build confidence and resilience. Catherine shares her personal growth through tennis, highlighting the value of making quick decisions and trusting instincts during matches. She describes her morning routine and concludes with advice to aspiring tennis players, emphasizing that success often comes after facing challenges and setbacks.

Follow Catherine Harrison on Instagram at / catharris0n

Delta Dental of Tennessee's Impact

Delta Dental of Tennessee, led by President and CEO Jeff Ballard, is the largest independent dental insurance company in Tennessee, covering 1.5 million residents. About six years ago, the company expanded their benefits offering to include vision insurance, now serving 100,000 people. As a not-for-profit organization, Delta Dental reinvests its profits back into Tennessee, having contributed $4 million last year. The company maintains the largest dental network in both Tennessee and the United States, with 90% of state dentists in its network and 200,000 dentists nationwide, ensuring access to dental care across the country.

Delta Dental's New Benefits and Expansion

Jeff discusses Delta Dental of Tennessee's special needs benefit, which was implemented three years ago to provide extra time and sensitivity visits for patients in need. He also mentioned their new office in Nashville's Medical Center, which has brought new energy to the company. Jeff further explains that they are rolling out new benefits to small employers, offering significant savings through their network for preventive services.

Delta Dental of Tennessee's BBB Torch Award for Ethics

Jeff and Jeremy discuss Delta Dental of Tennessee's recent BBB Torch Award for Ethics in the large company category. Jeff explains that the award represents their long-standing partnership with the BBB and their commitment to ethical business practices. He highlights that the award is their first under his management team, demonstrating their dedication to integrity and trustworthiness. Jeremy asks about the small actions that contribute to such powerful outcomes, and Jeff emphasizes the importance of making ethical decisions as CEO, referring to their company values and the impact of leadership on the organization's culture.

Delta Dental of Tennessee's Community Oral Health Initiatives

Along with its corporate foundation, Smile180, Delta Dental of Tennessee focuses on community reinvestment as part of its mission of "ensuring healthy smiles." Since 2015, the Smile180 Foundation has contributed over $75 million in oral health education, scholarships, and support for underserved communities, including charitable dental clinics and children's hospitals. The company has initiated various community programs, including toothbrush distributions, mouth guard initiatives, an annual Kids Dental Day and Shoe Distribution, and special healthcare screenings for the Special Olympics. Looking ahead, Delta Dental of Tennessee plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026 with community events and a birthday party, while maintaining its commitment to oral health care and community service.

Visit https://deltadentaltn.com to learn more about Delta Dental of Tennessee.

Veteran Entrepreneurs Innovate Suppressors

Charlie shares his experience as a veteran who transitioned to civilian life after a back injury, highlighting the challenges faced by many veterans. Jodi discusses the importance of support systems like Airpower Foundation and Hounds and Heroes, which have helped Charlie during his recovery. The couple started Hammer Creek, leveraging Charlie's military experience and Jodi's hunting background, focusing on creating practical and lightweight suppressors using 3D printing technology.

Overcoming Chronic Pain and Addiction

Charlie shares his personal experience with chronic pain and addiction, highlighting how a botched surgery led to years of dependency on pain medication. Despite being told there were no further treatment options, he eventually found relief through a world-class surgeon, thanks to the help of organizations like SOC-F. Jodi emphasizes the importance of not giving up and pursuing all possible treatments, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Custom Suppressor Design Process

Charlie explains his background in CAD and how that led to Hammer Creek, where he uses Solidworks and additive manufacturing to design suppressors. He describes the process of 3D metal printing, using titanium powder and a laser to create custom suppressor designs. Charlie emphasizes the importance of finding the optimal balance between suppression, weight, and length in their products. Charlie and Jodi each share their vision for the company, emphasizing their passion for the outdoors and their commitment to making suppressors more accessible, especially for women and disabled veterans.

Visit https://hammer-creek.com/ to learn more about Hammer Creek.

Sridhar shares how EOS helped reset and transform his company, enabling better processes, accountability, and alignment, which in turn accelerated their digital and AI transformation journey. Sophia emphasizes five key leadership capacities necessary for scaling, including simplifying processes, delegating effectively, predicting market shifts, systemizing operations, and structuring organizations, all of which digital transformation supports. Both speakers highlight the importance of leveraging technology to enhance productivity and enable leaders to focus on strategic initiatives.

Contact information was shared for further engagement, with Sophia encouraging potential clients to read "Traction" by Gino Wickman and to visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/sophia-cole and Sridhar inviting inquiries through https://www.thinkebiz.net and LinkedIn.

Improv Strategies for Effective Communication
Dave Delaney discusses his background in improv and its application to communication workshops and keynotes. He emphasizes three core concepts from improv: active listening, overcoming fear of failure for innovation, and leading with acceptance. Delaney explains his approach to helping clients by first identifying their problems and determining if he can assist them or connect them with someone who can.

Business Card Networking Etiquette
Dave discusses the importance of business card etiquette and emphasizes the importance of writing notes on them for follow-up. He talks about his book, "New Business Networking," and the three "Ups" of networking: showing up, following up, and catching up. He recommends taking notes during interactions to foster meaningful connections. He advises using physical business cards, even in a digital age, as they serve as a tangible reminder for follow-up and can help individuals stand out to business decision-makers.

Understanding ADHD: A Personal Journey
Dave then talks about hosting the ADHD Wise Squirrels podcast, discussing his journey with ADHD, highlighting his experience as a late-diagnosed adult and his mission to educate others. He emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD as a legitimate condition, not a mere personality trait, and shares insights about its heritability and impact on life expectancy. Dave encourages listeners to take the free ADHD assessment on his website and advises seeking medical professionals who understand ADHD.

Meditation for ADHD Management
Dave shares his experience with meditation, highlighting how it has been transformative in managing ADHD alongside medication and therapy. He mentions starting his practice in 2020 during a stressful period, which included a pandemic and a tornado, and credited Joseph Goldstein, an 82-year-old meditation expert, for inspiring his daily mindfulness practice.

ADHD and Communication Insights
Dave discusses his work as a speaker, coach, and consultant, emphasizing his focus on ADHD and communication, including the use of AI. He shares his podcast, ADHD Wise Squirrels, which explores topics related to ADHD and personal growth and encourages listeners to learn more about his work through his website and social media platforms.

Visit https://www.davedelaney.me to learn more about Dave Delaney and visit https://wisesquirrels.com to learn more about his ADHD Wise Squirrels podcast.

Buckman Arts Center's Community Impact

Cindi Younker, Director of Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's, explains that St. Mary's Episcopal School, an all-girls school founded in 1847, established the Buckman Arts Center with a mandate to be open to both the school community and the broader Memphis area. Despite challenges faced by many performing arts centers, St. Mary's has maintained its commitment to community engagement and education, celebrating its 28th season. Cindi, who has been involved for 20 years, highlights the center's unique role in providing accessible arts programming in Memphis.

Buckman Arts Center's Unique Programming

Cindi discusses the unique aspects of the Buckman Arts Center, which seats 288 people, allowing for intimate and creative performances while providing enough audience size for energy and excitement. She explains the center's annual programming, which includes 10 main stage shows featuring internationally famous artists in contemporary dance, world music, and other genres, often balancing well-known acts like Pure Prairie League with lesser-known groups like Scotland's Cantrip. Cindi also highlights the center's efforts to engage the community through educational outreach and collaborations with local nonprofits, while also noting the logistical challenges of staging larger performances and the importance of strategic scheduling to avoid competition with other venues.

Buckman Arts Center Overview

Cindi provides an overview of the Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's, highlighting its accessible programming, including main stage shows, a World Music Series for Kids, and educational outreach initiatives. She emphasizes the center's commitment to affordability, with ticket prices not exceeding $45, and discusses funding through grants, local sponsors, and individual donations to support artist fees and educational programs. Cindi also describes the center's volunteer usher program, dance conservatory, and various community engagement activities, including free tickets for families and workshops with visiting performers.

Buckman Arts Center Operations Overview

Cindi discusses the Buckman Art Center's operations, including their Curtain Club program which offers donors who contribute $1000 or more two tickets per performance and recognition before shows. She emphasizes the center's role in supporting the arts in Memphis and highlights their website, social media presence, and rental spaces for various events.

Visit https://www.buckmanartscenter.com/eve... to learn more about the Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's and their Season 28 lineup.

Managerial Challenges Book Discussion
Blaine Little, Founder and Chief Trainer at Momentum Seminars, Training & Coaching, discusses his background and the inspiration for his first book, "The 8 Managerial Challenges." He explains how his experiences in real estate led him to start training new agents, which eventually expanded into broader training and seminar work. Blaine wrote his first book during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on common challenges faced by first-time managers. He notes that the book's content is also relevant for experienced managers who may still struggle with some of these challenges.

Management and Volunteerism Insights
Blaine discusses his book on management challenges, highlighting issues like micromanagement and the importance of understanding individual team members' motivations. He emphasizes that allowing employees to learn and make mistakes is crucial for their development. Blaine also shares insights from his latest book on volunteerism, "Civic Duty," noting the lack of resources on effectively running volunteer organizations and his goal to fill that gap.

Adapting Clubs for Millennial Engagement
Blaine discusses the challenges organizations like Kiwanis and Lions Club face in engaging younger generations, particularly millennials, who are eager to contribute to their communities but feel disconnected from traditional club activities. He emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt by using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to reach millennials and make their efforts more appealing and relevant to younger audiences by offering active engagement, service opportunities.

Blaine's Communication and Leadership Approach
Blaine discusses his approach to engaging participants in training sessions and coaching, emphasizing the importance of hands-on activities and visible results. He shares his current projects, including a book on interpersonal communication set to be released in early fall, and highlights his expertise in leadership, team building, and communication skills. Blaine explains his process of identifying and addressing organizational challenges, often finding that communication issues underlie management problems. He encourages individuals to visit his website, momentumseminars.com, to learn more about his books, workshops, and contact information for further collaboration.

Visit https://www.momentumseminars.com to learn more about Momentum Seminars, Training & Coaching.

During the interview, Olivia describes the garden as an oasis in the city with 30 specialty gardens, a children's area, and diverse programming for all ages. Jamison shares how the Live at the Garden series has become the garden's biggest revenue contributor, supporting educational programs and maintenance. The series has evolved from its original location to a permanent stage, significantly impacting the garden's operations and community outreach.

Olivia and Jamison explain the logistics of Live at the Garden, highlighting the table renewal system with a 400-person waitlist and 312 tables, accommodating about 2,700 people. They talk about the planning process for the series and then how long it takes to set up for each show, taking about 4 days to complete, while takedown is much quicker at half a day. They discuss some of the changes for this year, like the decision to open gates at 5:30 PM instead of 6:00 PM to help manage the lines and improve attendee experience, especially on Saturdays, which has proven effective.

Jamison discusses the process of creating the lineup for Live at the Garden. He explains that they start with a wish list but have to balance it with budget constraints as a nonprofit versus the cost of talent, then artist availability, production requirements, and other factors. Olivia emphasizes the importance of the overall experience, including the community atmosphere and the beautiful setting, which helps attract a who's who group of attendees who enjoy attending as much for the people around them as the entertainment.

Olivia and Jamison discuss the upcoming concert lineup at the venue, highlighting performances by Parker McCollum on July 18, Darius Rucker on August 23, ZZ Top on September 6, and Steve Miller Band on September 19. She expresses excitement about the local band Joy Bomb opening for Third Eye Blind recently and mentions special guests for some of the shows. Jamison talks about the relationship with Darius Rucker, and confirms this will be his third time performing at the venue as a solo artist, praising his and his crew's friendliness and professionalism and highlighting his popularity with the Live at the Garden audience.

Jamison and Olivia then each share a memorable moment from Live at the Garden concerts at Memphis Botanic Garden. Jamison recalls Lionel Richie's graciousness towards his nephew, while Olivia mentions Earth, Wind & Fire's performance and the overall positive experiences with musicians. They encourage people to visit the Memphis Botanic Garden website (membg.org) for concert information, memberships, and daily visits.

Visit https://membg.org to learn more about Memphis Botanic Garden and Live at the Garden.

BBB's Century of Trust Advocacy

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is on a mission to build a marketplace of trust. The organization points people to where they will have the best experience and improve trust between businesses and consumers. The BBB has been working for over a century to advance trust in the marketplace by holding businesses accountable and educating consumers. With more than 4,000 accredited businesses in Middle Tennessee, the BBB focuses on creating transparency and ensuring consumers have the best experience. Householder emphasizes the importance of self-regulatory practices and highlights past deceptive advertising to illustrate the need for accountability.

Cryptocurrency Scams: Top Threats

Robyn discussed the top five scams affecting the United States and Canada, highlighting cryptocurrency scams as the most prevalent, with an average loss of $600. She emphasizes the importance of thorough research and caution when investing in cryptocurrency, advising against sharing personal information with unknown entities and seeking advice from trusted, reputable financial advisors.

Protecting Personal Information in Job Offers

Jeremy and Robyn discuss the importance of protecting personal information and being vigilant against employment scams, particularly those involving fake job offers from reputable companies. They emphasize that legitimate employers rarely offer jobs without a formal application process and warned against providing personal information or making payments to unknown individuals. Robyn advises checking the company's official website for job postings and applying directly through their designated channels rather than responding to unsolicited emails or messages.

Romance Scam Awareness and Safety

Robyn discusses the dangers of romance scams, explaining how scammers typically target lonely individuals by isolating them from friends and family and eventually requesting financial assistance under false pretenses. She highlights that once victims are lured off legitimate dating sites, scammers often send malicious links that download malware, enabling them to access personal information and threaten victims. Robyn emphasizes the importance of seniors discussing potential romantic interests with family and friends and advises taking immediate action if a suspicious link is clicked.

Online Scams Awareness

Robyn discusses common online purchasing scams, particularly focusing on fraudulent pet sales. She emphasizes the importance of verifying the legitimacy of online purchases by checking company websites and conducting reverse image searches for pet ads. Robyn shares examples of military families who lost money on fake pet sales and advises viewers to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Home Improvement and Business Scams

Robyn discusses home improvement scams, emphasizing the importance of caution with unsolicited offers and the need for written proposals from legitimate contractors. She also touches on tariffs, warning against scams related to tariff-related fees or products. Robyn then highlights the positive work of the Better Business Bureau by celebrating marketplace role models through awards like the Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust and the Spark Awards for young entrepreneurs and businesses. She also mentioned the Small Business Emergency Grant Program and the upcoming Songwriters Night event to support the small business community.

Visit https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-... to learn more about the Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

Remember to report any suspected scams to BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker. Your reports help protect others. For additional questions, contact BBB at info@gobbb.org or call (615) 242-4222.

During the interview, Emily discusses the importance of maintaining company culture during growth, highlighting initiatives like Lee Company Cares, which focuses on working with nonprofit partners and addressing food insecurity, providing second chances, and improving health and well-being. She emphasizes the company's commitment to community engagement and the positive impact it has on employees, who often seek more involvement opportunities. Emily notes that Lee Company Cares serves as a connector between employees and nonprofit partners, allowing individuals to contribute in various ways, which fosters a sense of purpose and community involvement.

Emily discusses the long-standing partnership between Lee Company and the Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, highlighting its importance in building trust with customers. Emily talks about the significance of Lee Company being named a 2025 Torch Award winner for Ethics with the Better Business Bureau, emphasizing their commitment to doing the right thing and maintaining transparency with customers.

Emily highlights their investment in new technology, including a profiler machine that increases efficiency, and their commitment to sustainability through their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Emily advises other business leaders to start small with community engagement efforts, emphasizing the importance of research and learning from other leaders and existing programs before scaling up. She wraps up sharing Lee Company's website and social media channels, which are available for those interested in learning more about their services and career opportunities.

Visit https://www.leecompany.com to learn more about Lee Company, and visit https://www.leecompany.com/cares/ to learn more about Lee Company Cares.

During the interview, Josh explains that the bakery's mission is to hire and provide job training to individuals from the Dorothy Day House Memphis, a facility that provides housing and support for families transitioning out of homelessness. He describes the bakery's operations, including their focus on customer service training and baking skills, as well as their community of staff members from various backgrounds. Josh highlights the bakery's signature items, such as cinnamon rolls and croissant pockets, and their wholesale partnerships with local businesses.

Josh spotlights Auntie V, a long-term employee at Lucy J's Bakery, who is beloved by both children and the community. He highlights her importance to the business, noting that children look forward to seeing her each day, and describes her role in teaching other employees how to handle difficult customers with patience and understanding.

Josh explains that Lucy J's Bakery is a nonprofit organization focused on job training and community building, offering employment opportunities to individuals who have experienced homelessness. He emphasizes their mission to erase the stigma around homelessness by having the general public interact with trained staff who have faced homelessness and similar challenges. Josh highlights various ways the community can support the bakery, including purchasing baked goods, placing custom orders, volunteering, joining their board, or making donations through their website or in-store. He also shared personal insights about the impact of their work, noting that it has reinforced the understanding of how easily one can be close to experiencing homelessness due to unforeseen circumstances.

Visit https://www.lucyjbakery.com to learn more about Lucy J's Bakery.

Environmental Entrepreneurship: Cora's Journey

Cora Hageman, Founder of Wonderfill Refillery, highlights her business that combines her background in environmental conservation with her entrepreneurial spirit. Cora shares her childhood experiences in a small town in Tennessee, where she was raised with a strong connection to nature and a focus on sustainable living. She discusses her transition from a career in wildlife and fisheries conservation to starting her own business, which she always envisioned doing. Cora's passion for the environment and her desire to make a positive impact through her business are evident as she describes her journey and the inspiration behind Wonderfill Refillery.

Eco-Friendly Bulk Refill Shop

Wonderfill Refillery, the seventh refillery in Tennessee, offers a retail shop where customers can buy bulk household goods by the ounce, bringing their own containers or selecting from the store's upcycled options. The business emphasizes sustainability by using closed-loop systems for product shipping, prioritizing clean ingredients, and minimizing plastic use. With about 50 refill products, including shampoos, soaps, and local farm goods, Wonderfill Refillery aims to provide eco-friendly alternatives for everyday essentials, encouraging customers to reduce single-use packaging.

Sustainable Shopify Collective Website

Cora shares how Wonderfill Refillery's website uses Shopify Collective, a sustainable alternative to traditional drop shipping, partnering with recognized brands while ensuring eco-friendly shipping practices. Cora focuses on listing and promoting a variety of sustainable products, with plans to list 1,300 more items. The website serves as a storefront to guide customers to these brands, while the local goods are handled directly by Wonderfill Refillery.

Refillery Education and Sustainability Impact

Cora discusses the educational impact of refillery businesses, highlighting how they help customers realize the importance of sustainable living by showing alternatives to single-use plastics. She emphasizes that their approach of kindness and historical context helps make sustainability accessible and non-intimidating, comparing refillery practices to traditional general stores. Cora explains that many people are unaware of the environmental impact of their consumption habits and appreciate the opportunity to learn about sustainable options and how easy they can be integrated into everyday life.

Wonderfill Refillery Plans for the Future

Cora expresses her vision for expanding the concept to other small towns across the United States, focusing on sustainability and community building. She provides details about the business's online presence, including the website and social media handles, and mentions upcoming exterior repairs to the building, which will include a new mural.

Visit https://wonderfillrefillery.com to learn more about Wonderfill Refillery.

Chiropractic Care and Wellness Journey

Dr. Brittany Kasprack, owner of Mid South Chiropractic, discusses her journey into chiropractic care, emphasizing its holistic approach to healing without medication or surgery. She explains the process of examining new patients and developing treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Dr. Kasprack highlights the importance of maintaining wellness through regular check-ups and shared tips for maintaining health, such as daily physical activity, staying hydrated, and regular exercise. She also talks about her team of six doctors across three locations and their diverse expertise in treating various conditions.

The Bagel Nook Franchise Expansion

Dr. Kasprack shares her journey of bringing The Bagel Nook franchise to Southaven, Mississippi, emphasizing the importance of offering fresh, scratch-made bagels and the impact on the community through job creation. She highlights the extensive menu options, catering services, and the positive influence on both employees and the local economy. Brittany also the importance of investing in and contributing to the community's growth and development through both The Bagel Nook and Mid South Chiropractic, which brings skilled professionals to the area. The conversation concludes with information on how to contact both businesses for further inquiries.

Learn more or book an appointment at:
🔹 Mid South Chiropractic: https://www.midsouthchiropractic.com
🔹 The Bagel Nook: https://www.thebagelnook.com/location...

During the interview, Bonnie-Jill also discusses her background as a sports broadcaster and the first female NBA Scout for the Los Angeles Lakers. She highlights her book celebrating female pioneers in sports, "In a League of Her Own," and discusses her experiences breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. The interview concludes with information about Hounds and Heroes' expanded mission to include equine therapy and how the community can support their efforts.

Hounds and Heroes Founder Interview

Jeremy interviews Bonnie-Jill Laflin, a sports broadcaster, author, and founder of the nonprofit Hounds and Heroes. Bonnie-Jill discusses her background, which includes growing up on a horse ranch with a father in law enforcement and a mother who loved animals. She explains how her experiences led her to start Hounds and Heroes in 2011, which rescues dogs from high-kill shelters and trains them as therapy and service dogs for disabled veterans. They also touch on her work as the first female NBA scout for the Los Angeles Lakers and her book "In a League of Her Own: Celebrating Female Firsts in Sports."

Service Dogs Transforming Veterans' Lives

Jeremy and Bonnie-Jill discuss the transformative impact of Hounds and Heroes, a program that pairs veterans with service dogs. Bonnie-Jill shares testimonials from veterans who have found purpose, stability, and improved family relationships through these partnerships. She highlights the program's collaboration with organizations like Airpower Foundation, which provides crucial support and resources. Bonnie-Jill expresses fulfillment in facilitating these life-changing connections and emphasizes the positive impact on both veterans and their families.

Female Sports Pioneers: Unsung Heroes Celebrated

Bonnie-Jill discusses her book celebrating female pioneers in sports, emphasizing the importance of recognizing trailblazers who paved the way for future generations, including those who may not have sought public attention. She highlights the sacrifices made by these women, such as personal relationships and family life, to pursue their passions in sports. Bonnie-Jill expresses hope that readers, regardless of gender or background, would gain inspiration and empowerment from the stories, encouraging them to break barriers and support the potential of all individuals.

Pioneering Female NBA Scout's Journey

Bonnie-Jill shares her experience as the first female NBA scout for the Los Angeles Lakers, describing how she initially worked without pay while balancing sports broadcasting duties. She faced challenges being accepted as a female scout, even changing her appearance to fit in, but eventually learned to be authentic to herself. Bonnie-Jill advises young girls to embrace their uniqueness, maintain strong work ethic, and develop thick skin, noting that while the path may be difficult, authenticity and determination can overcome gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Hounds and Heroes' Expanded Mission

Bonnie-Jill discusses Hounds and Heroes' expanded mission to include equine therapy for children of fallen soldiers and wounded warriors, and she invites community support through donations, volunteering, and following their social media channels. She mentions the availability of her book "In a League of Her Own" at major retailers and encourages individuals to visit bonniejill.com for updates on her upcoming second book.

Visit https://www.houndsandheroes.com to learn more and connect with Hounds and Heroes. Visit https://www.bonnie-jill.com to learn more about Bonnie-Jill Laflin.

Playback Theater's Community Impact

Virginia Murphy, Founder and Director of Advancement with Playback Memphis, talks about the organization's 18-year history as a Playback Theatre company. Virginia explains that Playback Memphis is unique in its ability to train and employ artists and facilitators to provide their services, with a team of 14 ensemble members who have diverse backgrounds. She describes the audience experience at a Playback Memphis performance, which includes sharing personal stories and creating unique, community-focused narratives. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about Playback Memphis' upcoming rebranding to EveryStory.

Transformative Playback Theatre Journey

During the pandemic, Virginia and her team re-examined and recognized the value of their Playback Theatre techniques in supporting community healing and emotional growth, which has led them to develop their unique training methodology. In 2024, they embarked on a purposeful transformation journey to better distinguish their work from other Playback Theatre companies and align their identity with their core mission. The result was the creation of "EveryStory," a name that more closely reflects their innovative approach and community-focused purpose.

EveryStory: Storytelling for Connection

Virginia discusses the mission of EveryStory, emphasizing its focus on using storytelling as a tool for understanding and connection. She highlights upcoming performances in Memphis and partnerships with organizations like Gestalt Community Schools to support youth through art programs. Virginia also mentions training opportunities, such as "Listening for a Change," and encourages community involvement through sponsorships and attendance at events. She provides details on how to stay connected through various social media platforms and websites, noting the upcoming rebranding to EveryStory.

Visit https://playbackmemphis.org to learn more and connect with Playback Memphis. The new site for EveryStory, www.EveryStory.org, will be launching soon.

In 2022, the Nashville Sounds partnered with Delta Dental of Tennessee to create Kids Dental Day as a way to foster a day of fun and provide dental care and other related services to kids in need. Over the years, the event has expanded greatly thanks to a number of partnerships with organizations like cityCURRENT, Samaritan's Feet, Kroger, Higginbotham Insurance, Meharry Medical College, Neighborhood Health, Hope Smiles, Book'em, Nashville PBS, American Heart Association, the Adventure Science Center, Henry Schein, Dunkin' Donuts, and more. As a result, the event has evolved from providing simple dental screenings to a comprehensive day of care including dental check-ups and cleanings, a shoe distribution, new books, and tons of fun educational activities designed to help prepare the kids for the new school year ahead.

During the interview, Missy and Adam talk about how the event has grown significantly over four years, the power of collaborating with multiple partners and services, including participation from dental students, local businesses, and community organizations, and what the event means to the kids served. They discuss plans to further expand the event's reach and impact by adding more partners and services, while emphasizing the importance of long-term commitment and advance planning for logistics and participation.

Visit www.KidsDentalDay.com to learn more about the annual Kids Dental Day and how your nonprofit or company can get involved.

Visit https://deltadentaltn.com to learn more about Delta Dental of Tennessee. You can also visit https://deltadentaltn.com/kids-dental... for Kids Dental Day.

Visit www.NashvilleSounds.com or https://www.milb.com/nashville for more information about the Nashville Sounds and their season and game schedule.

Michael discusses the development of their learning community for entrepreneurs, which now offers 2,500 on-demand learning modules, tools, and templates, along with financing sources and live coaching. He highlights efforts to expand this initiative across Tennessee, collaborating with philanthropic, corporate, and governmental partners, including the National Entrepreneur Center and Epicenter. Michael introduces the Music Entrepreneur Initiative, aimed at empowering artists with free access to the learning community, with a goal of assisting 100,000 artists nationally and 4,000 in Tennessee. The initiative relies on donations to support artists for a year, with each $250 contribution funding one artist.

Michael discusses the unique challenges and opportunities for musicians and artists in the modern entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both artistic and entrepreneurial skills, highlighting that while artists need to master specific music-related topics like rights organizations and licensing, they also require basic business knowledge to succeed. Michael explains that their platform offers 2,500 learning modules, including 250 specifically focused on music, covering everything from basic concepts to complex issues like digital streaming and international monetization. He stresses the need for artists to leverage technology and rights platforms for broader audience reach, while also acknowledging that some artists may struggle with digital basics like email and social media.

Michael explains how their nonprofit foundation and platform supports musicians through donations, with $250 funding an artist's access for a year. He details that donors can specify which artists they want to support, and the foundation works with songwriter associations and local colleges to provide access to the platform. Michael also mentions that scholarships are available for support staff and technicians working with musicians.

Michael highlights the positive feedback from the funding community and entrepreneurs and artists in Nashville and Memphis, noting that their free, non-commercial approach builds trust and enables entrepreneurs to receive much-needed guidance. He emphasizes the organization's focus on supporting small businesses and artists, many of whom earn less than $1,000 monthly, and encouraged listeners to donate through tlefoundation.org/MEI to help support more entrepreneurs.

Visit https://tlefoundation.org/music-entre... to learn more about The Lonely Entrepreneur and the Music Entrepreneur Initiative.

Blue Cotton's Entrepreneurial Journey
Mike Coffey shares how he started BlueCotton in 1991 as a temporary T-shirt selling venture while he awaited his CPA exam results, and how that "temporary bridge" found quick success and has grown and evolved to now employ 130 and serve thousands of customers weekly. Julie shares a personal story of appearing on Wheel of Fortune, which she pursued after her 4-year-old son encouraged her to chase her dreams, emphasizing the importance of getting out of your comfort zone to create special opportunities.

BlueCotton: Custom Apparel Experiences
Mike and Julie highlight BlueCotton, a custom screen printing and embroidery business located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, that specializes in creating personalized apparel for events, milestones, and causes. They emphasize the company's focus on customer experience, highlighting how their products can capture and preserve meaningful memories through apparel and "Mark the Moment."

BlueCotton's Apparel Production Capabilities
Mike and Julie describe BlueCotton's comprehensive apparel production capabilities, including their work with major brands, in-house design team, and production facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which employs 130 people with extensive experience. Mike highlights their ability to handle both custom designs and self-submitted graphics through their website, while maintaining quality control through having all operations under one roof. Mike and Julie then discuss the power of focusing on the employee experience, noting that their commitment to staff development has significantly reduced turnover and led to increased revenue and growth.

Reducing Turnover With Development Initiatives
Mike and Julie discuss how BlueCotton reduced employee turnover from 108% to 33% over the last two years through programs like personal development classes and a Bitcoin investment initiative. The company offers 1-hour life improvement classes to its workers, covering topics like finances, nutrition, and leadership. In addition, BlueCotton provides Bitcoin rewards to employees who stay for 5 years, as part of their investment strategy that began in 2020.

Employee Engagement and Personal Development
Mike and Julie discuss how their company's focus on employee engagement and personal development has transformed their culture over the past five years. They highlight initiatives including financial education, investment opportunities, and positive thinking programs, which have helped employees feel more invested in the company's success. They emphasize that this focus on personal growth has not only improved employee morale and performance but has also positively impacted their customer experience.

BlueCotton's Community Philanthropy Initiatives
Julie discusses BlueCotton's community involvement and philanthropic efforts, highlighting their work with nonprofits and support for responsible, fiscally-minded employees. Julie shares an example of an employee award that encourages charitable giving, and then provides website and contact information for those interested in learning more about BlueCotton's initiatives and how they have focused on the employee experience.

Visit https://www.bluecotton.com to learn more and connect with BlueCotton.

mFORCE Capital Founding Story

Brad Bruce, Co-Founder of mFORCE Capital shares his background in wealth management and the company's origins. Brad explains that mFORCE Capital stands for Multi-Family Office, Relationship, and Client Experience. The company was founded four years ago after his 33-year career at a large corporate wealth management firm.

Wealth Management Strategies for Succession

Brad discusses his wealth management approach, emphasizing the importance of planning for business owners' succession and retirement. He highlights his team's expertise in building company teams and developing personal financial strategies, including tax minimization. Brad also describes his firm's unique approach as "solution finders" and "connectors," leveraging alliances with other professionals to better serve clients. He notes current trends such as artificial intelligence and recent legislation, which offer new opportunities for wealth management strategies.

Client Relations and Community Engagement

Brad emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and customization in client relationships, explaining that communication frequency with clients varies based on market conditions and client needs. He highlights the firm's commitment to philanthropy and community engagement, including their work with community foundations and local charities, as a way to give back to the business community that has supported them.

Cowtown Business and Capital Summit 2026

The Cowtown Business and Capital Summit, scheduled for February 24, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, is an event focused on providing networking opportunities and educational content for business owners and executives. Brad explains that the event was developed two years ago to offer a different type of industry gathering, emphasizing learning and networking over sales pitches. Last year's event included speakers on various topics like business growth and risk management, with plans to incorporate more networking and AI-focused content this year, along with travel, private planes, and personal longevity. Brad expresses excitement about the upcoming summit, particularly the keynote speaker and the potential for fostering connections among attendees, while emphasizing that the event is a giveback initiative aimed at supporting and strengthening the community. The event is hosted by mFORCE Capital, Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, and Hartman Wanzor McNamara Accountants & Advisors.

To learn more about the Cowtown Business and Capital Summit visit https://cowtownsummit.com.

To learn more about mFORCE Capital visit https://www.mforcecapital.com/.

Jim spends six days a week volunteering at Morning Pointe of Brentwood, where he interacts with residents by listening to their stories, playing games, and assisting with various needs. He enjoys forming connections with the residents, who consider him part of their family. Jim also organizes Christmas gifts for all residents, making the holiday special for those without strong family ties.

Jim shares his meaningful experiences volunteering at Morning Pointe of Brentwood, including his special friendship with a 104-year-old resident whom he helps connect with her family. He expresses humility about receiving the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Award, noting he initially wanted to decline the recognition as he views service as his duty rather than seeking recognition. Jim advises others to find meaningful ways to serve, particularly in assisted living facilities, suggesting simple approaches like bringing candy to start conversations.

Visit https://morningpointe.com/senior-livi... to connect with Morning Pointe of Brentwood.

Visit https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville... to learn more about Jim Sybert and the other 2025 finalists and recipients of the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards hosted by Hands On Nashville powered by United Way of Greater Nashville.

Volunteer Odyssey: Connecting Memphis Caroline Norris, President and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, discusses the organization's role as a volunteer hub connecting individuals to nonprofit partners in Memphis. She emphasized the importance of volunteerism in supporting nonprofits and transforming both the community and volunteers themselves through meaningful connections and leadership opportunities. Caroline highlights that while Memphis is one of the most philanthropic cities, in terms of the percentage of financial giving per person, it lags in volunteerism, and Volunteer Odyssey works with about 120 established nonprofits to address various causes and build a stronger, more connected community.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiatives Caroline explains Volunteer Odyssey's mission to support nonprofit partners through capacity building, providing best practices and technology for free, and conducting monthly pathway sessions to share learning and foster collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of both individual and corporate volunteer recruitment, highlighting how corporate engagement can create sustainable opportunities for nonprofits and enhance both employee commitment and company reputation.

Volunteer Odyssey: Connecting Volunteers Caroline discusses the organization's mission to connect volunteers with nonprofit partners in Memphis. She highlights the benefits of volunteering for both individuals and corporations, including team building and community impact. Caroline emphasizes the efficiency of Volunteer Odyssey's operations, noting that it costs $72 to activate one new volunteer who, on average, supports four nonprofits for 11 hours. She also mentioned a current fundraising match, where donations are doubled, and the significant return on investment Volunteer Odyssey provides to the community. Caroline wraps up by encouraging viewers and listeners to visit volunteerodyssey.com to explore volunteer opportunities and get involved.

Visit https://volunteerodyssey.com to learn more and to get involved with Volunteer Odyssey.

Art for the Homeless
Journey Nicole Minyard, Founder and Executive Director of Daybreak Arts, shares her journey from a high school student in Kentucky to launching a nonprofit focused on using art to support those experiencing homelessness. She describes her initial exposure to homelessness through a church member in Louisville, which challenged her stereotypes and led her to pursue a similar path in Nashville while as a student at Belmont University. Nicole's experience with Room in the Inn, a local organization supporting those experiencing homelessness, further inspired her to establish Daybreak Arts, leveraging art as a therapeutic and economic development tool to connect with and support homeless individuals.

Daybreak Arts: Empowering Homeless Artists
Nicole describes the evolution of Daybreak Arts from a small art program to a comprehensive organization supporting 30 artists impacted by homelessness and housing insecurity. The organization provides a studio and gallery space in East Nashville where artists can create, display, and sell their work through various income streams including teaching and merchandise. Nicole further explains their "Artist Collective" program and then details their "Shared Walls" program, which allows businesses or families to sponsor art pieces created by artists, with proceeds supporting both the sponsor and artists transitioning into housing.

Artist Community and Support Impact
Nicole shares that while income was initially thought to be the primary need for artists, feedback consistently shows that community relationships and support are more impactful. She explains that artists appreciate having a community where they can share their talents and feel understood, noting that many have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the community and earn income, which they often use to purchase necessities or share with others. She highlights how this program changes perceptions of homelessness by showcasing the artists' talents and normalizing their experiences, emphasizing that these are individuals with immense abilities who have faced challenging circumstances.

Empowering Art Through Community Support
Nicole discusses Daybreak Arts' mission to challenge stereotypes and connect with the community through art created by individuals experiencing homelessness. She highlights the diversity of their Artist Collective and emphasizes that medical issues often precede homelessness, rather than drug addiction. Nicole explains various ways the community can support Daybreak Arts, including purchasing art, making donations, or volunteering. She also shares her personal growth as a leader, attributing it to early start, building a strong team, and seeking advice from experienced professionals.

Visit https://daybreakarts.org to learn more and to get involved with Daybreak Arts.

Path United provides after-school programs and community activities to help youth flourish in five key areas. She describes their approach of developing social and emotional skills through various initiatives, including asset-based surveys and a high school leadership program that fosters mutual understanding among students and positive connections with adult leaders in the community. She describes the creation of a High School Advisory Board, which brings together young leaders and business leaders from Franklin to advise on program decisions and provide leadership opportunities for the students. Margaret Jane emphasizes the importance of building self-confidence and self-identity, as well as fostering positive adult relationships and family experiences to support the children's development. She talks about the importance of long-term relationships and community building, encouraging individuals to get involved through volunteering and donations to support the organization's mission. She also shares personal insights on the impact of her work on her family and the meaningful experiences volunteers gain from their involvement with the program.

Visit https://www.pathunited.org to learn more and to get involved with Path United.

Rethinking Innovation Through Design Thinking
Carla discusses her background in architecture and marketing, emphasizing her design-thinking approach to creating purpose-driven organizations. She defines innovation as the ability to consistently produce new, great, and reliable ideas, highlighting examples like McDonald's drive-through experience. Carla explains that innovative thinking involves connecting dots, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. She introduces her book "Re:Think Innovation," which outlines a five-step process called the Wheel of Innovation to help individuals develop creative ideas and achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Competitive Litter Campaign Inspires Change
Carla shares the story of Treewin Restorick, who founded the nonprofit Hubbub to make people environmentalists, even unintentionally. The City of London contacted him about their problem of spending over a million pounds annually on cleaning cigarette butts. Treewin observed that typical anti-litter campaigns either shamed people or made them feel obligated to donate, so he decided to inspire behavior change through competition. He created yellow boxes in London featuring Ronaldo and Messi, encouraging people to vote with their cigarette butts by placing them in the appropriate side of the box.

Curiosity Drives Global Environmental Change
Carla shares that experience of using curiosity and observation to inspire environmental change, reducing cigarette litter by 73% in London and repeating similar successes in 37 countries. She explains her keynote speaking work, which covers innovation, curiosity, and the intersection of AI with human creativity, emphasizing that great ideas require preparation and effective pitching. Carla concluded by promoting her website carlajohnson.co, where listeners can take an innovation archetype assessment and sign up for her bi-weekly newsletter focused on creativity and curiosity.

Visit https://www.carlajohnson.co to learn more and connect with Carla Johnson.

During the interview, Brink shares his extensive background in law enforcement, particularly in narcotics and tactical operations, which informed the development of Defense Systems' training curriculum focused on active shooter response and rapid medical intervention. The company offers various training programs, including active shooter drills, law enforcement training, and medical courses for both professionals and civilians, emphasizing the goal of equipping individuals with the skills to protect themselves during emergencies.

Tom explains how his company, Herring Technology, evolved from a data cabling business to offering a holistic approach to security systems, partnering with Defense Systems and conducting comprehensive assessments to then provide the technology and service needed to protect an organization and its people and property. Herring Technology focuses on proactive measures, including training and proper use of technology, to prevent security incidents rather than just reacting to them.

Brink emphasizes the critical importance of training staff to respond effectively during emergencies, highlighting that over 80% of school attacks involve current or former students/staff, and proper training could significantly reduce casualties. Brink explains that their training program, which lasts 4.5 hours including a lunch break, is customizable and includes a walkthrough of the facility to identify potential issues. He also notes that the training provides valuable life skills, such as medical pre-hospital trauma care, which participants have used outside of work, including in car crashes.

Tom discusses leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance security measures proactively. He emphasizes the importance of creating a deterrent environment without making buildings look like prisons and highlighted the use of AI for perimeter security and virtual guard systems. He also discusses testing new security technologies to ensure effectiveness, stating their company's commitment to finding reliable solutions regardless of brand.

Brink emphasizes the importance of identifying multiple exits in public places and pre-planning escape routes during emergencies. Tom highlights the need to utilize security equipment effectively, integrating it into daily routines for better monitoring and proactive management. Both stress the value of technology and collaboration in enhancing security and customer service.

Visit https://www.defendsystems.com to learn more about Defend Systems. Visit https://herringtechnology.com to learn more about Herring Technology.

Matt discusses the importance of phone systems for businesses, emphasizing that phone communication remains crucial, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises. He highlights the benefits of cloud-based phone systems, including redundancy, enhanced integration with AI and other technologies, and improved accessibility. Matt notes that businesses are sometimes hesitant to transition their phone systems to the cloud due to a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality, but he emphasizes the advantages of cloud systems, such as reliability during power outages or natural disasters.

Matt discusses Magic Apple Technology's commitment to providing excellent service and maintaining strong company culture. He outlines five core values that guide the company, including John Wayne integrity, love for what they do, awesomeness, and not pointing fingers. Matt emphasizes that these values are ingrained in the company's DNA and are taken seriously, with new employees required to sign a core value oath.

Matt explains that his company provides comprehensive IT support, handling both hardware and telecommunications issues. He describes their geographic reach, noting that while 75% of their business is centered in Middle Tennessee, they can serve customers nationwide through remote support and pre-tested equipment. Matt highlights two key industry trends: the use of AI to automate routine tasks and improve backend operations, and the deployment of AI agents for customer service interactions.

Matt shares his experience as a CEO, highlighting the importance of implementing a structured business process using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and ensuring cultural alignment when onboarding new team members. He emphasizes the value of running a 100% remote operation to promote work-life balance and talks about being selective when adopting new trends, especially in the phone industry. Matt also recommends conducting annual business reviews with customers to explore underutilized phone system features and regularly reviewing phone contracts every 2-3 years to optimize costs and benefits.

Matt wraps up discussing the importance of community engagement for Magic Apple Technology, highlighting their partnerships with nonprofits and their partnership in cityCURRENT to facilitate community involvement. Matt explains that Magic Apple Technology, a small team of 12, focuses on providing low-cost solutions and maintains a strong commitment to community service. He encourages viewers to visit their website, magicapple.com, for more information about their products, services, and team.

Visit https://magicapple.com to learn more about Magic Apple Technology.
https://www.facebook.com/magicappletech/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/magic-apple-technology/

Joshua discusses the challenges and rewards of foster care. He shares personal experiences as a foster and adoptive parent, emphasizing the reciprocal benefits and the importance of supporting both foster children and their biological families. He introduces a campaign called "2025 Growing the Village is Sweet" and talks about the role of lemonade in this context, symbolizing turning lemons (difficult situations) into something positive through resilience and support. The campaign launched in June and runs until August 23rd, with proceeds supporting foster and adoptive families. He explains that the campaign aims to involve children in meaningful service activities, with various ways for individuals and organizations to get involved year-round, including drives for back-to-school items, Christmas events, mentoring, and packing Welcome Packs for families. Joshua encourages listeners to visit the website fostervillagememphis.org, follow them on social media, and sign up for their newsletter to learn more and get involved.

Visit https://www.fostervillagememphis.org to learn more and to get involved with Foster Village Memphis.

During the interview, Graham shares some of the history for the organization and how he and his family were introduced to Tucker’s House and were blessed by the organization’s efforts; and how he now has that same opportunity to help other families, after assuming the role of Executive Director five years ago, after Founder, Sunny Rosanbalm’s retirement. Graham describes their process and discusses the importance of pairing licensed therapists with architectural designers who understand inclusive design to ensure that the modifications made to a home will serve the children and families throughout their lifetime and assist them every day. They start with an assessment to create an individualized plan that accounts for a child's current and future needs, considering factors like prognosis and long-term accessibility. The pre-construction phase can take 3-6 months to coordinate all necessary parties, and the process involves details like installing solid flooring, widening doorways, and adding accessibility equipment like stair lifts.

Graham discusses bathroom modifications for disabled individuals, including accessible showers, sinks, and towel racks, emphasizing independence and dignity. He explains that these projects involve collaboration with various community partners, and talks about their House to Home video series on their website and YouTube channel, which showcases transformations of selected families' homes. Graham describes some of their current projects, highlighting a ramp installation for a Spanish-speaking family in Murfreesboro and another project in Spring Hill, with filming underway for the next House to Home episode.

Graham explains the organization's funding needs, including their "Thrive in 25" campaign to serve 25% more families, and emphasizes the importance of financial contributions and partnerships with construction professionals. Graham shares heartwarming feedback from families about the life-changing transformations their homes undergo, and provides various ways for the community to support their efforts, including visiting tuckershouse.org, watching their award-winning video series, and contacting them via phone or social media.

Visit https://tuckershouse.org to learn more and get involved. 

Ed outlines three key programs including a Reading Success Academy to address the academic gaps, along with mental health support, and workforce development initiatives, highlighting the club's partnerships with local employers and educational institutions. The Reading Success Academy, launching in August, will employ two reading specialists to assess children, design custom curricula, and provide one-on-one and small group instruction to improve reading skills. The mental health initiative, called "Healthy Minds Equal Great Futures," will have two licensed mental health professionals available at the club to support children dealing with trauma or other mental health issues. Ed describes the Boys & Girls Club's partnerships with local employers like Unilever and Ford, which provide tours and exposure to career opportunities for the children. The Club also collaborates with TCAT for dual enrollment opportunities in high school. Ed emphasizes the importance of these experiences in changing outcomes for the children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. He highlights the impact of their programs, including STEM activities and the Ford-sponsored Reading Success Academy, on the children's learning and aspirations.

Ed discusses how the Boys & Girls Club's programs are tied to core areas of growth for youth, which include character development, leadership, personal responsibility, community service, and exploration and fun with activities like robotics and drones. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, sharing a heartwarming story about a child's interaction with a local business owner during a Club event. Ed outlines three ways to support the club: praying for the kids, spending time with them, and providing financial support, mentioning a matching grant opportunity. He also provides contact information, including social media handles, website, and his personal phone number for those interested in learning more or getting involved.

Visit https://www.bgchrr.com to learn more or call 901-800-6186 to reach Ed Doyle and get involved with Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region.

Volunteer Uber Voucher Pipeline
Daniel created a simple pipeline that allows volunteers to apply for Uber vouchers to visit patient sites, considering factors like distance, time, and cost. Since its inception, 35 classmates have been trained to administer Hospice care, volunteering at patient homes and contributing to over 600 hours of service across nearly 200 patient cases. Daniel has personally volunteered for about 350 hours over two years, visiting around 20 patients, and finds the Uber voucher program to be one of the most impactful ways he has contributed to his community.

Volunteering Shapes Leadership Journey
Daniel reflects on how his volunteer experience has shaped him as a leader, emphasizing that it taught him the importance of taking the first step in community involvement. He explains that he now understands the process of initiating change, from writing grants to securing funding, which gives him confidence in future endeavors. Daniel also describes the unique nature of hospice volunteering, highlighting that each patient interaction is different and tailored to individual needs, ranging from playing piano to discussing art.

Vanderbilt Peace of Mind Initiatives
Daniel discusses his work with Vanderbilt Peace of Mind, which involves meeting people, understanding their experiences, and conducting educational training sessions with experts in hospice care. He expresses his vision to lead interventions in communities and emphasized the importance of finding partners, communicating effectively, and identifying community needs to create impactful solutions. Daniel was recognized as the Youth Volunteer Award winner at the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards, which he considers a significant honor. He encourages others, especially college students, to take leadership roles and create movements for community betterment. Daniel also shares his email address for those interested in partnering with or supporting his efforts with Vanderbilt Peace of Mind.

Email Daniel Liu at daniel.x.liu@vanderbilt.edu to learn more and get involved with Vanderbilt Peace of Mind.

He shares the powerful story behind his framework—The Four Codes of Creative Energy—and how it's helping creatives overcome fear, reconnect with their passion, and build intentional, expressive lives. From Collage Parties to MUSE gatherings, Like Really Creative is more than a business—it's a movement for every artist who's ever felt like they didn’t belong.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone who feels stuck, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to create from a place of authenticity and courage.

Learn more: https://likereallycreative.com/

Beth discusses Wilson PR's focus on three areas of media: earned, owned, and shared. For earned media, they handle announcements, pitch clients as expert resources, and engage in community partnerships. Owned media involves website content, thought leadership, and sales collateral. Shared media uses social platforms to amplify stories. Beth emphasizes the importance of repurposing content across multiple channels and describes their onboarding process, which includes developing messaging guides and audience engagement maps. She also highlights the value of traditional media relations and the ethical use of AI in their work, as she talks about some of the important trends taking place in PR and then shares some tips for how organizations can start to create more stories and then repurpose and leverage them across multiple platforms to be more impactful with their efforts.

Visit https://wilsonpublicrelations.com to learn more and connect with Wilson Public Relations.

We explore how traditional leadership models are being challenged by today's rapidly evolving workplace and why relational leadership is the key to unlocking deeper engagement, stronger teams, and more sustainable success. Leonard shares personal insights, research-backed strategies, and the core "constants" every leader needs to thrive in today's dynamic environment.

Whether you're leading a company, a nonprofit, or your own personal growth journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical takeaways, and a powerful call to lead with intention, empathy, and consistency.

Tune in to discover why leadership for the next generation starts with building relationships that matter.

Learn more and purchase his books: https://upwordsunlimited.com/

Brandon shares the personal story and scientific journey behind Bactose®—a supplement that introduces a specialized super strain of lactobacillus acidophilus, which produces lactase enzymes directly in your gut. Just 7 days of use each month trains your gut to digest dairy with ease—no more daily pills, no more discomfort, just the freedom to enjoy the foods you love.

We explore how Bactose® taps into the power of the microbiome, what makes it different from anything else on the market, and how it’s helping people live healthier, more unrestricted lives. Whether you're curious about gut health, lactose intolerance, or entrepreneurship in the wellness space, this episode is packed with inspiration and science-backed insights.

Learn how a dad, husband, and visionary created a solution that empowers people to enjoy real food without compromise.

Learn more at https://bactose.com and get ready to experience dairy differently.

Through her work with The Nashville Food Project, Trinity Community Commons, and Feedback Nashville, Marcie has been instrumental in addressing food deserts, waste reduction, and supporting urban farming initiatives while emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and community engagement.

During the interview, Marcie shares her story and passion for serving others. She describes The Nashville Food Project's mission to grow, cook, and share food, focusing on community building and hunger relief. She highlights their three main components: providing 7,000 meals weekly, recovering and collecting donated food from various sources, and supporting urban farming initiatives. Marcie also details the partnership with Trinity Community Commons, which offers free meals, wraparound services, and neighborhood support through a community garden and upcoming supportive housing development.

Marcie then talks about serving on the board with The Nashville Food Project and their engagement in Feedback Nashville, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and addressing food deserts and waste in the city. She shares her personal experiences and insights gained through volunteering, emphasizing the power of taking action. Marcie wraps up talking about the significance of the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards' Social Justice Impact Award, and encourages others to find their passion and get involved in community organizations like The Nashville Food Project and Trinity Community Commons.

Visit https://www.thenashvillefoodproject.org to learn more about the Nashville Food Project. Visit https://www.trinitycommunitycommons.org to learn more about Trinity Community Commons.

Keisha shares Vitalant’s mission to maintain a steady, lifesaving blood supply for patients in need and sheds light on the challenges in cities like Memphis, where only one in four blood units needed by hospitals is donated locally. With stories that highlight the real-world impact of donation—from trauma care to sickle cell treatment—Keisha emphasizes the critical role every donor plays in the healthcare system.

The conversation dives deep into Vitalant’s 2025 Student Leader Scholarship Program, a summer initiative (June 1–August 31) that empowers students across the region to host virtual blood drives and earn up to $1,000 in scholarship funds. Keisha explains how easy it is for students to get involved, the leadership skills they gain, and how they can build a legacy of generosity starting now.

Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or simply someone looking to give back, this episode will inspire you to take action, get involved, and recognize the power in just one donation.

Learn more and sign up: https://vitalant.org/scholarship

JR discusses the mission of JustMy, emphasizing its focus on community service and affordable, educational tools to help individuals and businesses share their stories. He highlights the platform's unique feature of allowing users to control their content and branding, unlike other platforms like Facebook. JR also introduces the slogan, "All Eyes on You," which he believes reflects the inherent greatness in everyone and encourages individuals to showcase their best selves. He plans to further develop this concept and its narrative as part of a larger effort and movement with JustMy.

JR then introduces "JustMyGrants," a program offering full-service marketing support to businesses and nonprofits for 12 months, covering up to $14,000 in in-kind services. The program includes monthly check-ins, planning sessions, and support for events, with a focus on helping nonprofits prepare for events and create engaging content. JR explains that the goal is to distribute 6,000 grants, providing $84 million in in-kind services, and emphasizes that the program is available nationwide due to advancements in technology.

JR encourages listeners to learn more and take the next steps by visiting justmy.com or the local Memphis and Nashville websites, and JR highlights the availability of a free "myCARD X" to get started.

Visit www.JustMy.com to learn more.

During the interview, Patrick shares how the organization was founded in 2007 by guitar instructor, Patrick Nettesheim, and his student, Vietnam era Marine, Dan Van Buskirk, after realizing the guitar and lessons were a catalyst for positive human interaction and joy where it had once been lost. Patrick discusses the model and how guitars and lessons are provided at no cost to US Military Veterans who are referred by their doctor or a case/social worker at The Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Ten private lessons are taught using practice guitars donated by the local community. Upon completion, the Veteran/student is awarded a new acoustic guitar and accessories. Patrick emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of learning guitar, citing its ability to help Veterans rewire their brains and find joy, while also highlighting the importance of volunteer instructors who possess patience, acceptance, gratitude, and empathy. The organization, which has about 170 chapters nationwide, relies on word-of-mouth and volunteer efforts to expand its reach and impact.

Patrick wraps up explaining the need for financial contributions, donated guitars, and volunteer instructors to support the mission and continued growth of the organization. He emphasizes the importance of financial transparency and encourages listeners to visit the website for more information and to contact local chapter coordinators to get involved.

Visit https://guitars4vets.org to learn more and to get involved with Guitars for Vets.

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During the interview, Lori shares how By Faith Farm started as a dream in 2008 to buy land, grow food, and give it away. She shares some of the journey, the growth from donating 2,000 pounds of food in its first year to 25,000 pounds currently, and the evolution of creating the nonprofit, Fed by Faith, in order to continue meeting the need in the community on a larger scale. Erika shares her story of serving as a "Farm Angel" volunteer and falling in love with the mission to now serving as part of the team, and she talks about some of the many ways the community can support their efforts through upcoming events, like their You Pick Flower days where you can bring family and friends to the farm to spend time in the flower gardens selecting the perfect blooms to create a wonderful bouquet for your home or loved one. Lori and Erika talk about the importance of volunteerism and community engagement, the vision and plans for the future, and some of the heartwarming stories of impact.

Visit https://www.byfaithfarm.com to learn more about By Faith Farm, and their nonprofit, Fed By Faith, along with the many ways to get involved and support their efforts.

During the interview, Melody shares how Freedom Preparatory Academy was founded by Roblin Webb in 2009, and how it has grown from a single 6th-grade class to now serving over 2,000 students across five schools in Memphis, Tennessee (2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school) and 1 elementary school in Birmingham, Alabama in the heart of the Titusville community. Freedom Preparatory Academy's Memphis schools are in the Westwood/Whitehaven area. Melody talks about the school's expansion into Birmingham in 2024, their focus on educating the whole student, and some of their unique characteristics, including flexibility with setting start and end times to help parents with children at each of their schools, professional development for staff each Wednesday, and a requirement for high school students to complete 100 hours of community service. Melody also highlights some of the school's academic achievements, partnerships with organizations like Wellchild and UT Health Science Center for student and family support, and its commitment to character development and leadership opportunities for students.

Melody explains the enrollment process for Freedom Prep charter schools, where returning families complete enrollment first, followed by new applications processed within 24-48 hours. She outlines how seats are awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis and how families receive email notifications about acceptance or waitlist status with parent meetings being required before the first day. Melody, who previously taught 7th-8th grade math and later high school, shared her perspective on the school's strengths and her experience watching students progress from 7th to 11th grade, then graduation.

Melody discusses the importance of building relationships with families and providing support through parent-led workshops and community engagement at their schools. They emphasized the need to treat students as individuals rather than numbers, offering opportunities for academic, psychological, and extracurricular growth. She highlights the ripple effect of Freedom Prep's impact on the community, preparing students to become future leaders in various fields.

Melody wraps up discussing Freedom Prep's community engagement initiatives, including open houses, tours, registration help nights, workshops, literacy and math nights at their campuses. She explains that the school seeks partnerships to offer additional family-focused programs like first-time homebuyer and budgeting classes. Weber provides multiple ways for interested parties to learn more and get involved, including visiting their website freedomprep.org, following them on social media, or contacting her directly at (901) 538-9500 ext. 60276 or (901) 498-1849.

Visit https://freedomprep.org to learn more about Freedom Preparatory Academy.

Drü explains the process of Sole Hope's work in Uganda, which involves weekly village visits to wash children's feet, remove jiggers, provide education, and distribute shoes. The organization employs 48 Ugandans, including tailors and shoemakers, who create shoes from recycled denim sent from America. Drü emphasizes the importance of providing shoes, as it helps keep children in school, protects them from parasites and injuries, and addresses the stigma associated with jiggers. The organization has distributed over 370,000 pairs of shoes and operates a residential facility for severe cases.

Drü discusses Sole Hope's expansion into mental health and addiction treatment, as they've found that many of their patients in Uganda face non-physical challenges due to poverty. He explains various ways the community can support their efforts, including a $10 monthly donation program and participating in shoe-cutting parties, which are being relaunched as team-building events for businesses. Drü emphasizes the importance of taking action when seeing a problem and shares how this journey has transformed his family's perspective on life and making a difference.

Drü shares the story of Joy, a 10-year-old girl who was severely affected by jiggers, a parasitic infection. Joy was initially nicknamed "Little Duck" due to her abnormal walk caused by over 720 jiggers in her body. After receiving treatment at the Hope Center, Joy's physical and mental condition improved dramatically within a week. Her transformation not only changed her life but also impacted her village's perception of the jiggers problem, demonstrating the effectiveness of their intervention in combating this treatable disease.

Drü wraps up highlighting the ways the community can support their efforts through financial contributions, Shoe Cutting Parties, Team Building Experiences, or visiting Uganda to see the impact firsthand.

Visit https://www.solehope.org to learn more and get involved with Sole Hope.

During the interview, Ben talks about his experience playing for the Indianapolis Colts under Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy, which inspired his second book "The Champion's Creed" and his work as a chief culture officer. Ben highlights his book "The Champions Creed: Build Your Culture on the Power of Belief," which offers a blueprint for organizations ready to transform their culture from the inside out. He explains how the Indianapolis Colts, under Coach Tony Dungy, integrated beliefs and values and intentionally designed, built, and practiced their winning culture, both on and off the field. Ben emphasizes that culture should be treated as a strategic priority in businesses, and shares practical examples of how to create objective protocols that can be measured and reviewed. He encourages readers to see culture as a revenue driver and provides the website benutechspeaks.com for more information and book purchases.

Ben also discusses the development and recent launch of Shower Sock, an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal disposable shower sock to protect feet in private and public showers. As the founder of SoleCareRx, he shares how the product idea started when he experienced a foot infection after taking a shower in flip flops while playing in the NFL. He talks about the product's exciting potential, noting its affordability and applications in preventing foot infections globally. Ben also highlights the philanthropic aspect of Shower Sock, partnering with Samaritan's Feet, a nonprofit organization distributing shoes to under-resourced communities around the world to help prevent skin infections. Ben is donating part of his cityCURRENT speaking honorariums to support Samaritan's Feet shoe distributions in Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee.

To learn more about Shower Sock, visit https://showersock.com/. To learn more about Ben Utecht, his speaking and his book, "The Champion's Creed: Build Your Culture on the Power of Belief," visit https://benutechtspeaks.com.

During the interview, Karen shares how the nonprofit organization started in 2019 by Tye Coleman and Kenny Cohen as an anti-bullying program, "Imagine It's You and Do Something," with the Police Athletic League (PAL) in New Jersey and Florida, and then how PLAY NICE was brought to Nashville when Tye Coleman moved back home to Tennessee. Karen highlights how PLAY NICE has grown in Nashville through partnerships, including Boys & Girls Clubs, Kid Power, YMCA, and Metro Nashville Schools, and how their programs still focus on anti-bullying, but have evolved to provide a holistic youth development experience with character education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The organization's initiatives include building self-esteem, workforce development, and entrepreneurship through mentorship programs, along with year-round activities like summer camps and after-school programs. Karen discusses the positive impact of their programs and talks about the importance of their volunteers, called "Champions for Change." Karen highlights the positive impact on participants, noting increased confidence and improved behavior, and encouraged community support through donations and volunteer opportunities, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success with the right support.

Visit https://www.nbztv.com/ to learn more about PLAY NICE and how to get involved, or you can call Karen Briscoe at 615-755-9718. PLAY NICE is located at The Forge, 217 Willow Street in Nashville, Tennessee.

Angela shares her experience of recovering from an ACL tear that happened on the last obstacle while competing on American Ninja Warrior, and highlights how focusing on small, foundational elements like core strength and basic movements was crucial for her rehabilitation. She ties the experience back to some of the points she makes in her keynotes emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation through simple practices, including proper sleep, nutrition, and mental fitness, which is essential for overall success and resilience. Angela discusses how incorporating small, consistent actions into one's routine, even for short periods, could lead to significant improvements without sacrificing time for larger goals.

Angela then shares the basis of her RIGHT Method framework for handling adversity, which involves acknowledging emotions, identifying controllable factors, and developing a game plan. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and adaptability, and encourages taking small steps towards goals despite uncertainty. Angela also discusses her approach to overcoming self-doubt and negative thinking patterns, highlighting the power of positive visualization. The conversation concludes with information on how to follow Angela and book her for speaking engagements, including her website and customized talks for various audiences.

Visit https://www.angela-gargano.com to learn more about Angela Gargano.

During the interview, Candace shares some of her background starting in higher education, where she led global education programs and helped shape the next generation of leaders, and how consulting work within corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, was the catalyst to launch people3 to empower organizations to cultivate exceptional workplace cultures where all people thrive. Candace discusses her company's work in organizational culture, consulting, training, and research. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's industry and goals, focusing on what employees want, and aligning recommendations with organizational values. Candace then shares a number of tips, highlighting the need to recognize commonalities across generations in the workplace while acknowledging individual differences. She touches on the challenges of building culture in hybrid work environments and the positive potential of AI in organizational development. Candace also discusses the importance of corporate and individual purpose and providing pathways for employees to be engaged in the community, along with some of the other trends and opportunities where companies can differentiate and gain a competitive edge by building people-centered workplace cultures.

Visit https://people3.co to connect with and learn more about people3.

During the interview, Jeremy and Cam discuss Cam's background and how he frames his story. Cam emphasizes the importance of self-talk and the power of mindset, using his boxing career as an example. He also shares his approach to learning and growth, which involves questioning with curiosity and seeking different perspectives. Cam's keynote presentation is highlighted, with Jeremy noting the powerful takeaways from his story.

Cam shares his positive experience as a keynote speaker at the Memphis event, highlighting the supportive and collaborative atmosphere centered on the mission to power the GOOD. He also mentions a memorable interaction with an attendee, who he had met earlier at an event in Las Vegas and gifted him barbecue sauce and a dry rub at the event in Memphis. Cam emphasizes the importance of small gestures of appreciation, like the thoughtful gift, in building strong relationships.

Jeremy and Cam next discuss Cam's transition from youth to corporate speaking, emphasizing the use of humor and storytelling to engage and educate audiences. Cam shares his experiences as a stand-up comedian and his work with nonprofits, highlighting the effectiveness of comedy in raising funds for good causes. They also touch on Cam's role as a cultural ambassador, having traveled extensively with USA Boxing and learning about different cultures and communication styles. Cam emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace to avoid misunderstandings and improve communication.

Cam then discusses the sport of boxing, emphasizing that being tough doesn't necessarily make one a great boxer. He highlights the importance of discipline, resilience, and confidence in boxing, and how these qualities can translate to other areas of life. Cam also shares his personal mission of helping people uncover their potential and believe in themselves.

Visit https://www.camfawesome.com to learn more and connect with Cam F. Awesome.

Melissa talks about the powerful experience and spotlights the museum that serves as both a memorial and educational institution that brings to life the stories of remarkable courage, sacrifice, and heroism that have shaped our nation's history. Upcoming Airpower Foundation events include a Suicide Awareness Walk in June, where participants are encouraged to walk 23 miles throughout the month and share stories of those affected. The Patriot Roundup on July 31st will focus on Native Americans' roles in our Armed Forces, featuring cultural dances and songs. The event will be held at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Skyball, their main gala, will celebrate the 250th birthday of the Army, Navy, and Marines at Globe Field in Arlington.

Visit https://airpowerfoundation.org to learn more and get involved with Airpower Foundation.

Sliding Scale Clinic Services Overview The clinic operates on a sliding scale fee system based on income and dependents, with patients paying between $25 to $65 per visit, averaging $40. The clinic provides comprehensive primary care services with a holistic approach, including behavioral health, wellness programs, and medication management. They offer longer appointment times, a full-time behavioral health nurse practitioner, and a partnership with Lipscomb University's College of Pharmacy to help patients access free or reduced-cost medications. The clinic also features a wellness center with a demonstration garden, kitchen, and fitness classes to teach patients about healthy lifestyles and disease management.

Holistic Patient Care and Community Impact Jeremy expresses appreciation for their personal and holistic approach to patient care, highlighting how it addresses barriers and creates generational transformation. He notes that teaching parents about healthier meals can positively impact their children, creating a ripple effect in the community. Jeremy then asks Phil to discuss the vision for the future, mentioning plans to help even more people.

Clinic Expansion and Community Support Phil discusses the expansion of their clinic space and their mission to serve uninsured and underinsured Middle Tennesseans. He outlines their ambitious growth plan to increase patient capacity by 85% over the next five years, emphasizing that this growth is missional to help the growing number of individuals and families who are working uninsured or underinsured. He also highlights the various ways the community can support their efforts, including spreading awareness, volunteering, and financial contributions. He mentions upcoming fundraising events and encourages interested individuals to visit the clinic for a tour, directing them to the Faith Family Medical Center website and social media platforms for more information.

Visit https://faithmedical.org to learn more about Faith Family Medical Center.

During the interview, Alissa shares how her career as a photographer led her to Zambia and how life-changing experiences in the country led her and her friend, John Rosacker, to form the nonprofit organization in 2010. Alissa shares the story of how the organization's efforts have grown over the last 15 years to serve around 700 kids and details the model where their American teams serve as outside support, helping to create an environment where the local Zambian team can survive and thrive embracing the rich legacy of their culture. Alissa shares some of the many success stories of youth growing up in their homes and schools to escape poverty, enroll in international universities, and become successful professionals who return home to help lead and create positive transformation in the community. She talks about the rich culture of Zambia and their happiness and sense of community where everyone takes care of each other, yet the poverty that permeates the area where Arise Africa serves. She talks about the many ways the community can support their efforts through financial donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and mission trips. She uses Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services as an example of how companies can come alongside Arise Africa and partner to serve locally, financially support their programs, and send teams on mission trips to Zambia to experience the magic of building relationships with the kids and staff while helping to build facilities that will impact the community for years to come.

Visit https://www.ariseafrica.org to learn more and get involved with Arise Africa.

During the interview, Kevin discusses their various programs, including Foundations, Framework, Groundwork and Mighty Oak, and talks about how the process starts with the Biz Quiz. He details the impact of their programs on the community, highlighting the creation of over 300 new jobs and over $70 million in economic growth. He emphasizes the importance of their work in supporting entrepreneurs at various levels, from business ideas to established companies, and touches on the power of collaboration and partnerships with various organizations and professionals, who serve as mentors, coaches and guides. Kevin also shares his excitement about the future, mentioning a grant that will allow them to serve over 1,400 small businesses in Middle Tennessee. He emphasizes the flexibility of their programs, accommodating different schedules and preferences. Finally, Kevin expresses his joy in seeing people transform and overcome challenges through their programs, and shares some of the many ways the community can support and benefit from their efforts.

Visit https://nbichub.org to learn more about Nashville Business Incubation Center.

During the interview, John explains how City Leadership was initially established to help nonprofits become more efficient and effective by providing proactive consulting services. He shares the story of launching Teach901, which helps recruit and retain educators in Memphis, and how inspiration struck will traveling to create a collaborative marketing campaign that would benefit multiple schools in the community versus one. John also shares the origin of Choose901, an initiative that started as a way to attract college graduates to Memphis for various programs but evolved into a popular platform for positive news and information about the city. He reflects on the lessons learned from Choose901's success, including the importance of persevering through initial criticism and adapting to unexpected growth and complexity.

John highlights the various campaigns under City Leadership, including Serve901, Choose901, Teach901, Give901, and Choose901 Alumni. He explains that Serve901 recruits college students to serve in Memphis, while also promoting the city as a place to live and work. The Choose901 Alumni program aims to retain educated young adults in Memphis, helping to address issues of poverty and talent loss. Give901 is designed to guide individuals and companies on how to give back to the community. John emphasizes the need for community involvement, mentioning opportunities such as volunteering with students, providing internships, and maximizing college scholarships. He encourages people to contact him directly to get involved with their team and make a difference in Memphis.

John discusses the importance of spreading positivity and optimism in one's community. He emphasizes that optimism is contagious and can lead to positive change. John then reflects on his personal journey, explaining how he transitioned from pursuing wealth to finding fulfillment in solving complex problems that benefit the community. He now views his role as creating an ecosystem that allows his teammates and community members to use their talents to serve others, finding this work more challenging and rewarding.

John then discusses his intentional efforts as a husband and father, and his family's deep involvement in Memphis life. He and his wife are passionate about the city and attend various events because they genuinely enjoy being part of the community. John talks about exposing his children to Memphis culture through service, clean-up activities, and attending local events. He expresses gratitude for his family's support of his community involvement and how much his family is a motivating force for his efforts and impact.

John wraps up discussing ways to support and engage with City Leadership. He recommends visiting their website to sign up for emails and view a new 15-year anniversary video. John encourages feedback from subscribers and invites people to contribute content. He also mentions the financial challenges that all nonprofits face and asks for financial support, promising a good ROG (Return on Generosity).

This 15-year milestone and interview is a powerful reminder that Memphis is full of people working every day (often behind the scenes) to make it better, and City Leadership has played a major role in bringing those people together.

Visit https://cityleadership.org to learn more and get involved with City Leadership and their various campaigns. Visit https://cityleadership.org/blog/thank... to view the 15-year anniversary video John references in the interview.

Dr. Michelli is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Nielson BookScan, and New York Times #1 bestselling author. Some of his other books include "Stronger Through Adversity: World-Class Leaders Share Pandemic-Tested Lessons on Thriving

During the Toughest Challenges," "The Airbnb Way: 5 Leadership Lessons for Igniting Growth through Loyalty, Community, and Belonging," "Driven to Delight: Delivering World-Class Customer Experience the Mercedes-Benz Way," "Leading The Starbucks Way: 5 Principles for Connecting with Your Customer, Your Products, and Your People," and "The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company." During the interview, Dr. Michelli shares his background as a consultant, focusing on delivering greater experiences for team members and customers, and how his work with One Medical led to the book. He discusses the evolution of healthcare technology, highlighting the role of Dr. Tom Lee, founder of One Medical, in developing a technology that enabled same-day appointments and improved patient experience. He emphasizes the importance of balancing technology with human interaction to enhance customer experience and drive efficiencies, and shares some examples from the book that have broad applications for all businesses and industries. Joseph emphasizes the need for technology to empower humans and not replace them, and carries that into some of the key takeaways for readers. He concludes by stressing the importance of safeguarding the soul of a brand amidst technological advancements.

Visit https://www.josephmichelli.com to follow Dr. Joseph Michelli and order "All Business Is Personal: One Medical's Human-Centered, Technology-Powered Approach to Customer Engagement" on Amazon or your preferred online or local bookstore.

During the interview, Tosha discusses the importance of providing financial literacy education in the community. She explains the difference between a bank and a credit union, emphasizing that credit unions are not-for-profit and focus on people helping people. She highlights the financial literacy programming offered by Ascend Federal Credit Union, including online modules, calculators, and workshops. Tosha also mentions their initiative, Bonsai, which provides financial education to K-12 students. She emphasizes the importance of budgeting, building a credit score, and using credit cards wisely.

Tosha discusses the importance of using credit cards responsibly, emphasizing that they are loans and not personal funds. She highlights the average interest rate on credit cards is 20%, and advises to always pay the balance off to avoid extra interest charges. She also mentions the availability of college student credit cards with lower interest rates. When it comes to tips for improving credit scores, Tosha suggests paying off debts and diversifying credit types, rather than accumulating multiple credit cards. She also warns against the misconception that paying regular bills like rent or utilities improves credit scores, as only loan payments are reported positively.

Tosha emphasizes the importance of prioritizing savings by paying oneself first and starting small. She suggests having a separate savings account to avoid easy access to funds. She also highlights the benefits of credit unions, such as higher dividends, rewards checking accounts, and more lenient lending practices.

Visit https://ascend.org to learn more about Ascend Federal Credit Union.

From Journalism to Keynote Speaker
Joel Zeff shares his journey from journalism and advertising to becoming an international keynote speaker and author. He explains how losing his job at a newspaper led him to explore stand-up and improvisation comedy, which eventually led to speaking opportunities. Joel's career as a speaker began when a client from his agency job asked him to perform improv comedy at an executive retreat.

Improv for Engaging Workplace Presentations
Joel discusses the power of improv and fun in workplace presentations, emphasizing how it engages audiences and teaches valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. He explains that improv creates opportunities for people to showcase hidden talents and fosters positive support, which leads to increased engagement and openness to the message. Joel also describes his approach as a speaker and conductor, adjusting his involvement based on the audience volunteers' performance to create ownership and passion. He highlights that improv is a tool to convey important messages about leadership, communication, and innovation in a visual and engaging manner.

Embracing Change in Improv and Life
Joel discusses his book, which is a love letter to his speaking engagements and improv experiences. He shares a favorite story about an introduction mix-up that turned into a memorable moment, illustrating the importance of embracing change and staying in the game. Joel emphasizes that the principles of improv, such as being open to change and staying present, are universal and applicable to success in any field. He hopes readers will be inspired by the book to find passion and fulfillment in their work.

Book Writing and Motivation Insights
Joel discusses the process of writing his book, which he found energizing and inspiring. He explains that reflecting on his stories and their impact on audiences fuels his motivation to continue helping people. Joel emphasizes the importance of having a full "tank" of positive support to drive success and overcome challenges. He mentions that the book-writing process was particularly motivating after the disruption caused by Covid-19. Joel provides information on where to purchase his book and how to connect with him, offering a free chapter to those who reach out through his website and who mention "cityCURRENT."

Visit https://www.joelzeff.com to connect with Joel Zeff and to learn more about his book and speaking.

During the interview, Brandi shares how the organization was started in 2013 and how it has since grown to distribute 4.5 million diapers in 2024, serving about 7,000 babies monthly. She emphasizes the importance of providing diapers for families, especially as family expenses continue to rise and families are forced to choose between food and diapers; and she also discusses how diapers play an important role in the health and development of babies. Brandi then discusses the organization's model, which involves purchasing or accepting donations of diapers, having volunteers sort and wrap them in packages of 25, supplying the diapers to their distribution network of community partners, having those community partners provide the diapers to the families in need. She also details two of their more creative initiatives with Clinic Connections and Diapers for Diplomas, and discusses how focusing on healthcare and higher education are helping to address additional challenges in the community and helping parents complete their education to increase their earning potential. The conversation concludes with Brandi talking about the many ways the community can support their efforts through monetary and diaper donations, volunteerism, and their upcoming Corporate Wrap Off event on September 16, 2025.

Visit https://www.nashvillediaperconnection... to learn more and get involved with Nashville Diaper Connection.

Susan and Carl emphasize the importance of community partnerships, support, and collaboration both locally and nationally. They discuss the importance of their work in the community and highlight the complexity of the issues faced, along with the need for empathy and understanding. Susan and Carl talk about the need for volunteers and how volunteers can help identify and engage with the individuals being supported. Carl highlights the daily changes he sees in participants and the importance of relentless effort in this work. They wrap up with how this work is saving lives and how the community can get involved and support their efforts.

Visit https://memphisallies.org or call (901) 252-7900 to learn more and get involved with Memphis Allies.

Katherine and Andy discuss the Boundless Kids model and share some success stories. They talk about working with underserved communities and their desire to help open access to more children through scholarships, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to take ownership of their lives and careers, setting them up for success in the future. They talk about some of the different ways the community can support their efforts, such as connecting them to local youth serving nonprofits and providing financial contributions to underwrite scholarships for more children to access their services.

Katherine and Andy also discuss their new venture, the Boundless Farm, a retreat facility in West Tennessee for learning, growth, and connection. Boundless Farm is a stunning 111-acre property with 10 acres of fully stocked lakes, 40 acres of manicured grounds, and 30 acres of agricultural fields, offering a unique space for leaders, teams, and guests seeking an optimal environment for reflection, collaboration, and rejuvenation. They have already hosted several groups since its opening in December, and they plan to expand their services to include local community connections and nonprofits, and to offer retreats for both adults and children.

Visit https://boundlesskids.org to learn more about Boundless Kids. Visit https://boundless.me to learn more about Boundless. Visit https://boundlessfarm.com to learn more about the Boundless Farm.

During the interview, Machelle shares the background of the Center, which was established after her son was killed in a shooting in 2019. The Christopher A. Pugh II Center aims to provide support and resources to young men and adults through life-changing programs focused on mentorship, education, life skills, and vocational training. In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Corrections, the Center also delivers a 150-hour Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program (CBIP) across nine facilities, reaching over 885 participants in four years - empowering individuals to break cycles of incarceration and build brighter futures. Machelle talks about their different programs ranging from HVAC and culinary arts to film production, financial literacy and software development. She shares a recent success story with a former participant who used his culinary arts training to secure a part-time job while in college and received a fully furnished dormitory room, highlighting their commitment to empowering individuals through comprehensive support.

Odie shares his personal connection to gun violence through a classmate's tragic death, which motivated him to support the Center's mission of helping men find purpose. He describes his background in fitness and fashion and shares how he uses his experience to help others build confidence through appearance with the goal of empowering young men to feel good and look good.

Machelle and Odie then highlight the upcoming fundraising event, “BowTies and Blazers” featuring “The Distinguished Divine 9,” taking place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m, at the Guest House at Graceland, located at 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116. Guests will be immersed in a world of glamour and fashion excellence, indulging their senses in a fusion of textures, colors, and silhouettes designed to inspire and impress. Models will take the runway in exquisite couture creations, blending artistry, innovation, and style. Odie and Machelle highlight the event's focus on fashion, entertainment, and raising awareness about the Center's mission to change the lives of young men. Tickets are $125, and sponsorships are available at platinum, gold, and silver levels. Tickets can be purchased online, through the Center's social media or in person at their location. Machelle wraps up discussing how the Center seeks volunteers and mentors for their young men's program, as well as assistance with clothing donations and daily operations.

Visit https://www.christopherpughcenter.org to learn more about the Center and their upcoming event. Tickets for the event can be purchased here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing.... You can also purchase tickets through the Center's social media pages or at their office located at 757 Walnut Knoll LN, Cordova, TN 38018.

During the interview, Laura shares her background, which includes seeing how her mother was able to make a strategic difference in the community through nonprofit work and and her own experiences teaching children with emotional and behavioral disorders. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships and how using specific tools to help the children believe in their future made positive changes, and how those results helped inspire her to do more. Laura also discusses her previous work with at-risk youth in other countries, helping them transition out of orphan homes and government care systems, which helped pave the way for establishing Flint Global Partners.

Laura discusses the founding of Flint Global Partners, a nonprofit organization that offers training and coaching organization aimed to help people move out of poverty through entrepreneurship, education and skills development, and access to resources and opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of local leaders in problem-solving and the need for a mindset shift before implementing other tools and skills. Laura elaborates on the process and how it works, to which she explains the three main areas they address: mindset, skills, and access. Laura also mentions their work in Nashville, helping at-risk youth build life skills and connect to businesses, and their plans to expand into entrepreneurship for ground-level entrepreneurs.

Laura discusses the company's global presence, with operations in 12 countries. Laura emphasizes the importance of local leadership in customizing their tools and practices to meet the specific needs of each region. She also highlights the role of team members with international experience in bridging cultural gaps.

Laura discusses the partnership with Harvest Hands, a community development center, to provide employment opportunities for their students in Nashville, Tennessee. The program has been successful, with students finding jobs and gaining life skills. Laura also mentioned a new partnership with JDEC (Judge Dinkins Education Center), a program for kids involved in the justice system, which focuses on construction skills and job readiness. The program has seen positive results, with most graduates finding employment or pursuing further education.

Laura discusses various ways the community can support Flint Global Partners, including donations, spreading the word, and connecting with entrepreneurs. She highlights the organization's focus on providing entrepreneurship opportunities and training to women in Kenya, and encouraged attendees to shop their jewelry and also participate in Flint Global Partners' spring and fall events. She expresses her willingness to engage with anyone interested in the organization's mission.

Visit https://flintglobal.org to learn more and get involved with Flint Global Partners.

Terry talks about how the airport has experienced year-over-year growth in passenger numbers and is the busiest cargo airport in North America. Terry then highlights the concourse modernization that was completed in 2022, reinventing the Memphis traveling experience, and how that now carries into more updates and modernization projects to further enhance passenger convenience and future-proof the facilities for continued growth. The projects, which are part of the MEM on the Move initiative, includes a parking guidance system, a new parking management system, and improvements to the rental car facilities. It also includes the Airport Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program, which is a 6-year, $700 million project to modernize the 1963 terminal building. The project involves seismic enhancements, life safety features, and architectural updates while maintaining the building's historic elements. The airport will remain operational during the construction. This portion of the project is expected to begin in 2027. Completion is expected in 2030.

Visit https://flymemphis.com to learn more about Memphis International Airport or visit https://flymemphis.com/mem-on-the-move/ to learn more about MEM on the Move.

Founded in 1962, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis works to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The organization has evolved from one club serving 162 members to 19 clubs, one technical training center and one summer residence camp meeting the needs of more than 7,800 members. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis provides after-school care for children ages 6 to 18 with programs in education and leadership, character development, healthy life choices, career awareness, athletics and the arts.

During the interview, Gwendolyn discusses her career and her leadership growth with different positions at The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, ultimately preparing her to transition into the role of CEO. Prior to her being named CEO, Woods served as the VP of Operations and COO for the organization, and as director and training liaison at the Ira Samelson Jr. Boys and Girls Clubs site. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the different roles within the organization and the unique perspective it affords her with her team, along with the youth and families served. Gwendolyn next highlights the after-school programs, technical training, and a range of activities that provide youth with positive opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. She shares feedback from youth and parents, talks about what a typical afternoon and day at summer camp is like, and the importance of tracking data to ensure the effectiveness of their programs.

She wraps up discussing the various ways the community can support their efforts, including volunteering, financial contributions, visits to see their programs firsthand, and attending upcoming events, like the 54th Annual Steak N' Burger event featuring Isaac Bruce on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Visit https://bgcm.org to learn more and get involved with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.

Shelly and Anna then transition to highlight their second annual Ladies of Distinction - Iconic Women of Williamson event being held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. The elegant event will feature a marketplace offering shopping from women-owned businesses, a silent auction, a luncheon, a fashion show and the main event, honoring the 2025 Iconic Women of Williamson. The event also recognizes women in Williamson County's history and raises funds for the Williamson Health Foundation, Capital Campaign with designation to the Turner-Dugas Breast Health Center. Through this event, two scholarships will also be provided to female high school seniors who attend school in Williamson County to be used towards their higher education. Tickets are available for purchase, with individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities available.

Visit https://www.yourcommunity.media to learn more about YOUR Community Media and https://www.yourwilliamson.com to learn more about YOUR Williamson.

Visit https://www.yourwilliamson.com/ladies... to learn more about the second annual Ladies of Distinction - Iconic Women of Williamson on May 13, 2025.

During the interview, George discusses the history and current activities of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee. George explains that the organization has been in operation for over 50 years, and is now primarily focused on assisting those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The organization operates from a historic building that was originally a Catholic school, reflecting the theme of self-improvement and self-sufficiency. George emphasizes the importance of providing basic needs like food and clothing to establish relationships and help individuals improve their lives.

George discusses the importance of building trust and rapport with homeless individuals to help them find services. He describes the front porch initiative, which provides a safe and friendly atmosphere for community building and sharing meals. This leads to conversations about needs and services, eventually leading to intake for housing and support services. Jeremy highlights the strategic small details that make a big difference, such as access to bathrooms and water. George then talks about their shower ministry and the clothing closet, emphasizing the importance of dignity and choice in providing clothing. Jeremy encourages listeners and viewers to consider volunteering in various ways, including meal preparation, clothing donations, and diaper donations.

George then discusses other unique aspects of their work, focusing on their mobile pantry program. They provide food boxes to families struggling to pay rent or utilities, aiming to offset expenses and ensure they can eat and pay their rent. George shares that they serve about 2,200 families a month, distributing 100 to 150 boxes daily. He also mentions their annual survey, which revealed that many families had to go hungry in the past month due to lack of food.

George then discusses the need for a holistic approach to help individuals transition from homelessness to having a home. He talks about the importance and power of collaboration with other agencies to provide the next steps for those they assist. George also talks about their dream of having all services under one roof, with partners providing optometry, mental health, clinical supports, financial education, and job training. This vision, called Hope Heights, is now being set in motion. He emphasizes the importance of community support, including volunteerism, in-kind donations, and financial contributions to bring their Hope Heights project to life. George encourages everyone to find a place where they could contribute and offers contact information for further engagement.

Visit https://ccwtn.org to learn more and get involved with Catholic Charities of West Tennessee.

During the interview, Domonique introduces their WOW Framework, which equips organizations to lead with clarity, gain stakeholder buy-in, and activate high-performing, engaged teams. She discusses the importance of challenging assumptions and finding misalignments and bottlenecks, tapping into the skills and experiences of employees for ideas and solutions, and adapting to different generations in the workplace and leveraging their wisdom. Domonique shares tips and recommendations for how to regain momentum in initiatives at work and for owning our role to make work feel good. She emphasizes the importance of having a personal purpose statement and showing employees how their roles make an impact. She also discusses positive trends in open conversations among leaders and the return to office, but also highlights the need to improve the culture being fostered. Domonique wraps up talking about her book, "Inspired to Innovate," and her philanthropic efforts and focus on education and advocacy for youth, serving on the board of Purpose Preparatory Academy and mentoring aspiring engineers from underrepresented backgrounds to help provide access to opportunities for success.

Visit https://www.weoptimizework.com/ to learn more about We Optimize Work and Domonique Townsend's book, "Inspired to Innovate."
https://www.linkedin.com/company/weoptimizework/

Dawn shares how her personal journey—from serving in the military to building a life on a Tennessee farm—led her to create content that resonates with women navigating aging with grace and joy. With over 100,000 followers, Dawn is a go-to voice for affordable beauty solutions, realistic skincare tips, and positive lifestyle advice that speaks directly to mature women.

Together, Andrew and Dawn dive into:

• The most common beauty myths for women over 50
• How to build confidence and embrace your personal style
• Skincare tips for aging skin
• Farm life surprises
• Advice for women looking to start creating content online
• And what's next for Just Doing My Best

Whether you’re looking for practical beauty hacks or a dose of encouragement, this conversation will leave you uplifted and ready to embrace your best self—at any age.

🔗 Follow Dawn at www.justdoingmybest.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/justdoingmybest

#justdoingmybest #makeup #healthandwellness #womenfashion

What started with a snakebite extractor evolved into life-saving water filtration technology now used by over 140 charities across more than 90 countries, providing clean water to millions of people. From disaster relief in the U.S. to Uganda, Kurt shares how Sawyer is solving one of the world’s biggest problems—for just 10 cents per person for 10 years of clean water.

You’ll hear how faith, purpose, and relentless problem-solving drive their mission, why tech and behavior change are critical to impact, and how any business—no matter the size—can disrupt markets and make a difference. Kurt also offers lessons from his book “Sawyer Think: How a Small Company Disrupts Markets and Changes the World”, a blueprint for leaders who want to build legacy through impact.

Whether you’re a humanitarian, entrepreneur, or just someone who believes in doing good—this episode will inspire, challenge, and move you.

🛒 Learn more and shop: www.Sawyer.com

Abbi shares how she turned a childhood passion for baking into a thriving business, the story behind her whimsical brand name, and what it took to open her first storefront in Snowden Grove’s Top of the Sip development in 2024. As the 2024 SBA Mississippi Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Abbi talks candidly about the challenges of launching and scaling a business, staying true to her mission of combining delicious taste with eye-catching design, and how she’s creating meaningful connections through sweet treats.

Topics covered in this episode:
• Abbi’s origin story and how she started selling cookies at 15
• Winning pitch competitions at Ole Miss and securing startup capital
• Building a brand and growing a loyal customer base through social media
• The process of opening her storefront bakery and lessons learned
• Being a young entrepreneur and navigating work-life balance
• Tips for aspiring business owners and creatives
• Why taste, creativity, and community matter in business

📍 Whether you’re a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a good cookie success story, Abbi’s journey will inspire you to follow your dreams and build something sweet from the ground up.

🎧 Listen now and support Abbikadabbi’s Baking Co.:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/abbikadabbisbakingco

Dr. Brower shares her “Big 5” conditions for workplace happiness—purpose, connection, growth, performance, and gratitude—and emphasizes that happiness is most sustainable when we’re contributing to something larger than ourselves. She challenges traditional notions of work-life balance, favoring a more integrated and navigational approach to work-life harmony.

The conversation also covers how community-based office design can combat workplace loneliness, the role of assessments like the Predictive Index, and how leaders can inspire cultural transformation through intentional structure and support. From the impact of volunteering to design strategies that foster collaboration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in improving the workplace.

Learn more: https://tracybrower.com/

During the interview, Holly and Charles highlight the vulnerability of lone workers and the need for protection, touching on the high crime rates and assault rates faced by these workers. They discuss the technology and app, which allows users to check in and out of locations, with automatic notifications sent to emergency contacts. A unique feature of the app is its "touchless distress" feature, which signals distress without the user needing to call or text. This feature is patented and differentiates their product from others in the market. They talk about some of the many ROI benefits of the app, including enhanced productivity, employee engagement, accountability, and safety with employees feeling more valued and protected.

The conversation concludes talking about next steps as Holly explains that businesses can email them for a 30-day free trial, which allows them to upload a certain number of employees and test the system. Charles and Holly also mentioned that they have a consumer app available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store, which is perfect for individuals and families, runners, and others who want to access the apps features to keep loved ones informed of their activities and whereabouts. Holly and Charles also offer demos and assistance with employee onboarding for businesses interested in the app.

Visit https://forcefieldnow.com to learn more about ForceField Protection and their ForceField Protection Personal Safety App.
info@forcefieldnow.com
888-LONEAPP

During the interview, Nadian and Kacie discuss their extensive backgrounds in HR, their partnership with small to medium-sized businesses, the importance of understanding a company's culture and core values, and the need for clear communication and alignment with company values in recruitment and retention strategies. Nadian adds that regular one-on-one check-ins and business updates can foster a sense of connection and growth among employees. The conversation also touches on the competitive job market and the importance of understanding what drives top talent. Nadian and Kacie then discuss the integration of AI in the industry and in their business, emphasizing the importance of change management and gaining buy-in from employees. They highlight the role of AI in empowering employees and making them more efficient, rather than replacing them. Kacie shares their experience with AI in recruiting, where it helps pre-screen and schedule candidates, freeing up time for meaningful interactions. Kacie also shares some tips for job seekers to stand out, including using the correct keywords in their resumes to match job descriptions and job titles. Nadian discusses some of their business goals and shares their expansion to multi-state and international clients, with a focus on impacting businesses nationally and internationally. Then, Nadian and Kacie wrap up with advice for other entrepreneurs.

Visit https://zakhumansolutions.com to learn more and connect with Zak Human Solutions.

During the interview, Dr. Uzzell-Baggett shares some of her journey serving in the US Air Force and how those leadership experiences and her desire to continue serving others led to her career transition into occupational therapy. She explains that occupational therapy helps people live their best lives by focusing on daily activities and routines, adapting them to individual needs, including after injuries or illnesses. She talks about working with seniors and how she is able to assess clients' homes for potential hazards and provide recommendations for aging in place. Then, Dr. Uzzell-Baggett highlights her work with organizations, offering stress reduction techniques, trauma management, health education, and other mindfulness services. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and personalized approaches in occupational therapy, whether working with individuals or corporations. She wraps up discussing how individuals and organizations can start the conversation and process of working with Specialized Occupational Therapy Services.

Visit https://www.spots4u.org to learn more and connect with Dr. Karon Uzzell-Baggett.

During the interview, Carrie discusses the unique and intentional model that serves children, college students, and communities. She talks about their summer camps for children that focus on literacy and social-emotional health, while also providing college students with work experience and vocational guidance. Camp is offered for rising 1st grade - rising 8th grade youth and located in Madison, Antioch, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Memphis. Local churches and community members are involved as volunteers, fostering relationships within neighborhoods. The summer camps operate for eight weeks, offering daily activities including reading, arts, and movement. College students are recruited to work at the camps, receiving training, housing, and stipends. Carrie shares positive feedback from parents, college students, and community members about the program's impact and invites the community to get involved by enrolling children, referring college students for the paid internships, volunteering to read with children or mentor young adults, and supporting the organization through donations or providing supplies from their wish list.

Visit https://projecttransformation.org/ten... to learn more and get involved with Project Transformation Tennessee.

During the interview, Jared and John discuss how Slingshot Memphis is working in partnership with nonprofits to transform poverty-fighting efforts using their “Poverty-Fighting Feedback Loop” methodology to measure poverty-fighting effectiveness. By providing previously unavailable insights about poverty-fighting outcomes, Slingshot Memphis is empowering decision makers to allocate financial and other resources toward solutions that produce effective outcomes for those experiencing poverty.

Slingshot Memphis conducts annual impact studies for nonprofits to evaluate their benefits, programming, data usage, and collaboration. At their Second Annual MPACT Awards, they highlighted organizations demonstrating high-quality poverty-fighting effectiveness and those showing improvement. Slingshot Memphis also presented over $650,000 in funding to effective organizations through their Accelerate Impact Fund. Jared and John highlight the MPROVE Award recipients and the MPACT Award recipients and share examples of how the organizations were able to make adjustments to improve outcomes and impact. They wrap up talking about how the community can get involved to support these high-impact nonprofit organizations through strategic volunteerism and financial donations through the Accelerate Impact Fund.

Visit https://www.slingshotmemphis.org to learn more about Slingshot Memphis, their methodology, MPACT Awards and how you can support their efforts.

He talks about some of the many sides, complexities and situations that lead to homelessness and how it impacts individuals and families, and emphasizes the importance of building relationships with dignity, grace and understanding. Ryan shares a success story of a couple who were once homeless and now in their restoration program, and he shares some lessons and advice for other organizations and cities looking to serve their unhoused communities, noting the importance of presence and margin in serving others. Ryan discusses the power of community engagement and the need for volunteers to help serve the unhoused community, and how the time spent and relationships formed will transform the lives of volunteers, as well. He wraps up encouraging the community to get involved by volunteering, buying coffee from their coffee shop, or attending their events, including their "Smoke on the Water" event taking place May 19, 2025.

Visit https://www.peoplelovingnashville.com to learn more and get involved with People Loving Nashville.
https://www.facebook.com/Peoplelovingnashville/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplelovingnashville/

Jo then shares the inspiration behind their spice rubs and blends, including the Gunpowder and Hot Honey Rubs, which have been well-received. He also discusses the Mediterranean-inspired All-Purpose Rub and their Memphis-style Barbecue Rub. Jo mentions a new spicy rub, Chipotle Soy Honey, set to launch in the next two weeks. Jo talks about the growth of the company and their higher purpose of creating a space for veterans to reconnect and share their love for cooking, and to support various nonprofit organizations and veteran-owned businesses. He highlights the company's support of various organizations, including Irreverent Warriors, River Deep Foundation, and Camp Bullwheel Accessible Outdoors. Jo also mentions their efforts to support other small veteran-owned businesses through social media campaigns.

Visit https://www.ranchandrifle.com to learn more about Ranch & Rifle and to shop their spices, rubs, and other merchandise.

During the interview, Nancy shares how their efforts were initially focused on helping the footwear industry in Southeast Asia and then the US after major disasters, but has since evolved to also focus on working with schools to help provide new athletic shoes to students in need and to create opportunities for entrepreneurs in remote areas through the reuse of donated shoes and clothing. She highlights the program's expansion to countries like Honduras, Haiti, Guatemala, and the Philippines, and its goal of extending the life of discarded products, which helps the environment and keeps the items out of landfills, while creating economic opportunities. Nancy talks about how the organization continues to support relief efforts in areas affected by recent disasters, including LA, North Carolina, and Florida. She wraps up talking about ways the community can support their efforts, including their upcoming "Race4EveryKid" virtual challenge fundraiser in May, and through product donations, such as shoes, clothes, and accessories. She highlights some of their many partnerships with organizations like Zappos and Plato's Closet and the availability of local drop-off locations.

Visit https://soles4souls.org to learn more and to get involved with Soles4Souls.
https://www.facebook.com/Soles4Souls/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/soles4souls-inc-/
https://www.instagram.com/soles4souls/?hl=en

Melissa then discusses her passion for STEM education, particularly for girls, and her mission to build communities that support each other. She shares her journey as the Founder of the Executive Connect Podcast, and talks about how the podcast has helped shape her professionally and personally. The Executive Connect Podcast is a platform where top industry leaders share game-changing insights on leadership, AI, personal branding, and navigating uncertainty. Melissa emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, sharing her personal experiences and struggles to help others. Melissa also shares her experience of juggling her demanding job and family life, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing her marriage and children, and how creativity can be used to more effectively balance work and family life.

Visit https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com to learn more about Melissa Aarskaug and to follow the Executive Connect Podcast.

Tom discusses the Baptist Heart Institute's community engagement and patient education efforts, emphasizing the importance of preventative health and self-care. He talks about how Baptist continues to conduct community outreach programs, including hands-only CPR training and participation in health fairs. Tom highlights the institute's various accreditations and awards, and encouraged community members to take advantage of health fairs and patient assistance programs. Tom then shares warning signs for heart-related issues and stresses the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare providers. He concludes by sharing some of his goals for the future and expressing the institute's continued goal of saving one more life at a time.

Visit https://www.baptistonline.org to learn more about the Baptist Heart Institute, Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis, and Baptist Memorial Health Care.

Lia then expresses gratitude for their partnership with Germantown Farmington Animal Hospital, which provides veterinary care for the shelter's animals. Lia also mentions the upcoming kitten season and the need for donations, particularly kitten food and formula. Lia next discusses the importance of animal safety in the Mid-South area, particularly in Germantown, due to loose animal issues. She emphasizes the need for secure fences, microchipping of pets, and updating microchip information. Lia also highlights the importance of proper identification of pets, such as collars with phone numbers or addresses, and the potential risks of loose animals. She encourages the community to check their yards and ensure their pets' safety. Lia also mentions the challenges of proving ownership of lost pets without proper identification. Lia wraps up discussing the need for foster homes for puppies and kittens at the Germantown Animal Shelter. She encourages interested individuals to contact the shelter or email them to be added to the foster list. Lia also mentions the shelter's social media presence, which is under "Friends of the Germantown Animal Shelter." She expresses gratitude to her team and the Friends of the Germantown Animal Shelter for their support, as well.

Community members interested in fostering are encouraged to contact Germantown Animal Shelter at 901-757-7358 or email animalshelter@germantown-tn.gov.

During the interview, Amy and Chuck talk about the history and some of the benefits of pursuing an education at Southwest Tennessee Community College, such as affordability, low student to teacher ratios and mentorship, and high job placement rates. Amy details the Center, which was launched in 2023 and offers programs in automotive, business, engineering, IT, logistics and transportation management, robotics, health care, and more. These programs have embedded workforce-ready certificates students can earn that can provide the opportunity for entry into the workforce or transfer to a 4-year college upon completion of a degree. Whether a student enrolls in a credit or CTE (workforce) programs, they will have a seamless career pathway to choose from that best supports their career and their life situations. Amy and Chuck then spotlight the Southwest Workforce Solutions Center Open House and Career Fair taking place April 10, 2025 at the Macon Cove Campus from 9 AM to 2 PM. The event is free and open to the public. The theme is “Advancing AI and Technologies.” Southwest and industry experts will share insights on the impact of AI across various sectors, education and what’s in store for Memphis.

The day includes: An industry panel and sponsored luncheon on AI and Technologies; watching students commit to signing on with Southwest as part of National Signing Day for Career-Tech majors; expo showcasing career and technologies programs; tours of their technologies building and Southwest Express – their mobile career exploration labs that have traveled all over the Mid-South plus a new mobile unit that is focused on allied health careers, the Southwest Express Health Careers Exploration Lab; and a Community Career fair to meet and network with representatives from Memphis and national businesses. Amy and Chuck talk about some of the different speakers and industry panelists who will be featured at the event and some of the different topics they will be discussing related to the impact of AI on business and in education. They wrap up sharing how the public can register for the event and participate.

Visit https://southwest.tn.edu to learn more about Southwest Tennessee Community College and to sign up for the event. You can also call, 901-333-5000 for more information.

Juan's Journey to Confidence Coaching Juan shares his journey from being a young entrepreneur to becoming a confidence coach. He discusses his struggles with building confidence and his realization that confidence is a crucial step before leadership. Juan explains that confidence comes down to one's belief in their own ability and is influenced by both skill set and self-esteem. He introduces the concept of The Confidence Cycle, a framework for building confidence in various areas of life.

Building Confidence Through Self-Image Juan discusses the concept of confidence, emphasizing that it is not solely based on one's ability or competence, but also on self-esteem and self-image. He suggests that people often underestimate their own capabilities and need to change their self-image to build confidence. Jeremy asks Juan about the questions he asks during initial consultations with clients, to which Juan responds that he focuses on understanding their beliefs about themselves, the world, and their respective fields noting "We will never outperform our self-image."

Challenging Beliefs for Boosted Confidence Juan discusses the importance of challenging one's beliefs to boost confidence and motivation. He shares an example of a CEO who struggled to motivate his team, attributing it to his own beliefs about their capabilities. Juan emphasizes the need to question one's beliefs and not adopt them blindly, using the example of a group being perceived as low energy. He encourages everyone to reflect on their beliefs about life, business, relationships, and other aspects, as these shape one's confidence and narrative.

Juan's Signature Breakfast and Book Journey Juan shares his positive experience as the keynote speaker at the cityCURRENT signature breakfast in Nashville, highlighting the unique combination of high-performing individuals and those with a strong desire to serve others. He emphasizes the importance of both growth and service in achieving success. Juan also discusses his upcoming book, "Confident by Choice," which is a result of his journey to build unwavering confidence despite facing self-doubt and rejection.

Building Confidence Through Energy Deployment Juan discusses the concept of The Confidence Cycle, emphasizing the importance of energy in building confidence. He explained that "people meet your energy before they meet you," and that energy is the first step in The Confidence Cycle. Juan stresses that confidence is a choice and not something one is born with, and that it can be generated by finding the energy to deploy in one's life for their goals. He also highlights the need to avoid being affected by others' low energy levels and to show up fully engaged and present.

Juan Bendaña's Book Release and Collaboration Juan Bendaña discusses the upcoming release of his book "Confident by Choice" on August 5th. The book is available for pre-order on Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble, along with other retailers. Juan can be found online at juanbandana.com, LinkedIn, and Instagram, where he actively engages with his audience.

Visit https://www.juanbendana.com to learn more about Juan Bendaña.

Learn how Narrow Gate combines Christian mentorship, community living, and hands-on craftsmanship training to equip young men to overcome personal challenges, build resilience, and uncover their true potential. 

Through powerful personal stories, Weston and Charlie share how Narrow Gate not only transformed their lives spiritually but also prepared them for impactful careers through ventures like Narrow Gate Coffee and Narrow Gate Leather. 

Whether you’re a leader seeking inspiration, someone navigating personal or professional crossroads, or simply passionate about transformative change, this conversation demonstrates how authentic faith and targeted skill-building can empower the next generation of purpose-driven leaders.

Learn more: https://narrowgate.org/

With nearly 30 years of experience, MWR is a cornerstone in the wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and education sectors in Northwest Mississippi. In 2024, MWR treated 775 wildlife patients and reached over 20,000 individuals through various educational initiatives. 

Join us as we delve into MWR's impactful work, the exciting opening of the Valery E. Smith Nature Center later this year, and the upcoming Virginia Trails in Senatobia, Mississippi. 

The Valery E. Smith Nature Center is a visionary project by Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. (MWR) that symbolizes a significant leap forward in wildlife conservation and public education. Named in honor of MWR's founder, the center is set to become a hub for wildlife enthusiasts and the general public, providing immersive experiences in nature conservation. The center will feature an array of educational and rehabilitative facilities, including a Raptor Garden, where visitors can observe birds of prey in their enclosures, and an Interpretive Center, designed to educate guests about local wildlife and the ecosystem. Additionally, the nature center will host a variety of live animal exhibits, including a large aquatic turtle display and an enclosure for Cornelius the corn snake. The outdoor area will boast a "Secret Garden" – a serene space planted with native fruiting and flowering plants that attract local birds and pollinators, alongside an outdoor box turtle habitat. This enriching environment will not only serve as a living classroom for visitors but also exemplify sustainable practices that support local wildlife, making the Valery E. Smith Nature Center a cornerstone in regional conservation efforts.

Learn about how MWR is not only rehabilitating wildlife but also inspiring the next generation through their innovative educational programs and community partnerships.

Learn more: https://www.mswildliferehab.org/

Cynthia Irons explains the essence of fractional leadership, illustrating how this innovative approach allows companies to engage executive talents like a Chief Marketing Officer without the financial burden of a full-time position. This model not only democratizes access to top-tier marketing expertise but also injects agility and fresh perspectives into established business strategies.

Throughout our discussion with host Andrew Bartolotta, Cynthia emphasizes the critical role that fractional CMOs play in steering companies through uncertainty with seasoned insight and tailored marketing strategies. She provides actionable advice for leaders looking to amplify their brand’s impact while staying financially prudent. By harnessing the power of storytelling, data-driven decision-making, and authentic customer engagement, fractional leaders help businesses flourish in competitive environments.

Tune in to be inspired and learn how embracing fractional leadership can transform your approach to business challenges and lead your organization towards a future of growth and opportunity.

Learn more: https://www.highpeaksmarketing.com/

Highlights:
Origin Story: Nicole shares her transformative journey into the world of interior design and her motivation for founding Coco Design & Build. She discusses how personal experiences and her environment influenced her career path and design philosophy.

Impact of Design on Well-being: Learn about the profound impact that thoughtful design can have on mental and emotional health. Coco provides insights into how the right environment can significantly reduce stress and promote a sense of peace.

Community and Art: Explore Thee Old Fishbowl Gallery, a project close to Coco’s heart, designed to support local artists and foster community spirit through art and design. Coco discusses how this initiative aligns with her goal of giving back to the community and supporting local talent.

Client Transformations: Coco shares touching stories of how her designs have positively changed her clients’ lives, from creating functional and serene living spaces to tailor-made designs that reflect their personal stories and enhance daily living.

Future Visions: Looking ahead, Coco talks about her aspirations for Coco Design & Build and Thee Old Fishbowl Gallery. She outlines her vision for future projects and how she plans to continue impacting lives through creative and functional design.

Engagement and Support: Coco invites listeners to engage with Coco Design & Build and support Thee Old Fishbowl Gallery in Evanston, Illinois. She provides information on how individuals and businesses can contribute to these initiatives, fostering broader community well-being and support for the arts.

Learn more: https://cocodesignbuild.com/

Kristel talks about launching her Live Greatly podcast and shares how conversations with business and community leaders, medical professionals, and other thought leaders continue to help listeners across the nation and world, and continue to shape her growth and perspectives. She talks about how those conversations have reshaped her views of success and the myth that leaders "have it all figured out" versus their growth mindset and ability to find happiness in imperfection. She carries that into highlighting her book, "Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work," which shows how taking a holistic and integrative approach to the complex demands of life and work will transform your happiness and productivity. Kristel discusses the framework of the book and shares some key takeaways with strategies to thrive as an individual, thrive at work, and thrive in relationships. She then wraps that into some of the topics she presented in Memphis at the cityCURRENT signature speaker series event, like the importance of treating yourself like a "best friend" versus a bully and the importance of "Finding Your Imperfect Happy."

Visit https://www.livegreatly.co/ to learn more and connect with Kristel Bauer, purchase her book, and follow her podcast.

Learn more and get involved by visiting https://unitememphis.com.

Devin talks about their after-school program, which is designed specifically to help students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade who may not have a native English speaker in their home who can help them with homework and learning how to read. Students in their program receive homework help, reading and math practice, and also get to do some type of arts and crafts every afternoon. They also get dedicated play time and recreational time. Multinational Memphis maintains an environment where kids feel loved and supported, and their parents also can receive help and assistance. Multinational Memphis also provides transportation to their participants, which is a vital part of their program.

In addition to the weekly programs, Devin discusses some of the ways she and her team help parents navigate the school system and assist in school registration or school transfers when families need assistance. She then highlights their summer program and a current fundraising effort to help provide four to six weeks of a full day of a summer program that includes reading and literacy skills practice, science and music lessons, recreational time, field trips and a heavy focus on ART and craft activities.

Devin talks about the importance of daily art as a therapeutic outlet for the kids and how it supports them holistically in their academic and social emotional development. Devin then highlights their 4 levels of English language classes for women, and a preschool readiness classroom for their children. Through this program, Multinational Memphis is empowering women with their mastery of the English language and also to supporting them through genuine friendship and community. Devin wraps up talking about the ripple impact and importance of their efforts in connecting Memphis, and how the community can get involved to support their efforts and programming.

Visit https://www.multinationalmemphis.org to learn more and to get involved with Multinational Memphis.

John discusses how being independent of any hospital facility or other practice means their doctors see patients all across the Mid-South and shares some of the many different ways his team helps patients between a brain tumor surgery in a pediatric hospital, stroke intervention at an adult hospital, spine trauma surgery in an emergency room, elective spine surgery in their surgery center, a memory care assessment office visit, conservative care physical therapy in their clinic or an MRI in their imaging suite. John then talks about his team and the specialized training and education required in the field. He talks about some of the innovations, like minimally-invasive spine surgery, which is now considered standard practice, and how that was developed at Semmes Murphey Clinic in the 1990s. He also highlights some of their partnerships and how the clinic is further involved in the community, like as a founding partner in the Medical Education and Research Institute (MERI) and with their Residency Program at UT Health Sciences Center.

John then talks about the importance of being proactive with our health because problems with the spine often show up looking like something else, and he shares his own story and testimonial as a patient. He wraps up highlighting the Brain and Spine Network, a Center of Excellence program that Semmes Murphey Clinic and Baptist Memorial Health Care, another cityCURRENT partner, have structured for employers as an employer-based offering. Companies that join the Brain and Spine network can offer their employees direct access to high quality, non-invasive care for acute back and neck problems. John wraps up talking about the many benefits of helping employees with issues like back pain and headaches and how taking a proactive approach leads to fewer missed workdays and higher levels of performance, productivity, and happiness.

Visit https://www.semmes-murphey.com/citycu... to learn more about the Center of Excellence program or visit www.semmes-murphey.com to learn more about Semmes Murphey Clinic.

During the interview, Shannon talks about beginning her career in marketing with Huey's and seeing firsthand the power of investing and connecting in the community. She talks about building her agency and how her team is on a mission to empower their clients and spark creativity with PR, advertising, social media, copywriting, email marketing and all of the communications in between. Shannon shares why focusing on community engagement is so important and talks about some of the ways she and her team give back to support local nonprofits, as well. She details some of the trends in social media that have her attention, including some of the ways LinkedIn might be enhanced, and offers some PR tips to focus on connecting with your story. Shannon also highlights their podcast, Just Bluffin, and talks about how serving as a host has helped her grow personally and professionally, and also how it has given Campfire Collective a way to help promote the many good things taking place in Memphis.

Visit https://www.buildacampfire.com to learn more and connect with Campfire Collective.

During the interview, Jordyn discusses the SW:S model and talks about the power of the retreats, including the importance of the facilitators who bring a depth of understanding of positive psychology, post-traumatic growth, and how to use creative outlets to tell one's story. She shares how working with SW:S has allowed her to bring both her lived and learned experiences to help facilitate retreats, guide veterans in telling their stories, and empower both the veterans and their families along their healing journey. Jordyn talks about impact and how a pilot study conducted by Harvard University found participants experienced a 77% increase in hope and optimism post retreat.

Jordyn wraps up talking about some of their other programs, partnerships, and initiatives and how the community can get involved, which includes helping to spread the word, create connections, and listen to the music, which is meant to help bridge the gap between civilians and veterans.

Learn more about SongwritingWith:Soldiers by visiting https://songwritingwithsoldiers.org/.

Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research is a nonprofit that empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures.

During the interview, Elaine shares how the organization funds research, but also helps families going through a child's cancer diagnosis: (1) Rally has a national program called the Family Emergency Fund which directly pays bills for families. In Tennessee, all five hospitals treating pediatric oncology patients use this fund. (2) Rally takes meals to the hospitals for the patients, their parents, and their siblings. (3) Rally provides counseling for the families. (4) Recently, Rally set up a Travel Fund to help patients travel to their treatment locations. Rally also provides support and love to these families through social events, like a Christmas party and summer ice cream party.

Elaine wraps up by talking about how much the community support means to the children and families and how the community can get involved, like with their upcoming event, RALLY ON THE RUNWAY, a fashion show with the Tennessee Titans taking place on April 10, 2025 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee.

Visit https://rallyfoundation.org to learn more.
 

 / rallyfoundation  

During the interview, Tomeka talks about being a Memphian with a deep passion to find and leverage power to support the community. She talks about her journey from education to becoming an attorney, to leading education policy and advocacy grantmaking to civil rights and equity organizations with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, becoming President and CEO of the Memphis Urban League, and serving two terms on the elected school board in Memphis, including a term as Board President. She shares how those experiences serving in the public and private sectors, education and philanthropy, have played a key role in shaping her leadership and providing the foundation for success in the role as President and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South. She then talks about the unique role that the United Way of the Mid-South plays in the community and her collaborative vision for the future. She talks about how the community can support her and the organization and to actively help craft the next 100 years for the organization and benefit the region.

Visit www.uwmidsouth.org to learn more and to get involved.

During the interview, Robyn shares some of the history for the Better Business Bureau and then talks about their model and focus on building better businesses. She talks about two of their awards programs: 1) The Torch Awards for Ethics (nominations close on February 14 and applications will close on March 21, 2025) and 2) The Spark Awards for entrepreneurs in business less than 3 years (applications close March 24, 2025). The Spark Award honors eligible social entrepreneurs, startup founders and new business owners that cultivate the Three C’s of Trust: Character, Culture and Community.

Robyn then discusses the organization's efforts to denounce unethical business practices and to help protect consumers from scams. She talks about some of the most prevalent scams taking place right now, including using QR code stickers at parking lots, using dating apps for romance and relationship scams, and storm chasers knocking on doors to solicit repairs. She shares some specific examples and ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Here are some things you can do to avoid scams this year:

• Be cautious: Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they’re from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. 
• Never send money to strangers: Check prices and shipping times on reputable retail websites to ensure they align with the offer you're considering. 
• Create Strong Passwords: Make them long (16 characters and random (symbols and letters)) 
• Use a Credit Card: Credit cards offer added protection for online purchases compared to other payment methods. 
• Stay educated on the latest scams: visit gobbb.org, and sign up for our consumer newsletter 
• Take time to breathe and not panic: scammers rely on the victims’ emotions Before making a move, think the situation through. 
• Check with BBB, visit BBB.org to find out more about a business. 
• Talk to a friend or family member- before making a decision about something that sounds to go to be true.

Remember to report any suspected scams to BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker. Your reports help protect others. For additional questions, contact BBB at info@gobbb.org or call (615) 242-4222.

https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-middle-tennessee

During the interview, Marc shares some of his personal story and why he became an executive coach, then highlights his book, "Yeah But...Cut Through the Noise to Live, Learn and Lead Better." Marc was inspired to write the book drawing from his decades of experience as a management consultant and executive coach, as well as his real-life observations of how people limit themselves with "yeah, buts." The book is organized into chapters that address the 15 most common "yeah, buts," grouped into five core themes: time-based, path-based, worry-based, demographic-based, and perspective-based. This flexible structure allows readers to choose their own reading approach, focusing on the chapters most relevant to them.

Marc shares how writing the book was his own "yeah, but" and how it serves as a personal playbook for crushing self-doubt and embracing what you were created to achieve. He shares some specific examples and actionable takeaways, like his 1440 model and how being intentional with your time can better protect your energy and happiness, and lead to greater results. Marc wraps up by highlighting his podcast, The Yeah, But Podcast, where he highlights the impact of "yeah, buts" through real stories of individuals who've overcome them, offering powerful examples of resilience and growth.

Connect with Marc A Wolfe on Linkedin 

 / marcwolfe   Visit https://www.marcawolfe.com/ to learn more about Marc A Wolfe, his book, podcast and resources.

During the interview, Gene discusses their highly structured program for men who have reached their rock bottom and are ready for a complete life change. Their program focuses on Christian principles while helping men develop life skills that will aid them in the practical side of their recovery. Interpersonal skills and healthy relationships are focused on to help heal broken bonds with family, and work skills are developed so men can not only maintain sobriety but also have the practical skills necessary to be productive members of society. Gene talks about their different locations between Memphis, Middle Tennessee and Murfreesboro, how they help and transition men through employment, how the community can support their efforts, and how individuals seeking help can take their first steps toward life transformation.

Call 833-462-8286 or visit www.atctn.org for more information. You can contact Gene directly at 615-624-7878.